Ravi Shavi

Reviews

Ravi Shavi Erase America LP

Frontman Rafay Rashid presents his confessional and confrontational lyrics on Erase America, the fifth LP from the Providence-based band RAVI SHAVI. There’s elements of psychedelic, noise, groove, garage, industrial (particularly in the drums), and indie, examining political and personal themes throughout with songs like “Erase America,” “Nuclear Summer,” and “New Brown Neighbors.” This may be a little psych and groove-y for my taste, but I think the poignancy within Erase America keeps me hanging on every lyric, feeling malaise on the more dissonant tracks, anger on the anxious ones, and makes me wonder what, if anything, can get us past this political instability.

Ravi Shavi Blackout Deluxe LP

Third album from this Providence garage pop band. The music is jangly and upbeat, the songs are catchy and bright, and the vocals remind me of BBQ or KING KHAN: kind of crooning, with moments of vulnerability and desperation. It’s their best record yet.