THE BEAST

PopEvil - Versatile - Reviewed By Cherri Bird!

Have we been Rachard? Because the rock is alive and well here, where I am… And I’m just fine with any other kind of imposter rock staying in the room where they think it is dead.

This is the sixth release from the band pop evil and in my humble opinion the defining record for the band for four reasons: 1) it’s hard. Every track works it; to the subtlety in the messages, or how they’re delivered by musicians that are not only industry seasoned but they are current music fans, you dig? 3) the bands signatures are signed with a sharpie throughout the entire record but they are fading into the vinyl being replaced or traced over with a ton of elements pleasing to the 2021 rock bands ear and finally, 4) it speaks to the totality of Americans and people in other countries, pulling out similarities and experiences throughout the last year and cataloging them in song to make “Versitile”. 

Here’s my review track by track, as I listen to it for the first time. So pardon the choppy sentences, weird analogies, or ding-dong reactions! I’ve been told it’s more fun listening and reading along so open your streaming platform, find “Versatile” and push play…

Let the Chaos Reign - this track is a punk-inspired banger as an opener! Dave Grahs and Nick Fueling parlay licks and hooks as the song progresses and lend to an impressive beginning. Could this be a tell to the makings of a pinnacle record for PopEvil?  The timeless punch in Leigh Kakaty’s vocals remain solid. Love the distorted tones in guitars and the “let the angels fall from the sun” shatters my spine.

Set Me Free - a James Brown jump at the intro is in order, enjoying the dope guitar movement at the beginning. Super relatable lyrics and I love the lyrical identifiers that aid in interpretation. PS - Who is messing with our lives anyway? Because I would really like to know that answer. 

Breathe Again - wait what just happened? Amazing guitars throughout the whole song really Mary with the many elements dropped in this track. This is The stuff that separates the men from the boys or the men and women from the boys and girls should I say?! The drums are rad AF and I love the entire mix on Breathe Again.

Work - interesting song title accompanying a very intriguing tempo and tone from the jump. I am loving this free feel in this tune!  Like pancake batter coming to life with blueberries, the EDM-ish pops are spooned the batter to create a totally new sound, with long roots for PopEvil. But I love it! This new does not reinvent it just solidifies the bands place in rock music. 

Inferno- I feel like I’m in a cave, hearing echoes from people around me. The drums are a life line for the listener to grab a hold of as the melody bounces you down a well known path throughout the whole track! Killer guitar solo and the girth of Leigh’s vocals in and out of the mix is stunning!

Stronger (The Time Is Now) - personally, professionally, poetically this track resonates with me on so many shared channels that humans have. This opens the dam to a flood and otherwise empty or arid river bed to be filled with music. The strength of Lee’s vocals is moving. 

Raise Your Flag - dude. Please let this message travel safely out to any and everyone on any side of any issue. Stop running; believe in what you believe in and be prepared to hold fast. This is a message I need to hear over and over. It’s more than a verbal message, the music is what makes it understandable to any person far & wide. Amazing arrangement! 

Human Nature - hints of a personal testimony are delivered with the PopEvil persona. I love the melody and chorus combination. Any song with a tambourine is fierce AF. Loving the Hendrix retro effect on the guitar(s). 

Survivor - this track begins with a total vibe of the bands beginnings, very smooth. And then a surprisingly different vibe just beamed up PopEvil into 2021. Another example of the bands relevance to Rock then and now the 2:50 mark will make you jump out of your seat!

Worst In Me - wow! OMG! The GD intro is sly like a fox!! I am in love with surprises like that and it’s these that hook me OK pun intended. Love the tech element sprinkled in the mix. 2:08‘s bridge is a sweet set up and will stir up a  pit at a live show, hell I am circle pitting in my office right now and it’s 7:56 AM!!

Same Blood - Holy heavenly measures! The guitars are sick AF. And if I can be honest PopEvil has a formula for creating appealing (and chart worthy) rock music: however it’s not new this has been an equation that has worked for the band for a decade! Really like those track!

Fire Inside - that’s closer to a record in a while! Sums up the entire underlying call to all of us. Big vocals impressive pow-pow In the drums and guitars. is and the entire pull from the melody. It’s refreshing for a band to stay true to form without overcompensating or trying to be something they are not. This record is just that.

Versatile is out Friday, May 21 and is not only a sign of the band’s abilities, Versatile is indicative of the times we live in and potentially what we lack as a collective. 

You can pick the album up wherever you stream or download music listen on Spotify or other streaming services as well. Look for more for the band early fall as  it’s rumored they’ll be hitting the road. 

PopEvil is:
Dave Grahs
Leigh Kakaty
Matt DiRito 
Nick Fueling
Hayley Cramer

https://popevil.com/