The HorrorPops: Tales ofkissing and killing

Mon 4th Feb, 2008 in Features

“We have go-go dancers with us, we try to put on a show and not just stand there and be all emo” – Niedermeier

“I’m sipping a coffee, you know, relaxing,” says HorrorPops’ drummer Niedermeier. Having just literally stepped out of a studio where they were jamming with Dave Navarro for his latest project – œMania TV’, the three piece seems to be keeping incredibly busy.

A band can usually slide into a musical genre somewhere, even if it’s on a borderline. Not so for HorrorPops. While they are self-professed – œPsychobilly,’ act, drummer Niedermeier explains that amongst their punk, pop, new wave, ska and other influences, they’re not really that interested in being branded. “We listen to so much music, I always say that I like everything from Motorhead to Dolly Parton.”

Drummer Niedermeier and guitarist Nekroman ( of – œ90s band _ Nekromantix ) would have you believe they’re rotten to the core, sporting mohawks, tattoos, and – œ80s punk rock style attire, while frontwoman Patricia Day has Bettie Page looks with a twist – ink down her arms, double bass in tow. The three flew moved themselves over from their native Europe to kick things off in the United States.

Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, the band has remained in its original line up for over ten years. “We’ve been together a lifetime,” he says. “It must have been about 1996 or something, and yeah, we’ve had a shitload of rhythm guitarists come through, but we’re just back to the three of us now.”

“We can tour all year long here,” the drummer says of the band’s move to Los Angeles. “Of course you miss your family, your friends, your old hangouts, usually around Christmas time…but I’m not really homesick.”

Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill is HorrorPops’ third full-length album out through Hellcat Records. Following the success of its predecessors_Hell Yeah_ in 2004, and Bring it On in 2005, the trio is awaiting the new LP’s global release on February 5.

The album is unashamedly influenced primarily by old film. “We like old movies like film noir and horror movies and kitschy things like that,” Niedermeier explains. He cites Hitchcock as one of the many inspirations behind the tracks. In fact, you’ll find retro rock ballad Hitchcock Starlet on the track listing, alongside opener Thelma and Louise. The cover is a – œnoir-esque’ picture of Patricia, with the words “HorrorPops: Twelve Tales About Love and Murder” in the bottom right hand corner, however the lyrics truly are the darkest part of the songwriting – with relatively upbeat and inoffensive pop-punk pumping through the stereo in complete contradiction.

Their fan base has become a clear indicator of the band’s success – in that they have recruited a very loyal following. Several of the die-hard fans have inked themselves with HorrorPops tattoos, including everything from the band logo, down to actual portraits of the band.

HorrorPops’ ability to attract fans from each genre they draw influence from has seen them get their names on the bill for The Offspring, Dropkick Murphys, and Danzig. Their tour schedule for 2008 seems more than hectic, with a six-week tour of the United States due to kick off with the release of their new album Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill. As soon as that’s done, the band is heading back on the infamous Warped Tour. “We’re doing the whole freaking tour man,” Niedermeier says. “It’s in the summer so it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be a lot of driving but we’re really going to love it.”

For HorrorPops virgins, a live show can prove to be quite the experience. “It’s full on mayhem!” Niedermeier says. “We have go-go dancers with us, we try to put on a show and not just stand there and be all emo,” he laughs. “We try to rock out as best as possible instead of just, you know, being boring.”

And while Australia isn’t on the tour schedule just yet, Niedermeier explains that the band is keen to head down under again as soon as they can. “I love Australia. It’s like the best parts of Europe and the best parts of America put together.” As for Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill, HorrorPops are prepared for what’s ahead in terms of its promotion. “We’re rehearsing maybe 3-4 times a week at this stage,” he says. “It’s all pretty awesome for a shitty little band from Copenhagen!”

Kiss Kiss Kill Kill is out on February 5 through Hellcat