music

LIVE REVIEW: OASIS AT ROSE BOWL

Oasis is one of those bands that I’ve been hoping would get back together for years. The last time I saw them was in 2008 on what would be their very last tour. For almost 20 years this silly feud between Liam and Noel lasted. Thankfully, that’s behind them now (fingers crossed) and we can all get to experience one of the best pure rock bands from the last 30 years. There is no denying the great songs, albums and performances throughout the years. This time around though, it’s different. It feels like a renewed sense of purpose and the songs have taken on a whole new meaning. Seriously, the world needs Oasis right now and this show was definitely proof of that!

At 8:45pm, the lights went down and the video countdown on the screen appeared, then a short little montage of clips from their career started and then to a roaring applause, Liam and Noel walked out on stage hand in hand to even more of a roar, and then immediately kicked off with “Hello,” which I have to say, was the perfect way to start the set. “Acquiesce” would follow right after along with “Morning Glory.” “Morning Glory” was a highlight for me. I’ve always loved that song so much, and this version they played had a bit of an extra edge to it. Other highlights included “Some Might Say,” “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” “Fade Away,” “Little By Little,” “Stand By Me” this song had sooo many people singing along and swaying in unison. Quite the sight to see. When one of my all time favorite Oasis songs ever in “Slide Away” was played, it sent me into the stratosphere. Even my daughter who was with me was singing her heart out throughtout the night but, especially on this song. Proud dad moment right there. Also before they played the song, Liam dedicated the song to “all the lovebirds in the house but, not in the Coldplay way. Love who you want, we don’t care.” I love the dig at Coldplay because well, Coldplay sucks! Yeah I said it! Then not too long after, I heard my all time favorite in “Live Forever.” I don’t care how many times I’ve heard that song, I will never get sick of it. It’s such a beautiful song. And it was another one that my daughter was singing her heart out at. Closing the main set was “Rock n Roll Star” another fan favorite and this was quite the rock version of the song. For the encore we got four songs and they were all sung so loudly by the audience. 100,000 plus people singing along to “The Masterplan” but especially “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova.” It was like a whole city singing along. The glow of cell phone lights and cameras was a sight to see as well. Though I do miss the sea of lighters more! A stellar set list and performance all together.

Now comes the part of the review where it flips. I’m not sure who’s idea it was to have Cage The Elephant be direct support for Oasis but, that was a really bad choice. First of all in the UK and Europe, they got Richard Ashcroft of The Verve. That right there with Oasis is how this should have been as well. Instead we got one of the most boring, overhyped, third rate Nirvana wannabes I’ve ever seen live. Seriously, they had zero energy. Almost to the point of soul sucking. Their stand still nature on stage was drab and just full of “when is this going to end.” I’ve seen so many bands in my life that, I can tell when a band is trying to hard to be something they are not, and Cage The Elephant is a prime example. You are not a rock band. You are an indie band that needs to stay in your lane and leave the rock to those that actually do rock! Seriously, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who, both of which are in their later 70’s, have more energy on stage than this band combined. Needless to say, I was not impressed. Also, there was another opener, Cast. They are an old school Brit-Pop band from the 90’s. Again nothing special and frankly a waste of time. Who the hell is picking these bands to open these shows? Come on! Do better!

The whole night was all about Oasis anyways. The set was nothing but hits, fan favorites and choice deep cuts. For two glorious hours the world stopped and everyone in attendance felt infinite. Oasis means a lot to so many people. People were traveling from all over the world to be there this evening. It was one of those truly special shows. Having Liam and Noel back together again just feels right. I did enjoy both of their respective solo careers and albums but, this is where they need to be. Both of them sounded better than ever along with the whole band. Plus it was great to have Bonehead and Andy Bell back on stage with the Gallaghers. Welcome back Oasis! Please stay around this time!!!

Show Rating: A- (lost points for the openers)

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

Oasis Set List:

01) Hello
02) Acquiesce
03) Morning Glory
04) Some Might Say
05) Bring It On Down
06) Cigarettes & Alcohol
07) Fade Away
08) Supersonic
09) Roll With It
10) Talk Tonight
11) Half The World Away
12) Little By Little
13) D’You Know What I Mean?
14) Stand By Me
15) Cast No Shadow
16) Slide Away
17) Whatever
18) Live Forever
19) Rock N Roll Star

Encore:

20) The Masterplan
21) Don’t Look Back In Anger
22) Wonderwall
23) Champagne Supernova (with a fireworks show at the end)

Oasis Photos:


SHOW PREVIEW: THE COBALT PRESENTS AT HOTEL ZIGGY- 08.23.25

For the past 4 years, I’ve been part of The Cobalt Cafe resurgence now known as The Cobalt Presents. If you grew up in the So Cal area, especially near the San Fernando Valley, you knew that going to The Cobalt Cafe as well as playing there was a right of passage. It was a place that you could go and know you’d have a fun time, see really good bands, and be a part of the scene. And that’s all a part of what The Cobalt Presents has been doing for the last 4 years! Having the opportunity to book bands that feel like it would be a part of a classic Cobalt show has been pretty great. This show on Saturday August 23, 2025 at Hotel Ziggy is definitely one of those “this feels like the old Cobalt” shows.

Playing this evening are SIX stellar bands from the greater Los Angeles area. Each with their own style and vibe, thus making it a very eclectic and rocking evening. First up is Evisceration. These young kids love their metal and pack a ton of classics into their set along with some ripping original material. Following them is The Infinity Project. These youngsters have been making a name for themselves by constantly playing and delivering quite the rocking show. Their progress really shines in their original songs. Then we have Dog Particle. When I heard these guys I knew I had to find a show for them. I love a good old fashion three piece rock band that purely rocks and they most definitely do! Thee Invention is a band I’ve had my eye on for a while and I’m very excited to have them on the show. Mixing post-punk, alternative rock and a few other surprises makes them one of those you have to check out! Pushing Veronica is one of the most fun LA based bands around. They have the 90’s rock spirit and catchy tunes to match. Plus it’s always a fun show to see! Closing out the evening is another band I’m stoked on, the grunge-gaze, Shimmer Bed. Hot off of playing Echo Park Rising, Shimmer Bed is one of those bands that brings a style and sound to the table that is quite interesting and feels just right!

So what excuse do you have not to come to this rad show? It’s only $10 (cash at the door), ALL AGES, Located in Hollywood at Hotel Ziggy, one of the best cool, fun and vibey spots in Hollywood. So grab a friend and come get your rock on with The Cobalt Presents, Audioeclectica, Evisceration, The Infinity Project, Dog Particle, Thee Invention, Pushing Veronica and Shimmer Bed!

THE COBALT PRESENTS and AUDIOECLECTICA:

THE BANDS:

Evisceration 

https://www.instagram.com/eviscerationbandofficial?igsh=MTV0YzJ0c2FvdTZ2eQ==

The Infinity Project 

https://www.instagram.com/theinfinityprojectband?igsh=N3B1aHIxcno0bWk1

Dog Particle

https://www.instagram.com/dogparticleband?igsh=MTRvaHY0enowdnA4NQ==

Thee Invention

https://www.instagram.com/theeinventionmusic?igsh=cjlkNGs1bzFhMG8y

Pushing Veronica

https://www.instagram.com/pushingveronica?igsh=emIybzdoNmYxbjZ2

Shimmer Bed

https://www.instagram.com/shimmer_bed?igsh=MTNsN2l4OTNmZ2dwZQ==

MUSIC DOCS: FAILURE- EVERY TIME YOU LOSE YOUR MIND

Every now and then a bands comes around that effects you in ways you didn’t think was possible. Throughout my musical journey, I’ve latched on to certain bands and albums to guide me through life. At different stages certain ones fit quite perfectly while others are the constant ones that give you that comfort and acceptance you’ve been looking for. The band Failure is one of those constant bands in my life. Ever since I heard Fantastic Planet when I was about 13 years old, I was hooked. There truly is something magical about that album and how it really connects and makes you feel every single note and nuance. If you were at their El Rey Reunion show like I was, you definitely know what I’m talking about.

When it was announced a while back that a Failure documentary was being made, that got me quite excited. I’ve read a lot about the band over the years be it from interviews (newer and older), magazine articles, and even the Golden DVD that had a mini doc about the band. The new documentary Every Time You Lose Your Mind, is a very up close and personal history of one of the most influential bands of the last 30 years. Behind the curtain and studio glass, you get a real in depth look into the history of the greatness of Failure. The interviews and stories with Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards, Kellii Scott are chock full of very insightfulness into the creative process of each album, how they formed a creative alliance and bond that was unlike anything else at the time, and all the while not knowing that what they made in such a short amount of time would wind up becoming this standard for not just songwriting but, production.

Another aspect of the documentary that is fascinating is hearing from other musicians that have felt very connected to Failure over the years. One of the ones that surprised me the most was knowing Tommy Lee of Motley Crue is a giant Failure fan. The way he talks about hearing Failure for the first time is pretty astounding. Tommy though has always been pretty keen on what’s good out there (with the exception of him making Methods Of Mayhem). Another one that I loved was Haley Williams of Paramore. She’s such a huge Failure fan and the more that I’ve listened to Paramore, you can pick up a bit of certain Failure tendencies in how she sings and phrases lyrics. Also if you get the chance check out her cover of “Stuck On You” as well as the acoustic performance she did with Ken Andrews recently of “Heliotropic.” Even Maynard from Tool and A Perfect Circle provides some cool insight to the LA scene at the time. All the interviews on this are quite interesting and tell you about how so many people got into this band.

Like all rock band stories there are ups and downs. And Failure suffered quite the loss when the band broke up. The openness and vulnerability shown by all the members really shows that this band meant something to each of them. You could tell they didn’t want it to end when it did but, at the end of the day it was the right thing to do at the time. While each member moved on to their respective other pursuits musically, for example, ON, Year Of The Rabbit, Autolux, Veruca Salt, etc, the lore of Failure grew each year becoming a cult phenomenon. While their story is a cautionary tale to an extent, it also shows that if you have the drive, willingness and right people with you, the idea of making something great is possible.

Failure’s comeback has been, in my opinion, one of the top reunions ever. Their live shows when they came back were nothing short of amazing. The albums they’ve released have picked up where they left off and added a slew of more greatness to their catalog. If you haven’t listened to Failure, you are surely missing out. So do yourself a favor, sit down put on Hulu, look for Every Time You Lose Your Mind, and let it drip all over you and take in the greatness that is Failure.

Overall Rating: A

WATCH ON HULU!!!!

ALBUM RANK: A.F.I.

Ever since A.F.I. released their new single “Behind The Clock” and their upcoming 12th studio album, Silver Bleeds The Black Sky, I’ve been on a bit of an A.F.I. kick. I went back through all their albums from the start till now and put them in quite the ranking. Some might surprise you while others I think are properly ranked. Silver Bleeds The Black Sun is out on October 3rd, so prepare yourselves. I have a really good feeling about this new album! *NOTE: Number 1 and 2 can be flipped. Just depends on my mood and the day!

EDIT: This album has been updated to include Silver Bleeds The Black Sun (10/15/25)

A.F.I. Album Rank- From Not The Best To The Best:

12) The Blood Album:

11) Crash Love:

10) December Underground:

09) Answer That And Stay Fashionable:

08) Very Proud Of Ya:


07) Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes:

06) Bodies:

05) Silver Bleeds The Black Sun:

04) Black Sails In The Sunset:

03) The Art Of Drowning:

02) Sing The Sorrow:

01) Burials:

ALBUM REVIEW: REBA MEYERS- CLOUDED WORLD

When I first heard Reba Meyers was going to be releasing solo material, I got quite excited. After seeing her other band Code Orange a while back, I could tell there was more to Reba than just this band. There was a ferociousness that was just waiting to be unleashed. We already knew her guitar playing was top notch but the vocals took it all to another level and showed that Reba was the one in that band that had “the whole package.” Even when Reb guested on the Greg Puciato song “Lowered,” you could tell that Reba was well on her own path. And now here we are with Reba’s first release as a solo artist, Clouded World. This six song EP is full of dark, moody and melodic grooves and deeply personal and poetic lyrics and vocals.

