Author: audioeclectica

Album Review: Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed

I was not prepared for this album. The moment I put it on, I was completely taken aback by the intensity that permeated through my speakers. From that moment, I was hooked and I didn’t want it to end. There is something transcendent about this album and how it all comes together and hits you like a slew of anvils as though Wile E Coyote would be trying to catch the roadrunner. Holy Fawn have created an utter masterpiece with Dimensional Bleed and there is absolutely no denying it.

The way this album grabs you and doesn’t let go is comforting and at the same time contemplative. The way the band shifts between genres is seamless. Being able to go from metal, shoegaze, with bits of doom and ambient is purely astonishing. Then you have the vocals that sway from these delicate melodies to an outright onslaught of near black metal extremes. The songs flow perfectly into each other creating that ebb and flow that a perfect album has. There is a range of emotions (melancholy sadness, aggression, despair, and anguish) that create a whole other dimension while listening. Musically and lyrically they are both striking and can stand on their own. Dimensional Bleed is as explosive as it is ambient without compromising one for the other. Going track by track for this record, like I’ve said on others, would ruin it for you. Instead, I implore you to listen to this album start to finish and let it soak in. Then when it’s over, start it again and pick up on all the little nuances that you missed the first time.

There is a real emotion and power to Dimensional Bleed that when other bands hear this album, they will try to replicate it but, won’t be able to come close to what Holy Fawn did here. I love that Holy Fawn made an “album” and that it really takes you places. The etherial vibe from this record will stay with you even after listening. I’ve listened to this album many times through and I have to say it has become one of my favorites to listen to while I drift off to sleep. It provides quite the soundtrack to some vivid dreams and when you awake, there is a feeling that you just lived through. Thank you Holy Fawn for Dimensional Bleed. I’m completely enthralled by this and can’t stop listening! Top 5 Albums Of The Year For DAMN Sure!

Overall Rating: A

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:

VIDEOS:

Void Of Light:

Death Is A Relief:

Bandcamp Friday: September Edition

Today is Bandcamp Friday (when they wave their fee for 24 hours) and why not showcase some great bands and their albums/singles that are out now! Check out these bands and show them some support!


Centershift:

https://centershift.bandcamp.com/

Don’t Panic:

https://dontpanictheband.bandcamp.com/

Arc Angles:

https://arcanglesla.bandcamp.com/

Greg Puciato:

https://gregpuciato.bandcamp.com/

If It Kills You:

https://ifitkillsyou.bandcamp.com/

Spirit In The Room:

https://spiritintheroom.bandcamp.com/

Trace Amount:

https://traceamountnyc.bandcamp.com/

Contranistas:

https://contranistas.bandcamp.com/

Duhkha:

https://duhkha.bandcamp.com/releases

Haunted Horses:

https://hauntedhorses.bandcamp.com/

Filth Is Eternal:

https://filthiseternal.bandcamp.com/

Deaf Club:

https://deafclub31g.bandcamp.com/

Thoughtcrimes:

https://purenoise.bandcamp.com/album/altered-pasts

Cowboy Destroy:

https://cowboydestroy.bandcamp.com/

Speed Of Light:

https://speedoflight.bandcamp.com/

In Parallel:

https://inparallelband.bandcamp.com/

Alternate Versions: Peter Hook & The Light- Love Will Tear Us Apart

Joy Division is one of my all time favorite bands. I remember getting into them because of Nine Inch Nails and their cover of “Dead Souls” which appeared on The Crow soundtrack (quite possibly the best soundtrack of all time, Top 5 for sure). Obviously, seeing Joy Division live is out of the question but, thankfully we do have Peter Hook and his band The Light, to carry the torch for the legacy of Joy Division. A couple years back I went to see Peter and The Light do a set of Joy Division songs and New Order songs and it was superb. Now, in 2022, Peter Hook and The Light are bringing out both Joy Division albums (Unknown Pleasures and Closer) to play in their entirety along with a few other choice JD cuts. The tour is a massive cross cross-continental journey, taking them across the United States and Canada in August and September 2022. At some twenty-six dates overall, the tour takes place across five weeks as the band return to some venues and debut at others to perform Joy Division’s seminal two albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer in full with additional Joy Division rarities and an opening set of New Order material.  The tour follows the debut UK dates for “Joy Division: A Celebration” which commemorate the 40th anniversary of Joy Division and Ian Curtis’ continuing influence.

This live version of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is pretty stellar. That signature sound of Peter Hook’s bass drives the song and his vocals are in line with how Ian Curtis sang them originally. What’s also pretty cool too is that Peter’s song Jack (who also plays bass for The Smashing Pumpkins) joins him on stage and the baton is sort of passed over to Jack.

Peter Hook & The Light- Love Will Tear Us Apart (Live at O2 Apollo, Manchester – 7/29/22):

Peter Hook & The Light Play Joy Division Tour Dates:

August 11The Danforth Music HallToronto, ONT
August 12The Danforth Music HallToronto, ONT
August 13Club SodaMontreal, QC
August 15Royal Oak Music TheatreRoyal Oak, MI
August 16Variety PlayhouseAtlanta, GA
August 18First AvenueMinneapolis, MN
August 19MetroChicago *SOLD OUT
August 20MetroChicago *SOLD OUT
August 22The Pabst TheatreMilwaukee, WI
August 23Paradise Rock ClubBoston, MA
August 25The Fillmore Silver SpringSilver Spring, MD
August 26Union TransferPhiladelphia, PA
August 27Terminal 5New York, NY
August 29The Van BurenPhoenix, AZ
August 30MohawkAustin, TX
August 31MohawkAustin, TX
September 2House Of Blues HoustonHouston, TX
September 3House Of Blues DallasDallas, TX
September 5Ogden TheatreDenver, CO
September 6Humphreys Concerts by the BaySan Diego, CA
September 8The Theatre At Ace HotelLos Angeles, CA
September 9The Theatre At Ace HotelLos Angeles, CA
September 10The WarfieldSan Francisco, CA
September 12Crystal BallroomPortland, OR
September 13The ShowboxSeattle, WA
September 14Commodore BallroomVancouver, BC

New Release: Quicksand- Giving The Past Away

Last year Quicksand released one of the best albums of 2021 with Distant Populations. If you haven’t heard that album, go do that! And now today, Quicksand has released a new single (by way of a sort of B-Side from Distant Populations) called “Giving The Past Away.” The origin of this song is quite interesting too. “The working title for this song was ‘Greatest Quicksand Song Ever’ so you can imagine it was a very tough call leaving this song off ‘Distant Populations’,” the band comments. “The only reason we could agree on to leave it off was that we wanted to have some really strong material in reserve for later in the year. Ultimately the title came from the most prominent line in the song which is an embrace of the present which is very in line with our thinking with ‘Distant Populations’. We’re super proud of this one and are very psyched to share it with the world.” It’s crazy to think that a song this good didn’t make the record but, that only leaves the door open for more awesomeness from one of the best bands in rock! Quicksand will be heading out on a North American tour with Helmet and Clutch starting September 13 in Toronto and ending October 23rd in New York. And don’t forget to listen to Distant Populations!!!

Quicksand- Giving The Past Away:

Quicksand- Distant Populations:

Album Review: Spirit In The Room- Flamingo

If you’ve been reading Audioeclectica for a while, you know very well that Spirit In The Room is a band that I am quite fond of. I still stand by them being the best live band in Los Angeles and now the wait is over as their new EP, Flamingo is out NOW! Flamingo packs one hell of a punch with the 5 songs on it. It’s astounding how deep and personal these songs are. This EP is a statement record. The range of emotions that shine through on this will take you on quite a ride and at the same time resonate so well with the listener.

Beginning the EP is “If You Must” a fuzz driven soulful track that sets the mood for what’s to come. As it continues on, the more enthralled you get. “My Body” is one of those songs that gets your blood pumping. There is a moment in the song (you’ll know it when you hear it) that might cause you to break out in a momentary mosh pit. “The Bird of Paradise Alights Only Upon the Hand That Does Not Grasp” was the first song released. This song shows different styles of what Spirit In The Room can do. The tension that grows on this song is gripping and won’t let it’s claws loose. “Venting” is a blast of a track. It’s one of those songs that when played live will be explosive. Closing out this grand EP is “I Used To Be A Machine.” This song is absolutely crushing. The vocal delivery on this song (and the entire record) has a sense of urgency to it that will leave you in awe.

Flamingo is not a record for the faint of heart, as this is a very deep, dark and real. There are only a few bands out there today that has the balls to put it all out there and Spirit In The Room is at the top of the pack. There is not one ounce of filler on this record. The production on this EP is stellar. There is a rawness factor to Flamingo that so many bands wish they had. Dennis Sanders along with Phillip Bailey (Drums), Kevin Sepriano (guitar) have truly brought the goods on Flamingo. If you haven’t seen Spirit In The Room live, I highly suggest you do that when they hit your town. And make sure to pick up a copy of this EP. This is for sure going in my Top 10 of the year.


Overall Rating: A

Spirit In The Room- Flamingo:

VIDEOS:

Flamingo Part 1:

Review By: Brian Lacy

Cover Songs: Covert Stations (Modern English)- I Melt With You

I have a list of 80’s songs that I have fond appreciation for. One of those songs is Modern English’s “I Melt With You.” I remember hearing it when I was a little kid and really thinking it was a fun song and would sing along to it. Even to this day if I’m flipping through the radio and I come across this song, I always stop to listen and sing along. And now it gets even better as one of my new favorite projects, Covert Stations, have released their version of this classic. The Covert Stations version adds a playful and fun sensibility to the already “cruise in the car with the windows down” vibe the song has. It’s quite fun to revisit these songs with a different perspective and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. And shoutout to my friend Craig and all involved in this project. You guys are on a roll!!!


