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!
Last year while booking a show for a Cobalt Presents event, I came across a young artist that really caught my attention. When she and her band played that night, I knew this was more than just a young kid playing music. This was the real deal and there was so much more to it. Let me introduce you to AYVA. At only 17 years old, Ayva is ready to kick down the doors and rock your socks off. Armed with her PRS guitar and a deceptive voice, the moment Ayva starts rocking you can feel it. The songs are one hundred percent original and all hers. You know the saying big things come in small packages? Well that’s Ayva for sure! Mixing hard rock, alternative, punk and a bit of 70’s glam (a la T Rex or Iggy Pop solo), you get a heavy melodic sound with vocals that hit emotional cue inside as you listen. Her debut album, The Monster, is one hell of a record. Like I said, Ayva is only 17 and to write the songs she has it just shows the passion and dedication to the craft. At a time when the EP has become a standard for young bands, Ayva’s debut album is 12 songs of really great modern melodic hard rock. It’s funny, kids these days have quite the keen sense for music people like myself grew up on, and Ayva really picks great inspiration to guide her. Her latest single “Tearing Apart” is a slab of alternative rock with a heavy edge. I’m quite excited to see and hear what the future hold for Ayva. You can see Ayva Live at The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica’s March Showcase at Hotel Ziggy (Hollywood) on Saturday March 28th! Enjoy!
XCOMM ARE THE REAL DEAL! I’ve been stoked on this band since I heard them a couple years ago. Already they’ve hit the ground hard with two banger releases in “Reasons” and “Fake I.D.” Now here we go with more and one in particular that is damn good! That’s right two songs in one! The video for them as well is fun, inquisitive, and very much them. Way to hit another one out of the park Dean Karr! The first song “Hot Pursuit” continues their hardcore/punk style with gritty vocals and charging riffs. The second song though is the one that’s going to put them over. “One And Nothing” is one hell of a great post-hardcore song. Not only does this show that each member has chops but, it shows they can write! Ross Robinson really got great things to come out of XCOMM. Really look forward to what is to come for these lads! Enjoy XCOMM!!
Melodic heavy music is one of my favorite things to listen to. There is something about having heavy music and with vocals that you can hear and feel. That feeling you get listening to a band that has all the right parts is quite warming. That being said let me introduce you to the band of the week, Sapient Scar. This Los Angeles based five piece band is unapologetically coming for you. While they might not be reinventing the wheel here, Sapient Scar is pure raw energy mixed with an aggressive yet melodic sound. Fronted by VK Lynne (Vita Nova, stOrk, The Spider Accomplice), whose powerhouse vocals announce their arrival, Sapient Scar brings together an impressive lineup: Founder David Ruiz (Edge of Paradise) on guitar, John Chominsky (Edge of Paradise, SYNN, Final Gravity) on drums, Allie Kay (The Violent Hour, Jason Charles Miller (exGodhead), Herway to Hell) on guitar, and Brendan Flavin holding down the low end on bass. The sum of these parts has released two songs “Weak Is The Weapon” and “Pay Forever” both are hooky, heavy and hit that melodic aspect oh so well. I’m very much looking forward to what else is to come from Sapient Scar. You can also see them live at The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica show at Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood on Saturday February 28th! See you there and enjoy Sapient Scar!
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!
As a rabid music fan, I’m always intrigued by bands that mix genres. Sometimes the end result makes for quite the musical fusion. One band that I’ve had my ears and eyes on for a minute is, Counterwaves. Counterwaves is a two piece rock band from Southern California that mixes 90’s alternative/grunge with shoegaze. So in a way I suppose you could call them alternagaze or grungegaze? I do like alternagaze so I’m gonna go with that. Counterwaves music has a sense of optimism and positivity throughout which makes the more cinematic moments really shine through. I’m quite looking forward to what else Counterwaves is working on as I’ve been really enjoying the 4 songs released so far. Be sure to catch Counterwaves when they play The Cobalt Presents/Audioeclectica show on Saturday February 07, 2026 at Bar10 At Corbin Bowl!
For the last few years as a part of The Cobalt Presents and putting on shows around the Los Angeles area, I have come across a lot of bands. There are a few that have really left a lasting impression on me. It’s pretty awesome to have booked a band almost 5 years ago and be able to watch them become an absolute powerhouse of a band. With that in mind I’d like to present the band of the week, Minor Strut.
The band formed in 2014 and have been a consistent presence throughout the LA scene since. Over time, the band has worked hard to develop their sound and style and have really grown into great musicians and performers. Their alternative rock sound has roots in the 90’s and early 00’s sound via bands like Paramore, Radiohead, Incubus, Muse and more. I’d even throw the Pixies in that batch. Coryn Cahill (vocals), Ethan Nguyen (guitar), Marquis Miranda (bass), Aiden Kunhardt (drums), and Dylan Warner (rythm guitar) have become a young band to watch out for! Keep your eyes and ears open for what’s to come
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!
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”
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!
