Still In Rotation

NEW MUSIC: SEPTEMBER EDITION

I’ve been a bit behind on a ton of releases so I thought why not put a whole bunch of good stuff into one place. Part of the fun of Audioeclectica is the opportunity to share all sorts of different music/genres with you all. This batch is one of the most eclectic ones in quite a while. You’ve got rock, metal, alternative, and more. Enjoy these and let me know what you’re digging!

SINGLES:

The Barbarians Of California- Modern Fashion:

Last year The Barbarians Of California released their debut album, And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth. It’s a total awesome throwback to the mid/late 90’s hardcore. Reminds me a bit of Snapcase, Strife and some other gems from the time. Their new single, “Modern Fashion,” is an absolute banger! Definitely check this out! Also it’s great to have Aaron Bruno and Eric Stenman back together! I grew up in the same area of these guys and their early hardcore bands were always a blast to hear and see!

Foreign Film- Santa Clara:

Are you a fan of the band Will Haven? If so then you’ll dig this for sure. Even if you aren’t a fan of Will Haven, I think you will dig Foreign Film. Made up of members of Will Haven, Foreign Film is a departure from the pulsating heaviness and instead brings about a most atmospheric and soundscape textured sound to the table. Combining influences like The Cure, Pink Floyd, Hum, and more, you can definitely hear the more cinematic approach to this. Really looking forward to more of this!

Greyhaven- Cemetery Sun:

Greyhaven is band I’ve recently gotten into. Really dig the heaviness of the band and the little intricacies found throughout the songs. There are moments when I listen to them that it reminds me of Every Time I Die with a bit more melody. This new song “Cemetery Sun” is a ripping track with soaring melodies and a whole vibe on its own. Their new album, Keep It Quiet is out October 10. Definitely be on the lookout for this one.

Paz Lenchantin- Hang Tough:

This is exciting. Paz Lenchantin formerly of A Perfect Circle, Zwan and Pixies is going to be releasing her debut solo album, Trieste, on October 17. If you are familiar with Paz, you know she is beyond talented. On her debut album, Paz mixes some really cool elements to make music that is very much aligned with a particular vibe. There’s rock throughout but the addition of folk, Latin, strings along with the drums of Josh Freese and guitars of Troy Van Leeuwen, makes this a really interesting one to vibe out to.

Soul Blind- Hide Your Evil:

A little while back a friend of mine suggested I check out Soul Blind, and after doing so, I was hooked. If you are searching for a new band that really gets the 90’s sound in the right wat, Soul Blind is the one! This new track find the band embracing new ground by delving into some post-hardcore territory a la Quicksand and Deftones. Their new album, Red Sky Mourning, is out October 10.

ALBUMS:

Boneflower- Reveries:

I love when I listen to a band without knowing anything about them and it being awesome. That’s what happened when I first heard Reveries by Boneflower. The sheer intensity really drives this album. It’s chock full of emotion and musically the dynamic shapes makes for a very fun listen. If you’ve heard of the band Birds In Row, this band is for you! Definitely check out Boneflower and this album!

Chevelle- Bright As Blasphemy:

Chevelle is one of those bands that is quite consistent on releasing solid heavy rock albums. While this one might not be groundbreaking it’s still a really good album. Throughout the 9 tracks it’s very apparent that Chevelle is experimenting a bit with some different styles and textures. If the last album was the album Tool should’ve made, this new one is more in line with A Perfect Circle meets Helmet. There one song in particular that has me playing it on repeat and that track is called “Hallucinations.” What a great song! If you just want a solid heavy rock album, check out Bright As Blasphemy.

In Transmission- Betterment:

The post-hardcore genre has undergone a lot of changes over the years but, the one constant about the genre is the music is always emotionally charged and hard driving. And when I heard In Transmission’s new EP, that is exactly what I heard while at the same time adding a much deeper approach with atmospheric sounds to expand the space. Produced by Beau Burchell, Betterment is a record that shows much growth in the band as well as being songwriters. I really enjoy this one and think you will too.

Lucie Sue- Battle Station:

I’m always on the lookout for new music and the other day I got sent an album that again, I knew nothing about the artist and when I put it on, I immediately knew I was in for a treat. Lucie Sue is a force of nature for sure. Musically it’s got a punk rock edge, with a dash of Motely Crue swagger and sleeve, and a whole lot of 90’s attitude a la L7 or even Hole. Battle Station is one hell of a record that’s full of raw ferocity and razor sharp teeth that cuts through all the bullshit. I’ve been really enjoying this album and hope there’s a US tour soon!

WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO: APRIL EDITION

Over the past couple weeks I’ve been diving into some new tunes that have peaked my interest. Some of these are new albums and a couple are ones that I’ve revisited because it’s been a minute since I listened to it. Here’s 10 albums that I’ve been listening to. Take a listen and enjoy!

01) Idle Heirs- Life Is Violence: I love this album. It’s the best album I’ve heard all year. This debut album has definitely made it’s way to my list of best debuts of all time. Read more about this album HERE and be sure to check this one out! IT’S A MUST! I should note that I haven’t gone a day without listening to this album since I got it. It’s That Good!



02) Pale Rider- 1 to 0: This album came across my email a couple weeks back and I quite enjoyed this one. I’ve been searching for all sorts of different types of bands of late and Pale Rider was one of the ones that stood out. 1 to 0 is a really fun spring/summer album. It’s a great alternative rock album that explores bits of dream pop, shoegaze and ambience. It’s also a pleasure to hear vocalist Rus Martin again. Always have enjoyed his style and lyric approaches (remember Hotwire? or Eyelid? I know I sure do). Give this record a spin!!




03) Chimaira- Chimaira: It’s been a while since I last listened to this album and I forgot what a beast this album is. I’d really have to say this is the best Chimaira album. It’s one of those albums you can tell they really put their all into it. It’s definitely one of the best heavy albums of the last 25 years. Usually self titled albums are “statement” albums, and this one is no different in that it takes no prisoners and it’s an all out assault of heaviness. This is an unsung masterpiece of an album! Also fun tidbits. This video was shot at the old Cobalt Cafe in the San Fernando Valley. Also, yours truly is in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIScWpfZ2Z4&list=OLAK5uy_kW7__uA0HD7-MlGnOF6n9G1z0G_rZ4Fsk


04) Guiltless- Teeth To Sky: This is another album I’m stuck on. I’ve really been enjoying all the nuances that this album packs into it. Plus the optimism that radiates throughout the album is quite a treat from the usual doom and gloom that is associated with this style of music. Teeth To Sky is one of those albums that will grow on you the more you listen. And once you let it’s teeth sink in, it’s quite the wonderful listening experience



05) The Smashing Pumpkins- Aghorri Mhorri Mei: This is a great album! If you have been craving an old school Smashing Pumpkins album that is more aligned with their 90’s era, then you really should listen to this one! It’s quite the album. This is another album I have yet to take out of rotation. It’s refreshing to hear them go back to that sound a bit while still pushing boundaries of what alternative music can reach. I’m really hoping there is a US tour for this album because these songs need to be heard and played live!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNOFLu40NzY&list=OLAK5uy_nRnbe2-k5CxdkxL140Fs1baQuL8Dmrgf4&index=2

06) Spiritbox- Tsunami Sea: Over the last couple years I’ve really come to like Spiritbox. Their album Eternal Blue was quite good. Their follow up EP, The Fear Of Fear really got me interested in where this band can go and then they released their new album, Tsunami Sea. This new album is pretty damn good. It’s nothing groundbreaking or reinventing the wheel but, it’s solid and packs quite the punch. There’s also a lot of different twists and turns on the album that peaks your listening interest to listen again and again. Looking forward to seeing them live at the Palladium in May.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_l4FsWfBiw&list=OLAK5uy_mfdx_C0pR6XdVKoGGoXHVRdQlvEVtjw0c&index=2


07) Coheed And Cambria- Vaxis III- The Father Of Make Believe: I’ve quite enjoyed this album. It’s one of their most focused albums in a minute. This album reminds me a bit of Good Apollo IV and Second Stage Turbine. There’s some truly epic moments on this album as with any good Coheed album. And the songs themselves shine. This is one of the more fun albums I’ve listened to this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSckI-66MsI&list=OLAK5uy_kYxvSUMUzqSpw6MFitvmIBeXjFosoWKzI


08) Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible: Talk about fun albums. I still can’t get enough of this album. When I need a good pick me up, this is a great one to go for. I just saw Better Lovers live again and it was awesome. They have fast become one of my favorite new bands and bands to see live. Their energy is infectious and makes you want to keep the album on repeat. I look forward to what else is to come from Better Lovers as I feel this is only the beginning of something pretty spectacular!



