Last year while booking a show for a Cobalt Presents event, I came across a young artist that really caught my attention. When she and her band played that night, I knew this was more than just a young kid playing music. This was the real deal and there was so much more to it. Let me introduce you to AYVA. At only 17 years old, Ayva is ready to kick down the doors and rock your socks off. Armed with her PRS guitar and a deceptive voice, the moment Ayva starts rocking you can feel it. The songs are one hundred percent original and all hers. You know the saying big things come in small packages? Well that’s Ayva for sure! Mixing hard rock, alternative, punk and a bit of 70’s glam (a la T Rex or Iggy Pop solo), you get a heavy melodic sound with vocals that hit emotional cue inside as you listen. Her debut album, The Monster, is one hell of a record. Like I said, Ayva is only 17 and to write the songs she has it just shows the passion and dedication to the craft. At a time when the EP has become a standard for young bands, Ayva’s debut album is 12 songs of really great modern melodic hard rock. It’s funny, kids these days have quite the keen sense for music people like myself grew up on, and Ayva really picks great inspiration to guide her. Her latest single “Tearing Apart” is a slab of alternative rock with a heavy edge. I’m quite excited to see and hear what the future hold for Ayva. You can see Ayva Live at The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica’s March Showcase at Hotel Ziggy (Hollywood) on Saturday March 28th! Enjoy!
Everyone has that one band they absolutely love. That one band that every time they come to town, you drop what you are doing to go see them live. Since the year 2000 when I first saw my all time favorite band, Nine Inch Nails live, I have made it a point to be at every single Los Angeles area show they have done since as well as a few others outside of the area. Last year I had the chance to attend both nights of the Peel It Back tour. I even remember telling my friends I was with, if this tour does a second round, I have to go, this was too damn good not to see again. And low and behold not long after the first leg wrapped up, the second leg was announced. Of course this one had to be in Orange County but, it’s Nine Inch Nails, and I’ll make the trek. After this show, my total of seeing Nine Inch Nails is up to twenty two times and I’m not even close to being done seeing them. This night at the Honda Center not only was astoundingly sublime but, filled with great memories to last a lifetime (wink wink).
The way the show starts on the small B stage is something really special. The stripped down piano version of “Right Where It Belongs” is devastatingly stunning. Then you add in a bit of my all time favorite song in “Somewhat Damaged” and it’s a recipe for greatness. The emotional weight of both those songs are enough to bring tears to your eyes, as it did Trent. Then moving into a partially solo/acoustic performance of “Ruiner” was something else as well. That song in particular sounded so good with just a piano. Then to close out that section with “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)” remix really gets the crowd’s energy pumping as Trent and band made their way to the main stage. The space in between was filled with a glorious Josh Freese drum solo section that included a snippet of “Getting Smaller” (which I hope that song makes its way into future set lists). Josh is so special in Nine Inch Nails. If you’ve seen NIN before you know what I mean. The second act on the main stage was just an onslaught of heavy classics like “Wish,””March Of The Pigs,” “Gave Up,” “Heresy.” One of the coolest moments was when “The Frail” was used as the transition out of “March Of The Pigs” into “Reptile.” Wow! What a seriously surreal section of the show. The seemlessness of the way those two songs meld together should be studied. Then we moved back to the small stage for the “Remix” section of the show. The way these remixes hit the audience is wild. If you’ve never been to a rave, this is a small glimpse into the fun you could be having. “Vessel,” and “Closer,” got the crowd jumping and dancing. Then you got hit with the How To Destroy Angels song “Parasite” and that in itself was a treat. This remix version is quite the jam. Closing out this section was the newest song “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” This song I can’t get enough of. Watching all the camera angles this evening and how Trent, Atticus and BoyzNoize manipulate the sounds was exciting and inspiring. Sure certain parts were on tape but the live remixing really takes things to a whole other level. Now back to the main stage and more awesomness as “Mr. Self Destruct” erupted with such a loud pop that you couldn’t tell if it was Josh’s drums or the audience. The rest of the set was just choice cuts like “Less Than,” “The Hand That Feeds,” and “Head Like A Hole.” I’m personally glad to see “The Perfect Drug” still in the set. This song was for years not played live and in the last few years and tours, it’s been a prominent staple! Plus getting to watch Josh Freese on drums during that drum break is so exquisite. And as always, “Hurt” closed out the show.
The production for this show is something else. The tight camera angles mixed with the lights and visuals makes for a very intense visual show. Then you add in the music, lyrics and vocals, and it just comes together so perfectly. I’ve seen this show three times now and this one just might been the best one. I’ve seen Nine Inch Nails twenty two times now and this was one of the best tours I’ve ever seen. The addition of Stu Brooks to the band brought even more life and energy to the band live. As good as Alessandro was at his instruments his lack of energy on stage always seemed to be a damper. Stu on the other hand moves around and you can see/hear the vitality in him as the songs are played. This lineup of Trent, Atticus, Robin, Josh and Stu is one that I hope stays for a long while. Nine Inch Nails are one of the best live bands of all time. Each tour evokes something different as it should. The sheer intensity you get from a NIN show is unlike anything else. Even the most casual fan will walk out of the show a full fledged fan. The albums and songs are timeless and will be for generations to come. Who knows how much longer Trent will keep going. I surely hope he’s not done yet. Nine Inch Nails are more than just a band. If you are like me, it means so much more. Plus, we still need a full on tour for The Fragile! Just putting that out in the universe to make happen!! What a night and show. If you’ve never seen Nine Inch Nails, make a point to rectify that! You won’t be sorry!
