With the impending Rapture and the following Zombie Apocalypse on our doorstep I thought that it would be a great public service to turn MIN readers on to another great rockabilly band that actually took the time to search me out.
The band that I think everyone should ride out the end of the world listening to is the German band Bonsai Kitten who combine punk and bass rattling tracks with modern pop to form a unique sound that will definitely cause some sort of cataclysm.
Here is their bio:
When there is a genre for the own musical creations missing, one either has to weirdly name it "a mixture of..." or just come up with a new trademark for the own style of music. The Berlin combo BONSAI KITTEN did just that by labeling their mixture of NEWPUNK and ROCKABILLY simply as "KILLBILLY". It contains explosive own compositions next to well-known, yet energetically shagged songs from the 80is and 90ies. Founded by the female singer Tiger Lilly Marleen in early 2005, grasping lots of attention within a wee of time, BONSAI KITTEN soon released their self-entitled debut album on the Japanese record-label "ON THE HILL" in 2007. The Lady Tiger Lilly Marleen lives up her name by wearing sexy outfits in leopard-print to rock the stage and sing the songs with a husky alto and full body action. All songs are performed with heavy speed by KRCZYCZ double-bass and HAJO SUN´s electric guitar to ignite the explosive material with a feisty punk rock attitude. To top it all off, drummer ALEXXDelarge´s beats it all down to a burning boiling point of music. All in all BONSAI KITTEN sum up to a rock..n..roll driven combo of dedicated musicians, who cleverly merge all different kinds of music styles into a spicy killbilly party. They do their jobs whole-hearted, sexy and with a lot of fun.
Killbilly .... now that's something I hadn't heard of .... but in regards to Bonsai Kitten it fits.
Written By: Ken Hulsey Source: Kitty Casket / Interpunk
Last week I posted a profile for the Austrian rockabilly band Kitty In A Casket which got a lot of people's attention including the band itself. The band's lead singer Kitty Casket was quite pleased and was quick to point out that their latest CD entitled "Back To Thrill" was due to be released on June 1st.
Kitty was also very interested in getting their horror themed music into actual horror movies, which I also thought was a great idea. At this point there are no deals in place and I am not really at liberty to discuss any details .... let's just say that there are two sides that have expressed some mutual interest and leave it at that.
Is that a tease or what?
Anyway, as I mentioned before Kitty In A Casket has been blazing up my Last FM play list over the past couple of weeks and I just can't seem to get enough of em. Hopefully you will have the same experience. Personally I can't wait to hear the new CD!
Here is the info:
The female-fronted Horror-Punk-Billy Sensation from Austria is "Back to Thrill" with this brand new Album! Even more powerful, with high intense Melodies and this fantastic Voice by Singer Kitty! Somewhere between The Creepshow and NoFx you find KITTY IN A CASKET coming straight from the Crypt! Incl. Guest Vocal by Rene D la Muerte of THE BRAINS on "Shake your bones"!
KIAC are the Shooting Stars in Europes big growing Horror/Punk-A-Billy Scene. There first Album and following EP where big selling Hits and made them play big Festivals and Supportshows all over Europe. With the new Album Viennas female-fronted Hooror-Punk-A-Billys will meet new heights in their career! This is fast driven, high-melodic Horrorpunk with a great Doublebass. If you like Bands like The Creepshow, you will adore Kitty in a casket!
ANNOUNCEMENT: MENAGE A TROIS WILL ONLY BE PERFORMING ONCE DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL AT DON THE BEACHCOMBER, DON'T MISS THIS GREAT SHOW! WE'LL HAVE LOTS IN STORE FOR YOU!!!
$5.00 Cover At The Door Helps Pay My Band and for more future events!
Come out and Support and Commemorate our male and female troops that have given their service and their lives for this country by partaking in or attending our Military Memorial May Pin Up Con...test!!
Of course, Menage A Trois jazz will be here to entertain you all evening with live jazz and showtune performances before and after the contest. (A lot of these tunes were also performed for the troops during WWII!!) Celeste Cartier will be hosting the pin up competition and we will have a panel of special judges with us!
