The Creepshow
This is the first time that I have been to a show just because one of the band is wearing shoes identical to a pair I own in the photo on the flyer. Actually, this is a big fat porky pie. I am here for the music. It is always the music first... but one of the Creepshow was wearing a pair of creepers just like mine in the flyer for the show at Epic - that I didn’t get to for reasons I can’t remember - a while back so he obviously has impeccable taste! Anyway, enough sartorial shenanigans and on to the music…
First up, it is a new name for me in Ravenous Hounds. Straight outta “the ass-end of the UK” - their words - AKA Yarmouth – and featuring both a current Beast With A Gin and a former Savage Islander, they threaten to bring a “synth and sax drenched punk rock ‘n’ roll noise like no other”. Well, I am not sure that it is totally unique but it is utterly delicious and enthralling. Comparisons? Well, my notes mention Cardiacs, Alien Sex Fiend, Membranes, King Kurt, Spizz Energi and no wave skronk but I don’t think that does ’em justice. Whatever, they get me moving and I wanna see ’em again as soon as possible.
From the intro tape of Hank Williams’ Angel of Death and opener Death at my Door through to closer Rue Morgue, Canadian five-piece the Creepshow play with a rare energy and swagger. Having been around for over a decade the sound is nominally psychobilly but it sounds more like heavy rock ‘n’ roll to me and it is FUN.
With a larger-than-life presence, Sickboy plays double bass, delivering backing vox and the occasional lead vocal. Stage left, the Reverend McGinty plays keys like a man possessed. Drummer Sandro and guitarist Chuck go about their business with a little less flamboyance than their bandmates. Centre stage is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kenda. I don’t normally mention someone’s size but how the hell does a voice that BIG come from a frame so small? It is a voice that would be as at home singing jazz, 60s style pop or good ol’ rockabilly. When did you ever hear a singer swear in exhortation and then apologise for it? Add in her leaving the stage to dance in and even jive with the audience and Kenda is an absolute star.
I’ll be honest, I came here more out of curiosity than anything else. Yeah, I knew a few songs - Run For Your Life, Devil’s Son – but wasn’t a full on fan of the band. Now, I am utterly converted and walked out with the entire CD back catalogue clutched in my sweaty mitt. It was that good.
