You
would think any horror surf album would be necessarily
campy, but not so on the Route 66 Killers' Murder
on Beaver Street, a decidedly dark and creepy collection
of melodic reverb laden instrumental tunes. Made up
of three faux Russian escaped murderers, the Route 66
Killers demonize the sounds of Dick Dale and add a spaghetti
western vibe for that extra effect. Although instrumental,
the song titles on this album are telling enough: Ballade
of the Headless Horseman, Shallow Grave, The Devil's
Martini - something tells you this ain't your grandparents'
surf music. Plus, you have to admire any band that can
write a beach party ode to The Masque of the Red
Death. Even if the Route 66 Killers don't take
themselves too seriously, Murder on Beaver Street is
as spine-chillingly demented as a surf album gets.
