No matter how many times I’ve listened to Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures, I always find something new to love about it. For a long time I’ve been really getting into all the sounds and instruments they used on this album and live. Which brings me to today’s article. The final song on Unknown Pleasures, “I Remember Nothing.” This song, is truly remarkable. The dissonance and space throughout the whole song is stunning. From the way the drums and bass are so subtle yet at the same time, chilling. Then you add in the vocals and the delivery and how that sits like a cloud. The use of synthesizers on here is stark but poignant. And then you add in the added effects of smashing bottles in such a timely manner that, it in an eerie way almost “brightens” the mood. Call me crazy but, there’s something really intense about all this. Without a doubt, Unknown Pleasures is an absolute perfect album. It’s in my top 25 of all time and it’s not leaving there ever!
For the last few years as a part of The Cobalt Presents and putting on shows around the Los Angeles area, I have come across a lot of bands. There are a few that have really left a lasting impression on me. It’s pretty awesome to have booked a band almost 5 years ago and be able to watch them become an absolute powerhouse of a band. With that in mind I’d like to present the band of the week, Minor Strut.
The band formed in 2014 and have been a consistent presence throughout the LA scene since. Over time, the band has worked hard to develop their sound and style and have really grown into great musicians and performers. Their alternative rock sound has roots in the 90’s and early 00’s sound via bands like Paramore, Radiohead, Incubus, Muse and more. I’d even throw the Pixies in that batch. Coryn Cahill (vocals), Ethan Nguyen (guitar), Marquis Miranda (bass), Aiden Kunhardt (drums), and Dylan Warner (rythm guitar) have become a young band to watch out for! Keep your eyes and ears open for what’s to come
The last time I saw Pantera take the stage was 2001. That alone is a crazy thought. Obviously we all know what happened after that. What came about in the past couple years is an absolute tribute to what the band created and tore through the 90’s with. People will find any reason to complain and be negative about it but, the bottom line is, Pantera lives on and we can all get to enjoy the songs again and be amongst those that love the band and what they bring. This evening at The Forum in Los Angeles was nothing short of a fantastic show and performance.
It’s funny, when it was first announced that Pantera was back in sorts, I had this crazy yet awesome idea in my mind and it actually came true. As the clock hit 9:00pm and the lights went down, a playback began and it happened to be “Suicide Note Part I” against a montage video of Dime and Vinnie moments. Then as that ended and the kabuki curtain dropped, BANG, “Suicide Note Part II” erupts to start everything off. I’ve thought about this for the past couple years and to see it happen was pretty badass. From there it was a barrage of classics, deep cuts and fan favorites like “Strength Beyond Strength,” 5 Minutes Alone,” “Hellbound,” “This Love,” “I’m Broken,” “Mouth For War,” one of my all time favorites “10’s,” and so many more bangers. For over an hour and 40 minutes, Phil, Rex, Zakk and Charlie ripped Los Angeles a new one! I’ve got to say it was great to hear and see Phil and Rex on stage together again and both sounded great. Zakk definitely does Dime justice on these songs. And he does it without stepping on what Dime did. He’s brought a little bit of a dirtier tone to the songs giving them a bit of new life and actually darker in vibes. Charlie if you don’t already know is a beast on the drums but, gee golly, was he murdering these drums. He’s another that does Vinnie justice as well as adding an extra pep to his step on the songs. You really couldn’t ask for two better guys to step into those roles.
Direct support for the evening were the Vikings, Amon Amarth. It’s been a while since I’ve seen these gents and they still put on a show. It’s definitely a fun time and musically it’s very metal. Those Norwegians and Swedes really know how to write metal riffs. They definitely had a great energy on stage and kept the crowd entertained and engaged. Amon are one of those bands though that once you’ve seen them, you’ve pretty much seen “their show.” And opening the show was King Parrot from Australia. I saw these guys years ago open for Down. They have a ton of energy and they mix punk, grind core and death metal into one hell of a buzz saw of noise. While only 25 minutes on stage they made the most out of it.
What a great night all together. Pantera sounded great and really delivered a great set and show. If they do continue on, and why wouldn’t they, I truly hope that they explore more of the catalog and play songs never played live, haven’t been played in years, and some more deep cuts. My favorite Pantera album is The Great Southern Trendkill and that album definitely needs more love live! If you get the chance to see this incarnation of Pantera, you should. It’s not only a blast, it really just feels good!
