Nekromantix
Words: Sara Urekew
Photos: Sara Urekew

Appeared:
April 28, 2007
State Theatre, St. Petersburg

My first thought upon entering the infamous State Theatre on the night of the Nekromantix show was – “shit, I forgot to wear my spiked platform space-boots.”  Sporting a stylish Reax tee and my pair of sporty Pumas, I was quite the outcast amongst a raging mob of psychobilly vandals and punks lurking about the venue. The foyer was crowded with thirsty, devout fans – and I wasn’t about to push the wrong pissed-off punk just to get a beer.  Even in a smoke-filled room, one could hardly deny the excessive display of fluorescent liberty spikes, bright red lips, strategically torn fishnets, and goth metal accessories. It was like walking into a Vogue fashion show for Hot Topic, only nobody had showered in days. Apparently, I didn’t get the memo.

 The real uproar began once the backdrop was let down, sporting the “Life’s a Grave, and I Dig It” logo from their most recent album. A few more minutes of setup, then suddenly – a mesmerizing wail of solo bass tones, coming from an unknown source—but everyone knew that sound. With pride and passion, Kim Nekroman stepped onto the stage, his faithful, notorious, coffin-shaped bass in hand. Immediately following, drummer Andy DeMize filled the room with a vicious, pulsating beat that could change the very rhythm of your heart. Completing the trio, lead guitarist Troy Destroy accompanied with a mean set of chords that initiated a wave of spirited dance moves amongst the audience. Suddenly arms were flailing, heads were banging, and the floor was instantly transformed into a massive trampoline, requiring every fan on their feet to be involved in a wave of violent jumping.

Too bad that didn’t last long. Contrary to the stereotype given to a typical Nekromantix audience, the fans of Tampa Bay settled down after the first few songs, and there was hardly any commotion for the remainder of the show. Although their stellar performance was under-appreciated by many, it seemed as if they could care less – they rocked the house for hours with barely any crowd involvement.  I left that night with ringing ears & a newfound love for Danish psychobilly rock. I can only hope the next time they come around, the audience puts as much effort into supporting their music as they do in dressing for it.