The Cobalt Cafe

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!

BAND OF THE WEEK: XCOMM

Part of the fun of doing Audioeclectica as well as putting together shows with The Cobalt Presents (aka The Cobalt Cafe), is finding a ton of younger bands to showcase their music. For the past few years I’ve been a part of putting together some pretty amazing shows featuring young bands. One band in particular that we’ve had the pleasure of working with has released their debut single from their upcoming debut album, and that band is called XCOMM. It’s really great to hear young kids that get and understand the music they are playing.

XCOMM is a hardcore punk band that evokes pure raw emotion into their songs and performance. Their upcoming album was produced by the legendary Ross Robinson. “Reasons” is the first single from their record and it’s a righteous slab of hardcore that harks back to the golden era of it in the 80’s. The video for “Reasons” was also directed by one of my favorite video directors/photographers, Dean Karr. XCOMM might be kids but, if they keep this going, they are going to grow up quick and become a force to be reckoned with. I’m looking forward to what’s to come!

XCOMM- Reasons:

XCOMM ONLINE:

https://www.instagram.com/xcommpunx

By: Brian Lacy

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==

COMING SOON TO AUDIOECLECTICA


Welcome to the almost all new Audioeclectica. Since last year when I took a break from this, I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted this site to be moving forward. As much as I enjoy writing about bands, albums, songs, etc, I came to the realization that I can’t keep up with it on a daily basis. So, as this new chapter of Audioeclectica begins, the articles might not come every day but, there will always be something to check out whether on Audioeclectica.com or on the socials.

During that break I also started to finally put the pieces back together to relaunch the Audioeclectica Podcast. Yes, I know everyone has a podcast these days but, I too have a lot of stuff to share and it’s going to be a fun way to talk about multiple bands and topics. My friend Justin (also a fellow Audioeclectica Reader) will be joining me on the podcast to discuss a myriad of topics. The Audioeclctica Podcast will launch in mid March.

Live Shows are a huge part of the new Audioeclectica. For the past couple years I’ve been working with “Cobalt” Dave Politi, the founder of the legendary So Cal All Ages club, The Cobalt Cafe, on a new venture called The Cobalt Presents. Essentially we brought back the old Cobalt at different venues throughout So Cal, and have reinvigorated a scene for up and coming bands both younger and older, as well as reuniting some old school Cobalt bands. If you are looking for a show please send us an email at thecobaltpresents@gmail.com.

Also coming soon will be Audioeclectica Radio. I’m working on building a really fun and interactive old school radio show where I will play whatever I’m feeling like and talk about interesting things as well as have specialty shows for genres and more. I’m sick of streaming sites and their algorithims ruining music and the listening aspect. So I’m brining it back old school.

Some of you might have already started to see new logo rollouts for Audioeclectica. That’s all part of the fun behind the scenes of what is going on. I’m working on a full on revamp of the site and how it looks. I’m planning on making Audioeclectica more than just an underground thing and I sure hope you all stick around for all that is to come for Audioeclectica.

There will be a lot more to come as well but, I can’t give away all the surprises!

See you at a show or on the interwebs!

-Brian

New Release: Cowboy Destroy- Keeps The Candy Tight

Cowboy Destroy is a band I’ve liked for quite a while now. They have this really cool garage rock meets indie rock that gives a great rockin vibe. I’ve had the pleasure of booking Cowboy Destroy a few times for Cobalt shows and they deliver not just rockin good tunes but a great show as well. There is a recklessness to their live show and their songs emit a volume that would indeed have your neighbors knocking on the garage door to turn down. As 2025 gets started, Cowboy Destroy have a new jam out called “Keeps The Candy Tight.” This song has a cool lo-fi garage sound with a great psych rock edge. Do yourself a favor and check out this song and come see Cowboy Destroy live THIS SATURDAY at the Audioeclectica and The Cobalt Presents show at Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood!

Cowboy Destroy- Keeps The Candy Tight:

SHOW PREVIEW: AUDIOECLECTICA’S 2024 BIRTHDAY BASH at HOTEL ZIGGY

This week I will be celebrating my birthday. I’m not much for big celebrations anymore but, I do love a good rock show! So with that in mind, come out Saturday Night on May 4th (Yes, May The Fourth Be With You), to Hotel Ziggy on Sunset Blvd and join in the fun of celebrating my birthday with 5 hand picked bands by yours truly. This eclectic lineup will be a rocking good time! Be sure to be there. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $10 and the show is ALL AGES!!!

Bands Playing:

Roving: This band is rad. They are a superb alternative rock band with space rock and shoegaze tendencies. Their first full length album, Spindrift arrives soon. The album was produced and recorded by Alex Estrada (Iress, Touche Amore, etc). I’ve been keeping an eye on this band for a bit and am stoked to have them ignite the night and get the rock a rollin!

The Anti-Groupies: These ladies are one of the best up and coming bands in all of So Cal. They have the right attitude and kick ass songs to back it all up. Their live show is one that you keep wanting to watch not just cause they are awesome players but, the way they command an audiences attention is quite compelling. Their latest single/video “Read The Room” is chock full of attitude, killer riffs and a catchiness that keeps you coming back. The Anti-Groupies are currently working on their debut album, to be released later this year.

