CD Review:  Horrorpops

Kiss Kiss Kill Kill (Hellcat/Epitaph)

There’s lots to like about L.A.’s Horrorpops (originally from Denmark), and it’s not exclusive to the rockabilly audience. Sure, there’s someone in the band credited as playing “lead vocals/upright bass” and one of the dudes has one of those thick/narrow mohawks, both of which are signs of impending trouble. But the overriding goth-rock (Sisters of Mercy, not My Chemical Romance) and new-wave (the Cure, not Metric) vibes give the disc a more interesting edge, particularly on standout tunes “Keep My Picture!” and “Thelma & Louise;” they don’t, however, stop a feeling of glazed-over ennui from setting in by the album’s midway point. Still, the sultry (sorry, but it’s true) vocals of Patricia Day propel the tunes along, while the cool-hep-cat bass playing (hey, also Day) and simplistic drumming provide a fun toe-tapping experience, one that you don’t need to own gas-station jackets or, like, any Reverend Horton Heat records to enjoy.

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Horrorpops
(with the Switchblade Valentines)
9pm Saturday, October 4
Sugar, 858 Yates
Tickets $15 • 250-920-9950