Beats Per Minute: Robots With Rayguns

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Because electronic music has become such a force within music, I felt compelled to start a category to feature the best electronic artists I’ve come across. Beats Per Minute will showcase all these bands/artists and give you a nice cross section of different styles and genres within the electronic music scene.

For this first one I’d like to introduce to you Robots With Rayguns. Formed by Lucas Patrick Smith in Phoenix, Arizona, Robots With Rayguns oozes with synth driven ballads a la 80’s New Wave and bits of modern electronica. The latest release Slow Jams is a concept album that incorporates all new songs along with revamped versions of older RWR songs. After taking the time to listen to the entire album, there is definitely a sense of continuity between all the songs and it creates a very intriguing “good time” vibe. The way the songs play out in the “ballad” format gives the album a bit of a 70’s R & B vibe as well.

Normally this isn’t something I would gravitate to but there is certainly something catchy about Robots With Rayguns that sticks out. The “good time” vibe that I mentioned above is contagious. You could put this entire album on while having a party, and I’m sure you’d start seeing people dancing out of nowhere.

Pre-order the 2 x LP vinyl via Sofa King Vinyl HERE

 

Robots With Rayguns- Slow Jams:

Album Review: Foo Fighters- Concrete and Gold

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Redemption is the first word that comes to mind when talking about the new Foo Fighters album Concrete and Gold. The follow up to the highly disappointing Sonic Highways is everything you’d want in a Foo Fighters album. It has the rock, the great mid tempo songs, and the delicate melodies that we’ve all grown to love and enjoy in a Foo’s album. Concrete and Gold is also seething in inspiration from 70’s rock bands and their albums from that era. Dave Grohl and company deliver the goods and then some. From the riffs, melodies, and all around vibe this album emits, you are in for quite a treat.

As “T-Shirt” begins the album in a way that is reminiscent of “Doll” from The Colour and The Shape, the way the song flows perfectly into the high energy “Run” is undeniable. Not to mention that “Run” is the classic Foo’s song that was very much needed. Plus the video is hilarious. “Make It Right” is a solid mid tempo song that fits in the sequence of the album and also features guest vocals from Justin Timberlake. “The Sky Is A Neighborhood” will be a classic for the band, no doubt about it. Everything about this song is great. “La Dee Da” is one of my favorite songs on the album. The fuzzy bass line (courtesy of the underrated Nate Mendel) that starts the song immediately grabs your attention and the rest of the song rocks your socks off. Allison Mosshart from The Kills guests on this song as well as “The Sky Is A Neighborhood.” Saxophone player Dave Koz lends his sax talents to the song as well. “Dirty Water” is one of those Foo’s songs with delicate melodies and a softer vibe. It’s another one of those songs that in the context of the album it really fits but as a stand alone song, not so much. “Arrows” is one of those songs that really emits the 70’s sound. The guitar work on this song from Chris Shiflett is stellar. The entire band sounds amazing on this song. “Happily Ever After (Zero Hour) seems a little out of place at first listen but, as you keep listening to the album, this song really grows on you especially because of the lyrics. “Sunday Rain” is another of my favorite songs on the record. This song features drummer Taylor Hawkins on lead vocals and he sounds absolutely great. It’s a great change of pace for the band plus this song just rocks. Paul McCartney plays drums on this song too. There is a cool funk vibe on this song that plays into my thought’s of the 70’s influence but, there is also a kind of George Harrison element to it as well from his All Things Must Pass solo album (an album that is truly a masterpiece… George was the most talented Beatle… I dare you to challenge me on that!). Keyboardist Rami Jaffee really shines on this song as well. His contributions to the song really bring out the “vibe.” “The Line” is a classic Foo’s rock song but with a more melodic twist. Having three guitarists in the band really shows on this song. You can really hear each of Dave’s, Chris’s and Pat’s style and tone on this song. Closing out the album is the title track “Concrete and Gold.” This song oozes Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath.  Not only is this song a great closer but, it’s also epic in the way it plays out and makes you feel. Surprisingly the “choir like” vocals are provided by Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, and it fits perfectly.

Concrete and Gold is the album the Foo Fighters not only needed to make but also an album the rock world needs. Dave Grohl proves that he is one of this generations best songwriters and the entire band, Taylor, Chris, Nate, Pat and Rami play their asses off on the record. Besides One By One and Wasting Light, I’d dare say this is the most complete Foo Fighters record they have ever released. Thank you Foo Fighters for this album and redeeming yourselves and then some. I can’t wait to hear these songs live. Rock isn’t dead. In fact it’s beyond alive and well!