09) Stone Temple Pilots- Purple: Sometimes you just need a classic to listen to. Every time I put this album on, I get this warm sensation that comes over me like a warm blanket. This album is a masterpiece. There isn’t one thing wrong with this record. If you haven’t listened to Purple in a while, you should change that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd-6Dokk3Jg&list=OLAK5uy_kw5inENBPxMWfRS4zjTGI7VFIySuwp7U4&index=2

10) Nine Inch Nails- The Fragile: This is my all time favorite album. It’s the album I constantly put on if I can’t think of anything to listen to. The Fragile is another absolute masterpiece. Not to take away from any of the other albums in the NIN catalog, this one though, it’s just otherworldly. For the past 26 years of listening to this album it’s never gotten old. It still sounds fresh to my ears and it still gets me in the feels every time. If you haven’t listened to The Fragile in a long time, that should be on your list too!

Still In Rotation: May 2023 Edition

The month of May is almost over which means that half the year is almost over. In the past few months there have been a few records that I’ve had in constant rotation. Some of these are older albums and some are brand spanking new. Either way, they have yet to leave my constant music rotation and I thought I’d share these with you all. Each of these picks are ones you should definitely check out!

01) Iress- Solace: Ever since I heard this EP, I haven’t gone a day without listening to it. It’s so damn good. This album hits you in all the feels and yet it’s so seductive and beautiful. Iress are beyond the real deal and I can’t wait for what’s to come for this band!



02) Metallica- 72 Seasons: As a lifelong Metallica fan, I’m stoked on this new one from the metal legends. From start to finish this one really gets the blood pumping. There’s a song for every type of Metallica fan on here as well. My favorite track as of now is still the final song “Inamorata.” When you hear this epic, you’ll know why!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rVIEj7zgOo&list=OLAK5uy_n6uvWtPMQKdHnMVkv7_cHg5cccUOY7C80

03) Unearth- The Wretched / The Ruinous: This new Unearth album is a blistering and heavy record. It’s got everything you know and love about Unearth and then some. One of the things I love most about this record is that it’s uncompromising and delivers banger after banger. This is what “MetalCore” should sound like, not this new laptop backing track bullshit!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izyWy-Ddkn0&list=OLAK5uy_m56JCuvfEHEiyB_FZI7gLmgjFoUIacxg4

04) Billy Howerdel- What Normal Was: There’s something really fun about Billy Howerdel’s first “solo” album. There’s a lot to delve into on this and with each listen you start to notice these little nuances the more it all comes to life. One of the things that I love about this album is that it sounds classic in it’s approach but doesn’t rely on “nostalgia.” Just listen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y53s9T3yK0&list=OLAK5uy_lmaMikWU5mcOpp1av6RomasnczeBe9OYc

05) Placebo- Never Let Me Go: Placebo’s long awaited new album came out last year and it’s chock full of gems. Now on their 8th studio album, this album still has the “classic” sound but with a a few new experiments. These new sounds and approaches show that even this far into their career, complacency is not in their vocabulary

06) She Wants Revenge- She Wants Revenge: It’s been a minute since I listened to this album. The other day, randomly I had part of “Tear You Apart” stuck in my head and from there I felt compelled to put this one on. I forgot how wellput together this album is. It’s got all the post-punk goodness in it along with some other elements that make for a really solid debut album. Glad to see that they are back out playing again. I remember seeing them many years ago and it being a really good show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPSHQqCY6NI&list=OLAK5uy_kx2MdxeuP72f_r4qahkvoo8u2nf7lAVk0

07) Rancid- …And Out Come The Wolves: Ever since it was announced that Rancid are returning with a new album, I’ve been on a bit of a Rancid kick. Their first 5 albums are unfuckwithable! They are punk rock classics in my book. Their 1995 album …And Out Come The Wolves is a true classic for sure. From the moment track one starts with “Maxwell Murder” all the way to track 19 “The Way I Feel,” it’s a non-stop ride of punk, ska punk, and then some. All these years later and this album still burns bright!

08) Emma Ruth Rundle- On Dark Horses: I love this album. It’s so damn good. There aren’t enough adjectives to properly describe it. There’s a beauty in the darkness that resides throughout this album. Even on her most recent album, Engine Of Hell (which you should listen to as well) there is no stopping Emma. She’s one of the most honest artists out there. Everything about her music, lyrics and self is real. Each time I listen to her albums, I always finds something else to enjoy about them.

09) Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed: This is one of my favorite albums of 2022 and I still get a kick out of listening to this one. After seeing them live, this album took on a whole new form for me. Knowing that these songs are that much more bombastic live makes listening to the album all the more enjoyable. Dimensional Bleed is an album that should be recognized not just as a great album but one that will inspire others.

10) Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell: My favorite album of 2022 and I still haven’t stopped listening to this one. Everything about this album is phenomenal. The performances, songs, riffs, rhythms, lyrics, melodies and more all make up a truly great album. In the span of a couple years, Greg has put out 2 of the best albums of the last few years and he just keeps going. If you haven’t listened to Mirrorcell, I highly recommend that you change that. I love this album and everything about it!


