Month: July 2026

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: FOREIGN FILM- A LOVE LETTER

The idea of the band Will Haven going in a full on 180 degree direction than their known heaviness is beyond intriguing. Usually when you hear a band, well the majority of a band, step out of their known repertoire it can go a bit haywire. That’s not the case for Foreign Film. While there is still a bit of heavy, their debut album, A Love Letter, is an ethereal ambient melodic rock record that soars in direction that flies through the atmosphere.

Across ten songs and forty two minutes you will get lost in this new world of Will Haven’s Jeff Irwin. Along with his fellow bandmates Mitch Wheeler (drums), Adrien Contreras (bass) and Sean Bivins (guitar) he’s also joined by Rylan Kerr (guitar), Robin Florkin (piano/keys) and Tami Taracena (backing vocals), they’ve made a record that moves in a more “post” rock style that’s emotive and full of lush soundscapes. This project has long been in the making and now comes to fruition.

Each song evokes it own emotion. There’s not one song on here that feels like it repeats itself. Instead it weaves an intricate web of all sorts of inspiration making A Love Letter an album that truly captures the essence of the idea. I urge everyone to listen from start to finish to see the whole picture come to life.

Foreign Film’s A Love Letter truly is a thoughtful piece of music and art that fits stands out on its own. There’s a place for both Will Haven and Foreign Film and rightfully so. Enjoy what this album is. The evolution of what this band can be is only getting started.

Overall Rating: B+

By: Brian Lacy

Foreign Film- A Love Letter:

SAME NAME SONGS: BLACK SABBATH & DAVID BOWIE- CHANGES

I’m writing this first part as I woke up from a strange dream. For some reason, I found myself at some Blade looking blood rave type place, that was drenched in black lights and assorted psychedelic looking images. Then as I walked into an eerie elevator the beginning piano part of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” started to play and just when I thought it was going to Ozzy, nope! All the sudden David Bowie’s “Changes” plays. I don’t know what, how or why this happened subconsciously but, I’m all for it.

That being said…

It’s pretty interesting that David Bowie had his “Changes” out about a year before Black Sabbath did theirs. Also both have gone on to become legendary songs in their respective catalogs. Something else that I find quite fascinating is on David Bowie’s “Changes” the piano parts are played by Rick Wakeman. Later on in life, Rick’s son Adam, would go on to play keys for Black Sabbath and Ozzy solo. Talk about a connection. Can you imagine listening to both of these albums back in the early 70’s and having your mind blown?! Teleport me back to that time so I can experience it like that!

Black Sabbath- Changes:

David Bowie- Changes:

SHOW PREVIEW: THE COBALT PRESENTS- 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PT. 2

For those of you that don’t know, over the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.

Part 2 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 18 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from the new era of Cobalt bands!

Starting the night off is Heirloom. This fun young band mixes alternative rock, garage rock and a bit of shoegaze into their sound. Lively bunch of kids to really get the night going.

Next up is Strych9. This sibling band is really coming into their own. With roots in metal, punk and goth, it’s going to be a lot of fun to hear where they are headed musically!

From there we get into a more experimental alternative style courtesy of Au Jus. These guys have a very 90’s feel mixed with a bit of spontaneity that gives their live show the extra charm.

Then we get a bit heavier and melodic with Pushing Veronica. This band has been a favorite of the Cobalt for a while now. There’s a real sense of fun, rock and pop all rolled into a great band. Definitely a band to watch out for!

Witkin is one of the best and underrated bands in all of So Cal. The early glam style (from the 1970’s) mixed with fun arena rock and 80’s tinges, truly makes Witkin a band to see.

Closing out the night is Sleeper Cell. Their pop punk meets garage rock sound is catchy and packs quite the vibe. Another really fun band to dance to.

So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!! 

SHOW IS ALL AGES!!!

DOORS AT 7:00PM!

MEMORABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES: STONE TEMPLE PILOTS- DEAD AND BLOATED WITH CHESTER BENNINGTON (2001)

Twenty five years ago, the Family Values Tour was on the road. The lineup for that year was headlined by Stone Temple Pilots along with Linkin Park, Staind, Static X and Deadsy. The tour took place during the fall of 2001.

During the tour in Toronto, STP brought out a special guest in Chester Bennington of Linkin Park to join them for “Dead And Bloated.” Seeing and hearing both Scott and Chester on this song sounds so good. And the performance aspect of it is stellar. The look of excitement on Chester’s face while getting to perform with STP is quite something to see. As things would play out later on down the line, Chester wound up fronting STP for a brief moment in time.

Enjoy this memorable moment from 2001!

Stone Temple Pilots- Dead And Bloated with Chester Bennington (Live 2001: Toronto, Ontario, Canada):

NEW RELEASE: MASTODON- SNAKES FOR DINNER

The wait is almost over for new Mastodon! That’s right, the best band of the new millennium, yes I said it and stand by it, will be releasing their ninth studio album, Marrow Deep, on August 28, 2026! The band have already released the song “Your Ghost Again” and have now served up “Snakes For Dinner.” Joining Mastodon on this song is Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme. You might remember his guest appearance on “Colony Of Birchmen” from Blood Mountain.

As we all know, this is Mastodon’s first album without the late Brent Hinds. If you’ve been listening to Mastodon as long as I have, you know that when tragedy strikes, the next album is quite the gem.

