The Devil’s Forfeit – Outer Lines – Album Review – thedevilsforfeit

Review By Darren McIntyre

The Devil’s Firfeit are a 4 – piece rock band from Edinburgh, Galashiels, Scotland who formed in late 2023, the band draws it’s influences from anywhere between Creedence to Zeppelin and beyond. The band are releasing their debut album Outer Lines at a showcase in Edinburgh @ The Banshee Labyrinth on the 1st Nov, I am pleased to say that I will be reviewing the new album for you today, please settle in and grab a cold one and get ready to have your face melted by this exciting new 4 piece rock n roll juggernaut from Scotland.

Defying Mother – A sludgy, melodic guitar shred breaks the silence as this kick ass opener grabs our attention as we feel the full force of frontwoman Angela Grace as she does what she does best. The full on low end drops ind really gives this track a cool, funk laden feel as the grooves wrap themselves all around us, the addition of the sweet, mellow Hammond style keys really lifts this groover to another level as we get everything but the kitchen sink thrown at us in this blistering opener. The rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s punchy snare drum beats and killer cymbal crashes that are raining down on us from the off, a real gritty, bluesy, rockin beast that tells us that this band mean business.

For The Money – A slick, bluesy guitar lick wanders freely through the intro as a dark cymbal snap gets the track on the move as we feel the dirty, sludgy bassline easing into this cool arrangement. The soaring vocals are really bringing the heat to this track as the band really gets us with their killer licks that are giving this track a real swagger as it rolls freely through the whole piece, the funky bassline is demanding our attention as it delivers a real mellow, delicious tone that catches our attention as we feel the energy oozing from the track as the band gives us what we came for in this killer album that really has all that and then some.

Hold Your Breath – A cool, funky guitar lick brings the track to life as the soulful keys bring up the rear as this foot stomping groover really lets us have it with bells on. The rhythm section is bringing the depth as the snare drum punches control the groove as the track builds with ease as the soulful vocals come in and just settle the track into it’s path as we really dig the tone of this cool offering. The cool, meaty, funky bassline is handing us sweet, mellow tones that are really on the money as the tempo changes pace as backing vocals make an appearance as the band bring us a little funky, country blues vibe that really works well with this Hammond style keys section that is dipping in and out of this fantastic track.

Knickers – Piano tones ooze from the intro as Angela leans in and lets us feel the mellow, soulful tones that flow into the track as we get to grips with this aptly named piece. A dark, brooding bassline is wrapping it’s delicious tones all through the track as sw get a killer saxophone tone that takes us by surprise as the toe tapping beat builds and builds as the tempo changes pace as the tone, groove and musicality leave their mark on us with this funky, melodic groover track that is just doing it’s thing and continue to surprise us with the addition of instruments and backing vocals that are a cool section to bring to the party.

Outer Lines – Pounding bass kicks bring this rocking groover to our attention as a slick, crisp guitar weaves it’s way through the track as Angela comes in with soothing, melodic vocals. The track erupts into life with a killer guitar riff that has soulful basslines for company as this punchy rocker really grabs our attention, the toe tapping harmonies are awesome as the band just delivers track after track as we feel the musicality, maturity oozing from the album as the sweet, almost punky vocals really tell their own story as the rhythm section comes at us with a real solid snare drum punch that brings bass kicks and cymbal crashes that just leave their mark on this emotion filled number.

Playing With Fire – The dark, funky low end leans in and gets this toe tapping groover off the mark as we feel the crisp riffs wrap themselves around the punchy arrangement. The snare drum punches are solid with real depth that really elevates the track as we get Angela’s gravelly, soulful vocals running effortlessly through the whole affair, the snare drum punches are controlling the tone as we get a sultry guitar tone that works so well with the killer bass tones that are scattered all over this fantastic number. We feel the energy, emotion pouring through the track as the tempo grabs us and tells us that this outfit mean business as they drive onwards and really give us an album that will be in our heads for ages. The tempo breaks down as Angela brings a real punk- esque tone to the track as nice keys are easing through the track and it gives the piece depth and tone.

Rock n Roll All Night – We return to a real grungy, rockin, edgy groove as the snare drum punches lead the way through this toe tapping mellow track that is oozing quality. Angela really gives it her all with powering pipes that can really capture the moment as they control the direction of this catchy number, the backing vocals are adding a real sweetness to the song as we get that happy, smiley faced way as this crunching monster builds and builds as the crisp guitar riffs crash their way through the arrangement as the track gives you that warm fuzzy feeling as we have a huge smile on our faces as the tempo quickens and really kicks ass.

Session – A rasping, gritty guitar riff kicks in the doors and lets this monster come at us as Angela unleashes her powering vocals that just elevate this foot stomping rock n roller. The rhythm section is hitting us with a real solid snare drum punch as the cymbal snaps allow the groove to flow freely as a funking, dark, delicious bassline hits us with cool tones that wrap themselves around this fist pumping bruiser. The riffs are awesome as the tempo changes pace as we get a rousing vocal onslaught from Angela as the track gathers momentum as the slick, clean guitar licks grab our attention as the cool backing vocals allow the track the room it needs to grow, the who arrangement is a raw, edgy, groove laden number that will certainly wet our appetites for the incoming album which drops on the 24th October, if you get a chance go see this exciting rock n roll 4 – piece as you won’t be disappointed.

Southern Style – A corking shredding guitar riff gets the track movin & a groovin as Angela slips in with this Zepp style track that hits us with a real mellow low end that just elevates the track with it’s funking grooves that really give the track a real edgy feel. The rhythm section is coming at us with punchy bass kicks as the snare drum beats roll through the track and let it rumble into life as the band really delivers a cool, melodic feeling track as the tinkling keys make themselves known to us as this foot stomping, fist pumping groover kicks in the doors and really socks it to us, the rhythm section kicks in the tempo with snare drum rolls that let the cymbal taps get the track moving as we rumble onwards to the last couple of tracks on this awesome slab of rock n roll as Angela and the boys slip into –

The Shakes – Acoustic strumming chords ooze from the opening intro as Angela brings her soulful, mellow vocals that allow the track the room it needs to erupt into life. The band really shakes the tree(see what I did there) as they deliver a real sludgy, grunge – esque beat that lets the band take us on the journey with them as they let their colossal sound wrap itself around us, we have a sultry, funk laden bassline that is hitting us with dark, delicious tones that really let the groove shake and turn as the killer guitar licks really flow freely through this foot stomping, fist shaking bruiser that is letting us know that this outfit are the real deal and are shoving their gritty, rasping, foot stomping rock n roll right down our throats till we scream for more.

Wander – Finishing off this epic slab of rock n roll comes a real deep rooted bassline that is getting us moving and shaking as the killer beat grabs a hold of us and lets us have it both barrels. The rhythm section is coming at us with solid snare drum punches as the bass kicks bring cymbal snaps that control the groove that is flowing through this kick ass piece, the sludgy, rasping guitar licks are delicious as they let the groove wrap itself around us as we feel the energy, emotion and tone bring us closer together with this exciting 4 – piece that is their epic songwriting, powering vocals and meaty rhythm section and if that doesn’t grab you then their dazzling stage wear will certainly leave you asking for more from this punchy rock n roll band that are giving it all they have and more.

The Devil’s Forfeit –

Angela Grace – Vocals

Elliot Waugh – Guitar

Ricky Nolan Duggan – Bass

Viktor Lisonek – Drums

Tracklisting –

Defying Mother

For The Money

Hold Your Breath

Knickers

Outer Lines

Playing With Fire