Author: audioeclectica

New Release: Mastodon- Sickle and Peace
Mastodon Announce New Album Hushed and Grim, Share New Song: Listen | Pitchfork

Since the turn of the century when they formed, Mastodon have been one of the best bands to come out. Their evolution as a band is one that is astounding. Had they come out in a different era, they’d probably be one of the biggest bands. Now in 2021, the guys in Mastodon are gearing up to release their ninth studio album, Hushed and Grim. They’ve already released a couple tracks ahead of its release and now they have dropped one of their most jazzy tracks ever with “Sickle and Peace.” There’s a psychedelic doomy jazz sense to this song. It’s one of those songs that in the context of the album will make more sense especially since Mastodon is one of those bands that make “albums.” I’d love to hear this song live at some point during an upcoming tour as I feel like this is going to be one hell of an epic track live.


Mastodon- Sickle and Peace:

Teardrinker:

Pushing The Tides:

New Release: KLAE

For the past couple months I’ve been writing about KLAE and his upcoming album Stomp Out Hate, Love, Repeat.  KLAE is a very diverse musician that excels in drums and percussion. His ability to shift his styles to compliment different genres makes him quite exceptional. With over 20 years of experience be it playing, writing, recording and more, it’s the dedication that shows through in his music. KLAE said “In the last few years I’ve learned that everything has a wide spectrum of perspective. We can choose to see the rainbow of colors that surrounds us or we can choose to ignore it. We have to make the choice within ourselves everyday to stop the hate and set a better example.” Armed with that mindset and a plethora of rhythms, KLAE is working to enact change with each beat. In today’s society, having music and artists like this shows the care and concern that is missing.


KLAE- Stomp Out Hate, Love Repeat:

Live Review: Quicksand at The Troubadour
Quicksand in West Hollywood at Troubadour

A couple weeks back I made a very bold statement that, “2021 is the year of Quicksand” and last night cemented that for me. I’ve long wanted to see Quicksand live since I first heard Slip way back when and now, that wish came true. Seeing Walter Schreifels, Sergio Vega, Alan Cage rock out was superb and the icing on the cake of them having Cave In/Mutoid Man/etc guitarist/vocalist Stephen Brodsky as their second guitarist just made it all something spectacular.

The moment the lights went down and the projections on the backdrop started, the frenzy of the crowd began to rev up and the second the first note of “Inversion” from their new and absolutely killer album, Distant Populations started, everyone knew, it was ON!!!. Plowing down the audience with the four songs off their new album immediately was tremendous. Just when you thought they were going to play the whole album (which they did) they burst into “Fazer” and there was no looking back. The setlist for the night was so good. Playing all of Distant Populations along with choice cuts from Slip, Manic Compression and Interiors, Quicksand could do no wrong. They even did a wonderful job covering My Bloody Valentine’s “Don’t Ask Why” and now I want to just listen to their version from now on. Hearing songs like the ones above along with “Colossus,” “Thorn In My Side,” “Dine Alone,” “Brown Gargantuan,” “Phase 90,” “Unfulfilled” and so many more was like being on cloud 9. There was no chance I could stand still. It’s a good thing I haven’t cut my hair in a while so I could head bang along like a crazy person. Watching Quicksand live is something everyone in a band should do. They had so much energy emitting from the stage it was contagious. You could tell these guys really enjoy playing. The chemistry of the four guys on stage was astounding. You can tell that Walter, Sergio and Alan are a tight unit. They play off each other so well. Adding Stephen Brodsky to the touring lineup was a perfect idea. His playing style and abilities really fit great in Quicksand. His mannerisms on stage too are so good. I really wish he could be a permanent member of Quicksand. I can only imagine how awesome the next album would be if he were a part of it.

Also playing this evening was Narrow Head and Creeps. Both bands had a very 90’s driven style with the latter sounding a bit more like Brand New. Both bands had solidly good sets and brought a lot of energy. The audience showed up early and that seemed to have a feeling that harked back to the days when people would show up to support all the bands on the bill. It’s always a nice thing to see bands like Quicksand bring out younger/up and coming bands on tour. It’s great to give them the opportunity to get their music out to as many people as possible.

Quicksand is the type of band that influences and inspires anyone that listens. Personally, I couldn’t even wind down when I got home from the show. That’s how good it was. Quicksand is a band that is essential listening and should be in your collection. I can’t wait for the next time Quicksand comes through Los Angeles. What a great show.

Quicksand Set List:

01) Inversion
02) Lightning Field
03) Colossus
04) Missle Command
05) Fazer
06) Thorn In My Side
07) Phase 90
08) Head To Wall
09) Don’t Ask Why (My Bloody Valentine Cover)
10) Under The Screw
11) Unfulfilled
12) Too Official
13) Illuminant
14) Warm And Low
15) The Philosopher
16) Compacted Infinity
17) Rodan
18) Omission
19) Brown Gargantuan
20) Katakana
21) Delusional
22) Dine Alone
23) Brushed

Review By: Brian Lacy

Quicksand- Distant Populations:

Band Of The Week: Down Again
May be an image of 1 person

Since the turn of the century the post hardcore genre has been at the forefront of rock music. Bands like Brand New, Thrice, Circa Survive, Underoath and Manchester Orchestra come to mind immediately. One band that has come on my radar that I’ve really been enjoying is, Down Again. Hailing from the California Bay Area, this these guys are making waves. These longtime friends have crafted songs that touch on the struggles of questioning faith, loss, infidelity, and mental health. Their latest song “Predisposed” is a post-hardcore banger! Down Again is the type of post-hardcore band that gives a sense of hope and in today’s world that is much needed!