THEME DRESS IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR THIS COMPETITION!! Come dressed in your sailor/nautical pin up wear, vintage WWII wear, or other vintage military costume/attire to impress our judges, of which one at least will be a US. Veteran of the armed forces.
This is your opportunity to win a complete photo shoot package with hair and makeup artists, Make-Up Munecas who have teamed up with Pinups Garage photography!!
We'll have great vendors selling beautiful items and accessories also so don't forget to bring some extra cash on hand!
We do not discriminate based on age (18+), height, weight or orientation. Judges are given a list of criteria on which to judge including: HAIR, MAKEUP, CLOTHING, PERSONALITY, AND OVERALL. Overall will include how closely you've stuck to our monthly theme. You win a tiara and may be asked back to judge future shows. I will ask each participant a general question so that we can get a dose of your sparklng personality because we know all women are gorgeous, but we want to see what lies beneath the surface!
Keeping up with my series of bands that have been blazing up my Last Fm play list as of late comes today's bio on Thee Merry Widows a group of young women who are certainly got their B movie mojo in full effect.
Certainly their cover for "The Devil's Outlaws" wins the award for best album art ever. The thing just screams "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill"
Like a living, breathing Russ Meyers movie brought to life, Thee Merry Widows are a sight and sound to behold!
Combining elements of traditional psychobilly with their love of horrorpunk, surf, and garage, Thee Merry Widows are America's first all female psychobilly band. These girls may be pretty, but make no mistake, they ain't afriad to rock the fuck out!
Started by vocalist and burlesque queen Miss Eva von Slut and upright bassist Nikki Nightbreed in their San Francisco apartment, the band grew quickly to include sci-fi sweetheart drummer Andrea, garage rock rhythm guitar goddess Mistress Mandy, motorcycle maniac turned upright bassist Jenna Ferocious, and lead guitarist/kindergarten teacher Nishone.
Emerging from the underground, the band has become a major force to be reckoned with in California's psychobilly scene and have rocked shows with Demented Are Go, The Meteors, GuanaBatz, Mad Sin, Nekromantix, The Long Tall Texans, Batmobile, The Coffin Nails, Hellbillys, and The Misfits to name a few. Thee Merry Widows have toured the US, the UK, Europe, and played a very special show for the boys at San Quentin. The girls are currently working on a blood lust follow up to Revenge Served Cold, slated for release in early 2008!
Alcohol-soaked and rocking like the Runaways on speed, these gals are ready to rumble! Think you're man enough?
That about sums it up!
Hot girls with a Russ Meyer inspired attitude playing hot rockabilly! Do you really need any thing else?
Keeping in line with my new feature about bands that are really "lighting my fire" these days comes today's entry on the Liverpool (UK) based Zombina and The Skeletones. The Skeletones are an amazing group that takes a tongue-and-cheek musical journey into everything that makes classic horror and sci fi so great. Listen to these titles, Staci Stasis, Frankenlady, Nobody Likes You When You're Dead and for you Japanese sci fi fans, Astroboy.
Here is their bio from Wikipedia:
Zombina and the Skeletones are a horror rock band from Liverpool, England, formed in 1998 around the nucleus of vocalist Zombina and songwriter Doc Horror. The majority of their tongue in cheek lyrical content deals with themes of horror and science fiction, yet their musical style is upbeat and pop oriented, with elements of garage punk, doo wop and hard rock. Due to their apparent obsession with B Movies and black humour their fanbase extends to the gothic rock, deathrock and psychobilly scenes.
Zombina met Doc Horror in 1998, fast becoming friends and started a band called The Deformed, producing a demo tape; "No Sleep 'Til Transylvania", in early 1999. This tape featured songs that would later become Zombina and The Skeletones staples; "The Grave... And Beyond!", "Braindead" and "Leave My Brain Alone"; and established a strong B-Movie informed horror theme recalling the early efforts of The Misfits and The Cramps.
In 2005, Zombina and The Skeletones were a featured unsigned band on BBC Radio 2. They have also toured the UK with bands such as The Damned, The Misfits, and The Meteors.2006 saw the band headlining Lumous Gothic Festival, Finland. Then in 2007, Wave-Gotik-Treffen (Wave-Gothic-Meeting) in Leipzig, Germany.They have been featured in the UK magazine, Bizarre, and played live at the 2008 "Bizarre Ball" in London. They were scheduled to appear at Abertoir, the Welsh Horror Festival, and performed as part of the festival.
Listen to Zombina and The Skeletones tracks via Amazon.com:
Zombina and The Skeletones music videos:
Zombina and The Skeletones Photos:
Lyrics - Astroboy
I heard the news today It seems like such a shame The rocket ship is waiting To take you away
Set apart from me Across the galaxy And though I cry You just won't stay
The heavens are open for the lucky few All my life I'll never find another love like you
There's no reason for Your going away I never even gave you Cause for complaint
You said you'd see me 'round But I won't take it lying down But you'd never know 'Cause you're in space
Remember what I always say? That I'd rather lie down and die than let you fly away But now you've gone and thrown away all our dreams Just remember, out in space, nobody can here you scream
The heavens are open for the lucky few All my life I'll never find another love like you Another love like you I got the astronaut boyfriend blues
Yesterday I posted a rather long profile on the Danish rockabilly sensations known as The Horrorpops so I thought that I would continue along that line with another band that has really stated to grow on me, Kitty In A Casket.
Rockabilly is quickly becoming my music of choice these days an Kitty In A Casket, like The Horrorpops is a bass rattling trip to the other side fronted by a female vocalist, actually known as Kitty Casket, who can really belt it out.
Check out these titles, "Bride of the Monster", "Horror Express" and "Space Invaders". Good stuff no.
Kitty in a Casket came into being in autumn 2008, when Kitty and Billy decided to start a band together. That's when Bloody Lovesong and Canibal Paradise was written. Later that year they found an outstanding double bass player (Marc), as well as a drummer from hell (Mike) and immediately recorded their smashing debut album „Horror Express“, which came out in spring 2009 on the famous „billy“- lable CRAZY LOVE RECORDS. By that time lots of live shows and festivals have been played in all over Europe. In the same year, merely five months after „Horror Express“ was in stores, they released another fancy record „HalloWien“ on the most crucial of all fests: Halloween. Since then the sound of KITTY IN A CASKET got a bit harder, punkier and faster than on the debut- but not only that, also the vocals and the backing vocals are more unique and more sophisticated. After the release and a triumphant Halloween-show, KIAC found themselves a well- known double bass player, as Marc all of a sudden decided to quit the band. Slappin Suspender (Heiko), who plays also with P.O.X. and Mason Dixon Hobos now rocks the stage with Kitty. It won't take too long until new tunes will be produced by this talented and crative band. Until then be sure to attend one of their remarkable shows this year.
Here is sample of Kitty In A Casket tracks from Amazon.com:
Here are some music videos:
Kitty In A Casket photos:
Lyrics - My Cannibal Paradise
Tonight's the night you waited for People want more and more Now you'll get what you all need We'll go for it, we are better than Speed
We'll be there play our show, Show you what's rock and roll Tonight will be special gig This party will give us all the kick
You' won't believe your eyes When you watch your boy die And someone in the crowd shouts: Hey ho, let's go
My cannibal paradise, paradise, paradise, oh oh My cannibal paradise, paradise, paradise, oho My cannibal paradise uhohohuhoh, My cannibal paradise, paradise uhoh
Surprise, surprise, now here's the clue Right, what we want is you We eat you alive tonight Nothing ever felt so right
We love the smell of fresh meat That's all we ever ever need One sweet arm, a spicy chest That's our wildest cannibal fest
You will run, you will hide But you are caught inside
My cannibal paradise, paradise, paradise, oh oh My cannibal paradise, paradise, paradise, oho My cannibal paradise uhohohuhoh, My cannibal paradise, paradise uhoh
McKitty's happy meal ohohohohoh
My cannibal paradise, paradise, paradise, oh oh My cannibal paradise, paradise, paradise, oho My cannibal paradise uhohohuhoh, My cannibal paradise, paradise uhoh
Written By: Ken Hulsey Source: Hellcat Records / Last Fm
There is one band that has been dominating both my ipod and Last FM play lists for about 6 months now, the ultra-hot Danish rockabilly sensations known as The Horrorpops. With tracks like "Walk Like A Zombie" and "Thelma & Louise" how could a monster movie maniac like me resist? The hard-core vocals of the amazing Patricia Day (left) will turn anyone into a true believer in a millisecond and the thumping bass driven rock will melt your toes right off! When it comes to cool, the Horrorpops are on the top of the chart.
