Discography
”Little Gizmo (A Merry Mogwai Christmas)” (2021)
As explained by Nate, this is an interesting introduction to Pretty With The Lights Out, as it is a lot more metal than their following releases. However as he says it is more of a collaboration with fellow solo artist, Adam Stoner, so it is an amalgamation of both artists’ sounds and styles and it works really well -- both lyrically and visually -- with a fun lyric video available on YouTube. First off, it is super fun. It reminds me of something Psychostick might come up with -- and who doesn't love the Gremlins movies?! They are the perfect horror/christmas crossover and gateway movie for any budding horror fan. The song is a proper headbanger too, with catchy vocals and a ripping guitar line!
Pumpkin Spice Formaldehyde (March 2023)
- We Belong Dead (2:20)
- Jack 'O' Lantern Social Club (1:57)
- Friday Night's Alright For Fright'nin (2:36)
- Do Not (Not) Resuscitate (3:20)
- The Best Revenge Is Living Hell (2:37)
- Down, Down To Goblin Town (1:25)
Starting off with a fresh, bright oi! punk outlook that brings with it tidings of pitchforks and a most gory demise, "We Belong Dead" kicks things off with a bang and a killer solo. My favourite track is "Jack 'O Lantern Social Club" and it is just an awesome standout track. Ridiculously catchy and lyrically clever, it is an anthem for all horror-loving outcasts. The guitar takes on a more technical approach, proving that they are not just a straight-forward punk outfit and will always have a little extra to throw at you. However much "Friday Nights Alright for Frightenin" is a play on an Elton John song title, it is similar in style to "Jack 'O Lantern Social Club" yet it manages to be a whole lot darker probably due to its more metal feel. Track 4, "Do Not (Not) Resuscitate," is slower paced than the others and shows a slight shift in style perhaps, but very effective. I get a kind of Misfits does Testament vibe and I'm not entirely sure why other than the title, haha. "The Best Revenge Is Living Hell" has an angry ballad feel to it. The real triumph here is the final track "Down, Down To Goblin Town" which is a cover of a song from the animated version of The Hobbit from 1977. Again the strong metal style in this and chanting vocal line smacks of bands like Wind Rose so I totally get the appeal of this to fans of power metal.
“Zeke The Plumber” (June 2023)
Sometimes you can have too many songs about Leatherface, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, etc. and Pretty With The Lights Out understand this. That is why on their latest single they have opted for a lesser known spectre called Zeke The Plumber. Based on a character from a ‘90s kids TV show called Salute Your Shorts, Zeke seems to be loosely based on Jason (and Freddy) haunting the dorms of Camp Anawanna. This noseless custodian will haunt your dreams if you touch his cursed plunger. Being unfamiliar with the show myself I cannot vouch for its authenticity, however the song itself is very catchy. Starting with a jingly acoustic campfire singalong and bursting into angry vocals set to a ‘90s pop punk-style, I have no doubt that this will send anyone familiar with the show on a nostalgia trip.
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Although Pretty With The Lights Out are fairly new to the scene they seem to fit in perfectly with the horrorpunk crowd and it already feels like they are well established. Nate is a true professional and a real talent to have written, performed and produced this all himself. I am excited for him to be bringing together a band and performing these songs live. The blend of and punk and metal appeals greatly to fans of both. I like the fact that Pretty With The Lights Out take on different, more obscure horror themes as well as the more light-hearted and nostalgic stuff that you kind of forget about. I mean The Hobbit and Salute Your Shorts are not movies or shows that you associate with horror as such (although for me Gremlins is), but you will always think of moments in them that freaked you out as a kid, eventually leading you to explore more horror, which we all know is how this whole glorious journey starts. Pretty With The Lights Out’s artwork and logo are very eye catching with bright colours and a cartoonish style. I also adore the fact that they have their own fan club complete with badges, patches and a membership card! There are definitely not enough bands out there that do this anymore which is kinda sad as it really appeals to the kid in me. So I urge you all to check out Pretty With The Lights Out as soon as you can, I promise you will not be disappointed. Download their stuff, buy their merch and go check them out live if you can. I am off to go sign up to the Jack 'O Lantern Social Club right now!!!
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Thanks for reading this instalment of Upcoming Talent. This is the place to be if you are in an unsigned band and want to shout about it! In this feature you will find out all about our chosen band straight from the horse’s mouth, not to mention a full discography review, merch, social and gig links with some visual aids for your delectation. If you would like to be featured in a future Upcoming Talent piece then please contact me at [email protected].
