“We’re doing a split seven inch record with Horror Party,” Mitchell said. “We just got the masters back and we’re about to send off for the record to be made.” Horror Party, the up and coming South Mississippi based horror punk band, will match Merit Badge and make it a two band record, with each band also guest appearing on the other’s music. WMB’s song “All This Noise” includes the newest lineup of members and leans into the band’s punk side: short and punchy with a gritty bounce and fun call and respond vocals that shout out their friends and collaborators – “It’s a horror party!”
The record is expected to drop around November.
To complete the trilogy of releases, The Witchcraft Merit Badge will drop one more 7 inch of only original songs. After hearing an early mix of their new recording for “Nose Bleed,” I expect the record will be a strong showcase for what the band is all about. The track blends the band’s live energy, bounce and diverse sound with some refined sounding hooks and a tight layout that could easily land it among the band’s standout songs.
Dropping smaller groups of songs direct to vinyl is a pretty old school tactic in the music business, and that’s just a part of the package that is The Witchcraft Merit Badge. For those who enjoy having a piece of art you can hold in your hand and take home with you, they have you covered. You can order a disc or pick one up directly at their merch table after some friendly conversation with the band. If you would like to listen online though, you can find their limited-release digital counterparts on BandCamp or YouTube.
After a late July house show with Horror Party, The Witchcraft Merit Badge are popping into Government Street Grocery on August 2nd, and will be at the Juke Joint on November 9th as part of UglyFest 13. More dates TBA.
“The best thing so far has just kind of been being able to bring our idea of a live show to the local venues down here that do support original music… To bring something that has all these elements to interact with…” Mitchell said of the band’s love for their time on stage. “People come out and they want to dance around in the bubbles and drink their beer and it’s a good time… I think that’s a great highlight to be able to see people enjoying themselves while we’re performing.”
So… you know. Get out there and catch a show!
~Support Local Music~
scott@coastobserver.com
@ScottiRedd9
Facebook.com/witchcraftmeritbadge
Youtube.com/@thewitchcraftmeritbadge8823
meritbadgesongs.bandcamp.com
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Lisa Breal – Lead Vocals
Jared Breal – Merch Liason
Mitchell Gruich – Guitar
Oliver Meachum – Bass, Backing Vocals
Jess Prime – Synth
Mel Strobe – Keytar, Backing Vocals
Jessica Thomas – Glockenspiel, Backing Vocals
John Quave – Drums
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Photos by Samantha Overby Photography
