The Men, a four-member band from Brooklyn lead by Mark Perr (vocal/guitar/piano), have dropped their debut Immaculada back in 2010. It was a self-released effort, but only a year later their sophomore Leave Home came out under Sacred Bones label. This intriguing and seductive intersection of post hardocre, noise and shoegaze brought them a substantial, loyal fanbase and praises of music critics. Their next material was a surprising change in direction, as it served pure indie rock (Open Your Heart). Following two albums New Moon (2013) and Tomorrow Hits (2014) were also a surprise. With the sound inspired by Neil Young, Dinosaur Jr and Tom Petty, the band played history of modern rock music throughout their five albums.
Their sixth album Devil Music sees the band making another 180 degrees turn. They have returned to their punk roots. The album was recorded in three days, in the studio where they are practicing, which probably contributed to the hermetic and claustrophobic atmosphere that radiates from almost any song. The whole record is recorded live and even some lyrics were improvised. Melodies that were their signature are not to be easily found at first listen, but they are still there, covered in powerful noise. Dreamer and Crime are perfect examples.
In the middle of the record, The Men lean towards psych rock in songs Pattern and Violate, in which the singer's growl and noise blues guitar riff stimulate all your senses. You will be completely blown away by a crash between saxophone and distortions in Hit The Ground. Acoustic Devil Music lets you take a break before final two intense jams - Gun that sounds as Tom Waits singing Lou Reed, and Fire, the most brutal attack on the listener. It is an epic homage to pain and self-destruction.
Every album in The Men discography has sounded as If they are tapping into the new terrains. Their ventures were always successful. Devil Music is a cathartic release of anger, pain and negative energy, which is precisely what you need before the New Year comes.