There are many things to unpack on this release. As I mentioned the lyrics are very personal and poetic. The vocal delivery is otherworldly. You definitely hear and feel all the words sung. This is one of my favorite things about artists like Reba, the authenticity is 100% real. Musically, there are loads of influences and inspirations packed into these songs. On one hand you have some very heavy rock driven songs that have this attitude and bite to it with soaring melodies on top. Then you have more delicate atmospheric songs that explore a more etherial side with a bit of electronic elements to further open the space. All while still being poetic.

Clouded World has fast become one of my favorite releases of 2025. I eagerly await Reba’s full length debut which will be out in 2026. The tour kicks off today, and I’m very excited to see Reba live and hear these songs come to life when the Los Angeles date comes up on August 24th. Do yourself a favor and put this record on and let it take you places you haven’t been in a while!

Overall Rating: A

Standout Tracks: ALL

Written By: Brian Lacy

Reba Meyers- Clouded World EP:

The Videos:

Clouded World:

Got Your Hold On Me:

Certain Uncertainty:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAGNET- MEGAMANTRA

Over the last couple of years, Black Magnet has been a band I’ve become quite fond of. Each album has upped the ante of not just creating great industrial music but, has breathed new life into the genre. Which brings me to the album of the week, Black Magnet’s new record, Megamantra. If you are a fan of classic industrial a la Ministry, Godflesh, Broken/Downward era Nine Inch Nails then you will absolutely love Megamantra.

Black Magnet’s Megamantra is an album not for the faint of heart. This album is a hard charging, pummeling piece of work. The dark yet lush dynamics found on this record really captivate the listener. While the subject matter on the album is chock full of heavy and harsh realities, the songs are layered with an anthemic sensibility that packs obscene amounts of energy into each track. The guitars are razor sharp and the riffs hit you like a ton of bricks. The synth work on this album is on par with the likes of Nine Inch Nails and it creates an additional mood that compliments the hard driving riffs and thunderous drums (which are live- thank you Noah!!!). Throughout the 9 songs on the album, you can most definitely sense that this is a “complete album.” The whole album is a standout track. I implore you to listen to this album from start to finish.

James Hammontree, the bands founder, guitarist, and vocalist has put together a lineup for this album that truly explodes upon first listen. Compelling is a great way to describe this record. After listening to this album, one, you’ll more than likely want to start it over, because it’s that good, and two, you’ll really want to go see Black Magnet live. The way these songs flow into one another as well as the very direct approach in writing makes Megamantra one of the best albums of 2025. Black Magnet is a band for now and the future so make sure you connect with this one!

Overall Rating: A

Standout Tracks: The Whole Album

Black Magnet- Megamantra:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: HEAVY HALO- DAMAGED DREAM

I love that feeling of putting an album on without any pre conceived thoughts and getting absolutely swept away by it. That’s exactly what happened the instant the first beat hit on Heavy Halo’s new album Damaged Dream. The moment I put this album on I was hooked. I’m not sure what I was looking for at the moment but, I knew this album was for me. Since I got this album, it has been in non stop rotation for me. Actually I’ve been aching to write about this album and share it with you all.

Heavy Halo’s sound is packed with so many things that I love like industrial, alternative rock, electronic elements and a nice splashing of gothic expression. Imagine if Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure and early New Order (Movement era) all combined forces to create music, that combination is what you get on Damaged Dream. Throughout the ten songs on this album you get lost in the ambience, pulsating beats, driving guitars and great soaring melodies that add the light to a dark setting. There are hooks aplenty found throughout Damaged Dream and they are more like ear candy. Lyrically this is a deeply reflective album that hits you in all the feels in a great way. It’s a more uplifting feeling than what most bands would tend to do.

The way this album flows from start to finish is like blood flowing. It’s quite the rush. There isn’t one song on here that feels out of place. Each track is drenched with this feeling that makes you want to get up and move. Not necessarily in a “dancing way” but, more so in a way that gets you revved up for taking on a day and conquering it. I’d love to pinpoint certain songs but, it’s better if you just listen to this album from start to finish. It’s one of those albums! I really love this album. So much so that it’s definitely in my top 5 of 2025! Do yourself a favor and take some time and let Heavy Halo rock your world!

Standout Tracks: THE ENTIRE ALBUM!

Overall Rating: A

Heavy Halo- Damaged Dream:


ALBUM RANK UPDATED: HELMET

The other day I was going through my site making notes of things that I need to do. While doing so, I noticed that some of my articles especially the album ranks, are quite old and my thoughts on some of these have changed so I thought why not update these. One of the first ones that I thought of was Helmet. I’m still not over that show from earlier this year. It was seriously one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. Well, with that in mind, here’s an updated ranking of Helmet’s albums. And if you get the chance to go see Helmet live, GO!!! It will be one of the best decisions you’ll make!

From Not The Best To The Best:

09) Seeing Eye Dog:

08) Dead To The World:

07) Strap It On:

06) Monochrome:

05) Left:

04) Aftertaste:

03) Size Matters:

02) Betty*:

01) Meantime*:

*Note: Meantime and Betty could be flipped depending on the day!

TRIBUTE: OZZY OSBOURNE

These are never easy to write. Especially when it’s someone that has played a huge role in your musical upbringing. Ever since I was a little kid, Ozzy has been a staple in my musical life. From the first time I heard his solo work, well first I saw videos on MTV, it got me rather interested in his music. Then I heard about Black Sabbath when I was about 5 or 6 and that changed it all. Black Sabbath with Ozzy had this dark, menacing sound that was unlike anything else. From their debut through Sabotage, you really can’t go wrong with the Ozzy catalog of Sabbath. Even his solo work be it with Randy Rhodes, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, or others took heavy music to other levels. Ozzy was more than just a singer he was the epitome of what being a “frontman” is all about in a band. The way Ozzy could get the crowd really going was a sight to see all on its own. When you saw and Ozzy show or even Sabbath, you knew you were getting not only a show but a night that would be remembered forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Ozzy a couple times in my life and he was nothing but, genuine, nice and personable. It’s a huge loss for his family and fans across the world. There will never be another Ozzy and that’s how it should be. He was one of one! An inspiration and influence on so many and a legend that will never die! The fact that Ozzy got to perform one last time and go out on his own terms is quite the way to go! My condolences go out to the entire Osbourne family and all the bandmates, and fans everywhere.

See You On The Other Side Ozzy!

ALBUM REVIEW: BUSH- I BEAT LONELINESS

I’ve been having these mind blowing moments when I think about bands and albums these days. Mainly it’s realizing that I’ve been listening to a band or album for over 20-30 years. Growing up with all this music really has become “the soundtrack to my life.” One such band that really has me in this trance is Bush. I’ve been a fan since I first heard them at 10/11 years old. They’ve been one of those constant bands in my life. Even when Gavin went to do the Institute side project or his solo album, Gavin and especially Bush have really played a big part in my musical life. 

Now on their tenth studio album, and after riding quite high off of two fantastic albums in The Kingdom and The Art Of Survival, it’s only fitting that I Beat Loneliness is the follow up to those two albums. While the past two records have really accentuated the heavy down-tuned riffs and got the band back on track, this new album really focuses on the lyrical messages and vocal delivery. From start to finish, I Beat Loneliness really connects and the relationship between the listener and these songs will definitely tap into your inner self. There is still an anger and edge to some of these songs, while others really delve more into those thoughts and feelings that can be uncomfortable. Gavin’s voice and delivery of the lyrics really shines on this album. 

Another aspect of I Beat Loneliness that I find interesting is, it’s the album all the critics said their third album, The Science Of Things was production wise. The only thing that really takes the album down a notch is that the drums sound super programmed as well as flat. Because when you see the band live, it’s so in your face and bombastic that this just doesn’t sound right. The songs are there and Gavin sounds great. The heavy songs have solid good riffs and the more delicate songs are good songs but the production lacks the full emotional depth needed to convey some of these. If Steve Albini were still alive he would have been perfect to record Gavin’s vocals let alone this whole album. 

All in all Bush has delivered yet again with a tremendous album. Gavin Rossdale really is underrated when it comes to songwriting as well as lyrics, melodies and vocals. As much as I love the classic Bush, the new line up with Chris Traynor, Corey Britz and Nik Hughes is the perfect complement to what Bush is doing these days. 

Overall Rating: B or 8.5/10

Standout Tracks: I Beat Loneliness, I’m Here To Save Your Life, Love Me Till The Pain Fades, Don’t Be Afraid, Footsteps In The Sand

Bush- I Beat Loneliness: