Dublin duo Midnight Chimes have created an EP of Halloween tracks packed with “Ghastly electro rock to haunt your dreams, Or for you to boogie to”. ‘Halloween Moon’ kicks off with ‘Witches Disco’ a funky track dripping in cheesy 80s “Time Warp” spook. With eerie organ effect on keyboards and a “dj funky clown” the image of that is enough to creep me out. Its catchy and definitely has a bouncy dance feel that will get those feet shuffling. You can even do a swift monster mash to it. The sweet backing vocals add a old time movie feel to the fun lively track. ‘Devil On The Loose’ follows with sinister keys that change the tone of the EP. It surprisingly blasts into a heavy rock sound with growl vocals for the “Devil On The Loose” lyrics. With shredding guitar and steady beat, its infectious and hypnotic. Its a mixture of gritty rock and pop with a sneaky nimble and slick guitar lick and riff thrown in that is so catchy its a head banger. ‘Boogie With The Boogieman’ is a swinging bluesy track with a sensual hip swaying groove. Its strut- like tempo and swagger teamed with a flexible beat keeps this track smooth and luring. I don’t know why but it gives me the image of a guy in a vampire costume trying to seduce you with his dancing and as he draws closer the music becomes intense as you panic to try and get away. ‘Werewolf Blues’ presents us with that heavier rock sound with effects-laden vocals and ghostly piano warning of danger. The pounding beat and vigorous guitar adds a mosh effect. The music fades as we hear a mysterious vampire speak which I will admit, alone in the dark is pretty frightening. ‘Dance Hall of the Dead’ begins with a trick or treat door bell followed by a fantastic riff and some otherworldly effects on keys. Its a light fun track with thrilling elements and gritty rock features that adds body and brawn. ‘Fortune Teller’ is a bewitching shimmy that tells the story of falling for a misleading temptress . This track oozes seduction and deceit with a smooth sensual beat, captivating guitar and the gently whisper of backing vocals. ‘Midnight, Vienna’ is the final track on the EP its a romantic track with a pop feel. Its light fluffy melody and sweet backing vocals give a boy band feel with bright glittering guitar while the keys keep things a little eerie. Its an unusual contrast but perfectly ends the EP on a good note. Its like the end of a horror movie and all is well, the morning has come and all the evil has vanished.
Stream ‘Halloween Moon’ below