Vivid, narrative story-telling, combined with deliciously unique theatrical rock and pulp-punk melodies
NEW YORK CITY | September 27, 2019 – Deliciously dark and irresistibly catchy, NYC pulp-punk / theatrical rock band Dalton Deschain & the Traveling Show deliver their much-anticipated EP Casey today. Continuing their ongoing pulp-horror story, the release provides a blend of vividly narrative story-telling, while remaining socially aware and relevant. Musically, it’s punchy, grimy, and addictive; sweeping bystanders in for a wild ride. Darkly humorous and defiantly quirky, the band builds an experience that is “wholly unique and infectious”.
All of the music of Dalton Deschain & the Traveling Show centers around a long continuous pulp-horror story set in the 1940’s, about a circus ringleader possessed by a demon. It follows an extensive, colorful cast of circus freaks, as well as nuclear war and demonic possession amidst the fray. Casey comes as the third and final segment of their Character Trilogy, composed of Roberta (2016) and Catherine (2017). The character of Casey, also known as “The Dogman” provides the focus of the release; a fearsome ‘beast’ by appearances, who just seeks acceptance. In a particularly unique twist, each EP has an accompanying chapbook, with lyrics, illustrations, and short story, that delves deeper into the characters and their world. It is available as an e-book or physical print copy for all orders on Bandcamp. As vocalist Dalton Deschain shared, “The music is fast and loud, the story is gruesome and twisted, and I gotta tell you I’m having an absolute blast.”
Deschain went on to share how the release stand outs for the band. “I just wanted to make our most fun EP to date. We sort of slowed things down with Catherine, made something a bit more experimental and weird, but if you see us live, that’s not exactly how we like to define ourselves. A friend recently described our music as ‘campy and punchy,’ and that’s what I wanted to bring to this project.” Defying a single genre, they pull together elements of theatrical rock, experimental punk, and pop hooks, for a sound as unique as their story.
“I really let my horror-fan flag fly in the production of this EP, especially on the Interstitial track,” said Deschain, referring to the second, instrumental-only track. “There’s a lot of weird bad-VHS-sounding filters, spooky sound effects, creepy reverb. I wanted it to sound like you rented a horror tape in the ‘80s about a haunted circus and you’re sitting up at 3am watching it in the dark.”
While extremely celebratory of the new release, the band teases that this is just the start. Casey only sets the stage; they have a full-length album and accompanying novel planned for release next year, that begins to tell and connect the greater overarching story of Deschain’s world. Casey is out everywhere now including Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Upcoming Shows:
October 12 – The Footlight – Queens, NY
October 26 – The Way Station – Brooklyn, NY (Annual “Devil’s Night” Halloween show)
November 13 – Arlene’s Grocery – Manhattan, NYC
Press photo by Emily Assiran. Album Artwork by Katie Ann O’Brien Album, design by Day Clancy.
FOLLOW DALTON DESCHAIN & THE TRAVELING SHOW
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
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.