I’m sure I’m not only one that has been a Deftones fan for over 30 years. What’s even crazier is seeing all these young kids now getting into the band all these years into their career. The resurgence of Deftones has been quite interesting to watch. While their past couple albums have seemed pretty lackluster and clearly not very inspired, their new album Private Music is the band we all know and love firing on all cylinders again. Everyone in the band really seems into the new album and feeling that fire again.
Private Music is the album we’ve been waiting to be the follow up to Koi No Yokan. Deftones when they are focused like this are unstoppable. The ethereal and ambient sounds mixed with the heavy and more spacey, delicate riffs, along with the always pulsating and driving rhythmic nature are at peak performance on this album. From the moment “My Mind Is A Mountain” begins you can feel the energy simmering to a boil and from there it’s an absolute trip. the ride you go on through this record is uplifting, optimistic and directly channelled. Songs like “Ecdysis,” “Infinite Source,” “Souvenir,” make up one hell of a part of the trip! These 3 songs back to back to back is otherworldly. Listening you’ll hear what I mean. “Milk Of The Madonna” should have been the first single released but, that’s a topic for a whole other time. This track has this really cool Saturday NightWrist vibe to it, giving a nice little nod to that album. Side note, Saturday Night Wrist, while it was a divided time for the band, it’s their most underrated album. There’s plenty of other throwback elements like on “Cut Hands” and “Metal Dream.” The one track though that really has me is the final song “Departing The Body.” When you listen to this song it really sinks its teeth in and gently breaks the skin and the emotion pour out is beautiful. Working with Nick Raskulinecz again really helped make this album truly complete.
Private Music is one of those albums that makes you want to put it on repeat. Deftones have been able to connect with people for years and this album is another example of how truly artistic and meaningful their music is. Chino sounds crisp, rejuvenated and roaring. Stephen Carpenter’s playing on this album is back to what we know he can do. Abe Cunningham is still one of the best drummers in all of rock not to mention, he still brings in fresh tasty beats. Frank Delgado has really come into his own over the year with his soundscapes and here it’s truly on display. Fred Sablan brings in a very full tone and uses the space to his advantage. All the best elements of Deftones are here for you to listen to!
When it was announced that Reba Meyers would be going on a solo tour, I knew I had to go. Reba’s Clouded World EP recently was released and after my first listen through, I had a feeling live these songs would be even more special. On a quite perfect Sunday evening in Downtown Los Angeles at The Moroccan Lounge, Reba Meyers definitely left a lasting impression on me and it was one of the most genuine and artistic performances I’ve seen all year.
With minimal lights on, the right amount of ambient noise and armed with guitars galore, Reba took the stage intro t of an audience that was enthralled from the first note. Songs like “Got Your Hold On Me,” “Clouded World,” were breathtaking live. The passion that was pouring out during was real and you could feel it from the stage to the audience. One song in particular “Bring Us All Together” really struck a chord with me. There was something else about this song that gave me chills in the best way possible. It’s one of those songs that can lock you in a trance. When the set was over, I didn’t want it to end. The couple of new songs Reba played has me even more excited for what’s to come on her upcoming full length album.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the direct support band of the night, Melted Bodies. This was the first time I’ve heard or seen this band and I loved every second of it. It’s part industrial metal, part punk and part experimental/psychedelic and they definitely had my attention. Playing against a very stark and dim lighting, Melted Bodies were captivating and have a driving rhythm section that is infectious. I’m definitely keeping this band on my radar!
All in all this was a great show and evening. It’s shows like this and artists like Reba that keeps me doing Audioeclectica and still loving music as much as I do. Truly you should really check out Reba’s music as well as Melted Bodies.
The Anti Groupies are one of the most exciting and best up and coming bands in all of the Southern California area! I’ve said it before about these ladies that they are the rock band we’ve been waiting for! They have the right attitude, songs, performance, can play their asses off and a great take no prisoners approach. Did I mention their songs?! Every song released since their inception has gotten better and better. Their most recent single “I Can’t” is one of the best “summer songs” I’ve heard in a long time. Not just that, it’s super anthemic in a fun catchy way. Cassidy, Isabella, Sydney and Kyla have a bond that not a lot of bands have and their authentic selves shine oh so bright. I’m personally quite excited for what’s to come for The Anti Groupies! Do yourself a favor check out this song and all their others, and make sure to go see them live!
We are coming up to the halfway point of 2025 and I thought now would be a good time to do a Best Of 2025… So Far. In here you’ll find what I think are the best albums released so far as well as the best concerts I’ve seen all year!
Best Albums Of 2025… So Far: ALBUMS!!!!
01) Idle Heirs- Life Is Violence This album is my absolute favorite of the year so far and I don’t think anything is going to over take it unless Nine Inch Nails puts out their new album this year. I love this album and everything it entails. The sheer rawness and atmospheric nature of it all as well as the devastating nature of it and how real it all comes to life.
02) Linkin Park- From Zero (Deluxe Edition) From Zero is already a great album. It’s not the best thing this band has ever done (Meteora and A Thousand Suns take that prize) but, this album is phenomenal. And I’m being absolutely serious. When it came out towards the end of 2024 it left a lasting impression on me and now with the 3 additional songs added, it just takes it to a whole other level. It’s criminal how good this album is!!!!
03) Guiltless- Teeth To Sky This album is another that is still in rotation and I keep finding more and more to love about this record. As I mentioned in my album of the week feature, having a band play music like this but, flipping the script and making it optimistic instead of straight doom and gloom, really puts this album up high.
04) Spiritbox- Tsunami Sea I’ve quite enjoyed this album. It’s a really well put together album with some really killer songs on it. It’s a really solid second album as well that is quite cohesive. I just recently went to see Spiritbox live and they are a really good live band and these songs definitely go harder than on album as one would expect. It’s going to be interesting to see and hear where they go next.
05) Coheed And Cambria- Vaxis III: The Father Of Make Believe Coheed is back!!! Not that they went away, I mean it more in that after the past two albums which felt kind of long and more of a collection of songs, they are back with an “album” that really kicks ass. If you are a fan of albums such as In Keeping Secrets and Good Apollo Part IV, then you’ll really dig this one. It’s a really good album that has a great flow to it. And there also feels like a renewed sense of the band on this one too as the performances really are kicked up a few notches!
06) Youth Code- Yours, With Malice I’ve been a Youth Code fan for quite some time so, when it came time for this record to arrive, I was pretty stoked and it’s a banger! Though only an EP, Yours, With Malice doesn’t lose a beat with the punishing and menacing beats pulsating along with vocals that reflect the trying times and harsh reality of it all.
07) Tonguecutter- Minnow When I first heard Tonguecutter’s Minnow, I thought I was in a time machine back to 1993 in a great way. This band and album have been a really cool surprise to hear in 2025. They make music that I’ve always loved and give it a bump in energy. Really look forward to more from Tonguecutter. They are one of those bands if the right people hear it will really resonate!
08) Black Map- Hex I’ve been a fan since the first single dropped and Black Map keeps getting better! Hex is one hell of an album. It’s short, concise and very direct in its approach. Throughout the 9 songs and 32 minutes, you are taken on a ride of great riffs and rhythms along with soaring melodic vocals. I keep finding myself listening to this album as whole more so than picking songs. Give this one a good spin!!
09) SOM- Let The Light In I remember seeing SOM open for Holy Fawn a couple years back and I was hooked from that point. Their new album, Let The Light In, is a tremendous album that really expands upon their already epic nature. I find myself listening to this a lot when I need something a bit more calming or relaxing as their post-metal sound reaches new heights.
10) Machinekit- Goddamn Vanity This LA techno-punk band is awesome! The new album, Goddamn Vanity, strikes quite hard. It’s abrasive and quite powerful. The way this album gut punches you is superb. The aggressive nature of this album is harks back to late 80’s Ministry and Broken era Nine Inch Nails. Also, their live show is one of the most fun and energetic shows you can see!
BEST CONCERTS OF 2025… SO FAR:
01) Poison The Well, Glassjaw, Better Lovers at Hollywood Palladium 02) Snot at SoHo Santa Barabara 03) Helmet and Slomosa at The Regent Theater 04) Jerry Cantrell and Filter at Ventura Theater 05) Danzig and Down at Forum 06) Meshuggah, Cannibal Corpse & Carcass at Forum 07) Deftones at Forum 08) Spiritbox at Hollywood Palladium 09) Kerry King at Fonda Theater 10) All Cobalt/Audioeclectica shows!
We are a little past the halfway point of 2023 so, why not put together a list of a bunch of my favorite releases of the year… so far!
