If you check out the Myspace page for KreepS, you will see that the band lists itself as experimental/punk/surf. When asked asked where KreepS should be filed in a record store, the members responded that no one seems to know where to put it. After listening to Belly Full of Razor Blades, I can see why music store employees would have such a hard time filing this album. Let me put it another way. You know sometimes you listen to a band and you think every song sounds the same. It seems to me that KreepS takes quite the opposite approach, not wanting any two songs to sound alike.
The album begins with "One More Fix," which has an electronic indie sound that might remind you a tiny bit of Radiohead. That song is followed by "Cyanide." The best way I can think to describe this song is that if someone decided to add to the Trainspotting soundtrack, this song would fit right in with all the other tunes.
And then comes "Be My Frankenstein." This song itself seems to cross a couple different genres/subgenres. It is one part spy rock, and one part greasy soul (with a healthy dose of saxophone that would sound right at home on the Soul Charge podcast). In short, this is just a really good tune.
But wait. There's more. The band shows some surf chops on "You're Gonna Ruin that Girl." This song fits right in with a lot of the songs on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack.
So, are you getting the idea that this band likes to explore different sounds? I certainly hope so. I mean, all these different sounds and influences I've mentioned...that's only in the first five songs on the album. There is also a dash of horror punk ("I Wanna Kill Kill Kill alright," "Blood in my Mouth") and some songs that sound like something Tom Waits might try.
To me, the most interesting song is "Ghost Town Diner." Now, you would think that with a name like that, the song would have some sort of spaghetti western sound. It does have a little bit of that. But really, it's more like this: if Sergio Leone and Martin Denny collaborated on a tune, it might come out sounding something like this. It's a little western, but it's got much more of a lounge/exotica feel to it.
I will say this much. KreepS is not just a band. It is a revelation, particularly the first time you listen to Belly Full of Razor Blades. And this isn't just an album. It is a musical smorgasbord that keeps you guessing as to what comes next. It is truly refreshing to hear a band like this, particularly when there are so many bands out there that never venture beyond their "signature sound." If you are looking for something truly different, this is an album you need to add to your collection.
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