Need Each Other

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Need Each Other" by Revolution Saints from their album Eagle Flight! This track is a soulful, melodic rock gem that showcases the emotional depth of the band’s lead vocalist and drummer, Deen Castronovo. One juicy piece of trivia about this song comes from its place in the band’s evolution. "Need Each Other" was one of the first singles released to introduce the revamped lineup featuring guitarist Joel Hoekstra and bassist Jeff Pilson, alongside Castronovo, after the departure of original members Jack Blades and Doug Aldrich in 2022. In a March 2023 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Castronovo shared that the song’s tender piano interludes and soaring vocals were crafted to evoke the classic ‘80s Journey sound, with a modern twist that he felt pushed his vocal range to new heights. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and Castronovo’s delivery have been praised for their emotional resonance, with reviewers noting its similarity to Journey’s iconic ballads like “Faithfully.”

Another cool tidbit about "Need Each Other" comes from a January 2023 post by Joel Hoekstra on X, where he called the song a personal favorite and highlighted the chemistry between himself and Jeff Pilson, describing their studio sessions as “a blast” with Castronovo’s vocals stealing the show. The song’s creation was heavily influenced by producer and keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio, whom Castronovo credits as the band’s “secret weapon” for his ability to tailor melodies to the singer’s strengths. Fans have also pointed out on Facebook that the song’s guitar riffs and emotional crescendos make it a standout live performance piece, with some calling it a “modern classic” in the melodic rock genre. The track’s release was accompanied by a music video that leaned into the band’s refreshed energy, further cementing its role as a pivotal moment for Revolution Saints’ “MK II” era.

Now, let’s rewind and dive into how Revolution Saints came to be. The band was born in 2014 as a supergroup brainchild of Serafino Perugino, president of Frontiers Records, who wanted to create a project to showcase Deen Castronovo’s stunning vocal talents. Castronovo, already a respected drummer with a four-decade career, had made waves in bands like Journey, Bad English, Ozzy Osbourne, and Hardline. Fans first noticed his vocal prowess through his background vocals and occasional lead performances, like singing “Mother, Father” during Journey’s live sets. Perugino paired Castronovo with Night Ranger’s Jack Blades on bass and vocals and Doug Aldrich, formerly of Whitesnake and Dio, on guitar, with Alessandro Del Vecchio handling production, keyboards, and songwriting. This lineup dropped their self-titled debut album in 2015, which was a hit among melodic rock fans for its throwback ‘80s sound. The band continued with Light in the Dark (2017) and Rise (2020), but by 2022, Blades and Aldrich left, paving the way for Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and Pilson (Foreigner, ex-Dokken) to join for Eagle Flight, released on April 21, 2023.

Revolution Saints’ journey reflects Castronovo’s own evolution from a drummer who “happened to sing” to a confident frontman, though he admitted in the same Ultimate Classic Rock interview that stepping into the lead singer role still feels daunting compared to his comfort zone behind the drum kit. His vocal style, often compared to Journey’s Steve Perry, has become the band’s signature, blending raw emotion with technical skill. The addition of Hoekstra and Pilson brought fresh energy, with both musicians praising Castronovo’s leadership and vocal power in interviews and social media posts. Their collective experience and passion for melodic rock have kept Revolution Saints thriving, proving that even with lineup changes, the band’s core mission—to deliver uplifting, hook-filled rock—remains strong.

Want to stay connected with Revolution Saints? Check out their official website at Apple Music for the latest updates (note: the band primarily uses platforms like Apple Music for official releases, as no standalone website was found). Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and tour announcements. On X, you can catch posts from the band and members like Hoekstra (@joelhoekstra13) and Castronovo (@DeenTheDrummer). For fan communities, the Revolution Saints Facebook page is a hub where Zoo Freaks can join discussions and share their love for tracks like “Need Each Other.” While dedicated fan websites are scarce, the band’s social media presence and Frontiers Records’ online store offer plenty of ways to dive into their world. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!