Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Billed as "a romance", Love and War is a modern day indie-rock opera written and performed by New York hard rock quartet Devola. This 11-track epic is quite an ambitious undertaking, and the band deserves props for rolling the dice on such a noncommercial project.
the backbone of Devola's sound comes from the versatile six-string licks born from the hands and imagination of Joe Vega, whose playing style swings from the chopping buzz of metal riffs the the heavy crunch of echoing chords that bring an intensity to the album's darker moments. Singer Elizabeth Seward's vocals float to the surface of the mix in Amy Lee falsetto fashion, and the operatic quality in her voice fits well with the Love and War concept. Drummer Chuck Richard and bassist Mike Merlino bring influences in to the Devola sound that take the band into the areas of thrash and hardcore as well as old-school metal and mainstream rock.
As an ensemble, Devola exploits the theatrical theme by packing each song with enough dynamics to turn every composition itno a compelling and head-banging act.
Love and War is a powerful effort that should go far in taking Devola to the next level. Get the big picture on Devola at thedevolavirus.com.
-Dan Brown, Good Times Magazine - good times magazine
"Impressive, fresh female-fronted NYC art-metal that rewards listeners like few such bands these days-sounding like a bizarre but captivating cross between "Jagged Little Pill" Alanis, "To Bring You My Love" PJ Harvey, and the sorely missed Babe The Blue Ox. Pop-leaning, but relatively uncompromising."
-Jim Reed, Connect Savannah - Connect Savannah
"There is no known cure for the Devola virus. Say your prayers."
-Tim Connoly, Inside Connection - Inside Connection
"Devola sets itself apart from what has become typical of NYC bands - the Strokes-esque guitar-heavy band with a barely sober lead singer mumbling incoherent lyrics into the mic. What strikes me about Devola is how they've paired bass-driven jazzy music with electrifying opera-esque vocals. The band experiments with eccentricity in "False," a song that highlights singer Elizabeth Seward's soul-searching vocals. "Under Attack" gives off a jazzier ambience, transporting the listener to a hip underground cafe where one can just groove to the music and unwind. Check out Devola if you're looking for a local band with more substance and individuality than the dozens of mediocre ensembles throwing together gigs last minute in this city."
-Shawna Adams, Cityzen Entertainment
- Cityzen Entertainment
Discography
Debut full-length release (May 2005)
'Love and War'
Hear 'False' on www.cityzen.tv radio
All others are streaming on our Myspace page.
www.myspace.com/devola
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
"Born in April of 2004, Devola has been infecting fans with their heavy hooks, thunderous energy and unrelenting grooves since their first show at a CBGB's audition night, where they were met with a crowd of unprecedented proportion. From that incredible start, they have been speeding through the muck of the NYC music scene, headlining shows and packing the house at CBGB's, the Continental, Sin-e, the Knitting Factory, Trash, and many more, creating an entirely new, refreshing New York scene with a growing list like-minded NYC bands. After flooding the New York clubs, they set themselves off on a self-funded tour, spreading their musical virus to the eager music-lovers of the East Coast and Mid-west. Upon return from this surprisingly successful first tour, Devola found itself with a fortified drive to keep creating the music they and their fans love. With a unique but highly listenable, and intensely entertaining sound, Devola is impossible to ignore."
- Andrew Couts, STUFF MAGAZINE
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