I love music that makes you get up and want to pursue something. The Baltimore, MD band CHARM CITY DEVILS have done that with the new album SINS. From start to finish this album pushes full steam ahead with power, angst and real motivational qualities especially in the song UNSTOPPABLE. I love how front man John Allen serves up new approaches in his vocals throughout the songs on the album. I love how STILL ALIVE tells a story and it brings together the elegance of rock and the grit of power that explodes throughout the song. SPITE is just a energy induced track that gets you up and dancing and singing along on volume 10. LOVENWAR exudes the same edgy tone and energy amped appeal. If one band can cover a timeless track that would be these “Charmed” boys they tackle the song MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW and really bring their tone to it and makes it a fan favorite and I think even a band favorite. They also indulge you with a softer side of the band with ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED and DEVIL IS A WOMAN drives you with sex appeal and just a gritty bad ass rocking track.
CHARM CITY DEVILS have shared the stage with the Motley Crue men and also has worked closely with Nikki Sixx and I think with classic and talented spirits around them they have really showed the true talent of the band on this record SINS. I think with the recent release of the disc it’s going to be a real go getter for the summer and when these guys come to town you better go and see them because if you think they rock on an album the live set is explosive.
The band is signed with Eleven Seven Music and the band members consist of Anthony Arambula (bass), Jason Hesier (drums), Victor Karrera (guitar), Nick Kay (guitar) and John Allen (singer) who you might remember back in the day when he backed up SR-71 as a drummer. I had the chance before John got busy with the new record to throw out some questions for him, so enjoy getting to know John and the band CHARM CITY DEVILS.
WHERE DID ALL THIS AMPED UP ENERGY AND EDGIER TONE COME FROM ON THE NEW ALBUM SINS?
We are just five angry dudes!! Lol, no I should say I have some anger issues I am working through! Maybe writing and singing these tunes is my therapy.
FAVORITE SONG ON THE NEW DISC YOU JUST CANT LEAVE OFF THE SETLIST?
“Man Of Constant Sorrow”! It’s got this cool/dark vibe.
RECORDING AND SONGWRITING THIS TIME WAS PRETTY ONE AFTER THE OTHER AND ALL DONE IN ONE SETTING AND ONE PRODUCER. HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT CHANGED THE TONE OF THE MUSIC AND OVERALL FEELING OF THE PROCESS?
Well, it was faster! Laughs, the overall process was so pro! Skidd Mills is an incredibly talented guy and really helped us achieve another level of songwriting, musicianship and professionalism. He’s got Grammy ya know!
MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW IS A COOL COVER VERSION YOU GUYS DID. HOW DO YOU DISSECT A TIMELESS SONG LIKE THAT TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE YOUR BANDS WHOLE VIBE AND CURRENT MUSIC SOUND? IS THERE A LOT OF THINKING OR JUST GOING WITH EMOTION OF A LIVE JAM SESSION TO COVER A SONG?
We just felt like we had to de-construct it to make it work for us. I love it and many seem to agree which is always gratifying for someone who puts their balls out there!
DEVIL IS A WOMAN STILL SHINES WITH BLUESY SASSYNESS, WAS THIS A OLD TRACK YOU BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AND IF NOT WHEN DID THIS SONG START TAKING SHAPE IN THE SONGWRITING PROCESS OF THE NEW RECORD?
“DIAW” is a totally new song and it was actually fairly late in the writing for this record. It’s the kind of song I like to write. It has a nasty groove that I can see strippers getting into worldwide!
ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED IS A OLD TRACK AND VERY HEARTFELT HOW MUCH WAS CHANGED FOR CURRENT EMOTION FOR THE SONG OR WHEN YOU WROTE IT BACK IN THE DAY DID YOU KEEP THE SENTIMENT CLOSE TO THOSE EMOTIONS??
That track is the lightest moment on the record since it deals with a fairly new romantic relationship and that state of complete blissfulness. We kept it close to its original form.
STILL ALIVE IS MY PERSONAL FAVORITE TRACK ANY COMMENTS FROM YOU ABOUT THIS TRACK AND HOW IT CAME OUT OR THE WRITING OF IT?
It’s about the things you would miss if you were to die young and how the people around you can help you fight to live.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET EMOTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN BURIED DEEP IN YOU AND GETTING THEM OUT INTO A SONG??
Write it down! I don’t know. Write, write, write. Then write some more. Get drunk and write. See what comes out. Maybe it’s a case of not thinking about it too much and writing the first thing that comes to mind. The process is different for everyone.
EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE BEEN A FRONT MAN FOR A WHILE NOW, IS THERE STILL ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS HAVING YOUR ROLES CHANGED FROm DRUMMER TO SINGER?
Not really. Sometimes before a show I look for drumsticks!
TOUR PLANS?
Yes! We’re starting our tour on April 19 in Roanoke, and we’re really excited to play at Rocklahoma next month. We’re going to be adding new shows all the time.
LAST COMMENTS?
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