The psychobilly trio has been making records since 1989. Life Is a Grave picks up where 2004’s Dead Girls Don’t Cry left off. Songs like “Nekrohigh,” “Horny in a Hearse,” and “Panic at the Morgue” focus on Nekromantix’s favorite pastimes, namely sex and death -- preferably enjoyed at the same time. “It’s everyday life wrapped up in little scary stories,” says Nekroman. “It’s about putting things in perspective.”
Life Is a Grave was recorded mostly in Nekroman’s L.A. garage. The music he, new guitarist TröyDeströy, and new drummer Andy DeMize make sounds like a cross between ’50s greaser rock and ’80s California punk --capped with a dash of monster mash. Surf guitars and crashing rhythms collide in fast, furious songs that recall a low-budget slasher pic’s equally low-budget soundtrack. “People ask me, ‘Why all this death?’” says Nekroman. “Well, death is a part of life. In order to appreciate the good things, you need to see the bad things.”
Yet, it’s all for laughs, he says. “I’m from a country where sarcasm is a very important part of life. If people can’t see the humor in the songs, that’s their problem.” And Nekroman’s dedication to the music is still strong -- 18 years after he first plugged in and started writing songs like “Alice in Psycholand.” “I really don’t think there’s a message to my music,” he says. “It’s entertainment for adults.”
Sat., May 19, 8 p.m.
