Live Review: The Dillinger Escape Plan at The Regent Theater

Epic, Fucking Epic is the best way to describe the beautiful chaos that occurred last night. In all my years of attending concerts, along with the hundreds upon hundreds of bands I’ve seen, there are very few bands and shows that can truly live up to being called FUCKING EPIC, and The Dillinger Escape Plan is just that and then some. On a Sunday night in Los Angeles, The Dillinger Escape Plan was able to sell out the Regent, and make it a memorable show, for all those in attendance. From all the opening bands, to the headliner, there was no way you would walk out of the venue disappointed after seeing and hearing what you just witnessed.

The first band of the night was Entheos. This band features the very talented Evan Brewer formerly of The Faceless. Their short set, was a precursor for what was to come in the sense of brutality. Their intricate prog death metal djent based music was a great way to start it off. Screamer Chaney Crabb, was really delivered. She had a great presence on stage that allowed her to wrangle in the audience to pay attention.

Next up was Cult Leader. I was very excited to see this band. And they absolutely killed it. They reminded me of Converge way back in the day. Everything about Cult Leader was top notch and brutal. Vocalist Anthony Lucero had a real knack for belting out guttural screams, all the while delivering a truly magnetic performance. Drummer Casey Hansen is one of the most talented drummers I’ve seen in a long time. Throughout their set, I kept feeling like I was being hypnotized by the band. Musically there is a bit of psychedelia, and ambiance to their heavy hardcore style. I would even go as far to coin a new sub-genre for them, Hypnotic Hardcore. Cult Leader should be on your radar to see live and to have in your music collection.

The direct support for the evening came from Atlanta, Georgia’s, O’Brother. Their latest album ENDLESS LIGHT, is in my top ten albums of the year, so getting to see them with The Dillinger Escape Plan on the same night was an added bonus. Their set, although rather short, was truly epic. The use of three guitars and a beyond tight rhythm section, really added a few extra dimensions to their already grandiose and enormous sound. Songs from their new album like “I Am Death,” and “Bloodlines,” were absolute highlights for the night. Like Cult Leader, O’Brother are very hypnotic as well, and will leave you inspired at the end.

Finally when The Dillinger Escape Plan took the stage, the entire audience broke out and began to exercise their demons. There is something to be said for the way that a band like Dillinger can have such an affect on people. Musically it’s something that you study, and vocally and lyrically it is something that you use as therapy. The combination of these two things really make The Dillinger Escape Plan truly special. Their latest and final album DISSOCIATION is a great summation of everything the band is known for, and these new songs live are absolute beasts. From the first notes of “Limerent Death,” to the closing notes of the classic “43% Burnt,” The Dillinger Escape Plan was on fire. As per usual, singer Greg Puciato and guitarist Ben Weinman were delivering performances that leave you speechless. Jumping off guitar cabs, leaping into the audience, and jumping from the second floor balcony, are just some of the things that were astonishing.   Their set list was a great collection of songs from their catalog. Highlights include “Sugar Coated Sour,” “Symptom of Terminal Illness,” “Panasonic Youth,” “One of Us is the Killer,” “Surrogate,” “Nothing to Forget,” “Prancer,” as well as “Room Full of Eyes,” and the very epic “Mouth of Ghosts.”

I’m going to put this out there in the ether and say, that this show is quite possibly the best show I’ve seen all year. Everything about the evening was perfect. From the bands, the company, and the crowd reactions, all this and then some made this a night to never forget. Dillinger will go down as one of the most legendary and dangerous bands, as they should, but they should also be remembered for creating music that is inspiring and full of passion. Everything that Dillinger has done in their 20 year career has been done on their own terms. They really are a band that deserves every ounce of credit due to them. What a band. And what a way to bring it each and every night. Thank you Dillinger for everything you’ve done!

