Album Review

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:

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

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:

Album Review: Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell

There are certain times in life when you hear a record that not only takes the artist to a whole other level it, resonates in a way that you begin to get swept away by the absolute force of its being. The evolution of Greg Puciato as a songwriter and artist has been quite the journey to hear and see. From The Dillinger Escape Plan to The Black Queen, Killer Be Killed and now as a solo artist as well, what a significant aspect and contribution to be proud of. On this new solo outing, Mirrorcell, not only is this the a natural follow up to his debut Child Soldier: Creator Of God but, it seems that there is a level of inspiration that took this one further.

“In This Hell You Find Yourself” kicks off this album and creates a tension that sets up an uneasiness and then it grabs you and never lets go as “Reality Spiral” starts to sink its claws in. As you listen, you start to hear where this album is coming from and the influence and inspiration that guided these songs. “No More Lives To Give” steps up the heaviness a bit and takes you on an introspective journey lyrically while musically you are hit with hard hitting riffs and melody that sticks with you. “Never Wanted That” (my favorite song on the album as of this writing) is the “Evacuation” of the record. The way this song hits you is astonishing. The bass driven opening again creates a tension that when the chorus of the song comes in, the crushing emotional weight hits you like a ton of bricks. The vulnerability on this song is absolutely powerful. “Lowered” is one of the tracks on the album that again, takes things to another level. The combination of Greg and guest vocalist Reba Meyers from Code Orange is a revelation. These two voices together make magic and when you hear them together, the chills you get from it, I’ll just leave it there. “We” is a track that has a bit of a Black Queen tinge to it but explores more of the new wave elements that are prevalent in their songs. “I, Eclipse” is another of my favorite songs on the album. The intensity of this song and where it’s placed really guides the last part of the album. There is something else about this song I can’t put into words quite yet that, when this song is played live, I’ll be able to explain further. “Rainbows Underground” is one hell of a stellar song and another one that shows the growth of Greg as a songwriter. Finishing off the album with “All Waves To Nothing” leave you not only wanting more but you are then compelled to start the album over. This track has moments that hark back to Greg’s time with The Dillinger Escape Plan but, in a way that feels natural and a bit different.

Throughout this album you are get to hear a whole other side of Greg Puciato. It’s a more cohesive album than his debut and this one seems to hit on a bit of a more personal streak. One of the revelatory aspects of the record is how talented of a guitarist Greg is. His riffs, solos, and playing is a story all on its own. Perhaps too, his time spent with Jerry Cantrell has rubbed off a bit, as there are plenty of ode’s to Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and other 90’s bands that have inspired Greg throughout the years. Another aspect of this album that deserves a ton of credit are the drums and playing by Chris Hornbrook. His ability to create memorable driving hits and rhythms helps propel these songs to that other level I was mentioning. Seriously, when you hear it all put together, you can hear why Chris and Greg as a duo are perfect for one another. Mirrorcell is not only one of those albums that you will be stuck on for a long time, you actually find yourself immersed in the album as a whole, just like it should. This album is a definite candidate for album of the year. Truly, each time I listen to this album I find something else to love about it. Greg put out one hell of an album with Mirrorcell and should be damn proud of it. I can’t wait to hear these songs live along with the ones from Child Soldier. I have a feeling the live show for this is going to be something special all on its own.

Overall Rating: A


Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell:

Album Review: Billy Howerdel- What Normal Was

When the news first broke that Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle/Ashes Divide was going to put out a solo album under his name, I became very intrigued. While reading about the making of the album, there was a quote of Billy’s that really stood out to me, “”This is me stepping back into my early teen self and making the record I would’ve made if I had the means and the knowledge when I first picked up a guitar — just in 2022.” I couldn’t love that statement more. I love that he went back to the well of what first really got his passion of music going and created an album that pays homage to those musical influences and inspirations but this record is one that can stand on it’s own during a resurgence of that sound.

What Normal Was is ten songs of goth tinged, dark pop, with melancholic tendencies and a sense of ambience that is both haunting and beautiful. Digging into his love for bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode and Siouxie and the Banshee’s, you can hear those bands in certain moments wheteher it’s a synth, vocal melody, bass line, guitar part or even a drum beat. But this isn’t a “copy” of those bands. Instead this is Billy making the album that he grew up wanting to make. I have a strange thing about wanting to go track by track as I feel like it gives the listener a preconceived notion but I do want to highlight a couple tracks. Opener “Selfish Heart” is one hell of a track to kick off the record. The vocal delivery on this song is superb. As the album continues tracks like “Free and Weightless,” “Ani,” “Beautiful Mistake,” “Poison Flowers,” and “Bring Honor Back Home” have all been standouts each time I listen. Closing song “Stars” is quite the contemplative track and one that gives the album an open ending to continue on this path at a later date.


What Normal Was is the type of album in 2022 that is not only needed but it’s a teaching tool for all these younger bands and “kids” who don’t quite understand how to make this type of music. The homage portion of the album and the desire to create something that you’ve always dreamed of makes this album work. It’s not just Billy stepping out of the shadow of Maynard and A Perfect Circle, this is Billy discovering who he is as a musician and songwriter. What Normal Was is a record that will grow on you after a few listens. There’s even a part of it that will make you want to seek out the bands and albums that helped to inspire this record. Personally, I can’t wait to hear what Billy Howerdel does next in his musical evolution.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Poison Flowers:


Free And Weightless:


Beautiful Mistake:


Selfish Hearts:


The Same Again:

Breaks & Rhymes: Dälek- Precipice

I have a very interesting relationship with Hip Hop music. For the most part it’s not something I seek out but, if I hear of something interesting or someone tells me about an artist that I might enjoy I tend to check it out. A couple years back I heard about an experimental hip-hop group that mixed interesting elements of rock, industrial, hip hop, electronica and more along with lyrics that stand for something and are thought provoking. That group is Dälek and let me tell you, if you don’t know about them, you must be living under a rock of epic proportions. Instead of a history lesson about the group (google it on your own), I want to talk about the groups latest release, Precipice.

Precipice is an album bursting at the seems filled with a fury and power that is beyond needed in society today. Topics about what we are all seeing today, the trials and tribulations of life, and an anger that has been missing in hip-hop music since the 90’s. Every single track packs a punch that has your head bobbing but your mind working and listening. Songs like “Boycott,” “Decimation (Dis Nation),” “Holistic,” deliver the goods and then some. Then you have a track like “A Heretic’s Inheritance” which features Tool’s Adam Jones. This track is a little bit of a departure from the album and it has some pretty gnarly droney type riffs to accompany and already moody and haunting song.

Dälek is a group that should be on your musical radar. The catalog of the group speaks volumes and the new material added to that only provides more fuel to the story that is needed to be told. Having an MC like Dälek (aka (Will Brooks) be the voice and when you hear the urgency in the tone and words, you know this is serious. Precipice is an album that will take a few times for you to really truly digest but, when you do, the way it does leaves one hell of a mark.

Overall Rating 8/10

Dälek- Precipice:

Album Review: Cave In- Heavy Pendulum

Cave In are a band that have weathered every storm you can think of as a band. And no matter what is thrown at them, be it life lessons and tragedies, Cave In always comes out on top and armed with a sense of passion and delivery that most bands would and should be envious of. What Stephen Brodsky, Adam McGrath, JR Conners and Nate Newton have put together on their new album, Heavy Pendulum, they should not only be proud of but this album sets the band on a whole new journey of triumphs to be had and stages to rock.

Heavy Pendulum is an album that has one hell of an ebb and flow just like an album should. All the classic Cave In elements are here along with some new twists and turns. As the album begins with “New Reality” it’s obvious the guys are looking to move on from what they have been through and using this a new way to set forth a new path for the band. This track not only sets the tone for the album, the riffs attack with a sense of urgency similar to that of the Perfect Pitch Black era. The melodic leads provide the right amount of ear candy to wet your Brodsky/McGrath guitar appetite. The album continues at a pace that draws you in more and more with lush sound scapes, sick riffs, rhythms that will get you up rocking and maybe dancing a bit, top notch melodies not just vocally, lyrics that are reflective, deep and provide a bit more closure, and a sense that this album really just re-kickstarted a band that is just scratching the surface of where they can go now.

The 14 songs that make up Heavy Pendulum swing ferociously. From all the heavy riffs to the mid tempo drops and the more delicate moments, this album has most definitely earned its spot within the top 5 albums of 2022. I could go track by track which I did when I was listening to the album but, I really believe that takes away from your listening experience. Instead I will point out a few of my favorite tracks like “Blood Spiller,” “Floating Skulls,” “Heavy Pendulum,” “Amaranthine,” “Nightmare Eyes” and the closing song “Reckoning” which I must say Adam McGrath absolutely shines on this song.

The addition of Nate Newton to the band is very present throughout the album. His tone, style of play and passion for this band radiates through each song. After I heard the news of Caleb Scofield’s passing, I knew the only person that could ideally fill his shoes was Nate and not only has he honored Caleb but he’s continued on with same drive for the band that he had. When you hear the parts of the songs that would be “Caleb moments,” Nate drives those parts home with a sense of gusto that I’m sure would make Caleb smile.

Cave In has made an album that not only sums up their career but sets the foundation for where they can keep going. There isn’t one moment on this album that feels forced or makes you want to change a song. The whole album captures the listener like an album should. Heavy Pendulum isn’t just another Cave In album, this one is one that was destined to be made and the end result is something beyond tremendous. Personally, I can’t wait to hear these songs take on a new life when played live. Cheers to Stephen, Adam, JR, and Nate for creating one of the best albums of 2022 as well as one of the best albums in the Cave In catalog.


