I was pretty excited to dive into an album with a title like Songs to Murder Your Lovers By. It definitely promised something intriguing. After giving it a listen, I can confidently say that Mad Splatter’s third album didn’t disappoint. The band brings their signature punk energy, delivering a raw and intense experience from start to finish.
The album opens with an infectious track called “Witch Hunt” about a girl the singer believes is a witch. Someone who, in his eyes, deserves to be burned at the stake. The subject matter may sound dark and intense at first glance, but what makes this song stand out is the contrast between its lyrics and its sound. Despite the heavy, almost sinister theme, the music itself is a lively, upbeat garage-punk anthem. The fast-paced rhythm, energetic guitar riffs, and playful delivery create an unexpected twist, transforming what could have been a grim narrative into something that’s oddly fun and catchy. It’s a clever juxtaposition that sets the tone for the rest of the album, blending dark humor with infectious energy.
Sticking with the album’s sinister themes and horror-inspired lyrics, the third track, “Horror Weekend Holiday”, immediately caught my attention. The song feels like a tribute to the classic slasher flicks we all know and love, particularly the Friday the 13th series. The lyrics tell the story of a weekend getaway in a remote cabin in the woods, with the narrator ominously stating, “I’ve got a chainsaw, I’ve got a blade, but we’ll never get away.” This line, along with the rest of the song, makes it clear that he’s on a murderous rampage. But, true to the album’s playful tone, the band manages to keep the music upbeat and energetic. Delivering that signature punk vibe that makes even the darkest subjects feel strangely fun. It’s a perfect example of how Mad Splatter blends dark, horror-inspired lyrics with the fast-paced, carefree spirit of punk, making something disturbing feel oddly entertaining.
As the album moves into its fourth track, Mad Splatter keeps the energy high with “Zombie vs. Vampire.” This song blends vivid horror imagery with themes of personal identity and fantasy. The speaker fully immerses themselves in a world where zombies and vampires are not just monsters, but symbols of primal desires, chaos, and a longing for something beyond the mundane. The idea of a “perfect world” of horror reflects a desire to escape or reshape reality, where the grotesque and supernatural become the ideal. In this way, the lyrics explore the tension between love, terror, and the allure of a world where conventional rules are cast aside in favor of the macabre. And with its infectious beat, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the fun, even as it revels in the darkness!
Overall, I give this album a big thumbs up. It brilliantly blends some of the goriest, most over-the-top lyrics with an upbeat, party vibe. And for those who like a little romance with their horror, there’s definitely a touch of that too!
Heather is a Berklee College student with a deep passion for helping musicians. You can find her surrounded by schoolwork, or working on one of her many internships trying to break into the Rock scene. She also loves cats, weed, and any small venue performances.