Throughout their two full length albums and now the EP, you
can hear a clear progression. Like any
good band, they continue to evolve and challenge themselves while maintaining
their trademark sound. She Screams sees
the Creatures move in a somewhat “punkier” direction. They’ve shed a few of their more metallic
elements without sacrificing any of the intensity. I think a lot of that lies in the guitar work. With Jamie’s departure, last axe-man standing
Derek Obscura’s signature sleaze/glam punk edge takes center stage. If I were to compare it to anything, I would
say the guitar style sounds sorta reminiscent of a less poppy version of Wednesday
13’s better work. That’s not to say it
sounds the same, however. Derek
definitely has his own style and flair… and damn can that boy write a catchy
ass riff!
Where the rhythm section is concerned, new bass monster
Cliff Damnage brings a punishing energy to the bottom end. Wow, that sounded vaguely dirty. Anyway, nothing against any past member, but
Cliff is the perfect fit for the band and his contribution goes a long way
towards the gelling of a cohesive sound.
Besides, it’s always a good sign
when your bass player is named Cliff, right?
As they’ve had a bit of a Spinal Tap drummer situation going on lately,
I can’t really say much as to the drums on the record. I can say, however, that after seeing new
skin basher Brandon Deadly in action live, he’s more than capable of taking up
the mantle.
Ryan Cadaver continues to develop the signature “aggro-croon”
that makes him one of the most dynamic frontmen in the genre, but the real
surprise on this album is in the backing vocals. She Screams
features a LOT of harmonizing. Remember
when harmony was a dirty word in heavy alternative rock until Alice In Chains showed
us that it could be damn amazing? This
is the American horror punk equivalent. The
harmonies on songs like Haunted and The Final Night (is it kosher to call
horror punk “woah-oh-oh’s” beautiful?) take the role of vocals in this style of
music to a new level.
The band definitely maintains their macabre sense of humor
on this EP. The interlude that precedes Zombie
Werewolves From Outer Space reminded me of some of the silliness from The
Ghastly One’s classic A Haunting We Will
Go-Go album. Graveyard Girl strikes
a great balance of light-hearted and heartless, and GKMF revels in giving the
world a giant middle finger with a little smirk in its sneer. Even straight ahead tales of terror like the title
track, a botched exorcism ode, and the apocalyptic The Final Night crackle with
an element of fun that makes this a great Halloween party album any time of year.
As far as picking a standout track, there really isn’t a
weak link in the bunch. I guess I would have
to go with the title track, She Screams.
It stands alongside Lizzie’s Song and A Step Ahead of Death as possibly
the best song the guys have ever unleashed.
In fact, the songwriting all around is top notch. I catch myself singing these tunes in the
shower, which I consider the mark of true quality. I know, the mental picture of me in all of my
sudsy, naked glory belting out Zombie Werewolves From Outer Space just made this
one a must own. You’re welcome.
 | |||
| The Casket Creatures, Phantom Troublemaker, and SOC. |
By now you’re asking yourself “how do I get this goodness in
my earholes?” Well, She Screams is currently available for purchase on Amazon, itunes,
and CD Baby… OR you could enter to win the autographed copy I’m giving
away. That’s right Cellmates; I have one
brand spanking new copy, autographed by your favorite horror punk band, to give
away to one of you. Who loves you,
baby? All you have to do to enter is leave
a comment below with your email address and your favorite horror-influenced
song. It could be horror punk, metal, some
obscure blues song about crossroads demons, an Alice Cooper classic, a country
murder ballad, a movie score, Heffalumps and freakin’ Woozles, whatever. As a bonus, if you go check out The Son OfCelluloid Show (LINK) AND subscribe to the youtube channel, I’ll enter your
name twice. Just make sure you alert me
to that in your comment. The contest
ends on April 23, and the winner will be announced on episode 3 of The Son Of
Celluloid Show on April 28. Now get cracking,
Cellmates!
