The Misfits Discography: Part 2 : Walk Among Us

As I stated in my review of Static Age, this is the album that was first released as the Misfits debut album. And while in hindsight, it is a shame that Static Age wasn't just released in its entirety instead of broken up over multiple releases, to me, the real shame is that Walk Among Us simply isn't as good as Static Age. True, this album isn't bad, not is the slightest, but it lacks some of the gusto and pure punk excellence of the band's first recorded effort. Though I can't deny that Walk Among Us Still contains some of the groups finest moments, and is an overall solid effort from a band that had this many line-up changes and band turmoil in such a short time.

The album opens strong with the menacing "20 Eyes" and goes into a track that is worthy of a full crowd chant along with "I Turned Into A Martian"; a track that digs into the more campy elements that the band is known for nowadays. Then the album goes into some less memorable territory after the decent track "Hell Breaks Loose". Especially with a track like "Vampira" which just doesn't stick with me at all. Luckily, at around the halfway point, we get one of my personal favorite Misfits tracks, "Hatebreeders" which features yet another sing-along chorus with a lot of guts to boot.

In fact, the albums best songs all follow this formula, where the playing is muscular, and the hooks are lean and to the point. Though there are a couple better dissonant moments, such as the live version of the track "Mommy, Can I Go Out And Kill Tonight?" A track that would appear on the band's next LP, but in a studio capacity. This track also broadcasts the direction the band's next LP would take.

Other highlights for me include the quirky "Skulls" and the hilarious closer "Braineaters". But the crowning jewel here is undeniably "Astro Zombies" which is a perfectly balanced punk tune in my opinion; there's gore and destruction in the lyrics, but the song itself could soundtrack a summer beach trip. I only wish there were a few more moments on this album like "Astro Zombies" because then this LP would be an undeniable classic. But, as it stands, it is a solid record from a great band, and while it isn't my favorite Mistfits record, I understand why some people consider it to be theirs.

7.8/10