Music review: Dead Zone Boys

3 of 5 stars

Who knew the zombie apocalypse would be so listenable? Set stage in east-side Indianapolis, Jookabox is here to save us from the brain-munching undead. Armed with brash bass and crunchy PAC-MAN chiptunes, Jookabox’s defenses are reckless and kitschy-cool.

“Phantom Don’t Go” kicks off the album with a tribal, tom-filled beat. It’s appropriate because in Jookabox’s apocalypse, small tribes have banded together to extinguish the hoards of flesh-eaters.

The vocals are matched with sped-up and slowed-down versions of themselves, providing for what should be a creepy listen. But the effect is like Halloween — minimally spooky and blatantly cheesy.

It’s part of the device. Pop culture is having its love affair with the retro-trash zombie films, and this is an extension of the latest vogue.

“Zombie Tear Drops” embodies the fad and creates a well-executed zombie-throwback tune. The lyrics are laughably bad — “Zombie tear drops/You know it’s over when you hear them drip.” This tackiness, combined with  danceable rhythms, defines the album.

It’s fun, if not downright funny. It’s goofy (but doesn’t sound it), and it even has a hint of romance intertwined in its undead plot.

When the zombie apocalypse comes — and it will! — I want Jookabox on my side. Until then, I’ll stick to my pre-apocalyptic music.