Drawing equally from the fatalistic romanticism of Leonard Cohen, the dark-humored eccentricity of Tom Waits, and the easy narrative flow of Tom Russell – Danny Kiranos, aka Amigo the Devil, casts a wide musical net on third LP Yours Until the War Is Over. A minor key, Tennessee Two rhythm, chanting vocals, and fuzzed-out twang set the stage for the revenge-lusting “I’m Going to Heaven,” while “One Day at a Time” bops along like a recently discovered piece of jazz hokum. The plainspoken sadness of “Garden of Leaving” floats appropriately in a sparsely populated acoustic setting, while “Stray Dog” cranks the amps and puts Kiranos’ folk on thudding blast. Introspective singles “The Mechanic” and “Cannibal Within” focus on the lyrics, letting his thoughtfully composed libretto ride minimalist arrangements that spotlight his powerful voice. The songs themselves avoid bombast with subtle literary allusions and calmly stated lyrical twists. Kiranos offsets his understated craft with full-throated, unbridled vocal performances that slam his heart on your sleeve and nail it there.

Amigo the Devil

Yours Until the War Is Over (Liars Club/Regime)

Review: Amigo the Devil, Yours Until the War Is Over

A version of this article appeared in print on Mar 15, 2024 with the headline: Review: Amigo the Devil, Yours Until the War Is Over

This article appears in SXSW 2024 Festival Guide, Part II.

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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.