God! To even describe these freaks in words becomes an impossibility. Loud, aggressive, explosive, colorful, scary yet loveable. If there was one phrase to meld these words into one, it would be The Peppermint Creeps.

When I first saw the Creeps in 1997 I was a little hesitant to take them seriously. The spikey colored hair, the white ghost-like faces, mini-skirts and stiletto heel boots was a little much to take when all the other local bands had adopted the grunge look. One glance at the Creeps and you would think they were a joke. Then they started playing.

Never had I ever seen The Roxy blow up the way it did. First of all, this was the first time these guys had ever played and you wouldn't know it by the way they took over the stage. Once you see them, you're hooked! The Creeps had, after one show, carved their name into the arm of Hollywood... and the wound is still fresh to this day.

Not once have they played a major venue and not had it packed to capacity. The Whiskey, Roxy, Coconut Teaszer, just to name a few, became local stomping grounds for the Creeps and all the bands that followed them.

The true story of their first and only break-up is fuzzy. Nobody really knows what happened to them. It is believed they needed a break from all the craziness to clear themselves for the second coming... The age of ANIMATRON X.

The year is 2002. From out of nowhere the Peppermint Creeps re-emerged, cultivating a cybernetic/Japanese cartoon image. But the image isn't the only thing new. Pyrotechnics, black light, stage props from Hell and a comic book world they take with them wherever they may be, the Creeps now have become a theatrical extravaganza.. They even have dancing girls for part of their show!

Heading a dance/rock night, the Creeps started Club Paranormal, which was actually their first show as the re-invented Creeps. It was held at The Whisky on Sunset. Four years after their disappearance and their crowd draw was as strong as ever.

This time, it looks like they are doing it right. The Creeps just finished their first American tour, completely self financed, from L.A. to New York. Every city they played was like their home- town clubs... Packed from stage to bar. I guess nothing can stop them.

It's funny how no record company will pick them up. Funnier yet is that they don't care. I guess the Creeps song "Fuck Off and Die" really does reflect how they feel. With their independent CD and merchandise sales soaring through the roof, who need a record label to push them.

Go see the Peppermint Creeps! This is one band that should not be missed. If you want to get away from all your troubles and escape the world for 45 minutes, these guys will take you away.

... we're keepin' it fake to keep it real ! quote from Traci Michealz

The Peppermint Creeps are:

Macy Malone - Lead vocals and lead guitar

 

Eddie Electra - Lead vocals and rhythm guitar

 

 

Kari Ash - Bass

Traci "Fuckin'" Michaelz - Drums and percussion (and all out madman!)

Contact the Creeps at (213)368-6142 or visit them online at:

 

www.peppermintcreeps.netfirms.com

p.s. The opinions of the critic do not reflect those of the rest of the world..... although they should!