Still In Rotation: July 2022

There are certain albums that I’ve been stuck on since they came out this year. They have yet to leave my stereo at home, the car or even my mind. So I thought, I’d share a few of these with you and give a little explanation as to why they are stuck in my head. I hope you take some time to check out these albums and bands/artists. Enjoy these!

01) Greg Puciato- Mirrorcell: This is my Album Of The Year. From the moment this album starts till it ends, it completely takes you over. You feel every emotion and feeling conveyed. The music on this album is pure and honest just as the lyrics are. I can’t put into words at the moment to tell you how important this album is and how amazing it really is. I have most of songs off this album playing in my head at all times. This is the type of album that will be with you forever. That’s how great it is!

02) Centershift- A Different Shade: I love this band. I’m a little biased as I work with them but, putting that aside, it’s a really great introduction to Centershift. The melodic heaviness along with the vulnerability in the songs makes this EP stand out. Plus it’s great to have these guys back playing music and doing what they love. And go see them live, it’s one hell of a show!

03) Billy Howerdel- What Normal Was: This record is quite a good album. The thing I love most about this album is what Billy said about the making of it. (I’m paraphrasing) This is the album he truly wanted to make since he was a kid but done in a more modern way and the end result is the best thing he’s done since Ashes Divide. This album pays homage to his love of 80’s new wave (especially Depeche Mode) and it’s done in a respectful way that doesn’t seem like it’s a derivative copy. Plus the live versions of these songs are on a different level.

04) Baroness- Gold & Grey: This album came out in 2019 but I’m still digging it. I love the fact that this is an actual album and the more that you listen it the more you hear just how damn good Baroness is and how far they’ve come. The addition of guitarist Gina Gleason really took this band to a different level and you can hear that on this album. Her ability to play off of each other member and add her own flair to the songs is astounding. This album is one of the bands best and it shows every time I listen to it.

05) If It Kills You- Invisible Self: This band is one of my all time favorite bands I’ve written about on Audioeclectica. The first time I heard If It Kills You, I immediately started the album over. This year they released one of the best albums of the year. It’s one of those records that feels very inspired and focused. There is a lot to take in with each listen which makes it a contagious record to listen to.

06) Cave In- Heavy Pendulum: Another great album that came out in 2022 was this one by Cave In. It’s got all the elements that you’ve come to love about the band and then some. The loss of Caleb Scofield left a huge hole but, the addition of longtime friend Nate Newton (of Converge/Doomriders) has more than filled that spot with his contributions but also his spirit in carrying on what Caleb brought to the band. Heavy Pendulum is an album that deserves to be played loud and proudly.

07) In Parallel- Fashioner: I’m still stuck on this album. I love it. It’s the perfect album to put on and let it just take you away. The soundscapes mixed with the instrumentation and the lyrics and melodies really put you in a sort of trance. It’s one of those albums that you wish didn’t end. I can’t wait for what they are cooking up for their next release

08) The Pretty Reckless- Death By Rock N Roll: This is one of my daughter’s favorite bands and albums. She is always requesting I put it on and the next thing I know she’s singing along to pretty much all the songs. While listening to the album you can definitely hear the true growth in Taylor Momson as a singer and songwriter. This is quite possibly the best album this band has put out yet. The song “Only Love Can Save Me Now” is one of the best rock songs I’ve heard in a long time plus it doesn’t hurt to have Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron of Soundgarden on the track. Check out this album if you are in the market for a really good rock album.

09) Every Time I Die- Radical: I’ve been stuck on this one since I came out. I’m still sad that the band is no more but, as a final parting gift, they sure did give us one last album that is absolutely phenomenal. Every time I put this record on, I can’t skip a song. It’s a really great album that never got the proper treatment with tours and all the great things Every Time I Die brought to the table. Still, as a swan song album, what a way to go out!

10) Quicksand- Distant Populations: This is another album that I can’t get to leave my rotation. I love this album. It’s everything Iove about Quicksand and then some. Seeing them live on this cycle was out of this world, especially with the addition of Cave In’s Stephen Brodsky on second guitar. This album is more than just a great album, it sounds absolutely killer. If you are looking for a heavy rock record, this is one where you should start!

Still In Rotation: January 2022
audioeclectica-radio-logo.jpg

This is a fun topic to get into. I listen to a ton of music on a constant basis but, there are always certain albums or songs that just stay with me and I’m compelled to continuously keep them in rotation. Being that we are only a few weeks into 2022, I still have a few albums and songs that have remained in constant play. So here’s a few albums and songs that I can’t stop listening to!

