Nekromantix [Life is a Grave and I Dig it]

Nekromantix Life is a Grave and I Dig it 2007 Hellcat Records Back from a brief reprieve in the concealing ether, Nekromantix return with their third Hellcat release, “Life is a Grave and I Dig it”. Upon the first glance of the hovering disembodied heads and the coffin-shaped logo one can�t but anticipate the 50’s style horror shock waiting to burst out. Originally formed in Copenhagen, Denmark way back in 1998 and relocated to the black heart of Los Angeles, California, the reigning ghouls of psychobilly have once again emerged from their collective coffins to deliver 13 tracks of soul stirringly eerie rock and roll. “Life is a Grave and I Dig it” was well rehearsed before recording and captured with few retakes. Because of the recording style, the live quality and urgency of the CD shines through and helps to reveal the essence of a Nekro performance. Fans past and present ought to be able to appreciate that even through a myriad of releases Nekromantix remain fresh, (like a freshly dug grave) while staying true to form. For those out there who may be new to psychobilly, Think Stray Cats join up with The Misfits to form an inhuman all corpse super group (but oddly in this case a three piece super group). For those of you who are already familiar, “Life is a Grave and I Dig it” does not disappoint. Favorite tracks include: Track 3 – the title track, Track 5 Rot in Hell and Track 12 Panic at the Morgue. From here to the afterlife, Nekromantix full on rock!–Jerry Actually

Mad Sin

Mad Sin – Dead Moon’s Calling (c) 2006 Sailor’s Grave RecordsI have no idea how Mad Sin has slipped under my radar for so long. It wasn’t until Mrs. !upstarter came home w/ a copy of “Survival of the Sickest” about a year ago that I had even heard of the 4 piece Psychobilly act. In my defense, they are from all the way over in Germany. “Dead Moon’s Calling” is Mad Sin’s newest full length release soon to be out on Sailor’s Grave Records and it is definitely true to their ballsy bluesy dark and furious psychobilly sound. Special guests on the new disc include Lars from Rancid and Patricia from Horropops. Mad Sin also has a new guitar player on the roster. For private reasons Tex had to leave the band–on good terms of course–Tex has been replaced with Mad Pete 1, formerly known as Nekropete of Nekromantix fame. “Dead Moon’s Calling” packs in 21 tracks at just under 50 minutes. They cover the speed spectrum of a fevered frenzy on “Fuel for Brains” and “Brand New Gun” to the lonesome longing sound of “Gone Forever” and the hauntingly sinister sounds of “Houdini’s Pool” Mad Sin is one bad ass car race to the end of a cliff at the wrong end of a broken bottle all covered in hot rod flames and jailhouse tattos. This is Psychobilly at its finest.Mad Sin has also embarked on their long awaited US tour. Check their site for details.

Horrorpops

Horrorpops – Bring It On (c) 2005 Hellcat Records The second release by the Horrorpops sounds a bit like Siouxsie Sioux over a rockabilly band. I was hoping for more ‘Psycho’billy action considering that the Necroman and now Geoff Kresge are playing the guitar. It’s a good relase, but I wish it had more guts.http://www.hell-cat.comhttp://www.horrorpors.com-Jerry Actually

Tiger Army

Tiger Army II: Power of MoonliteTiger Army II: Power of Moonlite is the second release from the Bay area trio. They purport themselves to be aggressive American Psychobilly. I don�t know about any of that, but they are a three piece with upright bass and a bit of a country metal twang. This is the first Tiger Army I�ve listened to and well, I liked it. The songs are dark and at sometimes mysterious and all the while drive home a fierce grinding beat. The vocals are very reminiscent of Misfits and TSOL. Furthermore they do put on a good live show (Live review coming). And as the band says anyone who relates to or appreciates their music is part of the Tiger Army�Tiger Army never die. I had to give this a three, not too shabby.