New track off their upcoming EP Casey provides the next drip of Deschain’s world, reflecting on self-worth
NEW YORK CITY | SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 – Pulp-punk band Dalton Deschain & the Traveling Show share their new single “Man/Thing” today. Blending theatrical rock with experimental punk, along with a dose of circus flair and dark humor, the band build an experience that is “wholly unique and infectious”.
The track comes off the band’s upcoming fourth EP Casey, due out September 27th, which is the third and final segment of their Character Trilogy, composed of Roberta (2016) and Catherine (2017). Utilizing a concept theme, the releases tell one long continuous pulp-horror story about a circus ringleader possessed by a demon, set in the 1940s. Every release of the trilogy delves into the backstory of a different character, each a crucial key player in their overarching narrative. With a colorful cast, the band notes “the story is pulp fiction at its best, while also keeping one foot firmly in modern social commentary” as they continue to flesh out their world.
“While of course the song fits into our big horror mythos like the rest, I try to make every song about something personal to me as well,” shared vocalist and frontman Dalton Deschain. “‘Man/Thing’ is primarily about how our perceptions of ourselves can swing dramatically between feeling like you’re on top of the world and feeling absolutely insignificant and worthless. Ultimately the best way forward is to just try to remember that you’re everything you are, nothing more, nothing less, and that’s all you need to be. So I guess there’s a little bit of armchair therapy in this one, while at the same time being a spooky swamp demon story, which I think describes the Venn diagram of this band’s interests pretty well.”
Stepping into new territory, Deschain challenged himself to break ways with traditional songwriting, and built the track around a single four-bar riff. He shared the story of writing “Man/Thing” exclusively with Puregrain Audio earlier this week. The single also comes as one of the most personal releases for Deschain, with real-life references to his childhood in Michigan, music school background, and struggle to validate life choices, while working into the greater story as a whole.
“Man/Thing” hooks listeners in, with a quirky yet undeniably catchy mix of grimy rhythms and honking baritone sax. As Puregrain Audio described, “Their music is defined by dancy beats, dirty guitar riffs, lyrics influenced by science fiction and campy theatrics which provide for an infectious, unique listening experience.” With their swelling cult-like following in NYC and beyond, you’ll find many that agree.
“Man/Thing” is out exclusively via Bandcamp today. Casey is available for pre-order on Bandcamp and Apple Music now; due out on all digital retailers on September 27. The band will be selling sixty-page chapbooks to accompany the release, including a short story written by Deschain that follows the characters, lyrics, and original illustrations. An EP release show is scheduled for the evening before, on September 26 at Rubulad in Brooklyn, NY with support from Terra & the Dactyls, Robot Princess, and Hannah Vs. The Many ($10, 21+ 7pm, event details).
UPCOMING SHOWS:
September 26 – Rubulad – Brooklyn, NY (EP Release Show)
October 26 – The Way Station – Brooklyn, NY (Annual “Devil’s Night” Halloween show)
w/ A Very Special Episode, Dirty Pete Band, The Hell Yeah Babies
FOLLOW DALTON DESCHAIN & THE TRAVELING SHOW
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About Dalton Deschain & the Traveling Show
Dalton Deschain & the Traveling Show are a pulp-punk band from New York City. The perfect intersection between Stephen King, Danny Elfman, Alkaline Trio, and John Cameron Mitchell, the band is known for dark but humorous experimental punk music, filled with pulpy lyrics about circus freaks, dark rituals, nuclear war, and demonic possession.
The band has grown a cult following locally through their off-kilter, high-energy shows, including their annual Devil’s Night party held every Halloween. Hooks, dance beats, ugly riffs, sci-fi lyrics, and campy theatrics promise a show and a listening experience that is wholly unique and infectious.
Though their shows are punchy, fast, and loud, there’s a lot more hiding under the surface for fans looking for something extra. All of the songs by the band tell one long, continuous pulp horror story about a circus ringleader possessed by a demon in the 1940s. Featuring a colorful cast of characters including circus freaks, femme fatales, and psychic nuclear researchers, the story is pulp fiction at its best, while also keeping one foot firmly in modern social commentary.
The band is preparing to release Casey, the final installment in their EP trilogy that began with 2016’s Roberta. The EP is their most high-energy and catchiest to date, featuring the soaring hooks of A-side “Rabid,” and the grimy rhythms and honking baritone sax of “Man/Thing.” The album is packaged with an accompanying 60-page chapbook, featuring lyrics, illustrations, and a short story written by Deschain about the characters in the album.
Casey is the band’s fourth and final EP before they release their first full-length album. All of their music can be purchased through Bandcamp, as well as all other digital music services.
Press photos by Emily Assiran.
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