Melodic Mayhem: Black Cat Attack
I am a Canadian. It is something I am certainly proud of. Unfortunately for me, there is not much of a horrorpunk scene up here in the Great White North. As disappointing as this is, I can take solace in the fact that one of the best bands in the entire scene are relatively local to me. Of course, I speak of Black Cat Attack.
Originally founded in 2007, Black Cat Attack have been steadily and tirelessly making a name for themselves through the three albums in their catalogue, but more importantly through relentless touring. Having played with everyone from The Jasons (and yes, they are exactly what you’re thinking as a band) to punk legends The Independents, there is rarely any downtime for the Oshawa-based band.
2012 was the year the band really came into their own, with the release of Lonely Horror Stories, an album stuffed to the brim with some great female-fronted horrorpunk. As some familiar with the scene may know, most horror-based bands fronted by a female tend to lean towards a more psychobilly/rockabilly sound. BCA aren’t like most bands, and it is incredibly refreshing to hear straight-up horrorpunk being sung by a female. And songs like “Death Cougar” and “They Made Me Watch” really stand out.
The band, whose current lineup consists of guitarist/vocalist Valerie Knox, bassist/vocalist Bryan Dickface, guitarists Sweet Gravy Brown (also known as Dave Baksh from pop-punk band Sum 41) and new member Maniac Myk, along with drummer Ari O’Speeddragon, would release a second album in 2012 entitled Vamparty. For many fans, myself included, this is where the band really came into their own. Songs like the title track, “Don’t Go Into the Woods Alone,” and “Death Punk Prowl” introduce more of a back and forth between vocalists Knox and Dickface, and the band blends the two vocal styles in a damned near perfect way.
The band would remain quiet in terms of new music being released for 2013, leading into the 2014 release of Bright Side of the Moon, which has one of the greatest album covers you will ever see, all while paying homage to the art of one of the biggest albums ever made. The album begins with a humorous little skit that leads into some of the best work the band has put out, with highlights being the fast and wicked “Killing Spree at Zero Gravity” and the equally great “Phasers Set to Thrill.”
As already mentioned, the band continues to tour frequently, spreading the word of Black Cat Attack and horrorpunk in general to as many ears as they possibly can. They are currently in post-production on their new album, tentatively titled Edraculation, which should see a release before the end of 2016.
If you ever get the chance to see BCA live, I can’t urge you enough to do so. Not only do they put on one hell of a live show, but they are also some of the absolute nicest and most genuine people you will ever meet. I am proud to share Canadian blood with Black Cat Attack and to also be lucky enough to call the band friends.
Be sure to stay up-to-date with the band by following them on their social media channels, which include their Facebook page as well as on Twitter. And head over to the official Black Cat Attack Bandcamp page to get your hands on the band’s entire discography.
Discography:
2012 – Lonely Horror Stories
2012 – Vamparty
2014 – Bright Side of the Moon
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