Much like their sorrowful, purposeful melodies, the members of The Last Revel contain this thick thread of self, and of place, when it comes to the underlying trait in the sounds and scope of their intent, onstage and in the studio — survival mode.
Produced by Trampled by Turtles lead singer Dave Simonett, The Last Revel’s latest album Gone for Good is a multilayered ode to the life of an artist, life on the road, and what it means to be a human being in uncertain times.
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Americana/indie-folk outfit harkens to the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of what it means to pursue your dreams in real time. The foundation of which is conjured by a deep appreciation and genuine respect for the vast landscape and sometimes-harsh realities of what it means to emerge from the Midwest.
“We grew up in the Midwest and we’ve all kind of stayed in this region of the country,” Henke notes. “This place has imprinted itself on who we are, and that challenge of life here is part of who we are now.”
Alongside Henke and Acker is fiddler Vinnie Donatelle. When the ensemble finds themselves behind the microphone, it’s the culmination of their vocal talents that truly showcases the mission of The Last Revel — harmony. “There’s no better feeling [when we’re singing together],” Acker says. “And it makes you understand something primal, these melodies and these harmonies. It’s internal and it’s really powerful to sing your heart out with the people you love and your best friends.”
The seeds for The Last Revel were initially planted when Acker and Henke met in college in Wisconsin and started jamming together. Following graduation, the duo eventually headed for Minnesota, crossed paths with Donatelle, and started putting together a musical project. By 2011, the group was formed in Minneapolis.
Early on in the band’s tenure, The Last Revel was clocking in around 200 shows each year, and did so for several years. Burnout was real, with the act deciding to go on hiatus in 2019 to recalibrate and reenergize what it is within the group that remains steadfast.
“I tried to quit music. And then, the moment I accepted [I was done], I wrote five new songs the next day,” Henke shakes his head in awe. “There’s always been a real therapeutic element to writing music for me. And it goes beyond that now, where if I don’t write for [a while], I feel pent up — there’s something that needs to come out.”
A couple years went by, with Henke and Acker eventually circling back to one another. The musical chemistry and unbreakable camaraderie was still intact, with each thinking the same thing — let’s give music another shot. To note, Gone for Good is The Last Revel’s second album since reuniting in 2021.
When The Last Revel released Dovetail in 2023, the reunion album sparked wildfire, whether it was with longtime, loyal fans of the band or newcomers coming across the group by mere happenstance. Now back on the road on the stage, the bandmates were happily surprised by the unexpected response by sold-out gigs wherever they toured.
Reflecting on Gone for Good, Acker feels a real, tangible, more so positive shift in what it is The Last Revel aims to do moving forward. It’s this collective realm of collaboration, all in hopes of connectivity not only between the bandmates, but also the audience itself night in and night out — from coast-to-coast and back around to Minnesota.
