[Spotlight Post] Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
This is a crosspost from Celtic Music Magazine. This one is an Austin based Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.
When this album and band came up, I had to check it out – and not just because they’re from Austin, TX. A band called Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead describing themselves as: Irish Punk Rock with bagpipes and balls? I have to know what this is, so I jumped on it.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead is a five piece whirlwind of Celtic Music. They’re about to release their debut album, Irish Goodbye, in September. They sent me some pre-release tracks to listen to – to get a feel for what this band is all about.
They’re loud. They’re fast. And they’re tight. This is NOT your traditional Irish music. This is raucous, irreverent and exhausting (in a good way). This is high energy, fast paced, well-played music that will get you moving. The vocals are raw and primal but skilled and
In the true tradition of Punk Rock, these songs are aggressive and rebellious with titles like “Bad Decision”, and” Rebel Songs” – it’s a clue we’re heading off the “traditional” Celtic music tracks. There are overtones of other styles, as well. “Kind of Wake” has a SKA feel (without the brass section) to me which I like. But they’re not just loud, tight, and raucous. Their song, “Samhain” is a haunting ballad with dark overtones. “Rebel Songs” is the other ballad-esque track with haunting lyrics. They also like to lure you in with a hint of tradition before taking off on a wild romp – like with “Russian Roulette” which starts out with classic bagpipes then kicks it up to eleven.
I can’t wait to hear the full album when they have it done.
Artist: On Facebook and Sonicbids
Buy Album: Release Date is scheduled for Mid-September, 2014.