Album Review

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: SEMUTA- THOUGHTLESS / DREAMLESS

The idea of oh, this album cover looks interesting, often leads to great discoveries. As a kid, I remember that feeling of seeing album covers that looked cool and being so intrigued by what those bands were. This day in age it’s still fun to do especially in stores but, most of the time it’s on your computer. The other day while catching up on a ton of music I hadn’t had the chance to listen to yet, I found the perfect album cover that peaked the interest that when played, listening felt just like that album cover.

Semuta, from Portland, Oregon, are making music that almost feels like you’re in a kaleidoscope. Their new album, Thoughtless/Dreamless (out October 09 on Accident Prone Records (is that a Jawbreaker reference?!?!) features their stunning title track. Clocking in at just under ten minutes (it’s basically two songs in one), “Thoughtless/Dreamless” is a song that transports you in the best way music can. The progressive elements evoke King Crimson type vibes with an atmospheric doom tonality that is reminiscent of Isis around Oceanic.

Now for the even more fun part that this is a duo! That’s right, guitarist/vocalist Benjamin Caragol and drummer Ben Stoller have crafted quite the album here. Recorded and mixed by Scott Evans (Neurosis, Kowloon Walled City) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Portrayal of Guilt, Torche), that on it’s own merit made me want to listen. And the end result from this is truly a work of art.

Semuta- Thoughtless/Dreamless:

BANDCAMP: https://semutamusic.bandcamp.com/album/thoughtless-dreamless-2

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: EMMA RUTH RUNDLE- THESE KILLING TIMES

When the words conveyed in a song come to life in your mind as you listen it’s beyond a treat. Suddenly your mind goes into a different state and you get lost in it all. That’s what happens when you listen to These Killing Times, the new album from Emma Ruth Rundle.

The sheer poetic nature of the songs found on These Killing Times is drenched in dark yet beautiful imagery. The vocal delivery by Emma is cinematic and enchanting. Having this be a full band album too, makes everything more heightened. There’s a soundscape element across the entire album that engulfs you like ocean waves. Don’t let that fool you though as the sheen on top of the dark only goes to the depths of apocalyptic despair.

Each song tackles its own theme and through the melodies and arrangements, it’s all unlocked and unhinged. The confrontation can feel subtle and unsettling at the same time. While the release, though cathartic, really makes you feel and think about each aspect of the song. There’s not one thing on this album that doesn’t deliver what’s it’s meant to. Even with guest appearances from Gina Gleason (Baroness), George Clarke (Deafheaven), Bryan Funck (Thou) and Marissa Nadler, they are accents to further experience the idea of the whole. To go track by track or even highlight a few songs would be a disservice to your own reaction and feeling to this album.

Albums and art like this exist in a place that is honest and pure. This is exactly Emma Ruth Rundle in this moment come to life. The folk and post punk elements hit the right notes while the atmosphere and sonic dynamics push you into another realm. These Killing Times is a great representation of the world we live in today. Emma just makes you feel less alone in it.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Emma Ruth Rundle- These Killing Times:

https://emmaruthrundle.bandcamp.com/album/these-killing-times

BAND OF THE WEEK: WRONG MAN

There’s always something to be said when you put on an album without knowing a single thing about it other than the name and then the moment the first note rings, you know that you’re in for a treat. As a music enthusiast, curator and somewhat of a tastemaker, that feeling gets to be expressed here on Audioeclectica. And now here’s a band that is equal parts post-hardcore, noise rock, blues and melodic. Hailing from Belgium, Wrong Man features members of Oathbreaker (their album Rheia is beyond a masterpiece. Seriously it’s ten years old now and still will have you crying tears and blood (metaphorically)), Rise And Fall and Partisan. Their second album, Here’s That Feeling (note what I said previosly), is a soulfully sonic and dynamic album that is raw and beyond expressive. Each song arms itself with a tonality that lets each member’s part guide you in the direction needed to go.

Here’s That Feeling on first listen felt like I had missed an album from the era of bands like Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, Helmet and even Rollins Band and Planes Mistaken For Stars to an extent.

