DEVIL’S BRIGADE – “S/T”
It was only a matter time before a Matt Freeman focused side-project. Given the nature of RANCID as a band embracing a family/gang perspective, and with solo projects already in the books for Tim and Lars, Matt’s ticket was ready to be punched. Making its first appearance some eight years ago on a Give ‘Em The Boot compilation, DEVIL’S BRIGADE has sort of waited in the wings. Pieced together from the band’s original demo (with the songs re-recorded), and Tim and Matt’s collaborative vision for a musical written about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge (seriously, read the lyrics to “Half Way To Hell” and “Bridge of Gold”), the twelve-song self-titled affair cranks up with a lively pulse and coarsely grown attitude. Naturally, Tim has his say on Devil’s Brigade, with Tim’s buzzin’ guitars duking it out with Freeman’s dominating upright bass (X’s DJ Bonebrake handles drum duties). Despite the style of bass playing, the BRIGADE is not invested too much in rockabilly or psychobilly. There’s a smattering of it on “Ride Harley Ride” and “Gentleman on the Road,” but those songs also bring a cool, relaxed loungey feel (gotta be the vibraphone) to the release in between the fiery rolls of aggression. The DEVIL’S BRIGADE bio describes the side-project as “roots driven punk rock,” and that’s as good a box one could tag on it, and yet it still feels like it is selling the depth of the band short. At only 28 minutes long, Devil’s Brigade blows through quick and has the insatiable creative energy that follows all RANCID related gatherings – that’s a pretty good craving to have.
