The Cryptokats, The Paranormals, Dead End Drive In, Davey Casket and the Ghouls
The Underground at The Harrison Center for the Arts
Friday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., $5, all-ages

The time has come for another psychobilly showcase at the Underground, with local psycho upstarts The Cryptokats headlining this Friday’s show. Even though they’ve been around since 2004, the Cryptokats are a fairly new presence on the local all-ages scene; they’ve built up their following at bars and have only recently ventured into younger territory.

The all-ages scene can be a bit of a challenge because the bands don’t have the advantage of a more forgiving, and less critical, liquored-up crowd. Luckily for the ‘Kats, the Underground crowd is quite fond of psychobilly; what’s more, the ‘Kats are an impressive band, drunk or sober. Like most psychobilly acts, the ‘Kats combine roots rock, punk ferocity, and dark imagery in the lyrics.

The rocking “Wolfman” is a prime example of the ‘Kats at their best, with pseudo-crooning sprawling over a background of aggressive upright bass and upbeat drumming. The lyrical subject matter (“wolfman on the prowl/ a silver bullet’s in my gun”) is perfect for fans of campy ‘50s horror movies and classic ‘50s music.
Also on the bill are local pop-punk ghouls The Paranormals, a band that’s been picking up steam after the addition of Mitch Jerkwad on drums. High school horror-punks Davey Casket and the Ghouls are sure to awaken the inner Misfit in us all.