Audioeclectica

LIVE REVIEW: THE PRETTY RECKLESS AT THE WILTERN

For quite a while now, The Pretty Reckless have been a really great rock band. One of those bands that has not gotten the due they deserve. Now five albums deep and showing all the signs of a well oiled rock band, they arrived in Los Angeles on sizzling Friday July 31, 2006 to a sold out Wiltern Theater.

At 9:00 the lights went down and a roaring crowd got louder and louder as Logan Nickolic (guitar), Jaime Perkins (drums), Mark Damon (bass) and the absolutely underrated Ben Phillips (lead guitar) took the stage. Then one of the loudest indoor audience pops I’ve heard in a long time exploded as singer Taylor Momsen hit the stage. Without a second more to wait, The Pretty Reckless stormed into a stirring performance of “Death By Rock And Roll.” The next batch of songs went back to their first two albums and upped the stakes of the evening. Just as you thought it was going to hit a more mellow tone in the set, the fantastic and heavy “For I Am Death” made the walls of the Wiltern seem like they were shaking. The onslaught of great rock continued with bangers “When I Wake Up” and Love Me” both and the former from the new album, Dear God.

Then came the moment when the show went for a more solemn tone as “Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)” was played. It’s one of those songs that when you know what it’s about, really hits different. Then the vibe picked up with the title track off the record as well as two more songs from the new album. Then came a trifecta of absolute unbridled rock with “Make Me Wanna Die,” Heaven Knows,” and “Going To Hell.” Each of these songs had the crowd eating out of the bands hands. The fun jamming during the songs really helped to showcase the band as great players and how damn good they are. The way the crowd sang back at the right moments was astounding. For the encore the very melodic rocking song “About You” was played with special guest guitarist Pat Smear.

The Pretty Reckless are truly a great band that deserve more recognition for being a great rock band. They have a no frills approach to their music and songs that makes the music speak for itself. Taylor Momsen has a terrific rock n roll voice and can wail like the best of them! The band definitely needs more recognition as well. One of the tightest bands I’ve heard and seen. Each plays with a vigor that emits heavy rock. Ben Phillips especially needs to be on the lists for rock guitar players!! The Pretty Reckless are here and are guaranteed to put on one hell of a great rock show!

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

The Pretty Reckless Setlist:

01) Death By Rock And Roll
02) Since You’re Gone
03) Follow Me Down
04) Miss Nothing
05) For I Am Death
06) When I Wake Up
07) Love Me
08) Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)
09) Dear God
10) Dark Days
11) Spell On You
12) Make Me Wanna Die
13) Heaven Knows
14) Going To Hell
ENCORE:
15) About You (with Pat Smear on Guitar)

The Pretty Reckless Photo Gallery:

LIVE REVIEW: BUSH AT VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

When the chance to see a band you’ve been into for well over thirty years in your “backyard,” you make that happen! On Wednesday night July 29, 2026 around 7:30pm at the Ventura County Fair, Bush took the stage set against the ocean and coastal backdrop of Ventura, California.

Opening the set was the always fun and classic “Machinehead.” Personally I’ve always thought this song has a great impact and energy to be a choice opening song. Then came “Bullet Holes” one of their newer songs from excellent album, The Kingdom. This is another great riff song and you might have heard it in John Wick 3! Next up was from their most recent album, the quite good, I Beat Loneliness, the anthemic “We’re All The Same On The Inside.” It was funny to watch crowd go absolutely silent because they weren’t familiar with these songs. Pretty much anything after Razorblade Suitcase was the cut off point for probably 99% of the crowd. Yes, myself and friend/podcast co-host Justin were the 1% that DID know these songs. Then back to a song some knew in “The Chemicals Between Us.” If you haven’t listened to the underrated The Science Of Things album, you should change that. The Land Of Milk And Honey” was next off their new album. This one was quite the live song that really upped the level than the studio version. From there a large crowd pop hit as the heavy distorted intro riff of “Everything Zen” launched like a rocket. Followed by two more newer really solidly good tracks from The Art Of Survival. “Identity” and “May Your Love Be Pure. A fun sing-along with the crowd came with “Glycerince.” I know that songs is super played out but, when you see it played live and the crowd sings it really loud back, that truly shows how timeless it is.