Here is the bands bio from their website:
From virtual unknowns to stars of the Warped Tour and stadiums across Europe, HorrorPops have thrived on the strength of great songwriting, remarkable intuition, a jaw-dropping live experience and a willingness to explore an array of styles. Be it new wave, punk, surf, ska, rockabilly, metal or goth, the trio's self-produced, film-centric third Hellcat album, Kiss Kiss Kill Kill, embraces all of the aforementioned rock & roll subgenres with admirable aplomb.
Crafting a thrill ride of an album is no easy feat, but Patricia Day (lead vocals/upright bass), Nekroman (lead guitar/vocals) and Niedermeier (drums/vocals) have done so by adhering to instinct. By staying true to their original and diverse musical vision, HorrorPops have flourished, building a tremendously loyal and ever-growing following in the process.
From the charged anthem, "Missfit" - replete with an amusing nod to Madness' "Our House" that takes the song to unexpected heights - to the adventurously dark title track, Kiss Kiss Kill Kill is both captivating and inspiring. The album's namesake, which elicits memories of The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees and - thanks to its deep, sinister harmonies - Sisters of Mercy, is at once an ingenious new tune and an ardent tribute to past icons.
While the Denmark-reared, L.A. based HorrorPops' expertly crafted new disc marks a return to the new wave leanings abundant on its widely-cherished 2004 Hell Yeah debut, Kiss Kiss Kill Kill is also a bold song-cycle that balances circle-pit punk and Hot 100 pop with exhilarating results.
"We started HorrorPops so that we could play all styles of music," Patricia explains. But after its 2005 rock-based sophomore breakthrough Bring It On!, Day admits, "We really wanted to get back to the classic new wave feel that we love. And I think our excitement about these songs has made a hell of difference."
Kiss Kiss Kill Kill finds HorrorPops reverting back to a trio for album number three. Despite the lineup shift, the disc exudes a new level of confidence. It's a point affirmed in the prowess of the ferocious surf instrumental, "Horrorbeach Part II," the shimmering, hook injected "Everything's Everything" and the fiery, old school "Boot To Boot."
Based on the recent riots in their home city of Copenhagen, the latter is the only song that doesn't fall into the album's film theme. Chronicling HorrorPops rage over the dismantling and ultimate destruction of Youth House - which doubled as one of Copenhagen's finest rock venues and the last place for punks and street kids in Denmark to call home - Patricia says, "Twenty five years after they enacted the program, there was a change of government that decided that everything weird had to go. So they sold the house to a Christian community who tore it down. Copenhagen has been on fire. And "Boot To Boot" is dedicated to our displaced friends."
A complete about face from the seriousness of "Boot" comes in the form of "Disco", which is arguably the most amusing moment on Kiss Kiss Kill Kill. A fun, percussion-driven number with the kind of rattling rim-shots not heard since Kings of the Wild Frontier, this rollicking and infectious winner of a tune was not initially based on Bret Michaels asinine VH1 reality series, Rock of Love. However, "It fits so perfectly with that show, that it wound up being movie/television related anyway," Patricia laughs.
Equally stellar is the captivating disc-opener, "Thelma & Louise," which gives Kiss Kiss Kill Kill its levitation with an escapist view. And with its perfect flow - all the way through to its explosive, too-good-to-be-missed parting shot "Private Hall of Shame" - it would be easy to assume that a lot of time and energy went into the sequencing of the songs for HorrorPops third disc.
Of course you know what happens when you assume! "We barely thought about it," Patricia snickers. "The sequencing just sort of offered itself. Anyone looking at the cover will know the album is mostly about movies - old movies and new movies or music for a movie. In fact the song "Hitchcock Starlet" was written to fit almost any Hitchcock movie. It has that kind of vibe."
