Pop Evil

by Corey Apar Melodic post-grunge outfit Pop Evil formed in Grand Rapids, MI, in November 2001 with a sound that took cues from the likes of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, aptly putting the quartet right in line with popular modern rock acts such as Crossfade, Shinedown, and Puddle of Mudd. Including former members of various area bands (such as TenFive), Pop Evil is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Leigh Kakaty -- who also raps under the name Kakaty (aka the Harem King), releasing the 2003 album A Balla Story -- guitarist Dave Gracia, bassist/vocalist Jamie Nummer, and drummer/vocalist Dylan Allison. The guys released an album and EP (War of the Roses and Ready or Not, respectively), eventually hunkering down with producer Al Sutton (Kid Rock) to work on new material. As the video for that album's first single, "Somebody Like You," began making its rounds in late 2006, Pop Evil further had their song "Ready or Not" featured on an episode of the MTV television show Made.