Secret Schizoid is a psychotic pop EP, inspired by showtunes and fuelled by the disturbed.
By Adam Shorthouse.
Demi the Daredevil are a theatric art-rock trio dedicated to mixing high energy piano rock with dark and troubling imagery. With clear influences from bands like Queen, Demi the Daredevil revitalise rock as they put on a dramatic performance that never seems to fall flat.
When listening to a band that sounds like no other, it is always an exciting endeavour finding out about their origin story. Who are they? How did they form? Most importantly, how did they manufacture their unique sound? Demi the Daredevil do not disappoint in this department. The Texan, art pop/rock, musical theatre inspired band was originally comprised of Jovan Ortiz, Marc Martel, and Jeff Azar. After the death of Ortiz and the departure of Martel, Azar was forced to put a halt to the band. Azar later had to be hospitalised multiple times, and was placed into a psychiatric hospital, between the years of 2009 and 2011. After finally being cleared from the ward, he teamed up with his brother and pianist Thomas Azar, and reformed the group. With the final addition of a Drummer, Jake Rabinis, Demi the Daredevil are back in action with their newly released EP Secret Schizoid.
As you might well guess from the name of the EP, Jeff’s dramatic past directly inspired these tracks. His time spent in a psychiatric hospital has heavily influenced the lyrics, which focus mainly on mental health. Art of Relax, the EP’s lead track, focuses on accepting your flaws and learning to control anxiety. “I know I’m crazy,” “I’m just trying to breathe,” and “My body is cracking” are just a few examples of the eerily dark lyrics Azar hides within the bouncy and theatrical beats that are present throughout the EP.
Demi the Daredevil are obviously influenced by theatre. Songs like Art of Relax and Buried Horror Show could totally be straight out of Halloween or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A classic rock ballad progression, matched with a killer ‘piano ballad’ style of storytelling, make for an entertaining ride. If you can overlook the occasionally cringy, cliché, and over-the-top lyrics, you will enjoy Demi the Daredevil’s angst and their alternative edge.