Overall Grade: A
By: Brian Lacy
Setlist:
01) Right Where It Belongs (Acoustic, with Somewhat Damaged Outro) 02) Ruiner (Partially Acoustic) 03) Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now) 04) Wish 05) March Of The Pigs 06) The Frail 07) Reptile 08) Heresy 09) Copy Of A 10) Gave Up 11) Vessel (with BoyzNoize- Remix) 12) Closer (with BoyzNoize- Remix) 13) Parasite (How To Destroy Angels Cover- with BoyzNoize- Remix) 14) As Alive As You Need Me To Be (with BoyzNoize- Remix) 15) Mr. Self Destruct 16) Less Than 17) The Perfect Drug 18) I’m Afraid Of Americans (David Bowie Cover) 19) The Hand That Feeds 20) Head Like A Hole 21) Hurt
Ah yes the elusive cover song. My it’s been a long while since there was a cover song article on Audioeclectica. The musical landscape these days has so many cover songs that there needed to be a moratorium on talking about them. Seriously, how flooded did things get with all the covers that were coming out?! It feels like there needs to be a bit of a refresher when it comes to cover songs. The point of a cover is to make it your own and that more often than not doesn’t happen. Thankfully there are some bands out there that know how to do it right, like Metallica. Back in 1998, Metallica released their double covers album, Garage Inc. Across two CD’s, Metallica paid tribute to the bands that inspired them from Black Sabbath, Diamond Head, The Misfits, Discharge, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead and more. The cover of Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page” is one of the best covers of all time. But there has always been one cover on this album that has been a favorite of mine and that is their version of Killing Joke’s “The Wait.” Originally this cover was included on Metallica’s 1987 Garage Days EP. The Killing Joke version appears on their 1980 debut album. When you hear “The Wait” by Killing Joke, you can instantly tell that this band inspired and influenced Metallica. In fact you more than likely have heard this song used in countless films and TV shows. Let’s get cover songs back on track! Here’s a great way to start it off!!!
I’m constantly intrigued by songs of a certain era that live on. You know what I’m talking about. Those songs you heard on the radio that were so popular that they became a part of the whole time. The 80’s and 90’s especially have a ton of these types of bands/songs. What’s even more interesting is the albums these songs are on, most often are pretty damn good and the deeper cuts are what makes it even better over time. One band that has become a mainstay for one hit, though they actually had other hit songs, is Lit. Their 1999 album, A Place In The Sun, produced the songs “Zip-Lock” and “Miserable” but, the one we all know most is “My Own Worst Enemy.” The instant this song starts it’s infectious. The hook is right there in the riff and then the chorus just always explodes into a singalong. Still to this day, if this song gets played at a bar, a concert or just hanging out, it always brings out a good time. I still get a silly smile on my face when this song comes on. “My Own Worst Enemy” would go on to be number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts as well as being the top song played on Modern Rock Radio for all of 1999. The song to this day is double platinum (sales of over 2 million) and stands as a testament to a time of 90’s rock music that is still alive and rocking. Fun fact too, “My Own Worst Enemy” is one of the most sung karaoke songs in the United States. Lit is still out on the road touring and making memories with their classics.
I’m completely enthralled by the band Slow Crush. Their style of shoegaze has struck the right chord with me. The way they mix the heaviness with the dreamy is stellar. More bands that are in this style should take note of how Slow Crush makes those dynamics work. If you haven’t already, I highly suggest you listen to their album, Thirst, it’s truly a modern masterpiece and a blueprint for modern shoegaze. Today though, Slow Crush released 2 new songs called “Que Du Noir / Hallowed” and it’s been on repeat all morning and will be throughout the rest of the day and week. The songs are dreamy and full of lush soundscapes and textures that makes you feel like you are swimming. The lyrics are quite deep but feel alive at the end. These new songs have a fun aspect to them with one song with one sung in english and the other in french. Both of them are stunning with the one in french being a tinge more mystical. Slow Crush starts a US tour this week. Be sure to catch them if you can. I know I’m going to try to! Enjoy!
The year is 2000 and like many others at the time, I stayed up to watch Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Long before YouTube, we had to stay up late to watch the bands we like on TV. Late Night with Conan O’Brien was one of the first late night shows to really celebrate heavier bands on TV. Also at this time in music, rock music was soaring and on top of the world. Back in April of 2000, Sevendust made their late night TV debut on Conan’s show. The band was riding quite high off the release of their second album, Home. “Denial” the first single made a strong impact on so many. I still dig that song to this day. The band’s second single “Waffle” had a little more of a melodic sensibility to it. Both “Denial” and “Waffle” charted on the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Charts. The performance of “Waffle” on Conan though was one of those that made people pay attention. I believe I still have this recorded on a VHS tape with a ton of other late night performances. Home is still a great album and these two songs are still live staples for the band. Here’s hoping the new Sevendust album, ONE, is back to what we all love!