The Dillinger Escape Plan Set List:

Limerent Death
Panasonic Youth
Symptom of Terminal Illness
Farewell, Mona Lisa
When I Lost My Bet
Sugar Coated Sour
Black Bubblegum
Surrogate
Hero of the Soviet Union
Milk Lizard
One of Us is the Killer
Nothing to Forget
Room Full of Eyes
Prancer

Encore:

Mouth of Ghosts
Sunshine the Werewolf
43% Burnt

 

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Anticipated Albums: AFI- Self Titled (The Blood Album)

On January 20, 2017, AFI will release their 10th full length studio album. This self titled affair has been dubbed “The Blood Album,” and features 14 songs. The first two songs released “White Offerings” and “Snow Cats” sound like a cross between The Art of Drowning and Sing the Sorrow. So for those of you out there that have been waiting for the “rock” edge of AFI again, it looks like this is the album for you.

White Offerings:

 

Snow Cats:

 

Pre-Orders are available on AFI’s site now.

 

AFI- AFI (The Blood Album) Track Listing:

01 – “Dark Snow”
02 – “Still A Stranger”
03 – “Aurelia”
04 – “Hidden Knives”
05 – “Get Hurt”
06 – “Above The Bridge”
07 – “So Beneath You”
08 – “Snow Cats”
09 – “Dumb Kids”
10 – “Pink Eyes”
11 – “Feed From The Floor”
12 – “White Offerings”
13 – “She Speaks The Language”
14 – “The Wind That Carries Me Away”

Soundtrack Only Songs: The Smashing Pumpkins- Eye

Back in 1997 when David Lynch and Trent Reznor were putting together the soundtrack to Lost Highway, Lynch suggested Billy Corgan as a contributor to the compilation. At first Billy submitted the song “Tear” (which is on the Unsung Masterpiece, Adore) but Lynch turned that down. Not long after, Billy completed “Eye,” and David Lynch gladly accepted it for the film, which was placed during the nightclub scene. “Eye” has been one of my favorite Smashing Pumpkins songs since I heard it. There is something about the song that is really gripping and dark.  I’m kind of glad that it only appeared the Lost Highway soundtrack.

Smashing Pumpkins- Eye:

 

Smashing Pumpkins- Eye (Live with Marilyn Manson):

 

Worst Cover Songs: Fit For An Autopsy (Nine Inch Nails)- The Perfect Drug

I really love this segment. Finding these horrible covers provide some much needed humor, especially in the world today. Recently my friend Kevin showed me this cover knowing full well that I’m a HUGE Nine Inch Nails fan. This is beyond horrible and full of laughs. I’d love to know if these bands do this as a humorous or serious things.  I present you one of THE WORST COVERS I have ever heard.

Fit For An Autopsy- The Perfect Drug:

 

 

Here is the original to get that horrible version out of your ears and memory (and also one of my Top 5 favorite Nine Inch Nails songs!)

Nine Inch Nails- The Perfect Drug (Behind The Scenes/Making Of Video:

Album Review: Giraffe Tongue Orchestra- Broken Lines

I’ve waited a little bit to write about Giraffe Tongue Orchestra‘s debut album Broken Lines, to really give it a fair share of listens. After multiple listens I’ve come to the conclusion that this is more a collection of songs than anything, really good songs though. The combination of guitarists Ben Weinman of The Dillinger Escape Plan and Brent Hinds of Mastodon, makes for some sweet riffs and some very experimental moments, that you could tell they’ve been wanting to do for some time. Having former Mars Volta drummers Jon Theodore and Thomas Pridgen helps to add to the experimental aspect of the record. Each posses a style uniquely their own, and it fits with what Ben and Brent wrote. The real hero of the album is singer William DuVall. As the new front man for Alice in Chains, he isn’t very pronounced on their albums, but this band gives him a chance to really shine, and shine he does both vocally and lyrically.

The album starts off with “Adapt or Die” a very rocking song with a soaring chorus and lots of foot tapping rhythms. “Crucifixion” is a song that really hits the mark in combining the talents of Ben and Brent. William’s lyrics on this song are top notch. “No One Is Innocent” is a song that will grab you thanks to the riffs and rhythms. It almost sounds like a Jane’s Addiction song in the verses. The chorus is great and packs a real “vibe.” “Blood Moon” is a fun track. There is a sort of 80’s feel to it. Plus the video is pretty awesome. “Fragments & Ashes” is a decent song, though it’s not one of the standouts. “Back to the Light” features guest vocals from Juliette Lewis and it’s quite the rocker. This is one of those types of songs that when it’s played live, it will for sure get the crowd into a frenzy. “All We Have Is Now” is a somber “power ballad” in the vain of the 80’s but without the cheese factor. This song really has sensual melodies from William as the words flow off his velvet tongue. “Everyone Gets Everything They Really Want” is a funky jam, with a bit of swag to it, as well as giving the flow of the album a bit of a break. “Thieves and Whores” is drenched in Mars Volta rhythms and heavy riffs. Closing out the album is the title track “Broken Lines.” This song is a great summation of all the influences of Giraffe Tongue Orchestra.

