EvilMrSod is the solo side project of Pablo Rodriguez, known for his work with the rock/punk band Fuckin’ Family Faces. EvilMrSod might just be a demon after all, and there’s no doubt he’s got plenty of rock attitude to back that up.
There’s going to be no avoiding the occasional comparison to Johnny Cash. The influence is right there in plain sight (along with some Tom Waits). But EvilMrSod has taken that influence and carved out his own sound, which might be best described as blues that’s been sharpened on the edge of a bad boy rock aesthetic and given ample soul through raw lyrics and acoustic guitar. Bringing all the songs to life and giving them more depth is that rich voice of his, which is alternately smooth and gritty.
I Am A Demon & I Love Rock‘n’Roll is a slick ride from beginning to end. You see a lot of intros in albums, but many are superfluous and few of them actually work. That’s not the case with the playful and lounge-y opener found here, which pulls back the curtain and sets the stage for what follows. String plucking and harmonica on "Live Under Water" tips its hat to the Delta blues and ups the energy of the album. However, EvilMrSod is at his best when he’s down tempo, as evidenced by the standout tracks "Sinnerman," "My Dark Soul," and "In Your Arms."
EvilMrSod has furthered his singer/songwriter credibility with this album, and has left at least this reviewer waiting for another. If you want to hear some of the best acoustic rock you’re likely to hear this year, visit the official myspace page and listen to all of the songs that are offered. While you’re there, go ahead and join the Evil Army (the mailing list).
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