review

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:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAP- HEX

Ever since I heard “I’m Just The Driver” by Black Map a few years back, I’ve been hooked on them. When I think of the band Black Map, I know I’m consistently going to be hearing a really solidly good rock record with great riffs, soaring melodic and velvety vocals, pulsating low end and thunderous drums. So it’s no surprise to me that their new album Hex, delivers the goods on this record.

From the get go the rock begins. Chock full of hooks and those driving riffs and rhythms, “Disintegrate” sets the tone for what the next eight songs bring. There are moments that remind me a bit of Thrice, Cave In and Failure throughout. The melodic sensibilities that compliment the heaviness on the album is what makes Black Map stand out. And if what the company in which I just mentioned is what this is reminiscent of, that’s some good association. The way this album flows shows that Black Map have really honed in on creating a lush album. At times too even when the music goes into a slower tempo, the weight of the lyrics and delivery of the vocals of Ben Flanagan are just as heavy as his bass, or Mark Engles guitar tone, or the earth shattering drums of Chris Robyn.

There’s a very introspectiveness to this album. In a time when there is a lot to think about and deal with, having a voice like Ben’s that melody rich and soaring with passion, gives the listener ease and connection without having to shout or scream. Though there are moments that are very direct. The guitar work on Hex is also a bit more in a progressive nature. Not in the way of Dredg, even though there are shades of it, it’s more in tune with how Failure expands upon it’s sound in a spacey way. And to top it off with Chris Robyn’s drums it’s like the icing and cherry on top as the bass lines and drums connect in a way that as I mentioned above is quite thunderous. Trust me, when you hear it live, you will definitely know! Hex is a tremendous album that packs quite a lot of goodies in it’s 32 minute running time. And it’s one of those that you’ll want to start again so you can pick out more things to enjoy about this record. And a round of applause to producer Beau Burchell who really brought out some of the best work the band has done.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Standout Tracks: ALL OF THEM!

Review By: Brian Lacy

Black Map- Hex:







WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO: APRIL EDITION

Over the past couple weeks I’ve been diving into some new tunes that have peaked my interest. Some of these are new albums and a couple are ones that I’ve revisited because it’s been a minute since I listened to it. Here’s 10 albums that I’ve been listening to. Take a listen and enjoy!

01) Idle Heirs- Life Is Violence: I love this album. It’s the best album I’ve heard all year. This debut album has definitely made it’s way to my list of best debuts of all time. Read more about this album HERE and be sure to check this one out! IT’S A MUST! I should note that I haven’t gone a day without listening to this album since I got it. It’s That Good!



02) Pale Rider- 1 to 0: This album came across my email a couple weeks back and I quite enjoyed this one. I’ve been searching for all sorts of different types of bands of late and Pale Rider was one of the ones that stood out. 1 to 0 is a really fun spring/summer album. It’s a great alternative rock album that explores bits of dream pop, shoegaze and ambience. It’s also a pleasure to hear vocalist Rus Martin again. Always have enjoyed his style and lyric approaches (remember Hotwire? or Eyelid? I know I sure do). Give this record a spin!!




03) Chimaira- Chimaira: It’s been a while since I last listened to this album and I forgot what a beast this album is. I’d really have to say this is the best Chimaira album. It’s one of those albums you can tell they really put their all into it. It’s definitely one of the best heavy albums of the last 25 years. Usually self titled albums are “statement” albums, and this one is no different in that it takes no prisoners and it’s an all out assault of heaviness. This is an unsung masterpiece of an album! Also fun tidbits. This video was shot at the old Cobalt Cafe in the San Fernando Valley. Also, yours truly is in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIScWpfZ2Z4&list=OLAK5uy_kW7__uA0HD7-MlGnOF6n9G1z0G_rZ4Fsk


04) Guiltless- Teeth To Sky: This is another album I’m stuck on. I’ve really been enjoying all the nuances that this album packs into it. Plus the optimism that radiates throughout the album is quite a treat from the usual doom and gloom that is associated with this style of music. Teeth To Sky is one of those albums that will grow on you the more you listen. And once you let it’s teeth sink in, it’s quite the wonderful listening experience



05) The Smashing Pumpkins- Aghorri Mhorri Mei: This is a great album! If you have been craving an old school Smashing Pumpkins album that is more aligned with their 90’s era, then you really should listen to this one! It’s quite the album. This is another album I have yet to take out of rotation. It’s refreshing to hear them go back to that sound a bit while still pushing boundaries of what alternative music can reach. I’m really hoping there is a US tour for this album because these songs need to be heard and played live!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNOFLu40NzY&list=OLAK5uy_nRnbe2-k5CxdkxL140Fs1baQuL8Dmrgf4&index=2

06) Spiritbox- Tsunami Sea: Over the last couple years I’ve really come to like Spiritbox. Their album Eternal Blue was quite good. Their follow up EP, The Fear Of Fear really got me interested in where this band can go and then they released their new album, Tsunami Sea. This new album is pretty damn good. It’s nothing groundbreaking or reinventing the wheel but, it’s solid and packs quite the punch. There’s also a lot of different twists and turns on the album that peaks your listening interest to listen again and again. Looking forward to seeing them live at the Palladium in May.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_l4FsWfBiw&list=OLAK5uy_mfdx_C0pR6XdVKoGGoXHVRdQlvEVtjw0c&index=2


07) Coheed And Cambria- Vaxis III- The Father Of Make Believe: I’ve quite enjoyed this album. It’s one of their most focused albums in a minute. This album reminds me a bit of Good Apollo IV and Second Stage Turbine. There’s some truly epic moments on this album as with any good Coheed album. And the songs themselves shine. This is one of the more fun albums I’ve listened to this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSckI-66MsI&list=OLAK5uy_kYxvSUMUzqSpw6MFitvmIBeXjFosoWKzI


08) Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible: Talk about fun albums. I still can’t get enough of this album. When I need a good pick me up, this is a great one to go for. I just saw Better Lovers live again and it was awesome. They have fast become one of my favorite new bands and bands to see live. Their energy is infectious and makes you want to keep the album on repeat. I look forward to what else is to come from Better Lovers as I feel this is only the beginning of something pretty spectacular!



09) Stone Temple Pilots- Purple: Sometimes you just need a classic to listen to. Every time I put this album on, I get this warm sensation that comes over me like a warm blanket. This album is a masterpiece. There isn’t one thing wrong with this record. If you haven’t listened to Purple in a while, you should change that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd-6Dokk3Jg&list=OLAK5uy_kw5inENBPxMWfRS4zjTGI7VFIySuwp7U4&index=2

10) Nine Inch Nails- The Fragile: This is my all time favorite album. It’s the album I constantly put on if I can’t think of anything to listen to. The Fragile is another absolute masterpiece. Not to take away from any of the other albums in the NIN catalog, this one though, it’s just otherworldly. For the past 26 years of listening to this album it’s never gotten old. It still sounds fresh to my ears and it still gets me in the feels every time. If you haven’t listened to The Fragile in a long time, that should be on your list too!

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: IDLE HERIS- LIFE IS VIOLENCE

It’s only April and I believe I have found the album of the year. A couple weeks back I introduced you to the band Idle Heirs. I’ve been enthralled by this album from the moment I heard it in full. The singles definitely got me right off the bat as well. The 8 tracks on the album are some of the most gut wrenching, soul bearing and intense performances I’ve heard on record. Written by Coalesce’s Sean Ingram and Multi Instrumentalist/Producer Josh Barber, Life Is Violence, just set a new standard of what the “post-metal” genre should be.

