“Thrilla Gorilla,” the hot new standalone single from Merry Cherry Bomb, is one of those harder-edged message songs — a terrific tune that’s got something real to say. It was fiercely written and performed by Allison Gardner, the sole member of Merry Cherry Bomb and a Mint 400 Records artist. “Thrilla Gorilla” features haunted vocals over a heavy, spooky, and uniquely textured sound that grooves as hard as its message. The song grabs the listener immediately, shocking you into full attention with its creative use of on-beat gunshots in the intro and holding you there for the duration.
Merry Cherry Bomb is a Boston-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who writes, records, and produces everything herself. “Thrilla Gorilla” was also mastered by Alex Garcia-Rivera at Mystic Valley Studio, a renowned, analog-based studio in Medford, Massachusetts. “I worked with Alex previously in my former band, and I was super excited to work with him again!” says Allison Gardner. “‘Thrilla Gorilla’ feels like a natural progression and a transition — like a sneak peek into what is sure to follow.”
A slight departure from her most recent EP, “Merry Cherry Cola,” released in December by Mint 400 Records, “Thrilla Gorilla” carries over a unique blend of ’60s-flavored punk and modern-day psychedelia that Allison is rapidly becoming known for. Allison’s beautifully haunting voice effortlessly transports you into a world of madness. Its biting lyrics — such as “Send in your clowns and your newscasters” and “Mastered the art of confusion” — are set over a pounding beat and hypnotic bass riff. This single expands upon the sonic textures that define her special sound, while also feeling like the beginning of a whole new era of Merry Cherry Bomb greatness.
“I go through so many changes in the time between releases that there’s very little chance of sounding exactly the same,” said Allison. “I really like the idea of each song and each album progressing a bit further.”
Upon its March 20 release date, “Thrilla Gorilla” will once again prove that Merry Cherry Bomb is not only here to stay, but will continue to grow and evolve her sound — taking us all along for the ride.