Overall Rating: A

 

Foo Fighters- Concrete and Gold:

 

 

Band Of The Week: Of The Dark I Dare

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Over the last few years I’ve really gained an affinity towards electronic music, especially synth driven music. There are quite a few bands that I’ve come across from this realm that I’ve really grown to enjoy. Last night before I was watched Spirit In The Room decimate the audience at The Satellite, I got there just in time to watch a band called Of The Dark I Dare. Their blend of dark wave, goth and haunting synth driven music really peaked my interest. One of the most profound things about Of The Dark I Dare is the vocals of Tracy Lorin. Her voice is soaring and fits the darkness of the beats and synths of drummer Christopher Hendrich and keyboardist Rickey Lumpkin. Lyrically, the words come across as more poetic than just words. Of The Dark I Dare have described their sound as cemetery pop, to which I think is a pretty interesting and provocative way to draw people in. While the music and lyrics are dark, there is definitely a pop sensibility to the band that doesn’t take away from the vibe they are putting out.

 

Of The Dark I Dare- Sleeping Bodies:

 

Of The Dark I Dare- Stars:

Live Review: Spirit In The Room at The Satellite

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Spirit In The Room is one band that I’ve been meaning to check out live for some time. Ever since I started Audioeclectica, I’ve been drawn into the music created by this group. Main man Dennis Sanders is a fountain of inspiration and truly has a knack for writing great songs. The footage I’ve seen of their live shows has always peaked my interest but it wasn’t in the cards for me to get to a show until last night.

On a perfect late summer early fall evening in Silver Lake at The Satellite (formerly Spaceland), Spirit In The Room headlined and gave one of the most passionate performances I’ve seen from a band all year. If there is one thing I’ve come to want to see from a band on stage it’s belief in the music they are playing and Spirit In The Room does just that and then some. Songs like “Cut To The Crash,”  “Lick Your Friends,” “When The Spider Disappears,” were not only great live but, just the tip of how good the songs really are. Dennis Sanders along with bassist Darren Howard and guitarist Kyle Nadeau are are astounding live. The element of “recklessness” goes a long way with these three. By combining influences ranging from Depeche Mode and Black Sabbath, to noise rock and bits of dance and doom, Spirit In The Room has created something that stands out. Not only do they get you wanting to dance but, they get you riled up in such a way that is reminiscent of going to an old school punk/metal show.

Do yourself a favor and go see Spirit In The Room live.

Cover Song: Echo and the Bunnymen (The Doors)- People Are Strange

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The Lost Boys, we all remember the movie and how cool it was and still is. There is definitely something timeless about the film. Perhaps it was the era that it was released among all the other great films of the 80’s. Either way, The Lost Boys is still celebrated. The soundtrack to the movie is also one of the best of the time too. One of the songs that has always stood out to me besides “Cry Little Sister,” and “Lost in the Shadows” was Echo and the Bunnymen’s cover of “People Are Strange” by The Doors. It’s one of those covers that when you first hear, you’re a little skeptical but, in the end, you realize it’s a pretty good cover.

 

Echo and The Bunnymen- People Are Strange:

 

The Doors- People Are Strange:

Soundtrack Only Songs: The Smashing Pumpkins from Batman & Robin

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20 years ago, there was a travesty of a movie released that put the final nail in the Batman franchise until Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale resurrected it to perfection. The travesty was Batman and Robin. You know, the one with George Clooney as Batman and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze. I still remember going to see it with one of my oldest and best friends and then after it was over being very disappointed. The thing that I always think about most when this movie comes up is, the inclusion of 2 wonderful songs by The Smashing Pumpkins, “The End is the Beginning is the End,” and “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning.” Those songs still get me every time, especially “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning.” Something else that is interesting about these songs, back in 2009 when Watchmen was released, “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning” found new life as it was the theme for the trailer for the film.

 

The End is the Beginning is the End:

 

The Beginning is the End is the Beginning:

Best Albums of 2017… So Far (Updated)

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Since I last made this list, there have been a few more albums that came out that deserve to be on this list. 2017 has really shaped up to be another great year for new albums. Check out the Best Albums of 2017 so far below.

Also note, that there are still a few more months left in this year so, this list will be growing very shortly!

This list is in No Particular Order!!!

Mastodon- Emperor Of Sand:


Darkest Hour- Godless Prophets and The Migrant Flora:


With Our Arms To The Sun- Orenda:


Black Map- In Droves:


Eighteen Visions- XVIII:


Mutoid Man- War Moans:


Depeche Mode- Spirit:


Pallbearer- Heartless:


Royal Thunder- Wick:


Wear Your Wounds- Wear Your Wounds:


Spotlights-Seismic:

Brand New- Science Fiction:

Dead Cross- Dead Cross:


Less Art- Strangled Light:


Nine Inch Nails- Add Violence:


Cons- The Burden Of Knowing Why:

 

Band Of The Week: Death Bells

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As a music fan I’ve watched certain genres and influences come and go over the years. Most times when a genre gets popular again, there are so many sound a like bands that you can’t tell the difference between them. Post Punk is one of those genres that has such a distinct sound that it’s hard to make yourself stand out. Luckily there is a band from Australia that is able to do just that and they are called Death Bells. Formed in 2014 in Sydney, Death Bells has managed to channel Joy Division, Depeche Mode and The National into their own blend of post-punk mixed with somber melodies. Their upcoming debut full length album Standing At The Edge Of The World, will be released September 29th and it can’t come soon enough. The ten songs that appear on the album are chock full of melody, glistening guitars, blunt rhythms, and crisp clear vocals that would make most bands in the genre jealous of how good Death Bells are. The latest single “Only You” is a dreamy almost pop song that is drenched in melancholia and a dash of hope. Death Bells are the band the genre has been waiting for, for a long time.

