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Gotta hand it to ‘em -- the Horrorpops have been incredibly consistent. Able to bridge the gap between the relatively esoteric punk subgenre of psychobilly with mainstream pop sensibilities for three straight albums, Horrorpops have done so with what seems like ease, though the all-star cast they’ve boasted throughout the years probably doesn’t hurt.

At the forefront (err…somewhere behind the upright bass) is Patricia Day, the trilingual Danish hellcat who packs more venom and charisma than all of Go Betty Go combined. Displaying not only a voice and allure placed perfectly for the musical backdrop, Day’s proficiency on the standup complements her husband, Kim Nekroman’s (of the Nekromantix), guitar playing while providing the music’s trademark click-thump-click distinctiveness. Though no longer with the inclusion of Tiger Army bassist Geoff Kresge on rhythm guitar, Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill doesn’t feel like it’s lacking anything.

Interestingly enough, the album seems to follow the trend of the Nekromantix's latest album by way of increasingly impressive guitar playing that’s at the same time dynamic and grabbing, while rooted in the finest traditions of rock and roll, surf rock and rockabilly. Though Nekroman is on the six-string with Horrorpops instead of the upright bass as he is with Nekromantix, the surf-tinged opener “Thelma & Louise” showcases more developed guitarwork than ever before, while “Copenhagen Refugee” features the fret-play of a `50s rock and roll style.

While overall laying claim to better musicianship and perhaps a bit of a more diverse range of sounds, Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill lacks the immediate hooks packed in Hell Yeah’s offerings like “Where they Wander” and “Girl in a Cage.” The best moment on the album comes courtesy of biting English ska legends Madness in the song “Missfit” as Day threatens cheerily “My fist: in the middle of your face” to the tune of “Our House” right before a wicked kazoo solo. "Heading for the Disco" not only features an amusing music video, but some of the best lyrics any psychobilly band has ever laid down, as Day sings "I don't get why anyone would wanna dress up as an `80s whore." Speaking to the album's diversity, the title track seems to channel a bit of Depeche Mode’s austerity, while the almost ballad-like “Hitchcock Starlet” gives off an atmospheric glow nearly akin to something closer to Joy Division than the Meteors.

Though it probably won’t win over many of those critical of the band’s first two releases, Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill proves that Horrorpops’ success is no accident. With the ability to churn out three quality full-length doses of psychobilly pop-punk, Horrorpops have rightfully earned their place among the Hellcat mainstay.



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    Posted by american_666_jesus on 2008-12-11 10:53:58

    I have to agree that seeing them live now is really disappointing. Not that they were ever great, but they didn't used to be as drab as they are now. They played Riot Fest this year and seemed to be on auto pilot. Part of what made them better was the Go-Go dancers on stage. Nekroman just doesn't have any of the intensity he does with the Nekromantix on stage. I wonder if it would still be worth seeing them without the Sandorff brothers.

    Posted by GlassPipeMurder on 2008-12-11 00:13:26

    What's up with their lineup? I remember when it was 8 people, now it's a trio?! of course the live show goes to shit when you subtract 5 people.

    http://www.punknews.org/article/24589

    Posted by givemeamuseumandillfillit on 2008-12-10 19:35:16

    What's up with their lineup? I remember when it was 8 people, now it's a trio?! of course the live show goes to shit when you subtract 5 people.

    Posted by GlamBalam on 2008-12-10 14:04:40
    My Score:

    Not bad

    Posted by 655321 on 2008-12-10 13:22:12

    "the album seems to follow the trend of the Nekromantix's latest album by way of increasingly impressive guitar playing that’s at the same time dynamic and grabbing"

    I'd have to say that earlier Nekromantix guitar work is way more impressive than their new stuff. Their albums have gone unfortunately downhill since Pete left. I agree with the comments below - this Horrorpops album is not good and their live shows have definitely lost their a lot of their spunk - it's pretty sad

    Posted by jacknife737 on 2008-12-10 06:25:24

    not my favorite record of last year; but a great pop record nevertheless.

    Nice review too.

    Posted by GlassPipeMurder on 2008-12-10 01:45:05
    My Score:

    wow, i really disagree with this review. i loved hell yeah, thought bring it on was meh, and really didn't like this. their live show's gotten really bad too--used to be great, but when i saw them like 6 months ago or so it seemed like they were coasting through it... no energy. ah well. i was really hoping this would be good

    you're right it's not quite as good as the first two, but not by much. it's grown on me since i got oh...7 months ago. initially disappointing though, for sure.

    Posted by Rastid on 2008-12-10 00:08:22
    My Score:

    wow, i really disagree with this review. i loved hell yeah, thought bring it on was meh, and really didn't like this. their live show's gotten really bad too--used to be great, but when i saw them like 6 months ago or so it seemed like they were coasting through it... no energy. ah well. i was really hoping this would be good

    Posted by NotPatriotic on 2008-12-09 23:07:46
    My Score:

    I went to a HorrorPops concert once. The Briefs opened that show. I walked in during "Stuck on You" and nobody was dancing. My three friends and I changed that atmosphere quickly. Man, I love The Briefs. Score is for the Briefs concert during Bumbershoot were they played for almost an hour, and the 3 other Briefs concerts I attended.

    Posted by mikexdude on 2008-12-09 21:57:00

    Needs more Brian Setzer.

    Posted by DarthNader on 2008-12-09 20:04:39

    when i was a freshman in high school the girl who sat next to me and never talked told the class she was going to a horrorpops concert and i told her that i liked them and she said fuck you stop making fun of me and we never talked again.

    i dont like them anymore though.

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