Reaven are an indie rock band who are giving us something a little different with their latest EP. Taking to the stage in France, the group were afforded the opportunity to record six of their tracks live with a symphony orchestra. The result is their latest release, Live Symphony Orchestra.

By Graeme Smith

Playing before a sold out crowd, Reaven open their performance, appropriately enough, with a Concert Intro that leads into their track Burning Night. Together they build a great sense of atmosphere with the sound of the fans cheering intermixing with long lingering notes. Dramatic percussion comes in, then some emotional guitar work. We get some dreamy vocals then finally some sultry, electronic-infused rock. It’s a breath-taking start.

Escape opens low and brooding before lightening with synth and finally arriving at an explosive chorus. Its use of loud-quiet makes it highly engaging. Electric Love is a funky and romantic number that bounces along with jangly guitar and move-inducing percussion. It’s a vibrant highlight.

Memories is a softer moment, opening with a nostalgic melody and vocals full of wistful longing. Some exquisite harmonies elevate everything before we arrive at a drama-filled instrumental arrangement. A change up half-way through flips the mood and tempo to delightful effect. My City’s On Fire is a smouldering effort that goes heavy on the drums and provides a bluesy, atmospheric highlight.

The performance closes with a Concert Outro & For Tomorrow Song. It’s a bittersweet farewell with the guys rocking so much, but all good things must come to an end. This conclusion is a lasting one, with another orchestrated interlude giving way to an epic finale that leaves it all out there. It’s a warming, hopeful and rousing final highlight.

Reaven are Romeo on lead vocals and guitar, Vince on drums and backing vocals, André on keyboard and backing vocals, and Rudy on bass and backing vocals. You can check out their Live Symphony Orchestra EP below.