New Release: Quicksand- Giving The Past Away

Last year Quicksand released one of the best albums of 2021 with Distant Populations. If you haven’t heard that album, go do that! And now today, Quicksand has released a new single (by way of a sort of B-Side from Distant Populations) called “Giving The Past Away.” The origin of this song is quite interesting too. “The working title for this song was ‘Greatest Quicksand Song Ever’ so you can imagine it was a very tough call leaving this song off ‘Distant Populations’,” the band comments. “The only reason we could agree on to leave it off was that we wanted to have some really strong material in reserve for later in the year. Ultimately the title came from the most prominent line in the song which is an embrace of the present which is very in line with our thinking with ‘Distant Populations’. We’re super proud of this one and are very psyched to share it with the world.” It’s crazy to think that a song this good didn’t make the record but, that only leaves the door open for more awesomeness from one of the best bands in rock! Quicksand will be heading out on a North American tour with Helmet and Clutch starting September 13 in Toronto and ending October 23rd in New York. And don’t forget to listen to Distant Populations!!!

Quicksand- Giving The Past Away:

Quicksand- Distant Populations:

Album Review: Spirit In The Room- Flamingo

If you’ve been reading Audioeclectica for a while, you know very well that Spirit In The Room is a band that I am quite fond of. I still stand by them being the best live band in Los Angeles and now the wait is over as their new EP, Flamingo is out NOW! Flamingo packs one hell of a punch with the 5 songs on it. It’s astounding how deep and personal these songs are. This EP is a statement record. The range of emotions that shine through on this will take you on quite a ride and at the same time resonate so well with the listener.

Beginning the EP is “If You Must” a fuzz driven soulful track that sets the mood for what’s to come. As it continues on, the more enthralled you get. “My Body” is one of those songs that gets your blood pumping. There is a moment in the song (you’ll know it when you hear it) that might cause you to break out in a momentary mosh pit. “The Bird of Paradise Alights Only Upon the Hand That Does Not Grasp” was the first song released. This song shows different styles of what Spirit In The Room can do. The tension that grows on this song is gripping and won’t let it’s claws loose. “Venting” is a blast of a track. It’s one of those songs that when played live will be explosive. Closing out this grand EP is “I Used To Be A Machine.” This song is absolutely crushing. The vocal delivery on this song (and the entire record) has a sense of urgency to it that will leave you in awe.

Flamingo is not a record for the faint of heart, as this is a very deep, dark and real. There are only a few bands out there today that has the balls to put it all out there and Spirit In The Room is at the top of the pack. There is not one ounce of filler on this record. The production on this EP is stellar. There is a rawness factor to Flamingo that so many bands wish they had. Dennis Sanders along with Phillip Bailey (Drums), Kevin Sepriano (guitar) have truly brought the goods on Flamingo. If you haven’t seen Spirit In The Room live, I highly suggest you do that when they hit your town. And make sure to pick up a copy of this EP. This is for sure going in my Top 10 of the year.

Overall Rating: A

Spirit In The Room- Flamingo:

VIDEOS:

Flamingo Part 1:

Review By: Brian Lacy

Cover Songs: Covert Stations (Modern English)- I Melt With You

I have a list of 80’s songs that I have fond appreciation for. One of those songs is Modern English’s “I Melt With You.” I remember hearing it when I was a little kid and really thinking it was a fun song and would sing along to it. Even to this day if I’m flipping through the radio and I come across this song, I always stop to listen and sing along. And now it gets even better as one of my new favorite projects, Covert Stations, have released their version of this classic. The Covert Stations version adds a playful and fun sensibility to the already “cruise in the car with the windows down” vibe the song has. It’s quite fun to revisit these songs with a different perspective and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. And shoutout to my friend Craig and all involved in this project. You guys are on a roll!!!

Covert Stations (Modern English)- I Melt With You:

Album Review: Centershift- OF…

Centershift is on a roll since they came on to the scene. Their first EP, A Different Shade, was the perfect introduction of the band. Now on their second EP, they are showing that the evolution of a band doesn’t have to wait that long as their new EP, Of…, takes everything to a whole new level. Their style and sound truly does stand out amongst all the things you would normally hear these days. It harks back to a time when songwriting, musicianship, and being real meant something.

The EP kicks off where the first one left off, continuing the story. The soaring melodies, driving rhythms and introspective lyrics on Of… will hit the listener like a tidal wave. Opening the EP with “And So” which features Tallulah of the band Grumpy Plum, gives a bit more insight into the thematic elements found throughout the songs. “From Where We Are” is a stellar track that features some truly deep/profound lyrical moments that will get in your head and have you singing along. “Falling Into” has this melodic charm to it that brings a bit of a groove element to the bands style. “Arise” is my favorite song on this EP. This one packs quite the punch both lyrically and musically. Not because it’s a “heavy” song, it is a “heavy” song in the content but, more so in the way there is a bit of tension in this one that pulls towards both the light and the dark. “Everything and Nothing” is a mini epic al on its own. You have to listen to it to fully get why I say that. Ending this EP with “What If”definitely leaves the listener with a question to hold on to until the final chapter unfold.

Centershift has released an EP that not only stands out, it also shows that in this day and age that rock music is alive and well. One thing I really have to compliment is the way the record sounds. They went out of their way to work with someone (Jim Wirt) who could not only bring the best out of each member performance wise but also someone who understands how to capture the right sounds and put it all together to make a sonically rocking piece of art. And rock it does! This is only part 2 of 3 for Centershift and I hope you are along for the ride.

Overall Rating: A

Centershift- Of…

Other Options To Stream!!!

smarturl.it/centershift-of

From Where We Are (Music Video):

Album Review: Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts

The debut album Altered Pasts from Thoughtcrimes is without a doubt one hell of a record! There is no other way to put it. Simply this album is one of those that you need to hear and digest. The moment I heard it, I immediately started it again. There is so much to unlock with the 11 songs that are on the album. Altered Pasts is the type of album you find yourself getting more and more immersed in what is happening with each listen.

I have chosen not to do an album breakdown of the songs because I don’t want to give anything away. Seriously, listen to this album in FULL!!! Each song has its own charm and ability to hit you like a ton of bricks. The way the album pulls you in, and the twists and turns it creates, has the ability at times to leave your mind a bit blown. The pummeling riffs and rhythms take you on quite the journey, while the vocals and lyrics take that journey to another level. Then you have the seductive ambience throughout that encompasses this whirlwind of an album. As aggressive as the album is, there is a balance of melody that provides a sweet contrast to the songs. The whole way through the album starting with “Panopticon” and finishing with “Lunar Waves,” you’ll notice that there is absolutely no filler on here. It’s 11 songs of unrelenting ferociousness that you need in your life.

Thoughtcrimes have released one of the best albums of 2022 with Altered Pasts. Everything about this album screams “LISTEN TO ME!” I personally, can’t wait to see what the next step of the evolution of this band winds up being. From their debut EP into this full length, it shows that they are on the right path to leaving quite a mark within the heavy music community. Thoughtcrimes and especially with Altered Pasts, will get into your head and it will stay there with the notion that this album is imperative and much needed in today’s world!

Overall Rating: A

Thoughtcrimes- Altered Pasts:

Anticipated Albums: Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed

A few years back I became familiar with the band Holy Fawn. It was one of those right band right situation type scenarios and from that point I was hooked. Their sound has intrigued me since that day. Their ability to mix metal, shoegaze, electronic, alternative, and rock is astonishing. The end result is a musical journey that takes you on ride into sonic territories to parts known and unknown. Their new album, Dimensional Bleed continues that journey and then some. The three songs released from the album so far are just a piece of the whole picture. The evolution of Holy Fawn is on display with Dimensional Bleed. On this album they have really explored different realms of the psyche and added a bit of a psychedelic element to their already trippy sound. I have a feeling that this album is going to take Holy Fawn to new heights. It’s an album that is much needed in today’s world!

Dimensional Bleed is out September 9th via Wax Bodega ! Pre-save it here: https://lnk.to/dimensionalbleed

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:

Holy Fawn- Death Is A Relief:

Holy Fawn- Dimensional Bleed:

Holy Fawn- Void Of Light:

Guest Vocals: Shirley Manson of Garbage

Shirley Manson is one of my all time favorite singers. Ever since I heard Garbage’s first album back in 1995, I was hooked. There is no denying the impact Shirley had on rock music over the years. And to this day, Shirley sounds amazing! While on a recent Garbage listening extravaganza, I looked into the times Shirley guested on other albums and here you go!

