Pop Evil
Leigh Kakaty (vocals, guitar)
Davey Grahs (guitar)
Nick Fuelling (guitar)
Chachi Riot (drums)
Matt DiRito (bass)
It is common knowledge that folks in Ohio “don’t give a damn for the whole state of Michigan”, that is with one exception! Michigan hard rockers Pop Evil, hailing from Grand Rapids have shattered that long standing sentiment. Nothing brings people together like good hard hitting rock and roll.
On Thursday December 4th Pop Evil took the stage at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio with a high intensity set that would leave even the most energetic fan gasping for air. They came out loud and hard with “Flawed”, bassist Matt DiRito flying, jumping and twisting all over the stage. It’s hard to think of a more radical and dynamic bass player on the scene today.
Much the same can be said for Chachi Riot, the fast moving and hard hitting drummer behind the powerful tempos. With so many photos out there of a brightly lit drum kit with nothing but a flash like blur behind it, one might consider creating a photo series around him entitled the invisible drummer.
It has often been said that guitarist Dave Grahs is the quiet one of the group, it is also well known that it is the quiet ones that you need to watch out for. Dave’s rhythm combined with lead guitarist Nick Fuelling’s ax shredding bring a very unique and distinctive sound to the band and a performance that ranges from old school rock to modern hard core metal riffs and everything in between.
Lead vocalist Leigh Kakaty provides a dynamic range of vocal talent, which includes fist pumping, crowd jumping hard rhythms to soft melodic ballads. Leigh bridges the gap between hard rock, soft rock and just dash of pop for good measure.
It can easily be said that these guys are the most friendly, humble, genuine and appreciative groups in the business today. Pausing for an intimate moment about half way through the set to share good Holiday wishes with the fans and provide a rare live performance of “Beautiful” highlighting a unique bond between the group and their fans.
With the niceties and good wishes out of the way it was back to high jumping, fist pumping, high energy madness as they lit up the stage and the crowd went crazy. Ultimately finishing off the evening with the hard rocking chart smashing hit “Trenches”.
For those of you in Ohio who haven’t had the chance to see these hard rocking boys from Michigan you will likely have to wait until 2015 for the next Ohio show, be sure to check out the bands official website or Facebook page for upcoming tour dates and announcements.
Photographs by Craig Noce
Pop Evil
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