Charm City Devils - Let's Rock and Roll: Album Review

I recently checked my iTunes play count and noticed a rather strange anomaly. It appears that over the past several months that Charm City Devils (CCDs) has become my most listened to and perhaps favorite band.

Whether running, at the gym or driving when a track from "Let's Rock n' Roll" came up on shuffle, I didn't hit skip and violently curse my purchase of yet another album that would be doomed to the far netherworlds of my cob-webbed infested hard drive.

Instead I enjoyed every last song over and over again.

Extreme praise for a band that I hadn't heard of a year ago. However, this band worthy of such praise especially in today's world filled with disposable manufactured bands whose primary goal is to sell a single. An album that can be listened to end-to-end and have a shelf life of over two months is a rarity and worthy of review at RUFKM.

So who are Charm City Devils? Well from what I can tell, they are from Baltimore (hence "Charm City"), they are obsessed with fire, have a sound reminiscent of early Bon Scott AC/DC and former drummer of legendary SR-71 , John Allen, as their lead singer, song-writer, chief roadie and tour manager. Also as an added bonus, they also just so happen to be the first band signed to Nikki Sixx's Eleven Seven Records.

What does all this mean? It means a perfect recipe for a bluesy, almost garage-sounding band delivering hard rock riffs combined with elements of punk all overlaid with raw, emotional and surprisingly honest lyrics.

If that doesn't get you to give "Let's Rock n' Roll" a spin, I have one word for you: Cowbell.

As an album, the entire mix works. Starting off with their first single and title track, hard-rocking "Let's Rock n' Roll" sets the tone that this will not be another manufactured hit. The influence of AC/DC is apparent in this track with hard driving riffs, a great hook and a rawness evident of it being recorded in John's basement. With lyrics of "I gave everything I had to rock n' roll, I guess I sold my soul" you feel the urgency and emotion of someone who has sacrificed everything for their one true passion.

Moving on we get the first track about fire, "House Fire". Still up-tempo and much like the other flame inspired last track "Burn Baby Burn" you feel that although this song is great that it is undoubtedly best enjoyed in a smoke-filled bar.

Instead of throttling back, the upbeat tempo continues in "10,000 Miles" with the same angst and urgency of the title track. This is where you start to notice the uniqueness of CCD's as the production is perfect and the music on this album isn't going to consist of gimmicks and traditional worn-out hard-rock clichés.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the two ballads on the album. Instead of going with the traditional keyboard intro, they decided to go with harmonies on "Best of The Worst", continue the pace of the album and create one of the most memorable and original choruses heard in a long-time.

"Sometimes I'm a fool,

Sometimes I'm a humble man;

Sometimes I'm the only one;

In the room that don't understand you."

The other ballad, "Almost Home", is a little slower but apparently autobiographical and anyone with a family can relate to. I found myself enjoying this track more than would be expected. One day, I was even driving home with my oldest son and this song actually made me think.

Fortunately, there are not too many songs like "Almost Home" on the album that force you think. There is the decadent "Pour Me" with the sensational opening demand of "A little more cowbell, please" and a solitary cowbell building to a full build of guitars, drums and more cowbell. Other tracks like the anthem-like "True Love", the frantic "Money" which is an exciting blend of rock and punk and almost creep stalker inspired "One Day" all are bonuses to the price of admission.

"Night to Dark" has more of a blues feel than any track on the album and it almost seems out of place on the album. With a slower beat, a familiar riff, and a darker sound it is a track that works, but maybe not in concert with the other tracks.

Other interesting items of note:

1. John Allen looks like John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls fame and although not confirmed, rampant Internet rumors allegedly started by

   Somebody, and we aren't naming names, told these other four guys they were really in the Goo Goo Dolls

   RUFKM, could actually be Rzeznik.

2. Apparently CCD has other band members than John including Vic Karrera (guitar), Anthony Arambula (bass), Nick Kay (guitar) and Jason Heiser (monster drums)
3. The album contains no turntable scratching, hip-hop beats or rapping.
4. There is something interesting from Baltimore.
5. John had one of the best "13 Stupid Questions" interview ever.

OK, now buy the damn album and keep these guys employed and rocking. We're so confident you will like them that RUFKM will give you a 100% refund if you do not enjoy them.