The next five songs were all from their latest three albums The Kingdom, The Art Of Survival and I Beat Loneliness. “Heavy Is The Ocean” is a fantastic song. While it is a track one (from The Art Of Survival), putting it in the latter part of the set was a real treat. “More Than Machines,” “Human Sand” and “Flowers On A Grave” rocked with the latter song leading Gavin from the stage all the way to the bleachers to sing with the crowd. Closing out the main set was “I Beat Loneliness” and if you haven’t heard this song, thats another one to rectify. What a song and what a way to end that part of the set. After a short breather, Gavin returned to the stage alone to begin a solo version of the classic “Swallowed” from my all time favorite Bush album, Razorblade Suitcase. The new arrangement adds to the already “heavy” nature of the song. To end the night out were classic crowd favorites “Little Things” and Comedown.” The latter of which has become quite the end of the show song with extended bridges and outros that show off how terrific the band of Chris Traynor, Corey Britz and Nik Hughes are.

Bush is still one hell of a live band. They are still putting out quality albums and songs that deserve your attention. I’m not kidding. Go check out the three newest albums, and you can thank me later. Even now as I write this, It’s still a bit of a trip to have seen Bush at the Ventura Fair. Gavin Rossdale sounds amazing. His voice like him hasn’t aged! The amount of energy he’s had from the beginning to now is passionate. One of the things about Bush now that I really like is that they don’t rest on the nostalgia of the band. As you can see there are only a handful of classic songs played and the majority was all new. And when you have albums and songs like they have put out the past few years, it’s best to keep it that way. I look forward to what comes next from Gavin, Chris, Corey and Nik.

Overall Rating: A

Overall Rating For The Crowd: C_ People need to actually care about the band you are seeing live!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

BUSH SETLIST:

01) Machinehead
02) Bullet Holes
03) We’re All The Same On The Inside
04) The Chemicals Between Us
05) The Land Of Milk And Honey
06) Everything Zen
07) Identity
08) May Your Love Be Pure
09) Glycerine
10) Heavy Is The Ocean
11) More Than Machines
12) Human Sand
13) Flowers On A Grave
14) I Beat Loneliness
ENCORE:
15) Swallowed
16) Little Things
17) Comedown

BUSH PHOTO GALLERY:

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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GUEST VOCALS: CHESTER BENNINGTON

When you have such a distinct voice, hearing it in other bands and songs can be a real treat or pulverizing in both good and bad ways. One such voice is Chester Bennington. His time with Linkin Park literally brought his voice into millions of cars, headphones, houses, parties, arenas and more. Though not known for his guest spots, the ones he did each have their own charm. Check these out and let me know what your favorites are. Enjoy!

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ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: HELD.- GREY

About a month as of this writing, the debut album from Held. will be released. Since the beginning of the year, Held. has been unveiling themselves via now three singles and three intense performance videos. The first single “New You Anthem” was right out of the gate a welcome introduction. The catchiness of the riff and the chorus, if that doesn’t strike you, there’s something wrong with you. Seriously, it’s heavy, melodic, packs quite punch to the gut. Then you add in Frank Iero’s guest vocal spot and how his voice hits the perfect counter balance to vocalist/guitarist Douglas Robinson. The second single “Constant Tension” (which of the three released is my favorite. When you get to the bridge of the song, you’ll know why), is a song that could’ve been released during the 90’s evolution of “emo” music. There’s a really cool Sunny Day Real Estate/Jawbox vibe mixed with a bit of a hardcore element. The rhythm section of Josh Eppard and Sal Mignano really shines here. They are beyond tight yet combustable in the best way. I can only imagine them on stage and this song is played. The lyrical connection here is real and very personal. The honesty is pure as you can hear in Douglas again here. “Knifepoint” is the one of the three released that hits the more “alternative” side of the band so far. The syncopated riff/rhythm has a cool push and pull that hits in a very striking way with the vocal as well as the guest spot from Graham Sayle of High Vis.

So here we are at three songs into their debut and it’s shaping up to be quite the explosive one. This combination of Douglas, Sal and Josh sounds even better than you’d think. As a fan of Josh’s playing, he really gets to go for it here in Held. That’s not to say he doesn’t in Coheed And Cambria, you can just hear a different excitement in his playing here. After Douglas left Night Verses, I was pretty bummed not to get to hear him as a part of that band. I really enjoyed the two albums they made and thought they were really on to something. The Ross Robinson produced second album, Into The Vanishing Light, is very underrated and has some truly deeply gritty vocal performances by Douglas. Getting to hear Sal in a different light than The Sleeping is a treat too. As a fan of that band too, you can hear where the roots come from. The sum of the parts here in Held. is going to be something special to see live. I look forward to what’s to come. And let’s just put a proper Los Angeles show out in the universe to happen soon!

Knifepoint:

Constant Tension:

New You Anthem:

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:

ALBUM RANK UPDATED: TRIVIUM

For well over twenty years now and ten full length studio albums, Trivium have cemented themselves at the forefront of heavy metal. Each of their albums shows growth as a band and as songwriters. The word consistency is synonymous with Trivium as they have truly been working hard since their debut being out on the road and in the studio. The last three albums of theirs especially have put Trivium into the upper echelon of metal bands. Currently the band is working on their eleventh album with producer Josh Wilbur. In the mean time, check out this very definitive ranking of their ten albums.

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ALBUM REVIEW: CORROSION OF CONFORMITY- GOOD GOD / BAAD MAN

Some bands have such a distinctive sound that the instant you put one of their albums on, you just know it’s them. That’s exactly how it’s been for Corrosion Of Conformity since the early/mid 1990’s. The sound is one of those “you know it when you hear it” type of things. For those that don’t know, it’s a sound that feels like Black Sabbath went down to New Orleans and leaned heavily into the sludginess of the area and then got shot out of a cannon. At least that’s how it is when I hear Corrosion Of Conformity. Now in 2026, COC have regrouped to deliver an album that has all you’ve come to love about the band and then some. Good God / Baad Man is an album that comes out of the gate with a loose feel that makes you strap in for the ride.

This is a double album in case you were wondering. Each half of the record has its own vibe and sense of fun. That’s right, FUN! From the first note of this album there is an instant feeling of good vibes and a whole lot of fun to be had. That’s a really rare thing these days. That’s not to say the subject matter of the record isn’t urgent or personal but, the overall presentation of Good God / Baad Man feels like a celebration of life. Across the hour plus each song pulls you into the riff and rhythm. Songs like “Good God/Final Dawn,” “You And Me,” Bedouin’s Hand” and the epic “Run For Your Life” highlight the Good God side. Then you have “Baad Man,” Lose Yourself,” my favorite as of this writing in “Asleep On The Killing Floor” and the left field song “Brickman” on the Baad Man side that accentuate just how good this album is. It’s interesting too when you listen to C.O.C., the amount of bands that have blatently copped a good chunk of their style. Sometimes it can be a form of flattery while others not so much.

Much like albums of the 1970’s and early/mid 1990’s, there is a total push and pull with this album in a good way. The driving nature of the songs propel Pepper Keenan, Woody Weatherman, Bobby Landgraf and Stanton Moore into another realm. The inspired group really created a record that stands out not just amongst their peers but as a classic in their stellar catalog.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Corrosion Of Conformity- Good God / Baad Man:

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: CURSE- CRUEL

Melody and heavy music goes together like peanut butter and jelly. Strange thought to think about but, it’s quite true. That being said, one of the things I really do enjoy about a good melodic song is the way it feels infectious and hooks you. A couple years back while booking a show for the band Will Haven in Los Angeles, I came across a band that struck the right chord with my ears and that band was, Curse. Curse are a very rocking melodic heavy rock band. Big riffs, pulsating/driving rhythms, soaring vocals and hooks for days is what listening to Curse feels like. The first release “Cruel” from their new EP, Dimming Sun, is chock full of that rich 90’s heavy alternative sound with the best of early 00’s melodicism. As an added bonus Kemble Walters of Chevelle/Aeges produced Dimming Sun. There is more to come from Curse as they will be unveiling a new video for each song over the course of the next few weeks.

Curse- Cruel:

Curse Online HERE:

NEW RELEASE: CONVERGE- HUM OF HURT

It’s only been about a month since Converge released their tenth studio album, Love Is Not Enough. That album has not left my rotation since. Now, we get word that another album is on its way in the form of, Hum Of Hurt. When the band got together to write for their new album, they had a wealth of material. As work began the band realized they had two separate albums and charged forward as such. The first song released from this new album is the title track, “Hum Of Hurt” and it’s a blistering song that confronts one’s inner self. What a song! Converge are truly on a creative run and what a time to be here for it. Hum Of Hurt will be out on June 5th! Enjoy!

Converge- Hum Of Hurt: