Brand New are one of those bands. They skirt the fringes of pop-punk society but when they decide to join the party, well, they bring the noise. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is their master plan. The third album from New York three-piece is as much a departure from their usual style as it is magnificent. Think of this as a fine wine that has matured over the years and deserves time to be appreciated. Take the 54 minutes and 51 seconds to truly enjoy this album and you won't be disappointed.
The opener 'Sowing Season (Yeah)' sets the tone for the rest of the record. Often overt but never over-the-top the album progresses through such journeys into music as 'Jesus' and 'Degausser' and often reaching the giddy heights of heavy rock, with the thrashing guitars and heavy drums of 'Welcome To Bangkok'. The true highlight of this album is the midway point, the track 'Limousine (MS Rebridge)' with its rolling lyrics and repeated chorus it ends with a startling finale of feedback and grinding guitar strings. Well worth the 7 minutes.
The commercial success of this album has caused some much needed attention for Brand New. They are a band with many facets and deserve the success they have received. Reaching number 31 on the Billboard 200 and being named album of the year by punknews is all good news.
Brand New have reached out to new audiences with this record. There isn't really anything grand that it wants to say. There are themes of love and loss and internal conflict, hence the title (also referenced from a conversation with Daniel Johnston), and this is all common fare amongst the pop-rock-punk fraternity. Along with these are many references to modern culture and news stories, such as the seven year old girl killed by a drunk-driver. Jesse's voice has reached a new level, at points screamo and others melodic, and sometimes Modest Mouse, but always on point. There are so many stories behind this album that it would be a disservice to list them here. It is for the listener to find out and go on the journey. And this is the point behind this record. It needs the listener to sit down and take the time to enjoy every chord, drumbeat and musical soundbite.
The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me will stand as not only Brand New's most adventurous and successful record, but also stand shoulder to shoulder with their brethren in the genre.
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