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:

 

Those 90’s Songs: Local H- Bound For The Floor

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I woke up this morning with Local H’s “Bound For The Floor” in my head. I have no idea how or why but, I’m sure glad I did. This is one of those 90’s songs that when you hear it, you can’t help but crank it up and then sing along. The track was released in 1996 on Local H’s album As Good As Dead, which is quite a damn good album. “Bound For The Floor” has gone on to be the bands most popular single since it’s release. This song is another wonderful example of a great song and from a legendary time.

Local H- Bound For The Floor:

 


Local H- As Good As Dead:

Anticipated Albums: Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- End Of Suffering

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On May 3rd (my birthday!!!), Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes will be releasing their new album End Of Suffering. The follow up to 2017’s excellent Modern Ruin, sees the band exploring more of their “alternative” side while keeping the rest of the mood dark and gritty. So far two songs have been released “Crowbar” and “Anxiety” both of which are sure to keep you wanting more!
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- Crowbar:

 

 
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- Anxiety:

 

 
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- Modern Ruin (Full Album):

Songs In Film: Guns N Roses- Paradise City in Can’t Hardly Wait

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The other evening while looking for something to watch, I noticed Can’t Hardly Wait was just starting. It had been quite a while since I last watched it so, I thought, why not. The scene involving Charlie Korsmo’s character and Guns N’ Roses’s song “Paradise City” is perfect. Enjoy this classic clip. And if you see Can’t Hardly Wait on TV or streaming, give it another watch, it’s still a fun movie.

Guns N Roses- Paradise City in Can’t Hardly Wait:

 

Album Review: Low Dose- Low Dose

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The resurgence of the “90’s sound” has been a welcome sound to me and so many others. That sound had such an energy to it that it made music “real” again. A few months back I introduced you all to a band from Philadelphia called Low Dose and now, they have released their debut album (FINALLY!!!!) and it deserves your attention. Low Dose has this really great grungy sound with a punk vibe. Think Nirvana In Utero mixed with L7.

The album is 10 songs of bombastic rock and filled with punk rock charm. Once the album is over, you immediately feel the need to start it again and keep rocking. Kicking off the album is the song “Low” which is the perfect tone setter for what’s to come. “Right On” comes in like a swinging hammer of doom. The slow churning riff and gritty vocals brings this song to life. “For Sure” is the first song I ever heard from Low Dose and it’s still a ripping great song. It’s one of those tracks that when it hits in sequence of the album, you know “It’s On!!” As the album moves on songs like “Away” “Sinking” and “Not Break Skin” show off a different side of the band and showcases the dynamics this band has as well as how good of songwriters they are. One of my favorite songs on the record is “Otherworldly Motives.” this song is drenched in the 90’s in a good way and it has this really epic feel to it. Closing out the album is “Legendary Divorce.” This song is one hell of a great song. This song is a great example of how diverse this band can be. It’s also the perfect song to close out the album.

Across the 10 songs on the album, you the listener get to experience a well rounded sonic assault. The bands sound while inspired by the 90’s, sounds fresh and modern without relying on nostalgia to sell it. This is definitely a debut album that you need to hear. Low Dose are the right band at the right time.

 

Overall Rating: A

 

Low Dose- Low Dose:

Live Review: The Black Queen at The Regent Theater

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The Black Queen are the real deal. Everything about this band oozes inspiration and passion. Their two full length albums Fever Daydream and Infinite Games are beyond stellar. Their live show is more than just a concert, it’s a full visceral experience that will leave you in awe. Last night at the Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles, The Black Queen made an impact with a show that will be on my mind for quite some time. There really is something special about how The Black Queen’s songs translate from record to the stage. It’s a totally different experience. It’s like discovering these songs for the first time.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the video images began, the roar of the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Greg Puciato, Steve Alexander and touring member Justin McGrath (filling in for Joshua Eustis). Once they appeared on stage, it was game on. They opened their set with a subdued number “Thrown Into The Dark” then moved right into “No Accusations” from their new album Infinite Games. Both of these songs live took on a whole new life as the beats pulsated from the stage to the audience which then got everyone there moving. From there the set was impeccable as they feverishly played songs like “Ice To Never,” “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream,” “Maybe We Should,” One Edge Of Two,” and “Strange Quark.” Closing out the night was the remarkable “Apocalypse Morning” which featured live drums courtesy of former Poison The Well drummer Chris Hornbrook. This song is not only one hell of an end of the set song, it emits a feeling that I just can’t put to words.

Throughout their entire set, singer Greg Puciato’s vocals were exquisite and drew you in word for word. The melodies and effects emitting from Steve Alexander’s guitar were right on cue with the beats and synth layers from Justin McGrath. The three of these gents delivered a show that had those in attendance in a trance and compelled to either dance and sing along. The Black Queen is a band for today and the future. There is something truly special about this band and the music. Just ask those that were there, they will tell you the same thing.

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The Black Queen Set List:

01) Thrown Into The Dark
02) No Accusations
03) Ice To Never
04) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent
05) Distanced
06) Your Move
07) Taman Shud
08) That Death Cannot Touch
09) Secret Scream
10) The End Where We Start
11) Now, When I’m This
12) One Edge Of Two
13) Strange Quark
14) Apocalypse Morning (with Chris Hornbrook on drums)

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: Moon Tooth- Crux

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Moon Tooth is a band that you NEED to know about. There are no if’s and’s or but’s about it. These guys straight up rock. It’s not everyday that a band comes out as strong as they did on their debut album “Chromaparagon,” then follows it up with an album that not only out does their previous effort but, also solidifies them as a force to be reckoned with.

From the moment the first song “Trust” begins with that hard charging riff and pummeling rhythm, it’s game on. An opening track like that not only gets the blood pumping but also sets up the album perfectly for what’s to come. As the album continues, songs like “Omega Days” and “Musketeers” branch out into a proggy atmosphere that is drenched in melody. “Through Ash” and “Motionless In Sky” (which as of this writing are my favorite songs on the album),  are songs that really show off what a great vocalist John Carbone is and what great songwriters the band is as a whole. Other songs like “Thorns,” “Rhythm & Roar,” and “Thumb Spike” are stellar tracks that deliver punch after punch. Then you have a song like “Awe At All Angles” that shows off a different side of the band while at the same time completely fits in the spectrum of the rest of the songs. There is one song in particular that really stood out and that is the title track “Crux,” I’ve long said that title tracks have a tendency to sum up what the album is about and this song is just that. “Crux has all the elements that Moon Tooth brought to the table on this record and delivered it in epic fashion. I’m not even going to tell you how, you just have to listen. Closing out the album is “Raise A Light” a song that like the others on the record, delivers the goods and leaves the album with a sense of closure while at the same time open ended for what’s to come on the next release.

Crux is truly a work of art. The balance of the different genres from rock, metal, prog, jazz and blues really work and compliment each other. The performances from each member are exquisite. Guitarist Nick Lee is a talent for sure. It’s hard to believe at times while listening, that he’s the only guitarist in the band. It’s like he’s got eight extra arms to pull off some of what he’s playing. The rhythm section of drummer Ray Marte and bassist Vincent Romanelli is outstanding. Not only are they super tight but they really compliment each other well. John Carbone has a voice that is soaring and melodic. The passion that is emitted from him and the rest of the band shows through on each and every song. The tenacity and strength of Moon Tooth shines on Crux. This is an album that will be in many top lists at the end of the year. It’s that good. Crux is a complete album from start to finish and deserves to be played that way to get the full experience. Moon Tooth are about to sink their teeth in and rightfully take a bite of their own.

 

Overall Rating: A

 

Moon Tooth- Crux:

 

Videos:

Trust:

 


Awe At All Angles:

 

 

 

Review By: Brian Lacy

Alternate Versions: Bush- Mouth (The Stingray Mix)

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After the success of Sixteen Stone and Razorblade Suitcase, Bush started to mess around with their style. In late 1997, they released a remix album called Deconstructed. While it was a departure and it angered many fans, there were a few tracks on it that were pretty cool. One such was the reworking of “Mouth” which you might recognize from the movie An American Werewolf In Paris. The video for the song featured Julie Delpy who also appeared in the movie.

