Music Review: The Devil Bats – Through Hell and High Waters
Review by Tony – Hell Feels Like Home
The Devil Bats have been on my radar for a long time, and you should know these guys are good, real good. The Devil Bats have the classic rock n’ roll flavor with elements of 80′s hardcore, 70′s punk and even a couple heartfelt acoustic moments. Vocalist and guitarist Rick throws down huge teeth-shaking (beware if you have fillings!!!) riffs and has a voice much like Ian Mackaye of Minor Threat with just as much passion but more melody and range. Lead guitarist Jerry lays down blazing punked out rock n’ roll leads, while the bass and drums pound, push, pummel and stomp their way right into your head.
“Accideath” starts this record out with hard driving hardcore flavored punk with absolutely smoking leads. Huge pounding rhythms drive the stake of this song right through your heart. The vocals here are a growling punk bite that still hold rhythm and melody. The closing repetition of the song title towards the end showcases a deep bellowing vocal style and cool gang shouted backing vocals. “Japan A Go Go” should be an underground classic. This song will remind you why you love rock ‘n roll so much. Though they have nothing in common stylistically this song reminds me of The Dead Boys “Sonic Reducer” because it just so balls out let it fly punk rock with soul. The pre-chorus and chorus on this are beyond catchy and should have you pumping your fist in the air no matter where you are listening to this at. “Devil Bat” starts up with a hard driving melodic bass line before a huge guitar riff kicks in. The vocals on this tracks are beautiful low range bellow with a great feel. The chorus has a classic hardcore feel but with more tuneful vocals. “Unmoved” and “Lost” show off a slower side to The Devil Bats. “Unmoved” has twinkling clean electric guitars and move into a slow grinding distorted riff. “Lost” is an acoustic goth blues flavored number. This song is stripped down to the bare soul and very moving.
This album is an iTunes exclusive and while I’m still not fully on the digital music bandwagon this one is definitely worth buying. If you wanted me to me to paraphrase what these guys sound like I would just say Minor Threat playing rock n’ roll. The Devil Bats are a no-frills, no-gimmicks punk rock group who I believe in with all my heart.
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