The Writhers - In One Gulp

 This is last year's release by the Writhers (i realized that Ghastly Reminders was recorded in 2019) and this one has the same essential features as the previous - including more hip artwork - but it also appears to be a concept record opening with "Devilmask Approaches" and closing with "Devilmask Defeated?", so maybe the "good guys" win?

Appropriately, it starts off with some sorta Misfits-ish punk rock mixed with Goth/punk that segues into 70's-styled, Damned-like (or is it Vom that I'm hearing?!) chant-along punk rock for "Rot Rot Rot", then a tale of UFO's in the accordion-led, call'n'answer punk of "What Is That?", there's some really clever rhythm'n'timing in "Pulp" (wherein lies the title "i'm going to eat you In One Gulp!") and, again, the accordion gives it a unique sound, "Cold Day" once more reminds me a bit of the Damned for some reason (maybe cuz I was just listening to them?!) but with plenty of other influences, as well, and the finale is a bit cinematic in its Gothic-ness as is reveals that the narrator has survived being swallowed alive before being able to recount that "Devilmask is defeated"!

The sound is really well done throughout, polished but without losing its edge. I do think that there is a progression in sound and songwriting, as well as performances, from the previous record and all for the better. Glad I picked this up!