Poignantly released on Friday 13th and drawing us in with a cerebral bass performance, expanding into a blues and alternative rock hybrid soundscape, Charlie and the Moonshine open El Diablo with cinematic intrigue.
The opus evolves with a captivating vocal performance and conceptual lyrics, “I’ve been the king among ashes n’ smoke, tired of riding alone, how many years, how many eons, of letting them burning and beg for more…”
In essence, El Diablo is an intelligently written tale is told from the Devil’s perspective. Naturally, he is powerful and rules over ashes, smoke and fear. He is used to control, but then he falls in love with a human woman. She does not fear him and that love weakens him as power bends to desire.
This would be perfect for a sync placement in a TV show like Lucifer, a remake of True Blood, or perhaps the upcoming reboot of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. This is a forbidden love story where desire clashes with notions of authority. In the song, something divine steps in to correct what should never have happened and she disappears, but her presence stays with him.
Sonically, we are obsessed with the dark sensuality that manifests with the soundscape and the guitar performances are absolutely sublime – there is no doubt that Charlie and the Moonshine are masters of their art form. The presence of the cello adds to the cinematic darkness, whilst the B3 organ gives it that haunted feel. We also learn that it was recorded live, so it feels alive and authentic.
The band’s upcoming debut album was recorded live in Avándaro, and blends their Mexican roots with Americana spirit to carve out an honest and powerful identity. Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added El Diablo to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Charlie and the Moonshine‘s debut single, The Quest, and anticipate the release of their album.