 
Bush- Mouth (The Stingray Mix) From Deconstructed:

 

 

Bush- Mouth (Music Video):

 

Live Review: Mark Morton, Light The Torch & Moon Tooth at The Roxy

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On a clear Monday night in Los Angeles, at the legendary Roxy on Sunset, three bands, each with their own style, left an imprint on this fabled street and venue. Those in attendance (and there were quite a few, especially on a Monday), were witness to one hell of an energetic evening of heavy music. Led by headliner Mark Morton along with Light The Torch and up and comers Moon Tooth, there was no stopping the train of heavy from decimating the Roxy.

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Opening up the evening was Moon Tooth. Ever since I heard of them a few months back, I’ve been highly intrigued by them. Their blend of heavy and psychedelia mixed with bits of prog and jazz makes them one of the most exciting new bands to come along in a while. Their second album Crux (which comes out Friday March 29), is one hell of a record and it most definitely will be at top ten album of the year. Every minute of their set was absolutely on fire. As they ripped through new songs like “Trust,” “Omega Days,” and “Awe At All Angles,” there was no question that these four gents are primed for something great. Each member from Nick Lee (Guitar/Vocals), John Carbone (Vocals), Ray Marte (Drums/Vocals), and Vin Romanelli (Bass), really gave it everything for each song. Personally I was kind of bummed their set ended. I really wanted more. Moon Tooth really got the crowd going and delivered a performance that when they are headlining their own shows, will be talked about for some time.

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The middle slot of the night belonged to Light The Torch (formerly Devil You Know) and they brought the thunder with them. As the lights dimmed down, the frenzied crowd lost their shit when singer Howard Jones took the stage. For the next hour, Light The Torch, riding high off their new album, Revival, Howard Jones along with Francisco Artusato (Guitar), Ryan Wombacher (Bass/Vocals) and Mike Sciulara (Drums) delivered a set that was inspiring and crushing. Playing songs like “Die Alone,” “Calm Before The Storm,” “The Bitter End,” “The God I Deserve,” and “The Safety Of Disbelief,” there was no doubt on anyone’s mind that Light The Torch are here to stay. One of the best parts of their performance was the interaction between Howard and the crowd. It’s clear that Howard is a favorite among many people. His time in Killswitch Engage was something special and getting Howard back doing what he is meant to do is just great. Light The Torch are primed for a take over and rightfully so.

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The main event of the evening belonged to Mark Morton of Lamb Of God. His debut solo album, Anesthetic, is a departure from what most fans of Lamb Of God are used to. This evening though showcased what a talented songwriter Mark is as well as solidifying his status as a modern day guitar hero. For this tour Mark recruited drummer Art Cruz (Prong, Winds Of Plague and Chris Adler’s fill in for Lamb Of God), guitarist Doc Coyle (God Forbid, Bad Wolves) and Sons Of Texas members Mark Morales on vocals (who also sang the song “Blur” on the record) and Nick Villarreal on bass. This lineup along with Mark on lead guitar stormed through their set with vigor and passion. The songs on the album feature a diverse style of songs ranging from super heavy like “The Truth Is Dead” and “The Never” to more rock styles like “Cross Off,” “Sworn Apart,” “Save Defiance,” “Blur,” and “Imaginary Days.” The best songs though are the total curve balls like “Axis” and “Reveal” which truly show how good Mark Morton really is. The performances of these songs were right on target. Mark Morales did a stellar job handling the vocal duties for all these songs. The tandem guitars of Morton and Coyle were spot on and the pounding and thunderous rhythm of Cruz and Villarreal was right in the pocket. They even had a couple special guests joining them on stage. Naeemah Maddox was brought up to sing her song “Reveal” as well as staying on stage to perform “The Truth Is Dead” with Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour, Soulfly, Abloom, etc) pounding the drums.

 
What a great night for every band on the bill. Each band was different and brought an energy that carried on to the next. It’s shows and tours like this that get people excited and want to go see live music. Not only was that a great show but, it was a great way to start the week. I know I’ll be replaying the show in my head for sometime, especially Moon Tooth. I can’t wait for them to come through town again. And a special shout out to Heavy Grass for making it happen for me to attend this great show!

 

Review and Shots By: Brian Lacy

(I was too into the show to take many pictures).