There's something about Pop Evil. There's something about Pop Evil that I like.

Pop Evil, Sacramento, Ace of Spades

I was expecting Pop Evil's first headline show in Sacramento to be good. I really enjoyed Up (here's the review).  I thought they were one of the best at Aftershock 2015. But last night's show at the Ace of Spades passed all my expectations. It was great to see them indoors, well-lit, and performing as the headliners they deserve to be.

Leigh Kakaty, Pop Evil

From the opening moments of Pop Evil's set, to the last notes of Footsteps, they were just so darn good. Light, movement, show!!! They are masters of rock anthems that soar, but which are yet gritty and hard enough to appeal to this town of metal.

Chachi Riot on drums, Pop Evil

Everyone needs watching, every band member, every musician. Eyes jumping all over the stage, all night. Drums? Chachi Riot is (an) Animal! Stands up, thumps down, I bet he uses six or seven million calories in a performance, I think (hope!) I lost six pounds just watching. Those drums!!! He attacks them, it's a ballroom blitz, he pounds them to pieces, yet so very exactly-precisely. Duelling with Matt DiRito's bass; together the foundation, together the earthquake. And then Davey Grahs and Nick Fuelling on guitar, each making their presence felt, each with a part to play, different styles, different stage personas, different guitarists but like fraternal twins.

And of course, Leigh Kakaty on vocals, on lyrics; front man of a band that's very much more than the sum of parts; every member unique, every member a vital part of the musical tapestry; this is the Pop Evil family. It's obvious how much these guys trust and know each other, musically and in the space of the stage; they don't slow down, they move, they keep moving, all night. It's equally obvious how much they enjoy being up there and playing for the audience. It shows, and the show's wonderful.

Pop Evil, Ace of Spades, Sacramento

Pop Evil is a good name for this band. Direct, hard, nasty, but fun and easy too. Take a listen, if you haven't already. And be there, next time they are in town; hopefully, not too long before they are back. And if the folks in the audience last night have anything to do with it, they will be playing to a bigger audience; it was a midweek show bracketed by Between The Buried And Me/August Burns Red on Tuesday, and the Sammies local music awards tonight, and the Ace wasn't at capacity.

Pop Evil, Ace of Spades, Sacramento

Pop Evil are playing in Fresno tonight, then off to Canada, and many more dates in the USA. Then Fort Rock and Welcome to Rockville festivals--and then on tour with Disturbed and Rob Zombie. Check out all the dates on their Facebook tour page.

Pop Evil, Ace of Spades, Sacramento

Check out Pop Evil's latest album, Up, right now it's at a bargain price. Also, their previous album, Onyx, from which you may already know the hit single, but go on... listen to the rest, OK?

Matt DiRito, Pop Evil

Many more photos in the photo gallery:  http://www.alisontoon.com/-/galleries/music/pop-evil/pop-evil-mar-2016