Artist Introduction: ROT

 On a similar note from the last installment and continuing the subject of zombies and music, particularly of the punk variety. One ghoul has recently come to my attention and I figured it was only polite to spread the virus as far as I can. So we here at BRAIN BITES feel it is only fair to infect you with... ROT!

This undead abomination is proof of the global scale of the zombie plague as he hails from Mexico and has been working on his one man horror punk project since 2004 but chose not to unearth it until recent times. Due to commitments in other horror punk and punk rock bands the time never seemed right for his solo project until the world was sent into panic mode with the recent pandemic. Then he knew it was time to unleash his first demo.

ROT

1. Deceso (2:27)

2. Marque "Z" para Zombie (2:18)

3. Braineaters (MISFITS cover) (0:48)

4. Los Muertos (1:16)

5. El dolor de estar podrido (1:36)

6. Los Muertos (podrida) (1:18)

This self titled demo was recorded in July 2020 by ROT himself using just an acoustic guitar, laptop, software and headphones. This encompasses his love of The Simpsons TV show and all things zombie. ROT in fact describes his project as "a zombie with a guitar making noise and screaming with lots of references to The Simpsons and a dark humour". In regards to the sound of the demo, for something recorded by someone at their house just messing about, it sounds really good. Well recorded with no distortion or bleed through. I really like the addition of the thunder storm sound over the quiet yet melodic instrumental "Deceso". The other tracks do have a melodic feel to them, largely due to the main instrument being acoustic guitar, of course, but one by one the tracks build up to a fast paced final track in "Los Muertos (Podrida)" which roughly translated by a very English zombie means "Day Of The Dead (Rotten)" I think. Whilst this is all sung in ROT's native tongue it does not detract from the appeal and to show his true love for horror punk he throws in a great cover of "Braineaters" by MISFITS.

After that ROT decided to record himself in a more live environment so he recorded himself in a rehearsal setting putting it out as an EP.

[Dead A]live Session

1. Punxombie (1:07)

2. Marque "Z" para Zombie (2:15)

3. Rage Kiss (2:13)

4. Los Muertos (1:15)

5. Enterrado Vivo (ESKORBUTO Cover) (2:42)

This was recorded and released by himself in January 2021 and is a mix of new tracks and a couple from his self titled demo. New track "Punxombie" is fast, bright and has a catchy sing-a-long chorus sung in ROT's unique growl. A couple of these new tracks are sung in English so I can give you a general over view of the theme. "I walked a thousand miles just to see you, I had to kill a bunch of people on the way, ripped the faces off those fucking demons" (Rage Kiss track 3). This time ROT throws in a cover of "Enterrado Vivo" by Spanish punk legends ESKORBUTO.

ROT managed to upgrade his recording kit and got really serious as his next EP encompasses a full band feel with ROT writing and performing the whole thing.

PUNXOMBIE

1. Whispers Of The Dead (1:03)

2. Punxombie (1:02)

3. Rage Kiss (1:53)

4. Skate Zombies (2:33)

5. As We Roam (1:19)

6. Life Ain't Easy (When You're Dead) (1:06)

Released in July 2021, this is ROT's most ambitious example of his music to date. He performed the back line digitally and did a good job but unfortunately, the drums in particular sound a bit robotic but with a more full band feel it does make it that bit more punk than the previous demos. The opening track "Whispers Of The Dead" is a fantastic mash of groaning zombies and haunting guitar. Whilst the revamped versions of "Punxombie" (track 2) and "Rage Kiss" (track 3) sound great. "Skate Zombies" (track 4) is a fast skate punk number that ROT released as a single just before he unleashed this EP on the masses. "As We Roam" (track 5) goes back to the early demo days being quieter. Finishing off with the fast and catchy "Life Ain't Easy (When You're Dead)" (track 6) going straight into the hidden track which is a great cover of SEND MORE PARAMEDICS micro anthem "Brains" from A FEAST FOR THE FALLEN with ROT's own twist and extra zombie groans. This is a great showcase EP for ROT, in fact they all are as they show his progression in a short space of time not just as a musician but his talent for recording and his passion for the genre on the whole!

Before he turned, the young ROT developed his love of punk rock through playing Tony Hawks Pro Skater on the PS1 which became a massive doorway to discover major musical influences such as MISFITS, THE RAMONES, BLACK FLAG, MINOR THREAT and SEND MORE PARAMEDICS. Already harbouring a huge love for zombie movies, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968) by George A. Romero being a particular favourite of his.

ROT has named his style of music PUNXOMBIE hence the reason for naming this recent EP after it. Due to all the restrictions still in force he has not played live as yet but he will chew your arm off for a gig as soon as he can!! There are plans for a full length album and some awesome punxombie merchandise too so there is no stopping this ghoul. I have really enjoyed listening to ROT's music, it takes me back to my own youth and days of experimenting with music and he really embraces the D.I.Y ethic. This dead dude is totally punk rock!!

Please check ROT and his music out on facebook: @ROTpunxombie, Instagram: ROT-punxombie (soyrot) and Bandcamp for all his recordings to date search for ROT.

If you know anyone in or are in a horror themed band yourself, preferably zombie, then please get in touch. When the wailing and screaming subsides it can get pretty quiet down in the crypt so we appreciate any new music you can swing our way!!

Until next time...