The Writhers - Ghastly Reminders

 I caught the Writhers at the end of the night at the Double Down this past Friday and had a fun time during their set, but due to the lateness of the hour and the ingestion of liquid intoxicants, I could not really give a coherent review of their sound, other than that it was energetic punk rock with a bit of visual style and flair. I picked up two of their CD's to give a more well-rounded listen and I believe that this is the earlier one (chronologically) and it is nicely packaged with hip artwork by their singer, Robert Writhe.

Opening with a touch of mournful accordion, the opening "Pink Twilight" is a dramatic, cinematic horror theme that moves into "Down My Spine" that has driving bass (Iggy Death Ripper) and drums (Rikk R Treat) plus wiry guitar sounding somewhat like a cross between Wire and the Dead Kennedys, with spooky vocals. "Kill the Monster" is more pure punk rock with Robert as the monster that the world will not accept while "I Like To Leave Marks" is an ode to sado/masochism (or is it vampirism? It's a bit vague) done in a semi-lounge-singer/gothic style that picks up in a heavier mode about halfway through. The finale, "Point Pleasant 1966", is a bit of garage/horror-movie/punk rock'n'roll with buzzsaw guitars (courtesy of Chewy Morsel) that ends all too quickly - as it did for the protagonist's girlfriend in the song!

Somewhat silly, but enjoyable'n'thematic punk rock'n'roll. Definitely a band to experience live!