The way the younger generation has been inspired and influenced by what came about during the previous generation has been very interesting to see come to life. The bands that have been able to create music that feels like a throwback but, also put the right spin on it, are the ones to watch. Which brings us to the band of the week.
A few weeks ago at part three of The Cobalt Presents 5 Year Anniversary show, there was a band that played and really turned up the volume and that band is Gerbil. Don’t let the name fool you, this band has teeth. While the 90’s alternative/indie rock is prevalent, the way Gerbil injects a bit of funk, rock, pop and a scoop of ska into their songs is the part that gets you.
The youthful fun energy Gerbil has is infectious when you see them live. Each member brings their own influence to the fold and its plays out in such a great way.
Artistic expression through poetry and music are so synonymous its second nature at this point. The ones that make truly unique and meaningful work always seem to evoke a very intrinsic feeling that washes over the listener. One such great example is Emma Ruth Rundle. Throughout her career, she’s consistently found a way to not only keep you intrigued but also makes you listen. In her upcoming new album, These Killing Times, Emma ushers in another dimension of her art. The latest single “Enough,” is epic and grabbing. There’s a whimsical twist that creates an incredible feeling within the song. The pulsating rhythms mixed with the nuanced melodic sensibility, makes this a great song.
For those of you that don’t know, over 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 3 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 25 at Hotel Ziggy. We have a lineup of 5 great bands that are from the new era of Cobalt bands!
Starting off the night is Olya K brining with her a fun vibe of alternative music with a pop tinge.
Then we move into Tempermental. If Japanese Anime and Josie and the Pussycats morphed and came to life, you’d get Tempermental!
Smack in the middle is the up and coming band Gerbil. Take parts 90’s alt rock, a dash of OC skate punk/ska from the mid 90’s and mid 00’s garage rock and you have the recipe for Gerbil rocking!
You know that saying great things come in small packages?! Well that’s one way to describe the very talented Ayva. Don’t let the smile fool you, this girl and her band absolutely rock. Equal parts melodic and heavy. Ayva is definitely one to watch.
Speaking of a band to watch, if you don’t know Minor Strut yet, you are missing out. As one of the best up and coming bands in Southern California, it’s best to make sure you see this band live! Be sure to watch their full headline set!
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.
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)!!
Artists that are truly artists, have the ability to convey even the simplest of concepts or words into a meaningful language that is poetic and creative. Then you add in the music, melody and the notes that make it all come together.
Throughout Emma Ruth Rundle’s solo career, she’s been able to weave her poetic prowess into deeply articulate songs that hit more in a modern art form mixed with music. The first single “Powerless” from her upcoming album, These Killing Times (out September 18), embodies the essence of the previous statements into a more sonically reactive sound. The album features drummer Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe, Mrs. Piss), long-time friend and collaborator Troy Zeigler, Patrick Shiroishi, Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos), Gina Gleason (Baroness), Marissa Nadler and more.
Emma is a force of nature and this is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s going to be another gem in her genre defying catalog.
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.
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!
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.
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!
