Neo-Rockabilly from the depths of 'Hell'

Copenhagen, Denmark has always been a psychobilly hotbed, noted most recently by the success of Nekromantix stateside. That band's coffin-bassist Kim Nekroman finds himself on guitar in this side project with tattooed bombshell Patricia on stand-up bass and lead vocals. It's hard to stand out in the crowd of over-the-top shock rockers, horror theme bands and huge pompadours, but the HorrorPops do so with its take on old-fashioned rock and roll. Hell Yeah! spits out a melee of '80s new-wave influenced psychobilly and '50s kitsch, unique enough to grab attention, but still within the stereotypical rocker realm.\nSongs about monsters, zombies and tattoos live up to the cookie-cutter rock scene, however, this band has a little something extra. Patricia's vocals offer a smooth, melodic break from the razor blade vocals of her psychobilly contemporaries Demented Are Go and Mad Sin. Coupled with a crawling melody and stomping bass, her voice helps break the mold. The wrecking pit starts off with "Drama Queen," a fast track showing off Nekroman's guitar skills. On "Psychobitches Outta Hell," the sound echoes The Cramps minus the crazy antics of Lux Interior, and the record finishes up with "Horrorbeach," a surf guitar instrumental.\nGo-go dancers, tattoos and horror schtick have given the HorrorPops an identity, but these trappings don't limit its eclectic style and appeal.