I’ve mentioned in other reviews of mine that I don’t want to dissect each song as I feel that it truly takes away from the listeners experience of the album. The rawness, intensity and emotional charge that this album brings out of oneself is quite an accomplishment. It’s one of those albums that is like a mirror that responds back to you. The personal elements found throughout this album are eye opening and cut pretty deep. The way those emotions that are poured into these songs are enough to make you uncomfortable but, in a good way that is quite introspective. The vulnerability that Sean Ingram delivers on these songs is uncanny. The deeper you listen, the more you hear all the pain, anguish, remorse, sorrow and more in his vocal performance. I can only imagine how much more his live performance of this would be. I’ve seen Coalesce and this has got to be even more intense than that. There’s that word again “intense.” That’s truly what this album is. Musically Sean and Josh Barber crafted songs that not only are heavy in the traditional senses but, allowed for all the lyrical concepts to come to life through different instruments be it a simple shuffle on the drums, atmospheric soundscapes, sludgy tones, bright tones and a plethora of more. Life Is Violence is a great title for this album as that is a great summation of what this all sounds like.

When I first heard this band/album it immediately struck a chord with me. I don’t know what I was looking for at the time but, this was the one. For the past few weeks I’ve truly soaked this album up. It’s become one of those I can’t go a day without listening to it at least once. The eruption of brilliance that is poured out over 51 minutes is pretty astounding. I’d love to know more about the recording of this album because there are so many great nuances to it, that I’m just beyond curious to know. This is seriously one of those special albums that feels magical and for lack of a better phrase “Lightning In A Bottle.” What an incredible album and foundation to start with because, I sure hope this project keeps going. This is the power of music at its finest. The connection to a record and all that it brings. Thank you Sean and Josh for what you put into this to make what I truly consider to the the album of 2025!

OVERALL RATING= A

IDLE HEIRS- LIFE IS VIOLENCE:

THE VIDEOS:

Rare Bird:

Dead Ringer:

Pillow Talk:

LIVE REVIEW: POISON THE WELL/ GLASSJAW/ BETTER LOVERS at Hollywood Palladium- 04.04.25

Every so often, a band will release an album that changes everything for the band and genre. 25 years ago, Poison The Well released their debut full length, The Opposite Of December and it set forth a path that would go on to help pioneer a genre and inspire a new bunch of bands. Their distinctive “metalcore” sound has become often imitated but, there’s nothing like hearing the real thing! Joining Poison The Well on this celebratory tour are 2 of my favorites new and old in Better Lovers and Glassjaw as well as Teenage Wrist. When this show pulled into the Hollywood Palladium on a beautiful Friday night, the wake of destruction that was upon all those in attendance would not be for the faint of heart. This show was designed to go off the instant it starts and oh boy did it! NOTE- Continued on next page (look below).

Pages: 1 2 3

What I’ve Been Listening To: November Edition


Since I took a break I’ve been trying to catch up on everything I’ve missed out on. I’m still catching up but I thought I’d put together a list of a few albums that I’ve been listening to. I recommend you all check these bands and albums. I can guarantee you’ll find something you like! Also on a side note, if any of you out there are graphic designers, Audioeclectica could use a new logo! Hit me up!

Enjoy The Tunes!
Brian

What I’ve Been Listening To:

Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible:
This album is what it must feel like to be shot out of a cannon. It’s explosive and full of twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. It might even cause you to spontaneously start jumping up and down due to the energy this album emits. Listen to this as loud as possible!



Jerry Cantrell- I Want Blood:
Jerry’s new album feels like it picks up where Degredation Trip left off. The dark brooding vocals mixed with Jerry’s signature guitar playing makes this a great album. As much as I would love to have a new Alice In Chains album, this one will definitely hold you over till then!! Check out the track “Echoes Of Laughter” it’s my favorite on the album!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_krvAUGLYK3GCL81obV1c-TpojnXdxeBxc

Linkin Park- From Zero:
I never thought this day would ever come but here I am praising a Linkin Park album. I’ll get into how this all came to be in an article to come. This new album featuring their new singer Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara and drummer Colin Brittain is fantastic. It’s a short and concise album that runs the gamut on all that the band has done and then some. There’s some really great throwback moments on this album as well as all sorts of new things to enjoy. Really give this one a shot. In a world where so many bands have tried to cop their style, the originators return to show how it’s done!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_llu148Ny0qF6bSApqzcVOQ9MaiCYySEG8



The Smashing Pumpkins- Aghori Mhori Mei:
I love this album. It’s The Smashing Pumpkins through and through. It’s a great rock album that we’ve been wanting from them since their “reunion” was announced. Each listen makes me love this album more and more. This is another one that really deserves your attention!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nRnbe2-k5CxdkxL140Fs1baQuL8Dmrgf4

Iress- Sleep Now In Reverse:
Iress is one of my favorite bands I’ve heard in a long time. Each release of theirs gets better and better. This new one adds a heavier and darker vibe to their already dark atmospheric dreamy doomgaze sound. This is an album YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO!!!



