Los Angeles-based pop-rock duo Honey Revenge, comprised of Devin Papadol on vocals and Donovan Lloyd on guitar, has been rapidly gaining traction within the DIY music scene and beyond. With a dedicated fanbase cultivated through grassroots efforts, Honey Revenge is poised to make a significant impact on the music landscape, especially with their debut album Retrovision, produced in part by Kris Crummett, known for his work with Dance Gavin Dance.
Honey Revenge’s momentum is fueled by a string of compelling singles, including “Worst Apology” and “Airhead,” which served as preludes to their breakout track, “Habitual.” Devin Papadol describes “Habitual” as “a fun, dancy reflection of my own negative attitude,” highlighting the song’s exploration of mindset and its impact on mental well-being. This introspective yet upbeat approach is a hallmark of Honey Revenge’s sound, blending catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrical content.
Their single “Are You Impressed” garnered significant attention from BBC Radio 1, further amplifying their reach. Additional singles like “Rerun” and “Distracted” showcase the band’s knack for crafting infectious hooks and a refreshing sonic identity. “Distracted” notably earned a spot on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Rock Best of 2022, signaling their growing recognition within the rock genre. Honey Revenge’s music is characterized by its blend of sweet melodies and rock-infused riffs, creating a sound that is both alluring and edgy.
The past year has been instrumental in the development of Honey Revenge’s debut album, Retrovision. For this project, the duo collaborated with a team of notable producers, including Josh Strock (known for his work with LiL Lotus and Thousand Below), Zach Jones (AS IT IS, Nova Twins), and Kris Crummett (Dance Gavin Dance, Issues). Crummett’s involvement as a producer adds a significant layer of credibility and intrigue for fans familiar with the post-hardcore and experimental rock scenes, potentially drawing in listeners who appreciate the intricate production and dynamic soundscapes often associated with Dance Gavin Dance and bands Crummett has worked with.
Honey Revenge has garnered support from prominent platforms like Spotify “Fresh Finds” and Apple Music’s “New In Rock,” alongside press coverage from established music media outlets such as Rock Sound, idobi radio, MTV, Kerrang!, and State Of The Scene Podcast. This widespread recognition underscores their growing influence and appeal within the broader music community. Complementing their online presence, Honey Revenge has cultivated a captivating stage presence, evidenced by their successful headlining tour and participation in two national tours, playing to numerous sold-out venues. They have shared stages with diverse acts including Loveless, The Home Team, Rain City Drive, Arrows In Action, and State Champs, exposing their music to a wide range of audiences. Adding to their international touring experience, Honey Revenge completed their first UK tour supporting The Used in December.
With their debut record, Retrovision, Honey Revenge is poised to solidify their position in the music scene. The album is characterized by its juxtaposition of upbeat melodies and biting, introspective lyrics. Devin Papadol describes Retrovision as “an album of duality,” delving into themes of control, relationships, and emotional extremes. She elaborates, “I experience emotions in extremes and did my best to convey and process those intense feelings through the writing of these songs. I pose the question ‘am I the victim or the problem?’ with songs like ‘Murphy’s Law’ where I dive into my experience with a string of bad luck, or ‘Habitual’ where I assess how much of that bad luck stems from my own negativity.” The album showcases Honey Revenge’s musical range, from their most pop-oriented and melodic tracks to songs like “Sensitive” that reveal their emo influences. Papadol notes that “All of these themes are captured through a rose colored lens… or a violet colored lens. The aesthetic of the record is draped in shades of purple and pink,” emphasizing the visually and thematically cohesive nature of Retrovision.
Retrovision is available now via Thriller Records, marking a significant milestone for Honey Revenge and signaling their arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the pop-rock world, particularly for audiences who appreciate bands with strong production values, as hinted at by their collaboration with Kris Crummett of Dance Gavin Dance.
