If there’s one thing the new single by KaiserKillers proves, it’s that powerpop punk still has plenty of soul—and a whole lot of heartache. “Heavenly in Black” is a track that fuses upbeat energy with emotional depth, serving as a bittersweet tribute to a lost love dressed in mystery, style, and yes, black. A celebratory sound hiding the sting of romantic loss, the single feels like a party thrown in memory of someone unforgettable.
Beverly—Johnny Zero’s muse for the song—might have once joked that her name never appears in music, but the band has made sure she won’t be forgotten. With ringing guitars, soaring vocals, and an infectious drive, “Heavenly in Black” captures the essence of Beverly and the unshakable image of her in that striking black outfit. There’s grief beneath the anthemic shine, but KaiserKillers never let the song fall into self-pity. Instead, they spin that sadness into something listeners can shout along to.
Sonically, the band delivers exactly what they promise: PowerPopPunk! There’s a raw, punk-tinged backbone here—no surprise, given their roots—but what makes the track shine is its melodic punch. Fans of Buzzcocks, Blondie, or The Only Ones will feel right at home, while echoes of 60s legends like The Beatles, The Byrds, and The Hollies ring in the harmonies and tight arrangements. Yet, despite all those retro flavors, “Heavenly in Black” feels fresh, driven by personality and grit.
Formed out of the ashes of The Isolationists and Martin’s Dad in Huddersfield back in the ‘90s, KaiserKillers—Johnny Zero, Cristi Mac Seáin, and Stix McIntosh—re-emerged in the 21st century with fire in their bellies and stories to tell. The name itself is a nod to Hamburg’s Kaiser Keller, where the Beatles cut their teeth. The band claim a “killer set at the Kaiser Keller” gave them their name—and it certainly suits their sound.
Recorded at Strawberry Field in Colchester and polished up by Francis Gorini at London Mastering Studio, the single has a clarity that enhances rather than sands down its edge. The little quirks in its creation only add to the charm. That chiming triangle sound? A spanner strung on wire and hit with a toffee hammer. It’s these oddball touches that help KaiserKillers stand out from the noise.
They’ve had solid radio support too—airplay on everything from Boogaloo Radio to Voodoo Radio, Lonely Oak Radio, and even the Jiggy Jaguar Show across the U.S. Clearly, people are paying attention. Reviewers have called them “mod,” “pure rock and roll,” and simply want “to hear more of them.” And after hearing “Heavenly in Black,” it’s easy to see why.
And yes—before you ask—there was a gig where the drummer’s hair caught fire. Courtesy of a half-smoked cig tucked behind his ear. That’s punk authenticity right there.
In the band’s own words:
KaiserKillers were thawed out of a cryogenic trance to create sumptuously layered guitar magic with an intricate lyrical overlay to define their signature PowerPopPunk! sound. Either that, or we did a bit of strumming and got lucky; one or the other…
Whichever it is, “Heavenly in Black” is more than just a catchy track—it’s a moment of joy dressed in sorrow, a love letter that rocks as much as it aches. Beverly, wherever she is, should be proud.
English