We recently featured Derek Lee Goodreid for his iconic blues-rock anthem, Born to Raise Hell & Sing the Blues and his inspiring and introspective single, Breakthru Hardtimes, so we couldn’t wait to hear his brand new seasonal release, Halloween Double Creature Feature!
Enticing us with a subtle wind chime, blowing in the breeze and enigmatic electric guitar, Derek Lee Goodreid opens the first song from his double release, Beneath The Howlin’ Light with an enigmatic energy that would fit perfectly in a fictional series like True Blood.
We learn that he has created the psychobilly meets rockabilly style tunes based on his love for old horror movies. Beneath The Howlin’ Light expands into a alternative country vibe as Derek sings about literally being a werewolf. Lyrics include, “When you’re looking my way you notice how big my eyes are, well it’s all the better too see you with, when we’re dancing on the floor you notice how big my hands are, well it’s all the better to hold you with…”, with reference to the classic fairy tale.
We love the soundscape and the concept and are fully enthralled. Derek tells us that the opus features “the murderous upright bass work of fellow Aussie, Leon Pratt and the killer mixing of Orange County audio legend, Austin Hein.”
Next up is Racing Against Death, which, we learn, features the “terrifyingly evil lead guitar of psychobilly, rockabilly YouTuber Adrian Whyte, and the deadly slap bass of Canadian rocker Stephen K Donnelly.”
We are obsessed with Derek’s charismatic delivery, and the conceptually haunting lyrics, “Pedal to the metal push this rag, roof, roadster wreck, coz I feel Death breathing down my neck…”
Derek confesses that the song references some of his favourite rockabilly songs from artists such as Gene Vincent, Jim Foster & the Kountry Kut Ups, Charlie Feathers and Eddie Cochran and the song “imagines Death as your hot rod rival in a high stakes race for your life.”
Anecdotally, it was the first song written and recorded after Derek was hit by a car while walking home last year and inspiration literally struck him but was unable to kill him.
We love the authenticity that Derek Lee Goodreid is sharing with these releases and the charming and seasonal edge that they have, as well as the Rocky Horror Picture Show inspired artwork and branding.
Both songs are available on BandCamp, and we have also added Beneath The Howlin’ Light to our New Music Spotlight playlist whilst we continue to stream Derek Lee Goodreid‘s wider discography!