Life In A Bungalo

Koffin Kats, Speed Crazy, Hand Me Downs
Asbury Lanes, NJ
April 25, 2008

Click for full photolog of the show

The Koffin Kats returned to the Garden State last Friday night for a never ending evening of all things psycho. The band played just about every song in their repertoire during the nearly two hour set, pausing only for a few seconds to chug a beer.

First up were The Hand Me Downs, an adrenaline-fueled punk rock band in the vein of Rancid and equally as punchy. I would have loved these guys when I was 16. Sure, the sound is a bit dated and done many times over, but it was worth it just for the two Operation Ivy covers.

I haven’t seen Speed Crazy since they tore through Connections a few years back. At the time, I was put off by the bands’ mile-a-minute guitar licks and thrashy stylings. I now realize that the off-putting live show might have been due to the now defunct club’s miserable sound system. At the Asbury Lanes, Speed Crazy came off like a powerhouse rockabilly band with mean riffs, cool vocals, and a groove that just doesn’t stop. Erica Kozak and Greg Baby traded vocals sweeter than Exene and John Doe, while Snake pummeled the skins behind a floodlight lit bass drum. This set was well worth the second chance. Read more »

Nekromantix/ Koffin Kats/ The Choptops/ Toothless George
Asbury Lanes, NJ
November 24, 2007

Click for Full Photolog of The Nekromantix and The Koffin Kats on Flickr!

It’s rare these days to catch a show so loaded that there isn’t enough filler time for a bathroom break or a second beer. Nowadays, promoters fill up a concert with second rate acts, has beens, and crappy local bands. It’s hardly worth getting to a show at doors let alone 15 minutes before the headliner hits stage. Looks like psychobilly legends The Nekromantix actually wanted to give their fans their money’s worth, because they’ve put together a package tour so ferocious that you barely have time to breath, let alone take a piss. Read more »

Koffin Kats & American Speedway
The Asbury Lanes
July 21, 2007

Detroit’s favorite sons, The Koffin Kats, hit the Jersey Shore one more time for a hell of a romp this past Saturday night. The ghoulish trio pounded out nearly every song in their three-record catalog (including one new tune and a cover), and entertained the packed Asbury Lanes for well over an hour. Read more »

Koffin Kats
“Straying From The Pack”
HB8 Records

The Koffin Kats just don’t quit. They’ve pumped out three releases in just as many years, and have been touring the country relentlessly. The eight track “Straying From The Pack” takes its lead from last year’s full-length “Inhumane” taking the Kat’s punk-infused rockabilly formula and cranking it to break-neck speeds.

Here’s the catch, The Koffin Kats play super-fast psychobilly (we’re talking metal licks here folks), but Vic Victor’s croon is so damn clear and smooth, you think you’re listening to Nick Cave on crank. Top that off with some addictive choruses and a total running time of of 16 and a half minutes, and you have a recipe for rock ‘n’ roll.

The best part is that there isn’t a clunker on the record, and you get another part of the “Graveyard Tree,” a tale of undying (or is it dying love). With the 12 Step Rebels out of the picture, there is no stopping the Koffin Kats from taking over the psychobilly world, and hell, they’re only like 23 years old.

Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks