Artist Alpha Rev

VH1’s designated “You Oughta Know” artists list reads like a clearinghouse for musical directors on hour-long dramas looking to license some bland, background music. Newly sanctioned by the music channel, Austin, TX’s Alpha Rev don’t do much to shatter that stigma with its gooey ballad “New Morning,” off last year’s album by the same name, and requisite “we’re not smiling but we’re also not frowning” band photo. But credit frontman Casey McPherson for whole-heartedly embracing the formula and never flinching through his serious, soul-searching lyrics. 

Updated 01/26/2011