Revenant - Black Dogs and Sad Men EP
Reviewed by Laura DQ • 3 September 2025
Having given us just a few months to drink up their ‘Best Medicine’ EP, rising rockers Revenant are back with another five track masterpiece for our delectation. Despite the foreboding title and moody faces glowering from the cover, ‘Black Dogs and Sad Men’ is far from bleak and actually feels like a real step up, the work of a band energised and growing in confidence.
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‘Lie You’re Living’ is a surprisingly confrontational opener, the crunchy riff and thudding pulse of drums setting the stage nicely. Bristling with rage, and yet incredibly catchy, it’s quick to make an impression, going straight for the throat and not letting go. Somehow both angry and melodic, Matt Hudson’s squealing guitar solo adds to the feeling of intensity, a feeling consistent with lyrics about kicking back against those who have wronged you.
The title track takes its cues from good old classic rock and feels somehow epic despite its brevity. Cleverly playing with stop/start dynamics, drummer Carl Donoghue shines in the instrumental sections, bringing real power to a song that gets better with every listen.
In terms of a natural single, ‘I’ll Be There’ feels like a strong contender, leaning into more of a Southern rock sound and embracing the harmonies that are such a signature part of the Revenant experience. With the sentiment of a ballad, and a rousing chorus that will be well suited to festivals, it’s an uplifting centrepiece that deserves its position at the very heart of the EP.
‘Sex With No Substance’ is a proper no-nonsense, lust fuelled banger that’s not a million miles from prime AC/DC, albeit with a singer who doesn’t sound like he’s swallowed a razor blade (no offence Brian Johnson!). Even the gang style choruses ring with a pleasing familiarity, a sonic template guaranteed to get heads banging.
But Revenant is a band of contrasts, and the gentle ‘All We Need’ couldn’t be more different. There is a beautiful fragility to this musing on the passing of time, Sam Lay’s voice never more exposed, accompanied only by lightly strummed acoustic guitar. To be equally adept at ballads and bruisers is a skill, and one that the Revenant lads seem to have mastered.
‘Black Dogs and Sad Men’ is out on the 10th October, and these lads have never sounded better. Get your pre-orders in now at: