Nekromantix- Return Of The Loving Dead
Psychobilly bands creep me out. That’s the bottom line for me. Although actual definitions might say that it’s an innocent mix of the British 70’s style of punk and the American rockabilly genre, you can easily tell it’s a lot more than that. With the occasional style of weird, sometimes demonic hairstyles, lots of makeup, and maybe even bones on stage, this confused genre shows it’s own ugly side. But on the lighter side, there are more positive aspects of what the style of music contributes. As the sub-genre itself focuses around and takes deep appreciation in horror films, and sometimes sexuality, and delivers it in an interesting tongue-in-cheek fashion, it also holds a place for humor as well. A great style that this genre adopted earlier on was also the up-right bass. Over the years, it got so popular in Psychobilly bands, that it is now one of the conditions, or ‘symptoms’ that determine wether you’re part of the freak-show or not.
Not to give a history lesson or anything, but I needed to get that out before introducing the band titled to the name
Nekromantix. If you have heard of the band before, it has most likely been in their short MTV run in 94’, or maybe one of their most recent albums. If you have ever
Seen these guys, maybe you’ve realized that they are deeply obsessed with vampires and their Transylvania-like appearance. The band hails from Copenhagen, Denmark, and consists of bassist/vocalist Kim Nekroman (stage-name), and brothers Peter (guitar/vocals) and Kristian (drums) Sandorff. Although their overall image does bother me a bit at times, with the strange, matching haircuts, most of all, the band does a great job taking the genre as most people right by the balls and dragging it just a bit farther. With great, a bit evil riffs, hoppy bass-lines, and sometimes humorous lyrics that add to the fact that Kim’s choice instrument is a coffin-bass complete with a cross for a neck.
All facts aside, and brining me to the actual album, titled
Return Of The Loving Dead, their most-noticed 2002 release, I must say that this is quite and interesting listen, especially when you turn to it after listening to either more classic punk, or hell, just any other style of punk. They dive straight to business in every track, presenting you with a raw, sometimes brilliant riff to start off every verse and chorus for that matter. Guitarist Peter Sandorff manages to deliver these riffs on the frontline with style as he at the same time executes with lead vocals at times. Sandorff , while always going at great guitar-work (Title Track, Nice Day For A Resurrection), usually gives up lead vocals to bassist Kim, and provides great background vocals that usually consists of low moans and echo effects. These are notable in tracks like “Trick Or Treat” and “I’m A Hellcat.” On the lyrical portion of the composition, the boys also shine with great usually very graphic lines, (Gargoyles Over Copenhagen, Murder For Breakfast) and often humorous as well (Who Killed The Cheerleader?, Rubber Monks & Leather Nuns). As far as bassist Kim goes, while still sporting his vampire of a bass, goes very far with maintaining the rhythm and going at the vocals with progression. While all his lines are nothing short of decent, and all sound close to the same, he still gets recognition for keeping the peace between bass and vocals. That leaves drummer Kristian Sandorff left. Like tons of other punk drummers, Kristian’s abilities consist of the same beat for nearly every track. The usual tom-beat attached to a nice faster-paced double-bass sounds nice, but he rarely goes the extra mile to entertain a bit more (Gargoyles Over Copenhagen, Generation 666). Most of the songs at an over-view look, center around sex, and other diabolical happening that trigger riff to riff to riff, or other material for that matter. A big portion of the album is the intros to songs, as they give off exactly what the whole song will consist of early on.
Live, they appear to be fire-starters and very good at keeping fuse lit at fast-paced speed. But like other vocalists, Kim and Peter are a bit altered when it comes to vocals on the stage. But that kooky coffin-bass always makes up for it. =). Kim’s side project is his wife’s project,
Horrorpops, and sounds very similar to this band in many ways. So you’ll know which way to head if you’re at either ends. Nekromantix come on as very strange, and with a bad attitude, but give it a chance, and you are to find out that there is more to it than their poor image. While this record isn’t their best, it certainly gives you a punch in the face with the material an earlier fan should start out with. They sport fresh material with a very misleading image. Beneath all the hair, and fake blood, lies a bit of hope. In other words, don’t let the unexpected, sometimes disturbing haircuts mislead you.
Stand Out Tracks:
Nice Day For A Resurrection
Gargoyles Over Copenhagen
Rubber Monks & leather nuns
Great.
3.5/5
