ALBUM REVIEW: The Tomb Tones – Ghost of Toast (Rigor Mortis Records)
Horror comedy isn’t a genre I thought I’d end up reviewing when I set up this site, but sometimes these things happen for a reason, right?
The Tomb Tones are a three-piece from Atlanta, GA, comprising Kyle Ransom (vocals, guitar), Carl Sin (bass, backing vocals) and Brent Cognito (drums).
Formed in 2019, they channel the horror flick/B-movie schtick of bands like The Cramps, B-52s and Ramones, with a style that would be perfect for Halloween.
Their songs are full of infectious hooks, horror references and a cartoonish Buddy-Holly-meets-The-Twilight-Zone aesthetic.
This is their second album after their DIY 2020 debut Pumpkin Guts, and it’s an enjoyable if slightly silly slice of hokum horror.
Sandwiched between a spooky intro and epilogue are nine slices of infectious psychobilly, and booty shakin’ rock ‘n’ roll.
You’ll quickly work out that they don’t take themselves entirely seriously, but then song titles like Googly Eyes are a bit of a giveaway.
The album loosely tells the story of an unfortunate wheat mill worker who is inadvertently brought back to life as the narrator’s midnight snack, with the structure evoking memories of the late-night horror special that a whole generation of kids grew up with.
It includes the singles Wormhole and Halloween Mart, with each song telling a hilarious short horror story in rock ‘n’ roll format, and things are topped off with a punk rock cover of Ritchie Valens’ 1958 hit Come On Let’s Go, complete with faux Ramones intro!
Ghost of Toast is retro music packaged in a fun way, and it kinda rocks too! Check out The Tomb Tones at their website HERE. 7/10.
