ALBUM REVIEW: Live At Maximum Festival – The Devils

As part of an ongoing series of releases, Go Down Records have released another live recording of Maximum Festival’s return to live music post-pandemic, this time featuring Naples duo THE DEVILS. Formed in 2015, the duo have done extensive tours around the globe, both as headliners and support acts, with their tour history including shared stages with the likes of THE SONICS and MUDHONEY. Furthermore, their first two records were produced by Jim Diamond (THE WHITE STRIPES, THE SONICS), so knowing all of this it’s no surprise that we’re in for a wild performance.

From the start to end you can feel the incredible energy given off by both the band and the audience members, partly because of the bliss that followed once live music returned but mostly due to the performance given by THE DEVILS. They open the set with I Appeared To The Madonna, and no time is wasted in kicking things off with the opening drum beats and guitar riffs as they head into the rock anthem. It feels so exciting. As the band go into Real Man the listener begins to get a more vivid picture of the scene unfolding. The slight static and rough production give off such a cool vibe that never ceases to hold your attention. The vocal performance just adds to it as Erika Switchblade, who also rocks out on the drums, has a voice very similar to that of Brody Dalle.

Each song on the setlist is so entertaining, to the point that you’ll only wish you had been in the crowd to witness this. The band offer a mix of gnarly guitar riffs, as heard in songs like Drunk Town and Radio Maria Anthem, and short but sweet punk tracks (there’s too many to name) that make you want to headbang, jump around and dive into the nearest pit. You’ll never want it to end. If this is your first time listening to THE DEVILS then this is the perfect introduction.

Live At Maximum Festival is a live album that accurately captures a wild atmosphere, sounds amazing, and features a fun, energetic set filled with your soon-to-be new favourite punk anthems. You can’t go wrong. Our only real complaint is that we’re not there to join the crowd but, hey, maybe next time?

Rating: 8/10

Live At Maximum Festival is out now via Go Down Records.

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