Alternative Rock

ALBUM REVIEW: FAILURE- LOCATION LOST

The idea of making an “album” these days seems to escape most bands. While so many are so focused on the quick song or short attention span fans, Failure have returned with their seventh album, Location Lost, and remind everyone why making an album is so important. 

Location Lost is an album that shows Failure at a vulnerable and fragile state that draws from personal, societal trauma and issues. When you put this album on and the crisp sound comes bellowing out of your speakers, it’s a passionate and deep presence felt. There truly is magic between the music created by Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott. Each brings in a unique batch of influences and styles thus creating a tour de force of music and art. 

Across nine songs and forty minutes, Failure does what they do best, rock! The album opens with “Crash Test Delayed” a delicate space rock song that incorporates the bands early post punk/new wave influences. For a moment you can feel like it’s 1986 but, then realize it’s 2026. “The Rising Skyline” is a beautiful mellow-dramatic piece. The collaboration with Hayley Williams is the perfect choice. Her vocals on the second verse and then intertwined with Ken and Greg’s voices, is stunning! “Solid State” picks up the energy and glistens like a twinkling star. “The Air’s On Fire” is a gem. It’s one of those songs that makes you turn up the volume. You know where too. “Halo And Grain” strikes you with a grabbing bass line that lets you glide into quite the melodic treat. “Someday Soon” is another in the post punk/new wave song, with a sweet twist of melody and delicate pulsating rhythm. The title track “Location Lost” is another treat. It has an almost Magnified era vibe to it as well. “A Way Down” is going to be a classic in the bands catalog. There’s such a fun to this song that it really makes you want to play this one while “taking a ride, with your best friend.” Closing this album is “Moonlight Understands.” The unfolding subtleness allows you to drift along into a fuzzy state that leaves you contemplative.

For those that are new to Failure, this album might not grab you at first. Stay with it though as everything you enjoy about Failure is here in this album. As I mentioned earlier, their post punk/new wave influences shine throughout. Even the production of the album pulls from some of those early albums. If you have a really great set of headphones, put them on while listening. You’ll get a whole other listen out of it. It has been talked about that this could be the final album for the band. If so, it’s a real delight to hear the honesty and passion of Ken, Greg and Kellii. I sincerely hope there is more to come from Failure. For now though, Location Lost has now been found with Failure. 

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

FAILURE- LOCATION LOST:

BAND OF THE WEEK: MADAM BOMBS

About 5 years ago, I came across a very young band that caught my attention. At the time this young band played mostly covers with one or two originals but, you could tell there was more to these youngsters. Their live show at the time was what really struck me watching these kids play with such passion. Allow me to introduce you to the Madam Bombs!

Madam Bombs are a 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. Their fearless energy permeates through each member of the band. Songs like “Get Me Out,” “Girl With A Fuse” and “Melt” are a few of my favorites. There’s depth and substance within their songs and a catchiness that is infectious.

Guitarist/Vocalist Claire FitzGerald, has really come into her own. Her confidence as a singer is strong and her guitar playing is oh so sweet. Drummer/vocalist Samara Ellis, plays with power and passion and hits those drums with thunder. Their song “Spiral” really shows what a skilled drummer she is. Bassist/vocalist Jaden Cordova, ties it all together with the low end in a way that hits the right rhythm balance. All three share vocals and in unison sounds lively and fun.

Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. Personally I can’t wait to hear what’s next. The sound of the future is in the youth of today and the Madam Bombs are one of those bands that will have you on your feet rooting for them! In fact, come see Madam Bombs on Saturday April 18 at The Cobalt Presents / Audioeclectica Show at Corbin Bowl! You will be sad if you miss it!

By: Brian Lacy

Madam Bombs Online:

https://www.madambombs.com/

Madam Bombs Music:

Girl With A Fuse EP:

Spiral:

Get Me Out:

Compliment:

ALBUM RANK: QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

Queens Of The Stone Age are one of those bands that have a catalog of albums that are ever evolving. From their debut through their peak into the now, Queens have always been a group to not rest on what they’ve done before. Sure certain things will always be a part of the sound and style of the band but, the opportunity to exist in a different alternative realm, is much more interesting than being generic. And while not every album can be the best, there are those that truly stand out and a couple that really don’t quite hit the mark. Take a moment and delve into this pretty trippy catalog from Queens Of The Stone Age. And while you are listening, find something new to enjoy about these records! And now Audioeclectica’s Definitive Ranking Of The Albums By, Queens Of The Stone Age.

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NEW RELEASE: TREDICI- BAD B!TCH

There’s a feeling that happens when you hear a new band, where you can hear where a band is rooted but, also where it’s going. Each time the band Tredici has released a new song I’m constantly intrigued. There is something quite interesting going on here and I’m all for it. Vocally you have a band that can hit every note! I mean EVERY note! Along with the melodies it’s a one / two punch that comes out of nowhere. Rhythmically it’s right up the alley of alternative and jazz. Then you add in the keys/piano aspect as it acts to accentuate and add dramatic flair. The guitars add a whimsical touch in the bluesy realm while still being rock. On their latest single, “Bad B!tch,” Tredici goes all out to show just what the possibilities are in music these days. This is what alternative music is all about. Enjoy!

Tredici Online: https://www.instagram.com/tredici_band

Tredici- Bad B!tch:

NEW RELEASE: SLOW CRUSH- QUE DU NOIR / HALLOWED

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!

Que Du Noir:

Hallowed:

UNSUNG MASTERPIECES: SLOW CRUSH- THIRST

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!

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Slow Crush- Thirst:

ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: PUSCIFER- NORMAL ISN’T

Over the course of the last few years Puscifer has become more than a side project. In fact, I’m actually glad that it has evolved further past that aspect and into it’s own entity. While it started as a sort of tongue in cheek project, the lyrical urgency of the last album and into the latest, Normal Isn’t, shows Puscifer is more than what the surface shows. The new album, Normal Isn’t, already is emitting sweet post-punk, alternative rock and electro energy. The first single “Self Evident” strikes quite the topical nerve lyrically. Then the second “Pendulum” really ignites the post-punk fire. And the latest “ImpetuoUs” has a way about it that sways into the Nine Inch Nails realm. Which is fine by me. It does have me wondering if there is any subconscious Tapeworm memories that crept in. Just a theory. I’m quite looking forward to this new album and where else it goes. Normal Isn’t sure hits the world and officially arrives on February 06, 2026 via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings with a full North American tour to follow!

Self Evident:

Pendulum:

ImpetuoUs:

BAND OF THE WEEK: COUNTERWAVES

As a rabid music fan, I’m always intrigued by bands that mix genres. Sometimes the end result makes for quite the musical fusion. One band that I’ve had my ears and eyes on for a minute is, Counterwaves. Counterwaves is a two piece rock band from Southern California that mixes 90’s alternative/grunge with shoegaze. So in a way I suppose you could call them alternagaze or grungegaze? I do like alternagaze so I’m gonna go with that. Counterwaves music has a sense of optimism and positivity throughout which makes the more cinematic moments really shine through. I’m quite looking forward to what else Counterwaves is working on as I’ve been really enjoying the 4 songs released so far. Be sure to catch Counterwaves when they play The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica show on Saturday February 07, 2026 at Bar10 At Corbin Bowl!

Counterwaves Online: https://www.instagram.com/counterwavesla/

Top Of The World:

Blurry Faces:

If Only:

Second Skin:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: THE OWLING- YOU DON’T BOW YOU WILL LEARN

I love albums that you can put on and let them just take you on a ride. Then there is that feeling you get when that right chord, melody or rhythm strikes. Also, it’s really refreshing to hear a band make an actual “album” and not just a collection of songs! Let me introduce you to, The Owling! This two piece Los Angeles based band is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Their sound is the perfect mix of 90’s Rock, Doom and Sludge with a very cinematic/poetic approach. The Owling’s debut album, You Don’t Bow You Will Learn, is a of righteous slab of riffs, and driving rhythms with vocals that soar. Think about driving down an open desert highway at sunset or sunrise with the windows down and this album blasting. Are you there yet? That’s exactly how this album feels. With each listen you find a different song to be your favorite. One other aspect about You Don’t Bow You Will Learn that I really enjoy is the use of space/ambience. When you listen, at certain moments, it’s almost like the fog machine is on and you get lost in the epic nature of the song. I very much look forward to what 2026 will bring for The Owling! Check out this band and be sure to buy a copy of their debut album and see them live! Also, quick shout out to Dean Karr for his badassery of great photo’s of the band and album cover. Talk about nailing an essence in a photo!

The Owling- You Don’t Bow You Will Learn:

BAND OF THE WEEK: MINOR STRUT
2025

For the last few years as a part of The Cobalt Presents and putting on shows around the Los Angeles area, I have come across a lot of bands. There are a few that have really left a lasting impression on me. It’s pretty awesome to have booked a band almost 5 years ago and be able to watch them become an absolute powerhouse of a band. With that in mind I’d like to present the band of the week, Minor Strut.

The band formed in 2014 and have been a consistent presence throughout the LA scene since. Over time, the band has worked hard to develop their sound and style and have really grown into great musicians and performers. Their alternative rock sound has roots in the 90’s and early 00’s sound via bands like Paramore, Radiohead, Incubus, Muse and more. I’d even throw the Pixies in that batch. Coryn Cahill (vocals), Ethan Nguyen (guitar), Marquis Miranda (bass), Aiden Kunhardt (drums), and Dylan Warner (rythm guitar) have become a young band to watch out for! Keep your eyes and ears open for what’s to come

Gotta Tell You:

https://youtu.be/wFwm8DG9xwE?si=oFL03-LcWAMZjk1m

OK 01:

https://youtu.be/ZYr3jkAyylo?si=2Ev2bAAmLWmsk8ft

Bodysnatchers (Radiohead Cover):

https://youtu.be/-aihUwrJIyM?si=E_yzTkC4-yvgVqNg

MINOR STRUT ONLINE:

http://www.minorstrut.com

https://instagram.com/minorstrut