By Mark Young
And now we have The Halloween Album, the first full-length album from The Goldstars, who are single handedly trying to keep that glorious American tradition of pop-punk with a definite spooky influence. Now, it would be remiss of me not to mention that the album has been made possible by an IAP grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. So not only is it sleazy, scruffy hooky, filled music, its also a slice of American culture too.
Still, for those on this side of the pond, should we be interested? Well, yes. It is a niche release to tie in with the Halloween market and only recently we reviewed Sam Haynes latest so there is room for music that can power any self-respecting party night along.
The difference is plain to hear though, this has that Americana filter switched up high, each song having a familiar hook that is guaranteed to get even the most decayed corpse moving. Let’s face it, this isn’t music with a grand statement or something to be classed as a work of art. It’s purpose is to get you to dance, and to offer something new to Halloween parties up and down the country.
Now, when you are listening to this, you can make out some influences, possibly slowed down for use here, such as AC/DC on Let Your Freak Flag Fly or The Ramones on Cabin Rd twisted through a 50’s filter. Personally I love it because if you are going to borrow with pride, take from those that have memorable rhythms, right? Stroll in Hell is a proper clicking finger, cigarette hanging bar belter whilst I Frankensteined U might be one of the funniest Mick Jagger skits going. It might be coming from a place of humour but these aren’t badly conceived songs. They come with oodles of American flavour and should just carve their way into your party playlist.
