I don’t do Rockabilly or, more accurately here, Psychobilly. Actually, scratch that. I tend to gravitate towards sounds that move me in some sort of way regardless of genre. That said, and to clarify, I do not have an abundance of Rocka/Psychobilly in my current physical or digital collection of music. But being an Industrial/Goth kid, BAT! speaks to me. And considering they’re listed as “Gothabilly” with a sound like Misfits meeting Oingo Boingo, this outfit is the perfect blend for me. And you!
Twenty tracks, fifteen originals, five covers and with each track barely passing the three minute mark you’d be a fool not to listen through the spooky and sultry sounds from members of Nekromantix, The Brains, Stellar Corpses, and Rezurex. “We Fight!” sounds like the Davey Havok fronted Son Of Sam project mixed with Dick Dale (Who gets a fitting tribute with the “Misirlou” cover that closes the record) and is akin to a BATS! mission statement before segueing into a surprisingly rawking version of “Tainted Love”.
“Villain” lands next and sounds so familiar that I found myself looking for the original…which I was already listening to! That raucous ride is followed by the sweeping croon-fest “We Own The Night” before a slew of your new favorite Gothabilly anthems drop. Other highlights along the way include The 69 Eyes’ Jyrki 69 popping up on the spooktacular vampire-tinged “Take It Off”, Danny B. Harvey of Lonesome Spurs lending his guitar talents to the rollicking “You’re Running Away”, and a version of “Mother” that’s almost in the style of Misfits. And if that wasn’t enough reason to check this sucker out then “Revenge Of The Batmask”, complete with nods to The Munsters’ iconic theme, and their transformation of that insufferable Portugal. The Man song (“Feel It Still”) into something different and bearable should be more than enough reason to tune in.
Bat Music for Bat People is available now from Cleopatra Records and can be gotten by clicking here for digital options and here for physical ones. For more on BAT!, check out their socials here and here.