Review By Glen Parkes
Dead Posey, the dynamic Los Angeles-based duo of Danyell Souza and Tony Nova, are back with their self-released, unapologetically fierce new album, ‘Are You In A Cult?’ Dropping on October 18th, this collection of songs takes on cults, monsters, nightmares, and devils with the rebellious flair that has come to define the band. Mixing goth spirit, punk attitude, and a healthy dose of ‘80s synth pop and ‘90s alt-rock, Souza and Nova unleash their latest creation with a visceral energy that’s impossible to ignore.
Right from the opening track, “Zombies,” Souza’s powerful vocals lead the charge as the song’s infectious rhythm claws its way into your head. It’s a perfect introduction to the album’s thematic dive into the eerie and unsettling, but in true Dead Posey fashion, the darkness is delivered with swagger. Souza’s howls are layered with a sense of defiance, while Nova’s gritty guitar work pulls the listener into a hypnotic, head-banging groove. The song also made me think of the ways we become mindless in society, wandering around like zombies, unaware of the powers manipulating us. Maybe it’s the perfect anthem for breaking free from that cycle.
Next up, “She Went Bad” hits with unapologetic fierceness, channeling an anthemic punk energy that refuses to conform. Souza’s gritty lyrics and Nova’s punchy instrumentation make this track a standout, delivering a perfect blend of rebellious spirit and raw emotion. It’s hard not to feel empowered when Danyell spits out lines like she’s rallying an army. This track felt particularly personal—there’s an underlying narrative of rejecting expectations, something I think we all can relate to in one way or another.
“Darkside” and “Welcome to the Nightmare” keep the dark themes rolling, but with a groove that’s impossible to resist. “Darkside” features an ominous synth backdrop and a driving beat that makes it feel like the perfect song to soundtrack a late-night drive through a haunted city. Meanwhile, “Welcome to the Nightmare” is a gothic anthem that pulls no punches, confronting fears head-on with pounding drums and searing guitars. I couldn’t help but be reminded of classic horror films while listening, which added a fun cinematic edge to the experience.
The album’s title track, “C.U.L.T.”, brings the central theme into focus. There’s something both eerie and exhilarating about how Souza sings about blind devotion, all while the band unleashes a sound that feels like a call to arms. The driving beat and gritty guitars make this one of the album’s most aggressive tracks, and the energy is contagious. You’ll find yourself questioning just how much you buy into the “cults” of modern society—whether it’s consumerism, fame, or even religious dogma—while headbanging along.
One of the standout moments of the album is “sorry i’m not dead”—a raw, emotional declaration of defiance. Here, Souza’s vocals hit a deeper emotional chord as she sings about survival and resilience, while Nova’s stripped-back guitar arrangement gives the song an introspective edge. It’s a moment of vulnerability that’s rare in an album as high-octane as this, but it adds depth to the rebellion.
Of course, Dead Posey wouldn’t be Dead Posey without a few curveballs, and their cover of New Order’s “Blue Monday” is a fresh and thrilling twist on the iconic song. While staying true to the original’s pulsing beat, the band adds their signature gritty flair, making it one of the most fun moments on the album.
Closing the album is “Scar”, a haunting track that lingers long after it ends. It’s a perfect conclusion to the album, reflecting the scars—both emotional and physical—that come from living in a world that often feels like a never-ending nightmare. But in Souza’s hands, these scars are marks of strength, not weakness.
Overall, ‘Are You In A Cult?’ is a fiercely original album that captures everything we love about Dead Posey—the goth-punk rebellion, the electrifying energy, and the unapologetic attitude. Danyell Souza and Tony Nova have once again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, blending their influences into something uniquely their own. This album isn’t just music—it’s a rallying cry for anyone ready to reject the status quo and embrace their dark side.
+ There are no comments
Add yours