Never before have I come across a band so well suited to their name. With a title as strong as Black Devils Brigade you’d expect big things, and let me assure you, these guys deliver. They are so different from one another but together their unifying love for Blues Rock have lead them to create a style all their own. Black Devils Brigade have marched onto the Toronto music scene in full force and saluted us all.

The frontman, Ted Masuda, has a James Dean meets Elvis style that adds to the allure of the band, totally rocks my world and definitely has something to do with bringing all the ladies out to the show (aside from the great music, of course). But if it’s not his looks, it’s his voice. From the second he opens his mouth, the audience is serenaded with a bold sound and energetic vibe that bounces off the walls and keeps the crowd rockin’. If the Black Angels and the Black Keys were to have a lovechild, Black Devils Brigade would be the result.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the band twice, first at the El Mocambo a few months ago; however, this time around at The Piston was a whole different vibe. An eclectic crowd of old and young, hipsters and gangsters and all that’s in between, began to roam the floor as the dinner crowd moved out and the music crowd moved in. It’s a nice intimate venue, perfect for getting up close and personal. The guys were so inviting and they interact with an audience more than I’ve ever seen. A band that encourages drinking games during their show is all right with me!

Their set included songs off their upcoming EP, 3 Miles Long, 66 Feet Wide. They started the night with Raised By Wolves (a favourite for sure), then came The Fire Code and an incredible cover of one of my favourite Pixies songs, Hey, with their own unique spin on it. They finished the evening with Gemini, The Killing Business and raucous set closer, Burgundy Bound. The EP release is set for March 5th at Rancho Relaxo, so mark your calendars and get to the show!

Black Devils Brigade are soon to be what all the cool kids are talking about, I know it’s true. These guys play with heart and soul and if for nothing else, the love of making music. All in all, this foursome rocks in a way no other band can and I’m lucky to be one of the first to come around.