Night Killer are a curious little outfit that play ’80s-style punky glam metal that’s based strictly on B-movies.
The band began with Jeff Iseton (Filth & Majesty) on vocals/guitar, Josh Peebles (Lackluster) on drums, and Steven Funk on bass, all wanting to play some obscure horror movie songs together. They soon added fellow spooky rockers Matt Reish (Hailshot) on guitar and ShaNell Brazo-Iseton on synthesizer.
The train started rolling last summer. However, their first practice was canceled after Peebles was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening medical emergency.
“Hey, won’t be at practice, in the ER,” is the short and sweet message he text the band.
Peebles ended up being laid up a few months.
Recorded by Dan Kinnaley at Chipped Tooth Audio, they released a three-song EP, Nightmare: Prelude, just ahead of Halloween, which you can find on streaming services.
New Namby Pamby album
The Namby Pamby revealed the name of their upcoming album, The Birds Aren’t Migrating Like They’re Supposed To.
With a release date of Feb. 28, their latest effort includes 12 tracks that were recorded and mixed by Jason Davis at Off the Cuff Studios.
They plan to release the first single, “Lucky Eyes,” on Jan. 31 with a music video, followed by “Misconstrued” on Feb. 14.
As of right now, there are no plans for a local release show, but you can catch them Thursday, Jan. 23, at The Brass Rail with Part Timers out of Chicago, along with The Meat Flowers.
Alt Vault go back in time
The Alt Vault are bringing alternative music to the forefront.
Their setlist is a blend of iconic tracks and deep cuts, offering a fresh take on the music that defined alternative music’s best moments.
The band consists of Curtis Ostermeyer on guitar/vocals, Andy Scheidler on keys, Joe Welch on bass/vocals, and Blaine Sprinkle on drums. Those names may sound familiar to some since they’ve been involved in a number of acts over the years including The Jury, 600 North, Driver 8: The Music of REM, Nostalgia, Oozitron, Johnny Socko, and Born Again Floozies.
Given their pedigree, you’d imagine they could capture the energy and emotion of the music that shaped a generation, and you’d be dead right. That includes the melodic depth of The Shins and Radiohead with the raw edge of Pixies and The Replacements. Their setlist also includes tunes by Elvis Costello, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Cure, The Police, Weezer, and more. Come see for yourself when
The Alt Vault perform at O’Sullivan’s on Friday, Jan. 17.
Corporate Circus still going
The progressive punk outfit Corporate Circus were pretty active at the end of last year, something they hope to continue in 2025.
Those not familiar with the band might be surprised to learn that they actually got together as teenagers in Warsaw in 1992. Their journey has taken them through three full-length albums and a few Midwest punk compilations.
Their most recent album, Music for the Hearing Impaired, was recorded in California with legendary producer/engineer Cliff Norell, who has worked with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley, No Doubt, and Shania Twain. Not bad for some northeast Indiana dudes.
Corporate Circus are comprised of Ryan Bettinger on guitar/vocals, Jon Huse on guitar/vocals, Danny Bruggeman on bass/vocals, and Zachary Walter on drums.
They are in the composition process of a new record, so be on the lookout for that as well as live shows.
Bad Money pay tribute
Looks as if we have a new tribute band in the area called Bad Money.
What do they cover? The music of Bad Company and Eddie Money, of course.
The band is comprised of Joey O on guitar, Bobby Combs on vocals, Steve Sahagun on bass, Dave Lemish on drums, and Mike Thomas on keys. Together, they recreate the magic of songs from each artist’s lengthy catalogs.
Although they are working on dates, they did share that they will perform at the DeKalb Outdoor Theater in Auburn on July 18.
Downstait add new drummer
Downstait have announced the addition of drummer Marc Esses.
According to a recent social media post from the band, “This dude breathed new life into Downstait, and we’re so excited to be performing again. Here’s to the Jericho Cruise and much more in 2025!”
Speaking of the cruise, they have earned a slot on the Chris Jericho Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise, that travels from Miami to Puerto Plata from Jan. 31-Feb. 4. The cruise will feature a number of big-time wrestlers including Jericho, Scott Steiner, and Jerry “The King” Lawler as well as music acts Fozzy and Great White.
If you haven’t checked out Downstait’s single “Sleep,” do so now.
Humans Among Us video
On Jan. 13, the space rock band Humans Among Us will release a video for their track “We Come in Peace.”
The five-minute number was released in 2023 but is getting a second wind with the video that will be available on YouTube.
The band includes Carin Steele (vocals), Aaron Steele (bass), Jason Villarreal (guitar), and Ashe Davidson (drums).
