review

HAPPY HALLOWEEN: AFI- ALL HALLOWS EP

I’ve had a tradition for many years that when it’s Halloween, I have to listen to AFI’s All Hallows EP. It’s really a great Halloween companion. It sets the mood oh so sweetly. Released in October of 1999, All Hallows features three new songs and one cover. The three originals are damn good. “Fall Children” really captures the energy of AFI at the time. “The Boy Who Destroyed The World” is one of those songs that shows a bit where the band was heading into The Art Of Drowning. “Total Immortal” is one of my favorite AFI songs. I love the rawness of this song. It’s got such a great punk feel mixed with the right amount of goth/post-punk to make it quite memorable. And who can forget their awesome cover of The Misfits “Halloween.” I mean AFI and The Misfits is a perfect match. Some more fun history about this EP and era of the band is after the release, AFI would tour with Sick Of It All. Then concluding that tour, they went on to tour with Danzig. Talk about a tour!!! I’d love to see that now even. “The Boy Who Destroyed The World” was featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skakter 3 video game. The Offspring would go on to cover “Total Immortal” and that was featured in the Jim Carrey movie, Me, Myself and Irene. By the way, AFI’s version is way better than The Offspring’s. I really miss when bands would do one off’s like this. AFI is on quite the roll right now as their new album, Silver Bleeds The Black Sun is out and it’s fantastic! So when you’re done listening to the All Hallows EP, be sure to check out my review and listen to Sliver Bleeds The Black Sun. You can thank me later!

AFI- All Hallows EP:

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: 10/24/25

There’s always so much music being released these days it’s hard to keep up with it all at times. Luckily, you all have me to sort through it all and deliver the good stuff! As always, this batch of bands and albums is quite the eclectic one. This New Music Friday has all sorts of rock, metal, hardcore, electronic, and indie. Do check out all these bands and if they are playing near you, go see them and support your scene! At the end of the day there is no scene if there are no people there! Enjoy these picks and remember to always, Listen Eclectically! – Brian

01) The Anti-Groupies- Pretty Vicious:
The Anti-Groupies are the real deal! I’ve been a fan for quite a bit now and it’s been a blast to watch their growth not just as a live band but as songwriters. Their debut album, Pretty Vicious, is out now and it’s a righteous slab of rock. It’s got the attitude and charisma of the 90’s, a fun playfulness that has a late 70’s early 80’s glam/punk rock vibe a la Blondie and Joan Jett and a style that is bombastic. The Anti-Groupies are one of those bands that will kick you in the teeth when you see them. The fun aspect of seeing this band is there along with the feeling of wanting to mosh. Give Pretty Vicious a spin!! And on November 15 come out to The Cobalt Presents show at Bar10 at Corbin Bowl and see The Anti-Groupies live for the Highwire Daze Magazine 35th Anniversary Show!


02) Au Jus- Very Well, Then:
I find myself at times being quite intrigued with what the kids are doing musically these days. It’s been fun to watch a new generation of kids get into the things I grew up on. Sometimes there are a few bands that can capture a certain artsy essence of that time. With that in mind, let me introduce you to Au Jus and their album, Very Well, Then. This album is very much in the 90’s alternative vein with that introspective touch to it. It’s got a sort of The Smashing Pumpkins vibe mixed with Blind Melon. So it’s sort of whimsical and spacey with some sprinkles of psychedelia and shoegaze. Give Very Well, Then a spin and see where it takes you! You can catch Au Jus live Saturday October 25 at The Cobalt Presents Show at Hotel Ziggy!!


03) The Barbarians Of California- Pseudo Intellectuals Are Hating On My Band (Pure Power):
Ever since I heard The Barbarians Of California I’ve been hooked. It’s been great to hear Aaron Bruno back in the hardcore realm of things. I grew up in the same area as Aaron and watching his old band Insurgence along with a slew of others like Counterveil, Homemade and others was a blast. So it’s been really fun and a bit nostalgic to have this band around. The Barbarians released a new song recently that also features Keith Buckley of Many Eyes/ex Every Time I Die. This is just one of those really fun sing along hardcore songs. It’s infectious! That’s the word I was trying to come up with. Enjoy this one!!


04) God Alone- The Beep Test:
I love when I get sent things that I have zero about and I just put it on and then it’s game on! That’s what happened when I checked out Cork, Ireland’s, God Alone and their album, The Beep Test. It’s this crazy amalgamation of math rock, hardcore, punk, electronics and dance. I know, what? But seriously it all works quite well. The experimental nature of the album leaves you really wanting to delve into it more and more. There is so much to unpack in a glorious way, like opening presents on your birthday. I don’t want to say too much of it will give away the fun. Just put this album on and dance your feet off!


05) Jet Black Iris- How Sweet Is The Taste Of Your Infection?:
A while back a band hit me up about playing a show with The Cobalt Presents. As I always do, I checked out the band and could definitely hear something I liked. So I booked them and DAMN! Jet Black Iris really captured my attention. Firstly, the sound of the band is chock full of things I love. There’s the 90’s quiet/loud vibe but more so in the Failure way, then you add in a really cool Post-Punk element a la Joy Division as well as Interpol (mainly their first 2 albums), and then a punk vibe that sits in that metallic/melodic spot. Put all that together and you really do have one hell of a sound and Jet Black Iris definitely takes flight! Their debut album, How Sweet Is The Taste Of Your Infection?, is ten songs of pure passion poured out onto tape (well the computer these days). Jet Black Iris has fast become one of my favorite new bands. Come see them live Saturday October 25 at The Cobalt Presents Show at Hotel Ziggy!!


06) Motherless- Do You Feel Safe?:
More often than not, I’m usually in a heavy music mood. Depending on my mood depends on the level of heavy. The other day I wanted something that was HARD! So I went through my list of things to check out and put on the album Do You Feel Safe? by Motherless. After listening the eight song album, I knew I found what I was looking for and I put it on again. Punishing! That’s what this album is. It’s Metal, its got Hardcore sprinkled all over as well as dashes of Black Metal, Sludge and Doom! Motherless features members of The Atlas Moth (if you haven’t heard their album Coma Noir, you really should) and Without Waves. This album is quite intense and like I said, punishing (in the best way possible)!


07) Puscifer- Self Evident:
I’ll admit, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Puscifer. There are songs I do like a lot but, for some reason it jus wasn’t connecting with me. Then a few months ago, I sat down to do some other work and put all the Puscifer albums on and found myself enjoying it a lot more than before. So when the news came out the other day that after five years, come February 6, 2026 via Alchemy Recordings, we will get a new Puscifer album called, Normal Isn’t. This new album is supposed to align more with the Post-Punk/Goth side of the bands collective influences. The first single “Self Evident” is just that, it’s dipped and swirled in post-punk. I’m sure Beavis and Butthead would be happy with one of the lyrics too!


08) Trace Amount Featuring Fatboi Sharif- Seeing God On The L Train:
Over the past few years, I’ve been interested in where all the electronic music is going. There are so many sub-genres to it now that it almost seems made up. There are certain ones though that I’ve taken a liking too. The apocalyptic/atmospheric soundscapes with what seems like post-industrial beats has caught my ear. One artist that I’ve really enjoyed that does this style is Trace Amount (aka Brandon Gallagher). I got to see Trace Amount a few years ago open for Greg Puciato’s solo tour and Brandon’s set was one of those that set a tone sort of foreshadowed the craziness of the night. This new track though is pretty rad in that the sparce sound accompanied by the vocal deliver of Fatboi Sharif makes this a trippy song!

ALBUM REVIEW: GREYHAVEN- KEEP IT QUIET

I’m always intrigued how people get into certain bands. I love hearing different ways people have found bands and all that. I’m no different when it comes to finding bands. A while back I heard a band that caught my attention and from that point I went out of my way to listen to as much as I could from said band. The band I’m talking about is Greyhaven and they have a badass new album out called Keep It Quiet. Now four albums deep into their career, Greyhaven have released an album that not only expands upon their heavy sound but opens the gate to so many fun little nuances.

Keep It Quiet feels like the album Greyhaven have been striving to make since their formation. The balance of heaviness, melodic, and delicate moments makes this a bold statement of an album. Each song hits at a different feeling/emotion which allows the music and vocals to sink into your mind and weave an intricate web of textures and directions. This album is what separates Greyhaven from the rest of the pack. The pace at which this album explodes is another treat. And the atmospheric vibe in the background gives the album an extra dose of air in between pummeling riffs, soaring screams and melodic vocals.

From start to finish, Keep It Quiet is as cohesive as the bands 2018 album Empty Black. Songs like “Burn A Miracle,” “Night In October,” “Technicolor Blues” and ” Shatter and Burst” are without a doubt some of the heaviest on the album. “Diamond To Diamond” and “Satellite In Love” are two of my favorite songs on the record. The delicate nature of these two tracks really play well into the melodic structure. “When The Light Leaves Us” and the closing track “Cemetery Sun” are two of the most epic songs on the album each containing fun twists and turns that leave you wanting to start those songs over and over again. Like I said, this album is very cohesive and it’s best to just listen from beginning to end.

One other thing I need to mention is the production by Will Putney. Will over the past decade has really become a go to producer/engineer to get the sounds that a ton of bands in the heavy music genres are after. The way that Will can get the right tone from the guitar and perfectly compliment it with the right bass and drum sounds makes my ears tingle. Keep It Quiet is chock full of sweet ear candy moments courtesy of Will and the way he helps bands bring out the best in them.

Greyhaven have been here a while but, Keep It Quiet needs to be talked about loudly. So much so that when you are playing this album it should be played loud too! I truly hope people out there get to hear this album. I’ve heard a lot of records this year and this one has really left a lasting impact on me. Take some time and give this a listen and let it sweep you off your feet!

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review By: Brian Lacy

Greyhaven-Keep It Quiet:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: WITKIN- THINGS I MIGHT’VE SAID

In the world we live in today, it’s refreshing to hear music that takes you to a different time and place. That time and place could be at point that was more innocent or adventurous, or even a feeling that has stayed with you. All of these put together makes a great recipe for an album. The time it takes you to is around the mid/late 70’s when glam and punk are starting to become something substantial as well as transporting you to the mid 90’s when alternative music was taking off. With that in mind, I’d like to present the Album Of The Week, Witkin’s, Things I Might’ve Said.

Throughout the twelve songs found on the debut album, Veronica Witkin wears her heart on her glitzy sleeves. These songs pour out through the speakers in a way that is infectious and touching. Things I Might’ve Said is a poignant album that goes through the depths and despair of life be it depression, self loathing, losing the passion and then some. The music and lyrics that unfold throughout the album are uplifting in a very positive way that makes you want to start a new day. There is something about the way the hooks in the songs grab you. Each song has it’s own personality but, the uncanny passion and emotion delivered on these tracks is what keeps you engrossed. Musically I love the Bowie/T-Rex inspiration mixed with the best of 90’s alt rock. When you listen to the album there is a vibrant feeling mixed with the melancholy that shines quite bright. Of course there are rock songs found all throughout the Things I Might’ve Said but, the vulnerable more delicate songs really pull at the heartstrings.

I love debut albums like this. The kind of albums that you put it all out there and let yourself become who you are. Veronica Witkin and her band are definitely one to watch out for. Their live shows are chock full of fun and energy that spreads throughout the room. I personally can’t wait for Saturday October 18 at Bar10 At Corbin Bowl (in Tarzana) for Witkin’s Record Release Show! It’s going to be one hell of a fun and great night. Also playing are Vagabond, Seven 40 Seven, High Flight and Over Grip and it’s only $10! See you there and don’t forget to check out Witkin’s debut album, Things I Might’ve Said!!!

Overall Rating: 9/10

Stand Out Tracks: “Last Year’s Ashes,” “You’re So Cinematic,” “Don’t Call It A Cult,” “Drowning In The Gene Pool,” and “These Days”

Witkin- Things I Might’ve Said:

ALBUM REVIEW: AFI- SILVER BLEEDS THE BLACK SUN

AFI has long been a band that evolves a bit more with each album. For many albums now, AFI have been adding more and more goth elements to the music and on this new album (studio album number 12), Silver Bleed The Black Sun, they have just gone full on with it and the end result is absolutely splendid. This album leans all the way into the post-punk influences of bands like The Cure, Joy Division, Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus and more.

While the album is short in time with ten songs and clocking in at 35 minutes, there isn’t one ounce of filler or out of place anything on Silver Bleeds The Black Sun. What you have is one of their most cohesive albums since Burials (which is one hell of a great album). Each song evokes a certain mood and vibe making this a grand listening experience. From the way the album opens with the haunting “The Bird Of Prey” all the way through the very punk “NOONEUNDERGROUND,” it’s a non stop ride. The twists and turns found throughout make it chock full of ear candy and sweet surprises. There’s a really fun 80’s vibe throughout the album too that tinges on new wave without taking away the darkness. While the lyrics are of a contemplative and dark nature as they would be courtesy of Davey Havok, musically Jade Puget, Hunter Burgan and Adam Carson have pushed past any preconceived notions of what they’ve done before and brought a very invigorating sound that is vibrant and alive while at the same time eerie and full of bite.

I could have gone track by track but I truly believe that takes away from the listening experience. Instead, put this album on and let it just take you where it needs to go. A band like AFI is quite interesting in that they never want to stay in one place for too long and get complacent. One of the things I’ve genuinely loved about this band is their willingness to take chances and explore all that they enjoy. I’ve said to people many times over the years that AFI is one of those bands that you should give a chance to even if it isn’t your normal cup of tea. Silver Bleeds The Black Sun is one of the best albums of 2025.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Stand Out Tracks: Blasphemy & Excess, Spear Of Truth, A World Unmade, NOONEUNDERGROUND

Review By: Brian Lacy

AFI- SILVER BLEEDS THE BLACK SUN:

LIVE REVIEW: THE ARMED AT THE ROXY

There are times when certain bands come along and captivate in such a way that makes you sit up and pay attention. Quite a few years back, my friend Adam, told me about this band he had been digging for a while. He passed along one song to check out and I was definitely hooked. The song was called “Polarizer” and it made me feel like that guy sitting in that chair in a very old commercial, and getting completely swept away by the sheer sonic intensity. Fast forward many years later, and here I am at The Roxy on Sunset, and oh man did the decibels rattle the spot!

As the clock struck 10:00pm and the curtain lifted, the sonic assault began. For the next hour, The Armed tore through song after song with a punk rock fury that could get a paralyzed person walking again. Ok well maybe not exactly that but, you can picture the intensity in which this show had. Playing the majority of songs from their very awesome new album, The Future Is Here And Everything Needs To Be Destroyed, there was no letting up for this band. Even when you thought, oh this will take a more mellow turn, NOPE, right back into the pummeling. The musicianship of all members was top notch throughout the set. There is a reckless abandon to an Armed show live. Their energy from the stage is beyond infectious and really makes you want to move. Then you throw in their punk/hardcore style mixed with some electronics and its a recipe for a barrage of excitement. There were a couple moments during the set that were genuine highlights for me. One being their cover of my all time favorite Nine Inch Nails song “Somewhat Damaged.” They stripped it down a bit and delivered a very convincing version. Then to close out the night, they played “Forever Scum” from their “Untitled” album, which happens to be my favorite album of The Armed’s.

If you get the chance to see The Armed, you definitely should. This band is one of those super fun, high energy bands that takes the best of punk and hardcore and makes it quite fun. It’s all serious but, there is an element of fun and danger to The Armed that makes it unhinged and slightly volatile. The Armed are a force of nature and should be on all your radars! Go check out what The Armed has in store for you!

Overall Rating: B+ (needed a better opener and more songs from Untitled)

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Photos:

LIVE REVIEW: LINKIN PARK AT INTUIT DOME

Wow! Seriously, Wow! I have to say this show was beyond awesome. There are some bands out there that just have the right recipe for putting on a show that leaves you feeling great, inspired and ready to take on anything and Linkin Park is definitely one of those bands. This show in Los Angeles as part of their From Zero World Tour, was outstanding. Last year around this time, I went to their return show at The Forum and that one too was something special. And just like that show, it was full of so many people smiling, singing along, sharing in the joy of getting to see Linkin Park do what they do best.

At 9:05pm, the screens around the venue turned dark and a 10 minute countdown appeared, when the clock hit zero, it was on! Colin, Joe, Dave, Alex, Emily and Mike all took the stage and blasted off with the heaviest version of “Somewhere I Belong,” I’ve ever heard. I didn’t realize how good of an opener that song really is. From there it was just an onslaught of banger after banger with “Crawling,” “Up From The Bottom,” Lying From You (which is one of my all time favorite LP songs),” and “The Emptiness Machine.” Talk about a way to open a set. Those 5 songs not only set the night on fire but, the crowd participation on each of those songs was astounding, especially on “Crawling” and “Lying From You.” After that, it went into so many other great gems LP has including 2 songs from the very underrated and very awesome A Thousand Suns, “Waiting For The End (another of my all time favorite LP songs)” and “The Catalyst.” The From Zero songs really were on fire like “Two Faced,” “Overflow,” “Stained,” “Over Each Other” but, even more so on the live debut of “Unshatter,” “Heavy Is The Crown” and “I Gave You Everything I Have.” The latter of which was a real highlight for me. The explosive nature of that song ferocious. Other fun songs like “Lost” from the Meteora 20 release sounded great. It started with just Mike and Emily then it hit the gas pedal for the second chorus and was simply divine. When they played “Numb” they started the song off in a very fantastic fashion by speeding it up to make it more of a “punk” sounding song. I so want to hear it in full like that! During “In The End” the crowd participation was almost deafening. I love a good concert sing along and this one might have taken the cake this year. Of course when they played “Faint” and “Papercut” I was through the roof. Those 2 songs are in my top 5 LP songs of all time. I absolutely love those songs. The video for “Faint” is one of my all time favorites too. During the set too there were a couple of solo moments where Joe Hahn showed off his scratching skills. I forgot how damn good he is at that. Reminded me a bit of seeing them back in the Hybrid Theory era and how they would do that. Also, Mike had his solo moment with “When They Come For Me/Remember The Name” during part of that Mike likes to throw in a different rap verse from other songs and this evening he pulled out part of “High Voltage” which was pretty awesome. Closing out the night was the always fun “Bleed It Out” which also during the bridge they threw in part of “A Place For My Head” and then it was over.

If you have ever been a doubter of Linkin Park, seeing them live will change that. I had a long history of writing the band off but, I’m really glad I went back to listen and rediscover them. Having Emily and Colin in the band now has not only breathed new life into the band but, given all of us fans a reason to look forward to the future. Emily is a force of nature all on her own and these songs go even harder than before. That’s not a knock on Chester at all. Chester was great too but, with Emily it feels like the older songs are taken to new heights and the new songs are so damn good. Honestly this show and night was genuinely everything you’d want it to be. The production of the stage show was superb. It felt very immersive and intimate even though there wasn’t an empty seat or place to stand in the whole arena.

I took my daughter with me to the show as well and she had such an amazing time. She’s a huge LP fan and to see her smile, be happy and singing along was the cherry on top. Getting to share music with my daughter, friends and all of you is what makes this all fun. Seriously, if you haven’t heard From Zero, give it a listen. And the next time Linkin Park comes through town, GO!!! I know I will!

