Howlin is the first single to premiere off Bat Kid’s upcoming release ‘SCARS’ due out December 6 on our very own DIM Tapes. It’s a dark, booming song about losing the power to control the beast inside. It starts off with the heaviest drum hits that carry into the lines “The power escapes me, to soothe the beast inside.” With howls hiding in the background behind his vocals and guitar work, this song has an ominous and dark, almost western theme while also harboring a heavy industrial effect. You’ll spend your coming days singing along to lines like “my back’s against the wall, and I’m howlin!”. Just when you think the song may be wrapping up, the initial drum hits come back and pull you into a distorted, dissonant guitar lead. It all delivers a feeling akin to being chased by your worst fears in a dream totaly out of your control. Howlin delivers you a great taste into what to expect from this new EP by Bat Kid.
If you don’t already know Bat Kid, you should get familiar. Bat Kid is the alter ego of Dalton Patton (Should’ve, Deathdealer (RIP), and many others). Dalton has almost exclusively been behind the kit for every act he’s been in and is consistently a go-to drummer for bands in need, whether it’s one show, recordings, or a tour. But this time, he is doing all the work. Dalton took the lead on the recording and instrumentation, with the exception of a few features. The final product was mixed and mastered by James Palko (of Perspective A Lovely Hand to Hold) and it came together perfectly with five unstoppable tracks filled with some interlude and noise between.
When asked about ‘SCARS’ Dalton said this release was a departure from his debut ‘Booze Traveler‘ in more way than one. The songs on ‘SCARS’ were developed within the recording process as opposed to being fully prepared ahead of time, which you can feel as you listen to the EP. At times the songs have a slight looseness that only he is capable of pulling off. On top of his process, Dalton stated that the songs on ‘SCARS’ are about healing and coming to terms with difficult situations in life that are beyond your control. While writing this EP, he moved multiple times across state lines, had numerous new jobs, and was forced to move on from people that he wasn’t ready to lose. Something many can relate to at one time or another.
‘SCARS’ is set to release December 6th, 2019. We put together a heavy line up at Bushwick Public House to celebrate. To join Bat Kid on the bill is Service, Should’ve, and Reduction Plan. Come out to the gig, buy a tape, and hear it all live.
All words by Jacob Saxton.