My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult rose to fame at the end of the 80’s by their hard beats, distorted vocals, dense and contorted instruments and bizarre film samples. It was something burlesque and something wicked about their music, something genuine. It was the troubled age of post-new wave and the dawn of the hard-industrial revolution and Franke Nardiello (aka Groovie Mann) with Marston Daley (aka Buzz McCoy) managed to merge efficiently the disco bass with the rocking wah-wah guitars and dabbling in some big bad burlesque brass. Some say that they are met over a few drinks in a bar in Chicago and soon find themselves touring with the band Ministry.
They crafted a shocking and lurid film concept, “My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult”. Inspired by a shared love of tabloid tales of sex and Satan, kitschy horror and exploitation films in the style of Russ Myers, the concept came naturally. The name was ripped straight from a British headline Nardiello had noted while living in London. With limited experience and resources the film was scrapped, but work on its accompanying soundtrack continued. Legendary Chicago record label Wax Trax! Records was impressed by their sound and signed them without hesitation. They released a three song EP in 1988 and the full–length album entitled “I See Good Spirits and I See Bad Spirits”, followed quickly in the same year.
Their second album, “Confessions of a Knife…”, released also in the same year became one of the best-selling releases on Wax Trax!.
Along with labelmates such as Ministry, KMFDM, and Front 242, Thrill Kill Kult contributed substantially to develop the industrial sound of the late 80s and put down the foundation of a new genre.
They recruited band members from bar stools and created a back-up group of singers/dancers dubbed the BOMB GANG GIRLZ. They jammed the crew of nine into a van with musical and stage gear alike, and hit the road. The tour had a “Cabaret From Hell” vibe and it aroused the curiosity of the kids and media, establishing THRILL KILL KULT as one of America’s premier industrial/electro acts.
Among others, they recruited Thomas Thorn (aka Buck Ryder) to play keyboards and administer samples on the band’s first tour – Thomas afterward formed the band The Electric Hellfire Club.
They continued to fuel the underground club dance floors with tracks like “The Days Of Swine And Roses”, “Kooler Than Jesus” and “A Daisy Chain 4 Satan”.
“Sexplosion!” was released in 1991 and it was lusty and dangerous, giving them their first taste of commercial success with “Sex On Wheelz” and attracting a whole new set of fans and a record deal with Interscope.
“13 Above the Night” (1993) was the first album recorded with their touring band members, bassist Levi Levi, drummer Otto Matrix, guitarist Trash Kavity and “Chicago House Diva” singer Shawn Christopher.
For their second release with Interscope, “Hit & Run Holiday” (1995), they crafted a surf-punk meets Motown sound that told the story of vixen Krystal Starlust and drifter Apollo.
“Gay, Black, and Married” (2005), was a homage to the 70’s disco era, and the depraved strip-lounge-rock fest, FILTHIEST SHOW IN TOWN (2007).
The duo found themselves writing for an assortment of soundtracks like Paul Verhoeven’s “Showgirls” and Ralph Bakshi’s “Cool World.” They even stepped in front of the camera for a cameo in the cult classic “The Crow” to perform the song “After The Flesh”.
Still a favorite among directors who are looking for sexy sleaze, their music is frequently in both major and independent films and television, most recently in Sexy Evil Genius (Lionsgate) But it doesn’t end in with the studio, film and tv, Groovie and Buzz still take the KULT out on tour extensively along with a rotating cast of depraved characters. In 2010 they re-created their role in the “Sextacy Ball” tour along with Belgium’s outrageous Lords of Acid. In 2011 they performed at the “Wax Trax! Retrospectacle” show in Chicago, with old label mates Front 242 and Revolting Cocks. And the fall of 2012, the KULT celecrates their milestone 25th anniversary with a 7 week tour of the States.
The much anticipated 13th album, “Spooky Tricks” consist of 11 plus one tracks and it’s one hell of a hour of vivid diving into the sound of the 70’s electronic music with a touch of 80’s acid and psychedelia, but with a fresh breath of consistence and sound witch place back this legendary band to the top of the modern dance acts.
They advertise their new product by saying that they “created a sonic universe dedicated to late night pleasure seekers, looking to take a dive… into the wild” – so, let’s dive into it right now!
“Room On the Moon” start the album with heavy house beats and dense synth lines. Sparkling noises and the deep bass create together an irresistible groove and you will start dancing like a maniac like you’ve been under a spell.
“Spooky Tricks” brings even more vivid and burlesque synths and the 80’s disco vibe with this modern and dense sound feels quite reinvigorating.
“Hell Kat Klub” got a more industrial sound and groove and kind of introduce us into the vibe of the strip-clubs. Hard not to score with it!
“Neon Diva” reminded me of Depeche Mode back in their darker, but still dancing days – although it feels like a Revolting Cocks re-rendering of the Depeche Mode spirit. Sticky and once you hear it, can’t get rid of the melodies, they will echoing in your ears obsessively.
“The Way We Live Now” gets further into the dark. And wild. With roots back to the legacy of Sister Of Mercy, this track is a revitalized version of the 80’s post-wave/dark/gothic music. Simple and catchy, it hypnotize you instantly and eventually will make you do things that – probably – normally you wouldn’t do.
“Monti Karlo” have a definitively 70’s type of disco vibe with a smooth twist of Motown funky groove. Created to make you dance – down in the club or out at some street parade or carnival.
“Bella Piranha” take us on another Revolting Cocks flavored rides – both bands enjoy to explore those hidden and restricted areas of sexuality and grooves where most of the other artists are ashamed to dare. Addictive.
“Dope Freak” was not available on the promo-link I’ve got, so, have no clue what it sounds like, but probably dope!!
“Diamonde Doll” it’s build upon a wicked, dub rooted bass line which will float around like a friendly ghost throughout the whole song. Makes you light up a joint even if you’re not a smoker. Definitively wicked and enjoyable!
“Sex Witch” have that late 80’s, early 90’s industrial groove based on techno beats and rave flavors. A nice mixture of danceable elements and some quite dark textures.
“The Strange Ones” reveals the more experimental side of the band and take us to the darkest corner of our souls. There is no darker secret that our own. Definitively one of my personal favorites!!
“Room On the Moon” (Toxic Rainbow’s Moon Shroom Mix) it’s a sicker and darker version of the original, an intense and wicked ride based on some sick basses and heavy beats. Pretty cool.
BUY or DIE! – iTunes
Thanks to Tracy George from FiXT!!
Catch My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult “Spooky Tricks Tour” With DJ Toxic Rainbow:
5/28 Ramona, CA @ Mainstage
5/29 Hermosa Beach, CA @ Saint Rocke
5/30 Corona, CA @ M15
5/31 Las Vegas, NV @ Cheyenne Saloon
6/01 Albuquerque, NM @ Low Spirits
6/03 Tulsa, OK @ IDL Ballroom
6/04 Dallas, TX @ Trees
6/05 Austin, TX @ Elysium
6/06 San Antonio, TX @ The Korova
6/07 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
6/08 New Orleans, LA @ One-Eyed Jack’s
6/10 Jacksonville, FL @ Brewster’s Megaplex
6/11 Richmond, VA @ Fallout
6/12 Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
6/13 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
6/14 Stafford Springs, CT @ Stafford Palace Theater
6/15 New York, NY @ Santo’s Party House
6/17 Cleveland, OH @ Agora Ballroom
6/18 Detroit, MI @ The Shelter
6/19 Grand Rapids, MI @ Stache at Intersection
6/20 Columbus, OH @ Skully’s Music Diner
6/21 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
6/22 Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall
6/24 Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
6/25 Salt Lake City, UT @ Lo-Fi Café
6/27 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
6/28 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
7/01 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
7/02 Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go-Go
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