All in all this is a great introduction to a project that has been in the works for a while now. I personally would love to see them be able to take the time to make a cohesive album. I really have to give it to Ben Weinman, Brent Hinds and William DuVall, they are a great team of songwriters. This is definitely a record that will captivate you at certain moments and leave you wanting more. It’s creative and full of inspiration, without taking away from their current bands. Giraffe Tongue Orchestra is here and I hope they continue to put out music.

Overall Rating: B+

Giraffe Tongue Orchestra- Broken Lines:

 

Review By: Brian Lacy

 

 

 

Underrated Band: Explosions In The Sky

Being an instrumental band is quite an interesting choice. You have to make sure the music is top notch and evokes real feeling and passion from those playing it as well as the listener. I’ve written about a few instrumental bands that have really stood out, but there is one that has been around for quite a while that is extremely underrated, and that is Explosions in the Sky. This Texas based quartet formed in 1999 and has released seven albums. I personally have seen them 5 times over the years, mainly at festivals, and they were always “that” band that really stood out, even with huge headliners. In 2013, Explosions in the Sky  was the opening act for Nine Inch Nails on their highly acclaimed Tension tour.

Through their career, Explosions in the Sky, have redefined what it is to be an instrumental band. Their live shows are experiences that leave you wowed and inspired. Their songs are soothing yet rooted in a heaviness that is pulsating and energizing. Explosions in the Sky are the type of band you can listen to at all hours of the day. They are the perfect band for when the sun is setting. I can attest to that, as the majority of times I’ve seen them at festivals has been as the sun was going down, making the experience of seeing them something really special.

If you haven’t really delved into Explosions in the Sky, I highly recommend you do. For those of you that are looking for “that” band to have as your calm band, they are perfect.

Check out these performances!!

Explosions in the Sky- Live on KEXP:

 

Explosions in the Sky- Live on NPR:

 

Explosions in the Sky- Live in Spain:

 

Album Review: Korn- The Serenity of Suffering

20 plus years as a band and now on your 12th album, where do you go from here? Well, Korn knew exactly what they wanted to do, and they succeeded. The Serenity of Suffering, Korn’s new album is a throwback of sorts to their heavy groove days, but on this album they added a more hooks, to really keep your attention. This album has the feel of Issues and Untouchables, but with a bit more hope. That’s right “hope,” a theme that was always  a bit buried in their albums. The 11 songs on this album all fit and flow together, making this one of their most cohesive albums since Issues.

Starting off the album is “Insane,” a very classic sounding song with a great riff and a catchy chorus. This song is a great opener and introduction to the rest of the album. “Rotting In Vain,” is classic Korn at it’s finest, complete with Jonathan Davis bringing back his scat vocals. “Black Is The Soul,” is my favorite song on the album. This is a very Issues era sounding song, with lots of melody, and a bit of a different vocal approach from Jonathan. “The Hating” is a very moody song with a crunchy riff and a heavy breakdown. “A Different World” features Corey Taylor on guest vocals. This song is not bad, but it’s a little underwhelming. I personally expected more from this song. “Take Me” could have been on Untouchables. In fact the main riff seems to be directly ripped off from that album. “Everything Falls Apart” is another classic sounding song. “Die Yet Another Night” is a bit of a mediocre song. The riff is solid, but the song a whole isn’t quite up to par with the rest of the album. “Next In Line” is a great song on this album. It’s full of hooks and catchy, with solid verses and choruses. This is a big throwback song. Closing out the album is “Please Come For Me” a very Untouchables sounding song. The ending riff of this song is a great summation of this album.

The Serenity of Suffering is the album many Korn fans have been waiting for. The production by Nick Raskulinecz is top notch. It’s the best Korn has sounded since Issues. Nick was really able to capture the “Korn” sound. Drummer Ray Luzier finally sounds like he fits in the band. He’s a great drummer, but no other producer has been able to really get him to sound right, other than Nick. Fieldy’s bass actually comes through in a way that thumps like the first couple albums. Munky and Head haven’t sounded this good in a long time. And finally Jonathan Davis sounds great. He tries out new vocal techniques and it really pays off, especially on “Black Is The Soul.” All in all this is a really good album. I personally would like to see them incorporate more of these new songs into their set list, so the fans can really get the full effect.

Overall Rating= B+

Korn- The Serenity of Suffering:

My Top 10 Favorite Covers

I was talking to my friend Ben about cover songs, and he asked me what my top 5 favorite were. In the midst of our conversation, he inspired me to come up with my top 10 favorite covers. So here you go.

1. Nirvana (David Bowie)- The Man Who Sold The World:

2. Nine Inch Nails (Joy Division)- Dead Souls:

3. Jimi Hendrix (Bob Dylan)- All Along The Watchtower:

4. Bon Jovi (Leonard Cohen)- Hallelujah:

5. Metallica (Bob Seger)- Turn The Page:

6. Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails)- Hurt:

7. Placebo (Kate Bush)- Running Up That Hill:

8. Shinedown (Lynyrd Skynyd)- Simple Man:

9. Deftones (Sade)- No Ordinary Love:

10. Alice In Chains (Led Zeppelin)- Kashmir:

Honorable Mention:

Neurosis (Joy Division)- Day Of The Lords:

Disturbed (Simon & Garfunkel)- The Sounds of Silence:

or This Version:

Live Review: Socionic & With Our Arms To The Sun at The Whisky

Do you remember the feeling of going to a show and seeing a band and being absolutely blown away? Well I sure do, and it has happened again. There are two bands out right now that have really grabbed my attention, With Our Arms to the Sun and Socionic. These two bands are FUCKING GREAT!!! Their performances each and every time are quite a spectacle of intensity and drenched in their extreme passion for what they do. To With Our Arms To The Sun and Socionic, music is art and life. And on Saturday night at the Whisky of all places, These two knocked my damn socks off.

With Our Arms to the Sun are the type of band that brings it each and every time they are on stage. In fact they are quite a hard act to follow. Their set consisted of all new songs from their upcoming album Orenda. I have to tell you that these new songs will blow you away. There is a real depth to them that takes you on quite a journey. And when you hear it live, it really sucks you in. With Our Arms are also a band that understands leaving it all on stage. Their performance this evening was passionate, heavy and absolutely inspiring. Singer/guitarist Josh Breckinridge has a real knack for being in the moment and letting the music take him places. Guitarist Joe Leary, bassist Joseph Breckinridge and drummer John McLucas all contribute to the beautiful chaos that unfolds on stage.

Socionic give it their all as well. Their show is more of a “show” with lights and drama. It’s done in a way that helps to make you feel like you are a part of their show. Their set featured songs off their newest album Dividing Horizon. Like With Our Arms to the Sun, Socionic take you on a journey with their music and live show. Singer Michael Meinhart has a commanding and at times intimidating presence on stage, along with a powerful voice that soars. Guitarist Billy Graczyk, bassist Matthew Denis, and drummer Lior Dar, play with a sense of urgency as well as passion, that radiates from themselves to their instruments.

These two bands are something special. When I first started Audioeclectica, the main goal was to show people that there still is good music out there, and With Our Arms to the Sun and Socionic prove my point and then some. The things I’ve talked about before in regards to passion, intensity, danger, and belief in what they do rings true for these two bands. With Our Arms to the Sun and Socionic both deserve your attention. Go see them live, I personally guarantee you won’t be disappointed

 

https://www.facebook.com/WithOurArmsToTheSun

https://www.facebook.com/socionic/

Worst Cover Songs: Within The Ruins (Kansas)- Carry On Wayward Son

This doesn’t need a big introduction. Within The Ruins are a pretty decent band and have some good songs, but this cover they did of the Kansas classic “Carry On Wayward Son” is one of the worst covers I’ve heard.

 

Within The Ruins- Carry On Wayward Son:

Kansas- Carry On Wayward Son: