Album Review: Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats – Shapes Of Midnight (Killer Candy Records)

Cambridge heavies Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats return with their seventh full-length album, ‘Shapes of Midnight’. A concept album partly inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death and the too-real nightmares of our modern age. It is out September 18th, via Killer Candy Records.

I love how creative Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats are and, for me, nothing in their catalogue can touch the brilliance of ‘Nell Ora Blu’, until this album. Yes, I think ‘Shapes of Midnight’ is that strong.

Love them or loathe them (if such a thing was possible), it’s undeniable that Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats consistently reinvent themselves while retaining a clear identity. One that feels otherworldly, out of time, and is often filled with ghoulish intent. This has turned them into global stars, to the point where a new release comes with hefty expectations.

Expectations that are well and truly met as Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats delve deeply into their bag of tricks, look to the past, and rock things up nicely. Take all the things you like about this band; the psychedelia, the groove, the hooky pop and rock elements, the overall eerie tones, and then hone in on certain aspects, such as the twin guitars, the twisted theatrics, and constantly catchy choruses, and you’ll have an idea of what this album has to offer.

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats don’t do contemporary music, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have elements that make them sound and feel more modern. While Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death (read and then see the 1964 Vincent Price film – it’s awesome) is an important part of the record, the band explore the horrors of the here and now too, making it a more layered concept album.

What it also happens to be is very immersive. Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats effortlessly capture the imagination in their salacious snare and once grabbed, there’s no escaping. Not when proto riff-driven head-bangers come with thrilling sci-fi synth textures, intoxicating pop melodies, grin-inducing jazz infusions, and so much more. It’s exceptionally fun to explore this album, as around every corner, there’s some new delight (and horror) to experience.

My favourite? I do like the foot-tapping and finger-snapping energy of Don’t Let it Control You and the instrumental potency of The Other Side of the Sky. However, for pure Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats satisfaction, it has got to be House by the Grave or I Won’t Sleep (’til You’re Gone). Not that I think anyone will come away thinking anything here is lacking. It’s too strong a record overall.

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats – Shapes of Midnight Track Listing:

1. House by the Grave
2. Shapes of Midnight
3. When Evil Wakes
4. Don’t Let It Control You
5. Psycho on the Loose
6. I Won’t Sleep (’til You’re Gone)
7. The Other Side of the Sky
8. Sleep No More

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