Indie rock/folk outfit Horror Movie Marathon live up to their evocative name with the premiere of their latest single, “Grandpa’s Shotgun.” A richly layered and deeply personal exploration of fraught family history, the song weaves macabre storytelling with cinematic orchestration, creating a lush experience we can’t stop listening to. The addition of a 12-piece chamber orchestra elevates the track to something truly special, providing beautiful sweeping arrangements.
Horror Movie Marathon has this to say about “Grandpa’s Shotgun”:
In 2017, my dad randomly shared with me that in the last hours before my great grandfather committed suicide, he had written and hidden dozens of sadistic and cruel notes addressed to his wife and children; so that for the years following his death, his family would unsuspectingly find these mean-spirited messages hidden in books, coat pockets, drawers, etc.
“Grandpa’s Shotgun” is a tribute to this macabre family history of sadism and suicide. I wanted to treat this vulnerable subject matter with a grandiose sense of humility to reflect that we’re all worthy of love and mercy, even when the void of isolation feels all-consuming.
The official music video was shot on Super 8 and DV by NYC-based filmmaker Conner Schuurmanns. The video features a camping trip and cliffside chamber performance by HMM, Kira McSpice, and Lily Desmond.
The band’s sophomore album, Discount Death Mask, is coming out July 2025 and they plan on releasing singles every month leading up to its release.
With “Grandpa’s Shotgun,” Horror Movie Marathon marries their indie rock roots with the haunting lyricism of folk and the grandeur of orchestral music, resulting in a powerful, unforgettable piece.
What do you think of this one?
