Considering their loyal fan base, popularity among Northeast promoters and the success of their last indie album She Sells Smiles, the easiest thing for Long Island powerhouse Gee Davey to do would be to just go along for the ride and resist those impulses to evolve. But in 2010, band founder, guitarist and lead singer/songwriter DJ Pearlman hit a creative wall and knew it was time to retool and redefine the band’s sound.

With the addition of rhythm guitarist Matthew Dower, the trio of Pearlman, drummer Michael Bontempi and bassist Ray Kuhner became a foursome—and emerged with a force unlike anything else on the suburban New York music scene. A name change was mandatory—and Revel 9 makes its official debut with The Razorblade Diaries, an explosive six song EP that captures the band’s unapologetic darker, edgier, less poppy vibe.

Song: All I've Become. Listen.