Album Review

Album Review: Sidewave- Glass Giant

a1133937347_10When I first started Audioeclectica the main goal was to spread the word about great music and bands. Sidewave was one of the first bands I wrote about and have had the pleasure of watching them bloom into a great band. From their first show till now, Sidewave has grown by leaps and bounds. Now the band has released their debut album Glass Giant and it is a tremendous album that really captures the bands essence. Sidewave incorporates the right amount of influence and individuality to make this debut stand out. Their mix of influences includes Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins, Hum, and Shiner.  Mixed by Aaron Harris (Palms, ISIS, Puscifer), the epic, bombastic sound of Sidewave, fits perfectly in with the resurgence of 90’s rock. The songs go from heavier to spacey, to delicate, in a way that allows a gradual flow to the album. Songs like “Lace,” “Supersonic,” “Illusion Of Light, and “This Is Who You Are,” are all standouts on Glass Giant. The foursome of Phil Golyshko (Vocals / Guitar) William Collins (Guitar / Synth), Matthew Russel (Bass / Vocals) Brandon Dickert (Drums / Vocals) have created music that can help bring this music back to the forefront. Do yourself a favor and check out this album. It’ll be well worth your time and money!

Sidewave- Glass Giant:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Wild Throne- Harvest Of Darkness

11755217_1647974538770589_5683755939750715726_n

People’s attention spans have dwindled over the years, making it no easy feat these days to be able to create an album that holds your attention throughout the entire length of it. Though there are still people out that are such fans of music and understand that albums are a necessary part of life and need to be listened to as a whole. Wild Throne has just released their debut album and it is a tremendous slab of righteous heavy rock. Their unique blend of influences, of The Mars Volta, At the Drive- In, Mastodon and Judas Priest has made their album Harvest Of Darkness one of the best debut albums I’ve heard in a very long time. A few days ago I wrote about bands not having the sense of “Danger” in their music. Wild Throne understands the concept and made something with a great deal of substance that it pushes boundaries of what can be done these days. From the first thump of the drums on the song “Harvest Of Darkness” to the last note of “Trans,” Wild Throne captivates you and inspires throughout their album. There isn’t one song on this album that needs to be skipped. Joshua Holland, Noah Burns, and Jeff Johnson are one hell of a team and it shows in every song. The production and recording was done by Ross Robinson. Ross was able to get such great performances out of these guys. This album is for sure going to be on a lot of top 10 lists at the end of the year. I know it will be in mine. Do yourself a favor and go buy this album. You won’t be sorry.

Scale of 1-10: 9.5

Wild Throne- Harvest Of Darkness:

https://www.facebook.com/wildthrone

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Before The Mourning- Etherial End

10414481_743476392358822_5467833179990698126_n

In today’s music climate it’s hard to stay fresh and ahead of the pack especially within the heavy music circles. There are so many sub-genres now a days it’s hard to keep up. Yet within the melodic metal genre there is a new band that is ready to stand out amongst their peers, Before The Mourning. Their debut album Etherial End is full of hooks, groove, and the perfect use of melody. The album was produced and recorded by the bands drummer Phil Gonyea, and mixed and mastered by Logan Mader. One can tell from listening to the album, that the 11 songs on the album are all meant to be there. There are elements of many different bands including Pantera, Poison The Well and a large Swedish Metal influence. At The Gates Soilwork really come to mind. Singer Adam Ryan’s voice evokes bits and pieces of Speed Strid of Soilwork. Songs like “Another Sleepless Night,” “The Deception,” “The Black Day,” Continuum,” and “The Hidden,” are all stand out tracks. Closing song “Deserter,” shows the bands ability to write a powerful song without all the aggression. CJ Cussell and Jeff Stevenson’s guitar playing compliment each other perfectly. There is a bit of an At The Gates tone between them. Bassist Paul McBride and Phil Gonyea (Drums) are extremely tight as a rhythm section similar to how Vinnie Paul and Rex Brown were locked in their groove while in Pantera.

Etherial End is just the beginning for Before The Mourning. They really have a true passion for what they do and the music they create. This album exemplifies that. Their live show as well is full of so much energy that it wouldn’t be shocking to hear that  these guys stole the show from the other bands they play with. Do yourself a favor and pick this album up, August 21st!!!
Scale of 1-10: 9

The Deception:

Another Sleepless Night:

https://www.facebook.com/BeforeTheMourning

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Failure- The Heart Is A Monster

600x600xfailure_lj_180615.jpg.pagespeed.ic.ZVZahcJ34B

Since they announced their reunion, I was hoping for a new Failure album. When I first heard Fantastic Planet way back when, I became hooked and was left wanting more. Thankfully in 2014 they returned and took everyone by storm by picking up right where they left off. Their new album The Heart Is A Monster is well worth the almost 20 year wait. Not only does the album seamlessly pick up where Fantastic Planet left off, it takes you further down the rabbit hole only to come out on the other side with an entirely fresh outlook. Songs like “Hot Traveler,” and A.M. Amnesia kickstart the album in a very upbeat way. “Counterfeit Sky” is an absolute stellar track. I had the pleasure of hearing this song live recently, when you hear this song, you’ll know Failure means business! The softer side of the album has songs like “Mulholland Drive.” This song is a little bit Pink Floyd mixed with The Beatles. Other highlights from the album are “Come Crashing,” “The Focus,” “Atom City Queen,” and two older songs that were reworked “Petting The Carpet,” and “I Can See Houses.