Gouge Away- Deep Sage:
This is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. I love this album. Every song on it is impactful and meaningful. This is another album that might find your spontaneously breaking out into a one person mosh pit. Listen to this album!!!



Common Wounds- All Night Blood:
I love a good post-hardcore band and Common Wounds has all the ingredients that I enjoy about the genre. This is their first full length and it delivers quite the punch. The latter half of the album is my favorite part as it tends to be a bit more experimental and epic which I love. I’m very excited to see where this band goes as I quite enjoy them!



Drug Church- Prude:
I’ve been a fan of Drug Church for a while and they keep getting better and better. Their new album continues on the path they’ve been on with some really cool new elements that remind me of Refused a bit. Sadly I just missed their LA show. I’ll have to catch them next time!



Planes Mistaken For Stars- Do You Still Love Me:
This one is a little bittersweet. I have been a Planes fan for many years and when the news came that Gared had passed away it was quite a sad moment. Thankfully though, we have one final album from this very underrated band. This album has all the classic elements that made Planes Mistaken For Stars such a great band as well as some really great melodic moments that will have you raising your glass in cheers!



Spirit In The Room- Passengers:
If you’ve been reading Audioeclectica long enough, you know that I absolutely love Spirit In The Room. I love that each release brings in something different yet it’s still volatile and dangerous, which is something that’s seriously missing from music these days. This EP is a little more subdued and introspective, showing off a different side of Dennis Sanders. Another really enjoyable album to check out!



Kerry King- From Hell I Rise:
I really like this album. Musically it sounds just like what you think it does but, that doesn’t stop it from being an all out assault. Kerry has quite the band backing him with Phil Demmel on guitar, Kyle Sanders on bass, Paul Bostaph on drums and the underrated and awesome Mark Osegueda on vocals. Live this band and these songs are so damn good. I saw Kerry and Co open for Lamb Of God and Mastodon a few months back and it made me really give this album a now outlook.



Cold Gawd- I’ll Drown On This Earth:
I’ve heard of this band for a while now and finally sat down to check them out and I enjoyed what I heard. Their shoegazey Deftones side really comes through in a good way. The dreaminess that this album has to it makes it a great driving album as well as one to put on while working. There’s some definite love for Siamese Dream on this album and that’s totally ok!



Unto Others- Never, Neverland:
The moment I put this album on the first thing I thought of was Type O Negative only a bit more positive. This album is one of the most surprising I’ve heard this year. I love the post-punk goth vibes this album has. I’m quite interested to see what they are like live and I would love to hear them take on a Type O songs to hear what it would be like.



Pearl Jam- Dark Matter:
I’ve been waiting a long time for Pearl Jam to come back with an album like this and FINALLY it’s here. This record has a very old school PJ vibe (Ten and VS with a dash of Vitalogy). The guitars are back to being at the forefront and everything finally clicks for the first time in a long time. This album really doesn’t have the usual filler either. Each time I listen I like this one more and more and find it climbing up my ranking chart for Pearl Jam.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ltWvB2Aqnf32SbAI0fhvx8l5O87oruvS0

Category 7- Category 7:
John Bush (Amored Saint, ex Anthrax), Phil Demmel (Kerry King, ex Machine Head), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, ex Overkill), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob) and Jack Gibson (Exodus). On paper this band is killer and on their self titled debut they slay! I’ve always loved John Bush as a vocalist and to have such a lineup of great players writing some killer riffs and metal, this band has everything they need to rip it up!