Currently touring in support of their recent self-titled release, Pop Evil checked in to the Town Ballroom looking to take no prisoners. Joining them in the opening slots were Palaye Royale out of Las Vegas and Black Map out of San Francisco. I was especially excited for this show as it would be the first time seeing new addition on drums, Hayley Cramer, playing new material that she had a hand in making, as she joined the band during the last albums touring cycle.
And she certainly didn’t disappoint. Taking her perch above and behind her Michigan based bandmates, long limbs and hair flew with reckless abandon, as she pounded out the beats in her own trademark style. Guitarists Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling exchanged licks from opposite sides of the stage, while bassist Matt DiRito held down the lower register. Hitting the stage last, vocalist Leigh Kakaty took his spot, front and center tearing into “Ways to Get High” to get the show started.
Not one to waste time talking in between songs, Leigh led the enthusiastic crowd on a journey spanning all five studio albums to date, including five tracks off of the new album ( “Waking Lions”, “Ex Machina” , “Nothing But Thieves” ,” Art of War” , and “Be Legendary” ). Also added to the mix were past favorites including “Torn To Pieces”, “Hero” , “100 In A 55” , and “Trenches”.
After this run of headlining dates, Pop Evil will be touring in the opening slot with Poison and Cheap Trick, so be sure to check them out when they play near you, you won’t be disappointed.