Revelation #9 Review
Pittsburgh Pulp Magazine

By CINDY YOGMAS

Rusted Root gets major acclaim for their original and intense tribal grooves and cross-cultured rock, and Jim Donovan is largely responsible for that. As the man on the traps, he can conjure ancient spirits and primordial souls through his energetic drumming, which has been a constant life pulse throughout the band's discography. On his first solo album, Revelation #9, he does a lot more than that. Donovan played just about every instrument, recorded, programmed, arranged, mixed and produced every song, which was all written and recorded in his mobile studio while on the road with Rusted Root between 2000 and 2003. The songs do possess a certain air of journeying and scenic imagery, imagining distinctly varying atmospheres and landscapes passing by with the different vibes of each song.

As a whole, the album is a complete collection of experimental electronic music and sampling all highlighted by Donovan's knack for finding the quintessential rhythm to complete things. His beats are crucial to the way of the song -- they determine its attitude and underline the mood. Much of the material carries that strong beat through elements of hip-hop, electronica and alternative dance music, but also has interesting elements like fuzzy guitar riffs, guest vocalists and sampling.