For Halloween, L.A. Witch just had to do something. The spooky trio put out the incendiary Play With Fire in August, and it’s a hypnotic collection of rock anthems. They’re looking for trouble; you can tell just from the song titles, like “Motorcycle Boy” or “Sexorexia,” they’re modern day riot grrrls.
“It’s our favorite holiday,” the band shares about Halloween, “and it’s pretty easy to do a Halloween playlist since a lot of the stuff that has influenced us and we love has spooky, horror, goth shit.” Featuring Misfits, Chelsea Wolfe, and Bauhaus, the playlist is the perfect amalgamation of unsettling, edgy jams.
Severed Heads, “All Saints Day”
I love me some avant-garde, industrial synth music. I love the lyrics to this song. And love the artwork for this record.
Misfits, “Halloween”
The Misfits are one of the most influential bands to me growing up. I used to draw their skull logo on all my notebooks in school, and if you were a little punk rock skate rat, you probably listened to them too. Any band that can play catchy punk songs and look like something out of a horror/sci-fi comic book wins my heart forever. Stoked we got to see the OG line up play at Psycho Las Vegas.
Ministry, “Every Day Is Like Halloween”
Have you ever read Al Jourgensen’s bio? Its fuckin’ epic. By far one of my favorite bios. Saw them play, too, a few times.
John Carpenter, “Vortex”
A track by the fuckin’ Pumpkin King. Thank you JC for gifting us Halloween along with many great other films. My dream is to score music for horror films like him!
The Birthday Party, “The Hair Shirt”
My favorite Nick Cave era. With Roland S. Howard and Tracy Pew.
Chelsea Wolfe, “Advices & Vices”
Saw her play at Desert Daze and was blown away by her sound. She’s got such a unique and beautiful look and sound.
Siouxsie and the Banshees, “Halloween”
Like The Misfits or The Cramps, almost every song could be in a Halloween playlist. I learned that Robert Smith got his signature makeup look from touring with Siouxsie Sioux. Thought that was so cute. Makes so much sense.
The Cramps, “Human Fly”
Another staple band that had a huge influence on me and the band. I just don’t know if it gets any cooler than the Cramps.
Death Cult, “God’s Zoo”
Before The Cult there was Death Cult! I’m sure anybody could guess whose vocals those are. I love how distinct Ian Astbury’s vocals are.
Bauhaus, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”
Go watch Shadow of Light if you haven’t already. These men were actual vampires (jk). But for real. Fuckin’ love them.
Samhain, “Archangel”
The bass in this song. The melody. The artwork. Danzig’s voice. Love bluesy, baritone voices. So masculine and dreamy. Like Lee Hazlewood and Roy Orbison.
Dion Lunadon, “Howl”
Dion from A Place to Bury Strangers. Love his new solo stuff. He’s a badass. Nobody can abuse their bass as much as he does, and make it sound that good while doin’ it. Believe me.
True Widow, “O.O.T.P.V”
Met these guys at Desert Daze. They were super cool and played really well. They use some cool tunings on their instruments. At least I think they do?
Dead Kennedys, “Halloween”
My favorite DK record.
G Tom Mac, “Cry Little Sister”
From the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies! Also look up Andrew Allen’s skate part for Hockey III.
