Matt Freeman - Devil's Brigade (Epitaph)

Matt Freeman is the best bass player in punk rock and possibly the best bassist since John Entwhistle was in his Quadrophenia heyday with The Who. (I don’t include Geddy Lee because Geddy is not from this planet). Freeman’s work on such Rancid classics as “Journey to the End of the East Bay” and “Side Kick” showed that Punk Rock does not have to be restrained to a simple bassline. Freeman’s ability to run lines set a standard for the genre.

With his upcoming album Devils Brigade , Freeman has released an album that would fit nicely in the Rancid oeuvre.

Along with his bandmate from Rancid, Tim Armstrong, and legendary X drummer DJ Bonebrake, Freeman has come up with a record that epitomizes the term “hard-driving”.

On the bell curve of Rancid, Devil’s Brigade is far more oriented to Lars Fredericson’s solo work than Armstrongs Brit-Ska output.

If I have one complaint it is that there is not enough bass! The stand up bass that Freeman employs is a cool change, but it’s like Hendrix playing power chords and no leads! I am starvin’ for more bass runs.

Freeman isn’t much of a vocalist, but his guttural growl fits the music perfectly here. The songs range from the Social Distortion roots rock of “Ride Harley” to the Amerciana old time Jugbandish tribute to the Golden Gate Bridge “Bridge Of Gold”. “Bridge Of Gold” also feature Armstrong And Fredericson. “Gentleman Of The Road” features Armstrong and Freeman trading verses.

Among the other stand-out tracks; “My Own Man Now” has a nice little mosh part at the end of it. “Shakedown” is a celebration of “25 years of Punk rock n roll” and “Darlene” is a garagey rocker.

There’s not a bad track among the 12 offered on Devil’s Brigade.

Freeman has assembled a touring band for a national run in September and October, so keep an eye out.