Album Review: Chelsea Wolfe- She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She

There comes a time in the evolution of each artist where the sum of everything developed, explored, and thought about comes together in a cohesive statement that not only puts a true stamp on a body of work but, also leans into the future of where it’s all going. A perfect example of this is the latest album by Chelsea Wolfe entitled She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She. There is a comfort to the darkness that encases this and all her albums but, with this one it’s grasp is one that holds on and settles so delicately underneath the skin.

From the moment the album begins with “Whispers In The Echo Chamber,” the spell casting melodies enriched by the lush embrace of a sound that pulls from electronica, trip hop, industrial, darkwave, post-punk and more give this album the pronounced rebirth of Chelsea Wolfe. Working with longtime collaborators Ben Chisholm, Bryan Tulao and Jess Gowrie, and the addition of producer Dave Sitek (from TV On The Radio), She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She reaches new levels that are quite inqusitive as the thematic elements of the album blossom into dense stories that keep you coming back. The album continues it’s ambitious and adventurous journey with songs that lend a hand towards self realization and shedding skin like “House Of Self-Undoing,” “Everything Turns Blue,” and “Tunnel Lights.” By the time you’ve reached “The Liminal” there is a turn towards unveiling bits of light and toys with your heart strings. “Eyes Like Nightshade” has a Depeche Mode vibe to it that allows this song to slither around you. The next couple of songs “Salt” and “Unseen Wound” have a gloominess to them that build up to the very impressive and heart wrenching “Place In The Sun.” As the album comes to a close with “Dusk,” there is definitely a sense of understanding and almost a peaceful calm that settles into a clarity or focus on an optimistic outlook.

The tension created during the 42 minutes of the album is truly a defining moment for Chelsea, Ben, Jess and Bryan. This album is one of those that is not only cathartic and filled with dark yet positive energy, it’s one that won’t leave your mind. I spent a good amount of time combing through this album and letting it just take me where it wanted me to go. That feeling you get from listening to an album that really feels timeless is transcendent. Which interestingly enough is a theme found throughout the album. Funny how that all comes together in the end. What an album. I can only imagine what was left on the cutting room floor. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album multiple times. Put headphones on, light a candle and seriously just let it take you away!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/4uJMF1xAEk9IgPA5UbwNA6?utm_source=generator

Apple:

https://embed.music.apple.com/us/album/she-reaches-out-to-she-reaches-out-to-she/1711265605

New Release: Great Falls- Trap Feeding

Last year, Seattle’s own Great Falls released their album, Objects Without Pain. It was one of my favorite albums of 2023 and it’s one of those albums that with each listen, I love more and more. If you are in the mode for something heavy, noisey, sludgey and just a great all around band than I really think you should be listening to Great Falls. Ahead of the band making their way across the pond to be the direct support for Botch’s reunion/farewell tour, Great Falls have released a vide for their song “Trap Feeding.” This video captures the energy of Great Falls live and then some. Brace yourself for what Great Falls brings, it’s one hell of a volatile punch that is greatly needed in heavy music!

Great Falls- Trap Feeding:

Great Falls- Objects Without Pain:

New Release: Gouge Away- Spaced Out

In only a couple short weeks time, Gouge Away will release their new album, Deep Sage, one of the records I’ve been anticipating most in 2024. Already the glimpses into this album have shown the progression and evolution of the band. On this new track “Spaced Out” it’s one of those short and sweet bangers that just exudes energy! March 15th is not that far off, so be sure to pick up a copy of this one! The Jack Shirley produced/engineered/mixed album is one of the best of 2024 and it’s only March! Also be sure to check them out on tour with Metz this April and May.

Gouge Away- Spaced Out:

More From Deep Sage plus Album Pre Orders via their bandcamp!

Photo by: Ali Beaudette

Collaborations:Linkin Park & Page Hamilton- All For Nothing

Back in 2015, Linkin Park released their album, The Hunting Party. This album saw the band return to more of their “rock roots” after time spent experimenting and expanding upon their sound. The Hunting Party was met with a bit of a mixed reaction but, over time has actually grown into quite a pretty stand out album in their catalog. One song on this album in particular has always had my attention and it’s one hell of a banger too. The song is track 2 on the album and it’s called “All For Nothing” and features the one and only Page Hamilton of Helmet on guest vocals as well as guitar. This song fits naturally into the signature sound of Linkin Park and it has a bit of an old school vibe with the hip-hop verses into the soaring melodic chorus. The combination of LP and Page Hamilton works out quite well. When you listen to early LP albums (Hybrid Theory/Meteora) there is a bit of a Helmet influence to the guitars so it’s only appropriate that this collaboration were to happen and work so well. I’m just going to put this out in the universe cause it would be awesome if it were to happen but, how about on Helmet’s upcoming tour, they add this song to the set for their Los Angeles date and Mike Shinoda comes out and performs it with Helmet?! Now that would be something! This song really deserves to be given the proper live debut!