Band Of The Week: The Anti-Groupies

Centershift: The homies/family. Been with these gents since day one and they are only getting better. The new album that Centershift is working on shows more than just the evolution of the band. There were no boundaries as to where their songwriting went and the new songs they will be playing live will definitely up the ante for the evening. Be on the lookout for the next Centershift single and album to come out soon!



Futurelust: I’m still loving this band. Ever since I booked them a couple months back, I’ve wanted to have them back and what a perfect night to do so! Futurelust is a rock band through and through with a 70’s edge mixed with 90’s alternative rock and even a bit of a post-punk/pseudo goth tinge. I look forward to what’s to come with this band. Futurelust is a great live band that emits an energy that is quite compelling.

Band Of The Week: Futurelust

The Cursed Machine: This wild and fun band brings a ton of energy to the stage. I’ve been wanting to book them on a night that has a great party vibe and what a perfect night. The Cursed Machine has a bit of a garage rock meets punk rock style that fits their personalities so well.

New Release: Speed Of Light- Teeth

I’m really stoked on this. One of the best up and coming bands in Southern California, Speed Of Light, have released a brand new song entitled, “Teeth” and it packs one hell of a rocking punch. Having had the pleasure of booking them many times over the past couple years for The Cobalt Presents shows, we’ve been able to watch and see how far this band has come and it’s quite awesome to see it all evolve into this. The band is formed by brothers and sister Cameron (guitar/vocals, Tyler (drums/vocals and Riley (vocals/bass) and as a three piece, they are one hell of a force. Their live shows are full of raw energy and at times quite volatile in a really fun way. One of my favorite things about Speed Of Light is that they are original and genuine. There’s no fluff or backing tracks or any of the modern played out crap to what they do. It’s pure and real and a bit dangerous just as rock music should be. Their new single “Teeth” cuts like a sharp razor and rocks with the best of them. Speed Of Light will be on tour with Bad Religion starting September 27th through October 29th. I highly recommend you getting to the show early to check them out if you are going to the show! Congratulations to Riley, Tyler and Cameron on a fantastic new song and for what the future holds! Go out there and kill!!!


Speed Of Light- Teeth:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YhZcVvsTzNI%3Fsi%3DPikSwysBTHUL4wJh

Speed Of Light Online:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/speedofligh...

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@speedoflightb...

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/speedoflight…

Home – https://speedoflightband.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3cNtv...

BY: Brian Lacy

Live Review: Will Haven at Knitting Factory NoHo

There are some bands that have a certain aura about them that when they play live. It’s almost as though there is a cosmic shift that delivers an amount of energy that permeates through each person on stage and then into the audience. One such band that has this is the mighty Will Haven. Their most recent tour stop in Los Angeles (well technically North Hollywood) was a prime example of this aura taking over and infecting the crowd.

Opening the night was Arc Angles. If you haven’t heard Arc Angles, you should fix that. This three piece is a band that is explosive, creative and methodical in what they do. Not only did they set the tone for the evening, they sure made it a hard act to follow with their high energy set that showcased songs from their debut album Apocalisp and their most recent EP, Daisy. Having seen Arc Angles a few times and written about them a bunch, it’s been a pleasure to see how they keep pushing themselves to evolve and write songs that are both catchy yet slap you in the face.

Next up was Stronger Than Machines. These guys are one hell of a force to be reckoned with. If Arc Angles set the tone, Stronger Than Machines then raised the bar even more. Their metal-core style fit perfectly for the evening. Another band with a ton of energy that flowed right into the audience. One of the things I really like most about this band is their want to play hard and deliver a show that not only is true to them but also really gets the audience involved. Having a bit of a melodic tinge to their songs shows the dynamic range that they are capable of and they are only just getting started.

Right in the middle was Curse. These guys brought the rock to the night and in a way gave a bit of breathing room of all the heaviness happening. Their set was fun and energetic. Armed with catchy hooks and melodic touches, Curse was definitely not cursed this evening.

Before Will Haven was the Venice legends, Cycotic Youth. They brought a punk rock energy to the night that opened up the pit a bit and started to get the frenzy going. Rocking songs from their first album in many years, Cycotic Youth tore through song after song, and even had a little time for some stories about the early days of the band. They brought the audience to a level that was hungry for Will Haven, which was quite perfect.

Now, Will Haven took things to a whole other level of heavy. Celebrating their now 20 year old classic album, Carpe Diem, Will Haven ripped and tore North Hollywood a new one with their no holds barred performance. That aura I was speaking about at the beginning of this review was all over the stage and then filtered to the audience. With each song, the crowd got more and more into the show. Will Haven kept delivering killer riffs, rhythms and vocals that could be felt throughout the whole building. I’ll never forget hearing Carpe Diem for the first time. It’s one of those albums that when you hear it, it immediately inspires you to want to go make heavy music. Will Haven are one of the best to do this style of heavy music. So much so that when you hear a band imitate it, it makes you want to just go listen to Will Haven. After they ran through Carpe with brilliance, it was time for a couple new songs from their exquisite new album, VII. These new songs and album are one of the best of 2023. Here’s a crazy thought too, Carpe Diem was released 20 years ago and it left a mark on heavy music, and now 20 years after that, Will Haven has delivered another classic album with VII that will and should influence another generation of bands. What a great set Will Haven put on. One of those that I will definitely remember for many years to come.

