Biography

Formed in 2007 by Jim Jones (formerly of psych-rockers Thee Hypnotics and Black Moses) and Rupert Orton (club promoter and brother of nu-folker Beth), the Jim Jones Revue's raucous piano-driven sound infused the sound, spirit, and style of '50s rock & roll with a wall of blistering garage rock. The Jim Jones Revue -- Gavin Jay, Nick Jones, Henri Herbert, Jones, and Orton -- released their self-titled debut long-player in 2008. This slab of pounding rock & roll exuberance was recorded in just 48 hours and was closely followed the next year by a singles compilation, Here to Save Your Soul. By now the band were a real draw on the live circuit; their shows were intense and very, very loud. Their second album, Burning Down Your House, which surfaced in 2010, was produced by Bad Seed Jim Sclavunos. While the album still captured the essence and appeal of the Revue's riotous live performances, as was the case with their debut, the sound on the follow-up was altogether much cleaner. This continued on 2012's more expansive Savage Heart, which was also produced by Sclavunos and featured a grungy, Orbison-esque ballad "Midnight Oceans and the Savage Heart" among the high-octane rockers. After seven years and three albums, the Jim Jones Revue announced their intention to disband in 2014, but not before launching their swaggering rock & roll show for a final time on a farewell tour, The Last Hurrah. ~ Matthew Garbutt, Rovi