Ipecac Recordings

New Release: Venera- Hologram (feat VOWWS)

Last month, I saw a video floating around different sites that had zero information, other than the title of “Swarm,” there was no pre-sale, simply the three-minute single released in tandem with a mysterious screed and a pulsating black-and-white video. I listened/watched it a few times and it definitely left me intrigued. Well the mystery has been revealed. Introducing Venera, a new group featuring Korn’s James “Munky” Shaffer and composer/filmmaker, Chris Hunt. Today, the pair have released a new song “Hologram” which features piano and vocals of Rizz from VOWWS. Speaking on “Hologram” Shaffer and Hunt, explained: “’Hologram’ emerged quickly from our first session together. A nearly unchanging drum machine pattern nested in warbling guitars. We don’t interact much with holograms but they seem to offer an image of an alluring emptiness and light, which resonates well with the universe we are driven to explore.” “Hologram” is a really intriguing track. It has a bit of a trip-hop vibe mixed with a bit of Depeche Mode and a smidge of Sade. Several guests join Hunt and Shaffer on Venera. Drummer Deantoni Parks (Mars Volta, John Cale) plays on “Erosion” and “Disintegration,” HEALTH’s Jacob Duzsik contributes vocals on “Ochre” and Alain Johannes lends his voice to “Triangle.” Their self-titled, debut album arrives Oct. 13 via Ipecac Recordings.

Venera- Hologram (Featuring Rizz of VOWWS):

Venera- Swarm:

Venera Online:

Facebook.com/veneramusicofficial

Instagram.com/_veneramusic

Anticipated Albums: Oxbow- Love’s Holiday

There are certain bands within the heavy music community that when they release new material whether it’s a single, EP, split, or full length, you know that this is going to be something worthwhile. With that being said, it’s refreshing to hear new music from the one and only Oxbow! If you don’t know about Oxbow, you really should take a delve into their catalog. Oxbow are a band that take chances and experiment with so many different genres and ideas that in the end wind up being something that really stands out and leaves a mark. By mixing metal, jazz, blues, noise rock and even classical music, Oxbow has a knack for creating shapeshifting sounds that rattle you to the bone. Their latest opus, Love’s Holiday, is the perfect evolution of the band and what they do. Previous Oxbow albums found their impetus in a lyrical framework provided by the band’s vocalist Eugene Robinson, with Niko Wenner applying his musical compositions to the singer’s narratives. However, Love’s Holiday began with the music this go round. A unifying theme throughout the album is love, and was the organizing principle behind these songs, even if they still carry the band’s signature brand of drama and conflict. Oxbow’s new album Love’s Holiday is out on July 21, 2023 via Ipecac Recordings. Pre-Orders HERE!

Oxbow- 1000 Hours:

Find Oxbow Online:


Theoxbow.com

Oxbowofficial.bandcamp.com

Instagram.com/oxbowtheband

Instrumental Albums: Dave Lombardo- Rites Of Percussion

Drums and Dave Lombardo are like kindred spirits that are just meant to be. It’s one of those things in the world that makes absolute and total sense. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Dave play on a Slayer album when I was kid as well as the first time I ever got to see Dave play which was surprisingly at a Fantomas show before I saw him in Slayer. Dave’s been a busy guy for years from his time playing in Grip Inc, Fantomas, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, and more recently Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle and The Misfits. Now though, Dave really gets to expand upon all the years of great rhythms with his solo album, Rites Of Percussion. Interestingly, it was Mike Patton in the late 90’s that originally suggested Dave do a solo drum album.

Rites Of Percussion is not your average solo or instrumental album. Instead what you get is an album that is a real start to finish journey. The shifts, twists, turns and intense rhythms found throughout this record are heavy while atmospheric and experimental. The way these songs are crafted are extremely compelling and will have you listening that much closer to pick up on all the nuances and extra bits. Being a diverse drummer, Dave has mixed all sorts of styles of jazz, funk, tribal, rock, world music and different techniques into Rites Of Percussion. One of the things that I love most about this album is the experimentation. Adding different textures and sounds to the righteous rhythms gives these “songs” a hypnotic edge that you might find on a John Carpenter score.

