Horror Short Review: Taste in Music (2023)

Written and directed by Kyle Sevenoaks, Taste in Music is an award-wining comedy horror short inspired by classic 80s gorefests.

It stars Christopher Wiborg as Thomas, a music producer on vacation and relaxing at a remote cabin. Alas, unluckily for Thomas, a cosmic storm hits Earth, and has an unexpected effect on some of his musical equipment, specifically his keyboard that has grown teeth and gone a bit wild.

It’s as silly as it sounds, and Sevenoaks writing encourages a comedic edge that shines brightly on screen and comes through Wiborg’s acting, strongly. Think low-budget 80s campiness, where what money a creator did have, was spent on buckets of blood and you’ll have an idea of what Taste in Music offers. It isn’t pretending to be high-brow horror, nor is it trying to say anything particularly deep, it’s just a fun horror short and is all the better for it.

Kyle Sevenoaks clearly understands horror, and how, if you’re making one like this, to keep the viewer engaged with the more ridiculous aspects. His story is aided by a game actor in Christopher Wiborg, who is relishing the role of a victim here. Delivering dialogue with gravitas and really finding his voice when it’s time to scream (it helps that’s he’s a rock and metal vocalist).

The best thing about Taste in Music though? The use of colour and the vibrant music, elements that enhance the retro feel, but don’t make it feel too dated.

Taste in Music is a blast, and here’s hoping that both Sevenoaks and Wiborg continue to work together on many projects going forward.