The way the album opens with “Loose Ends” it feels like a shotgun blast to the heart. Then “It Won’t Wash Off” into “Exit Strategy” and a very stunning guest spot from Jeremy Bolm of Touche Amore. One song that really stuck out and caused multiple repeats is track four, “Blue.” The aggressive yet melodic nature of the song really opened up the album a bit more a bit like a perfect transition into track five “Petty Thief.” The way the album starts and gets to this point is beautiful. As the album unfolds even more, with “Mystic Eye” and “Heaven Ain’t Happening.” The final two songs “Ripped Open I” and “Ripped Open II” are absolute gems. Live these songs will hit on the epic richter scale. There’s so much great music, lyrics, melodies and subtle parts to make you feel like you are floating. Seriously put on a really great set of headphones and just press play. You’ll thank me later!

What a great album! This is pure and natural progression for a band like this. One other great aspect of this record is the immeasurable amount of tension and urgency found throughout. One can only hope that US dates are announced for Wrong Man. Los Angeles surely needs this! And of course Deathwish Inc releases this great album. They’ve been on quite the roll over the past few years with the bands and albums released! Now go make the right decision and listen to Wrong Man!

By: Brian Lacy

Wrong Man- Here’s That Feeling:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: MASTODON- MARROW DEEP

Every so often throughout music history, a band comes along that transcends the time. Meaning that this band writes songs and albums that are timeless while also exploring different thematic aspects that makes for an experience be it on album or live that is so vivid it all comes to life. For the last twenty six years, Mastodon, have truly been the best new band of the Millennium. Never a band to rest of what they did before, Mastodon have pushed the boundaries aside of what you can do in rock music. Across now nine albums, Mastodon have established themselves as a bands band and one that can play with an array of bands and artists. On their now ninth studio album, Marrow Deep, Mastodon have taken their shared and personal tragedies and turmoil into an album that like Crack The Skye, oozes emotion and reaches so deep that each nuance is felt.

Throughout the twelve songs, there is not one ounce of filler or anything that feels out of place. Some might say there is but, that only exposes that persons lack of interest and knowledge into a musical space that expands ones mind. The intricate details that Mastodon have added over the years shine on Marrow Deep. While this is the first album without longtime bandmate and contributor, Brent Hinds (R.I.P.), it didn’t slow down Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher. Now with the addition of Nick Johnston on guitar and Joao Nogueira on keys, the complete vivid vision has finally come together. Even the album cover hints at this vivid picture as the colors and lines weave in and out of one another.

From the start with “Barbarian’s Blood” till “The Three Fates,” it’s clear that this is a take your time album. The different elements from sludge, prog, space, psychedelia are signature Mastodon. The more cinematic nature on these songs has an almost “score” type of vibe as well. When you listen to a Mastodon album, the ability to lose yourself in it is vital. Be it a heavier song like “Poisonous Weapons” or an epic prog rock song like “Out Like A Lamb” there is something new to find the more you listen. There’s even bits of free form jazz found on songs like “They’re Coming For You,” “Snakes For Dinner” which features Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme (marking his second collaboration with the band. He was previously featured on “Colony Of Birchmen” off Blood Mountain), and “The Vanishing” the latter of which features Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler on bass. If you’ve heard Master Of Reality or Volume 4 by Black Sabbath, you know what I’m talking about here. One of the absolute standout songs on Marrow Deep has to be “Moth And Bone.” This song has so many layers to unfold in a beautifully dynamic way. Just listen and you’ll experience it. Throughout the record there are subtle nods to Brent be it in the lyrics like “Your Ghost Again” or small guitar parts or even a vocal melody like on “A Vampire’s Demeanor.” The album ends with “The Three Fates” which again ends an album as Mastodon does on an epic note.

The additions and contributions of Nick and Joao are very present and prevalent. This new blood injected into Mastodon has brought out a side that feels invigorated and alive. The chemistry between Bill, Brann and Troy is unmistakable and now with Nick and Joao, the chemical bond has only grown! These songs when they play them live will no doubt deliver you into a different dimension. Let the Marrow Deep run wild in your ears and mind.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review By: Brian Lacy

MASTODON- MARROW DEEP:

ALBUM REVIEW: MACHINEKIT- BODY WITHOUT ORGANS

The thought of experimentation and exploration within music swings like a pendulum. Each side has its own distinct sound and feel just like Machinekit’s new EP, Body Without Organs. In a fun metaphorical sense, perhaps each organ that is missing represents the style of the music.

Across five intense and almost primitive songs, Machinekit mastermind, John Rojas, emits a mixture of electro-punk, jazz, industrial, doom, and darkwave all in a raw nature. This is where the primitive sense comes in. The vocals tear through skin and pull at your own organs. The way the songs have a visual impact gives the EP an even darker and tortured feel. The instrumentation here is direct and given a clear mission to teeter the line of precision and avant-garde.