Covert Stations (Modern English)- I Melt With You:

Album Review: Centershift- OF…

Centershift is on a roll since they came on to the scene. Their first EP, A Different Shade, was the perfect introduction of the band. Now on their second EP, they are showing that the evolution of a band doesn’t have to wait that long as their new EP, Of…, takes everything to a whole new level. Their style and sound truly does stand out amongst all the things you would normally hear these days. It harks back to a time when songwriting, musicianship, and being real meant something.

The EP kicks off where the first one left off, continuing the story. The soaring melodies, driving rhythms and introspective lyrics on Of… will hit the listener like a tidal wave. Opening the EP with “And So” which features Tallulah of the band Grumpy Plum, gives a bit more insight into the thematic elements found throughout the songs. “From Where We Are” is a stellar track that features some truly deep/profound lyrical moments that will get in your head and have you singing along. “Falling Into” has this melodic charm to it that brings a bit of a groove element to the bands style. “Arise” is my favorite song on this EP. This one packs quite the punch both lyrically and musically. Not because it’s a “heavy” song, it is a “heavy” song in the content but, more so in the way there is a bit of tension in this one that pulls towards both the light and the dark. “Everything and Nothing” is a mini epic al on its own. You have to listen to it to fully get why I say that. Ending this EP with “What If”definitely leaves the listener with a question to hold on to until the final chapter unfold.

Centershift has released an EP that not only stands out, it also shows that in this day and age that rock music is alive and well. One thing I really have to compliment is the way the record sounds. They went out of their way to work with someone (Jim Wirt) who could not only bring the best out of each member performance wise but also someone who understands how to capture the right sounds and put it all together to make a sonically rocking piece of art. And rock it does! This is only part 2 of 3 for Centershift and I hope you are along for the ride.

Overall Rating: A

Centershift- Of…

Other Options To Stream!!!

smarturl.it/centershift-of

From Where We Are (Music Video):

Album Review: Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts

The debut album Altered Pasts from Thoughtcrimes is without a doubt one hell of a record! There is no other way to put it. Simply this album is one of those that you need to hear and digest. The moment I heard it, I immediately started it again. There is so much to unlock with the 11 songs that are on the album. Altered Pasts is the type of album you find yourself getting more and more immersed in what is happening with each listen.

I have chosen not to do an album breakdown of the songs because I don’t want to give anything away. Seriously, listen to this album in FULL!!! Each song has its own charm and ability to hit you like a ton of bricks. The way the album pulls you in, and the twists and turns it creates, has the ability at times to leave your mind a bit blown. The pummeling riffs and rhythms take you on quite the journey, while the vocals and lyrics take that journey to another level. Then you have the seductive ambience throughout that encompasses this whirlwind of an album. As aggressive as the album is, there is a balance of melody that provides a sweet contrast to the songs. The whole way through the album starting with “Panopticon” and finishing with “Lunar Waves,” you’ll notice that there is absolutely no filler on here. It’s 11 songs of unrelenting ferociousness that you need in your life.

Thoughtcrimes have released one of the best albums of 2022 with Altered Pasts. Everything about this album screams “LISTEN TO ME!” I personally, can’t wait to see what the next step of the evolution of this band winds up being. From their debut EP into this full length, it shows that they are on the right path to leaving quite a mark within the heavy music community. Thoughtcrimes and especially with Altered Pasts, will get into your head and it will stay there with the notion that this album is imperative and much needed in today’s world!


Overall Rating: A

Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts:

Anticipated Albums: Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed

A few years back I became familiar with the band Holy Fawn. It was one of those right band right situation type scenarios and from that point I was hooked. Their sound has intrigued me since that day. Their ability to mix metal, shoegaze, electronic, alternative, and rock is astonishing. The end result is a musical journey that takes you on ride into sonic territories to parts known and unknown. Their new album, Dimensional Bleed continues that journey and then some. The three songs released from the album so far are just a piece of the whole picture. The evolution of Holy Fawn is on display with Dimensional Bleed. On this album they have really explored different realms of the psyche and added a bit of a psychedelic element to their already trippy sound. I have a feeling that this album is going to take Holy Fawn to new heights. It’s an album that is much needed in today’s world!

Dimensional Bleed is out September 9th via Wax Bodega ! Pre-save it here: https://lnk.to/dimensionalbleed

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:


Holy Fawn- Death Is A Relief:

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:

Holy Fawn- Void Of Light:

Guest Vocals: Shirley Manson of Garbage

Shirley Manson is one of my all time favorite singers. Ever since I heard Garbage’s first album back in 1995, I was hooked. There is no denying the impact Shirley had on rock music over the years. And to this day, Shirley sounds amazing! While on a recent Garbage listening extravaganza, I looked into the times Shirley guested on other albums and here you go!

01) Queens Of The Stone Age- You’ve Got A Killer Scene There, Man (Lullabies To Paralyze):

02) Gavin Rossdale- The Trouble I’m In (Wanderlust):

03) Eric Avery- Maybe (Help Wanted):

04) Le Butcherettes- Shame, You’re All I’ve Got Left (Cry Is For The Flies):

05) Brody Dalle- Meet The Foetus/Oh The Joy (Diploid Love):