SkinnyRockStar.com: Reviews

"The 'Mental Advisory Prophetic Content' warning on the back cover of Urban Warrior's -The Subtle Revolution, is a clever parody of the Parental Advisory stickers, but rest assured this trio takes its music very seriously. Their ambitious debut effort tackles issues like homelessness ("Market"), worker alienation ("City"), governmental invasion of privacy ("Incoming") and the use of war to perk up dissatisfied citizens ("Follow the Choppers"). The Subtle Revolution is a full blown Rock Opera that warns of a catastrophic future if we don't rise up against oppression..."

URBAN WARRIOR - The Subtle Revolution (SRS)

...San Francisco's Urban Warrior steps up admirably to help fill the artistic political void with a manifesto of progressive values. The revolution on this concept album is indeed subtle. This is not The Clash, Minutemen or Rage Against The Machine. The music is somewhat like late '70s progressive rock on the edge of going new wave. Renaissance made an album in this vein, and Tim Jones and Terri B. of Stone Premonitions have explored similar styles in their recordings with Body Full of Stars and The Rabbit's Hat. The relative accessibility of the music here adds weight to the band's point that the "urban warriors" are normal people trying to make it through life in the city while attempting to hang on to civil rights and ideals of freedom. Brocton Funke's agile, inventive percussion provides the momentum beneath the dramatic yet pure vocals of Kevin and Josephine Amann. Kevin Amann plays guitars, bass and harmonica while Josephine plays keyboards. The songs on The Subtle Revolution form a larger cycle with repeated themes so I won't go into a full track by track exercise. The everyday weary resignation of "Market" is particularly well observed, as is the song's clever intertwining of personal and global concerns. Some of the other highlights include the twisted circus waltz of "City", Kevin Amann's lyrical guitar solo on "Ego System", and Gregg Dessen's melancholy trumpet and flugelhorn parts on "Inner Mission". A light, jazzy bass and piano counterpoint erupts into a heavy, Rush-like chorus on "Propaganda". "The War at Home" and "Trance End" are detailed with touches of spacey dub.... Urban Warrior presents a rock solid anti-corporate, anti-war position accompanied by varied, tuneful arrangements. The government wouldn't want you to hear this album. Isn't that a pretty good reason to go to www.urbanwarrior.org?

Urban Warrior: Powerful, Meaningful, and Addicting, Incredible. With amazing vocal harmonies, powerful musicianship, and fascinating lyrics, Urban Warrior: The Subtle Revolution will blow you away. Suddenly, and Unexpectedly, I was captured into another world, another realization of life beyond my suburban bliss. Watch out for these guys, they are a powerful act. The professionalism of the mix is tremendous. From Spanish guitar essence, to hard driving angry rock, all with a melancholy attitude of a street warrior. You can't miss with this one.

"Awesome sound, Powerful message. Urban Warrior has a lot to say. The tracks on this album accomplish the daunting task of being political without being preachy. The album also maintains a continuity that allows each track to carry its' own message, while still contributing to the overall vibe. Thanks for sharing your music."

"From beginning to end this song pulls you right in. The intro is interesting enough to make you want to hear more.
When the hook hits it leaves you amazed." - Don , NJ

"Radio Ready, Vocals are very mature and full. In fact much better than many "professional" female vocals on the radio. In the music, I particularly liked the sound effects. You were willing to take risks with the sound and it paid off. The fade to single guitar at the end was beautiful; the perfect lingering sad note. Excellent song" - D. Atkin, Salt Lake City UT

"It's almost as if Queensryche were being produced by Moby" - Livermore, CA

"Real nice, I love the guitar riff from the beginning of the song...and the progression as the drums and vocals came in were perfect..this song is well orchestrated and very appealing to the ears melodically and in terms of mood and vibe...the vocals are excellent..one of the best I've heard so far..over all I'd say this is a really, really good song that is gonna be making its way up the charts..if it isn't up there already." - Brooklyn, NY