Brand New – 'The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me' (Interscope) Released 20/11/06

Fulfilling anticipation is always a mammoth task but in ‘The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me’, Brand New have not only managed this, they have completely surpassed it with a highly intelligent and awe-inspiring album. Three years on from the release of their critically acclaimed ‘Deja Entendu’ the Long Islanders have broken free from the emo scene they helped ignite to produce something so special and significant that it demands your full attention and keeps you engrossed from start to finish.

Debut album ‘Your Favourite Weapon’ was bursting with quirky pop-punk songs that possessed lyrics so much deeper than their peers, but no one expected the vast change in style and song structure that was ‘Deja Entendu’. Therefore questions on what direction they would go next have finally been answered by the release of their most courageous and multi-faceted LP to date, which removes them from their scene and places them in their very own special niche. 

Commencing with first single ‘Sowing Season (Yeah)’ Brand New immediately hit form as a sombre verse sees singer Jesse Lacey spilling his deepest thoughts before screaming ‘Yeah!’ triggering a meaty riff which kicks the song and album into life. Rarely do you hear so much emotion in a voice as Lacey’s - who spits it out like the most angst-ridden of teens no more so than on the innovative ‘Milestone’.

‘The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me’ is by no means easy listening, with nearly all the tracks pushing six minutes it can be heavy going at times - but the rewards soon surface.  ‘Jesus Christ’ is stunningly simple and harbours Lacey’s opinions and beliefs on religion. ‘Degausser’ uses a choir in the chorus that surprisingly works and complements the haunting verses. Stand out track on the LP is the addictively brilliant ‘Archers’ that combines indie verses with the most memorable of chorus that begs to be chanted back by a sweaty room full of adoring fans.

In the three years since Brand New’s last offering, My Chemical Romance have stolen the alt-rock mantle and have now become the benchmark for fledgling bands, therefore its fitting that their charismatic front-man, Gerard Way guest vocals on ‘ Limousine’, respect rather than envy unites the two bands. ‘Not The Sun’ is the most straight forward of songs on the album and is more in keeping with early Brand New. ‘You Won’t Know’ soars to new heights as the multi-layered structure gives the song a unique sound.

Brand New have strutted back onto the scene clutching their best and most adventurous songs to date which are certain to be devoured by old and new fans alike. ‘The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me’ is an incalculable triumph, with every listen unravelling a little bit more of their genius.