Month: August 2023

End Of Album Songs: Cave In- New Moon

Yesterday I saw a post that Cave In’s album Jupiter is now 23 years old. It’s absolutely crazy how fast time is flying by. I remember when this album came out and going to Tower Records during my lunch break in High School to buy it. I’ve listened to this album hundreds of times over the years and I’d more than likely say that Jupiter is my favorite Cave In album. That being said, there is one song I’d like to pinpoint as a standout and that would be the final song on the album, “New Moon.” It’s one of those songs that in the context of the whole album encapsulates what an epic record Jupiter is. The way the song starts as this delicate piece and ends with quite a ruckus is quite the testament to the band as writers and musicians. “New Moon” has only been played live a handful of times (9 according to setlist.fm). I did finally get to hear it live at the Caleb Scofield Tribute show in LA back in 2018 and it was absolutely beautiful. Songs like this that end powerful albums should be celebrated as such.

Cave In- New Moon (Album Version):

New Moon (Live At Roadburn, 2018):

New Moon- Live 2002:

Anticipated Albums: Crosses- Good Night, God Bless, I Love You, Delete.

Just like many of you, I’m pretty excited about a new full length album coming soon from Crosses. Their long awaited second album, Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete. will be arriving on October 13th! The album also features guest spots from Robert Smith of The Cure and EL-P of Run The Jewels. The first single “Invisible Hand” is out now and it’s quite infectious. Here’s to hoping Crosses takes this new album out for quite the journey.

Crosses- Invisible Hand:

Crosses Online:

Pre-order Limited Edition Deluxe Vinyl and New Merch Capsule at https://www.crossescult.com/

Follow Crosses:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossesmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossesMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossesMusic

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crossesmusic

Website: https://www.crossesmusic.com

Merch: https://www.crossescult.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gPZC…

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cro…

Cover Song: The Cure (Joy Division)- Love Will Tear Us Apart

Over the past few weeks I’ve been on a mini kick of listening to The Cure. Mainly I’ve been listening/watching live shows from different eras. While on this journey, I came across a show of theirs from 2000 in Australia. The recording of The Cure’s version of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” was recorded backstage. This version is very much more aligned to The Cure’s structure without losing the integrity of Joy Division’s original. There are only a handful of bands that can do Joy Division justice, The Cure being one of them (Nine Inch Nails is an obvious other one). Robert Smith channels Ian Curtis in a way that is hauntingly beautiful and very much Robert.

The Cure (Joy Divison)- Love Will Tear Us Apart:

Album Review: Loma Prieta- Last

I love it when I put on an album with zero preconceived notions and it absolutely rattles me in a way that I can’t get enough of it. Recently that happened when Loma Prieta released their first album in eight years, Last. From the moment this album starts till the end, it will captivate you and compel you to keep listening as you find all sorts of nuances and intricate moments that leave you wanting more. For a band that’s been around for 20 plus years, you can tell that Loma Prieta still has a lot left to say.

Last is an album that takes many different shapes and turns. Their ability to shift from genres in songs is astounding and it pulls you in even more. Throughout this album there is no shortage of sonic assaults that push boundaries. The chaotic elements breathe musical life into the songs in a way that it’s almost poetic. The intensity that flows through this album is violent yet beautiful. It’s like watching a frozen rose crack. The beauty of it all is encapsulated within these 11 songs. There is a sense of ferocious urgency to songs like “NSAIDs,” “Dose,” and “Fire In Black & White.” Then there’s the songs that are more visceral and epic like “Symbiosis (my favorite on the album),” “Glare” “Dreamlessness” and the closing track “LLC.” I could elaborate more descriptively but, I really don’t want to give anything away.

The cross section of genres explored on Last stem from hardcore, post hardcore, noise rock, space rock and everything in between, shows that they have continuously evolved while still keeping true to their roots. The quiet to loud moments have a clarity that is reminiscent a bit of The Pixies with way more distortion. While the heavier moments hit with an explosiveness that would ignite a wildfire. Loma Prieta have delivered an album that not only hits it out of the park but, also gets down to the nitty gritty of life and the trials and tribulations. There is an intense emotion that soars throughout the album that shows truth and humanity in a way that so many other bands that strive for this, should take note of. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album! It’s without a doubt in my top 5 albums of the year!

Overall Rating: A

Loma Prieta- Last:

Glare (Official Video):