One last note about the night, this was a pleasure to help put on and curate. Working with The Cobalt Presents (aka The Cobalt Cafe) and The Radford Media Group on putting shows together has been a blast. I highly urge you to come check out what we have coming up. We have been putting shows on for the past 2 years and it’s only getting better!

ARC ANGLES LIVE:

STRONGER THAN MACHINES LIVE:
WILL HAVEN LIVE:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwmVH7eo3NA/?hl=en

SHOWS: The Cobalt Presents at Corbin Bowl: 2/25/23

THIS SATURDAY AT CORBIN BOWL IN TARZANA (SAN FERNANDO VALLEY), THE COBALT PRESENTS IS PUTTING ON A REALLY FUN ROCK SHOW! YOU SHOULD BE THERE! IT’S ONLY $10 AT THE DOOR AND IT’S ALL AGES. THE LINEUP FEATURES THE BANDS BELOW! CHECK THEM OUT AND COME OUT TO THE SHOW!

01) ARC ANGLES: This band is one of the very first bands I ever wrote about on Audioeclectica. Once upon a time they were called And We Are Them and now they have evolved into Arc Angles. Seriously, this band is badass. It’s got a little bit of everything I love from a plethora of genres from post-hardcore, alternative rock, noise/math rock and then some. As a three piece band, these guys pack one hell of a punch. Their new EP, Daisy, is impactful not just as a piece of music but, lyrically as well. It’s one of the first things I listened to in 2023 and it’s still in rotation constantly! Be sure to check this band out!


02) This Is A Train Wreck– “To The Sky Above” and “My Heart Is Trying To Kill Me.” This Is A Train Wreck is a really fun band. They put on a solid good show while at the same time know how to have a fun time. These two songs of theirs are recently released and will be a part of their upcoming EP to be released in April/May. In a time where things are so serious, it’s great to have a band like This Is A Train Wreck to come in and just bring a good time with what they do. Come see why I recommend them!

“My Heat Is Trying To Kill Me”

“To The Sky Above”

03) War Tomorrow: Last month at The Cobalt Presents show at Corbin Bowl, we had this group of teenagers come in and play and they absolutely rocked the place. So much so that we had to have them back again. These kids played with an intensity and passion that I would dare a lot of bands to show up and play with. Their style of punk/metal/rock makes for one hell of a sonic explosion. As I mentioned about War Tomorrow before, they have the songs and show that the Cobalt was built on. Look forward to seeing them more!

War Tomorrow- Waste Of Space EP:

04) Loather: Last year I heard about Loather and after first listen, I was in. It’s a mix of metal, hardcore, djent and a dash of punk. They are back with a new lineup that looks to take the heavy even further than before. There’s something to be said about a band injecting fresh blood into its veins and Loather are definitely a fine example of what can happen with the right ingridients!




05) Bone Maggot: Bone Maggot is one of those bands that sounds as loud and heavy as their name. Mixing different genres of metal (groove, death, grind, thrash, etc), Bone Maggot delivers a brutal approach to the heavy. It’s going to be quite fun to watch this band throw down the heavy at Corbin!


06) Hologram Empire: These youngsters have taken their love of 90’s and early 00’s rock and put together a band that is fun and a bit nostalgic. It’s enjoyable and quite nice to have a band fall in love with a genre/style and work to evolve within that sound. They are kicking off the night at Corbin Bowl and it will sure be a fun one!

Live Review: Cobalt Night at Corbin Bowl 1/20/23

Growing up in Southern California, especially in the surrounding Los Angeles area, there has always been venues with storied histories. For example the famous Sunset Strip and The Whisky A Go-Go, Roxy, Viper Room and Rainbow. There was also a venue in the San Fernando Valley that had a very storied history as well. So many bands that you love today got their start, honed their craft and rocked the stage at the famous Cobalt Cafe. For years The Cobalt Cafe would become a sort of right of passage when being in a band no matter how big or small. It was an all ages venue that put on shows every night and provided a place for everyone to enjoy live music no matter the genre. However in, 2014 the Cobalt closed due but, in July of 2021 the Cobalt returned in a new fashion and a reignited fire to give up and coming bands a place to play. The Cobalt Presents now does shows on a constant basis around the LA area (Corbin Bowl, Hotel Ziggy, The Last Call, The Whisky A Go Go, Transplants Brewing and more) bringing in great bands and putting on superb shows.

The other night was no exception as The Cobalt kicked off 2023 with one hell of a bang at Corbin Bowl. The night was eclectic and featured varied bands from ska/punk, punk, skate punk, doom metal, thrash metal, and pop punk. The whole night and band after band was exceptional. The flow of the styles of the bands made it even more fun as the energy level kept rising with each band that took the stage. The place was packed and the familiar faces from back in the days of the old Cobalt were there as well, making it all come full circle.

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