From the borough they call Shaolin, C.R. (Compassionate Revolution) has returned with Seven More Songs, a 7” that fits in perfectly with their formidable discography. I have a long and personal connection with the band from my time in Black Army Jacket back in the '90s, playing shows and sharing memories with the members growing up in and around the NYHC scene of that era.
I caught up with vocalist Bricks Avalon to talk about the EP’s urgency, the meaning behind the “compassionate revolution,” and what keeps them returning to C.R. decades after they first started playing together.
The material on Seven More Songs feels both raw and fully evolved at the same time. What headspace were you in when writing these tracks, and what pushed the band to come back with something this sharp?
Raw seems eternally relevant when referring to C.R. Our friends and family would probably describe our individual personalities as raw. Sharp like a butter knife that was honed by a swordsmith. I think each of us approach life from the essence of a basement show.
As for fully evolved, these three doods have always been machines in beast mode, and the amount of bands and records they have been involved with is ungodly. They are extremely intricate musicians that love making a pulverizing mess. From black metal to soul, their contributions are relentless.
Personally, I have had the least amount of additional musical endeavors. In Miracle Drug, I felt the music was cleaner and more precise, and so I wanted to be perfect with my tone and annunciation.
With C.R. my headspace is incredibly different knowing that the ability to unleash viscerally, would be in tune and matched chaotically. I think blast beats and muddy riffs may complement me the most.
How does this new material build on what you started decades ago without falling into the nostalgia trap? Did you feel pressure for this new stuff to keep in line with the older records?
It’s a trap! (a nostalgic nod to Admiral Akbar) I felt no pressure at all. I have always felt that C.R. is timeless sonically. So ‘keeping in line’ was not a conversation we had to have. I think it was understood what the result would be when we committed to new music. We have played reunions in the past, usually for the purpose of a benefit show for beloved friends and family.
It never feels nostalgic to me; it feels like a celebration, a family gathering, recognition of a foundation. Fuel for the fire that keeps burning, like a torch. We are not the same as we once were, and I do not want to go back, but if we gather good pieces of our past and push them into our future, that spark lasts a long time for all of us as we age.
Fortunately, we knew we were going to record more songs before we played the Brooklyn Monarch in December 2023, so it felt more like my current band was playing a sick show.
Who did you work with in the studio and how was it all tracked with all of you guys living so spread out from each other?
The Jerry Farley! He recorded, mixed, and mastered these songs. What an honor to have a dear friend who loves this band, is extremely skilled, and still heavily involved in DIY projects. The story goes: Elway, Mike D., and Grover, were meeting on Staten Island to create new songs for this record.
Elway was driving down from Richmond, Virginia and Mike D. got sick, or had work, or he had a show with one of his 54 bands, and was unable to make it. Elway told Grover that he had drum ideas in his head, and then set up his kit and blasted out all 7 songs which Grover recorded. Grover sent them to Mike D., and Mike D. did what Mike D. does. Then Grover met Mike D. and added basslines at a friend’s studio with The Jerry Farley there to record it.
I prefer to have everyone in the same room to share energy, to go over lyrics and vocal patterns, etc. but I needed to understand that we live in different states and time is precious. So I flew in, (or drove in, I can’t remember) to record a C.R. cover of [one of Bricks' old bands] Phallacy's "Side by Side" to include on the Sean McCann benefit compilation.
While I was there I wrote and recorded all the vocal tracks for the new record. It was an all-day session at Grover’s studio, with The Jerry Farley. I wrote and recorded one song per hour. Some in one take!
The phrase “compassionate revolution” has always meant something deeper than just a band name. How does that philosophy carry into Seven More Songs and your life today?
Fuck Compassion and Revolution. It is a failed utopian ideology…… just kidding. Honestly, I still move from the love or raw energy and connection. Bringing as many people together as possible. The camaraderie. The common ground. The conversations. The Compassionate Revolution has always found strength in simply showing up and being a part of and contributing to the moment. That is the magic. Most of the memorable history of the band is about friendship, gatherings, phone calls, ridiculous road trips, and sleepovers. Here are Seven More Songs to add to that catalog.
Obviously, years of experiences and constantly considering new perspectives has polished my approach to lyric writing. I feel more comfortable discussing emotion as an opinion, rather than an absolute truth that I am preaching to force change.
However, I’m still obsessed with day to day interactions, social and political situations, positive momentum, and the expression of anger. I am definitely always managing my anger. Irish/Italian Male from NYC, anger is part of my soul [laughs].
Seven More Songs was released by Black Claw Records and Brainscan Records. You have a deep history with Andrew Orlando, but how did the Connells come into the picture?
Everything C.R. does is like an ode to Andew Orlando. Magic Orlando. He’s like our cool Uncle/Brother/Camp Counselor/Best Friend. You will need to ask Andrew and Mike D. and the Connells, about how the collaboration formed. In my mind, they are all complete nerds geeking out about the next variation that they can create of the 10,000 records in their collections [laughs].
I think that Black Claw agreed to release the discography on vinyl, if C.R. would release new music in the future. So, I believe Black Claw Records was the impetus for the new recordings. The video snippets of Black Claw Records releases, are so educational and inspirational, it feels like I am watching a documentary series.
What does the future for C.R. hold now that these songs are out?
The menu says shows will be served at some point. Where and when is in the works. Now that the records are in print, and the online streams are being introduced, we can think about getting together in public.
Personally, I would love to play all house shows in your mother’s kitchen. In reality, maybe Jersey or Long Island,or Philly, and of course Shaolin. I live in Louisville now, and I would love to play a show here as well. I suppose churning out more music is never out of the question. Stay tuned!
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Seven More Songs is available now via Black Claw Records/Brainscan Records.
Tagged: c.r.
