Zombina and the Skeletones- Mondo Zombina!

Artist: Zombina and the Skeletones

CD Title: Mondo Zombina!

Label: Ectoplastic Records

Reviewer: Joshua Heinrich

Date: 7/21/05

Zombina and the Skeletones have made quite a name for themselves in the punk/gothabilly/goth rock scene during their impressive existence. Mondo Zombina!, the versatile UK horror punks' new limited edition 7" vinyl EP, finds the band unleashing four new quirky musical horror tales totaling a mere, albeit memorable and engaging, 10-or-so minutes highlighted by strong performances and songwriting. Despite the EP's short length, the four offerings found here cover a wide range of musical territory and are all very well produced and interesting. "Zombie Hop" finds the band in retro rock territory complete with organ that sounds almost as if it came straight from the Munsters theme. "The New Orleans Incident", on the other hand, finds saloon piano complementing a bouncy dark rock groove. "Spring Heeled Jack" throws a bit of ska into the mix along with sax and Jew's harp, while "Counting on Your Suicide" is a nice Latin-flavored number complete with brass, maracas, and even guiro. Overall, the EP may be best thought of as a sweet piece of candy with a delicious creamy center. On the surface, Mondo Zombina! is a fun and quirky horror romp. The band's stylistic diversity, related instrumentation and production, and their general songwriting, however, suggest a notable depth of musical knowledge and proficiency at its core. Whether you're looking for something fun for your next Halloween party or are simply in the mood for some upbeat, horror-themed punk/ska/rockabilly/Latin music (and, let's face it, who isn't?), Zombina and the Skeletones' Mondo Zombina! is topnotch entertainment.

Zombina and the Skeletones website: www.zombina.com