Photos and review by Robert McDonald
Show Photos HERE
On a blustery Saturday evening, the boys from Pop Evil heated up the cozy basement venue called the South Shore Music Hall in Quincy, MA. It is not often that you get to see a big name band in an intimate venue. This was one of those occasions for me and I would encourage anyone to seize the opportunity when they get it.
Pop Evil is currently out promoting their third studio album, “Onyx”, which was released in May of this year. Arguably the most successful album by the band, it sold 10,000 copies sold in the first week of release, making it the most successful first week in the band’s history.
When the band took the stage it was standing room only with an energetic crowd that matched the band’s energy note for note all night. They kicked off their set with one of their most popular songs, “Deal with the Devil” and didn’t look back. From the minute they took the stage until the end of the evening the band displayed the energy that epitomizes their career.
They shifted in to a lower gear only twice during the night. The first was for “Torn to Pieces”, which gave the audience a chance to see Leigh Kakaty’s vocal and acoustic prowess. The second was when the boys from Michigan stopped to recognize the Boston Marathon victims and the City that came together on that tragedy.
Dave Grahs, lead guitarist, electrified the crowd with his subtle talent, including his over the top riffs in “Goodbye My Friend”. He even performed a stunt usually left to the more apt stick-handling drummers. Easily missed if you weren’t watching intently, Dave randomly flips his guitar pick behind his back and catches in front without missing a note. A small touch, but it brought a smile and a look of appreciation from many in the crowd.
The night ended on a frenetic note with the encore of “Trenches”, which received their first national #1 single earlier this year. This show reinforced in my mind that Pop Evil is one of, if not the best bands of 2013.
Pop Evil at The South Shore Music Hall – MA