Sevendust- Waffle (Live On Late Night With Conan O’Brien 04.19.2000):
Ever since I was a little kid (which was a long time ago), I’ve been a fan of The Cure. That might seem weird to some but hey, it was the late 80’s and I was very into MTV. I mean, how could you not be intrigued by a band where the singer has crazy hair and wears red lipstick?! Anyways, The Cure has been one of those bands who constantly push themselves to new territory and boundaries. The lyrical content has shaped the lives of so many for well over forty years. Musically, the influence is heard in oh so many bands you love. If you’ve really never listened to The Cure, here’s what I’d like to think is quite the definitive ranking of their fourteen studio albums! Enjoy!
XCOMM ARE THE REAL DEAL! I’ve been stoked on this band since I heard them a couple years ago. Already they’ve hit the ground hard with two banger releases in “Reasons” and “Fake I.D.” Now here we go with more and one in particular that is damn good! That’s right two songs in one! The video for them as well is fun, inquisitive, and very much them. Way to hit another one out of the park Dean Karr! The first song “Hot Pursuit” continues their hardcore/punk style with gritty vocals and charging riffs. The second song though is the one that’s going to put them over. “One And Nothing” is one hell of a great post-hardcore song. Not only does this show that each member has chops but, it shows they can write! Ross Robinson really got great things to come out of XCOMM. Really look forward to what is to come for these lads! Enjoy XCOMM!!
What is going on with shoegaze these days? When did this subgenre become such a phenomenon? I’ve been trying to find the point of origin and it’s quite complex. Instead of trying to figure out all that at the moment, why not just enjoy the best of what’s out there. The ones that have really left a mark on me have done just that. These select bands and albums have not just found their way into constant rotation, they’ve separated themselves from the pack well enough to make a lasting impression on the genre and era. Trauma Ray is one of those bands and their latest release, the EP, Carnival, absolutely cements that.
Carnival is one of those perfect EP’s that is a burst of creativity. By opening up the writing to be more collaborative, the vast expansive inspiration is aplenty here. This unlocked a whole other world for the band to travel in. What’s interesting too is these influences are cast without biting off a duplicate rendition. If you’ve heard the bands debut, Chameleon, you can definitely hear the wings stretching here. In a way it reminds me of the band Brand New and how the more open collaboration made the band even better. What Carnival does across five songs and twenty five minutes makes you fall into a trance of lush soundscapes, dreamy vocals, riffs and melodies that caress the delicate and at times intense rhythms. The use of not just shoegaze aspects is another treat. Like many of the other great bands of this genre, there is more to Trauma Ray. Other sounds and styles like metal, alternative, sludge, doom, grunge, ambience all play a part in making this one stand out release. Each song takes on a bit of a life of its own with the way the influences shine.
It’s very refreshing to hear a band like Trauma Ray taking the sum of their parts and realizing making a record that not only showcases the individual effort but pushes the band forward into making great music. Carnival is for sure a ride and one worth riding over and over again.
When a genre explodes, finding the standouts becomes imperative. Over the last few years “shoegaze” has come to the forefront of modern music. Depending on what subgenre of shoegaze you listen to shows you where the inspiration comes from. Deftones and The Smashing Pumpkins in particular have struck a chord with the younger generation. That being said let me shift this to the other side of the equation. Through all my listening and searching I believe I found one of the best albums of this new era of shoegaze. The band is Slow Crush and their album, Thirst is astounding.
Slow Crush’s album Thirst is haunting, seductive, heavy, whimsical and more. Every time I put this album on I’m completely swept away by the intensity. Across ten songs and forty minutes there isn’t one moment on this album that doesn’t fit. As much as this album is shoegaze focused, there is so much more to it. First there is an undercurrent of Black Metal running through the album. There are also elements of stoner rock, alternative rock and dream pop. Sonically, Thirst is explosive, etherial and atmospheric. The vocals will sweep you off your feet and take you on a trippy journey. They crawl under your skin and give you those chills that make you pay attention. Musically too, the intricate web of layers showcases the varied influences of the band. Being able to pull in heaviness into delicate structures is not an easy thing to do. While certain moments are crushing, the more airy ones are what captivates. The hypnotic nature of the songs and production is another part that makes Thirst such a masterful album.
For each listen, you find something new to love and discover. One of my favorite parts of this album is the ending of the second song “Covet.” The use of saxophone at the end of this song is sublime. What a great part and addition to the song. It feels like a David Bowie moment that fits perfectly. It’s almost like the band steps into another world with each song. As a listener it’s rather liberating to hear an album like this. It’s not everyday you get to hear an album that ups the game of a genre. Slow Crush have defined their sound and style with Thirst. Do yourself a favor and take some time with this album and let it take over!
