February Birthdays 
Death Grip/Werewolf 7-inch by the Twang-O-Matics Review by Noel
The Twang-O-Matics have just released this new 45 RPM 7-inch record.
Just in time for Halloween, the Twang-O-Matics have released a classic horror-themed 7-inch record. The A-side is “Death Grip” and the venerable “Werewolf” is the B-side. This record is everything and exactly what you expect it to be. The front cover art shows the band playing on the knob of a hill or barrow in a cemetery, a giant decaying skeletal clawed hand reaching overhead as it prepares to clasp them all in a death grip. The back cover shows the instruments scattered on the ground, the musicians having hopefully escaped. Perhaps not every mound in a cemetery is a safe location to set up your instruments, no matter how good the view? The record, in a protective glossy heavy paper sleeve inside the jacket, is pressed on creamy translucent heavy vinyl.
The songs are exactly right for the theme. They fit perfectly in any Halloween or horror song playlist. “Death Grip” is fun in that creepy sinister way we expect these songs to be; haunted mansion or grave yard theme music. Perfect music to play if you’re going to put your Halloween candy in a coffin-shaped box for the little kiddies. This version of “Werewolf” replaces the famous werewolf curse narrative with very effective howling. By the time you hear the howling, it’s too late. I really like this version. The playing and sound quality are excellent on both songs.
About how the record sounds, the late Mathias Johnsen is responsible for the engineering, mixing and mastering of the record. I believe he did an excellent job and I really enjoyed listening to these songs. About the recording, Nils Tempo told me about Mathias, “…He was really getting better at recording every time he did; where to put the mics, what kind of mics to use, and that kind of stuff. He even plays a little guitar on Death Grip (a part I was struggling with).”
Death Grip/Werewolf by the Twang-O-Matics is a fine addition to the world of classic horror-surf music. I like it a lot. I think you will, too.
“Death Grip” written & arranged by the Twang-O-Matics. “Werewolf” written & composed by Gary Hodge and Terry Wadsworth.
Cover design by King Merinuk. Label logo design by Fred Lammers.
This record was produced by the Twang-O-Matics.
Recorded and mixed by Mathias Johnsen.
On SurfGuitar101
http://surfguitar101.com/profile/view/Nilstempo/
http://surfguitar101.com/profile/view/Golden/
On Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thetwangomatics
Band Bio
https://www.facebook.com/#!/thetwangomatics/info
The Twang-O-Matics Web site
http://www.thetwangomatics.com
This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.
Last edited: Oct 30, 2013 11:29:43
