REVIEW: Dead Posey - Are You In A Cult?

In their debut album, LA rock duo Dead Posey take on self-empowerment in a nightmare world. Dead Posey formed in 2014, with singer Danyell Souza on lyrics and creative production, and Tony Nova on instruments and music production. Their bold sound has flavours of goth, alt rock and punk, blending together to create an angsty, tough vibe. Dead Posey's influences include Depeche Mode, Hole and Nine Inch Nails, but also true crime, Edgar Allen Poe and Salvador Dali. ‘Are You in a Cult?’ is a loud, fearless album that combines all of these with a bite.

‘Zombies’ opens the album with screamy, punky energy. It sets the spooky tone for the album, inviting “the damned and the dead”. Souza’s husky growl is akin to Taylor Momsen, with a sincere power to it. When she sings “If you wanna stop me, you'll have to kill me,” it's impossible not to believe her. 

‘Are You in a Cult?’ revels in darkness, woven with anti-conformist anthems. ‘She Went Bad’, a track about rejecting societal expectations and truly being yourself, celebrates unmasking no matter what anyone thinks. This confidence echoes through the whole album, with upbeat songs like ‘Can't Take Me Down’ and ‘Russian Roulette’ that could motivate anyone to kick down doors.

‘Darkside’ stands out as a slightly softer, more romantic track, but still has that thread of rebellion. Gloomy yet seductive, the instruments are reigned in as Souza calls for an intense, unconventional relationship - “like Bonnie and Clyde.” ‘Darkside’ is a song that could appeal even to people scared off by the punch of the rest of the album, without losing those already under the band’s spell.

Dead Posey's gothic world provides a backdrop for real-world critique. ‘Welcome to the Nightmare’ tells the story of an unwell America, turning melodies and symbols associated with American Pride on their heads. While ‘C.U.L.T’ was written in 2020, its relevance has only grown. Criticising the divided culture that blindly follows idols and influencers online and in politics, the track speaks directly to the everyday people who have been sucked in. The warning track leans towards hypnotic tones, an interesting way of echoing the cults in question. 

There are undeniable feminist tones, particularly in ‘sorry i'm not dead’, which spits in the face of misogyny and refuses to bow down to the standards of the patriarchy. It begins with stuttering bass lines reminiscent of 80s pop, but builds into a rage-filled reminder that women are free-thinking people with as much a right to the world as anyone. 

While Dead Posey have a distinctive style, this album is anything but predictable. Their cover of New Order’s ‘Blue Monday’ is a real highlight, taking the iconic layers of the original hit and roughing them up. Where the original song is cool, Dead Posey turns up the heat. The result feels much rawer, much angrier, and is a masterclass in taking on an iconic song. 

This gritty album is an intimidating debut which makes it clear that Dead Posey don't back down. Well worth a listen for misfits, rebels and lovers of all things spooky, ‘Are You in a Cult?’ is driven by pure emotion and disillusionment. 

‘Are You in a Cult?’ will be released on October 18th via Position Records.

Words: Gabriella Bosticco

Photos: Dead Posey