The Dead Tones-Deader Than You; self-released CD, 2006

 

When it comes to Horror Punk, Disaster Amnesiac has never been exactly up to speed. I've always had a copy of Legacy of Brutality around since 1986 or so, and I profess to love the graphic design and kustomized culture that so many of its leading lights utilize. It's a highly creative, active subculture, one that has had the admiration of this dude for a long time, albeit from afar. 

In light of that, the Dead Tones Deader Than You came across my visual radar at a Goodwill a few months back as Mrs. Amnesiac and I were perusing for a white elephant gift. The price of the disc, a few bucks at most, was right, so I took the chance. 

Happy to have done so, too. The music, generally performed at an amped up pace, has all kinds of great aspects. Notable is the way in which guitarist Jason coaxes from his Fender Twin-sounding guitar all kinds of examples of the killer ability of the the electric guitar to be both percussive and melodic. The way he plays chords during the verses of the music is always bright and very present, and when he brings a slide for the solo on the title track, or wigs out on Scarlet Street, it's very clear that he has spent time studying ways in which to be expressive with his instrument. Good on him for allowing himself to take some creative license with it. Joining with Jason in the upper registers is the organ playing of Tabitha. When Disaster Amnesiac first played this disc, it was her sounds that I found most intriguing, as they add a kind of mid-1960's Garage feel to the more Rockabilly one that is overarching. I guess that Horror Punk allows for this kind of mashup, and I am happy about that. Her sounds give all of the songs that lysergic edge that helps to bend the mind a little bit or a lot. It's a bold musical move, and it really works to add brightness and melodic atmosphere to the sound. 

Within the rhythm section, bassist/vocalist Andrew and drummer J, as mentioned, keep the pace brisk. Their rhythmic lock avoids a stock polka beat; when J's bass and snare combos kick things along, the listener can definitely feel their physicality. It's my hope that he also bought recording engineer Jason Testasecca (or are these two the same person?) a beer of two after these recordings wrapped. Testasecca captured great drum sounds on all of these tracks. Hearing the ways in which a Rock 'n Roll upright bass clicks and and burrs, along with its melodic aspects, is never  a bad thing, and Andrew accomplishes both with aplomb. His vocals are confident, and, dude can really sing. It's the sound of a front man doing his thing because he knows he can, and it's great to hear. Additionally, his lyrics are creative. The total package! 

As Disaster Amnesiac has spun Deader Than You, I've imagined how fun The Dead Tones shows must have been. Perhaps they happen still? Who would part with this kind of rockin' fun? Top notch Horror Punk, all the way through, ya ghouls!