Author: audioeclectica

Memorable TV Performances: The Cult on Joan Rivers

25399021_10155524559831985_5912881083033146087_n.jpg

Back in 1988, The Cult performed on the late Joan Rivers late night talk show. They performed the song “Lil Devil” from their badass album Electric, along with “Born To Be Wild.” The band joins Joan on the couch for an interview and Ian’s father calls in to wish Ian a happy birthday. I still think The Cult are one of the most underappreciated rock bands ever. They continue to put out quality rock albums like Born Into This, Choice Of Weapon and Hidden City. I highly suggest you taking a listen to those and adding them to your collection.

The Cult- Lil Devil & Born To Be Wild on Joan Rivers (1988):

 

Anticipated Albums: Cave In- Final Transmission

mail.jpg

On June 7th of this year (2019), Cave In will release a new and final album appropriately titled, Final Transmission. This album features the last recordings of the late Caleb Scofield. The first song released, “All Illusion,” is a Caleb composition that Steve had originally written lyrics for. But that changed not long after Caleb’s passing, when Adam went to visit Caleb’s wife, Jen, and their two kids, Desmond and Sydney. “Jen found some lyrics in one of Caleb’s journals,” Adam explains. “She was going to tear them out and give them to me, but I just took a picture because I wanted her to keep it. We used the lyrics for “All Illusion,” which is a song that really haunts me. I feel like it’s a weird message from Caleb sometimes.” And what a song it is. This for me is one of the, if not most anticipated albums of 2019. You can pre-order the album HERE.

Cave In- All Illusion:

 

Band Of The Week: KANGA

Image may contain: one or more people, people on stage, guitar and outdoor

I’ll be totally honest, I was getting a bit annoyed with all the electronic music until I heard this band, I mean artist of the week. Instead of relying on the same old boring and tired electro beats, KANGA flipped the switch and brought out something I could really get behind. The sounds emitting from KANGA could be classified as “industrial”  but it’s more than that. The music and vocals are dark, mysterious and intoxicating. Taking bits and pieces from the darker side of electronic music and adding in some “hooks” and pop sensibilities along with hard driving rhythms, makes KANGA an artist the really pay attention to. She’s caught the attention of bands like The Black Queen and toured Europe and the US with them. And from all the videos I’ve seen of her live show, it’s no wonder why she’s been getting the acclaim she’s gotten. Give KANGA a listen and you’ll see why she’s one of the best around!

KANGA-KANGA (debut album):

 

KANGA- Live In Poland:

 

Those 90’s Songs: Local H- Bound For The Floor

R-3132972-1327406786.jpeg.jpg

I woke up this morning with Local H’s “Bound For The Floor” in my head. I have no idea how or why but, I’m sure glad I did. This is one of those 90’s songs that when you hear it, you can’t help but crank it up and then sing along. The track was released in 1996 on Local H’s album As Good As Dead, which is quite a damn good album. “Bound For The Floor” has gone on to be the bands most popular single since it’s release. This song is another wonderful example of a great song and from a legendary time.

Local H- Bound For The Floor:

 


Local H- As Good As Dead:

Anticipated Albums: Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- End Of Suffering

unnamed-1-1024x1024.jpg

On May 3rd (my birthday!!!), Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes will be releasing their new album End Of Suffering. The follow up to 2017’s excellent Modern Ruin, sees the band exploring more of their “alternative” side while keeping the rest of the mood dark and gritty. So far two songs have been released “Crowbar” and “Anxiety” both of which are sure to keep you wanting more!
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- Crowbar:

 

 
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- Anxiety:

 

 
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- Modern Ruin (Full Album):

Songs In Film: Guns N Roses- Paradise City in Can’t Hardly Wait

vlj5cJzYUXpR8mQ9F7mxI7cKBBp.jpg

The other evening while looking for something to watch, I noticed Can’t Hardly Wait was just starting. It had been quite a while since I last watched it so, I thought, why not. The scene involving Charlie Korsmo’s character and Guns N’ Roses’s song “Paradise City” is perfect. Enjoy this classic clip. And if you see Can’t Hardly Wait on TV or streaming, give it another watch, it’s still a fun movie.

Guns N Roses- Paradise City in Can’t Hardly Wait:

 

Album Review: Low Dose- Low Dose

a0447666571_10.jpg

The resurgence of the “90’s sound” has been a welcome sound to me and so many others. That sound had such an energy to it that it made music “real” again. A few months back I introduced you all to a band from Philadelphia called Low Dose and now, they have released their debut album (FINALLY!!!!) and it deserves your attention. Low Dose has this really great grungy sound with a punk vibe. Think Nirvana In Utero mixed with L7.

The album is 10 songs of bombastic rock and filled with punk rock charm. Once the album is over, you immediately feel the need to start it again and keep rocking. Kicking off the album is the song “Low” which is the perfect tone setter for what’s to come. “Right On” comes in like a swinging hammer of doom. The slow churning riff and gritty vocals brings this song to life. “For Sure” is the first song I ever heard from Low Dose and it’s still a ripping great song. It’s one of those tracks that when it hits in sequence of the album, you know “It’s On!!” As the album moves on songs like “Away” “Sinking” and “Not Break Skin” show off a different side of the band and showcases the dynamics this band has as well as how good of songwriters they are. One of my favorite songs on the record is “Otherworldly Motives.” this song is drenched in the 90’s in a good way and it has this really epic feel to it. Closing out the album is “Legendary Divorce.” This song is one hell of a great song. This song is a great example of how diverse this band can be. It’s also the perfect song to close out the album.

Across the 10 songs on the album, you the listener get to experience a well rounded sonic assault. The bands sound while inspired by the 90’s, sounds fresh and modern without relying on nostalgia to sell it. This is definitely a debut album that you need to hear. Low Dose are the right band at the right time.

 

Overall Rating: A

 

Low Dose- Low Dose:

Live Review: The Black Queen at The Regent Theater

0.jpg

The Black Queen are the real deal. Everything about this band oozes inspiration and passion. Their two full length albums Fever Daydream and Infinite Games are beyond stellar. Their live show is more than just a concert, it’s a full visceral experience that will leave you in awe. Last night at the Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles, The Black Queen made an impact with a show that will be on my mind for quite some time. There really is something special about how The Black Queen’s songs translate from record to the stage. It’s a totally different experience. It’s like discovering these songs for the first time.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the video images began, the roar of the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Greg Puciato, Steve Alexander and touring member Justin McGrath (filling in for Joshua Eustis). Once they appeared on stage, it was game on. They opened their set with a subdued number “Thrown Into The Dark” then moved right into “No Accusations” from their new album Infinite Games. Both of these songs live took on a whole new life as the beats pulsated from the stage to the audience which then got everyone there moving. From there the set was impeccable as they feverishly played songs like “Ice To Never,” “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream,” “Maybe We Should,” One Edge Of Two,” and “Strange Quark.” Closing out the night was the remarkable “Apocalypse Morning” which featured live drums courtesy of former Poison The Well drummer Chris Hornbrook. This song is not only one hell of an end of the set song, it emits a feeling that I just can’t put to words.

Throughout their entire set, singer Greg Puciato’s vocals were exquisite and drew you in word for word. The melodies and effects emitting from Steve Alexander’s guitar were right on cue with the beats and synth layers from Justin McGrath. The three of these gents delivered a show that had those in attendance in a trance and compelled to either dance and sing along. The Black Queen is a band for today and the future. There is something truly special about this band and the music. Just ask those that were there, they will tell you the same thing.

0.jpg

0.jpg

0.jpg

 

The Black Queen Set List:

01) Thrown Into The Dark
02) No Accusations
03) Ice To Never
04) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent
05) Distanced
06) Your Move
07) Taman Shud
08) That Death Cannot Touch
09) Secret Scream
10) The End Where We Start
11) Now, When I’m This
12) One Edge Of Two
13) Strange Quark
14) Apocalypse Morning (with Chris Hornbrook on drums)

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Moon Tooth- Crux

50261812_2307628235936334_3056525433387352064_n

Moon Tooth is a band that you NEED to know about. There are no if’s and’s or but’s about it. These guys straight up rock. It’s not everyday that a band comes out as strong as they did on their debut album “Chromaparagon,” then follows it up with an album that not only out does their previous effort but, also solidifies them as a force to be reckoned with.

From the moment the first song “Trust” begins with that hard charging riff and pummeling rhythm, it’s game on. An opening track like that not only gets the blood pumping but also sets up the album perfectly for what’s to come. As the album continues, songs like “Omega Days” and “Musketeers” branch out into a proggy atmosphere that is drenched in melody. “Through Ash” and “Motionless In Sky” (which as of this writing are my favorite songs on the album),  are songs that really show off what a great vocalist John Carbone is and what great songwriters the band is as a whole. Other songs like “Thorns,” “Rhythm & Roar,” and “Thumb Spike” are stellar tracks that deliver punch after punch. Then you have a song like “Awe At All Angles” that shows off a different side of the band while at the same time completely fits in the spectrum of the rest of the songs. There is one song in particular that really stood out and that is the title track “Crux,” I’ve long said that title tracks have a tendency to sum up what the album is about and this song is just that. “Crux has all the elements that Moon Tooth brought to the table on this record and delivered it in epic fashion. I’m not even going to tell you how, you just have to listen. Closing out the album is “Raise A Light” a song that like the others on the record, delivers the goods and leaves the album with a sense of closure while at the same time open ended for what’s to come on the next release.

Crux is truly a work of art. The balance of the different genres from rock, metal, prog, jazz and blues really work and compliment each other. The performances from each member are exquisite. Guitarist Nick Lee is a talent for sure. It’s hard to believe at times while listening, that he’s the only guitarist in the band. It’s like he’s got eight extra arms to pull off some of what he’s playing. The rhythm section of drummer Ray Marte and bassist Vincent Romanelli is outstanding. Not only are they super tight but they really compliment each other well. John Carbone has a voice that is soaring and melodic. The passion that is emitted from him and the rest of the band shows through on each and every song. The tenacity and strength of Moon Tooth shines on Crux. This is an album that will be in many top lists at the end of the year. It’s that good. Crux is a complete album from start to finish and deserves to be played that way to get the full experience. Moon Tooth are about to sink their teeth in and rightfully take a bite of their own.

 

Overall Rating: A

 

Moon Tooth- Crux:

 

Videos:

Trust:

 


Awe At All Angles:

 

 

 

Review By: Brian Lacy