Are you ready to hear the Best Album Ever? I’m not trying to hype it up, that’s literally what it’s called – Best Album Ever is the debut offering by hard rock supergroup The Devil’s Party Band, and as the title suggests, it’s a tongue-in-cheek record made for lovers of the subversive.
Made up of Anthonie van der Walt (previously of Thysis and Jack Hammer), Chris van der Walt (Vulvodynia), Werner Bosman and Jason Hinch (Black Cat Bones, The Amblers), the four-piece bring a seasoned edge to their compositions, each member a prominent figure of SA’s rock scene.
Right off the bat, Best Album Ever pushes a dirty, unrestricted sound, reviving classic west coast rock like it never went out of style. Opener “Banned Outta Town” pairs low-fi vocal production with grungy basslines, recalling a sound the Springbok Nude Girls popularized in SA in the ’80s and ’90s, whilst the non-stop, slap-you-in-the-face guitar shredding of tracks like “Punkreas” and “LSD Chains” brings a heavier, more abrasive persona.
Jack Parow also makes an unlikely appearance on “One Big PK”, adding another layer of raucous texture to this record. Yet, Parow has become synonymous with a disregard for commercial music-writing, and while his style may be miles away from the sound these guys are pushing, his inclusion on the record feels fitting.
“Headstone” is maybe the most melodic of the six tracks, on the verge of breaking down into something lighter and more digestible, although it never does. The Devil’s Party Band constantly point at something that’s impossible to see, keeping intact their well-rounded formula whilst simultaneously letting loose, just getting absolutely rowdy, and goddamnit you should join in on the fun.
Feature pic supplied by artist