But getting back to the aforementioned song that takes its name from that 1991 Susan Sarandon-Geena Davis film where housewives turn hellions, Patricia says, "I think a lot of people have that feeling, where they just want to leave everything behind, feel freedom and get the fuck away."
But she adds, "Luckily, we've all been able - from touring - to make a little more money recently. So we are able to live on a little more than just toilet paper and spaghetti. We've all bought some vintage cars and every once in a while we just get in them and go."
In fact, its easy to imagine sitting in the passenger side of Nekroman's 1924 Ford-turned-"coffin on wheels" cruising the sticky asphalt of Los Angeles with the accompaniment of Kiss Kiss Kill Kill blasting skyward. Of course, Day's '51 MG convertible - which she proudly notes gets an epic 46 miles a gallon - would be a similarly solid choice. With fuel economy like that, to quote Patricia, "a hybrid can go fuck itself."
Speaking of hybrids, when the members of HorrorPops hit the road, they still continue to morph from a trio to a quintet. In case you've been under a rock, the band's infamous live spectacle boasts two voluptuous go-go dancers. And Rita-tah and Tweek are new for 2008.
"There is a big difference between the live act and the band," Patricia notes. "So as much time and energy as we put into creating the songs, we also care a lot about the live performance. It's really important for us to put on a show. We take pride in bringing some kind of spectacle to the stage."
Which explains why, with its heralded live shows and rollicking discography, HorrorPops have successfully earned the adulation of kids throughout the globe and inspired a number of women to front bands. "It's fucking awesome," Day says of the group's following. "But at the same time it's weird."
"As far as bands go, the more women in the music business the better," she continues. "When I started, there were no females, and the other sex didn't want to play with me. We're still at the point where every female vocalist has to be compared to Madonna or Gwen Stefani, simply because they are the only females on the rock charts. So I still feel like there's a lot to prove, and I'm hoping on getting that changed around. Having it so someday gender isn't that important in rock & roll is something that's very important to me."
On the heels of recent tours with Danzig and Dropkick Murphys, not to mention its Warped triumphs and a full-on stadium tour through Europe with the Offspring on its resume, HorrorPops have proved they can fit in with any number of rock varieties. In respect to their latest album and their history as a band, Patricia acknowledges, "It feels like we've accomplished what we set out to do, which is crush genres."
While the core of HorrorPops has remained unchanged and its focus unclouded since it was founded more than a decade ago in Copenhagen, its relocation to L.A. three years ago was the impetus for all that has followed. Looking back, Patricia remarks, "It's amazing that we've gone from not having a contract to touring stadiums and having a real steady and growing fanbase in just a couple of years. The fact that we've got a loyal following, even though we never asked for it or expected it, it's really been cool."
And what about the many kids who are so loyal that they've gone ahead and tattooed "HorrorPops" on their bodies?
"That scares the shit out of me." Day concludes." How do you live up to that? That's on their skin forever. I hope we never disappoint them.
Listen to tracks from the Horrorpops via Amazon.com:
Horrorpops Videos:
Horrorpops Photos:
Lyrics - MissFit
I don't always tread, don't always tread careful Yeah Most of the time I'm quite annoying I don't watch my mouth Don't find an out in a fight! I can scream and shout and be a loud mouth!
And I, I'm from the wrong side of the town Now proud On top of that I'm female! Nothing, nothing I say is adequate According to you I'm a MissFit! What made you my judge and juror?!
So I don't give into the common trends Why is that something I have to defend? Who made you my judge and juror?
So I carry my fists, I carry my fists high 'Cause most of the time I know I have to fight For what I believe in, what I believe is right Even stupid things like keeping my hair dyed
And I... I'm from the wrong side of the town Now proud.. On top of that I'm female! Nothing, nothing I say is adequate According to you I'm a MissFit! What made you my judge and juror?!
So I don't give into the common trends Why is that something I have to defend? Who made you my judge and juror?
My fist in the middle of your face My fist in the middle of your....
Nothing, Nothing I say is adequate According to you I'm a MissFit What made you my judge and juror? So I don't give in to the common trends Why is that something I have to defend? I still stand tall!
Written By: Ken Hulsey
