Psychobilly catching on

By Kat Guerin

guer0092@algonquincollege.com

Underground - very underground - music can still motivate fans to attend a show despite many obstacles. Psychobilly, unknown to most, began in the late ‘70s and consists of a blend of rockabilly and punk rock.

Most bands consist of a singer, guitarist, drummer and upright bassist. Famous bands include Tiger Army, Nekromantix, Mad Sin and the Horrorpops.

Die-hard fans wear leather jackets covered in patches and occasionally, studs. Guys sport pompadours and greaser hair styles, whereas the ladies resemble ‘50s pin-ups.  Tattoos are also trendy.

“It has to do with the hot rod culture, horror movies and crazy haircuts,” Sean “Sickboy” McNab, of psychobilly band The Creepshow says.  The genre is also often associated with burlesque dancing. Some bands, such as the Horrorpops include dancers in their performances.

There are some big fans lingering around Algonquin. Alex Houle, a pre-animation student, tends to wear the band shirts and sports a psychobilly-inspired hairstyle. However, not every psychobilly fan chooses to dress the part. “It doesn’t matter whether you dress in the style of music you like,” Houle said. “Even if psychobilly is the [genre] you like the most.”