Koffin Kats Bring Psychobilly Mayhem to Studio Seven, By Holly Homan

Sunday Night October 7, Studio Seven hosted The Koffin Kats — Detroit’s foremost psychobilly band. This is my third time seeing The Koffin Kats and I’ll see them again and again and again…

The Koffin Kats need no introduction. They dive head first into their songs with Vic Victor serving up vocals while dancing a pas de deux with his upright bass. He’s as much an acrobat as a musician. He rode his bass like a horse, stood on top of it, played it above his head, laid down with it on top of him, and so much more.

Filling in on guitar this night was Justin Gunn. EZ Ian was reportedly recovering from pneumonia and unable to tour. (Get well, EZ and we’ll catch you next year.) Gunn was fabulous and fit right in. He even proved to be as versatile a musician when he and Vic traded instruments in an almost sleight of hand motion for “Perfect Suicide” before swapping back when the song finished.

Drummer Eric pounded furiously away, yet never seemed to break a sweat.

Part way through the show, Vic asked if anyone in the audience was a drummer. One lone guy raised his hand and was subsequently summoned onto the stage to fill in while the band did a quick exit to the upstairs bar. Meanwhile, the volunteer was reluctantly placed behind the drum kit and did his best to keep the beat while everyone enthusiastically cheered him on. Within a couple minutes, someone else appeared on stage and attempted to get the audience to help him on vocals. It was all quite entertaining until the band returned about five minutes later.

A lot of new songs were performed, but some great classics as well such as Koffin Kat Love and the aforementioned “Perfect Suicide.”

Studio Seven is always a fun place to see bands. The floor is the perfect size, there’s seating above (if you’re over 21), and the stage is just the right height. Although the place was nowhere close to full, the enthusiastic crowd moshed and circle pitted with madness. I lucked out as the only injury I endured was a bruised knuckle. The Koffin Kats are a must see for any psychobilly fan. Although I was deeply disappointed that The Silver Shine (psychobilly from Hungary) canceled their appearance. I was so looking forward to seeing them.

Sandwiched between the opener and the Koffin Kats were Johnny Hoffman and The Residents. This is a young band. I doubt any of the three members were even twenty yet. Their music blended several different styles. It was mostly slow and deliberate, but they also put out a lot of power for a trio. Their songs bore elements of hard rock and Seattle Grunge and I also heard elements of the sixties (at one point I heard some Deep Purple). They were quite well received and even got a small circle pit going for most their show. [EPB has set up a special page for photos of Johnny Hoffman and The Residents taken at this show. They’re hot. To see them, go here.]

Opening the entire evening was Toxic Zombie from Portland, OR. I had just entered the club when they came on stage and like a moth to the flame, I was immediately drawn toward them. They are fronted by the enormous Grimm Dizaster who has a voice that sounds like his throat is made of sandpaper. Two scantily clad go go dancers complete this band (Sam “Damn” Dietz – lead guitar, Bryan “SMASH” – drums, Chad Shaver – bass). The entire band was decked out in fake blood that was smeared over their faces, coming out their eyes, and strategically placed over any exposed parts of their bodies.

Guitarist Smash rarely stayed in one place very long and even jumped off the stage and ran around the dance floor a couple times without missing a lick. Musically, they are The Misfits, Iron Maiden, a little Ramones . . . Not much billy, but a lot of psycho. This band will make the dead rise. I can only imagine how much fun they’d be on Halloween. Definitely check them out. I had a blast watching them and had even more fun photographing them. Absolutely check out Toxic Zombie. [EPB has also set up a special page for photos of Toxic Zombie taken at this show. They’re wild and striking. To see them, go here.]

Another fun night was had in the Seattle punk scene and I was there to witness it. I just hope The Silver Shine atone for forsaking us Seattleites and play a show here before going back home. Despite the disappointment, the night was filled with three fun bands.

– Holly Homan