October 18, 2024, marked a milestone for Los Angeles-based alt-rock duo Dead Posey, as they released their long-awaited debut album “Are You In A Cult?” – and it was worth the wait. Known for their brooding mix of goth, punk, and alt-rock, the band has built their following on intense, rebellious energy, which explodes through this record. Their focus track, “Dark Side“, embodies the album’s thematic exploration of the darker side of society – manipulative influencers, corrupt politicians, and cult-like obsessions in modern life.
In “Dark Side“, Dead Posey swaps out their usual furious guitars for a synth-heavy, sensual track. It invites listeners into a world where outsiders rebel against a society that misunderstands them. It’s romantic, rebellious, and has a hint of the supernatural. Souza notes that it channels the feeling of being an outsider but finding power in making your own world, a recurring theme for the band:
The image of a misfit couple like Bonnie & Clyde or a coven of outcasts driving at night to get away from a world that doesn’t understand them was always so palpable for us, and we wanted the song to really paint that picture, while also hinting at something supernatural or otherworldly
The album itself doesn’t run away from big questions, with the title “Are You In A Cult?” born from the duo’s fascination with how easily people can fall into the sway of charismatic leaders or toxic ideas. In today’s society, we all might be part of a “cult” without realizing it, they suggest, but by asking the question, Dead Posey hopes to empower listeners to take back control
The tracklist gives listeners a whirlwind tour of the duo’s favorite darker themes – from zombies and nightmares to devils and cults. The album includes gems like “She Went Bad” and “Russian Roulette“, while “Scar“, one of the more nuanced tracks, blends their raw punk spirit with their evolving sound
The Band and Its Cult Following
Dead Posey is composed of Danyell Souza and Tony Nova, who founded the band nearly a decade ago and have since become a force in the alt-rock world. Their rise has been bolstered by big hooks, gritty guitars, and sensual vocals, which have earned them spots at major festivals like Download UK and Mad Cool in Spain. Their music, often featured in pop culture, has appeared in everything from WWE to Lucifer.
The album might not answer what goth truly is, but Dead Posey certainly brings a raw, fun-filled edge to the genre. Their cover of New Order’s “Blue Monday“ leans into this balance, offering a dark twist while maintaining the duo’s signature punch. If you’re a fan of female-led hard rock, Dead Posey is bound to get under your skin.
Tracklist
1. Zombies
2. She Went Bad
3. Darkside
4. Welcome to the Nightmare
5. Can’t Take Me Down
6. C.U.L.T.
7. Russian Roulette
8. Sorry I’m Not Dead
9. Blue Monday (New Order cover)
10. Scar
