Mollo Rilla Go For Epic in Addictive “Rage The Day”

Here’s something you don’t come across very often: a song that’s not afraid to take some big risks. In this case, it’s paid off remarkably. The band, which you’ve no doubt come across in these pages before, is MOLLO RILLA.

If there’s anyone who can bring about a rock ‘n’ roll revival, it’s gonna be inventive guys like these four from Cleveland. The key, as with so many things in life, is simple: adaptation and evolution. If bands like Melvins and Die Like Gentlemen have made us rethink the line between rock and metal, Mollo Rilla are teaching us to rethink our notion of boundaries altogether.

Take “Rage The Day,” for example, Mollo Rilla’s latest tour de force. The song begins with a headbanging rhythm, but it’s pronounced by the piano, not the guitar. This reminded me of one of my favorite prog rock acts, Beggar’s Opera.

Rhythm turns to riff as guitar joins in with some Metallica-tier chugging, followed in short order by a fat bass and punchy drums. As the track progresses, we’re treated to a fusion of styles, from good ol’ fashioned American Rockabilly to Surf and Metal – each skillfully layered and accented by nods to Latin, Eastern, and Greek traditional music. If that looks chaotic on paper, it works out to be more like Mr. Bungle than System of a Down in practice. Singing’s got that cool Scott Weiland swagger (also reminds me a bit of Beck). The whole thing’s got a rock opera written all over it!

Reached for comment, Marco from Mollo Rilla told Doomed & Stoned the song is “a reminder to rage against death and seize the day. It pays in life to be daring.” After this year, especially, I think we can all cough up a hearty Amen to that!

Look for “Rage the Day” on Mollo Rilla’s most ambitious album yet, 'Viva El Camino’ (2020) – out December 4th on Seeing Red Records (pre-order here).

Give ear…