Last year Dead Cross blew us away with their propulsive, self-titled debut LP. As often happens the year after such an amazing release, they’ve followed it up with a ‘don’t forget about us’ EP. 2018’s Dead Cross (Yes, it’s self-titled again. Yes, I also hate it when bands do that.) is two new songs and two remixes from 2017’s Dead Cross . (Do you see how annoying that is?) To further add to the confusion, the EP also has a portion of the artwork from the LP.

The two new songs are quite good, but they no longer have the element of surprise. They are driving, spastic and jerky, much like the songs on the band’s debut. “Skin of a Redneck” takes aim at our country’s racist, gun loving culture. I don’t even care to speculate what D-beat rager “My Perfect Prisoner” is about. Both feature a wide range of nearly human sounds from singer Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk etc…), and pummeling drumming from Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Misfits etc…). The other two guys on guitar and bass aren’t too shabby either.

The White Zombie style disco remixes of “Shillelagh” and “Church of the Motherfuckers” fall a bit flat, especially if you’re familiar with the fantastic original versions. Both were highlights of 2017’s Dead Cross. This is available digitally and as a limited black and green swirl ten inch record. The vinyl is an undeniably cool collectable, but will cost you $20 for what is essentially two new tracks. 2018’s Dead Cross isn’t bad, but it is unable to live up to impossibly high standards set by 2017’s Dead Cross.