Failure have released what I consider to be the absolute album of the year. The dynamics of this band are unparalleled and inspiring. There is something truly special about the music that is made by Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott. The Heart Is A Monster is a modern classic without being a throwback album.

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Muse- Drones

muse-drones-2015-album-art-billboard-510x510

When you think of Muse you think of vibrant live shows with lots of lights and lasers. Not to mention the direction they went in after their breakthrough album Absolution. Shedding their Radiohead tendencies, Muse delved deep into their love of Queen. On their now seventh album Drones, Matt Bellamy and company took their love of all things Queen and added more guitars to it. Produced by Robert “Mutt” Lange (Def Leppard Pyromania and Hysteria, ACDC Back In Black), Drones is nestled deep in its concept and the arrangements are very tight, but the lyrics suffer. While the band has always been top notch musicians, the lyrics come across as high school and very conspiracy theory like.

There are a few saving graces on the album though. The song “Psycho” is an extremely heavy rocking song that I dare say should have been the first single instead of “Dead Inside. “Dead Inside” is your typical standard song you would expect from Muse nowadays. “Psycho” brings back that intensity that was found on Absolution and Showbiz. “Mercy” has an Ours-esque vibe in the vocal melody. One of the biggest things I noticed in listening to the album was the guitar style that Matt is playing with now. It’s as though he is trying to replicate Tom Morello’s sound and bring it to the Muse fold. Sadly though his attempt falls flat. This is very noticeable on the songs “Reapers” and “Defector.”  One of the other highlights I found amongst the album was the song “Aftermath.” There is a really sweet melody that goes along with the song and the guitars sound like they are a part of a Cure song, making this one of the more enjoyable songs on the album. Album closer “The Globalist” starts off with an Ennio Morricone type opener, then proceeds to slow things down almost to a halt.

All in all the album as a whole is very underwhelming. I really enjoyed the albums Showbiz and Absolution. I wish they would go back to their Radiohead tendencies but with a heavier feel. Drones tries to show a more mature side of Muse, but it doesn’t quite get there. This album was supposed to be a more “back to basics” album, sadly their idea of basic isn’t what this turned out to be. Here’s hoping Muse gets back to what they started off as and they stop trying to go over the top with all their grandiose and Queen like vibe.

Psycho:

Dead Inside:

Reapers:

Mercy:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Dekades- Dekades EP

11044567_924639807587793_4001341452036311285_oIn the time that I’ve been writing my little blog, I’ve come across quite a few bands that have given me hope in the future of music. One of those bands is Dekades. These goth rockers have been beyond consistent with all the material they have put out. On their newest EP, the band has stretched out past the norm of most goth/Post Punk bands. They have upped the groove and added another dimension that packs a bit more bounce. The rhythm section of Chris Cano on drums and James Carter on bass have a real knack for pushing the groove to the forefront while guitarist Josh Benson provides dynamic structures upon which multi-instrumentalist Matt Shores applies his ambient textures and all this is tied together with vocalist/guitarist Arden Fisher vocal delivery and conviction. Dekades is definitely a band to be on the lookout for.

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Faith No More- Sol Invictus

faithnomoresolcdcoverMost of the time when a band announces their return after a very long hiatus, it is usually met with great excitement. At the same time there is always hope that the reunion brings new music from the band. Sometimes it works out for the best and other times it fails miserably like it did with the latest Soundgarden album King Animal. One of the most anticipated albums of 2015 has been the new album from Faith No More. At first when they released their first singles “Motherfucker” and “Superhero” those songs weren’t anything special. If anything they seemed like just fun songs they came up with and released them to just wet the appetite of their fans. I can honestly say that the album itself is quite good. It could be taken as the logical followup to their 1997 swan song Album Of The Year. The band themselves have not lost a step at all during the 18 year gap between albums. If anything, Faith No More seems reinvigorated and ready to take back what should have been theirs to begin with. Songs like “Cone Of Shame, (my personal favorite on the album)” “Sunny Side Up,” “Black Friday,” and “Matador” are all outstanding tracks. Even the first two songs the released fit in the scheme of the album better than they do on their own.

