Article By: Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker ‡ Edited By: Leanne Ridgeway
Today, August 11th, saw the full-length, self-titled release from Australia‘s Devil Electric light up the planet from Kozmik Artifactz.
I will be the first to say that I am almost fanatical about the band, having discovered them from last year’s ‘The Gods Below‘ début. In a scene overflowing with cookie-cutter bands that refuse to define themselves or set their band apart somehow, comes an act that has the potential to be “the next big thing”.
One of the many reasons for that is the chemistry that Pierina O’Brien (Vocals), Christos Athanasias (Guitars), Tom Hulse (Bass, Vocals), and Mark Van De Beek (Drums) clearly share. The quartet has tapped into an almost mystical energy that permeates their music, like an irresistible supernatural force.
It weaves and winds its way within the band’s music like a serpentine presence, enthralling you with fear and fanaticism simultaneously. Those sensations manifest themselves with a haunting fierceness in every note, tone, and fiber of this album. Call it modern occult rock, claim that it is heavy psych doom or vintage-infused proto, or what-the-hell-ever if you must.
It does not matter in the long run, for this truly surpasses limiting labels and tepid tags. What we have here, what is possessing our auditory synapses, is pure, undiluted Rock ‘N Roll. It does take constantly shifting forms, from the bluesy, heavy-handed guitars, to the thumping, thundering rhythms. Riffs and sinister solos pierce your soul, while the always enchanting, sultry singing of Pierina narrates our enjoyed demise.
I am not going to partake in a track-by-track breakdown on this one, people. I believe that would do the whole body of work an injustice. Suffice to say, there are nine magnificent compositions contained here, each one an individually powerful sonic statement. Each has the ability to boldly brand itself upon your brain matter and once heard, cannot be forgotten. There is truly not a bad or dull moment on this opus, it is as close to a perfect heavy rock record that one could ever hope to hear.
You now have the enviable opportunity to do exactly that, as we present you ‘Devil Electric’, streaming in full via Soundcloud or Bandcamp below. Order the album via the Devil Electric Bandcamp page or at Kozmik Artifactz.
I suggest you do not bypass or forego this experience, my friends. No, instead, I pretty much insist you embark upon this journey right this very moment, as it will surely enhance, perhaps even bless, your life once you do. Do that now…