When a release like Body Without Organs arrives, it might take a minute to fully grasp what is happening. Go with it! As each song pulls you in a twist, there’s more to uncover with each listen.

Review By: Brian Lacy

Machinekit- Body Without Organs:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: FOREIGN FILM- A LOVE LETTER

The idea of the band Will Haven going in a full on 180 degree direction than their known heaviness is beyond intriguing. Usually when you hear a band, well the majority of a band, step out of their known repertoire it can go a bit haywire. That’s not the case for Foreign Film. While there is still a bit of heavy, their debut album, A Love Letter, is an ethereal ambient melodic rock record that soars in direction that flies through the atmosphere.

Across ten songs and forty two minutes you will get lost in this new world of Will Haven’s Jeff Irwin. Along with his fellow bandmates Mitch Wheeler (drums), Adrien Contreras (bass) and Sean Bivins (guitar) he’s also joined by Rylan Kerr (guitar), Robin Florkin (piano/keys) and Tami Taracena (backing vocals), they’ve made a record that moves in a more “post” rock style that’s emotive and full of lush soundscapes. This project has long been in the making and now comes to fruition.

Each song evokes it own emotion. There’s not one song on here that feels like it repeats itself. Instead it weaves an intricate web of all sorts of inspiration making A Love Letter an album that truly captures the essence of the idea. I urge everyone to listen from start to finish to see the whole picture come to life.

Foreign Film’s A Love Letter truly is a thoughtful piece of music and art that fits stands out on its own. There’s a place for both Will Haven and Foreign Film and rightfully so. Enjoy what this album is. The evolution of what this band can be is only getting started.

Overall Rating: B+

By: Brian Lacy

Foreign Film- A Love Letter:

SHOW PREVIEW: THE COBALT PRESENTS- 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PT. 1

For the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.

Part 1 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 11 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from way back and new bands that have become mainstays in this new era.

Opening the show is Scrawny Ratz. These youngsters bring a renewed sense of fun and energy to their music. Mixing metal, punk and a bit of extreme music, Scrawny Ratz are the perfect band to open this show.

Next up is Diverted Dissonance. This is a special band for the evening as it’s a mashup of two bands, The Infinity Project and Tantalus. This is going to be a very rocking and melodic set. The Infinity Project has really come into their own as an original band.

Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. This three piece rock band that mixes punk, garage rock, and tinges of metal and alternative. The influences and inspiration for these ladies is endless and it shines through their songs. If you don’t see em, you’re missing out!

Lava Diva are early 90’s alt rock and were part of the OG scene back in the day. Not only that, they are Cobalt alum. Four years ago at our First Anniversary show, we got Lava Diva to reunite and it’s been awesome since. Be sure to check out their collaboration with Madam Bombs called “Daybreak.”

The mighty MAL! These long time alt rock vets are one of the hardest working bands out there. A live show and performance that feels like it’s a time warp from the psychedelic era and the peak of 90’s rock. A three piece band that packs quite the punch.

Closing out the night is Macro. If you’re into prog rock mixed with a bit of jazz and jam rock, this is the band for you. After so many badass rock bands, having Macro send it out is quite perfect!

So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!!

SHOW IS ALL AGES!!!

DOORS AT 7:00PM!

BAND OF THE WEEK: CATRAT

Putting on live shows has its perks. Getting to see a plethora of great live bands is the best, especially when you see one of them that really grabs your attention. The other night at The Cobalt Presents and Audioeclectica June Showcase at Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood, we had 6 really great up and coming bands. One of which not only grabbed our attention but the entire venue itself.

CatRat is a name you should take note of. At only twelve and thirteen years old, Molly (drums/vocals) and Frances Macias (guitar/vocals), are roaring into venues and straight up slaying audiences. CatRat’s an alternative punk band that mixes garage rock, surf rock and a tinge of metal into their very infectious songs. Their live performance is controlled chaos at its best. Another great aspect is the amount of fun that is had not just on stage but in the crowd as well. Danger and fun have been missing from music and yet, these two sisters get it!

The two singles released “Running Over Kids” and “Lemons” could have easily been released in the mid 90’s. There’s a recognizable feeling that hits back but, feels fresh.

More bands like CatRat please! Be sure to see CatRat when you see their name on a show. You won’t regret it!

