Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Top 100 Songs of 2011 -- #77: "Devil is a Lady" -- The Chain Gang of 1974

Denver/Los Angeles musician Kamtin Mohager appeared on the scene in 2011 with Wayward Fire, his first release as The Chain Gang of 1974. The album was an exercise in dance-punk -- and possibly the best such exercise of the year. Placing dirty guitars and synths over catchy choruses, Mohager created a record surely to put him on the map when it comes to future releases.

A prime example of Mohager's talent and flair for melodic production is "Devil is a Lady," the album's second track. Beginning with a jaunty guitar riff, and soon explodes into something much larger. More guitars, deep synths, a never-ending drum loop -- and it's nearly a minute-and-a-half before the vocals even begin.

The song veers about as close to disco as the act ever comes. This is not a bad thing by any means -- in fact, Mohager actually pulls it off fairly well. There's even vague hints of The Rapture here. It's unclear what direction The Chain Gang of 1974 will end up taking, but this wouldn't be a bad choice for one. Mohager seems very much in his element here, and that's what matters.

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