Collectively The Revtones, hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada , are a new force to be reckoned with on the independent music scene. However, their foundation was laid over many years of the various life experiences, musical adventures, triumphs and struggles of the members (Guy Smith – songwriter, guitar player, singer; Jeff Emsley - drummer; and Igor Woroniuk – bass player). The Revtones exude a lifetimes worth of passion for music, and a compulsion to communicate (and sometimes agitate) through their original songs.

The Revtones came about after Guy Smith who had been a long time solo performer (a’la Billy Bragg) on the independent and political music scene, had worked with a band (made up of members of one of Edmonton ’s finest bands, “Old Reliable”) to record his first album “Red Square Dance”. The experience of playing with a band was so rewarding, that Guy decided to seek out musicians who shared his musical direction and would be willing to add their own talents to a collective goal.

Reconnecting with Jeff Emsley as drummer was almost a fore-gone conclusion. Guy and Jeff have known each other for over 20 years when they were “faces” in the local mod scene. The love of mod music (from sixties soul and R&B, to the Jam and other mod revival bands, to current “Brit-pop”) is something The Revtones wear on their sleeves and comes through in some of their music. 

The newest Revtone, Igor Woroniuk, comes to us from The Ukraine via Winnipeg.  Igor is an artist with a philosophical side and his calm demeanour keeps the band grounded. Igor joined as a guitarist but has recently switched to bass following the departure of Craig Ambramowski.  Craig fled the province, taking the band beer supply with him.  As the band beer supply consisted of a 6 pack, all is forgiven and we wish Craig all the best in his new life.

Underlying the musical influences and musical direction of The Revtones would be the lyrical content of the original songs. Many of them have a political edge and condemn oppression, violence and inequality while celebrating struggle and victory. Guy Smith has always been regarded as a political writer and has spent most of his gigs at union functions, rallies, demos and picket lines. However, The Revtones go far beyond political statement to embrace and articulate the complexities of the human condition in the modern world.

The Revtones mission is to get your brain thinking, your heart reaching out, and your feet dancing. What more could you ask for?!