Amigo the Devil – Yours Until the War is Over
Out today on Liar’s Club Records/Regime Music Group, Amigo the Devil’s third album, “Yours Until the War is Over,” is a unvarnished, perscussive-heavy collection of storyteller’s songs.
With musical hints of Gogol Bordello, and songwriting influences from legends like Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits, and Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, Amigo the Devil, aka Danny Kiranos has a sound that is uniquely his own.
The 13 tracks on this release are diverse and raw with emotion, but melodic and intriguing.
Opening track, “Hanging by the Roots” has a plucky guitar sound and a Da DUM da DUM beat. “It’s All Gone,” follows with a similar beat with higher notes and the thrash of cymbals, and conjures up thoughts of Gogol Bordello, and a Romani sound. “I’m going to Heaven,” continues in that vein, with more melody and a smoother beat.
“The Mechanic” changes things up with a slow melody and melancholic undertones. “Once Upon a Time in Texaco #1” is a fast banjo-driven racer, and “Barrel and Staghorn” takes it back to that slow, more melodic, melancholic sound with interesting samples and recordings interspersed within, conjuring up images of a dark Western from outer space.
“Cannibal Within” is an aching addiction tale, with lyrics like “eaten alive, by the cannibal within.” “Stray Dog” feels like a 1950s ballad updated in signature Amigo the Devil style. The ending, “Closer,” is a tale that, well, you just have to listen to.
The album was produced by Danny Kiranos & David Talley, with Kevin Zinger, Ivory Daniel & Danny Kiranos as executive producers.
If you are looking for an interesting listen with a bit of an obscure, experimental sound, check out Amigo the Devil. Catch him on tour now, opening for Flogging Molly. www.amigothedevil.com
