The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me

In lieu of Thursday's show, I have pulled back out Brand New's most recent release and must say it is dangerously close to topping Deja Entendu as my favorite Brand New record. Although Deja Entendu is undoubtably Brand New's masterpiece, their fan favorite, and the best definition of who they are as a band, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me is their secret weapon.

Many people look over TDAGARIM for it's extremely dark and depressing air, but I think their is something fascinating with it. The way the music, vocals, and lyrics blend together to create such a brooding atmosphere that can go as far to make the listener almost uncomfortable at the despair presented ("Millstone, "Jesus Christ", "Handcuffs") is impressive. Musically, Brand New are at their best here, Vin shows off his incredible skill as a guitarist ("Degrausser", "Luca", "Welcome to Bangkok"), Brian ventures out of his comfort level behind the kit ("Archers", "Degrausser", and Jesse pushes his voice to the limit, at times even channeling Morrissey (fittingly).

As well, TDAGARIM is an album in the most sincere form of the word. No song can really be heard on it's on, it must be digested in full, as the record relies heavily on mood. Despite this, their is still much variation between and within songs, but in a much more experimental and subtle way than seen in Deja Entendu.

It is becoming obvious that I could go on about this band for ever so I'm just gonna stop here. I'll wrap it up saying although I think they are the best and most talented band out, it is hard for even their critics to argue few bands put as much emotion, thought, and heart into their music as Brand New. So if you haven't heard TDGARIM, please get it, spend a lot of time with it and really look deep into it and you will find yourself in a truly unique place that few bands can take you.

"Luca"

luca - brand new
"What you need is what you already got..."

"The Archers Bows Are Broken"

the archers bows have broken - brand new

"Who do you carry the torch for my young man? Do you believe in anything? Do you carry it around just to burn things down?"

"Degausser"

Degausser - Brand New
"Your my favorite bird and when you sing, I really do wish that you'd wear my ring, no matter what they say I'm am still thing king..."


"...the storm is coming...."

-D$