Kepi Ghoulie - Full Moon Forever
Reviewed: by DJ suzi boneshaker
Label: Pirates Press Records
Release date: 1/20/2023
Review date: 1/22/2023

All tracks are recommended. My faves: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 FCC clean
Rock, goth, glitter, art rock, new wave, garage, punk.
RIYL: Groovie Ghoulies, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Cure, Nick Cave, Peter Murphy

Some people love cover songs, some do not. I fall into the former. I love a good cover song. This is a magical album comprised of 12 cover songs that range from goth to glitter, and art rock to new wave.
Kepi Ghoulie (former Groovie Ghoulies) on vocals and guitar, B-Face (aka Chris Barnard, formerly of the Mopes and Groovie Ghoulies) on bass, and Ara Babajian (currently with the Slackers) on drums came together to record this full-length record in 2021. This ultimately has become their personal ‘desert island disc’ as it is filled with iconic songs that span from the early 70’s through the early 2000’s .
You do not need to be familiar with the originals to enjoy this record. It is filled with darkish but feel-good music that all can (but especially Gen X) relate to. This release is timely as it might appeal to those that enjoy the Tim Burton’s series Wednesday, with the resurgence of goth rock and darker themes.
Produced, mixed and mastered by the legendary Mass Giorgini at Sonic Iguana Studios in Lafayette, Indiana and features musical support by: Ian Fowles (Aquabats, Gerard Way), Aaron Minton (Prima Donna), and Kevin Preston (Prima Donna, Green Day), Dan Lumley (Screeching Weasel), David Houston, and Mass Giorgini (Screeching Weasel, Squirtgun) all lend a hand in bringing this record to life.

1. Heroes (David Bowie) – ethereal to start, revved up, rockin’ version of Bowie’s classic.3:23
2. The Perfect Girl (The Cure) – perfect strummy intro, Kepi’s take on this song is super fun and is the perfect song to get up and practice your best Wednesday Addams moves.2:08
3. Happy When It Rains (The Jesus and Mary Chain) – this is. real rocker, anthemic and the anchor of the album. Is it both melancholic and happy at the same time? Yes. It will completely fill any JAMC fan with happiness (if that’s possible).2:48
4. Take Care Of Me (Iggy Pop) another rocker. Full sounding and a bit more raw than Iggy’s version. Don’t tell Iggy, but Kepi’s is better. 3:23
5. Nature Boy (Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds) – rocker. This one is faster and less brooding than Nick’s version. 4:35
6. Flowers In December (Mazzy Star) a bit on the melancholy side, slightly faster than the original. The harmonica brightens it up. It’s a pretty song.4:19
7. Since You're Gone (The Cars) – wistful, magical, ethereal keyboards which are heavier in comparison to the original.3:19
8. Andy's Chest (Lou Reed)– Lou’s version is campy where Kepi’s version is more serious. Once again, I like Kepi’s version better.3:16
9. Catch (The Cure) – mid tempo, and lighthearted love song. A bit more upbeat and more rockin’ than the original. 2:20
10. Don't Worry Children (The Lords Of The New Church) it’s a rocker, not my favorite from the LP, still not a bad song. It’s better and an updated version of the original. 2:42
11. Cuts You Up (Peter Murphy) - up tempo rocker. Kepi’s is more serious sounding in comparison to Peter’s brooding in the original. Both versions are excellent. 4:27
12. Cosmic Dancer (T-Rex) – stripped down glam ballad. Slow, head swaying tune. 2:58