Dave Lombardo is one of the most innovative drummers of the last few decades. He has solidified his place amongst the great rock and metal drummers ever. And all the other bands and projects he’s been a part of have helped to guide him to this place. Rites Of Percussion is one of those albums that is not only creative it’s full to the brim with different cryptic energies that make for some vivid imagery within. Do yourself a favor and take this album for a ride and let it lead you to wherever it takes you.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Dave Lombardo- Rites Of Percussion:

New Release: Spotlights- Algorithmic

Spotlights are back with a new single and album! Ever since I heard this band a few years ago, I eagerly anticipate their next release to see where they go next. On April 28th, Spotlights new album, Alchemy For The Dead will arrive via Ipecac Recordings. The first single “Algorithmic” has a hypnotic and very distorted sense to it in the vein of Failure while also evoking some sonic territories that you would find on say a record by Dinosaur Jr. Never a band to remain complacent, Spotlights sound has evolved on each album and this one continues that path. The exploration of new sounds and textures has given the band more room to grow and further define themselves in the world of light and dark. I’m looking forward to hearing this song in context of the whole album of 9 songs. Spotlights are one of those bands as well that you should see live. There is an intensity and force to their music that really shines in concert. Definitely put this band on your radar to check out!

Spotlights- Algorithmic:

Album Review: Dead Cross- Dead Cross II

The new album by Dead Cross is one twisted and interesting ride. Made during a very turbulent time not just in the world but also personally for a couple of the members. Guitarist Michael Crain was diagnosed with cancer and progressing through chemotherapy while laying down his guitar lines. Singer Mike Patton developed severe agoraphobia and a bit of a drinking problem. That though didn’t interfere with Dead Cross delivering this thought provoking and pummeling record.

Their first output was a band finding their niche within all the genres and subgenres. This new album is a lot more focused and driven to make your head explode. Dead Cross II is more than just a blast of energy. It’s subject matter and lyrical approach does make you a bit more intrigued and you tend to listen a bit closer. It’s definitely an album that grows on you with each listen. The songs are more intricate and complex than the first album and I have to say too that having Justin Pearson’s vocals on more tracks adds a bit more “charm” to the album as a whole.

Through the nine songs and 35 minutes of this album you get an onslaught of brutality but with tinges of some fun things you’ll pick up on as you listen closely. One of my favorite tracks on the record is “Christian Missle Crisis.” This one has Justin on lead vocals and DAMN, this one goes HARD! Having the different vocal takes this song to a whole other level. Yes Patton is Patton but at times it’s too much Patton and you start to crave a bit more variety and that’s what makes Justin Pearson’s vocals stand out. Plus his delivery on this song is impeccable. My other favorite song on the album is “Reign Of Error.” Once you hear this one, you’ll understand why.

One thing that’s not to be dismissed about this album is the musicianship. Michael Crain’s guitar work on this album is superb. The tones and playing are top notch. There has always been an intensity to Michael’s playing (his days in Retox come to mind) but, he definitely seems to be channeling his cancer and treatment into this one and boy, does it pack quite the punch. Dave Lombardo is crushing on this album. His versatility as a drummer is on display here and it’s awesome. Justin Pearson’s bass rips through these songs with precision and razors and his vocals!!! One more thing to add about Dead Cross II and that is the production. While the first one is a bit more “raw” this one is more focused and concise, which actually makes for a better listen through. Dead Cross II is an album for the times that is for sure. It’s got almost everything you’d want and expect from those involved in this band and when it shines it makes you want to punch through glass (in a total good way). Hooray for ). Hooray for a new and anticipated Dead Cross album. I’m sure the live show this go round (when that time comes) will be one hell of a trip!

Overall Rating: B

Christian Missle Crisis:

Reign Of Error:

Heart Reformer:

Album Of The Week: The Bobby Lees- Bellevue

One of the best things about writing and running Audioeclectica is when I get an album sent to me that really peaks my interest. When this happens, I tend to get quite excited and listen to the album countless times and to find all sorts of nuances that make it even better. Recently, I received the new album, Bellevue by a band from New York called The Bobby Lees and it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s one of those albums that the more you listen, the more you enjoy it.

The Bobby Lees are an unhinged band with roots in punk, alternative, garage rock and I’d even say a tinge of folk. The 13-song album, which was recorded live in-studio, was produced by Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, The Raconteurs) and it’s stunning. When you listen to this band you hear something pure and honest that isn’t found in much of the mainstream music you’d hear today. So much so that the band found a champion in the legendary Henry Rollins, who brought them to the attention of Ipecac Recordings where Mike Patton and Greg Werckman signed them. The Bobby Lees are a four-piece that hail from Woodstock, NY, two women (Sam on vocals/guitar and Kendall on Bass) and two guys (Macky on drums and Nicholas on guitar), Sam is the band’s driving force – the songwriter/lyricist and the guide on all things Bobby Lees. The album is incredibly personal, written after a mental break while staying close to Bellevue (she uses the title as both a geographical point and also a reflection of her state of mind at the time).

Now with all that in mind, this album is an absolute kick to the nuts and punch in the face in a totally great way. There is an urgency and ferociousness within these songs that are not only a therapeutic journey but, also one that breathes life back into rock n roll. The album is 13 songs of hard charging unapologetic rock. What they deliver in 32 minutes is astonishing. The moment this album starts you can tell you are in for something that’s quite a trip. I could go song by song but my descriptions of the songs won’t do it justice enough. You need to listen to this album! There is an intelligence to this album too. The lyrics aren’t just personal they are introspective and deep. Then you add in the raw elements of the production and the chills that run amok over you with each listen will grab you and throw you against a wall with a sense of excitement that goes back to the days of CBGB’s and the craziness that ensued there.

The Bobby Lees have released an album that in 2022 is vital and necessary. It also has something that is missing that I’ve been talking about for a while now and that is a feeling of danger. Rock music has needed an injection of danger to it for a while and The Bobby Lees have found the right vein to tap into and let their music speak for itself. Do yourself a favor and take this album on a few spins and let it take over you. It’s one hell of a treat!

Overall Rating: A

The Bobby Lees- Bellevue:

Bellevue (Video):

Band Of The Week: Daughters

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As a music fan I can appreciate the concept of artistry when it comes to making music. Not everything has to formulaic in the sense of verse, chorus and repeat. There is something provocative about a band that is willing to experiment and step outside the box. One such band that I’ve come to really enjoy over the past couple years is Daughters. This newly reformed band has now unleashed two songs from their upcoming and long awaited album You Won’t Get What You Want, which comes out October 26 (via Ipecac Recordings). Daughters is one of those bands that gets lumped into many sub-genres such as nosie-rock and mathcore but, to me they have always just been an alternative rock/metal band. The bands previous three albums, Canada Songs, Hell Songs and self titled album are expansive and show a band willing to change and evolve the right way. Daughters are one of those bands that when you really sit and listen to everything musically and lyrically, there is something truly astonishing about the artistic development and depth each member brings to the band.

 

Daughters- Satan In The Wait:

 

Daughters- The Reason They Hate Me:

 

Previous Albums:

Canada Songs:

 

Hell Songs:

 

Daughters:

 

Upcoming Tour Dates:

October 31 Richmond, VA Strange Matter

November 1 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery

November 2 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church

November 3 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bazaar SOLD OUT

November 4 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus SOLD OUT

November 8 Los Angeles, CA The Echo SOLD OUT

November 9 Los Angeles, CA The Echo

November 10 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill

November 11 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill

November 13 Seattle, WA Highline

November 15 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge

November 17 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen SOLD OUT

November 18 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen SOLD OUT