I Saw the Devil Last Night and Now the Sun Shines Bright

If the only thing someone knew about Moros Eros was that they were on Victory Records, an initial opinion would no doubt form that involved something along the lines of a hardcore/screamo band with eyeliner, black clothes and a Hot Topic fan base. Well, wipe that prejudice from your mind because Moros Eros is thankfully nothing of the sort. This Atlanta quartet is an enthusiastic indie rock crew that would not be out of place on a bill with Minus the Bear or Cursive, and their debut, I Saw the Devil Last Night and Now the Sun Shines Bright, absolutely sparkles. For all of the allusions to heaven and hell, good and evil, and the devil and his control interlaced throughout, the album is far from a dense listen, instead bubbling over with youthful energy amid interesting songs that are as fun as they are musically engaging. Moros Eros is wide-eyed but not naïve, smart but not pretentious. Guitars are crisp; drumming is precise and direct; keyboards flutter occasionally around in the background. John Naclerio's production is outstanding; it's clean in a way that sounds like he simply came across the band rocking out together in a room and decided to press record, his touch simply polishing (instead of buffering into oblivion) Moros Eros' organic vibe. Lead singer/guitarist Zach Tipton is a compelling frontman who is able to exude forceful confidence while injecting a devilish flair into songs through just slight intonations whenever he feels like it. His delivery somewhat resembles a sort of talk-singing, and the edge of mischief in his voice propels the ten-song set boldly along, from the eccentric clattering of the terrific "Today Is the Day" to the closing Weezer-ish "Satan Has a Heart of Gold." Moros Eros just comes off so naturally sharp and likable throughout, the album is easily one of the most promising debuts Victory has put out all year.