Live Review: Deftones and Incubus at Irvine Meadows

There are certain bands that hold a special place for me. One of those bands is Deftones. Whenever they come to town I run to see them. Over the years I’ve seen them now 13 times. There was something rather special about this evening. Being that it was the first time in 15 years that Deftones and Incubus had shared a bill together. I remember seeing Deftones and Incubus years ago at the Universal Amphitheater, when White Pony and Make Yourself were released. What a night that was, and what a night this was.

To start the night off was a local Los Angeles band called The Eeries. These guys just weren’t good at all. They seemed like nice enough guys but their music was beyond juvenile and dated. Their 15 minute set was the longest 15 minutes of my entire week.

Death From Above 1979 was the main support for the tour and they did not disappoint at all. Their blistering high energy set was remarkable. I’ve been wanting to see that for years, and am so glad they got back together. The duo wasted no time in getting the energy of the night to where it needed to be as the sun was starting to set. Irvine Meadows might not have been the most ideal place to see them, but they rocked the hell out of the place.

Deftones were then set to take the stage and boy did they. From the opening chords of “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” all the way till “Engine No. 9,” there was no mistaking that Deftones would be a hard act to follow. From their stage presence and visuals , it’s no mistaking that they came to kill it. Chino was spot on throughout the entire set, even being playful with the audience and the other guys in the band. Watching them you can tell they were really having fun up on stage, especially Abe Cunningham and Sergio Vega. Their setlist was a great blend of hits and deep cuts from all their albums with the exception of Saturday Night Wrist. They did put “When Girls Telephone Boys” in the set and all the guys really dug in on that song. The crowd was a little separate in who was there to see who, and you can definitely tell the Deftones fans from the Incubus fans. My voice was pretty horse after their set but it was well worth it, especially since they kicked off their set with my all time favorite “Be Quiet and Drive.”

Incubus headlined the evening. They sounded great and looked totally at ease. Despite their new EP being so so, they pulled out a lot of gems in their setlist. Their set kicked off with a jam of the Hans Zimmer song S.T.A.Y. from Interstellar and transitioned perfectly into “Nice To Know You.” Other gems from the set included “Sick Sad Little World (one of my top two Incubus songs of all time), “Vitamin,” “Dig,” and “A Crow Left Of The Murder.” The bands use of visualizers and cameras made for a fun night that was sort of hypnotic. I must say that it was a pleasure to see Incubus again. Brandon Boyd still has a great voice and Jose Pasillas is one hell of a drummer. I have to say though that I miss having Drik Lance aka Alex Katunich up on stage, he really had a vibe that fit the music.

All in all it was a great show, not to mention that I was with my wife and she really enjoyed it. Deftones though stole the night. They were such a hard act to follow. Had Incubus played some older stuff from Make Yourself and SCIENCE, they might have been able to steal it, but that’s not to say they didn’t put on a great show.

Deftones Setlist:

Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
My Own Summer (Shove It)
Diamond Eyes
Rocket Skates
You’ve Seen The Butcher
Sextape
Feiticeria
Digital Bath
Knife Party
When Girls Telephone Boys
Tempest
Swerve City
Passenger
Change (In The House Of The Flies)
Headup
Engine No. 9

Incubus Setlist:

S.T.A.Y (Hans Zimmer song from Interstellar)
Nice To Know You
Anna Molly
Circles
Absolution Calling
Are You In?
Sick Sad Little World
Vitamin
Trust Fall
In The Company Of Wolves
Wish You Were Here
I Miss You
Love Hurts
Pardon Me
Megalomanic
Dig
Drive
A Crow Left Of The Murder

By: Brian Lacy

Photos by: Alisa Lacy

Band Of The Week: Dead Empires

Nestled in Hudson Valley, New York is a three piece band called Dead Empires. These guys have a very deep heavy sound combined with the prowess of gentle melody.Their wide array of influences helps to create lush landscapes of sound, all the while pushing the boundaries of being a traditional instrumental band. Their new album Secret Snakes/ Silent Serpent, has everything a rock music fan would enjoy minus the vocals. I find myself coming up with lyrics and vocal melodies while listening to their album. From what I can tell from their videos online, they put on one hell of an energetic show and their love of the music shows through in all that they do. Dead Empires is alive and well, and on their way to making a name for themselves.

Dead Empires- Secret Snakes/Silent Serpent:

https://www.facebook.com/deadempires

http://deadempires.com/

By: Brian Lacy

Cover Thursday: Garbage (Ramones)- I Just Want To Have Something To Do

I find it very intriguing that while on my kick of listening to Garbage as of late I would stumble upon their cover of my favorite Ramones song, “I Just Want To Have Something To Do.” Shirley Manson really delivers the goods on this version, as well as the rest of the band.

Album Review: Before The Mourning- Etherial End

In today’s music climate it’s hard to stay fresh and ahead of the pack especially within the heavy music circles. There are so many sub-genres now a days it’s hard to keep up. Yet within the melodic metal genre there is a new band that is ready to stand out amongst their peers, Before The Mourning. Their debut album Etherial End is full of hooks, groove, and the perfect use of melody. The album was produced and recorded by the bands drummer Phil Gonyea, and mixed and mastered by Logan Mader. One can tell from listening to the album, that the 11 songs on the album are all meant to be there. There are elements of many different bands including Pantera, Poison The Well and a large Swedish Metal influence. At The Gates Soilwork really come to mind. Singer Adam Ryan’s voice evokes bits and pieces of Speed Strid of Soilwork. Songs like “Another Sleepless Night,” “The Deception,” “The Black Day,” Continuum,” and “The Hidden,” are all stand out tracks. Closing song “Deserter,” shows the bands ability to write a powerful song without all the aggression. CJ Cussell and Jeff Stevenson’s guitar playing compliment each other perfectly. There is a bit of an At The Gates tone between them. Bassist Paul McBride and Phil Gonyea (Drums) are extremely tight as a rhythm section similar to how Vinnie Paul and Rex Brown were locked in their groove while in Pantera.

Etherial End is just the beginning for Before The Mourning. They really have a true passion for what they do and the music they create. This album exemplifies that. Their live show as well is full of so much energy that it wouldn’t be shocking to hear that  these guys stole the show from the other bands they play with. Do yourself a favor and pick this album up, August 21st!!!
Scale of 1-10: 9

The Deception:

Another Sleepless Night:

https://www.facebook.com/BeforeTheMourning

By: Brian Lacy

Guest Vocalist/Guitarist: Billy Corgan

Since The Smashing Pumpkins released their great new album Monuments To An Elegy late last year I’ve been on a huge Pumpkins kick. While on this journey I’ve looked into all the songs that Billy Corgan has been apart of with other bands, whether it’s co-writing, lending his vocals and guitar talents to. Here are a few of the songs that I found interesting that he guested on in someway.

Marilyn Manson- Speed Of Pain:

Tony Iommi- Black Oblivion:

Blindside- Hooray, It’s LA (Guest Guitar):

New Order- Turn My Way:

Glen Campbell- There’s No Me…Without You:

Band Of The Week: Chiefs

I’ve said it many time before, there are certain areas that really inspire others and bring out the creativity in people. Chiefs is another great example of that. Originally a two-piece that formed in Phoenix, AZ, soon found themselves relocating to San Diego, CA after releasing two demos, touring and playing often around the Phoenix Valley. Shortly after, Chiefs released their third demo EP entitled Buffalo Roam, and added numerous shows to support it, the group became a three-piece with the permanent addition of a bassist which filled out the low-end of the band and exponentially filled out their sound. Chiefs debut full-length, Tomorrow’s Over, is a genuine slab of rock n roll with the added elements of desert/stoner rock. Now a four piece band, Chiefs is definitely a band to look out for, as they take their inspired music on a long journey.

https://www.facebook.com/wearechiefs

http://www.wearechiefs.com/

By: Brian Lacy

Cover Thursday: Alice In Chains (David Bowie)- Suffragette City

I just discovered this cover of David Bowie’s “Suffragette City” by Alice In Chains. Their arrangement is very rocking and adds a bit more to it. Layne Staley is killer on this track. Check it out!!

Alice In Chains (David Bowie)- Suffragette City:

Unsung Masterpieces: Audioslave- Revelations

When Audioslave broke on to the music scene they were met with very high expectations. Their debut album was a really great album, full of great songs and a renewed sense of energy for each other the members. Their second album was hit and miss. There were some really good songs but as a whole it just didn’t come across as well. When Audioslave released their third album Revelations, they finally hit the mark and found their sound. This would be their final album sadly. Rather than working with Rick Rubin on this album the band chose Brendan O’Brien, with whom both Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden have worked with in the past. Brendan was able to really capture the essence of what this band is and was. There are more influences on this album as well delving into funk and soul. This was also the first album which Chris Cornell was sober during the making of. Audioslave did not tour on this album, instead they broke up.

Revelations though as their swan song is brilliant. The first song “Revelations” really sets the tone for the album. It’s such a great song. The songs “Wide Awake” and “Shape of Things to Come” were prominently featured in Michael Mann’s horrible film adaption of Miami Vice. Both of these songs are tremendous. “Wide Awake,” evokes some political angst as well. The song is about Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath. “Until We Fall,” is another song that really shows the progression of Audioslave. The closing song “Moth” is a bit of foreshadowing for what was about to happen to the band. The song is powerful and one of the most inspiring songs on the album. Chris Cornell’s voice really shines on this song (along with “Wide Awake”).

The entire band was clicking on all cylinders one this album. It’s shame they couldn’t last longer. Thankfully there have been news reports as of late that both Tom Morello and Chris Cornell said they would be open to working together again. Let’s hope so. I would love to see Audioslave return.

Audioslave- Revelations:

Album Rank: Bush

Since the news broke about Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani breaking up, I’ve been on a Bush kick. So, with that in mind here is an album rank of their albums!

Golden State:

The Sea Of Memories:

The Science Of Things:

Man On The Run:

Razorblade Suitcase:

Sixteen Stone: