In 2006, alternative band Brand New was just finding their sound and distinctive style. The band, coming off of a very successful album titled Deja Entendu, wrote and produced a new album under Interscope Records titled The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. This album would expand on the intricate and layered sound from the previous album and refine it to an even more unique sound.
The album, featuring frontman Jesse Lacey and guitarist Vincent Accardi, was met with extremely positive critical reception: music magazine Alternative Press gave it a full five out of five stars. Nearly forty tracks were recorded for this album, because the band chose to start the whole record over when they realized that their sound had changed so much over the past year. Each member had sickness and deaths in their family, which is one of the major themes of the album.
The album starts with the incredible song “Sowing Season.” Acoustic guitar and the voice of Jesse Lacey are soon joined by light electric guitar. The song plays like a spoken poem before the second chorus, which is loudly interrupted when the band comes in and Lacey begins screaming. The chorus contains just one word, a repeated “yeah” that just fits the song so well. This is one of the strongest songs on the album.
Next on the album is “Millstone.” It’s more melodic than “Sowing Season,” with some “whoa’s” in the background that you’ll be yelling along to in your car. This song has some amazing lyrics, a common occurrence with Brand New. The song is about a man who has fallen from his former standing. Lyrics like the opening line, “I used to be such a burning example, I used to be so original,” take you back to a time where you doubted yourself. Everyone has a moment like this (maybe more than one), and Lacey captures the feeling perfectly in this song.
“Jesus Christ,” the third song on this album, takes a more minimalist approach. Instead of focusing on creating layers to the song, the band uses a simple repeating guitar riff to highlight the voice of Lacey. The soft start takes the usual Brand New approach and builds to a large crescendo at the end.
Other songs highlighted on this album are “Luca,” which has a very foreboding guitar riff through the song, and “Handcuffs.” The latter was actually written by Accardi, the guitarist. Once again, this song starts with just acoustic guitar and Lacey’s voice and adds many layers as the song progresses.
The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me is full of incredible songs and genius lyrics, and the band behind the voice is just as incredible. This album is best listened to during a long drive or an undisturbed sitting where you can focus on the lyrics and composition of the songs.
Score: 4.5/5