writing

LIVE REVIEW: BUSH AT VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

When the chance to see a band you’ve been into for well over thirty years in your “backyard,” you make that happen! On Wednesday night July 29, 2026 around 7:30pm at the Ventura County Fair, Bush took the stage set against the ocean and coastal backdrop of Ventura, California.

Opening the set was the always fun and classic “Machinehead.” Personally I’ve always thought this song has a great impact and energy to be a choice opening song. Then came “Bullet Holes” one of their newer songs from excellent album, The Kingdom. This is another great riff song and you might have heard it in John Wick 3! Next up was from their most recent album, the quite good, I Beat Loneliness, the anthemic “We’re All The Same On The Inside.” It was funny to watch crowd go absolutely silent because they weren’t familiar with these songs. Pretty much anything after Razorblade Suitcase was the cut off point for probably 99% of the crowd. Yes, myself and friend/podcast co-host Justin were the 1% that DID know these songs. Then back to a song some knew in “The Chemicals Between Us.” If you haven’t listened to the underrated The Science Of Things album, you should change that. The Land Of Milk And Honey” was next off their new album. This one was quite the live song that really upped the level than the studio version. From there a large crowd pop hit as the heavy distorted intro riff of “Everything Zen” launched like a rocket. Followed by two more newer really solidly good tracks from The Art Of Survival. “Identity” and “May Your Love Be Pure. A fun sing-along with the crowd came with “Glycerince.” I know that songs is super played out but, when you see it played live and the crowd sings it really loud back, that truly shows how timeless it is.

The next five songs were all from their latest three albums The Kingdom, The Art Of Survival and I Beat Loneliness. “Heavy Is The Ocean” is a fantastic song. While it is a track one (from The Art Of Survival), putting it in the latter part of the set was a real treat. “More Than Machines,” “Human Sand” and “Flowers On A Grave” rocked with the latter song leading Gavin from the stage all the way to the bleachers to sing with the crowd. Closing out the main set was “I Beat Loneliness” and if you haven’t heard this song, thats another one to rectify. What a song and what a way to end that part of the set. After a short breather, Gavin returned to the stage alone to begin a solo version of the classic “Swallowed” from my all time favorite Bush album, Razorblade Suitcase. The new arrangement adds to the already “heavy” nature of the song. To end the night out were classic crowd favorites “Little Things” and Comedown.” The latter of which has become quite the end of the show song with extended bridges and outros that show off how terrific the band of Chris Traynor, Corey Britz and Nik Hughes are.

Bush is still one hell of a live band. They are still putting out quality albums and songs that deserve your attention. I’m not kidding. Go check out the three newest albums, and you can thank me later. Even now as I write this, It’s still a bit of a trip to have seen Bush at the Ventura Fair. Gavin Rossdale sounds amazing. His voice like him hasn’t aged! The amount of energy he’s had from the beginning to now is passionate. One of the things about Bush now that I really like is that they don’t rest on the nostalgia of the band. As you can see there are only a handful of classic songs played and the majority was all new. And when you have albums and songs like they have put out the past few years, it’s best to keep it that way. I look forward to what comes next from Gavin, Chris, Corey and Nik.

Overall Rating: A

Overall Rating For The Crowd: C_ People need to actually care about the band you are seeing live!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

BUSH SETLIST:

01) Machinehead
02) Bullet Holes
03) We’re All The Same On The Inside
04) The Chemicals Between Us
05) The Land Of Milk And Honey
06) Everything Zen
07) Identity
08) May Your Love Be Pure
09) Glycerine
10) Heavy Is The Ocean
11) More Than Machines
12) Human Sand
13) Flowers On A Grave
14) I Beat Loneliness
ENCORE:
15) Swallowed
16) Little Things
17) Comedown

BUSH PHOTO GALLERY:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: GENGHIS TRON- SIGNAL FIRE

The element of surprise and evolution in music is one of the many things which makes people keep coming back to a band. For Genghis Tron, both of those qualities permeate through all of their songs and albums. Just as their 2021 return did with the atmospherically heavy Dream Weapon, the way in which Genghis Tron shape shifts through genres is stunning. Their new album Signal Fire, lights a very powerful path through the start of the band into a very intricate evolution that blooms to a vibrant and visceral sound.

Being a band that can weave melody and hooks into this style of music is an art form. Across the ten songs that make up Signal Fire, there is no letting up. While the atmospheric tension from Dream Weapon is apparent, the sharp left and right turns that blend into heavier experimental territory is very exciting. Signal Fire is an urgent record that calls to the now of a very fragile time.

Starting things off with the call to arms that is “I Am All,” truly sets this album off ablaze. Moving into the title track, you can feel and hear a plethora of treats as it plays out. “Future Worship” is a blast of a track. The playfulness lets you take it all in. “Like Fotochrom” is a great “calm before the storm” track that has a fun futuristic sound. “Tomorrow Mirage” is a burner! Just one listen will wake you up. “Nothing Blooms In The Hollow” is a banger of a song. The perfect mix of classic GT with all the new and a melodic cherry on top. “Without Form” is a subtle segue into the onslaught that is “Born Prey.” By the time you’re listening to this song, the sheer magnitude of volume should evoke auditory clarity! “A Love So Pure” is a great bit of departure from the heavy while still being heavy. The more post-hardcore vibe of the song makes it a great penultimate song. Closing out the album is “New Gods” one of the best end of album songs of 2026. The hypnotic sensibility of the song mixed with the electronics makes it a bit of a psychedelic sensation.

The core of Genghis Tron is Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky. The additions of vocalist Tony Wolski and drummer Nick Yacyshyn are impeccable as each adds their own distinctive character to these songs and makes Genghis Tron into the band that comes to life. The four of them have made Signal Fire one of the best albums of 2026. It’s interesting, when listening, if you are not familiar with the band, you might think something feels out of place but, it all makes perfect sense in the end. Personally I can’t wait for the tour. One can only imagine how much these songs will come to life in that setting.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Genghis Tron- Signal Fire:

ALBUM REVIEW: CORROSION OF CONFORMITY- GOOD GOD / BAAD MAN

Some bands have such a distinctive sound that the instant you put one of their albums on, you just know it’s them. That’s exactly how it’s been for Corrosion Of Conformity since the early/mid 1990’s. The sound is one of those “you know it when you hear it” type of things. For those that don’t know, it’s a sound that feels like Black Sabbath went down to New Orleans and leaned heavily into the sludginess of the area and then got shot out of a cannon. At least that’s how it is when I hear Corrosion Of Conformity. Now in 2026, COC have regrouped to deliver an album that has all you’ve come to love about the band and then some. Good God / Baad Man is an album that comes out of the gate with a loose feel that makes you strap in for the ride.

This is a double album in case you were wondering. Each half of the record has its own vibe and sense of fun. That’s right, FUN! From the first note of this album there is an instant feeling of good vibes and a whole lot of fun to be had. That’s a really rare thing these days. That’s not to say the subject matter of the record isn’t urgent or personal but, the overall presentation of Good God / Baad Man feels like a celebration of life. Across the hour plus each song pulls you into the riff and rhythm. Songs like “Good God/Final Dawn,” “You And Me,” Bedouin’s Hand” and the epic “Run For Your Life” highlight the Good God side. Then you have “Baad Man,” Lose Yourself,” my favorite as of this writing in “Asleep On The Killing Floor” and the left field song “Brickman” on the Baad Man side that accentuate just how good this album is. It’s interesting too when you listen to C.O.C., the amount of bands that have blatently copped a good chunk of their style. Sometimes it can be a form of flattery while others not so much.

Much like albums of the 1970’s and early/mid 1990’s, there is a total push and pull with this album in a good way. The driving nature of the songs propel Pepper Keenan, Woody Weatherman, Bobby Landgraf and Stanton Moore into another realm. The inspired group really created a record that stands out not just amongst their peers but as a classic in their stellar catalog.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Corrosion Of Conformity- Good God / Baad Man:

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: