Music Review: Them Evils – Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free

Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free is the third EP release for Southern California natives, Them Evils. Following their debut Cold Black Love (2015) and the self-titled Them Evils (2016), they have pushed the envelope and sharpened their sound.

Jordan Griffin (guitars, vocals), Jake Massanari (bass), and David Delaney II (drums) create their music drawing on a heavy throwback influence with a definitive modern feel. It appears they didn’t rely on any tricks when they dished out this six-track serving of in your face rock n’ roll!

This three-piece group is poised to take the world by storm. With so many up and coming bands spinning off into sub-genres of sub-genres, the art of great rock n’ roll seems to be overlooked by many. There are several bands that aim to fill the void of the classic rock n’ roll bands, but none have broken out to super-stardom. Them Evils have the music and the talent to help bring rock n’ roll back to the forefront.

Starting with the opening track, “Got Me Rockin’”, you can feel the strength and energy with which they play. This high-octane anthem makes you want to move, as the gritty guitar and solos guide you through the trip. “She Got Nothin’” continues with the same incredible party grooves while they play it more straight-forward and unrelenting.

Bluesy undertones become apparent as “Gets Me High” starts winding up, and by the time the chorus kicks in, the backing vocals create an out-of-this-world feeling. The blues can also be heard in the most aggressive track on the EP, “Have One on Me”. This song rolls like a freight train ready to come off the tracks, slows a bit towards the latter part with a great breakdown, and inevitably picks back up to the finish.

The booming “Untold” is framed around David’s massive drum beats. The quietest, and possibly grooviest song on the album is a great change of pace as Jordan’s guitar gets experimental with some great effects. “Practice What You Preach” is the most progressive song out of the six. It picks up on some of the album’s vibe but introduces different vocal stylings, and when the background vocals come in, it causes the song’s vibe to soar a bit higher than the rest. The song’s structure is a bit different than the previous songs allowing the listener to hear Jake’s great bass playing.

Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free is an absolute superb listen all the way through. It is big, bawdy, and everything rock n’ roll should be. With great lyrics, fun and heavy arrangements, Jordan, Jake, and David have positioned Them Evils to be one of the leaders resurrecting classic sounding rock ’n roll. This music could fit in a club, an arena, and the airwaves. They set their sights high, and with an EP as stellar as this, are on their way to becoming a household name.

Them Evils are currently out on their headlining tour. Check out their EP when it drops on May 4th, and check them out on tour. It’s sure to be a rock ’n roll party!

Check out their Pledgemusic campaign to order your copy!

For listeners that like Aerosmith, Guns ’N Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, The Struts, and more!

1). Got Me Rockin’
2). She Got Nothin’
3). Gets Me High
4). Have One On Me
5). Untold
6). Practice What You Preach

April 27 – Jacksonville, Fla. @ Welcome to Rockville
May 1 – Birmingham, Ala. @ The Nick
May 2 – Memphis, Tenn. @ Hi Tone
May 3 – Nashville, Tenn. @ The High Watt
May 5 – Concord, N.C. @ Carolina Rebellion
May 8 – Richmond, Va. @ The Camel
May 9 – Washington, D.C. @ Songbyrd
May 10 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Ortlieb’s
May 11 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Saint Vitus
May 12 – Hartford, Ct. @ The Webster (Underground)
May 16 – Lancaster, Pa. @ Chameleon Club (Lizard Lounge)
May 19 – Columbus, Ohio @ Rock on the Range
May 20 – Cleveland, Ohio @ Grog Shop
May 22 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ The Smiling Moose
May 23 – Detroit, Mich. @ PJ’s Lager House
May 24 – Chicago, Ill. @ Beat Kitchen
May 25 – St. Paul, Minn. @ Turf Club
May 26 – Omaha, Neb. @ Lookout Lounge
May 27 – Fort Collins, Colo. @ Hodi’s Half Note
May 29 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Metro Bar

Them Evils:
     

 Senior Journalist: Allen Heimberger