The Diableros Play Like the Devil on New Release

Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens when you give negative reviews to local bands? Good thing for Torontontontoist, there's no need for a negative review or much backlash in the case of Annex-favourites the Diableros.

It all starts when opening track "Working Out Words" betrays the commonplace misconception that the Diableros will play some sort of psycho-billy or Mexicana pop (Diablero = Spanish for evil sorcerer, you know). Its' burried/blurried vocals and unconvential-as-conventional pop hooks alone are enough to make the Diablero debut stand out - and in most respects, it does. The Diabs' first track is exactly what it should be: a fantanstically catchy opener welcoming further listening. The album continues down this path - not exactly mapping out new territory but certainly not sticking to the old routes - until a very strong closer makes the album completely worth the $8 or whatever it costs. "Golden Gates" is a very cute mini-tour-de-force, and acheives the closure that eludes most debut albums. If comparisons had to be made, perhaps Pixies-Strokes-National-Arcade Fire-Wolf Parade-Jully Black-Constantines? If comparisons do not have to be made, this is a very tight debut.