Ghoultown

OCTOBER '08

Harder Beat Magazine Online

By Marissa Bruce

If you are from Dallas, chances are you’ve heard of these ghoulish psycho-billy rockers. Now, Ghoultown is gaining exposure for their affiliation with Elvira. Seems the “Mistress of the Dark” was in need of a new theme song, and the good ole ghouls from Texas were more than happy to oblige.

Ghoultown with Elvira

Lead guitarist Jake Middlefinger notes, “We did a horror fest last winter, and Elvira’s manager saw us play. He approached us about the possibility… next thing you know we were in LA recording a video with Elvira for the song, “Mistress of the Dark.” Of course the entire band considers this an absolute honor— since we’re all serious horror buffs.”

This announcement comes at the perfect time for both. Elvira is now the new spokesperson for Hot Topic, and Ghoultown has a new CD out. Life After Sundown, the bands sixth release, features guest fiddles from Boys Named Sue and guest spots by other Texas favorites like Del Castillo. The CD’s Dallas premiere will be Oct. 31 at Reno’s Chop Shop, with a showing of the Elvira video of “Mistress of the Dark.” Before then, the ghouls will be promoting the album with a fall tour hitting up shows like Florida’s Screamfest and Kitbuilders Monstrous Weekend in St. Louis.

“This is our best album to date,” Jake boasts. Indeed it is, with the band’s metal roots bleeding through more than ever. Additionally, the new lineup has heads turning— with drummer Dalton Black (of Slick 57) and trumpet player Randy Grimm. Oddly enough, Randy was found playing on the street outside Lee Harvey’s in Deep Ellum.

“The horn plays heavily into our music, Jake states, “and it was real important to find someone that gets what we are about. So we approached Randy and asked how he felt about wearing black.” Of course, the rest of the original crew is Count Lyle (vocals/guitar), Jake Middlefinger (lead guitar), Lizard Lazario (acoustic guitar) and Santi (bass).

The band has managed to rouse an impressive resume of work with soundtracks appearances on horror flicks like Cannibal Flesh Riot, American Nightmare and performances alongside the legendary Misfits.

“Ghoultown is a full time job,” Jake relates, “especially with the rise in popularity of horror conventions like Dragoncon, Fangoria and Scream Fest, which we regularly attend. We outgrew what we could handle internally, and we needed outside help.” That help came in the form of being signed to Zoviet Records. Jake says the label has been instrumental to solidifying the band infrastructure while allowing Ghoultown to focus on the creative side of things.

Of course, if you’ve ever seen the band — it is a full-on visual experience, with the look of resurrected outlaws with bullets, skulls and spikes galore. “We love playing music and being weird,” Jake laughs, ”and that’s the whole reason we started this band.”

These hellbilly’s are one of the best exports Dallas has to offer. And the best part — they’re still having a blast.

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