It’s not really a secret that I am biased when it comes
to Pop Evil. I’ve been a fan of the band since their beginning. I am one of the
proud few who saw them perform with both original guitarist Tony Greve and
original drummer Dylan Allison. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting most of the
band members and I’ve written glowing reviews for each of their previous
albums. It is obvious that I am a huge fan.
And it is being such a fan that makes me a harder critic
on this band then I would be on others. I expect more from my favorites and I
expect them to deliver their best with every single effort. Thankfully, with
Pop Evil, their best is all they know how to give. Every album this group
releases is better than the previous and once again, Pop Evil’s latest disc
just so happens to be their best disc.
With their last release, Onyx, Pop Evil was at a dark period in their career and also at a crossroads.
There was a chip on their shoulder as they felt they had something to prove.
This time around the band is much more comfortable in their own skin. They have
come to the end of their journey of discovery. And in finding who they truly
are, they have delivered a masterpiece.
The band has evolved over the years and the evolution is
evident on Up. Leigh Kakaty’s voice
sounds more magnificent than ever before. Stronger, harder, and more soul
sweeping, Kakaty does some of his best work for this album. Matt DiRito was
able to show off his songwriting abilities with authority. He has more
prominence on this record including a nice bass intro groove on “If Only For
Now” and “Lux,” as well as an exceptional, albeit short, instrumental in “…”
(Yes, that is the actual name of the song). And Nick Fueling really shines. No
longer in the shadow of Tony Greve, and no longer in doubt amongst the fans,
Fueling shows that he is exceptional in his own way.
Lead track “Footsteps” gets Up started on a high note. A mid-tempo rocker with life,
“Footsteps” is not the hardest album opener that Pop Evil has ever recorded,
but it is the perfect opener for Up.
The eerie, dark opening guitar notes immediately let the listener know that
this is an all new, all different Pop Evil. That message is great news, because
this version of Pop Evil is the best one yet. The anthem chanting chorus of “I
take these footsteps, go higher! Go higher!” will create a magnificent sing
along in concert.
“Take It All” is not only the best song on Up, it just may be the best song that
Pop evil has ever recorded. The music is extremely powerful, the lyrics make a
statement, and the overall intensity is extraordinary. “Take It All” is hard
rock with an edge. This is a song that will hook the listener on first play. And while the song is short, it packs quite
the punch. Heavy guitars, growling, demanding vocals, and a perfect rhythm
section solidify “Take It All.” This song is pure ecstasy for the ears and a
finer Pop Evil song is hard to come by.
Rhythmic, soothing, peaceful, and brilliant, “If Only For
Now” is the first ballad on Up and it
is a tremendous song. This work of art showcases all of the extreme effort the
band has put into honing their song crafting skills. A perfect blend of bass,
acoustic, and electric guitars highlight this lovely ballad. The poetic lyrics
paint a perfect picture and Kakaty’s voice is akin to a cool gentle rain on a
warm summer afternoon ---refreshing and enjoyable. While previous Pop Evil
ballads have been much beloved by their fan base, “If Only For Now” has the
makings of a mega-smash and may quickly become the fans favorite Pop Evil
ballad.
Nick Fueling’s acoustic guitar picking on “Seattle Rain” is
just brilliant and makes the song. “Seattle Rain” is the truest example of the
evolution of Pop Evil. Starting with just Fueling’s acoustic guitar and
Kakaty’s voice, this slow moving ballad captures the ear’s attention
immediately. By the time the rest of the band kicks in on the second verse, it
is painfully obvious that “Seattle Rain” is destined for greatness. The song is
a pure masterpiece that shows the maturity of this tremendous group.
Hard work combined with a level of comfort amongst all
band members has really paid off for Pop Evil. Up is the greatest album the band has released in their career so
far. And with each album they deliver, the band only gets stronger and more
talented. The future for Pop Evil is as a bright as the sun, and I’m curious to
see what amazing magnificence they deliver next. If they continue in the same
vein they have already, Pop Evil is going to be the biggest band that ever existed
before their career is over. They certainly are one of the most talented, and
with Up they have released the
greatest album of the summer.
Ryo’s Rating: 8.5 (out of 10)
Track List
Footsteps
Core
In Disarray
Take It All
Ghost of the Muskegon
If Only For Now
…
Ways To Get High
Lux
Vendetta
Dead In The Water
Seattle Rain
Til Kingdom Come
No comments:
Post a Comment