New Release

New Release: Bush- More Than Machines

Bush is back with a pretty rockin new track from their upcoming album, The Art Of Survival. The first song released “More Than Machines” is a solid rocker from start to finish. It continues off of the band’s previous album The Kingdom, which saw the band step up the heaviness a bit and I’d throw in a little bit of Gavin’s post Bush band in the mid 00’s Insitutue to the fold too. This track Gavin said “This is an action-packed song with three really big topics. Off the bat, I don’t understand how anyone has the audacity to get involved or assume responsibility for women’s bodies. I wanted to reference that because it’s important to discuss. As much as the song is about the destruction of women’s rights, it’s about the destruction of the planet and the move for A.I. and a world of robots to replace us. It’s a topic we’ve heard since the fifties. I’m not here to teach anything though; my job is medieval like a town crier. I come into town with my elixirs and sing about it, so it hopefully goes out into the universe.” “More Than Machines” is a track that will leave Bush fans excited and happy till the new album comes out October 7.


Bush- More Than Machines:

Bush- More Than Machines (Live):

Anticipated Albums: Spirit In The Room- Flamingo

One of my the releases I’ve anticipated most in 2022 is FINALLY almost here. I’ve long been a fan of this band. I’ve said numerous times they are the best live band in Los Angeles and I stand by that! Throughout their career so far, Spirit In The Room have been conquering venues, slaying audiences and making rock music feel dangerous again. Now, the wait is over as Spirit In The Room is about to unleash their new EP, Flamingo on August 26 via Housecore Records. For those of you that don’t know, Spirit In The Room comes from the vision of Louisiana-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dennis R. Sanders. Joining him on this journey through this crazy world is Kevin Sepriano (Guitar) and Phillip Bailey (Drums/Percussion). Spirit In The Room is the type of band that is unpredictable in a great way. The intensity that radiates from Dennis is infectious and a bit unsettling but, that’s part of the charm that makes this band great. The first song released from Flamingo is “The Bird Of Paradise Alights Only Upon The Hand That Does Not Grasp” is one hell of a way to introduce this release. It’s a song that has a groove that gets under you and the next thing you know, your head is in a particular mind space and the music is in you. Personally, I can’t wait for this release. Its been a long time coming but, it will be worth the wait!

Spirit In The Room- The Bird Of Paradise Alights Only Upon The Hand That Does Not Grasp:

PRE ORDER FLAMINGO HERE- https://spiritintheroom.bandcamp.com/album/flamingo

New Release: Centershift- From Where We Are

There comes a time in every bands career where they find their stride and sound. Thankfully with Centershift, we didn’t have to wait too long for that moment to come. Their first EP, A Different Shade was an introduction to the band and their first offering to the musical world to get things started. This new single “From Where We Are” from their upcoming second EP, is the sound of a band that has grown by leaps and bounds in a short time but, has also dialed in on something that resonates not only on a listener level but on a different musical level all together. The soaring melodies, driving rhythms and deep/profound lyrics on “From Where We Are” make this beyond a stand out track. The way the imagery of the words hits as the guitars, bass and drums create this swell, makes you feel as though you are in the middle of the wave as it goes over you. Centershift is on to something with their melodic heavy rock and it stands out among all the generic and tackiness that is on the airwaves most of the time. This song and upcoming EP is next level for Centershift. I hope you are along for the ride.


Centershift- From Where We Are:

And On All Other Streaming Platforms:

https://frontl.ink/n13xmnb?fbclid=IwAR3RGjhcZmdrKtBhiQWhYBZLQMrY8PKnjbHsdkFnUYEPNYQEOAdV8EUxqXI

New Release: Muse- Kill Or Be Killed

It’s been a long time since I heard a Muse song that I liked. Probably have to go back to the album Black Holes and Revelations for that. Anyways, recently I heard another new Muse song that brought back their actual guitar playing and today they dropped this new single “Kill Or Be Killed” that is pretty damn good. It’s nice to hear Muse going back to the days of playing rock music and moving away from the dreadful electronic almost Imagine Dragons-esque crap they were putting out!

Muse- Kill Or Be Killed:

Anticipated Albums: Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts

In today’s world of heavy music, it takes a lot to get my blood pumping. There are so many generic boring wannabe type metal bands out there but, in the end, they really just don’t get it. Thankfully, some bands in heavy music do get it and the end result for those are aces above the rest. A while back I heard of a new band/project that peaked my interest and now their full length album is upon us. Allow me to introduce you to Thoughtcrimes. This band is absolutely badass. Their sound is a bit of hardcore mixed with metal (but not “metalcore”), a bit of groove and just the right tinge of melody to give it that extra bit of oomph to capture you. Produced by Mike Watts, the 11-song album is an unrelenting kick to your face while at the same time daring to challenge you. The three songs released so far including “Panopticon,” “The Drowning Man,” the most recent “Keyhole Romance” are superb, with the latter being one of the more ambitious songs the band has written yet. Throughout the album (yes I’ve heard it and I will save a full review till closer to release day), you find yourself more and more immersed in what is happening. The bits of ambience are seductive, then the pummeling of riffs and rhythms take you on a whirlwind. Thoughtcrimes is one of the bands of today that not only should be one of your favorite heavy bands but those “other bands” I mentioned at the beginning should be taking notes from these guys on how to do it right!

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE!!!!!