Overall Rating: A

Cave In- Heavy Pendulum:

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review- Centershift- A Different Shade…

Throughout the years, the voice of a band can really be the difference between a good band and a great band. I distinctly remember the first time I heard a particular band. I was walking along Sunset Blvd on my way to another show and I heard a band just starting and I was completely taken aback. I went to the entrance of the club this band was playing at (The Viper Room), got in cause I knew the door guy (perks of being under 21 at the time and knowing the right people), and from that point in time (pun totally intended) I was hooked not just on the music but the voice. That band was Onesidezero and the voice I heard that has stuck with me ever since was that of Jasan Radford. Fast forward to today and Jasan’s new band Centershift, have just put out their debut EP, A Different Shade… and let me tell you, it’s pretty damn good.

For almost 30 minutes and 7 songs, the moment you put the EP on, it connects with you. The raw emotion and honesty is extremely prevalent on this album. The lyrics to the first song “9” alone pinpoint to that. Speaking on the EP singer/guitarist Jasan Radford said “A Different Shade… is the first piece of what we as a band went through, either personally or together during the last few years. In a way, we wrote and recorded the trials and accomplishments life threw our way.” With that in mind, you the listener can surely find more to connect with. As the EP continues with the stellar “My Own World” (and if you haven’t seen the video for this song, CHECK IT OUT!!), the story begins to unfold and be told. There is a real flow to the way this was all put together. The music that accompanies the passionate words and melodies are on a level on its own. There is a style and tone when you hear these songs that are delicate and full of texture but also hard charging and quite fiery. Then you combine that with the velvety voice and touching lyrics and you’ve got a recipe for one hell of an album. There is one song in particular that I’ve been completely enthralled with and that is the song “Kingdoms.” This one closes out the EP and it’s EPIC! You really need to hear that song (along with the rest of it!).

Centershift is one of the new bands I’m most excited about. The band is made up of Jasan Radford (Onesidezero/Abloom) on vocals/guitar, Ryan Shane Stuber (Shuvel) on guitar, Ted Wenri (Bemus) on bass and on drums Stefan Storace. The four of them have created something that stands up to their other work but also shows the musicianship they have worked on for years and their progression as songwriters. This band is one of those that are the perfect bridge between rock and heavy music. A Different Shade… is only the beginning of where this band has the potential to go.

On Friday May 6, Centershift will be playing at The Federal in North Hollywood as part of Audioeclectica’s Birthday Bash. This show will also serve as Centershift’s EP Release Party! So make sure you come out and see what all the fuss is about! Tickets HERE!!!!!!!

Overall Rating: A

Centershift- A Different Shade…

Audioeclectica Birthday Bash:

Album Review: If It Kills You- Invisible Self

If It Kills You is one of my absolute favorite bands I’ve come across in a long time. Ever since I heard their EP Infinite Hum a couple years back, I’ve been pretty damn impressed with this band. They are the perfect blend of all the things to love about the 90’s rock/post-hardcore but in today’s world.

Invisible Self is an album that deserves immediate attention. It’s an honest album that really you can hear the blood, sweat and tears that went into it. The sonic bursts of ecstasy that permeate through the speakers are beyond enjoyable as the tones and layers provide a welcoming trance that propels you through the albums nine songs. Having Jim Ward of Sparta/At The Drive In in the producers chair for the album, the members of If It Kills You took strides to make sure this was on a different level. Each instrument is soaked in an intensity that most modern bands and albums would be envious of. The passion that the four members put into this album really shows with the performances. Vocally and lyrically Justin Martin really stepped up and took things to a different dimension with some of the songs and melodies. The dual guitars of Justin Martin and Kevin Clark are superbly strong and the push pull of leads and rhythms create this awesome tension in the songs. The rhythm section of Mikee Lee and Tyler Patterson is one hell of a force to be reckoned with. I don’t want to spoil this album so I will forgo a track by track explanation. Know this though, there isn’t one song on this album that shouldn’t be there. Appearances from Shelby Cinca (Frodus), Ben Davis (Sleepytime Trio, Bats and Mice), and Bill Taylor (Songs for Snakes), violinist Jordan Belardes and Jim Ward give the songs an extra tinge of something special.

This is one of my favorite albums of the year. Every time I listen to it, I find something else to love about it. In a world full of stale and bland music and bands, If It Kills You provides that breath of fresh air. They are an inspired bunch creating music that is powerful and has depth. Invisible Self is definitely an album that fits in with 2022. As the nine songs begin to end, the moment it does, the compelling feeling to start it over is ever present. This album is only cracking the surface for the heights that If It Kills You can go.

Overall Rating: A

If It Kills You- Invisible Self: