New Release

Another New FAILURE Song!

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It’s official, good music does still exist. Since the news broke of Failure’s reunion, every fan wanted a tour and new music. There was some hesitation on what new material might sound like, and the direction they would go in. To no surprise, Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kelli Scott, did not disappoint. The newest track released “The Focus” sounds like classic Failure set in modern day. The space guitar, the rumbling bass and thumping drums mixed with a catchy vocal melody makes this song very infectious. Take a listen and hear for yourself!

 

By: Brian Lacy

New FAILURE song!!!! Come Crashing

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In conjunction with their first full headlining tour in 17 years, Failure has released a brand new song as well as an exclusive tour EP (only available at shows). The new song entitled “Come Crashing” is exactly what you think new Failure would sound like, AMAZING! Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kelli Scott make beautiful music together and this shows. The production is exquisite and each instrument is mixed so well. Lyrically, it shows a more adult version of the band without taking away what they are known for. Enjoy the first new Failure song in almost 20 years!

 

By: Brian Lacy

Deftones- Smile ( In Honor Of Chi Cheng)

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A couple days ago marked the 1 year death anniversary of Chi Cheng from Deftones. In honor of him the guys in Deftones released a song from the unreleased album EROS. The song is entitled “Smile.” The album was shelved after Chi was involved in a car accident which left him in a coma for years. This song is quite exquisite and explore more of the etherial ambient side of the band. Chi was a very energetic member of the band. His presence alone is very much missed. Sergio Vega (of Quicksand and also a cousin of Chi’s) was brought in after Chi’s accident. I had the pleasure of meeting Chi a couple times and he was one of the nicest most genuine people ever.

Smile:

 

By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Sevendust- Time Travelers and Bonfires

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Sevendust has always been consistent on releasing new music. Following the release and tour for their last album Black Out The Sun, they didn’t waste anytime and got right back into writing mode. In late 2013, Sevendust used crowd funding (a subject that will get a lengthy write up soon) to help get their new album Time Travelers and Bonfires done. What came from that was an acoustic album featuring 6 new songs and 6 older songs redone. The end result is quite spectacular. The more stripped down Sevendust gets, the more it shows how good they really are. Lajon Witherspoon has one of the best voices in rock music and showcases it especially on the song “Under It All.” Musically this album really helps to shed light on how good these guys are at songwriting. New songs like “Upbeat Sugar,” “Come Down” could’ve been songs in the more traditional Sevendust style, but they really do fit better in this atmosphere. The “old” songs that were redone really come across in a new light. “Black” from their debut album and “Denial” from Home are done in such a away that it seems like they are entirely new songs.

As I’ve previously written Sevendust are definitely worth taking another look. And now with this release, it really shows that Sevendust are a band that should be taken seriously. Do yourself a favor and give this a good listen and you’ll see what I mean!

 

Stream The Album Below:

https://soundcloud.com/guitarworld/sets/sevendust-time-travelers-bonfires

 

By: Brian Lacy

Crosses Full Length Review

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A lot can be said for when side projects become as good as a main project. With that being said Crosses is just that. Made up of Chino Moreno (Deftones, Team Sleep, Palms), Shaun Lopez (Far, The Revolution Smile) and Chuck Doom, this trio has created something rather special. I’ve written about them before, but I can’t get enough. They recently released their full length album. It combines the first 2 EP’s with 5 new songs. It was also put together in such an order to make a cohesive album. The new songs are just as good as their previous release, especially Bitches Brew, The Epilogue, and Blk Stallion. The mix of influences from each member and the amount of talent that each possess create such an intriguing blend. This album is great for driving around, gearing up for a night out, sitting at home and relaxing and for baby making. Crosses live is a whole different animal. Having Dino Campanella on drums and Jono Evans on guitar/keys, rounds out the entire sound. When I first saw them they had 2 drummers. Dino plays in such a way that it is almost like there are still 2 drummers there. Chino has such a distinctive voice that can be soothing as well as ferocious. Shaun has a signature guitar tone that many people try to emulate from his days in Far. Mixing those elements with an electronic sound is unbeatable.

Chino has said that this is not something that will keep him from Deftones. In fact he’s recently said that he can’t wait to get back with his Deftones bandmates to work on the follow up to their great album Koi No Yokan, not to mention working on new music with Team Sleep and Palms. It’s only mid february and I can already tell that this album will be in constant rotation for me and will probably be in my top 10 of the year

 

Crosses:

 

Previous Write Up:

https://audioeclectica.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/crosses-not-just-a-supergroup-or-side-project/?relatedposts_exclude=1045

By: Brian Lacy

New Release: And We Are Them- Align

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Last weeks band of the week And We Are Them released their new EP “Align” today. It’s a short yet sweet collection of songs. The 4 songs encapsulate their eruption of sound and urgency of the lyrics. Below you will find the link to listen/buy their EP. It is definitely worth the $4 they are selling it for.

http://andwearethem.bandcamp.com/album/align

https://www.facebook.com/AndWeAreThem

By: Brian Lacy

Crosses (not just a “Supergroup” or “Side Project”)

When the term “side project” is thrown out in the public most people’s reactions are quite speculative. Throughout the past few years there has been a number of “Supergroups” that have formed and have failed miserably, though there are now two that stand out and surpass the “supergroup” and “side project name. The first being Them Crooked Vultures (featuring Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones) and followed in a close second is Crosses (featuring Chino Moreno of Deftones, Shaun Lopez of Far/The Revolution Smile, and Chuck Doom)

In late 2011, Crosses released their first EP. This collection was met with great anticipation and was quite intriguing to fans of all the members involved. From the moment the first song “This Is A Trick” kicks in there is no denying that this was going to move you. Every ounce of the individuals working on this project is included in the songs especially my personal favorite (from the first E.P. “The Holy Ghost”. It’s a wonderful blend of electronic music mixed with the warm subtleties of alternative, all the while showcasing the talents of Chino Moreno as a vocalist and lyricist and Shaun Lopez’s guitar and production work.

Come to January of 2012 and E.P. number two was released, continuing where the first one left off. The collection of songs on the second E.P. have a more live feel to them allowing the listener to really grasp the raw feel but at the same time have the same effect that they felt from the first E.P. The stand out track “Telepathy” has a fun good time dance vibe to it that makes you want to get up and and start moving.

Crosses recently went out on tour and I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to witness their first show at the Glass House in Pomona. They played every song they had including the B-side “The Years” and a new track that had the audience silent just listening. While it was the first show, and of course there were the fair share of routine sound issues, they certainly didn’t disappoint. Their live band consisted of Chris Robyn (from FAR on drums), Dino Campanella (from Dredg on drums/keyboards), Jono Evans (From Endless Hallway on guitar/keyboards), Chuck Doom (bass), Shaun Lopez (guitar/keyboards) and Chino Moreno (vocals).

The set while short, sure hit every note and struck a chord with all in attendance. There is no denying that once these guys have a few more shows under their belts, Crosses will be one amazing entity live.

Do yourself a favor and head over to their site www.crossesmusic.com and download both E.P.’s you will be completely satisfied that you did, and it will leave you wanting more from them soon!