writing

ALBUM REVIEW: NEUROSIS- AN UNDYING LOVE FOR A BURNING WORLD

Don’t call it a comeback! The idea that Neurosis was finished was never a thought that was cemented in my mind. The bleak thought that it was never felt right and left the idea of a return after some time to be simmering in the heads of so many. The influence and inspiration that Neurosis has on so many bands you love is uncanny. So when the band surprise released their new album, An Undying Love For A Burning World, not only did it leave so many in awe that they had returned but, the announcement of Aaron Turner from Isis now in the band really was grabbing. When you listen to this album, it’s as though the band never left. Neurosis are masters for a reason and across the hour and few minutes the album plays, there is no sign of letting up nor drag.

There is an instant classic feel to An Undying Love For A Burning World. The way the album starts and transitions into each song makes this a listening experience that truly only Neurosis can make. The sludgy/doom riffs that parallel the atmospheric/etherial soundscapes mixed with the electronic/post-industrial tinges and uncompromising rhythms catapult these songs into the stratosphere. Then you add in the vocals and how they bring you to attention in a pleasant yet forceful way. Seriously, this band needs to be studied in music classes. The band’s already illustrious career knows no boundaries and the push into new territory on each record bleeds into this new one in a way that makes this truly feel like there was no stoppage.

A track by track run through of this album would be a disservice to anyone reading and listening. For an album like this one, it’s best to just sit with it and take it all in. There is so much to unpack within each song that makes listening to this record more and more fun each time. Since it’s release I purposely waited to write this so that I could take the time to really listen and hear all that is going on. The production of the recording and performances is stellar. Scott Evans of Kowloon Walled City was at the helm of recording An Undying Love For A Burning World and he dialed every tone in perfectly. Throughout the sixty four minutes, Steve Von Till, Dave Edwardson, Jason Roeder, Noah Landis and now Aaron Turner have made a modern masterpiece. This album comes at a time when we truly need Neurosis. The dark and pseudo apocalyptic nature of this band not only fits in the world we live in now but, could very well be the soundtrack to the demise. This band and album are not for the weak. The deeply poetic nature of the lyrics and music are substantial and direct in their message.

Neurosis have left a mission statement with An Undying Love For A Burning World. In this statement, it’s very pronounced that this is no letting up for this band. The soundtrack they create for us breathes life into a dark and dreary time to live in. The honesty in this album and passion radiates through each note and beat. One of the things I personally love about this album is that it doesn’t feel “nostalgic.” It’s fresh and full of fire that so many bands are missing. What a way to return! Seriously, this album is one of the best the band has made. If you’ve never listened to Neurosis, this album is actually a great starting off point. When you finish it, talk to me and I’ll steer you where to go next. In the meantime, enjoy all that An Undying Love For A Burning World has to offer.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Neurosis- An Undying Love For A Burning World:

ALBUM REVIEW: POISON THE WELL- PEACE IN PLACE

Comeback albums are not easy to make. The pressure of trying to capture a time and place from years before is enough to make one throw a fit. Especially when people want something from that particular era. The great thing about a comeback album is taking all you’ve done before and molding that into everything else since to make a record that stands up with the rest of the discography. The very awesome Poison The Well have released their first new album since 2009’s, The Tropic Rot. Peace In Place is an uncompromising and direct shot to your gut and brain type of album. Notice too how I said “album.” That’s what this is! After first reuniting in 2015 and 2016, Poison The Well made their full on return in 2020. Since then they have been giving the fans joyous tours of landmark albums like The Opposite Of December and You Come Before You and then some. Taking the time over this era has given the members of PTW the chance to really capture the essence of the band before and now.

Peace In Place is an album not for the weak. The heaviness of the lyrics, music and melodies are razor sharp and cut deep. The way this album begins with “Wax Mask,” lets you know right away this is only the calm before the eruption. From there it’s just on. The way “Primal Blooms” push the controlled chaos into an atmospheric beatdown is seemles. In fact each song transitions perfectly into each other making for a very complete listening experience that is lost amongst so many bands and albums these days. The already released one two punch of “Thoroughbreds” and “Everything Hurts” stings even more in the context of the record. “Weeping Tones” though when you hear this song, the whole picture comes to light. This part of the album feels like the turning point as well as it seeps into the absolutely devastating “A Wake Of Vultures.” Which I can see becoming a fan favorite and live staple. “Bad Bodies” keeps the pace going and injects a heavy melodic sense that has become a signature for Poison The Well for years. “Drifting Without End” has some really interesting elements that go back to the Versions era making it one of those deep cuts that offers a bit of a breath amongst the heavy. “Melted” is another gem on the album. I love the way this song sways a bit then grabs you by the throat and shakes you a bit. Ending the album is “Plague Them The Most” which is epic and intense and a great way to end the record. That’s not all though, stay for a couple minutes after for a real treat!

Peace In Place is not just an album for now it’s a new blueprint for those that cop this style. Poison The Well is back and this album shows that not only do Chris Hornbrook, Jeffery Moreira, and Ryan Primack still deliver at a top level but, the time away really shows just how integral this band is to the music we love. The way this album sounds feels lively and in your face. Vocally, the screams and delicate moments are impassioned and mature. Lyrically there is a lot to delve into but, the poetic nature lets you feel it. The guitars are bright and crisp when needed and downright nasty heavy when it’s called for. The dynamics shifting throughout really shows the influence and inspiration Poison The Well has on so many bands of today. Then you get into the drums and it’s like listening to lightning strike. The way Chris Hornbrook plays just rains down inspiration. The snare sound is so signature to Poison The Well is alive and well here and cuts through like butter. Plus the fills and pulsating driving nature of the drums guide these songs through all the temperatures of the songs. New members Vadim Tavor and Noah Harmon add their own touches to the album in a way that pays homage to the past but, it their own. Producer Will Putney, was able to really capture what Poison The Well in 2026 is!

Poison The Well is an album that is confident and shows tremendous growth. There is no mistaking where they came from and it shows in here as well. The maturity of the members personally is a real bright spot throughout listening. To be able to come back and make an album that not only marks a return but, doesn’t rely on nostalgia is remarkable. The creative push on Peace In Place is heard on each song. As far as comeback albums go, this is definitely one of the best I’ve heard. I greatly look forward to seeing Poison The Well on tour for this album as well as what the future holds. Poison The Well stood out for a reason many years ago and this album is exactly why.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Poison The Well- Peace In Place:

COVER SONG: METALLICA (KILLING JOKE)- THE WAIT

Ah yes the elusive cover song. My it’s been a long while since there was a cover song article on Audioeclectica. The musical landscape these days has so many cover songs that there needed to be a moratorium on talking about them. Seriously, how flooded did things get with all the covers that were coming out?! It feels like there needs to be a bit of a refresher when it comes to cover songs. The point of a cover is to make it your own and that more often than not doesn’t happen. Thankfully there are some bands out there that know how to do it right, like Metallica. Back in 1998, Metallica released their double covers album, Garage Inc. Across two CD’s, Metallica paid tribute to the bands that inspired them from Black Sabbath, Diamond Head, The Misfits, Discharge, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead and more. The cover of Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page” is one of the best covers of all time. But there has always been one cover on this album that has been a favorite of mine and that is their version of Killing Joke’s “The Wait.” Originally this cover was included on Metallica’s 1987 Garage Days EP. The Killing Joke version appears on their 1980 debut album. When you hear “The Wait” by Killing Joke, you can instantly tell that this band inspired and influenced Metallica. In fact you more than likely have heard this song used in countless films and TV shows. Let’s get cover songs back on track! Here’s a great way to start it off!!!

Metallica (Killing Joke)- The Wait:

Killing Joke- The Wait:

Metallica- The Wait (Live 1998):

THOSE 90’S SONGS: LIT- MY OWN WORST ENEMY

I’m constantly intrigued by songs of a certain era that live on. You know what I’m talking about. Those songs you heard on the radio that were so popular that they became a part of the whole time. The 80’s and 90’s especially have a ton of these types of bands/songs. What’s even more interesting is the albums these songs are on, most often are pretty damn good and the deeper cuts are what makes it even better over time. One band that has become a mainstay for one hit, though they actually had other hit songs, is Lit. Their 1999 album, A Place In The Sun, produced the songs “Zip-Lock” and “Miserable” but, the one we all know most is “My Own Worst Enemy.” The instant this song starts it’s infectious. The hook is right there in the riff and then the chorus just always explodes into a singalong. Still to this day, if this song gets played at a bar, a concert or just hanging out, it always brings out a good time. I still get a silly smile on my face when this song comes on. “My Own Worst Enemy” would go on to be number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts as well as being the top song played on Modern Rock Radio for all of 1999. The song to this day is double platinum (sales of over 2 million) and stands as a testament to a time of 90’s rock music that is still alive and rocking. Fun fact too, “My Own Worst Enemy” is one of the most sung karaoke songs in the United States. Lit is still out on the road touring and making memories with their classics.

Lit- My Own Worst Enemy:

ALBUM RANK: THE CURE

Ever since I was a little kid (which was a long time ago), I’ve been a fan of The Cure. That might seem weird to some but hey, it was the late 80’s and I was very into MTV. I mean, how could you not be intrigued by a band where the singer has crazy hair and wears red lipstick?! Anyways, The Cure has been one of those bands who constantly push themselves to new territory and boundaries. The lyrical content has shaped the lives of so many for well over forty years. Musically, the influence is heard in oh so many bands you love. If you’ve really never listened to The Cure, here’s what I’d like to think is quite the definitive ranking of their fourteen studio albums! Enjoy!

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SHOPPING WITH AUDIOECLECTICA: CD TRADER- TARZANA, CA

Who doesn’t love a good shopping excursion?! Especially when the store more often than not has what you want, need, and probably shouldn’t buy. Any excuse for me to go to stores like that is a no brainer. On this shopping with Audioeclectica trip, we venture to Tarzana, CA in the San Fernando Valley to, CD Trader.

