Crimson Ghosts-Earth E.P.

Necro-Tone
2008



The Crimson Ghosts are a tribute band of sorts as they play only Misfits covers. Yet it's the interpretation that sets them apart because they do instrumental surf versions of the Misfits. Now this idea might bother some fans who feel that so much of the sound of the Misfits depended the vocals of Glenn Danzig. That's true, but I think these versions of the songs allow you to hear and even better appreciate the rhythms of the music. Most other Misfits covers take the songs as they and just transfer then entire as is to fit the format of the band covering them, but they don't really alter the arrangement. That's where the Crimson Ghosts are unique in their covers because I think really approached the basic mechanics of each song and found ways to keep the melody but alter parts to fit the pulsing, reverb-driven surf style that they love. Yet they managed to make versions interesting and truly put their brand on them. Such as the Misfits' "Night of the living dead" always seemed to me to be one body of music moving forward yet the Crimson Ghosts managed to separate and emphasize certain parts without losing the feel of the original. So we get some killer stripped down surf versions of "London Dungeon", "Horror Hotel" and seven more trakcs that do justice to the Misfits and their fans. Obviously fans of the Misfits and surf punk should love this one but also fans of hard rock or metal who love music with lots of steady pace changes will find a great deal to enjoy as well.

http://www.myspace.com/crimsonghosts