According to the official Pop Evil bio, they are "best thing to come out of Michigan since the automobile and Kid Rock". Not so sure about the latter as the Rock's career has been a bit dicey of late, but after listening to "Lipstick on the Mirror" I will tell you if you've been looking for a band that sounds like a grungier "Three Doors Down" that went to a "Hurt" concert with the guys from "Circus of Power", I have found them and currently they are the Cadillac in your playlist.
With early beginnings in the Grand Rapids music scene as far back as 2001 and having cut their incisors on the club circuit, Pop Evil has produced their first full length cd having signed with Pazzo Music in 2007.
Clearly the heavy rotation, if there is such a thing anymore, track is "Hero" which grabs the listener by their rock/metal nether regions without any apologies. Nor should there be. Pop Evil clearly have a corner on the popular lyrical approach--catchy, memorable, soundtrack ready--and the wall of sound produced by guitarists Dave Grahs and Tony Greve is a popsicle licking frenzy through twelve tracks. Dylan Allison and Matt DiRito on bass hold down the beat and bottom end impeccably--and for once no one is overplaying.
Leigh Kakaty on lead vocals, is an attention grabber and as impassioned as they come... think of Alex Mitchell's zeal with expert production and effects and you may get an idea of his range and style. It is easy to believe that HE believes in what he is singing about. In short, he is the poster child for alternative rock stations across the country.
Currently on tour supporting Tesla, if "Lipstick on the Mirror" is Pop Evil's calling card, the rock and roll doors are wide open for this quintet. Lastly, Pop Evil is what makes girls want to date a guy in a band and makes guys want to BE in the band.
5 Stars
