Psykobilly – Blood to Spill (Single Review)

If you’ve ventured beyond the world of the top charts in music, these days, one of the few genres you’ll land upon is rock. I’m sure, though, that not everyone goes through the same flow of genre discovery. As a young person in this day and age, rock has a reputation of being a genre long gone- but still cherished, due to the rawness and intensity it has always gatekept.

90s rock and dark rock ‘n’ roll come hand-in-hand concerning forging a timeless inauthenticity. I’m pretty sure the political and socio-economic factors of the late 80s bled into the 90s in the formation of grunge, but circumstances wrap themselves in authentic expression. And that’s how you set yourself for a genre prone to revival, and resurgence, in any period.

In this review, we will analyse ‘Blood to Spill’ by Psykobilly. Psykobilly are a UK-based ensemble featuring Isobelle Sorrell (writer, vocals), Phil Sorrell (writer, multi-instrumentalist, producer), and Bill Newton (writer, vocals, guitar). Their sound is an eclectic mix of dark electro-pop, dark ballads, and dark rock ‘n’ roll. This new single comes after previous releases, such as the albums ‘Patron Saint Of Nothing’ and ‘i hate psykobilly vol.1’

Within the first few seconds, the 90s influence is undeniable to the trained ear. The pan-flutes, in the beginning, pay an almost unexpected homage to the ethno-pop/’world music’ boom around the same period grunge was flourishing. Life is filled with juxtaposition, and good art juxtaposes- ala Salvador Dali. It almost reminds me of ‘Deep Forest’s compositions.

The main vocalist has a strong, and commanding voice that’s also combined with a style of singing that’s emotionally drained, yet monotone-esque. It reminds me of the vocalist from Blutengel, or even Dave Gahan’s vocal techniques. 

The guitars in the background give off a 90s, ‘serious’ flange and flair, usually adopted in the soundtracks of certain shows such as the background track of ‘Unsolved Mysteries’. The steady beat from the drum carries a steadfast tempo throughout the song, while the bass guitar shines. The bass guitar provides the song with enough groove and direction, while also supporting the rest of the instruments.

The background vocalist gives me a kind of Courtney Love or Kim Gordon feel, in the sense that her voice is distinctly contrasted with the main vocalist and gives off a completely different tone. It provides a song with a second emotional tone, one of angst and a slight annoyance which fits the tone of the lyrics. However, to my ear, I don’t know if it completely matches the main vocalist. That is a matter of personal taste though, as I understand the concept entirely.

The chorus gives more leeway for the background vocalist to shine, as it focuses on contrasting harmonies instead of merely echoed melodies. It then morphs into a beautiful, yet dark kaleidoscope of guitar riffs as well as drums. I presume a ‘watery’-sounding pad is added to one of the guitars as well, giving the song the edge it needs to pay homage to 90s rock and roll. 

The ending then enters in a steadfast staccato, which gives the song back its initial edge and saves it from being lost in the choral kaleidoscope. I found it ingenious. 

All in all, I think the song is decent. The minus points of this song to me, are the lack of unique and unpredictable chord changes or melodic diversity, as well as certain aspects of the backing vocalist in the pre-chorus. The song structure from pre-chorus to chorus seems a little rushed and disjointed in terms of emotional tone, but it gives it a 90s flair, so that might just be my subjective preference. I think the slight technological aspects of this song as well as the main vocalist’s vocals, as well as the addition of the pan flutes, are the plus points.

Rating/Good  – ‘Blood to Spill’ is a good song in terms of providing the listener with a ‘blast from the past’ when one yearns for the authentic, yet steadfast sound of the 90s- as well as innovative genre-bending. 

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