When you hear the descriptor “Puerto Rican band” the first thing that might come to mind is a salsa or merengue ensemble from the island that will get you sweating and dancing something awful. While Davila 666 will fulfill the latter part of this expectation, their music is far from native Borinquen sounds of salsa, and yet full of the swagger one can only expect from their mother land.
Davila 666 is a six piece rock n roll band from Puerto Rico that has rocked the garage, punk, and pop rock worlds since the 2008 debut of their self-titled album (In the Red). This year Davila 666 is taking the States by storm with their “Spics and Stones May Break Our Bones” tour to promote their second full length record “Tan Bajo” (also from In the Red) and the myriad of singles released in between these two records from a wide range of reputable venues (HoZac, Rob´s House and Douchemaster).
The band takes its name from two of the member´s last names, with the added number of the beast that is a fitting moniker that conjures up their satanic majesty. Most notably, the maniacal drummer and the possessed tambourinist carry the weight of the band´s presence during live performances, but every single one out of the six members contributes a small piece of poderes incomprehensible to non-believers.
Davila 666 is a force to contend with all of its own. Their music is best described as rock´n´roll because trying to pinpoint their exact genre is not only an impossibility, it is superfluous. Their sound is gritty, there are soft and fuzzy overtones mixed throughout their songs, and the beats uplift the audience even when the theme is somber or dark. They possess a Stone-esque quality of being able to include lost of different styles in a cohesive sound that does not sound like amateur samplings. In other words, their claim to Menudo influences is more aptly described as Menudo on steroids.
The chorus from the song “El Lobo” is composed of a wolf-like howling that audiences would be hard pressed to avoid joining with raised voices. On the other hand, “Tu” sounds more like The Velvet Underground with its quieter, softer xylophone tones that not only allow the listener to catch his breath, but also the band to demonstrate their range. While their second album “Tan Bajo” promises just the same amount of talent, “Primero Muerta” (HoZac) illustrates what can be termed as the band´s project: a deceivingly soothing song where the singer claims the equivalent to “I´d rather be dead” over soothing melodies. For anyone who knows what it´s like to rather be dead than do X, and opts to rejoice in the liberation of this realization, Davila 666 might just be your cup of tea. Similarly, “Killer Bitch” is an ode to those who will not take any nonsense from anyone. It is full of the appropriate glam rock and power pop echoes that mimic self-assurance.
Simply put, their sound is fun; they are fun. If you go to see them, there is a guarantee of a good time and even a busted move here and there. Seeing them perform feels like hanging out with friends –really talented and Spanish-speaking friends, but friends nonetheless. They are the perfect cure to a bad breakup and an amazing first date. They will be in town
Friday, April 8 | Empty Bottle | $8 at the door or here | 10 p.m. | 21+.