Overall Rating: A

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Linkin Park Set List:

01) Somewhere I Belong
02) Crawling
03) Up From The Bottom
04) Lying From You
05) The Emptiness Machine
06) The Catalyst
07) Burn It Down
08) Stained
09) Where’d You Go (Fort Minor Cover)
10) Waiting For The End
11) Castle Of Glass
12) Two Faced
13) Joe Hahn Solo
14) When They Come For Me/Remember The Name (High Voltage Verse)
15) I Gave You Everything I Have
16) One Step Closer
17) Lost
18) Unshatter (Live Debut)
19) What I’ve Done
20) Overflow
21) Numb
22) Over Each Other
23) In The End
24) Faint
ENCORE:
25) Papercut
26) Heavy Is The Crown
27) Bleed It Out (with A Place For My Head verse)

PHOTOS:


ALBUM OF THE WEEK: HO99O9- TOMORROW WE ESCAPE

A few years back my friend Adam suggested I check out the band HO99O9 (pronounced Horror). I had heard the name before and was mildly curious. Then after I checked it out, I was hooked. Not long after that, we wound up going to a sort of secret show in the back of a coffee shop in Downtown Los Angeles to see HO99O9. That show really cemented for me what this band is all about. Intense isn’t the right word, more like vicious is a better way to describe this duo. HO99O9 blurs the line between hip hop, metal, industrial, electronic and then some. Having toured with Slipknot, Korn, Alice in Chains, Rob Zombie, Ministry, Cypress Hill, and Ghostface Killah, they definitely have the pedigree behind them.

Tomorrow We Escape is the bands third full length album. This one is very direct and focused on a mission. Throughout the 11 song album, there are many twists and turns that keep you captivated and trying to guess what’s next. The chaos is controlled yet burns its own path. From the instant the first song “I Miss Home” begins all the way through to the epic closer “Godflesh,” there is no letting off the pedal. Chock full of powerful beats that pulsate even in your brain even after the song is done, hooks that feel catchy but not cheesy and an edge that is razor sharp that cuts so deep. Other standout tracks include “Escape,” “OK, I’m Reloaded,” “Upside Down, and “L.A. Riots.” There are two specific songs though that truly shine on this album. The first being “Tapeworm” which features Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan, Better Lovers, The Black Queen, etc) and it’s one hell of a song. Greg takes the song to a whole other level. Just listen and you’ll know what I mean. And the other one is “Immortal” which features Chelsea Wolfe. This track is a complete 180 for the band and it is hauntingly dreamy. There’s a soothing touch to this song.

This is the album, I’ve been waiting for HO99O9 to make. The OGM and Yeti Bones have truly found their path on Tomorrow We Escape. All the elements that were thrown into the mix have a distinct place on these songs. When you think something might be out of place or a little weird, it’s not, just go with it and let it sink in. If you are looking for a barn burner of an album, this one is for you. I highly recommend you play this one loud and make sure your windows are down, it might shatter glass!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

HO99O9- Tomorrow We Escape:

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: REBA MEYERS AT THE MOROCCAN LOUNGE

When it was announced that Reba Meyers would be going on a solo tour, I knew I had to go. Reba’s Clouded World EP recently was released and after my first listen through, I had a feeling live these songs would be even more special. On a quite perfect Sunday evening in Downtown Los Angeles at The Moroccan Lounge, Reba Meyers definitely left a lasting impression on me and it was one of the most genuine and artistic performances I’ve seen all year.

With minimal lights on, the right amount of ambient noise and armed with guitars galore, Reba took the stage intro t of an audience that was enthralled from the first note. Songs like “Got Your Hold On Me,” “Clouded World,” were breathtaking live. The passion that was pouring out during was real and you could feel it from the stage to the audience. One song in particular “Bring Us All Together” really struck a chord with me. There was something else about this song that gave me chills in the best way possible. It’s one of those songs that can lock you in a trance. When the set was over, I didn’t want it to end. The couple of new songs Reba played has me even more excited for what’s to come on her upcoming full length album.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the direct support band of the night, Melted Bodies. This was the first time I’ve heard or seen this band and I loved every second of it. It’s part industrial metal, part punk and part experimental/psychedelic and they definitely had my attention. Playing against a very stark and dim lighting, Melted Bodies were captivating and have a driving rhythm section that is infectious. I’m definitely keeping this band on my radar!

All in all this was a great show and evening. It’s shows like this and artists like Reba that keeps me doing Audioeclectica and still loving music as much as I do. Truly you should really check out Reba’s music as well as Melted Bodies.

Overall Show Rating: A

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Reba Photos:

Melted Bodies:

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!!!!