I have been waiting for something new from Brigitte Handley and the Dark Shadows since I bought their first CD on the first night I saw them. That disc was recorded under the name Brigitte Handley, and was more about one person, but this CD is the Dark Shadows in full flight – a reflection of them and where they at are musically. A deep, dark, uncompromising, addictive reflection.

The three band members – drummer Nerida, bassist Carly and vocalist/guitarist Brigitte – are a potent combination. The fact that they are hot, stylish, and uncompromising as well as talented only adds to their appeal.

I struggle to describe their sound so you will know what to expect. An engaging mix of old school punk, old school rock, and new school psychobilly? How about a rock and roll fuelled horror movie soundtrack that makes your heart race? Perhaps the film where the Brides of Dracula are the Runaways, and the Dark Shadows are their offspring. Neither of those descriptions does them justice. Their sound is economical, rock hard, memorable and enticing.

This EP is six tracks displaying their versatility while maintaining a core sound that is distinctly theirs. Stand Off is a classic, rock your underpants off Brigitte Handley song, about the crazy, mixed-up world of relationships. Dave Likes Dolls is dark and explores obsessions. It is the kind of song that may give you nightmares.

Gonna Getcha is almost pop, and its theme of revenge is nasty but sexy at the same time. Lament Of A Lost Soul is all atmosphere and sorrow with a touch of dread. It is a little slow for me, but my musical preferences are very narrow. Freedom Of Choice is Devo. I remember the first time I heard Nerida playing the drumbeat that starts the song and I was struggling to remember what it was and then the guitars cut in and it all became clear and I smiled. The recorded version is a little tame compared to their live version, but it is a great song that suits the band and their ideals.

Time To Fight Back is going to rock you. It is a maelstrom that ebbs and flows from verse to chorus, and leaves me feeling I never want to cross the Dark Shadows.