CD Trader has been in business for over 30 years and is one of the largest record stores in the greater Los Angeles area. They have quite the large selection of CD’s, vinyl, cassettes, DVD/Blu-Ray, and then some that will keep you busy as you search the aisles and shelves. Seriously, you could spend a lot of time in this store. The vinyl section is filled with quality new and used releases. Each section is organized by genre and stored well. The vinyl area has vinyl on the top and bottom to search and there are a lot to go through. The 7” section is a fun one to search through as here you’ll find some interesting gems. The walls surrounding the store are filled with choice picks from first pressings to autographed copies and some that will make you want to say “it’s only money.” The DVD/Blu-Ray section takes up a good half the store on against the surrounding walls. If you are a physical media person like myself, you’ll definitely want to stock up on movies here. This section is always full of great films and movies be it a silly one for $3 or the newest release for a good price. There is always something to find in this section even if you weren’t originally looking for it. And who can forget their CD section. Lots of choices and good prices for the used ones. The prices throughout the store are good and fair. Their long running stamp card program will get you a few dollars discount once filled. That’s always a handy thing to have! Parking is great too. There are plenty of spots up front and behind the building. CD Trader is a big and bright store that you can see what you are looking at. And on those hot summer valley days, the A/C works well! Another fun thing about this store is their community bulletin board. You’ll find out about a lot of great local events on here including Cobalt Presents shows!

I can spend a lot of time at CD Trader digging around for things on my list and the random things that aren’t. There is a lot good about this store but, that’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement. The vinyl section, as good as it is, can be a bit tough to search through at times. There are a lot of albums on the bottom shelves and while they are in alphabetical order, they aren’t very well sorted and organized by band. Also, if it’s busy in the store and section, it feels like you are being stepped on when searching the bottom rows. I do have a few ideas on how to make this work better along with an organizing it a certain way (I’m more than happy to share with the owner/manager). Sometimes when you’re shopping, the in store music choices that are played are pretty strange thus making for a bit of a weird trip to the shop. And this part doesn’t apply to all that work here but, there are a couple people that work at CD Trader that have an “elitist” vibe. It’s mainly only when you are checking out and the guy or guys give your purchase “that look” or a little off handed comment.

All in all though, CD Trader is a great store with good prices, a solidly good selection and best of all, it’s local and independent! The next time you are in the valley, stop by CD Trader and tell them Brian from Audioeclectica sent you!

By: Brian Lacy

CD Trader Info:

18926 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356

http://www.cdtradertarzana.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cdtrader/?hl=en

COLLABORATIONS: YUNGBLUD & THE SMASHING PUMPKINS- ZOMBIE

Every so often a mainstream artist really surprises me. For a while now, I’ve had my hear and eyes on Yungblud. When I first heard him in 2018, I wasn’t too into what he was doing. Then as time went on and the evolution of Dominic Harrison grew, I could tell that there was more than what was happening at first. Deep down, you could tell he wasn’t going to sit idly by and let others dictate where he was to go. So instead, Yungblud/Dominic committed to his vision and went for it. The end result is the album Idols. Since I don’t believe in guilty pleasures anymore, I have to say this album is quite enjoyable and full of rather interesting songs that explore more than just a surface level that pop music usually does. Instead, digging into the bands and artists that fed into Dom becoming “Yungblud” makes Idols a great listen. The song “Zombie,” and no it’s not The Cranberries song or a cover, has really taken things to another level. The song is now nominated for a Grammy and has an all new, reimagined version that features The Smashing Pumpkins. Since this alternate version with The Smashing Pumpkins arrived last week, I’ve been stuck on it. The original version of “Zombie” already had a Pumpkins gloss to it and now, it’s fully realized with this collaboration. When Billy Corgan sings the lyrics and especially the second verse, the chills and goosebumps will appear! If you get the chance to, check out Billy’s interview show, The Magnificent Others, and watch the couple interviews he’s done with Dominic/Yungblud. They are great intereviews and gives a really good insight into who he is as a person and artist. This kid is the real deal and I’m quite interested to see what comes next! And who can forget his absolute stellar performance of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” at the Back To The Beginning concert!

YUNGBLUD and The Smashing Pumpkins- Zombie:

By: Brian Lacy

ALBUM RANK UPDATED: RADIOHEAD

For the past couple of weeks, Radiohead has been back on stage for the first time in years. It’s pretty great to have them back again. As much as I was enjoying Thom and Jonny’s other project, The Smile, I’ve been wanting new Radiohead for a long while. If you’ve seen the set lists they have been playing it’s otherworldly. Pulling out so many choice deep cuts as well as songs not played in years, Radiohead fans like myself are pretty ecstatic about it all. So naturally, I went through all their albums the past few days and have an updated ranking of their albums. Granted this is just my personal ranking, I do think I nailed the top five. What would your order be? What’s your favorite album?

09) Pablo Honey:

08) The King Of Limbs:

07) Hail To The Theif:

06) Amnesiac:

05) A Moon Shaped Pool:

04) OK Computer:

03) The Bends:

02) In Rainbows:

01) Kid A:

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:


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==