A good ’ol (Dustbowl) revival

Dustbowl Revival, an Americana roots band bent on sonic exploration and societal liberation, turn introspective on their latest album, “Is It You, Is It Me,” to create an album that’s meant to empower people through hard times.

Having recently lost two band members, the main core of the group, Zac Lupetin (guitar/vocals), Liz Beebe (vocals, ukulele), Connor Vance (fiddle/guitar), Joshlyn Heffernan (Drums), Matt Rubin (trumpet) and Ulf Bjorlin (Trombone) engaged in an open policy, experimental recording session that found the sextet playing different instruments and teaming up with a horn section and a choir of friends, to merge aspects of Soul and Funk to Revival’s now revised and leaner brand of Folk music.

“Is It You, Is It Me,” are the sounds of a matured band looking for common ground by commenting on their world and the world around them.

Lupetin’s and Beebe’s harmonizing co-lead vocal approach sounds inquisitive and empowering, even when questioning the duality of performance music on album opener, “Dreaming.”

Artists often have to project an ideal version of themselves while bearing their experiences to a demanding audience. Lyrics full of selfdoubt aided by catchy horns and an equally catchy chorus makes this track sound like a slice of Alternative Pop.

“Enemy,” a number lead by Beebe features her vocals, dual recorded over funky horns and a jazzy beat that questions the polarization of