Month: October 2024

Album Review: Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible

Debut albums can tell a lot about a band. The inspiration and influence can be quite striking but, the thing I love most about a debut album is how all those elements come together. When Better Lovers first came out last year with their debut EP, it was something shot straight out of a cannon and exploded like a fireworks warehouse. Those songs became the building part for what would be Highly Irresponsible. This debut album packs that same cannon blast only with the full length album, we get to really dive into what this band is all about.

The first track starts with this really delicate intro before it goes straight into the heaviness. From that point you know it’s on! With each song and there is more and more to unpack as the spastic and schizophrenic nature of the music uncoils into a very meticulous regiment of riffs and rhythms that will find you tapping your feet and hands and possibly a mosh pit (if you can find enough people). This album is unrelenting in the way it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Will Putney have done a wonderful job of crating songs that will appease the fans of all the bands these gents are/were a part of and new ones as well. The rhythm section of Stephen Micciche and Clayton “Goose” Holyoak is devastatingly pummeling in such a way that the bounce from the low end will have you jumping out of your chair. Vocally this is quite the performance from Greg Puciato. Like a fine wine or scotch, Greg seems to only have gotten better with age. His screams are reaching new heights and the melodic sensibilities are in the foreground showcasing the versatile vocalist that he is. Found throughout too are lyrics that are quite introspective and full of emotion be it anger, frustration, depression, and dare I even say love.

Throughout the 10 songs that appear on Highly Irresponsible, there isn’t one that feels out of place. In fact, there are certain songs that when they end you wish they were longer specifically, “Deliver Us From Life,” “At All Times, and “Love As An Act Of Rebellion.” The diversity on this album explores so much that with each listen you find more and more to love about it. Their live shows are already ones you shouldn’t miss as the energy that emits from stage to audience is not only contagious it’s infectious. Each member of this band has a highlight moment (though I’m not going to point those out as it would take away from the fun) on the record and it shows. One other thing I love about this album is that there aren’t any constraints on it. Sure there are moments that hark back to other times and bands but, these songs stand out as Better Lovers and Better Lovers only. If you are looking for one hell of a good time and an album that will lift you off your feet, then be responsible and pick up a copy. Enjoy!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible:

Album Review: Jerry Cantrell- I Want Blood

During my time away from Audioeclectica, I was in a deeply contemplative state and when I was searching for answers through music, I found myself digging into familiar favorites. One of the albums that I went deep on was Jerry Cantrell’s excellent album, Degredation Trip. I highly recommend any of you out there to take a listen to that album (the deluxe 2 disc version!!!). The moment I heard there was going to be a new Jerry Cantrell solo album in 2024, I became quite excited. As much as I would love a new Alice In Chains album, it felt right that Jerry continue where he was at. The previous solo album, Brighten, was a nice change of pace and added some really beautiful songs to the catalog Jerry has written over the years but, there was something missing on that album. All that was missing on Brighten can most definitely be found on I Want Blood.

I Want Blood is a very direct and in your face album that goes deep in the way the lyrics and melodies hit you but, also the way the music shapes and leads you to places in your mind that are quite a trip. Jerry is never one to have a shortage of great riffs and throughout the album there are plenty of those signature notes that we’ve come to love. The way this album starts with “Villified” and weaves it’s intricate web all the way till “It Comes,” shows that I Want Blood is an album that is not only striking but also very emotional. One song in particular that gets me every time I listen to it is “Echoes Of Laughter.” This song could have easily been on an Alice album but, I don’t know that it would hit the same. The way this song encapsulates everything Jerry is uncompromising. Also, the backing vocals of Greg Puciato on this track adds to the haunting soundscape and deep feels this songs brings to the table.

One of the other things I love about I Want Blood is that Jerry brought back drummer Mike Bordin (Faith No More) and bassist Robert Trujillo (Metallica) both of whom performed on Degredation Trip. I’ve always loved the sound of that album and the way the three of them created an auditory assault on your ears in a good way and that continues on this album. Also on the album is Guns N Roses’s Duff McKagen, longtime Jerry collaborator drummer Gil Sharone and keyboardist Vincent Jones. The engineering and production of Joe Barresi is quite good. The tones on the guitars are exquisite and they really shine. Put on some really good headphones and you’ll hear all these great nuances that the guitars build on. Joe and Jerry working together really is a solid pairing and the end result is this killer album.

I Want Blood is one of my top 5 favorite albums of 2024. Jerry really went for it on this album and it really does have some of his best work on it. This is one of those solo albums that really shine and highlight a solo career. I can’t wait for Jerry to tour on this record and bring these songs to life. Do yourself a favor, go out to your favorite record store, buy this album, then put it on and blast it. I also had the fun pleasure of being in Seattle the week I Want Blood came out and got my vinyl copy of the album signed by Jerry at Easy Street Records! Even in the rain, this album was worth it!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Jerry Cantrell- I Want Blood: