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Album Review

Most people will be familiar with Matt Freeman as the nimble-fingered bass-plucker from US punk-rockers Rancid and, formerly, Operation Ivy. Although his guttural vocals can be heard on several tracks from Rancid’s 17-year discography, Freeman has rarely been seen stepping out from the shadows of his bandmates Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen. However, as his aforementioned cohorts have done in the past, Freeman has decided to have a short break from the confines of the group to take the wheel of his own new vehicle, Devil’s Brigade. His usual frontman Armstrong has even joined him for the ride, though agreeing to settle for a back-seat role on this occasion.

On Devil’s Brigade’s self-titled debut, Freeman has opted to move away from the ska-infused punk that is associated with his previous work and explore some of his other musical interests, including rockabilly, boogie-rock and ragtime jazz. However, the album begins with a couple of typically fast and furious hardcore punk songs called ‘I’m Movin Through’ and the suitably-titled ‘My Own Man Now’.

Fans of Freeman’s incomparable bass-playing style will be pleased to know that his unique sound can be heard throughout the album, including a lively double bass solo on ‘Darlene’ and the jazzy intro to the eerily mellow ‘Ride Harley Ride’. However, it’s his deep, gravelly rasp that characterizes Devil’s Brigade and provides a rare treat to anyone who was fond of its occasional appearance during the odd Rancid track.

Tim Armstrong’s guitar playing also takes a rare departure from the usual reggae-tinged chords that fans will be used to. It’s the Johnny Cash-inspired rockabilly twanging on several songs, including ‘Halfway to Hell’ and ‘Shakedown’, that is most noticeable. Armstrong’s vocals can also be found here on ‘Gentleman of the Road’ and, alongside a guest appearance from another fellow Rancid member Lars Frederiksen, on the banjo- and piano-fuelled ‘Bridge of Gold’.

Unlike most bass players, particularly in the perfectly crude and amateurish world of punk-rock music, Matt Freeman has always stood out as one of the key members of his band. This fact owes a lot to the stylish and distinctively fast manner in which he plays his bass. Anyone who views Freeman as one of the most talented musicians of the genre will doubtlessly be pleased to discover that he is now fronting his own band - and they are right to be pleased. This is another good album from members of one of the highest rated punk bands around. It’s hectic and passionate enough to keep the hardcore fans interested, but it utilizes an eclectic mix of influences that keeps things exciting and different. Whether or not Freeman will continue with this project for now or quickly return to Rancid remains to be seen, but based on this evidence, there is no reason why Devil’s Brigade can’t be more than just a one-off.