I wouldn’t say this is a perfect album, but it does hit the mark. One of the best things about the Sol Invictus is that it leaves you wanting more. Faith No More really delivered the goods on this one.

Scale of 1-10: 8

Faith No More-Sol Invictus:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Incubus- Trust Fall (Side A)

instagram1

When a band is 7 albums into their career, there comes certain expectations for said bands new albums. Sometimes some of the albums released don’t quite hit the right mark, while others go on to leave a lasting impression and inspire others. In the case of Incubus, their career has had quite a few twists and turns. They have managed to put out two really solid albums, 1999’s Make Yourself and 2004’s A Crow Left Of The Murder, while the rest of their catalog is hit or miss, though they have some songs that are really good from those other albums. Incubus’s latest offering Trust Fall (Side A) is 4 songs and 20 minutes of hit and miss. The first song Trust Fall, could almost fit on A Crow Left Of The Murder musically. The vocal melody from Brandon Boyd is very strong and convincing. The rest of the band is really together on that track. In fact after hearing that song you think this could be a really good sign of things to come. Then “Make Out Party” happens. The verse’s have a very obnoxious vocal melody that is cringe-worthy. The chorus is very formulaic, and just doesn’t do anything special for the song. The first single and third track “Absolution Calling,” is catchy as can be for the band. It’s got a groove to the beat and bass line that follows a very catchy melody. At first listen to this song, you wonder what happened to the Incubus of old, but it does grow on you quite fast. Sadly the EP ends with “Dance Like You’re Dumb” a song that is just awful. This songs makes it seem like Mike Eizinger has spent too much time hanging out and working with electronic artists.

So of the four songs, only two of them are worthy, leaving this “Trust Fall” pretty much a Trust Fail (pun totally intended). For the most part I’ve always enjoyed Incubus. Even on this albums that were misses over the years, I’ve found songs that I can listen to. I don’t know what they were thinking with this one. This EP was also self produced, so the lack of having a producer around seems like that made all the difference. Had they gone back to work with Brendan O’Brien (Who has done all their albums since A Crow Left Of The Murder), this newest release could have ended up differently.

Scale of 1-10:  5

Trust Fall:

Make Out Party:

Absolution Calling:

Dance Like You’re Dumb:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds- Chasing Yesterday

Noel_Gallagher_High_Flying_Birds_-_Chasing_Yesterday

There is something really special when the main songwriter of a band takes the reigns of their own musical path. Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame has done that once again on his newest album Chasing Yesterday from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. This 10 song album is the perfect setup to spring and summer. There are those trademark melodies that made Oasis songs really shine, but also the signature (and highly underrated guitar tones) of Noel. Leading track “Riverman” starts the vibe of the album off right. It has a sweet melody that allows the listener to get the idea of where the records mood will take them. “In The Heat Of The Moment,” is a rocker. There is also a subtle dance element to this song that makes you want to move. “Lock All The Doors,” is one of those songs that would fit perfectly on an Oasis album. Noel’s voice on this track really shows his ability to lead a rocking song. Not to mention the guitar solo, is simple yet stellar. This is easily one of my favorite songs on the album. “The Dying Of Light,” is a really pretty ballad. This is one of those songs that had that trademark Oasis melody. “You Know We Can’t Go Back,” is another of the more rocking songs on the album. It also is my favorite track on the album. The catchy chorus that comes with it, not to mention the driving beat really carries this song.

Noel Gallagher has really left his mark with this album. It’s the first album to be produced as well as written by Noel and features a much broader array of instrumentation than ever before; the result is a diverse layered album,  that draws from a range of different genres and influences. Oasis will always be the standard fallback, but Noel really shines on this effort.

Scale of 1-10: 8.5

 

In The Heat Of The Moment: Video

 

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Anakin- Celestial Frequency Shifter

10460864_863401567015831_1510592037729759178_o

 

Putting aside genre defining, Anakin simply rocks. Their blend of space rock and hooky melodies carry the weight throughout their new album Celestial Frequency Shifter. There is so much space and ambience entangled with the subtle crunchy guitars. Their influences of Weezer, Failure, Hum and science fiction really shine on this release without overpowering the sound that the band has created. Anakin really took their time to craft songs that can stand out on their own or as an album (as it should be). “Astro(not)” is the perfect beginning to this album. The third song “Lucidity,”  really picks up the pace as as hard charging song complete with sultry hooks.  Songs like “Clairvoyanace,” “Ctrl.Alt.Del” and the closing song “Sunbeam,” really strike with the hooks and distorted guitars. There is also another element that this album has, and that is its ability to be uplifting. The way the vocal melodies are mixed with the synths, create this harmonious meditation while listening. Anakin have made an album that is perfect for the start of a new year. Their notions of hope and the thought of what is out there really comes into play.

On The 1-10 Scale: 9/10

 

Anakin- Celestial Frequency Shifter:

 

By: Brian Lacy