Three cheers for discovering bands through the "Thank You" section in an album's liner notes! It seemed like I was all-too-familiar with every single band that Evanescence thanked in the liner notes for their live CD/DVD set, Anywhere But Home . . . except for one. Of course, there was only one thing that I had to do -- what any normal rock music lover would do -- investigate this mysterious band by the name of Revis at once.

Luckily, this investigation wasn't a complete waste of time. I found out that Revis is a simple, harmless alternative-rock band in the vein of Three Days Grace and, to some extent, Breaking Benjamin. Revis has failed to really catch on in the mainstream -- in a way, I'm surprised, because they have a simple, radio-friendly, addictive sound. On the flipside, their sound is CERTAINLY nothing too original, so they're easy to look over.

Revis's music isn't particularly heavy -- many may label their sound as 'cheesy nu-metal', but more often that not, I don't really get that vibe from them. In fact, many songs on Places For Breathing lean toward an acoustic, pop/rock feel. Granted, a large percentage of the album is standard, hard-rocking, loud verse/chorus/verse transitions. It becomes obvious fairly quickly that Revis isn't reinventing the wheel here.

Places For Breathing gets going with the uptempo, energetic rocker "Caught In The Rain", a semi-hit that was featured on 2003's Daredevil soundtrack. Vocalist Justin Holman's plaintive, crisply enunciated wails may remind rock fans of Ben Burnley from aforementioned rock band Breaking Benjamin. "Spin" is an invigorating, driving track with a delectable chorus: "You need no one to spin your revolver / so go and get my gun!"

Songs like "Look Right Through Me" and "Straight Jacket Labels" show off a calmer, more pensive side of Revis. Justin does an excellent job of working in his soothing yet gravelly, emotive vocals, and singlehandedly creating the wistful, bittersweet aura of these songs. "Places For Breathing" combines earthy, churning guitars in such a mesmerizing way, making it one of the album's most noteworthy moments.

The haunting piano introduction of "Re Use" gives way to some of Justin's most impressive work, both vocally and lyrically -- as his aching intonations of "How heavy the sky was...outside of my window," mix with gentle, acoustic guitars, I find myself wondering why this band hasn't attained a larger fanbase. "City Beneath" interrupts the bliss, though. It's a watered-down, unimpressively arranged song that can instantly be written off as pure filler material.

Places For Breathing shows that Revis is definitely a band with potential. Unfortunately, though, there's nothing here that really ensures them a spot in today's modern rock scene. It seems like people crave innovation and unbridled energy in their rock music these days. While Revis serves up more than a fair dose of high-octane, sing-songy hooks, this debut album is closer to forgettable than essential. All in all, I'll offer this album as a slight recommendation for rock music fans who dig the alternative-rock stylings of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Finger Eleven.

Recommended: Yes