AMIGO THE DEVIL – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Amigo The Devil has been on my radar for the past six months. I found him while searching Spotify for new music. One listen to his 2018 albums Volume 1 and Everything Is Fine and I was hooked. How do I describe his music? It’s dark, sinister and hypnotic. His somber style of Americana/folk music and nefarious lyrics draws you in like a moth to a flame. His voice is very smooth and silky but his lyrics have a hellish twist.
Amigo The Devil is the brainchild of Danny Kiranos who has piloted quite a varied life. Born and raised in Miami, he left home at seventeen to ‘find himself’ which led to diverse career endeavors. He went to culinary college and once started a brewery. He then felt the urge to create his distinct brand of folk music he has labeled “murder folk”.
On Volume 1, Amigo The Devil stays true to his grim storytelling. The opening song “Hell and You” is a perfect example. He pleads to his lover:
I’d crawl in bed with you
Even on someone else’s blood
On top of someone else’s love
In the worst motel we find
Not typical folk imagery. Next is “Dahmer Does Hollywood’ which portrays the serial killer as a melancholy adventurer. Also songs like “Husband” where Amigo The Devil calmly verbalizes “I hope your husband dies” and “The Perfect Wife” where a battered and abused wife finally takes her revenge continues the mournful barrage.. Even though every tune on the album contains accounts of yearning, pain and suffering the music is strangely upbeat. His songs contain a wide array of elements including Mariachi, spaghetti western and country. In addition, Amigo‘s voice is distinct and full of woeful passion.
Amigo The Devil just released an E.P. entitled Covers, Demos, Live Versions, B-Sides. It starts with a stripped down version of “Hell and You -Grotto Sessions” which is recorded live. You can feel Amigo‘s pensive emotion and the ambient background noise intensifies the mood. Another Amigo The Devil original follows. “Stronger Than Dead” is again recorded live and the impassioned strumming guitar coupled with his fiery vocals is deeply beautiful.
Next, Amigo The Devil lays down three diverse acoustic covers. Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” is a downright surprise. His fierce and heated vocals carry the day. Amigo makes the song impassioned and intense. Tom Jones’ “Delilah” is full of lament and anguish. “Waiting To Die” by Townes Van Zandt continues the delicate despondency.
Amigo‘s demo version of “Liars Club” finishes up the E.P. The composition works well as a fitting end to an amazing piece of art.
Amigo The Devil is a singular talent. His take on the world may be morbid but his stirring black humor and gothic imagery are awe inspiring.
Hopefully, Amigo The Devil will be performing in the area on Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Space Ballroom in Hamden, Ct. opening for Murder By Death.
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To learn more about Amigo The Devil, check out his Website
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He’s an interesting character and musician with a quirky, but very likeable and compelling sound. Nice find Ralph.