By: Brian Lacy

CatRat Online HERE

CatRat- Lemons/Running Over Kids:

https://catratband.bandcamp.com/album/lemons

CatRat- Live at Hotel Ziggy:

ALBUM REVIEW: THE PRETTY RECKLESS- DEAR GOD

Rock music has always been about feeling. No matter the genre, the “feel” of the music propels you to hear things in a whole different way. When the music hits right and the words convey a thought that strikes the right chord, that magic is what keeps us all coming back. These days finding a real rock band that does that is quite difficult. So many bands have sounds that while are rooted in straight rock music, it’s a convoluted mess. The Pretty Reckless though, they’re the real deal. And on album number five, Dear God, that “feel” is what sends this record to the heavens.

The Pretty Reckless have put in a really solid amount of time to write an album that feels like a hard rock albums you’d find from the 1970’s mixed with the early 90’s. Taylor Momsen, Ben Philips, Mark Damon and Jaime Perkins have quite the chemistry on this album in a very deep way. Each song is a journal entry that comes to life through Taylor’s vocals. Songs like “For I Am Death,” “When I Wake Up,” “Love Me,” “About You” and “Dear God” are quite the rock songs packed with vigor and emotion. Then you get into a mid tempo territory that gets extremely raw the further it goes. Especially on songs like “Eye Of The Storm” and “Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song).”

Upon first listen, the album may seem front loaded but, it actually gets deeper the further you get into the record. There’s a lot of words within the lyrics, it all plays out in a journal come to life. Sure it’s something we all do but, to have someone who grew up in an industry that will eat you up and spit you out just as easily as it will make you feel like you’re the one, it’s quite introspective and revealing. The performance in Taylor Momsen’s vocals are full of every piss and gasoline. Its blues meets grunge and a tinge of goth. Making for a nice twist and turn as it is woven into the accompanying music. 

The Pretty Reckless absolutely won me over with their 2021 album Death By Rock And Roll. This is a really solid album and follow up. Definitely look forward to hearing these songs live.

Overall Rating: B

By: Brian Lacy

The Pretty Reckless- Dear God:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: GENGHIS TRON- SIGNAL FIRE

The element of surprise and evolution in music is one of the many things which makes people keep coming back to a band. For Genghis Tron, both of those qualities permeate through all of their songs and albums. Just as their 2021 return did with the atmospherically heavy Dream Weapon, the way in which Genghis Tron shape shifts through genres is stunning. Their new album Signal Fire, lights a very powerful path through the start of the band into a very intricate evolution that blooms to a vibrant and visceral sound.

Being a band that can weave melody and hooks into this style of music is an art form. Across the ten songs that make up Signal Fire, there is no letting up. While the atmospheric tension from Dream Weapon is apparent, the sharp left and right turns that blend into heavier experimental territory is very exciting. Signal Fire is an urgent record that calls to the now of a very fragile time.

Starting things off with the call to arms that is “I Am All,” truly sets this album off ablaze. Moving into the title track, you can feel and hear a plethora of treats as it plays out. “Future Worship” is a blast of a track. The playfulness lets you take it all in. “Like Fotochrom” is a great “calm before the storm” track that has a fun futuristic sound. “Tomorrow Mirage” is a burner! Just one listen will wake you up. “Nothing Blooms In The Hollow” is a banger of a song. The perfect mix of classic GT with all the new and a melodic cherry on top. “Without Form” is a subtle segue into the onslaught that is “Born Prey.” By the time you’re listening to this song, the sheer magnitude of volume should evoke auditory clarity! “A Love So Pure” is a great bit of departure from the heavy while still being heavy. The more post-hardcore vibe of the song makes it a great penultimate song. Closing out the album is “New Gods” one of the best end of album songs of 2026. The hypnotic sensibility of the song mixed with the electronics makes it a bit of a psychedelic sensation.

The core of Genghis Tron is Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky. The additions of vocalist Tony Wolski and drummer Nick Yacyshyn are impeccable as each adds their own distinctive character to these songs and makes Genghis Tron into the band that comes to life. The four of them have made Signal Fire one of the best albums of 2026. It’s interesting, when listening, if you are not familiar with the band, you might think something feels out of place but, it all makes perfect sense in the end. Personally I can’t wait for the tour. One can only imagine how much these songs will come to life in that setting.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Genghis Tron- Signal Fire: