Long-time hard rock champs Pop Evil have unveiled their latest album, Skeletons (MNRK Music Group). Discussing the album, frontman Leigh Kakaty said, “This is about us as a band stripping everything down to the bones. It’s more up-tempo, it’s got bigger riffs, and we’re trying to capture the energy of our live show. But it’s also a positive message, I know it’s a morbid visual, but behind every skeleton, there’s a story and something worth talking about. Overall, it’s about looking at something in a positive way. And I’m excited for everyone to hear that.”
‘Eye of the Storm’ was the first single to bolster the upcoming album. True to the track title, it sweeps in like a hurricane, with blustering guitars and relentless drumming, but the lyrics soften the blow. Kakaty seems to shake the listener into believing his words, to not let hopelessness swallow them whole because they don’t realize they are “only one step away” from things turning for the better. The track also grabbed the fifth spot for Most Played Song in 2022 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart.
Last fall, the second single was released, ‘Paranoid (Crash & Burn)’. It sheds light on the ever-growing and ever-changing state of mental health and wellness. The pleas to have support, and repetitive “the voice in my head is a threat” followed by the “get out of my head” scream will resonate with any person that struggles with intrusive thoughts or depression.
Early this year saw the third single release and the first of three track features. ‘Dead Reckoning’ hosts Fit For a King vocalist Ryan Kirby who uses his powerful screams to add immense heft to a track about prevailing through the darkest times one could experience.
The album title track ‘Skeletons’ stands out from the pack as it takes on a Western saunter with a tambourine chime mimicking the spurs on cowboy boots as he walks. The track reminds listeners that “we’re only human”, just flesh and bone, and we can’t control the world– we can only observe.
Producer Drew Fulk (Disturbed, Papa Roach, Motionless in White) took the helm again to bring the band success once again. “With Versatile, we had a bunch of producers, but for this album, we just wanted to work with one person and get back to our roots,” says Kakaty. “There’s an energy he and I have, and he’s been great at helping us build these songs and work around some collective themes.”
The album framework for Skeletons molds frustration and hardships with instrumentals but refines it with resilient and supportive lyrics. Pop Evil weaves in the classic hard rock elements O.G. fans love, with aspects newer listeners might be drawn to, such as pop-influenced electronics and 808 bass accents.
Buy the album here:
https://popevil.ffm.to/skeletons
7 / 10
JESSIE FRARY