Band Of The Week

Band Of The Week: Digital Daggers

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Digital Daggers is a very unique group. Formed by a meeting in 2008 by their former music publishers, Jason “Space” Smith and Andrea Wasse, began writing songs for other artists but, soon felt that what they were creating was a bit more personal and not something they wanted someone else to use. From that point, Digital Daggers was formed. Now 11 years into their collaboration, they’ve released 2 full length albums, an EP, and a collection of remixes and b-sides. Their songs have been heard on countless shows like Revenge, Teen Wolf, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars and CSI: NY, to name a few. Now they are releasing a new single entitled “Black Magic,” a song that really encapsulates the sound and feeling that this group emits. There’s a darkness to the song but also a very sexy vibe that crawls under your skin and gives you chills. Digital Daggers are one of those bands that when you hear it, you immediately feel drawn in and the waves of the music take over.

Digital Daggers- Black Magic:

 

 
Digital Daggers- Mixed Emotions:

 
Digital Daggers- Close Your Eyes:

Band Of The Week: Vowws

 

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There are so many good bands out there these days, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with them all. A while back I was introduced to a band that has been taking people by storm and leaving a very lasting impression. That band is Vowws. Originally from Australia, now based in Los Angeles, Vowws has made quite the impact with their electro-rock style but, it’s much more than that. Vowws have taken the electro part to another level by injecting a great deal of inspiration and influence of 80’s and 90’s alternative to their music and given it an almost cinematic sensibility. There’s elements of pop in there along with post-punk, shoegaze, new wave, goth and synthwave. The band has self described the band as “Deathpop” which is a pretty good representation of what they do. The whole of all this makes Vowws a very enticing band to delve into. Frontwoman-keyboardist-programmer Rizz along with guitarist-programmer-vocalist Matt James have taken this style of music to another level. They’ve made fans out of many of their contemporaries like The Cult,  and Chino Moreno of Deftones (Who also partook in a remix of the bands “Structure Of Love”). Vowws are the type of band that isn’t satisfied with relying solely on the electronic element to make their band. The guitar riffs from Matt James give their music a different life, similar to what Martin Gore has done with Depeche Mode albums like Songs Of Faith and Devotion. Also it’s worth noting that the beats that pulsate through the songs are fresh and moving but also feel “human” rather than electronic. Vowws are the real deal and are making waves in a way that you can tell they are about to take over.

 

Vowws- Under The World:

Vowws w/Chino Moreno- Structure Of Love II (Renholder Remix):

 

 

 

Band Of The Week: Dälek

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When I first started Audioeclectica, the eclectic part was the main point of this site. Over the years, I think I’ve been able to branch out even more from my comfort zone and explore different genres that I haven’t gotten into. Over the past year, I’ve started to take a closer look into hip-hop music. In doing so I’ve really started to take a liking to certain artists and groups that have depth and substance to what they do. Recently I was introduced to a group from Union City, New Jersey called Dälek. Upon hearing them and finding out that they’ve been around for almost 20 years, I caught myself shaking my head profusely and thinking that I’ve been living under a rock (rock music that is. Sorry that was a bad joke). So with that in mind let me introduce you to Dälek.

More than just a normal hip-hop group, Dälek has transcended the genre by adding elements of trip hop, art rock, noise, techno, and so much more. The group themselves site bands and artists like The Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine, Bad Brains, Public Enemy and Eric B & Rakim among their influences and it shows through in a more inspirational was than influence. So if you think about it, if you combine those elements with a bit of an industrial vibe and a bit of the DJ Shadow ambience, you get a pretty spectacular collection of sounds. Vocally Dälek, is doing something deep and thought provoking. His words are real and the flow in which he speaks is subtlety savage. Dälek is a hip-hop group down to the core but, the other elements brought in really makes them stand out and brings in a different vibe that keeps it fresh and modern without compromising the art of it. I could go on and on about Dälek but, it’s best if you just dive in and listen.
Dalek- Endangerd Philosophies:

Dalek- Negro Necro Neckros (DEBUT ALBUM):

 

Band Of The Week: Labor Hex

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Ever since rock music hit the airwaves, there’s been something about the Boston area that just really rocks. Be it rock, metal, or hardcore, there’s something in the water that really makes the music that good. There is a band from the Boston area that I’d like to introduce you to, Labor Hex. This four piece post-hardcore, punk rock band is quite the band. It’s also worth mentioning that Labor Hex features members of Doomriders and The Red Chord.  Their EP Lost In Calling, is a robust and exciting 4 song taste of what this band is. There’s an energy in these songs that harks back to a time when punk energy was free flowing and changing things. The song “I Wanna Be Ignored” is a perfect example of this. The song “Valentine Coast” is one hell of a good song. It’s a prime example of just what this band is capable of as songwriters. Labor Hex is a band at the right time and place and I’m stoked to hear more!
Labor Hex- Lost In Calling:

Band Of The Week: KANGA

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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:

 

Band Of The Week: Brutus

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A couple days ago while I was reading one of the many music news sites that I frequently visit, I saw a post about a band that a friend had mentioned before. To this point I had never heard anything by this band so I figured why not give it a shot. What I then heard absolutely floored me. I immediately played the song again and again. From there I was sold. So I did what I always do and went back through the bands catalog and at that point knew, this was going to be the band of the week.

