Bad Spell has just released their premiere platter titled Don’t Go Out Tonight. With a drop date of April 12, the work will be available both in the vinyl and digital formats. But first, for those of you not up on the act in question, a bit of background on the band:

Bad Spell

Bad Spell is a musical trio from Atlanta, Georgia. The band roster includes Bryan G. Malone (guitar and vocals), Shane Pringle (baritone guitar, tenor sax, and vocals), and Pietro DiGennaro (drums and vocals). On the album, they are assisted by Rod Hamdallah (backing vocals and guitar).

Their signature sound is garage rock with a touch of classic and southern rock ‘n’ roll. Their musical influences include Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, the Rolling Stones, MC5, Sonics, Moving Sidewalks, Dead Moon, Scientists, Remains, and Roky Erickson. Some sources report their reckless, fuzzy guitar, “psyched-out,” and “over-the-top live” gigs have made them a favorite on the Atlanta music scene and elsewhere.

Don’t Go Out Tonight

This debut disc has a running time of approximately 35 minutes. Every track is an example of the band’s brand of “fuzzed-out, psyched-up southern garage rock & roll.” It demonstrates what made them one of Atlanta’s fave acts.

Track by track

The album opens on “Gotta Put You Down.” It’s a strong enough album opener and apparently an early fan favorite but only hints at the band’s full capabilities.

“Sick On Love” has a decades-old feel to it in part. This should be no surprise considering some of their above-mentioned influences. The next number, “Cynical Girl”, makes certain the audience is aware of the band’s signature sound. Note the raw edge and workable simplicity.

“Dancin’ On My Grave” is perfect for rockin’ out and would work well for both Halloween and any manic road trip soundtrack. “Some Kinda Savage” would also fit onto said road trip playlist. “Wastin’ Time On You” offers listeners a song with a bit more of a pop feel to it. This one seems made for use on a motion picture soundtrack but still a tad too rockin’ for prime time television.

The titular “Don’t Go Out Tonight” rocks. It comes complete with its own music video and focuses on loneliness and paranoia. It especially highlights Malone’s vocals to boot.

“(Hey, Hey, Hey) Let’s Disappear” makes it clear that the band’s signature sound has gelled to a solid, steady one and it somehow sounds like the group is having fun as well. Also included here is “Why Can’t You See.” It is perhaps somewhat overshadowed by other tracks but still fits.

“Spell Bound” somehow sounds like a prerequisite piece but this too flows well enough to work here. “Jenny Lynn” is another raw rocker attributed to an otherwise unidentified girl. It’s reminiscent of pre-acid 1960s rock. The vocals and musicianship remain consistent on “Nothing Left Of Me.”

“Let It Fall” is the closing cut. It could just as well have been the album opener. It rocks without being overly aggressive or too obvious.

Overall, one must give the band extra credit for their honesty. The album is just what their press says it is. It’s a 13-track presentation of “fuzzed-out, psyched-up southern garage rock and roll.” So check out Bad Spell’s Don’t Go Out Tonight and you just might discover the band has you “Spell Bound.”

(All media courtesy of original owners)