Bodies for the Geek Pit, Part I is the first taste of the upcoming second album from New York, USA-based “pulp-punk” act, Dalton Deschain & The Traveling Show.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Jeanette D Moses
The EP follows on from the band’s first album, Demons & Dogmen, released in 2021, and continues in much the same horror-inspired vein, expanding the story of the demon-possessed circus ringleader on which all their songs dwell. One part punk, one part Danny Elfman score, it’s deliciously unique and more than deserves a place on our pages.
The record opens with the frenetic energy of Hell Breaks Loose and you know right from the off that the drama that is coming. Charismatic vocals are half-whispered in the verse before hitting high notes like some demented Hugh Jackman from The Greatest Showman. The chorus goes hard, and by then you’re completely hooked.
Flashbang takes things in an ’80s new wave direction, giving us a more theatrical take on the Devo sound, should a thing be possible. Elements of ’00s pop-rock keep things fresh, and its chorus is explosive.
The Ghosts in the Orphanage slows things down with an eerie, brooding breakup number before Supernova closes the EP in rousing style. A stripped-back first verse builds like a musical number to a powerful chorus, while the male-female vocals bring plenty of passion.
Based on this four track taster, Dalton Deschain & The Traveling Show’s next album is going to be immense. They corral disparate influences expertly while bringing their uniqueness to the mix. They’re not afraid to bring the drama in a world where subtly is often overplayed and, perhaps most of all, can pen a catchy and memorable composition. Consider me a fan.
Bodies for the Geek Pit, Part I is out now and you can give it a listen below.