 
I’d like to introduce you to the band Brutus. Hailing from Belgium, this three piece band is well on their way to leaving their mark. Brutus isn’t just any run of the mill “heavy” band they, have taken an approach that feels organic and bursting at the seams. Taking bits of post hardcore, rock, punk and black metal, Brutus is delivering a melodic blast of fury. Their debut album BURST is one hell of an introduction to the band. Their upcoming album NEST (out March 29 via Sargent House) is shaping up to be one of 2019’s most exciting and acclaimed albums of the year. The three songs released so far “War,” “Cemetary,” and “Django” are utterly astounding. The progress Brutus has made from their debut till now is perfect and what is about to be unleashed is something that will keep this band in constant rotation.

 

Brutus- Django:

 

Brutus- War:

 

 

Brutus- Nest (Pre-Order):

 

Brutus- Burst:

Band Of The Week: His Eyes Have Fangs

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I love when you hear a band and from the first note played, you just know you are going to dig it. Recently I heard about a band called His Eyes Have Fangs and felt compelled to check it out and I’m sure glad I did. His Eyes Have Fangs are phenomenal. They are a rock band through and through but, they have this really dreamy and provocative style that climbs into your mind and takes you on quite a journey, just like bands in the 60’s and 70’s did. Everything about this band from the soothing and retro style vocals, the moody guitars that have the right melodic approach and rhythms that are laid back but right in the pocket, make His Eyes Have Fangs quite the package. The sonic dynamics the band plays with make the dreamy and psychedelic aspects quite a listening experience.

His Eyes Have Fangs are:
Tony Alva
Matthew Rainwater
Rachel Rainwater
Sonny Mayo
Alexander Rossi

 

His Eyes Have Fangs:

 

 

 

 

 

Band Of The Week: Charger

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To all the people out there that say “rock is dead,” you must be living under a rock. Rock music is alive and well. Further proof of that is the band of the week, Charger. Armed with a Motorhead sensibility of heavy fast rock, Charger is coming full speed ahead and taking no prisoners. Taking cues from inspiration like Motorhead, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden to name a few, Charger has given new life to rock n roll. This three piece made up of Andrew McGee (Guitar),  Jason Willer (Drums/Vocals), and Matt Freeman (Bass/Vocals…also of Rancid and Operation Ivy), has been making a name for themselves in the bay area and it’s for sure paying off. Charger has an EP out now that is one hell of a listen. It’s sure great to have a band like Charger out there, I’m stoked to hear more.

 
Charger- Charger EP:

On The Rise: Ho99o9

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A couple months back a friend of mine suggested I take a listen to something. He wouldn’t tell me who it was until a few of the songs were over. As the final song finished, he asked what I thought. I said that was pretty cool and that I bet whoever it was would be pretty rad to see live as well. A couple minutes passed and he then told me it was this band Ho99o9 (aka Horror). I had heard the name before but never heard the music. At that point I sought out obtaining the album that he played me and I was sold. The album in question was United States Of Horror, which is also the bands debut studio album. Ho99o9 is a group that combines elements of hip hop, industrial, hardcore, and trip hop. Since their inception in 2012, Ho99o9 have been making a name for themselves with their explosive and adrenaline soaked performances. They’ve shared the stage with bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Street Sects, 3 Teeth and will soon be on tour with Korn and Alice In Chains this summer. Ho99o9 is the type of band that is needed at the moment. Just as things have gotten watered down by bands changing their style to match the atrociousness of groups like Imagine Dragons and Nickelback, Ho99o9 is the plague that is coming to rid us of all that garbage. I for one am very interested to see where this band goes and what sort of danger they bring back to the rock world. Ho99o9 is on the rise and rightfully so.
Ho9909- United States Of Horror:

Band Of The Week: 8mm

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Over the last couple of years I’ve really started getting back into electronic music. Though I’m still a bit picky when it comes to which sub-genres I dig on more. Thankfully I found a band that has all the elements of what I like about electronic music. I’m referring to the band 8mm. Founded by famed producer and mixer Sean Beaven and his wife Juliette, 8mm has been steadily making a name for themselves. You might have even heard some of their music in films and TV shows like “Underworld: Awakening”, “Dirty Little Liars”, “Mistresses”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Nip Tuck”, “Nikita”, “One Tree Hill”, “Shark”, “Cold Case”, “Moonlight”, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” etc. 8mm is more than just great music for soundtracks, they have an element about them that stretches far past that. By combining trip hop, synth wave, and a little pop sensibilities, 8mm stands out among the rest. Their most recent release “Supercrush” has a very cool sexy dance vibe to it with some pop but it also has an edge to it that give it the toughness to be its own thing. Sean’s production work fits perfectly with the vibe of this band. There are certain moments that hark back to his days working with Marilyn Manson on Mechanical Animals. Juliette has a vocal style that is almost Manson-esque at times as well as a little Beth Gibbons from Portishead. 8mm is definitely a band that you should be blasting and having impromptu dance parties with.

 

8mm- Supercrush: