Band: Argyle Goolsby and the Roving Midnight
Release House: A Corpse with No Name
Genre: Horrorpunk
One Sentence Synopsis: Former Blitzkid frontman presents us with his new LP
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: June 23, 2017
Running Time: 47 min
MSRP: $15.00
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 4.5 Moons (Out of 5.0)
Like Nosferatu from his coffin, horror punk rocker Argyle Goolsby (former Blitzkid frontman) has risen once more to give us Darken Your Doorstep, the long awaited album since the release of his compilation, Saturnalia of the Accursed.
Theme
Argyle Goolsby now joined by The Roving Midnight provides fans with a bit of a throwback on this album. He returned to his roots with more of a Blitzkid sound compared to Saturnalia. Songs had a much faster tempo with some hard-hitting drums and guitar riffs. The heavier, more punk influenced tracks will bring much pleasure to Blitzkid fans.
Horror themes run throughout this album (No surprise since it’s horror punk!). One thing the band seemed to pay special attention to, however, is vampires. There are numerous songs about the fanged romantics. To name a couple, “Blood Cave” pays tribute to the amazing 80’s vampire flick, The Lost Boys. “The Brides,” I assume, is about Dracula’s brides.
Presentation
Argyle Goolsby
I’d been waiting for this album since I first received Saturnalia of the Accurse last year from Argyle himself. Darken Your Doorstep had me crooning, chanting and howling along by the end of “The Uninvited,” i.e. the first song. Argyle Goolsby doesn’t cease to amaze me, and it was quite a surprise to hear the throwback to the Blitzkid sound. A couple of songs have a little 50’s rock and roll influence as well.
I couldn’t pick just one favorite song. “Blood Cave” is one. Partly because it’s based on one of my childhood favorite horror flicks, but also due to the very catchy tune and vocals. I could just be going crazy, but at one point I feel that Argyle actually sounded a little like Michael Jackson on that track, he even does the “ah ah.” “Mr. Babadook” is also very awesome with its nice piano accompaniment and, to my relief, much better than the movie. Lastly, I’d say “Votive Light” is a favorite. It has a darker, more sinister tone than the other tracks.
Musically the band did really well with these songs. A lot of catchy breakdowns and bridges, mixed with the beauty of pianos and pipe organs. When it comes to Argyle’s vocalization on the album I have this to say: I want to sleep on a mattress filled with Mr. Goolsby’s voice. This dude’s vocal chords must’ve been blessed by the pope. His vocals are just full of emotion and driving energy throughout.
Gothic Fit
Darken Your Doorstep is filled with horror and vampire lore. There is also a sense of dark romanticism making it very appealing to the Gothic listener.
Closing Thoughts
Argyle Goolsby will indeed Darken Your Doorstep with his newest release. A must-have for all horror punk enthusiasts!
Theme: 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 4.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