01) Queens Of The Stone Age- You’ve Got A Killer Scene There, Man (Lullabies To Paralyze):

02) Gavin Rossdale- The Trouble I’m In (Wanderlust):

03) Eric Avery- Maybe (Help Wanted):

04) Le Butcherettes- Shame, You’re All I’ve Got Left (Cry Is For The Flies):

05) Brody Dalle- Meet The Foetus/Oh The Joy (Diploid Love):

Against The Grain: SNAFU

Detroit, Michigan is home to some very rich music history. The origins of Motown, early Punk Rock, and even Techno can be traced back to Detroit. Throughout the years, Detroit has still remained an epicenter of music. With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to SNAFU from Detroit who have been ripping up stages and decimating crowds for a number of years now. Their most recent album, Exile//Banishment is one hell of an album. It’s heavy metal roots are very present with bits of hardcore, punk, thrash and even a tinge of black metal mixed in. When you listen to Exile//Banishment, you can hear the evolution of the band and the progression to make this album their heaviest, darkest, and angriest affair yet focusing on personal frustrations and the hopeless future of humanity. Take those themes and add the right amount of heavy with the music and you’ve got a recipe for a killer band. It’s very refreshing to hear a band like SNAFU. In particularly, the rawness of their sound is unapologetic and ruthless. The razor sharp riffs and rhythms are impactful and direct with the vocals adding an element of aggression to make everything come together in a way that will have you headbanging and contemplating moshing (even if you are by yourself). SNAFU is the real deal and I can’t wait to see where they are headed and what they do next!

SNAFU- Exile//Banishment:

Soundtrack Only Songs: Rob Zombie & Howard Stern- The Great American Nightmare

Howard Stern has been a mainstay in American pop culture for many, many years now. Back in the 90’s, Howard was everywhere. Not only did he have his ever popular radio show but, also a successful TV version of his show, a best selling autobiography with Private Parts and now he topped the box office with the movie of Private Parts AND the reason for this article today, his Billboard chart topping soundtrack for Private Parts which features songs from Ozzy, Ramones, AC/DC, Van Halen, Deep Purple, Porno For Pyros, RHCP w/ LL Cool J, and an awesome collaboration Howard did with Rob Zombie. The song with Rob Zombie entitled “The Great American Nightmare” is a badass track that can only be found on the soundtrack. The song also has been the opening theme to Stern’s radio show since 1999. Interestingly, the song has only been performed live 5 times (according to Setlist.fm), the most recent time was in 2014 at Howards 60th Birthday Bash. Personally, I’d love for this song to be part of Rob’s setlist again.

Rob Zombie & Howard Stern- The Great American Nightmare:

The Great American Nightmare (Live 2014 Howard’s Birthday Bash):

Howard & Rob Rehearsal in 1997:

New Release: Don’t Panic- Conquer Divide

There’s something to be said about hearing a band and a song and having that “a ha” moment when it all comes together. With that allow me to share with you Don’t Panic‘s new single “Conquer Divide.” This track is off their upcoming album, 42 (out August 26 via Auspicious Recordings) and it’s quite the song. Speaking about the meaning of the song, “Conquer Divide” is a personal protest, it’s the enormity of chaos, and feeling powerless to change it,” says Don’t Panic singer Dylan Rowe. “It’s about compassion, understanding, forgiveness, anger, hope, all of the vulnerable feelings critical to realize change.” Don’t Panic are a band that have many different elements in their music that range from prog rock, alternative, indie and a tinge of electronica and when it all gets arranged it turns out to be quite epic sounding at times. Take a few moments out of your day and check out what Don’t Panic has in store for you!

Upcoming Shows:

August 26 @ Pub Rock Live – Phoenix, AZ w/ Centershift

August 28 @ Whisky A Go Go – Los Angeles, CA w/ Royalty Kult, Alphamega, Centershift

Don’t Panic- Conquer Divide:

Don’t Panic- Time Machine:

Spotify:

Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dont-panic/1496234985