Down Again- Predisposed:

Down Again- The Devil Is A Gentleman:

Songs In TV/Film: Massive Attack- Teardrop on House M.D.
I'm Watching House M.D. & Loving It. Here's Why: – Cleveland Sports Talk

If you ever watched the show House you are probably pretty familiar with the opening credits song. If you don’t know, that song is Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” from their exquisite and masterful album, Mezzanine. This song has some very interesting history and tidbits. The origin of the song was first developed from a harpsichord riff made in the studio. Originally (and this is very intriguing) Madonna was the first person Andrew Vowles wanted to have sing on this track. The other 2 members Robert Del Naja and Grantley Marshall wanted Cocteau Twins singer Elizabeth Fraser to sing lead. Turns out there is a version with Madonna singing this song but, they chose Elizabeth Fraser’s version due to her style fitting the mournful melody more favorably.

Massive Attack- Teardrop (House Opening Credits):

Massive Attack- Teardrop (Official Video):

New Release: Emma Ruth Rundle- Blooms Of Oblivion

I can’t wait for the new Emma Ruth Rundle album, Engine Of Hell. I can already tell it’s unapologetically personal and honest. The way Emma’s voice shares her vulnerability as well as fragility is deeply moving. When you listen to the new songs from Engine Of Hell, there is a sense of urgency but also a vibrancy that allows the truth of her words to shine. If you aren’t familiar with Emma Ruth Rundle, you need to wake up from the rock you are living under and experience what she brings to the table.


Blooms Of Oblivion:

Return:

Guest Vocalist: Chelsea Wolfe
Chelsea Wolfe Goes Off-Road For New Album 'Birth Of Violence'

Over the last couple years, Chelsea Wolfe has become one of my favorite vocalists. Her voice is so delicate yet hauntingly beautiful. Not to mention her songs and albums are tremendous. I also remember her from way back when she was the singer of Red Host! Now though, Chelsea has truly carved out her own niche and a force to be reckoned with. Knowing that, check out these songs she has guested on over the years.


Russian Circles- Memorial (from Memorial):

Deafheaven- Night People (from Ordinary Corrupt Human Love):

Myrkur- Funeral (from Mareridt):

Tyler Bates with Chelsea Wolfe & Ben Chisholm- Diana (From Dark Nights Soundtrack):

Bonus!!!!

Red Host (with Jess Gowrie on Drums)- Hole In The Head:

Band Of The Week: Handle

I’ve long been intrigued by bands that take experimental chances to create something interesting. It can be hit or miss but when it hits, you know it immediately. Combining different influences and inspirations in music the end result can be pretty damn good. With that in mind, allow me to introduce you to the band of the week, Handle. Hailing from Southern California, this four piece band is just getting started but already have released a killer single with “Spirit Channeler.” Listening to this song you can pick up on bits of their influences like The Mars Volta/At The Drive In, Circa Survive/Saosin, some Glassjaw and a little Thrice. I look forward to what else Handle does. Definitely give them a listen and if you are in the LA area this weekend, get to The Federal in NoHo and see them along with Centershift, Arc Angles and The Tragic Radicals!


Handle- Spirit Channeler:

Cover Song: Quicksand (The Smiths)- How Soon Is Now
Quicksand | Epitaph Records

I’m designating 2021 the year of Quicksand. They have released one of the best albums of the year with Distant Populations. I seriously can’t stop listening to it. The moment the album stops I’m so compelled to listen again! It’s so damn good!!! Anyways I’ve been on one hell of a Quicksand kick. Going back through different live shows and bsides. One of the covers that I love that they’ve done is “How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths. This cover dates back to their album Slip (which is one hell of a great album as well). The Quicksand version is exceptional. A totally different and rocking take on it.

Quicksand- How Soon Is Now?:

Title Tracks: Converge- Jane Doe
Jane Doe | Converge

2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Converge’s astounding album, Jane Doe. This was the bands first album with bassist Nate Newton and drummer Ben Koller, as well as the bands first with guitarist Kurt Ballou behind the board. This album not only put Converge on the map it was a commercial breakthrough and received immediate acclaim, with critics praising its poetic lyrics, dynamics, ferocity and production. Through the years this album has gone on to inspire and influence countless bands. The intensity on this album is often copied but you can’t match the original. The title track on the album is quite interesting. Singer Jacob Bannon stated in an interview that many of the songs on Jane Doe came from the side project Supermachiner. That project was claimed to inspire Jane Doe‘s experimental side.The title track “Jane Doe” as well as “Phoenix in Flight” were initially intended for the Supermachiner album Rise of the Great Machine. I personally remember hearing this album for the first time. A friend recommended I check it out. At first I wasn’t too into it but, I opened up the booklet, put on some headphones listened again and read the lyrics as the album played and it all made sense. This album is an absolute modern masterpiece. The title track is epic and ahead of its time! Converge is a force to be reckoned with any day of the week.


Converge- Jane Doe:

Lyrics:

These floods of you are unforgiving
Pushing past me spilling through the banks
And I fall Faster than light and faster than time
That’s how memory works
At least in the dark where I’m searching for meaning
When I’m just searching for something I want out
Out of every awkward day
Out of every tongue tied loss I want out
Out of the burdening night sweats
Out of the rising seas of blood
Lost in you like Saturday nights
Searching the streets with bedroom eyes
Just dying to be saved
Run on girl
Run on