The Brains – Drunk Not Dead (Stomp)
My, my what The Cramps have started. In the 30-plus years since Lux Interior and his crew combined horror-show themes, punk rock and rockabilliy there have been a shocking number of groups that have used the same formula – enough to establish a pretty sizable subgenre.
There are some dreadful examples, but Canada’s The Brains, thankfully, are one of the best. On Drunk Not Dead, their third and latest release, the band has turned in their most consistent collection of songs yet. An appropriate 13 tracks, filled with ditties themed around the macabre, fast cars and resilience. The album also includes their infectious new anthem “We Are the Brains,” likely to be a show staple from here on.
Rene de La Muerte croons like Torme and his double speed guitar fits in nicely backed by the hyper speed drumming of Pat Kadavar and smooth stand up bass of Colin the Dead, one of the best rhythm sections in punk rock. There are a few missteps, like the muddled “Oh Murder,” but far more shining moments on Drunk Not Dead to make up for it. Long live the undead.
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