Austin based songwriter/songwriter Amigo the Devil (aka Danny Kiranos) follows-up 2018’s Everything is Fine with Born Against – another album of Americana noir filled with guitar parts, brass, keyboards, woodwinds, and strings. In addition to his captivating musicianship which as somewhat of a local cult following, the multifaceted Kiranos is also a master brewer and culinary school attendee. With Born Against, Kiranos expands his musical palette with eastern European folk and bolero influences. Standout tracks include: the slowly rolling opening track “Small Stone”; the jarring “Murder at the Bingo Hall”; the dark, brooding ballad “Different Anymore”; the jaunty banjo romp “24K Casket”; the Tom Waits-esque “Quiet as a Rat”; the Italian spaghetti Westerns and Spanish tango influenced “Drop For Every Hour”; the bluesy “Better Ways To Fry A Fish”; the waltzing “Another Man’s Grave”; and the emotive country ballad “Letter From Death Row.” Amigo The Devil’s Born Against is a dark, hauntingly melodic album filled with clever embellishments that make each song stand out. One of the strongest releases so far this year, I’m sure Born Against will end up on many best of lists in 2021. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | The Builders and the Butchers, Brown Bird, The Devil Makes ThreeThe Lost Dog Street Band, Murder By Death