Brian Setzer has built an iconic body of work across a 40 plus year career. Between the Stray Cats, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, and his solo work, there is an impressive spectrum of musical styles that he touches on. Most notably, there is always a strong nod to Rockabilly roots in just about everything he does. In fact, He is never far from his iconic collection of Gretsch guitars, a leather jacket, and an assortment of tattoos.
Coming himself busy, on September 15, 2023 he released his 13th solo effort, The Devil Always Collects through Surfdog Records. A follow up to 2021’s Gotta Have the Rumble, it is everything you would expect from him and continues the evolution of his talent to craft amazing music. He again joined forces with Producer Julian Raymond; who had previously worked together on Gotta Have the Rumble, which at the time was his first album in 7 years. Complete with 11 new songs, it is his tribute to screaming engines and going fast and has a pared back sound, but bears the classic Setzer touch.
This all mind, with The Devil Always Collects fans will discover an old-fashioned love letter to the heat of human attraction. It is a 41-minute journey filled with songs that celebrate looking cool for the right reasons. Make no mistake though, this is a straightforward Rock-n-Roll record comfortably nestled in the bosom of Rockabilly. Despite its stripped back sensibility, there is a certain density of the music. There is an edge in his vocal delivery and the guitar licks are red hot like the flames on the side of a hot rod.
Opening the album is “Rock Boys Rock,” and this gem is a good time. It captures what this record is all about – celebrating the heat generated by what we find attractive in others. The guitar work on this particular song is front and center with plenty of his trademark handiwork. All in, this one will get a dark and smoky bar on their feet and dance along. Next up, the title-track, captures every bit of why Mr. Setzer is relevant in music today. There is a sinister groove and a toe tapping beat as this one barrels down the highway to hell. Simple lyrics over his classic razor-sharp guitar work come together in something quite memorable. However, you will be looking over your shoulder to see when the devil will come to collect.
Overall, Brian Setzer delivers the goods with The Devil Always Collects. It is a sleek hot rod breathing fire down a wide-open highway, with the radio up loud, and your favorite person in the passenger seat. While calling forth the familiar sounds of yesterday, he masterfully carves something that is brilliant in the context of today.
Just wrapping up his first live shows in over 4 years with the Rockabilly Riot Tour this fall, Setzer will hit the road again in 2024 with new dates kicking off February 24th in California; including stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Austin and more before wrapping March 10th in Nebraska. Something to look out for, in the meantime, it is recommended you check out this new album. Oozing bombastic charisma and celebrating feeling alive in the moment, Cryptic Rock gives The Devil Always Collects 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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