Death Bells- Only You:

 

Death Bells- Something Above:

 

Death Bells- Roman Candles:

 

Death Bells- Death Bells EP:

 

Album Review: Brand New- Science Fiction

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When bands take their time to come out with a new album, that album is then dealt an extreme amount of anticipation along with high expectations. Most of the time though, the end result is pretty bland and disappointing. That is not the case though with the new album entitled Science Fiction by Brand New. Instead, this album lives up to every expectation you’d expect from the band and then some. Brand New has never been a band to repeat themselves, which makes their catalog one that stands out among their peers. Science Fiction is the long awaited follow up to 2009’s Daisy. It’s also been announced that this will be Brand New’s final album. Since it’s release, Science Fiction debuted at number one on the billboard charts. A first for the band and a welcome surprise to all.

The album itself is a deep reflection of life and all the emotions we go through. Back in 2006 when The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me was released, Brand New set a blueprint as to what “emo” albums should be. On Science Fiction, the depth that they reached on The Devil and God is summoned once again, with a delicate and soothing yet dynamic approach. From the moment the first song “Lift Me Up” kicks in, there is a real sense of calm that descends upon the listener. As the album continues songs like ” Can’t Get It Out,”  and “Could Never Be Heaven,”  really hit at the heart strings. “Same Logic/Teeth (which is my favorite track on the album as of this writing),”  adds to their repertoire of classic songs. “Out Of Mana (one/if not the “heaviest” song on the album),” and “In The Water” almost transcend the genre. “No Control” is a mid tempo song that is very sincere. “451” is a cool bluesy song. It reminds me of a song that The Black Keys wish they could write. Closing out the album is “Batter Up” one of the best songs Brand New has ever written. Not only is it a solemn song but, it’s also a great farewell to a very influential and inspirational career.

Bands like Brand New don’t come around that often. Their ability to take their time and put out an album when the time is right and they feel the songs/album is done is almost unheard of these days. Their artistic integrity and songwriting prowess really shows on their sleeves with Science Fiction. Something else that gets overlooked with Brand New is the musicianship of all the members. Each person in this band has a place and plays their instruments with the exact feel needed to make the songs the best they can be. If this is really their “swan song,” then they really hit the mark and are giving you every ounce of themselves on this album. Science Fiction is definitely making the top ten albums of the year.

Overall Rating= A

 

Brand New- Science Fiction:

 

 

On The Rise: Spotlights

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Since starting Audioeclectica, I’ve had the great pleasure of being sent many bands to check out. As a connoisseur of music and a fan, being able to listen to so many bands and their work is quite fun. Sure, I get some duds from time to time but, when I hear a band that I dig, quite often the hairs on my arms stand up and I turn the volume up super loud so my neighbors can hear what I’m listening to. Recently, a band came across my inbox called Spotlights. I have heard the name before but never heard them. So needless to say my curiosity was peaked. And the end result of what I heard was absolutely astounding.

Spotlights are a Brooklyn-based band featuring married couple Mario and Sarah Quintero. One of the great things about Spotlights is their ability to channel different genres and make them sound like you’re hearing them for the first time. Taking bits and pieces from space rock (a la Failure), alternative rock (Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins), shoe gaze (My Bloody Valentine), and a bit of an industrial/electronic vibe (more recent Nine Inch Nails comes to mind), Spotlights have created a sound that reverberates and resonates as a work of art.

Their upcoming album Seismic, will be one of the best albums you will hear all year. Each song brings about a genuine sense of passion and belief that is missing in a lot of bands these days. The production on the album, courtesy of Aaron Harris (Palms, Isis, etc) really captures the sound of the band and then some. On a side note, Aaron plays drums on the album, as well. The entire album is inspiring and deep. I can’t even pin point one song that sums the album up, you have to hear the whole thing, when it comes out October 6 via Ipecac Records.

Spotlights are a band that you NEED to pay attention to. Bands like this don’t come around too often, and they deserve all the accolades and love being thrown their way.

 

Spotlights- Learn To Breathe (From Seismic):

 

Spotlights- Tidals (Full Album):

 

Spotlights- Seismic (Pre-Order):