Band Of The Week: Brutus

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A couple days ago while I was reading one of the many music news sites that I frequently visit, I saw a post about a band that a friend had mentioned before. To this point I had never heard anything by this band so I figured why not give it a shot. What I then heard absolutely floored me. I immediately played the song again and again. From there I was sold. So I did what I always do and went back through the bands catalog and at that point knew, this was going to be the band of the week.

 
I’d like to introduce you to the band Brutus. Hailing from Belgium, this three piece band is well on their way to leaving their mark. Brutus isn’t just any run of the mill “heavy” band they, have taken an approach that feels organic and bursting at the seams. Taking bits of post hardcore, rock, punk and black metal, Brutus is delivering a melodic blast of fury. Their debut album BURST is one hell of an introduction to the band. Their upcoming album NEST (out March 29 via Sargent House) is shaping up to be one of 2019’s most exciting and acclaimed albums of the year. The three songs released so far “War,” “Cemetary,” and “Django” are utterly astounding. The progress Brutus has made from their debut till now is perfect and what is about to be unleashed is something that will keep this band in constant rotation.

 

Brutus- Django:

 

Brutus- War:

 

 

Brutus- Nest (Pre-Order):

 

Brutus- Burst:

Live Review: Ho99o9

I’m sure you’ve all had this thought before. You hear an album and it really impresses you and then you start to wonder how they are live. Will they be able to pull this off live? Will it live up to the feeling you got when you first heard the album? Well, let me tell you, if you’re like me and you listened to Ho99o9 and thought those things, you will absolutely 100% not be disappointed when you see them live. As I watched the crowd explode into a frenzy and the band utterly decimate the small venue, I knew from the first minute in, that Ho99o9 are without a doubt, the real deal.

 

At a little after 10pm, the lights went down and projections appeared on the brick wall behind the stage, then 3 figures appeared on stage. From that point, it was a burst of chaos and excitement. Eaddy and TheOGM owned that stage from the get go along with drummer Brandon Pertzborn. The amount of energy radiating off that stage was reminiscent of my time going to see punk and hardcore shows in small/tight venues. Over the course of an hour, Ho99o9 blazed through songs from their debut album United States of Horror as well as their Cyber Cop EP. Songs like “War Is Hell,” “Street Power,” “Money Machine,” “Face Tatt,” “Knuckle Up,” “United States of Horror,” and “Mega City Nine” were commanding and performed with a take no prisoners approach. Their unique blend of hip-hop, industrial and punk rock is pummeling and vigorous while at the same time full of piss and gasoline.

 

I’ve seen a lot of shows in my life (and I mean A LOT), and this was one of those shows that will be replaying in my head for days, weeks and months to come. Ho99o9 are taking over and you should prepare accordingly. If they are on the bill and playing early, do yourself a favor and get there to see them. They will also be the band that steals the show from whoever they are playing with. I can’t wait to see what they do next and where they go musically. As I said above, Ho99o9 are the real deal and they should be on your radar.

 

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

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

 

Title Tracks: Metallica

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Metallica are one of those bands whose title track songs are among the best in their catalog. There is no denying the power of a song like “Master Of Puppets” or even “And Justice For All.” I’ve said it many times and I’ll continue to say it, James Hetfield is one of the best songwriters and lyricists. Even the song “St. Anger,” though the production and tones are all terrible, there is a certain something about that particular song that just sums up that album perfectly. With all that being said, here’s Metallica’s title tracks for you to enjoy!

 

Metallica- Ride The Lightning:

 

 
Metallica- Master Of Puppets:

 

 

 

Metallica- And Justice For All:

 

 
Metallica- St. Anger:

 

 

Metallica- Hardwired…:

 

Classic Soundtracks: Forrest Gump

71wbWzAqIAL._SL1500_.jpgOne of the best things about movies set during specific times is the music that is chosen. I’ve always felt that if you can nail the look of the time, than you had best make sure you get the sounds right as well. It’s sort of funny to think about but, also not surprising that one of the best soundtracks ever also came out in 1994. I’m telling you, 1994 was beyond a magical year. The soundtrack I’m speaking of is for Forrest Gump. As you know, the film takes place across a few decades and the music chosen to represent those years is absolutely perfect. You’ve got selections from Elvis Presley, The Four Tops, Creedence Clearwater Revivial, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, The Supremes, Bob Segar & The Silver Bullet Band, Harry Nielsson, etc. This soundtrack really is exquisite. Even the rest of the songs in the film not included on the soundtrack were great. Songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Canned Heat and Jackson Browne really bring it all together. Even the score for the film by Alan Silvestri was perfect. The soundtrack to Forrest Gump is one of those that will always be recognized and rightfully so.

