Much like their sorrowful, purposeful melodies, the members of The Last Revel carry a thick thread of self and place — an instinct for survival that runs through every song and performance.
“Honestly, I don’t know if we could’ve done this for as long as we have without persistence,” says guitarist Lee Henke. “Living in a challenging place has conditioned us to have a high tolerance for discomfort — a certain toughness to push ahead.”
That resilience is at the heart of the band’s latest album, Gone for Good, produced by Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles. The record is a layered reflection on life as an artist, the road ahead, and what it means to be human in uncertain times.
“This is a step in our careers that feels like there’s no going back,” says banjoist Ryan Acker. “The boat’s off the shore — we’re in it now.”
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Last Revel’s Americana/indie-folk sound draws from the grit and grace of the Midwest. Their songs are steeped in the realities of chasing a dream in real time — with a deep respect for the land and the lessons it teaches.
“We grew up in the Midwest, and this place has imprinted itself on who we are,” Henke adds. “That challenge of life here is part of us now.”
Alongside Henke and Acker is fiddler Vinnie Donatelle, whose harmonies complete the band’s sonic heartbeat. “There’s no better feeling than when we’re singing together,” Acker says. “It’s something primal — to sing your heart out with the people you love and your best friends.”
The roots of The Last Revel trace back to Wisconsin, where Henke and Acker met in college and began jamming. After graduation, the duo moved to Minnesota, crossed paths with Donatelle, and formed the band in 2011.
“The name comes from the idea of ‘one last go, one last celebration,’” Henke recalls. “Treating every show like it could be the last one makes it extra special every time.”
Early on, The Last Revel toured relentlessly — around 200 shows a year — until burnout forced a pause in 2019. “I tried to quit music,” Henke admits. “But the moment I accepted it, I wrote five new songs the next day. There’s something in me that needs to come out through writing.”
After time apart, the trio reconnected, rediscovering their bond and creative spark. “The first step was just reconnecting,” Donatelle says. “To hell with anyone else giving a damn — the only important thing was playing together again.”
Their 2023 reunion album Dovetail reignited the flame, with sold-out shows and an unexpected wave of fan support. “It kind of took us off-guard,” Acker reflects. “People didn’t forget about us — and many more discovered our music during COVID than we expected.”
Now with Gone for Good, The Last Revel stands firmly in a new chapter — one defined by collaboration, authenticity, and connection. “We’ve finally clicked on what the band’s purpose is,” Acker says. “We’re figuring out how to be ourselves and be happy through the music.”
Through soaring harmonies, honest songwriting, and a steadfast spirit, The Last Revel continues to embody the heart of the American Midwest — resilient, reflective, and resolute in their pursuit of the song.