The Brains

Artist: 
Album Title: 
The Monster Within
Release Date: 
Monday, April 15, 2013
Distribution: 
Review Type: 

Not to be confused with the Rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, which was active in the early '80s (and left us two albums and an EP, but only came to sóme notoriety when later first Cindy Lauper and then Manfred Mann's Earth Band covered a song of theirs), Canada's The Brains is a Psychobilly Rock/ Horror Punk act founded in Montreal during 2002 by singer/ guitarist René De La Muerte (once with Delta 666), bassist Johnny Montreal and drummer Franck O' Brains (who were both with Ripcordz).

Following contributions to the two first volumes of the Stumble Records compilation albums Zombie Night In Canada (issued in 2003 and 2005), the band self-released its debut full-length No Pain No Brain in 2005, and saw it released in Europe through the Crazy Love label that same year. It catapulted the band into a higher level, and a lot tour dates and shows were done with the likes of The Creepshow and Devil's Hotrod among others. Followed the albums Hell And Back (Stumble, 2007), The Brains (Stomp, 2009). Prior to the  2010 album Undead Nation (Stomp), Collin The Dead  replaced Johnny Montreal (whom left to pursue personal projects) on the contrabass. Following the release of next album, late 2011's Drunk Not Dead (Stomp), the position of drummer was handed over to one Matt Kadaver, and around the same time it was also decided to introduce a second guitarist in the band's sound, a gap filled by one Brad Graves...

...whom seems no longer to be around on this new album, on which The Brains bring us 14 delectable Psychedelic Rock songs with a Punk flavouring. Great Gretch guitar twang, contrabass thumping and typical type of drumming is topped by great slightly nasal lead vocals bringing the band's light-horror laden lyrics. For some examples of the band's music, check (www.) facebook.com/TheBrainsMTL (includes this album's title track) and (www.) myspace.com/thebrains (also some videos posted!). Good stuff!

88/100