*This List Is In No Particular Order EXCEPT For Number 1
01) Iress- Solace EP 02) Loma Prieta- Last 03) Will Haven- VII 04) Better Lovers- God Made Me An Animal EP 05) The Ocean- Holocene 06) Metallica- 72 Seasons 07) Turbid North- The Decline 08) Deathgrave- It’s Only Midnight 09) Unearth- The Wretched / The Ruinous 10) Dave Lombardo- Rites Of Percussion 11) Rancid- Tomorrow Never Comes 12) Creeping Death- Boundless Domain 13) Queens Of The Stone Age- In Times New Roman 14) Tunic- Wrong Dream 15) Common Wounds- Common Wounds EP 16) Jerome’s Dream- The Gray In Between 17) Vanishment- No More Torture 18) The Smashing Pumpkins- ATUM 19) Year Of The Knife- Dust To Dust 20) Thrice- The Artist and The Ambulance (2023 Version)
There are some venues out there that are absolutely magical. When you get to see one of your favorite bands and one of “those” types of venues, don’t hesitate, go see them there. It will be one of those shows in your memory that will always live on and be played in your head. The Santa Barbara bowl is a mystical place. The way it’s nestled inside the hill and the fact that it feels so intimate even being 1/3 the size of the Hollywood Bowl is just icing on the cake. Not to mention the sound at the venue is impecable. I’ve had the pleasure to see a few of my favorite bands there like Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiciton, Stone Temple Pilots, Depeche Mode and now The Smashing Pumpkins.
Over the past few years (pre-pandemic) I rediscovered my love for The Smashing Pumpkins. I remember how it happened too. I was listening to the radio late at night after a long day and night, I couldn’t think of anything to put on so I just went with whatever the radio had on. At that moment, as soon as I turned to the pre-set on my car stereo, the beat for “1979” started and that was that. The song ended just as I got home and that set in motion what would make me fall in love with this band again.
Seeing The Smashing Pumpkins during their 2018 “reunion tour” was magical all on its own from the set list, the visuals, and then some. This night was different then that show. Not only did they pick one of the most absolutely perfect set lists, they were on fire all night long. Songs from the beginning till now made everyone in attendance singing along and dancing. It was amazing to look over the crowd and see how many people were enamored with the brilliance of The Smashing Pumpkins.
Starting off the set was “The Color Of Love” from their most recent and underrated albums in CYR (seriously, it will grow on you and the songs live sound amazing). Then they hit the crowd with “Bullet With Butterfly Wings.” From that point, it was on, the next blast of songs included “Today,” “Ugly (which I’ve loved for years. Even had a few tears of joy drip from my eyes during that one),” “Drown” and “Quiet.” Now I don’t know about you but, what a way to kick off the show. Throughout the night even more great songs were played including “Eye,” “Ava Adore,” “Zero” “Cherub Rock,” Stand Inside Your Love” “1979” “Disarm” and one of the best performances of “Tonight, Tonight” I’ve ever seen with just Billy and James Iha playing. They even played their cover of The Talking Heads “Once In A Lifetime” and that was tremendous. Towards the end of the show two more surprise songs got me good though. “Telegenix” from CYR was played and that just happens to be my favorite song on that album and to close out the night (due to curfew) “X.Y.U.” One of the most fun moments during the show was when Billy put down his guitar to sing and his dance moves were a bit contagious as he had many in the crowd following his moves. Maybe one day we can get some Jimmy Shimmy like in the CYR video.
The Smashing Pumpkins are officially back. Sure they had their ups and downs over the years just like any band does (theirs was a bit more public) but, this renewed sense of the band has them on absolute fire. I highly recommend going through their catalog and the b-sides and discovering all the greatness that is The Smashing Pumpkins. It’s truly amazing that a band like this who has been around for over 30 years can still put out quality music, shows and still be inspired. When The Smashing Pumpkins come back to your town, don’t hesitate, GO SEE THEM LIVE!!!
Set List:
01) The Colour Of Love 02) Bullet With Butterfly Wings 03) Today 04) Ugly 05) Drown 06) Quiet 07) Cyr 08) Once In A Lifetime (Talking Heads Cover) 09) Solara 10) Eye 11) Ava Adore 12) Tonight, Tonight (Acoustic: Billy & James) 13) Stand Inside Your Love 14) Cherub Rock 15) Zero 16) Telegenix 17) FOL 18) 1979 19) Disarm 20) If There Is A God 21) X.Y.U.
One of my favorite new, up and coming LA bands, Cowboy Destroy just released one hell of a rockin new song in “Dirty.” If you haven’t had the chance to see Cowboy Destroy live yet, I highly suggest it. Their music is a blend of garage rock, indie rock and the right amount of the 90’s. Live they are one hell of a fun band. Their energy is contagious and throughout their set you will find yourself eventually singing along and compelled to start dancing a bit. The video for “Dirty” is an extension of the bands humor and personality. What a great combination. Be on the look out for Cowboy Destroy shows!
AUDIOECLECTICA 