Mastodon- Snakes For Dinner:

Mastodon- Your Ghost Again:

ALBUM RANK UPDATED: MACHINE HEAD

When the urge to listen to a band comes, more often than not, the want to go through the whole catalog comes with it. While it had been a minute since a few of these have been listened to, the Machine Head catalog is still one hell of a good one. And now the updated Audioeclectica Album Rank for Machine Head.

MACHINE HEAD ALBUM RANK:

11) UNATONED:

10) CATHARSIS:

09) SUPERCHARGER:

08) UNTO THE LOCUST:

07) BLOODSTONE & DIAMONDS:

06) THE BURNING RED:

05) OF KINGDOM AND CROWN:

04) THROUGH THE ASHES OF EMPIRES:

03) THE MORE THINGS CHANGE:

02) THE BLACKENING:

01) BURN MY EYES:

SHOW PREVIEW: THE COBALT PRESENTS- 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PT. 1

For the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.

Part 1 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 11 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from way back and new bands that have become mainstays in this new era.

Opening the show is Scrawny Ratz. These youngsters bring a renewed sense of fun and energy to their music. Mixing metal, punk and a bit of extreme music, Scrawny Ratz are the perfect band to open this show.

Next up is Diverted Dissonance. This is a special band for the evening as it’s a mashup of two bands, The Infinity Project and Tantalus. This is going to be a very rocking and melodic set. The Infinity Project has really come into their own as an original band.

Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. This three piece rock band that mixes punk, garage rock, and tinges of metal and alternative. The influences and inspiration for these ladies is endless and it shines through their songs. If you don’t see em, you’re missing out!

Lava Diva are early 90’s alt rock and were part of the OG scene back in the day. Not only that, they are Cobalt alum. Four years ago at our First Anniversary show, we got Lava Diva to reunite and it’s been awesome since. Be sure to check out their collaboration with Madam Bombs called “Daybreak.”

The mighty MAL! These long time alt rock vets are one of the hardest working bands out there. A live show and performance that feels like it’s a time warp from the psychedelic era and the peak of 90’s rock. A three piece band that packs quite the punch.

Closing out the night is Macro. If you’re into prog rock mixed with a bit of jazz and jam rock, this is the band for you. After so many badass rock bands, having Macro send it out is quite perfect!

So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!!

SHOW IS ALL AGES!!!

DOORS AT 7:00PM!

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: MACHINEKIT- VOYEURISM

We all have those bands we pay attention to. One of those you look forward to new music just to hear what directions they venture in. For the past couple of years, Machinekit has fast become a favorite of mine. They aren’t your typical electronic based band. Instead, Machinekit bends genres to create intriguing and interesting music.

Machinekit has released their first new single “Voyeurism” from their upcoming new EP, Body Without Organs (out August 3rd). “Voyeurism” is a track that has an electro/industrial vibe mixed with a stark minimalist aesthetic, making for a very intense listen. 

Be sure to keep your ears open for Machinekit!

Machinekit- Voyeurism:

BAND OF THE WEEK: CATRAT

Putting on live shows has its perks. Getting to see a plethora of great live bands is the best, especially when you see one of them that really grabs your attention. The other night at The Cobalt Presents and Audioeclectica June Showcase at Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood, we had 6 really great up and coming bands. One of which not only grabbed our attention but the entire venue itself.

CatRat is a name you should take note of. At only twelve and thirteen years old, Molly (drums/vocals) and Frances Macias (guitar/vocals), are roaring into venues and straight up slaying audiences. CatRat’s an alternative punk band that mixes garage rock, surf rock and a tinge of metal into their very infectious songs. Their live performance is controlled chaos at its best. Another great aspect is the amount of fun that is had not just on stage but in the crowd as well. Danger and fun have been missing from music and yet, these two sisters get it!

The two singles released “Running Over Kids” and “Lemons” could have easily been released in the mid 90’s. There’s a recognizable feeling that hits back but, feels fresh.

More bands like CatRat please! Be sure to see CatRat when you see their name on a show. You won’t regret it!

By: Brian Lacy

CatRat Online HERE

CatRat- Lemons/Running Over Kids:

https://catratband.bandcamp.com/album/lemons

CatRat- Live at Hotel Ziggy:

COLLABORATIONS: LIMP BIZKIT & SCOTT WEILAND- HOLD ON

Some bands have songs that your least expect to come from them. For many years when asked about Limp Bizkit, I’ve said, when they actually sat down to write a song, you know a real song, they have the ability to write really good deep cuts. Their first four albums have some tremendous songs that if you heard you’d scratch your head, second guessing that it was Limp Bizkit.

On Limp Bizkit’s third album, 2000’s Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water (one of the dumbest album titles ever), there’s one particular song amongst the singles we all know like “My Generation,” “Rollin,” “My Way” and “Boiler.” That song is found at track thirteen and it’s called “Hold On.” This song was lyrically written by both Fred Durst and Scott Weiland. When you hear this song it will definitely make you think, “wait, this is Limp Bizkit?!” This isn’t the first time Scott has helped out on a Limp Bizkit album. On their previous album Significant Other, you can hear Scott sing on the song “Nobody Like You.”

Give five minutes of your time to check out “Hold On.”

Limp Bizkit with Scott Weiland- Hold On: