The Brains
Satana Tarantula
Cleopatra Records
Montrealβs psychobilly trio The Brains have released their blood-pumping, toe-tapping ninth record, Satana Tarantula. Their signature sounds are all here: walking double bass, driving drums, scorching hollow-body guitar, and crooning vocals. Beguiling lyrics abound, and while the subject matter is still tinged by darkness, itβs not as macabre as previous offerings from the band that had a more horrorbilly flavour.
While much of the album is the picture of perfect psychobilly, βCβmon Letβs Do It All Nightβ showcases the bandβs flexibility, swinging between rockabilly and rockβnβroll with ease. The album offers an epic horn section bridge on βEl Mariachi de la Muerteβ, and a worthy cover of Eddy Grantβs 1983 hit, βElectric Avenueβ.
Worth mentioning is βHellβ, with Tim ΓhrstrΓΆm of Avatar and an absolutely staggering solo. βHellhoundsβ features the Horrorpopsβ Patricia Day for a sultry duet. Also making an appearance on βFireβ is Danny B. Harvey of The Head Cat and Swing Cats.
With Satana Tarantula, The Brains have reached a level of punk-infused rockabilly maturity that will give the greats a run for their money. Itβll have fans singing or shouting alongβ¦ but good luck hitting those impressive notes that Rene D La Muerte does.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE BRAINS – SATANA TARANTULA
Michelle Cooney