Thursday, October 7, 2010

A New Cut For The Creepshow With They All Fall Down

When The Creepshow first set out in 2005 to set themselves apart, they put all their energy into psychobilly punk. Their new album has more depth than the original genre, with its harder- hitting sound and strong vocals from Sarah "Sin" Blackwood.

Backed by Sean “Sick Boy” McNab (stand-up bass/vocals), Kristian "the Reverend McGinty" Rowles (sermons/organ/vocals) and Matt “Pomade” Gee (drums), the band has redefined rough, harsh, and energy-driven punk. They All Fall Down is a sprint from start to finish. Fans can expect some furious live performances, which might seem impossible given most critics had considered their obsessive-compulsive touring schedule amped up anyway.

They All Fall Down Is Nicely Pounded Punk.

In interviews, Blackwood isn't bashful to admit that the second album was okay by comparison as she had to prove that she could take over for her sister, Jen "Hellcat" Blackwood, who left the band in 2007. There is no second guessing the swap anymore. Sarah Blackwood clearly owns the album while breaking away from the restrictive horror-flick influence.

Some bands take ten months and some take ten years to figure out where they belong. The Creepshow seems like they've accomplished this impossible task in five years and three albums. That is not to say this is a complete departure. There are still some country-tinged notes, psycho moments, and veracious punk. They are also more grounded but no less ambitious or sympathetic.


Standouts are They All Fall Down (title track), Dusk 'Til Dawn, Keep Dreaming, and Going Down. Someday is solid into the chorus, even if it is probably the most underrated song on the album. Hellbound is a little less memorable with McNab and Rowles taking over vocals.

Last Chance and Sleep Tight will likely be enjoyed by longtime fans. Both songs keep the revised 1950s vibe alive. It's what helped the band become a viral sensation in 2006. For me, it's not that these songs lack as much as they struggle to stack up with the new sound. Either would have been good enough for previous albums, but They All Fall Down has a much higher bar.

They All Fall Down By The Creepshow Shakes Up A 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Don't bother with any reviews that claim the album is only an inch better than previous efforts. The frantic pace of the music moves the band well beyond where they started. The principal label, Stomp Records, has done the band justice by letting them cut loose with fun but vengeful lyrics set against rich melodies and gutter punk aggression.

They All Fall Down is available on iTunes via Hellcat Records in the U.S. You can also find They All Fall Down by The Creepshow on Amazon.

Check out The Creepshow on MySpace, but not Facebook (yet). If you have another minute, listen to the solo work by Sarah Blackwood. The stark contrast will leaving you wondering where the sin is, promise.
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