Linkin Park with Page Hamilton- All For Nothing:

Making of “All For Nothing”

Band Of The Week: Futurelust

It’s very well known that I love finding new bands and new music to share. I recently came across a Los Angeles based band that really intrigued me, so much so that I felt compelled to book them on a show so I could see them live. Selfish I know but, I couldn’t resist it because I had a feeling that they would be a great band live and they were and then some. Allow me to introduce you to Futurelust. Futurelust is a rock band through and through with bits of prog rock, alternative (via 90’s alt rock), post-punk and even a bit of a pseudo goth tinge which adds to the already rocking elements. Their self titled debut album arrived in August of 2022 and it’s quite a record. The soaring melodies and thought provoking lyrics propel the rock to cinematic levels that play out like a kaleidoscope of vivid colors. Another thing that I really love about this band is that they “get it.” The songs are well crafted with sublime dynamics that will grab you and not let go. Futurelust is also a band that experiments quite well within their songs which gives you the listener something more to delve into and expand your listening mind. Even the bands most recent stand alone singles have shown great growth of the band as they are evolving in a manner that only adds to their stunning catalog. I’m quite excited to hear and see where Futurelust goes from here.

Futurelust- Futurelust:

Futurelust- Rogue:

Futurelust- Billboards:

Futurelust- RocknRolla:

Futurelust Online:

Website: https://futurelustmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurelustmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurelustmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@futurelustmusic

Track One: Helmet- In The Meantime

The other day Helmet announced new tour dates. That got me excited as I haven’t seen them in quite some time. Naturally, I did what I always do when I get excited about a band or music news, I put Helmet on. Meantime, their breakthrough album which features the classic “Unsung,” is one of those albums that when you put on, it fuels the day. The first track “In The Meantime” is one of those album openers that does more than sets a tone, it’s also a hard charger that has been ripped off countless times as it’s such a classic. Meantime was an album that has stood up to this day. The influence the band and album has had on music since its release is uncanny. Start your day off with this banger!

Helmet- In The Meantime:

New Release: Gouge Away- Dallas

Gouge Away are one of the bands I’ve been impatiently for a new album from and the wait is almost over. On March 15, Gouge Away will release their new album, Deep Sage. After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, the band reconvened in late 2022 to pick up where they left off with writing what would become their new album. In March 2023, Gouge Away teamed up with Jack Shirley at Atomic Garden East and began recording the album. The album was recorded completely analog and almost entirely live. The band performed together in a live room while vocalist Christina Michelle was in an isolation booth, her vocals projected from a monitor so the band could hear her. The end result is a raw unapologetic, noisey yet introspective record that is at the heart of what this band has always been.

Dallas:

Gouge Away Bandcamp (Stream 2 more songs “Stuck In A Dream” and “Idealized”

Band Of The Week: Machinekit

I’m always on the look for new and exciting music. Thankfully the other day, I got a message from a band that absolutely knocked my socks off! Allow me to introduce you to Machinekit! This techno-punk band is really grabbing my attention with their new single “Antipathy.” The song itself is an electro-techno punch to the gut with a punk mentality and tinges of metal that really drives the groove. Another thing that I really dig about Machinekit is their willingness to experiment within their songs to make something intriguing. Even with all the electronics going on, Machinekit likes to keep certain aspects raw. As you listen you hear the instruments and vocals in a way that harks back to a little bit of a Nine Inch Nails Broken era. Machinekit are a band that I am really looking forward to hearing what else they do and see live. Do yourself a favor and listen to Machinekit!

Machinekit- Antipathy:

Antipathy (Matt Miller Remix):

Antipathy (Demo):

MACHINEKIT ONLINE:

http://wearemachinekit.com/

https://machinekit.bandcamp.com

Collaborations: Blindside & Billy Corgan- Hooray It’s LA

Back in 2004, Blindside released their album About A Burning Fire. Their previous album Silence, is one of the most fun, energetic and still holds up quite well albums of the early 00’s. About A Burning Fire was not Silence Part 2, instead the band leaned forward and tried some new things and the experiment worked. There are a few things I really like about this album, one being the final song/title track. That’s one hell of a way to end an album. My favorite thing in particular is the song “Hooray It’s LA.” The song has a really rad vibe to it and then you add in the guitar playing of (and I’m sure some songwriting input) The Smashing Pumpkin’s Billy Corgan to it and you have yourself a really killer track! It’s been forever since we had a new Blindside album and that’s one I’d love to see in 2024 or at least they come back to the states for some shows!

Blindside Featuring Billy Corgan- Hooray It’s LA:

New Release: Frail Body- Refrain

This week seems to be a week where I keep listening to bands I haven’t in a while. Well, let’s keep the train rolling with this gem. Frail Body is back with their upcoming second album, Artificial Bouquet which arrives March 29, 2024 via Deathwish Inc. The first single released “Refrain” is one hell of a track that blurs the lines of hardcore, post-hardcore, black metal, and what the origins of “screamo” were all about. Personally, I’m excited to hear where this band goes from this point. This song is only the start of something I have a feeling.

PRE-ORDERS HERE

Frail Body- Refrain: