Revive Skateboards, a brand fueled by YouTube vlog revenue and direct sales to a dedicated fanbase, has carved a unique niche in the skateboarding world. Often seen as outsiders, their strong connection with their followers has made them one of the most talked-about skate brands in recent years. This review delves into their full-length video, “Live. Skate. Die.”, offering a critical and perhaps slightly inebriated perspective on their unique approach to skateboarding.
The video opens with somber piano music, a bold choice that immediately sets a peculiar tone. It’s a move that hints at the potential for genius lurking beneath the surface of this outcast brand. This is quickly followed by Andy Schrock tail dropping into a lake while wearing a motorcycle helmet and pillows, a visual that’s both absurd and strangely compelling. It’s the kind of stunt that makes you wonder if a cannon might be involved next.
Andy Schrock tail dropping into a lake with helmet and pillows
The actual skating begins with a slam section accompanied by music that would feel right at home in an Eastern European club. Josh Katz’s line at Federal Plaza in D.C., while wearing a helmet, is a point of contention. It raises the question of whether skaters have become too cautious and where the “Obama of skateboarding” is when you need him to enforce some classic skate ethos. The overall feel is captured by the reviewer’s desire to “smoke a bong full of vomit,” a testament to the unconventional, and perhaps unsettling, aesthetic of the video.
Revive skater doing a trick with dad angles
The video’s title, “Live. Skate. Die.”, prompts a dark, humorous thought experiment. Would you call an ambulance for a kid wearing a Revive shirt who gets hit by a monster truck, or would you lean in and whisper, “Live. Skate. Die.”? The music, fluctuating between emo and tween rock, becomes unbearable, leading the reviewer to switch to Jay-Z’s new album as a soundtrack instead. This juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between Revive’s skateboarding world and the mainstream.
Revive’s image is characterized as “purposefully ugly skating,” with tricks that are more sketchy than clean. The reviewer likens them to the SoundCloud rapper of skateboarding, suggesting a certain DIY, rough-around-the-edges appeal that resonates with a particular audience. The use of a DSLR with “dad angles” adds to this feeling of amateurism, yet there’s an undeniable authenticity to it.
Josh Katz focusing an 8mm camera
Josh Katz’s 8mm camera focus and helmet usage while skating a manual pad further highlight Revive’s unique approach. The reviewer notes that these skaters seem uncomfortable outside the skatepark, which is at odds with their street filming choices. Richie Jackson’s appearance, pulling a kid out of a fountain, is a bizarre detour that doesn’t include any skating from Jackson himself. It raises the question of who wants to be associated with this video and why.
A skit involving Andy Schrock getting hit with a cream pie adds to the video’s chaotic nature. The reviewer speculates about the kind of porn that the Revive crew might watch, a thought that’s as unsettling as it is humorous. It paints a picture of the brand as a mix of dorky humor and unrefined skateboarding.
The video ends with another skater doing manuals, culminating in a backside manual that looks “hideous.” This leads the reviewer to question whether the point of the video is to inspire the Revive fans to create their own equally “shitty” videos. The final shot is of a manual on a curb, followed by a lengthy credit sequence. This ending further emphasizes the amateur feel of the video.
Ultimately, the “Live. Skate. Die.” video leaves the reviewer with the urge to ride a scooter, a testament to the unconventional and perhaps off-putting nature of the video. The review concludes with a call for Jay-Z to “flex” on the Revive crew, a humorous take on the brand’s outsider status. While the video may be a mess, it’s a genuine representation of a subculture that has found its own unique voice in skateboarding.
In conclusion, Revive’s “Live. Skate. Die.” is an experience. It’s a blend of questionable skating, bizarre skits, and a unique DIY aesthetic. While it may not appeal to everyone, it’s undeniably engaging and manages to push the boundaries of what a skate video can be.
