Deadly Doe’s Rise of the Cervid Moon quickly became a favorite part of my Halloween playlist when it dropped last year, offering nine tracks of lofi sinister dungeon synth about bad deer doing bad things. I used to live in the Sequoias. It’s more likely than you think.

This project out of New Zealand creates a sinister world of deer filled with malice. Gloomy keys combined with vocals from the catacombs set forth a foreboding atmosphere with no little bit of humor firmly set in as well.

Standout tracks:

• Bloodied Buck: A mix of crazed drums, croaking vocals, and dirge that is just pure unease.
• Bleat-or-Treat: An almost ambient passage that provides an almost uplifting interlude from the rest of the album.
• SKELETON DEER!!!: This is the banger of the album. Quick, dirty, and to the point.

Overall I found this to be a well-done, very fun release from Deadly Doe, and hope they have something else out by next Halloween. Recommended for fans of Cefaris and Elder Goblin who like things sped up a bit.

Head on over to the Deadly Doe Bandcamp page and check it out for yourself.