The Koffin Kats' newest album is a landmark for them for two reasons: This record, their fifth, marks the Koffin Kats' first full-length release on Sailor's Grave Records, and Our Way & The Highway is also their first recording with Ian on guitar, who replaced founding-member Tommy Koffin in 2010.
Though the Koffin Kats are billed as a psychobilly act, it's unfair to pigeonhole them as such. Vic Victor's vocals are reminiscent of Misfits-era Danzig with a dusting of Morrissey, his contrabass slap-style is as much percussive as it is rhythmic, Ian's guitar leads are equal parts country and metal, and drummer E-Ball holds it all together with unshakeable meter. Make no mistake, though their appeal primarily extends to the psychobillies, The Koffin Kats are a punk band with an upright bass.
Highlights are "The Way of the Road," "Severing Ties" and "BOOZINCROSSANATION." A casual listener may mistakenly dismiss the album as a party-heavy romp, but there is an underlying sadness to the album adding depth to the frenetic, driving energy that makes these 14 songs feel like a quick listen. 4 out of 5 Stars.
This article appears in Aug 9-15, 2012.
