The way the younger generation has been inspired and influenced by what came about during the previous generation has been very interesting to see come to life. The bands that have been able to create music that feels like a throwback but, also put the right spin on it, are the ones to watch. Which brings us to the band of the week.
A few weeks ago at part three of The Cobalt Presents 5 Year Anniversary show, there was a band that played and really turned up the volume and that band is Gerbil. Don’t let the name fool you, this band has teeth. While the 90’s alternative/indie rock is prevalent, the way Gerbil injects a bit of funk, rock, pop and a scoop of ska into their songs is the part that gets you.
The youthful fun energy Gerbil has is infectious when you see them live. Each member brings their own influence to the fold and its plays out in such a great way.
For those of you that don’t know, over the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.
Part 3 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 25 at Hotel Ziggy. We have a lineup of 5 great bands that are from the new era of Cobalt bands!
Starting off the night is Olya K brining with her a fun vibe of alternative music with a pop tinge.
Then we move into Tempermental. If Japanese Anime and Josie and the Pussycats morphed and came to life, you’d get Tempermental!
Smack in the middle is the up and coming band Gerbil. Take parts 90’s alt rock, a dash of OC skate punk/ska from the mid 90’s and mid 00’s garage rock and you have the recipe for Gerbil rocking!
You know that saying great things come in small packages?! Well that’s one way to describe the very talented Ayva. Don’t let the smile fool you, this girl and her band absolutely rock. Equal parts melodic and heavy. Ayva is definitely one to watch.
Speaking of a band to watch, if you don’t know Minor Strut yet, you are missing out. As one of the best up and coming bands in Southern California, it’s best to make sure you see this band live! Be sure to watch their full headline set!
For those of you that don’t know, over the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.
Part 2 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 18 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from the new era of Cobalt bands!
Starting the night off is Heirloom. This fun young band mixes alternative rock, garage rock and a bit of shoegaze into their sound. Lively bunch of kids to really get the night going.
Next up is Strych9. This sibling band is really coming into their own. With roots in metal, punk and goth, it’s going to be a lot of fun to hear where they are headed musically!
From there we get into a more experimental alternative style courtesy of Au Jus. These guys have a very 90’s feel mixed with a bit of spontaneity that gives their live show the extra charm.
Then we get a bit heavier and melodic with Pushing Veronica. This band has been a favorite of the Cobalt for a while now. There’s a real sense of fun, rock and pop all rolled into a great band. Definitely a band to watch out for!
Witkin is one of the best and underrated bands in all of So Cal. The early glam style (from the 1970’s) mixed with fun arena rock and 80’s tinges, truly makes Witkin a band to see.
Closing out the night is Sleeper Cell. Their pop punk meets garage rock sound is catchy and packs quite the vibe. Another really fun band to dance to.
So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!!
For the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.
Part 1 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 11 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from way back and new bands that have become mainstays in this new era.
Opening the show is Scrawny Ratz. These youngsters bring a renewed sense of fun and energy to their music. Mixing metal, punk and a bit of extreme music, Scrawny Ratz are the perfect band to open this show.
Next up is Diverted Dissonance. This is a special band for the evening as it’s a mashup of two bands, The Infinity Project and Tantalus. This is going to be a very rocking and melodic set. The Infinity Project has really come into their own as an original band.
Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. This three piece rock band that mixes punk, garage rock, and tinges of metal and alternative. The influences and inspiration for these ladies is endless and it shines through their songs. If you don’t see em, you’re missing out!
Lava Diva are early 90’s alt rock and were part of the OG scene back in the day. Not only that, they are Cobalt alum. Four years ago at our First Anniversary show, we got Lava Diva to reunite and it’s been awesome since. Be sure to check out their collaboration with Madam Bombs called “Daybreak.”
The mighty MAL! These long time alt rock vets are one of the hardest working bands out there. A live show and performance that feels like it’s a time warp from the psychedelic era and the peak of 90’s rock. A three piece band that packs quite the punch.
Closing out the night is Macro. If you’re into prog rock mixed with a bit of jazz and jam rock, this is the band for you. After so many badass rock bands, having Macro send it out is quite perfect!
So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!!
Every band has those songs that when you hear them live they take you to a whole other place. That’s not to say the studio version isn’t good, it’s just that the live version adds a bit more and you really feel it. One of my favorite up and coming bands, Minor Strut has a song that I have loved since I first heard it. Every time they play it live I get completely drawn in and don’t want it to end. The song is called “Gotta Tell You” and it rocks in more ways than I can describe. The song has a really great melodic sensibility along with a very pulsating rhythm that balances it all. Then you add in singer Coryn’s soaring vocal and you’ve got a recipe for a great song. I seriously can’t get enough of this song! You can see Minor Strut live on March 28 at The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica concert at Hotel Ziggy along with 5 other up and coming bands!
Who says you can’t have fun in Hardcore? Have you heard XCOMM?! I’ve been stoked on XCOMM for a bit now. As part of The Cobalt Presents we have had the pleasure of booking them a couple times and each time they have absolutely rocked the venue! Seriously, this band is no joke! The ferociousness is real and the venom being spit via the auditory assault will cause you to turn the volume as loud as you can. Their new single “Fake ID” is a righteous slab of straight forward hardcore punk. Produced by Ross Robinson, he has really been able to capture the raw intensity of Michael, Jay, Revel, Adan and Hunter. This new song is beyond fun as vocalist Michael Gatto said “‘Fake ID‘ rips! It’s about getting rejected from shows for being under 21 when all you want to do is check out a band. The video shoot was amazing — it was so funny to walk around town dressed as grandmas for a day. I thought we looked great and I love how the video concludes with us walking into the ocean…” I’m sure we can all relate to not being able to get into shows because of being under 21. This is the bands second single joining “Reasons” from their upcoming debut album, Time To Burn which is due out mid 2026 on Blowed Out Records — the label founded by legendary producer Ross Robinson, rapper Ghostemane and industry vet Bill Armstrong. So with that in mind, fire this song up loudly!
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!
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!
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!
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!
