Debut albums can tell a lot about a band. The inspiration and influence can be quite striking but, the thing I love most about a debut album is how all those elements come together. When Better Lovers first came out last year with their debut EP, it was something shot straight out of a cannon and exploded like a fireworks warehouse. Those songs became the building part for what would be Highly Irresponsible. This debut album packs that same cannon blast only with the full length album, we get to really dive into what this band is all about.
The first track starts with this really delicate intro before it goes straight into the heaviness. From that point you know it’s on! With each song and there is more and more to unpack as the spastic and schizophrenic nature of the music uncoils into a very meticulous regiment of riffs and rhythms that will find you tapping your feet and hands and possibly a mosh pit (if you can find enough people). This album is unrelenting in the way it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Will Putney have done a wonderful job of crating songs that will appease the fans of all the bands these gents are/were a part of and new ones as well. The rhythm section of Stephen Micciche and Clayton “Goose” Holyoak is devastatingly pummeling in such a way that the bounce from the low end will have you jumping out of your chair. Vocally this is quite the performance from Greg Puciato. Like a fine wine or scotch, Greg seems to only have gotten better with age. His screams are reaching new heights and the melodic sensibilities are in the foreground showcasing the versatile vocalist that he is. Found throughout too are lyrics that are quite introspective and full of emotion be it anger, frustration, depression, and dare I even say love.
Throughout the 10 songs that appear on Highly Irresponsible, there isn’t one that feels out of place. In fact, there are certain songs that when they end you wish they were longer specifically, “Deliver Us From Life,” “At All Times, and “Love As An Act Of Rebellion.” The diversity on this album explores so much that with each listen you find more and more to love about it. Their live shows are already ones you shouldn’t miss as the energy that emits from stage to audience is not only contagious it’s infectious. Each member of this band has a highlight moment (though I’m not going to point those out as it would take away from the fun) on the record and it shows. One other thing I love about this album is that there aren’t any constraints on it. Sure there are moments that hark back to other times and bands but, these songs stand out as Better Lovers and Better Lovers only. If you are looking for one hell of a good time and an album that will lift you off your feet, then be responsible and pick up a copy. Enjoy!
During my time away from Audioeclectica, I was in a deeply contemplative state and when I was searching for answers through music, I found myself digging into familiar favorites. One of the albums that I went deep on was Jerry Cantrell’s excellent album, Degredation Trip. I highly recommend any of you out there to take a listen to that album (the deluxe 2 disc version!!!). The moment I heard there was going to be a new Jerry Cantrell solo album in 2024, I became quite excited. As much as I would love a new Alice In Chains album, it felt right that Jerry continue where he was at. The previous solo album, Brighten, was a nice change of pace and added some really beautiful songs to the catalog Jerry has written over the years but, there was something missing on that album. All that was missing on Brighten can most definitely be found on I Want Blood.
I Want Blood is a very direct and in your face album that goes deep in the way the lyrics and melodies hit you but, also the way the music shapes and leads you to places in your mind that are quite a trip. Jerry is never one to have a shortage of great riffs and throughout the album there are plenty of those signature notes that we’ve come to love. The way this album starts with “Villified” and weaves it’s intricate web all the way till “It Comes,” shows that I Want Blood is an album that is not only striking but also very emotional. One song in particular that gets me every time I listen to it is “Echoes Of Laughter.” This song could have easily been on an Alice album but, I don’t know that it would hit the same. The way this song encapsulates everything Jerry is uncompromising. Also, the backing vocals of Greg Puciato on this track adds to the haunting soundscape and deep feels this songs brings to the table.
One of the other things I love about I Want Blood is that Jerry brought back drummer Mike Bordin (Faith No More) and bassist Robert Trujillo (Metallica) both of whom performed on Degredation Trip. I’ve always loved the sound of that album and the way the three of them created an auditory assault on your ears in a good way and that continues on this album. Also on the album is Guns N Roses’s Duff McKagen, longtime Jerry collaborator drummer Gil Sharone and keyboardist Vincent Jones. The engineering and production of Joe Barresi is quite good. The tones on the guitars are exquisite and they really shine. Put on some really good headphones and you’ll hear all these great nuances that the guitars build on. Joe and Jerry working together really is a solid pairing and the end result is this killer album.
I Want Blood is one of my top 5 favorite albums of 2024. Jerry really went for it on this album and it really does have some of his best work on it. This is one of those solo albums that really shine and highlight a solo career. I can’t wait for Jerry to tour on this record and bring these songs to life. Do yourself a favor, go out to your favorite record store, buy this album, then put it on and blast it. I also had the fun pleasure of being in Seattle the week I Want Blood came out and got my vinyl copy of the album signed by Jerry at Easy Street Records! Even in the rain, this album was worth it!
Ever since Better Lovers was announced as a band I’ve been really excited about it. Their first EP, God Made Me An Animal is one hell of a primal scream of intensity and aggression. Then came the chance to see them live and they came through like a category 5 hurricane. After that, the anticipation for the debut album grew day by day. Now we are only a few weeks away from Highly Irresponsible being unleashed to the world. This album is one of the few that I’ve impatiently been waiting for. Each song released so far has grabbed my attention and caused me to play them really loud and on constant repeat. The time for Better Lovers to come and claim their place is now and be prepared for a full onslaught of heaviness and intensity that is most welcomed!
After one hell of a Summer and Fall tour, Better Lovers have dropped another banger of a song. This one “Two Amongst The Dead,” was written while the band was on the road this summer. This song was performed and fine-tuned on the bands Fall dates, and then immediately tracked in the studio between touring to make sure that fire stayed intact. Speaking on what the song is about singer Greg Puciato said “This song is about saying fuck you to the societal and institutional pressure to fall for ‘me versus you’/’us versus them’ divisional tactics and realizing that we’re stronger when we remember the ways we’re the same, trying to find commonalities instead of differences. Understanding and finding compassion for one another instead of allowing ourselves to be separated and controlled. Brothers and sisters. Pieces of the same consciousness.” This song rips! I remember hearing it a few weeks back when I saw Better Lovers live and this song went off! Strap in for another banger from Better Lovers!
Today is Bandcamp Friday (when they wave their fee for 24 hours) and why not showcase some great bands and their albums/singles that are out now! Check out these bands and show them some support! There’s a ton of great bands and albums on this list. Take some time and discover something new! Enjoy! If I missed your band, let me know and I’ll add it to the list!
When the news first came out about Better Lovers, the level of excitement in my mind about it was pretty high. Then came the first release “30 Under 13” , then their surprise EP and from there I was in. It’s never easy to start again but, thankfully, the passion and drive found in each member of Better Lovers exists on a level that is on another stratosphere and the end result is one hell of a punch to the face in a total awesome way. This night at The Roxy was just that and then some.
Opening the night was Entry. They were the perfect band to start this night off. Having just seen them about a week or so ago when they opened for Converge, I knew that right as they started that this was going to be “a night.” Their set was blistering and ravenous as they blazed through song after song. In fact, I tend to think they were even better this night than when I saw them a couple weeks back. Entry are fast becoming one of my favorite Los Angeles based bands to see live. Definitely check them out!
Next up was Roman Candle from Las Vegas and they went off. While still keeping with the hardcore element, Roman Candle has more of a metallic/melodic edge to them which offers up different dynamics within their songs. Their set, was an onslaught of heaviness that not only was a great pre-cursor of what was to come but, made me a fan as well. I look forward to the next time Roman Candle is in Los Angeles.
Finally as the clock hit 10pm, the lights dimmed down and over the PA a ton of different snippets of songs played all with the word “love” accented. Then the curtain rose and from there for the next 40 minutes, the Roxy absolutely exploded. Opening with “Become So Small” was one hell of a way to kick things off. Then after that my favorite song released so far, “God Made Me An Animal” took things to a whole other level. With bodies flying off the stage both band and audience members, you knew right away that this was the real deal. “Sacrificial Participant” had a ton of crowd participation singing along. Two new songs were played and those ones went off with one hell of a bang. Just wait till you hear these new ones, this band is only getting started. Being that Better Lovers only have so many songs, they pulled out a cover of Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage” and absolutely nailed it. So much so that they made it their own by adding their own signature touches to it. Closing out their short yet oh so sweet set was “30 Under 13” and at this point it was no holds barred. By the time it was all over, you could tell the audience was all into it and didn’t want it to end. In fact, I wouldn’t have even minded if they had taken a mini break and played all those songs again.
Better Lovers have arrived and they are just getting started. Their time on the road this summer definitely made them a very tight band. The intensity that each member brings to this band permeates from the stage to the audience. It’s infectious and it doesn’t want to stop nor should it! I look forward to the next Better Lovers release and tour. If more bands took cues from the bands that played this evening, live music would be thriving again. This show was just what I needed after one hell of a week. I left this show not only inspired to want to get back into playing music but, with the feeling that good heavy music is alive and well. You just have to be looking at the right places to find it!
Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy (note on the pics- I was having too much fun enjoying the show to really want to take pictures)!
There’s definitely something going on in the ether to bring these forces together. Intensity, aggression, and ferociousness are just some of the words that come to mind when describing the onslaught that Better Lovers have delivered with their debut EP, God Made Me An Animal. When it was first announced that Greg Puciato would be joining Jordan Buckley, Steve Micciche, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak and Will Putney in a new band, the chills that ran through me were astounding. The thoughts of what this new band is capable of is off the charts. The first taste of their offering with “30 Under 13” definitely left you wanting more. Then out of left field comes the raging brush fire that is their debut EP, God Made Me An Animal. The chaotic and frantically controlled 15 minutes of length that their EP runs is one hell of a journey that leaves you with the want for more but, also a sense that what’s coming next is going to smash your face in.
“Sacrificial Participant” sets the tone and pace of the release. It wastes no time as the riffs flow, rhythms pummel and vocals rip your throat right out. Then it goes right into “30 Under 13” which is an absolute ripper. “Become So Small” is a track with a sense of urgency to it with the way it grabs you and twists and turns you. This is one of those songs that live will for sure get the pit in a frenzy. Closing out the EP is the title track, “God Made Me An Animal.” This is my favorite track on this release. It’s a track that shows off different facets of what this band is capable of. The aggressive nature of the song is ripe throughout and the melodic sensibility gives it another element to chew on.
There is a relentless energy that is found throughout this EP that is similar to the bands that the members come from. Better Lovers expands upon some interesting ground that each band delved into and brings it more to the forefront. This is only a taste of what this band is and will become. As much as I would love to have The Dillinger Escape Plan and Every Time I Die back, Better Lovers is a solid step in the evolution of the members as a whole. Each person brings something interesting to the table and with enough time, I have a feeling that this band will take things to a whole other level.
Last November I had the pleasure of seeing the debut solo show for Greg Puciato. After that show was over, I knew that the next time he came through I had to go, it was one of “those shows.” Both his solo albums, Child Soldier: Creator Of God and Mirrorcell have yet to leave my musical rotation since they came out. Live these songs take on a whole new life and the end result is precisely why I had to go see Greg live again.
Before Greg though, there were three openers to get the night going. I arrived as the last 2 songs of Trace Amount’s set was ending. The mix of industrial and noise made for a very tension filled and intense performance. It’s really interesting to listen to Trace Amount and pick out certain little nuances in the programming.
Next up was Deaf Club who I was really stoked to see having been into their albums. Their set was on fire from the get go. One of the things that I really like most about Deaf Club is that while they are a punk band through and through, they add a more technical element to it with odd time signatures and interesting arrangements. Then when you add in a frontman like Justin Pearson, it’s the right recipe for chaos in the best way possible. During their set they did a cover of Nirvana’s “Tourette’s” with their drummer, the drummer from Escuela Grind and Ben Koller of Converge. It was pretty damn cool to see and hear and the topper was all three drummers were in total sync so that sound bellowing through the El Rey was thunderous!
Following Deaf Club was up and comers Escuela Grind. I wasn’t too familiar with them but, a friend of mine who I was there with was and he got super into it. The band combines grindcore, death metal and a bit of hardcore. Their energetic set was heavy and brutal and at the same time quite fun. Their “singer” had so much energy on stage at one point I was half expecting her to breakout into a full gymnastics routine with how much she was running and jumping. Solid set from this band and just the right amount of fire to get the crowd ready for what was to come next.
When Greg Puciato and band took the stage it was ON! From the moment they ripped into “Reality Spiral” you knew this was not going to be just any show. The way the set was constructed was absolutely pummeling in both the way that it was intense and pulled at your heart strings. When you have songs like “Do You Need Me To Remind You,” “Absence As A Presence,” and “Fire For Water,” all within minutes of each other, it still has me without the right words. As the set continued, the crowd got even more into it and the next thing I knew I was right up front for my favorite song “Never Wanted That.” I stayed up front for the rest of the night feeding off the energy that was permeating off stage and next to me. One of my other favorite moments was during the end of “Evacuation” Greg broke out part of INXS’s “Need You Tonight” which was totally rad. Ending the “set” for the evening was the always great “September City.” I believe the crowd was singing as loud if not louder than Greg by this point. This night was special in more ways that one. For the encore it was in the words on Larry David “pretty, pretty, pretty good.” Starting it off was Haex joining Greg for a remix version of The Black Queen’s “Secret Scream,” followed by A Perfect Circle’s Billy Howerdel joining Greg for The Black Queen’s “The End Where We Start” which was absolutely great. Then you had Tyler Bates and Gil Sharone join the fun for “Now You’ve Really Done It” from a compilation for DC Comics. Then it was Ben Koller jumping on the stage for “Roach Hiss” which definitely got the crowd screaming along. And to end it all was an absolutely cool and different version of The Dillinger Escape Plan’s “One Of Us Is The Killer.” It was part acapella in the verses and straight up fire during the chorus parts. I also have to mention the band Greg had on this run. What a killer and tight band. Joining Greg was James Hammontree on guitar of Black Magnet (another band you should really check out), Nick Sadler of Daughters on guitar. It was really great to see Nick up there and hearing that monsterous tone he’s had for years. Jeff Geisser on bass manhandled the low end with such tenacity and finally Noah Taylor on drums right in the pocket!
This show was definitely one of those that I’ll remember for a long long time. Greg Puciato’s solo albums are some of the best releases in the past few years. If you haven’t listened to them, I highly suggest you get on top of that! It’s artists like Greg that give me hope for the musical future. The whole package was interesting and gave bands from different genres a different audience making for an eclectic show. I’m glad I went and had a great time and to go with a couple friends that I knew would enjoy it too made it all that much better. Plus getting to see some other friends out in the crowd was quite awesome. I’m kind of at a loss for words at the moment when it comes to how to properly describe this show. I will leave it at this (unless I have a total epiphany of what else to say), shows like this don’t happen all the time. When the chance comes to go see one of your favorite bands, go do it! Thank you to Greg, Deaf Club, Escuela Grind and Trace Amount for one hell of a great evening!
Greg Puciato Set List:
01) In This Hell You Find Yourself 02) Reality Spiral 03) Do You Need Me To Remind You 04) Absence As A Presence 05) Fire For Water 06) Don’t Wanna Deal 07) No More Lives To Go 08) Deep Set 09) Never Wanted That 10) Lowered 11) A Pair Of Questions 12) Creator Of God 13) Evacuation (w/ INXS’s “Need You Tonight”) 14) September City
Encore: 15) Silent Scream (Haex Remix) 16) The End Where We Start (with Billy Howerdel) 17) Now You’ve Really Done It (with Tyler Bates & Gil Sharone) 18) Roach Hiss (with Ben Koller) 19) One Of Us Is The Killer
Today is Bandcamp Friday (when they wave their fee for 24 hours) and why not showcase some great bands and their albums/singles that are out now! Check out these bands and show them some support! If I missed your band, let me know and I’ll add it to the list!
What do you get when you mix 3 parts Every Time I Die (Jordan Buckley, Stephen Miccihe, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak) 1 part Fit For An Autopsy/END (Will Putney), and 1 part Dillinger Escape Plan (Greg Puciato)? Well, you get one hell of a new band called Better Lovers! Today, they have debuted their first single “30 Under 13” off their upcoming debut album (release date TBA). The song is an absolute sonic assault of uncompromising and blistering proportions. I personally am extremely stoked on this. An album and tour will be coming soon. In the meantime, I’m gonna be here enjoying the hell out of this song!
