Despite their sophomore album's gory cover, this furious trio's sound is less crusty than most of their psychobilly competition. Of course, that isn't saying much, given the genre's fondess for blistering speed, scream-along choruses and B-movie lyrics. Nevertheless, The Koffin Kats' slightly more melodic approach will appeal to listeners who want to build a bridge between the Reverend Horton Heat and the Nekromantix.
The Kats' melodies are their best assets. They come shining through on tracks like "Vampire's Curse", driven by a finger-snapping swing beat that's as infectious as anything Tiger Army has written. Unfortunately, the quality isn't consistent: guitarist Tommy Koffin's solos don't deserve the chunk of running time they occupy in the band's music, and the group's reliance on "whoa-whoa" choruses wears thin well before the album ends. Even so, most of these fifteen tracks pack furious energy and solid hooks. With a little more growth in the song structure department, The Koffin Kats could easily rise to prominence in the graveyard they call home.
