It's not often that a band arrives on the scene as the complete package; the songs, the musicianship, the image, and the drive to play live and succeed in the industry. ENTER THE DEADTHINGS! "Who Killed Holly Would?" marks the first full-length effort from Australian graveyard glam rockers The Deadthings; the total package, and in my opinion serving up the album of 2005.

A refined sound sees the group stray from the heavier punk influenced sound of their debut EP "When Hell Sleazes Over", presenting us with a more ear-pleasing blend of glam and melodic rock, whilst still retaining the satirical horror influenced lyrics. From start to finish this is an album of ghoulish fun with energy to burn, perfect for any graveyard setting.

The tracks "Dead Girls Don't Say No" and "Who Killed Holly Would?" kick off the album in a Poison-esque style from the mid 80's, but before long Julian and the boys proceed to dabble with their melodic roots in tracks such as the instant classic, "I Hate You". Melodic; yes, but still over flowing with the pungent stench of Hollywood glam.

The biggest surprise comes in the form of the ballad-like "Cemetery Mary". I hesitate to say "ballad" as this track fits better alongside mellow rock classics such as Skid Row's "18 & Life" and Motley Crue's "You're All I Need". It's the first time the guys have branched out in this direction and they pull it off, I dare say, better than they would have expected themselves.

As the album progresses the range of styles and sounds emanating from the band exceeds belief. The melodic sounds of "Hell & Back" run directly into the vintage sounding glam-punk anthem "Forever Damned". Meanwhile, the shredding guitars of "666 Wayz to Die" proves the talent runs far beyond the mic in this 5-piece.
The 11-track album rounds off with an aggressive version of Poison's "Look what The Cat Dragged In", but rather than grouping The Deadthings as some 80's clones, their take on the track manages to set them aside from most as a unique act with talent to burn.

With the quality of albums released in 2005 it's a big call to highlight a single album as being the best of the year, but in my opinion "Who Killed Holly Would?" fits the bill. The range of vocal and musical styles demonstrated by Julian and the boys throughout the 11 tracks show how the cream will always rise to the top. In conjunction with the exceptional production and musicianship, these elements contribute to make this one of the most solid albums of 2005. This isn't one of those albums limited to a 5-minute appeal, it's quality from start to finish. The longevity of this album has yet to be proven, but when my tombstone reads "the coffin is a rockin, then don't come a knockin!" you will know what tunes I'm listening to 6 feet below.

by Lindsay B.

Visit the Deadthings Website