Zombie Train by Cracks: A Psychobilly Joyride Straight Outta Japan
Alright, buckle up, folks. If you’re into music that feels like a chainsaw-wielding Elvis impersonator took over your playlist, Zombie Train by Cracks is gonna be your jam. Released in 2019 under Diwphalanx Records (cool name, right?), this Japanese psychobilly gem hits harder than a karaoke machine on steroids. And yeah, it’s rock—but not the kind where dudes just stand there looking moody. No, this is the wild, unhinged cousin of rock ‘n’ roll that makes you wanna swing dance while dodging zombies.
Let’s dive into two tracks that’ll stick to your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First up, “Bloody Chainsaw.” I mean, c’mon, how could you forget a title like that? It’s exactly what it sounds like—a chaotic, high-energy banger with riffs sharp enough to cut through steel. The vocals have this raw, snarling vibe, like the singer just woke up from a bad dream involving leather jackets and motorbikes. What really gets me, though, is the breakdown halfway through—it’s so gloriously messy, it feels like they threw a party in a graveyard and forgot to clean up afterward. You can practically hear the undead headbanging along. Classic.
Then there’s “Zombie Train,” the title track. This one’s got hooks sharp enough to reel in even the most stubborn non-believers. It’s groovy as hell, with basslines that slither around like snakes at a picnic. There’s something hypnotic about the way the lyrics repeat “Zombie Train”—it’s catchy but eerie, like an earworm that might actually eat your brain if you listen too many times. Honestly, it’s the perfect soundtrack for when life feels like one big chaotic ride you can’t get off of. Which, let’s face it, is pretty much always these days.
The rest of the album ain’t no slouch either. Tracks like “Stone Cold Crazy” and “Penny Wise” keep the energy cranked to eleven, while “Semushi” throws in some unexpected twists that remind you this band isn’t afraid to experiment. Oh, and shoutout to whoever decided to cover “For Your Love”—because nothing screams rebellion quite like putting a psychobilly spin on a classic tune.
So, here’s the thing about Zombie Train: it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or win any awards for subtlety. But damn if it doesn’t make you want to grab a partner, stomp your feet, and pretend you’re starring in your own B-movie horror flick. Cracks knows their audience—they’re here to deliver fun, fast, and slightly unhinged tunes that leave you grinning like an idiot.
Final thought? Listening to this album feels like finding a secret club where everyone’s invited, but only the weirdos stay for the afterparty. And honestly, isn’t that what great music’s all about? Now excuse me while I go figure out how to pronounce “Diwphalanx” without sounding like a robot choking on alphabet soup.
