Sitting between Joy
Division, The Dead Kennedys and The Monster Mash we find their mutated,
multi-limbed, bolt-necked, bastard child GGGHOST
TOWNNN, with their latest DIY
release The Many Deaths of Dr Cocksucker.
Without hearing a single note you know you’re
in for something less than serious based on name alone. The Many Deaths… is a member of a very rare club, the “DIY Horror
Comedy Punk Concept EP” club. Indeed, as far as I’m concerned at least, it’s the
sole member. While it’s gimmicky and unashamedly camp, that doesn’t stop GGGHOST TOWNNN’s latest offering from
being an infinitely enjoyable experience.
A strange mix of punk, surf-rock and B-Movie Horror films The Many Deaths of Dr Cocksucker
instantly grabs you with its strangeness. If the titular opening track is
strange however, it doesn’t compare to the second track; Night Of The Death Of The Return Of The Revenge Of The Attack Of The
Bride Of Dr Cocksucker and yes… that is the real title. Glorious isn’t it?
This is the most narrative driven track out of the five on this release.
Recounting how, after having his hands cut off by an angry patient, Dr
Cocksucker transplants the hands of a chimp on to his stumps and then partially
melts his wife…. with SCIENCE. This
track is darkly psychedelic, an Acid fuelled nightmare in glorious Technicolor
had after an evening of watching Hammer horror. Guitars jangle discordantly, bass
drives on mercilessly and drums pulse sinisterly all beneath the voice of the
Bride of Dr Cocksucker as she narrates the story of her candle impersonation. Her
dialogue may come across a little forced at times but the overall effect is brilliantly camp, like a small town production of the Rocky Horror Show.
If GGGHOST TOWNNN suffer
musically at all, it is from repetition riffs are often repeated for long
periods of time. The music itself ultimately seems to be a backing for the
concept rather than existing in its own right. Luckily, however, the music IS
coupled with this concept and so all can be forgiven; what could otherwise be
seen as repetition becomes a hypnotic drug addled soundtrack to the EP’s plot.
As a DIY outfit it is needless to say that this is a Lo-Fi affair.
Save from some clipping found on opening track, Dr Cocksucker, which is a bit of a buzz kill, the album itself
suffers no glaring flaws on a technical level. In fact the shaky production adds
to the charm of the release, emphasising its quirky B-Movie qualities. It really
does seem as if every aspect of The Many
Deaths of Dr Cocksucker exist to perfectly serve the central theme.
If the idea of a Comedy DIY Punk release sounds up your
alley then this is certainly a release for you. GGGHOST TOWNNN seem to have their concept down to a tee and truly know
how to craft everything to serve that purpose.
So why not take a visit to Doctor Cocksucker and see what he can
prescribe?
3.5/5
GGGHOST TOWNNN are
currently touring, why not check out the details on their Website and
support DIY music?
