I’ve been impatiently waiting for new music from Futurelust and it’s finally here! Futurelust has been hard at work on new songs for an upcoming release. This new song “Stray” continues on their cinematic rock style with soaring melodic vocals. There’s something really cool and intriguing about this band. It’s really great to hear a band that cares so much about writing great songs. Their debut album is chock full of stellar songs. As well as the couple stand alone singles. I’ve had the pleasure of booking Futurelust on a couple shows over the last few years and they fast became one of my favorite new bands. Though they recently relocated to the Nashville area, I don’t doubt, they will be leaving their mark on the music scene out there! And if you are out in their are when they are playing a show, go see them! I personally can’t wait to hear more! Way to go gents!
For well over thirty years now, Deftones have cemented themselves as one of rock and alternative music’s most influential and inspiring bands. Throughout their career, they’ve always pushed the boundaries of genres and constantly found new elements to add into their ten studio albums. When you listen to a band like Deftones, it can be a bit polarizing in that you expect one thing and get something else. Not every album in a band’s catalog is going to be amazing. Some right away will be “That One,” while others might take a bit to grow on the listener. And sometimes, you just have a dud. It all happens. Even a dud, albeit as a whole might not be good, there are still some moments or songs that give it a glimmer of a bright spot. RAnking albums is never easy especially when you tackle a catalog such as Deftones. And with that here’s the Audioeclectica Updated Album Rank.
I love albums that you can put on and let them just take you on a ride. Then there is that feeling you get when that right chord, melody or rhythm strikes. Also, it’s really refreshing to hear a band make an actual “album” and not just a collection of songs! Let me introduce you to, The Owling! This two piece Los Angeles based band is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Their sound is the perfect mix of 90’s Rock, Doom and Sludge with a very cinematic/poetic approach. The Owling’s debut album, You Don’t Bow You Will Learn, is a of righteous slab of riffs, and driving rhythms with vocals that soar. Think about driving down an open desert highway at sunset or sunrise with the windows down and this album blasting. Are you there yet? That’s exactly how this album feels. With each listen you find a different song to be your favorite. One other aspect about You Don’t Bow You Will Learn that I really enjoy is the use of space/ambience. When you listen, at certain moments, it’s almost like the fog machine is on and you get lost in the epic nature of the song. I very much look forward to what 2026 will bring for The Owling! Check out this band and be sure to buy a copy of their debut album and see them live! Also, quick shout out to Dean Karr for his badassery of great photo’s of the band and album cover. Talk about nailing an essence in a photo!
A few days ago I heard a song that really intrigued me. I must have listened to it at least a dozen times. The song is quite a cinematic one with bits of industrial, post-punk/goth vibes and a heavy side that pulsates throughout in a myriad of of ways. The band is called LVX and the song is called “Writhe.” LVX is the brainchild of Justin Hanson and Garrett Smith. Justin was the drummer of the LA based band Lesser Key, who if you haven’t heard, check it out! “Writhe” also features guitar work by Paul D’Amour, formerly of Tool as well as Lesser Key. The title of the song is quite fitting as the whole thing unfolds. I’m very interested in what else is to come from LVX. Keep your ears and eyes open for LVX as 2026 comes!
I have an interesting theory on title tracks. More often than not, the title track on an album is a deeper cut, towards the end of the album. My theory is that the “title track” is a bit of a summation of what the album encompasses. It could be musically, lyrically, thematic or the all around tonality of what the album is about. There are quite a few bands that do this on a consistent basis and I quite enjoy it. One of those bands is Tool. They have successfully done this three times (Undertow, Aenima and Lateralus). As much as I love “Lateralus” I really have to say “Undertow” might just be the best of the three. The song itself has a lot of different vibes to it. You have the heavy aspects, the syncopated rhythms, but the more progressive elements mixed with a bit of psychedelia puts this one over. “Undertow” is a song you can get lost in and it’s placement in the album sequence really lets the song become its own entity. I’m glad to see that “Undertow” made it back into the set list the past few years. More songs off of the album itself need to be played live. Less Fear Inoculum and more of the songs not played enough!!
The year is 2006 and Alice In Chains have begun their triumphant return. Getting out there and bringing the songs we all know and love back to life was one of those things that the universe got right. When this all started going again, you could tell that the fans were really glad to have Alice back. Granted the late Layne Staley was not a part of this but, William DuVall has truly shown he is up for the job and does a stellar job. During Alice In Chains summer festival run in Europe back in 2006, the band welcomed a very special guest to join them on stage for “Would?” That guest was the one and only James Hetfield of Metallica. This version of “Would?” is fantastic and will give you chills for sure. I still hope for the day we can get a Metallica and Alice In Chains tour! Can you imagine the how awesome that would be? I sure can! Enjoy this really memorable performance!!
I’m sure you all have heard one of those songs, that when you hear it, it just feels right. The way the music hits you or the words, it’s just this serene thing to happen. This week, one of my favorite Los Angeles bands, released a new single and it’s really been a delight to listen over and over. I’m talking about the band Witkin and their new single “Hard To Be Happy.” I’ve had the pleasure of booking Witkin at a few Cobalt shows over the past year and this is the real deal. If you dig on 70’s era Bowie, 90’s alt rock and a dash of glam, then you will definitely dig on this! “Hard To Be Happy” is one of those anthemic songs that really shines a bright light. It’s very cool to hear optimism in a song like this. Witkin is having an album release show on Saturday October 18th at Corbin Bowl in Tarzana. Make sure you save that date and come rock out with me and Witkin!
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
The Anti Groupies are one of the most exciting and best up and coming bands in all of the Southern California area! I’ve said it before about these ladies that they are the rock band we’ve been waiting for! They have the right attitude, songs, performance, can play their asses off and a great take no prisoners approach. Did I mention their songs?! Every song released since their inception has gotten better and better. Their most recent single “I Can’t” is one of the best “summer songs” I’ve heard in a long time. Not just that, it’s super anthemic in a fun catchy way. Cassidy, Isabella, Sydney and Kyla have a bond that not a lot of bands have and their authentic selves shine oh so bright. I’m personally quite excited for what’s to come for The Anti Groupies! Do yourself a favor check out this song and all their others, and make sure to go see them live!
Welcome to episode 002 of The Audioeclectica Podcast! We thought it was only fitting that our second episode be about second albums and if they are better than the debut. There’s some state the obvious ones we go through, tough choices, some interesting debates and a quick fire round. We also touch on a future topic of gateway bands and vocalists.
Expect a lot more to come as we have a plethora of topics to discuss and explore. As always your feedback is welcome. Leave us a comment and let us know if there is a topic you’d like us to discuss.
Thank you for your support!
Brian and Justin!
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