Music

HIGH FIVES: The Creepshow

by Sam Sutherland

Every week, High Fives asks five bands five themed questions over five days. This week, we’re probing the depths of the spookiest holiday of all, Halloween.

Formed from the ashes of Burlington, Ontario punk and ska legends Jersey and Outspan, The Creepshow debuted in 2005 with a fairly strict adherence to psychobilly rules and regulations: stand-up bass, songs about zombies, a pompadour, etc. With the release of They All Fall Down on October 5, the band seems to have really found some serious footing outside of the world of ghouls and goblins; it’s a record that showcases bassist Sean McNab’s talent for anthemic, fast-paced punk alongside vocalist and guitarist Sarah Blackwood’s pronounced country influence (as demonstrated by her recent solo album). And obviously, when it comes to Halloween, there’s no better band to talk to than one that pulls its name from a Romero flick, sings about things that go bump in the night, and has a keyboard player dressed as some kind of spooky priest.

AUX TV: What was the best costume from your childhood?

SARAH BLACKWOOD: Supergirl. Because my whole family dressed up in the entire get up, tights and all. Dad and Mom, my sister, my brother and I. Then we all went out trick-or-treating.

What was the best costume from your post-childhood?

One year my man and I dressed up. I was “the Girl tied to the train tracks” and he was the Villain. We looked awesome.

What’s the most scared you’ve ever been in a movie?

Probably the first horror movie I ever watched in my life: Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. I had NEVER seen a horror movie before and I got so scared I had to go sleep in bed with my Mom.

What role, if any, do sexy costumes serve in our modern Halloween culture?

Halloween is scary. Scary is sexy. I wish that scary/sexy = clever and interesting, but most the time it doesn’t. Unfortunately a lot of the time the girls want to be slutty for Halloween and just dress like strippers, instead of being creative with it. There are a lot of creative ways to be sexy on Halloween. Come on, people.

Where will you be on Halloween this year?

We’ll be in Berkeley, California. We’re honoured to play once again at Gilman Street. It’s going to be CRAZY! I can feel it. I hope to see some really awesome original costumes… and have a fucking AMAZING night. This venue is legendary, so it’s an honour once again.