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Midnight Spook Show
Available only on iTunes
* Links to iTunes Music Store
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Midnight Spookshow
Eschewing most of what once defined American
punk, the band comes racing out of the gate with
the title track, all guns blazing. Dave
Calabrese lays down a solid rhythm while Jim and
Bobby harmonize as if the Beach Boys were being
assaulted by Rob Zombie. "Midnight
Spookshow" comes across as anthemic intro,
setting the stage for the rest that follows.
Like downshifting and exploding out into the
passing lane, "Come Alive" kicks the
set up a notch and throws you back against your
seat. The inescapable hook and infuriatingly
catchy chorus defy you to hum another tune the
rest of the day. As good as vocal performance
is, Dave's solid, if not spectacular drumming
brings the whole package together and makes it a
highlight of the set.
The band successfully rides big choruses,
chanted backing vocals and thundering percussion
seemingly without effort. This formula is never
more evident than on the EP's closer,
"Blood In My Eyes". While the band
doesn't bring anything dramatically new to the
table, few do. There is something instantly
familiar and reassuring about the album that
will certainly delight fans of the Misfits,
Ramones and Ghoulies.
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