Tag: devil ep

Alcopops Release Devil EP

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I’ve been spending quite a bit of our time covering Portland’s Alcopops, who’ve crafted this perfectly delicious little fuzz pop Devil EP; it’s out in the world now, so I wanted to revisit some of the various reasons I love it. From the first track “Sins,” you get these huge chugging riffs, though I’ll be honest, you can hear some of the indie rock history of the Pacific NW in the band’s arrangements. ‘”Seventy Two” plays a little bit softer, hanging on the band’s more melodic tendencies; I’m a big fan of the warmth of the chorus on that jam. “Try Not to Laugh” takes on a more exploratory fashion, spreading its wings and exploring the noise the band have created, with a nice little curtain of heavy vocals draped atop. Then, just like that the EP closes with “True Bugs,” featuring this huge squalling guitar that crashes into the listener in the best way possible; it’s like getting hit by a storm only you get back up and run right into it. My only complaint? There’s only 4 songs, so lets hope the group get right back to writing more jams.

Alcopops Release True Bugs Single

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We’re a few weeks away from getting to hear the entirety of the new Alcopops release, Devil EP. Today, with this new single, they’ve kind of got me captivated, dropping punishing riffs that blanket these central melodies. At times the band feels like a post-hardcore version of Built to Spill, particularly when it opened it feels like the chorus of “Cars.” But, they bang out this noise, akin to all your favorite “not-quite shoegaze” acts. But, one thing I really am drawn to is the band’s little bits of crisp pop noodling that lurk in this single; I’ll let you follow the breadcrumbs on your own, but this is a jam for sure. Devil EP drops on October 29th.

 

Alcopops Share New Single, Sin

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Simulator was a record full of gritty pop rock gems, so when we heard Alcopops had another release up their sleeve, I was definitely ready to rock along with them. If you’re big fans of huge chugging guitar riffs reverberating through your speakers, then get ready to turn up the volume a bit here. I love the juxtaposition of Leland Brehl’s voice against the backdrop of crashing guitars; it gives you that classic power-pop vibe, though musically you can hear a lot of similarities to acts like Growl or Surfer Blood. I’m particularly in love with the way the album has this emphatic close, like driving off a cliff with Thelma and Louise wearing the biggest grin possible. Welcome to your new favorite band; look for the Devil EP on October 29th.