 

Forrest Gump Soundtrack:

 

New Release: Minus Knives- Shallow and Grave

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One of my favorite new bands, Minus Knives have released a new single called “Shallow and Grave” and it’s pretty damn awesome. This song along with their other new song “Cope” show the immediate growth and talent that these guys have.  Minus Knives are definitely a band to be on the look out for. They have the songs and live show that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy Minus Knives, I know I sure do!

 

Minus Knives- Shallow and Grave:

 

 

Minus Knives- Cope:

 

 

Minus Knives- Minus Knives EP:

Band Of The Week: His Eyes Have Fangs

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I love when you hear a band and from the first note played, you just know you are going to dig it. Recently I heard about a band called His Eyes Have Fangs and felt compelled to check it out and I’m sure glad I did. His Eyes Have Fangs are phenomenal. They are a rock band through and through but, they have this really dreamy and provocative style that climbs into your mind and takes you on quite a journey, just like bands in the 60’s and 70’s did. Everything about this band from the soothing and retro style vocals, the moody guitars that have the right melodic approach and rhythms that are laid back but right in the pocket, make His Eyes Have Fangs quite the package. The sonic dynamics the band plays with make the dreamy and psychedelic aspects quite a listening experience.

His Eyes Have Fangs are:
Tony Alva
Matthew Rainwater
Rachel Rainwater
Sonny Mayo
Alexander Rossi

 

His Eyes Have Fangs:

 

 

 

 

 

Anticipated Albums: Baroness- Gold & Grey

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Baroness are back and will release their new studio album “Gold & Grey”  June 14th through the their own label Abraxan Hymns. The album is again produced by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Mogwai), whom the band also worked with on their most recent release, “Purple.” Gold & Grey is the first album to feature new guitarist Gina Gleason and based on this first track alone, Gina fits in perfectly with Baroness. Her style of playing is spot on and her backing vocals compliment singer/guitarist John Baizley impeccably. Check out the first single and video “Borderlines.”

 

Baroness- Borderlines:

 

 

 

 

Bands That Should Come Back: Them Crooked Vultures

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It’s been about 10 years now since we have heard from Them Crooked Vultures. The “supergroup” featuring Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones was one hell of a band. They had this really cool bluesy jam band style along with some really fun songs like “New Fang,” “Dead End Friends,” “Mind Eraser, No Chaser,” “Elephants,” “Reptiles,” “Caligulove,” and “Spinning In Daffodils.” The best thing about this band though was that it gave Dave and Josh a break from their main bands and when they returned to those bands, the material they made sounded rejuvenated and alive again. Though the Queens Of The Stone Age album made after TCV, hasn’t really aged well, while Foo Fighters Wasting Light is still one of the best rock albums of the last 10 years. I had the chance to see Vultures live and they were great live. Yes the band has Dave and Josh in it but the whole time I was watching them on stage, I was in awe of John Paul Jones. I truly believe he has never gotten the proper credit and respect for his contributions in Led Zeppelin. That man is a talent among talents. I’d love to hear a new Them Crooked Vultures release, mainly to hear more of John Paul Jones but, also because I think the Foos and Queens need to take a break. It’s worth noting that they’ve all said in recent years that they wouldn’t rule out working together again, it’s just getting the timing right. Who else wants to see this?

 

Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures:

Alternate Versions: Deftones- Be Quiet and Drive (acoustic)

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The other day while I was reading my daily music news, I came across an article that went into detail about the making of the “acoustic” version of the Deftones song “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away). In the article, it was mentioned by DJ Crook, who made the “remix” version, that he was originally sent a cassette with vocals and guitar of Chino and Far singer Jonah Matranga. Crook then said “All I had at the time was this drum machine (8 yrs old at the time) and a tascam 4-track cassette recorder (10 yrs old at the time). I tapped out the tempo of the song and laid out the beat and recorded it on the other free tracks directly on the cassette they sent me. It magically stayed in sync. I dumped that down to another cassette and sent it back to them.”  Needless to say the end result was something quite different than the original and it gave the song a totally different vibe. I’ve always dug on this version. It also happens to be the first Deftones song I ever learned to play. I still go ape shit when they play it live too. It’s such a great song. Anyways, enjoy this alternate version!

 

Deftones- Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away) “Acoustic”:

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Was A Bad Idea: Mumford and Sons covering Hurt by Nine Inch Nails

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I don’t know whose idea this was but, whoever’s it was should be taken out to a town square and given nine lashes. This is just a boring lame version. There is nothing special about it. Johnny Cash did it justice and he’s the only one. Why do bands like this feel the need to even attempt to cover a song as powerful as “Hurt?” There is zero emotion or passion in this performance. A band like Mumford and Sons will NEVER have the real gusto to make a song like this work. This was an all around bad idea. Please just stop!!!

 

Mumford and Sons covering Hurt: