I met up with Julian Lane singer of the The Devil Rides earlier this month at Fados during a rowdy World Cup game to discuss the The Devil Rides and the upcoming single “Swell”. Julian, a native of London, England migrated to the States in 2001. After spending time roaming the lands and spending time in the Mojave Desert, Julian chose Austin as his home in 2006. Prior to forming The Devil Rides in late ‘08, Julian sang with Principal Skinner a Hardcore/Punk rock band based in London, as well as Kratatoa which was an ear-bleedingly loud stoner-rock outfit featuring former members of the UK Punk band “die cheerleader.” Kratatoa would go on to tour with Queens of the Stone Age around England before disbanding.

The Devil Rides consists of Julian Lane on Lead Vocals, Jeff Black on guitar, Mark McMillan on bass guitar and Ben Gallaway on drums. Prior to meeting and interviewing Julian, I had seen the The Devil Rides at various venues around town, often opening for acts that should have supported them. Austin being a town that boasts musicians by the dozen, as well as local bands playing all nights of the week, I rarely find myself excited about most of the local acts I have seen. I remember seeing The Devil Rides play their first show at Trophy’s and I was taken aback and equally impressed by their professional demeanor, tight musicianship and a singer that could wail in tune over the thickly layered guitar-lines.

With a sound reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age, Death from above 1979, as well as Foo Fighters at their most aggressive, I expected good things from the The Devil Rides. So to my surprise as I was listening to KLBJ this past Tuesday night I heard that familiar voice, the slight British twang, it was the Devil Rides single “Swell” and it sounded awesome!

Upon hearing “Swell” on the radio I was inspired to show some local props to the band. What grabbed me most about “Swell” was not only the uniqueness of the track, was Julian’s melodic vocals, especially during the songs breakdown (middle eight) as well as the unique drumming that drove the song. If “Swell” is reminiscent of what is to come in regards to the full length rumored to be released later this year, be prepared to experience one of the best local releases in sometime.

So with an upcoming show at Emo’s this Friday, July 16th opening for the High Watt Crucifxers, as well as “Swell” hitting the radio and sounding pretty fucking awesome, I decided to meet with Julian to talk about his influences in regards to songwriting, the bands thoughts on the newly announced Creed reunion, as well as his vocal influences. In typical British laid-back fashion Julian advised he hadn’t a clue as to the bands future and sometimes its better that way.

Cosmo: When did the band form?

Julian: Austin, TX Late 2008

Cosmo: Who are you vocal influences?

Julian: Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan, Peruvian singer Yma Sumac, Eugene
Kelly(for his melodies), Mike Patton because no one sounds like Patton,
most try and fail horribly.

Cosmo: How would you describe The Devil Rides sound?

Julian: Loud, melodic and dynamic

Cosmo: What do you envision for the bands future?

Julian: haven’t a clue

Cosmo: What are your primary influences as a band?

Julian: Qotsa, Led Zep, Flaming Lips, anything that isn’t just loud…but is dynamic and has a good sense of melody…like a Childs nursery rhyme put to hard rock, and
Wayne Coyne’s white suits.

Cosmo: Do you solely write alone or within a band atmosphere?

Julian: Both

Cosmo: What do you think of this Creed reunion?

Julian: Creed is like roaches that suck the life out of people’s existence, as well as being Christian roaches that feed off of Midwestern meatheads.

Cosmo: Who does The Devil Rides sound like?

Julian: You tell me.

Cosmo: It’s the sound of pissed off Volcanoes

Cosmo: Where do you find lyrical inspiration?

Julian: Old books…..Rimbaud, the honesty of Bukowski, the freedom of Kerouac…also if I’m feeling daring, then the dark morbid deep romantic feelings written by Stephanie Meyer might be more appropriate or maybe ill burn all her books in a mass Fahrenheit 451 style….yeah…maybe that

The Devil Rides is poised for greater popularity locally as well as abroad. With a sound that fits in between Queens of the Stone Age and the Foo Fighters converting the masses will come quite easily for The Devil Rides. What strikes me about the music; is its originality, its energy, the music hits hard yet retains a melodic sense with varying dynamics keeping things interesting for us the listener.

I am looking forward to debut album and you will too. So go show some local love and see the band on July 30th at Red Eye Fly. The Devils Rides has a My Space page, http://www.myspace.com/devilridesband, so go add them, what are you waiting for Christmas?