Over the past few years there has been a great resurgence of the 90’s sound. There are a lot of bands out there that have embraced it but, not many of them have truly been able to convey that sound properly. This is where I introduce you to the band of the week NinerNiner. This four piece bands hailing from Bakersfield, California have taken that 90’s “grunge” rock sound with bits of punk and a little pop sensibility, to give it all a playful twist. Their latest album, Destructo, is a perfect example of how all that works so well together. The songs have depth and emotion while at the same time have a vibe that makes you want to get up and dance or jump around. Niner Niner, along with a couple other bands from Bakersfield (If It Kills You and Contranistas), seem to be on to something quite interesting.
Marilyn Manson has released a new single ahead of his new album We Are Chaos (out Friday September 11). This new song “Don’t Chase The Dead” continues down his very Bowie influenced sound. It’s got a Mechanical Animals vibe mixed with a bit of the Eat Me Drink Me/The High End Of Low era. It’s definitely a lot better than the first single, “We Are Chaos.” It will be interesting to hear the whole album and what the end result turns out to be.
Reigning Cement is an artistic testament to really intriguing collaborations. This audio/visual project is definitely something that will peak your curiosity and give you chills at the same time. This project is quite interesting. Each collaborator was given the same 34 sonic elements with which to make a song. These sounds were recorded on an iPhone in an industrial area outside Jesse Draxler’s studio, compiled over a few years. Among the sounds captured: concrete saws, jackhammers, trains, trucks, building alarms, construction sites, and general noise. This is where is gets interesting.
There are 22 tracks on the album and features the likes of Chelsea Wolfe, Vowws, Greg Puciato, Jaye Jayle, and many others in the underground circles. A lot of these “songs” are pretty out there but there is a real honesty to what the end result is. Very few of these have vocals, which makes these sounds come to life even more. There’s a real eerie sense to a lot of these and it would make for some really interesting soundscapes for a horror film.
Through my listens to this album, some of the ones that really stood out to me were the ones that featured Chelsea Wolfe, Greg Puciato, Vowws, Lisa Mungo (of He Whose Ox Is Gored/Fucked & Bound), Street Sects, Dylan Walker (of Full Of Hell), and Jaye Jayle. Those tracks in particular first hit me with what they evoked and emitted. This isn’t an easy listen but, it has so much depth to it and when you mix it with the visual components, it all makes sense.
If you are looking for something out of your comfort zone and a bit artsy, this is the album for you. The more you listen, the more you get out of it. There is something new to discover with each listen. This project is a great example of how collaboration through music and art can really be impactful and everlasting. It would sure be interesting to hear these pulled off live at some point. I think that would make for one hell of a show.
To say this has been an odd year is a total understatement. The world is changing and things are falling apart but, the one thing that can bring us all together is still rooted in music. Thankfully, there have been a a few albums that have been released this year to give us all a break from the madness. One such album that has really been a bright spot is the record Fashioner from In Parallel. There is something truly beautiful and hopeful about the material on this album.
The five songs that make up Fashioner are deep, provocative, haunting and chock full of the right amount of heavy. Though it’s only 30 minutes long, it feels like an epic record. The shoegaze meets alternative sound mixed with the right amount of ambience has made this album one of the best of 2020. Each song has it’s own identity and gets under your skin and gives you chills. From the very moment “Six Over Eight” starts the record and every song in between till you get to the end with “Threat Of Heaven,” there is really no letting up. The depth of each song can stand out on their own merit but, the way it’s all tied in together is what really makes it a piece of art. Having Ken Andrews of Failure mix this album was a brilliant idea. He was able to really bring in all the sounds, textures and layers to make this a sonic revelation.
In Parallel are one of the bands that when you listen will give you hope for the future of music. This album knows how to tug at your heartstrings while at the same time expand your mind with a sensibility of intriguing rhythms, and the right tones. I would also like to make a note that “Leave It With The Ghost” is quite possibly the best song I’ve heard all year. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album. You won’t regret it.
It’s been six years since the release of Killer Be Killed‘s debut album. Today, they have released their new single “Deconstructing Self-Destruction” off their upcoming second album, Reluctant Hero, which will be out November 20 (via Nuclear Blast Records). This album finds Greg Puciato, Max Cavalera and Troy Sanders along with Ben Koller (Converge, Mutoid Man) teaming up with producer Josh Wilbur to create one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Killer Be Killed- Deconstructing Self Destruction:
While on my Radiohead kick, I came across many videos on youtube from the mid 90’s. One of the ones I clicked on was a song I haven’t heard in a long while and after the song was over it was stuck in my head the rest of the day and night. Now, I’m sharing that joy with you all. The song in question is “In The Meantime” by Spacehog. The song is featured on the band’s debut album, Resident Alien. I remember when this song came out and thinking it was cool and fun. The song and video definitely fits that era of music. So have a little fun with this 90’s rock classic.
Yesterday I posted a live Radiohead video and it set me on a Radiohead trip of my own. I found myself delving deeper into the albums that I haven’t listened to in a long time as well as reading about certain new things about the albums I already love. While doing that, I came across this cover of “The Bends” that Anthrax did on their album Volume 8: The Threat Is Real. This is a pretty good cover and a different approach to an already great song.
Way back in 2008, Radiohead was doing a lot of fun things to promote their album In Rainbows. One of the coolest things they did was this live performance of pretty much all of In Rainbows along with a scattering of other songs from their catalog. During this era, I was very fortunate to go see Radiohead live and that show is one that I still conjure up in my mind from time to time and relive. I have a live bootleg of the show I was at as well, and find myself listening to that a lot. Radiohead live is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. They are truly one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live. Actually, the more I think about it, I’d probably put that one show I was at in my top 10 all time. Anyways, here’s a really awesome live performance they did that you will enjoy!
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AUDIOECLECTICA 