Songs:

01) Centershift- My Own World (Single):

This song is tremendous. It’s the right amount of melodic rock that I dig. The accompanying video for this song is stunning and really captures the essence of the song. Definitely give this song a few spins and check out Centershift at their upcoming shows.


02) Quicksand- Colossus (Live Version):

The moment I heard this song from Quicksand’s new album, I was hooked. This song is so damn good. The riffs and rhythms along with the vocals/lyrics are superb. I had the pleasure of seeing Quicksand live a couple months back and they absolitely rocked the Troubadour. Plus having Stephen Brodsky (Cave In, Old Man Gloom, Mutoid Man, etc) on tour with them as their second guitarist and hearing him play on these new/old songs was out of this world amazing! If you haven’t heard the new Quicksand album, you should get on that!


03) Sparta- Air (Live Version):

I still remember when the debut Sparta album Wiretap Scars came out. I remember putting the album on and letting it play. A couple songs into it and then I dead stopped and started the song that just ended again. I was in total awe. That song was “Air” and it hit me at the right time. This is a perfect example of a great song with great dynamics. I remember too seeing them live back when this album came out in 2002/2003 and when they played this song live, oh my! Listen and you’ll see why almost 20 years later this song is still a gem!

04) Jane’s Addiction- Three Days (Live Version 1998 w/ Flea on Bass):

A friend of mine has been looking to expand his musical palate and I’ve been recommending bands for him to delve deep into. One of the ones I suggested was Jane’s Addiction. Naturally, I went back into the Jane’s catalog a bit too but more on the side of demos and live versions. One of my favorite eras of the band was around their Relapse reunion and Kettle Whistle album release. During this time Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Jane’s for a tour and he was awesome with them. The first time I saw Jane’s was around this time and it’s forever been stuck in my head. Enjoy this one!!


05) Blink 182 with Robert Smith of The Cure- All Of This:

The other day I had a song stuck in my head but just the music and I couldn’t figure out who it was. fast forward a few hours later and I figured it out. The end result was a killer collaboration between Robert Smith of The Cure and Blink 182. On the latter’s untitled 2003 album there is a track on it called “All Of This” and it’s so damn good. Hearing this song back in 2003 was what made me buy their album. Actually, the untitled album is a great album and the best thing Blink ever did! This song is one of those that you will want to put on repeat for sure.


ALBUMS:

01) Failure- Wild Type Droid:



02) Jimmy Eat World- Static Prevails:


03) Converge- Bloodmoon I:


04) Deaf Club- Productive Disruption:


05) Trivium- In The Court Of The Dragon:

Still In Rotation: May 2021
audioeclectica-radio-logo.jpg

I thought this would be a fun new topic and I can showcase a few albums that have been in my constant rotation for a while now. It’s all over the place genre wise too which makes this topic quite fun. I don’t believe in guilty pleasures anymore. Like whatever music you like. Enjoy it and play it loud! Here are 5 albums to sink your teeth into this week!

01) If It Kills You- Infinite Hum:

This band is absolutely fantastic. They’ve got this really great post-hardcore vibe mixed with the right amount of 90’s alternative. One of the best new bands I’ve heard since the turn of the century. Just by listening to this album too, you can feel the energy just waiting to burst out.


02) In Parallel- Fashioner:

Another fantastic band that should be on your radar. This album in particular has yet to leave my record player or my bedtime playlist since I got it. The perfect balance of ambient and heavy along with bits of shoegaze and dream pop. You can get swept away by this album. It truly is phenomenal.

03) Genghis Tron- Dream Weapon:

So far in 2021, this is my album of the year. This is 100% an album and it should be played that way. It’s a journey all in itself. Everything about it from the layers, tones, songs, performances it all comes together to make a masterful album. Not only is it my album of the year, it’s also one of the best comeback albums I’ve ever heard. This is an album that, like the other two above, deserves your attention.

04) Greg Puciato- Child Soldier; Creator Of God:

This was my album of the year for 2020 and I’ve yet to go a day without listening to at least a few of the songs. As a whole, it’s a masterpiece. One of the coolest and best solo albums out there. There’s so much to digest on this that every listen you find yourself getting more and more into it. I could go into a ton of detail about how amazing this album is but, it’s more fun for you to listen.

05) Rob Zombie- The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy:

This is one of the best albums Rob Zombie has been involved in. It’s got parts that are reminiscent of White Zombie as well as early Rob solo. This is just a really fun album. It’s the album that fans have been wanting and it delivers for damn sure. I recommend this album when you need a good jolt of energy and some fun in your life.