Bring It on (Dig)

While never dropping their trademark sexy, horror-flick flair, their new CD, produced by Bad Religion's Brett Gurewitz, reveals new depths of songwriting. Brash, Link Wray guitars, singer Patricia's sultry petulance, throbbing standup bass; all served up in loving tribute to the brooding pop of '80s icons like Blondie and Siouxsie Sioux. With two European headlining tours, performances on BBC1 and Jimmy Kimmel, and a major Warped Tour under their belts, HorrorPops are set to build on the musical success of their 2004 debut, "Hell Yeah". And kick some ass.

The scariest thing about Horror Pops second album, might be the cover itself that looks like were promotional stills for some goth episode of Pee Wee's Playhouse. But the visuals are the most seditious part about these Danish punk psychobilly rockers. They elevate the often creepy genre with their smart lyrics, elegant nods to New Wave, careful attention to dynamics and a strong rhythmic structure that will find you nursing a bad case of whiplash from all the head bobbing. It's one of those rare albums that combines swaggering attitude, clean melodies and a skewed sense of humor in equal measure. And that's even before you're lulled into bittersweet submission by the voice of singer/bassist Patrica Day's whose voice is caught midway between Chrissie Hynde smart and seductive purr, Debbie Harry's saucy screech and Nico's dark mysteries. -- Jaan Uhelszki