Keyhole Romance:

Panopticon:

The Drowning Man:

Anticipated Albums: Dead Cross- Dead Cross II

The long awaited second album from Mike Patton, Justin Pearson, Dave Lombardo and Michael Crain aka Dead Cross is just about here. On October 28th (via Ipecac Recordings), Dead Cross returns with an abrasive and socio-political 9 song record that will leave you in shambles. The album, while both a ravenous hardcore collection, and at times, a politically-charged opus, has its roots in friendship, with the band rallying together after Crain received a surprise cancer diagnosis. “Words can’t even begin to describe how much this album means to me. It’s birthed of pain and uncertainty,” explains Crain. “The slow, excruciatingly painful, and nauseating recovery from cancer treatments were the catalyst for every riff and note on this album. However, my will to live and be with my brothers Justin, Dave, Mike, and co-producer Ross Robinson, got me out of bed and running into the studio every day to get it all on tape.” And that couldn’t be more true. This album although only 9 songs is unrelenting and what you’d want in a follow up to the band’s 2017 debut.

The first song releases “Reign Of Error” has an interesting backstory to it. “’Reign of Error’ was recorded almost as quickly as it was written and I believe there’s a very good explanation for it,” adds Crain. “I haven’t told anybody this before, least of all the rest of the band or Ross, but I honestly felt a strong presence in the studio that day. Those riffs flew out of me and when Dave sat down at his kit it was almost as if we’d played that song a thousand times before. It literally just happened so fast. Bam! One take. I’m not trying to paint a dark or fantasy-like story either. Having just escaped death and still healing from my cancer treatments I was incredibly sensitive to energy and the other side. There was someone else there. Not evil but benevolent and inspiring. I honestly believe it was Dave’s old bandmate and friend Jeff. I think he just wanted to jam with his friend again and perhaps did so through me. There I said it. Whether people believe it or not I really don’t care. I’m just grateful that I had that experience.”

Personally, I’ve been very excited for this new release from Dead Cross. I throughly enjoyed the debut and am stoked on this one for sure. October 28th can’t come soon enough. Now, lets just hope they tour it!!!


Dead Cross- Reign Of Error:

New Release: The Cult- Give Me Mercy

I remember when I was a little kid watching MTV and there was a band that I saw their video for and I became very intrigued by them. The first song I heard and video of their’s was “She Sells Sanctuary.” There was something about it that clicked. Then fast forward a little bit and then the release of their album Sonic Temple came out and “Fire Woman” was all over MTV and I couldn’t get enough. From that point, I became a fan of The Cult. Throughout the years, I’ve still followed them and they still bring it each time. Their most recent albums have been really, really good (check out the albums Choice Of Weapon and Hidden City, soooooo good!). Anyways, today The Cult announced their next album and released a killer single to go along with the news. THE CULT will release its new album, “Under The Midnight Sun”, on October 7 via Black Hill Records. The LP was produced by Tom Dalgety (PIXIES, GHOST, ROYAL BLOOD) the first single, “Give Me Mercy”, is classic Cult with a bit more of an etherial twist. Speaking on the song, singer Ian Astbury said “I was absolutely enamored with this piece of music Billy Duffy (note: he’s a very underrated guitarist and songwriter) had written, and it perfectly fit these thoughts I’d been having about our culture’s need to move past assumptions of duality. We need new language because words can’t express where we’re going.” With Billy adding “‘Give Me Mercy’ has all the hallmarks of the new classic CULT to my ears … fresh yet familiar.” That couldn’t be more true. The Cult have a signature sound and that is heard on the song but, there is something new to it that gives it the fresh feel!

The Cult- Give Me Mercy:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=d_4DJGSbwcU%3Fstart%3D229

New Release: Cowboy Destroy-Married Mercy

One of the most exciting new bands that I came across this past year is definitely Cowboy Destroy. They have this really cool garage rock meets indie rock sound with a tinge of punk rock a la the Riot Girl era. I’ve had the pleasure to see them live a couple times and even put them on one of our Cobalt Presents shows (which if you haven’t been to one, you should get your ass out to a show. It’s a total blast). Cowboy Destroy is one of those bands that combines all their influences and inspirations to create something that is passionate and believable. There is not one contrived element in this band. Their new single “Married Mercy” shows the diversity of the band. It’s a step into the evolution of a band growing and truly finding their own niche in the scene. When you see Cowboy Destroy is playing live near you, go see them!!!


Cowboy Destroy- Married Mercy:

New Release: Deaf Club- If You Eat A Rat, It Might Taste Good

One of my favorite releases of 2022 so far has come from the band Deaf Club. They have a ferocious and frantic energy that makes for some really killer heavy songs and a revitalization of sorts of what the “punk” genre should actually sound like. Recently, Deaf Club dropped a new EP called Bad Songs Forever. On this EP there is a track called “If You Eat A Rat, It Might Taste Good” that every time I hear it, I want to start a mosh pit. Deaf Club is the type of band that is carrying the flag at a time when society is on its last legs and a revolution is needed via music. Check out this killer track!

Deaf Club- If You Eat A Rat, It Might Taste Good:


Deaf Club- Bad Songs Forever EP:

New Release: The Mars Volta- Blacklight Shine

It was teased over the weekend and now it’s here… NEW MUSIC FROM THE MARS VOLTA! This is the band’s first new music to emerge online since their 2012 album “Noctourniquet.“ The song “Blacklight Shine” does seem to pick up where Noctourniquet left off. So for those of you wanting that follow up to Deloused, you’ll have to keep waiting. Either way, it’s nice to have The Mars Volta back who also just announced a 13 date Fall Tour this year as well.

The Mars Volta-Blacklight Shine:


The Mars Volta- Blacklight Shine (Official Video-Extended Version):


The Mars Volta 2022 Tour Dates:

09/23 Dallas, TX – The Factory in Deep Ellum
09/25 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
09/27 Philadelphia, PA – The Metropolitan Opera House
09/29 New York, NY – Terminal 5
10/01 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/03 Washington, DC – The Anthem
10/05 Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
10/06 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
10/08 Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
10/11 Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
10/14 Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
10/18 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
10/21 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium