This week seems to be a week where I keep listening to bands I haven’t in a while. Well, let’s keep the train rolling with this gem. Frail Body is back with their upcoming second album, Artificial Bouquet which arrives March 29, 2024 via Deathwish Inc. The first single released “Refrain” is one hell of a track that blurs the lines of hardcore, post-hardcore, black metal, and what the origins of “screamo” were all about. Personally, I’m excited to hear where this band goes from this point. This song is only the start of something I have a feeling.
It’s been a minute since I last heard from the Irish-born but now Liverpool-based, A Burial At Sea. I was at a show not too long ago and heard them played in between bands then low and behold I check my email and I see that their long awaited sophomore album, Close To Home on February 23, 2023 via Pelagic Records. Today their third single “Masterfred” arrived and it’s quite the cinematic dynamic song joining already released singles “Pairc Beal Uisce” and ” Tor Head.”
Ever since I started putting on shows with The Cobalt Presents, I’ve come across a lot of up and coming bands. There have definitely been a handful of stand outs and this band of the week is one of them. Allow me to introduce you to The Anti-Groupies. These ladies are absolute rockers. They have the right attitude, style and the songs to back up their already in your face sound. Part of what makes The Anti-Groupies stand out is there on stage performance. They play with a reckless abandon and precision that is pretty rad to watch. Their latest single “Read The Room” is a solid example of their style coming to life. One other thing that I really like about The Anti-Groupies is their willingness to evolve and try things that can push the boundaries of rock music. Do yourself a favor and take a listen to The Anti-Groupies and tell your friends! Read The Room (Official Video):
A couple years back I was introduced to Gost and I was rather intrigued by what I heard. Then when Greg Puciato did his first solo show, Gost was one of the openers and from there I got more into them. Now, Gost returns with a new album that is “exhilarating and dangerous at the same time.” The first single released “Widow Song” is a mesh of new wave and black metal influences creating quite the boisterous sound. The new album, Prophecy arrives March 8th via Metal Blade Records!
It’s been quite a while since I listened to Tool but, last night I was thinking something related to them and wound up putting Lateralus on for bed. As I listened and got to track 9, I remembered why I liked this album so much. I also believe that this was the last good thing they have put out in years (but that’s for another topic and another day). “Lateralus” was actually released as a single to radio in February of 2022 with a Radio Edit version that’s about 6 minutes long (5:47 to be exact). This is also the song most well known for using the Fibonacci sequence in its creation. I’ve also heard that this song is about an acid trip. Either way this song is awesome, epic and a phenomenal title track to a great album.
Zombi is a band I haven’t heard in quite some time. This duo has a knack for making really intriguing music which blends prog rock, electronics and an affinity for ‘70s and ‘80s era horror films. So much so that when you listen to them, it’s quite easy to get swept up in the mood and vibe they create in a very cinematic way. Their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records) is nine songs of Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics) with contributions from percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am). The first song released from, Direct Inject, is “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ which is quite the way to introduce this album. According to Zombi, this song has “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.” The rest we will have to wait for. Until then, enjoy this new Zombi track and delve into what else they’ve done. It’s quite the catalog of goodies!
There are certain albums in a bands catalog that often times get over looked. One such album that I’ve found has gone overlooked and is quite underrated is Stone Temple Pilots third album, Tiny Music… From The Vatican Gift Shop. If you were to ask me my favorite STP album, I’d immediately say Purple would be it with Core being a close second. Though the more I delve into Tiny Music, the more it keeps moving up the ladder and is fast becoming my second favorite STP album. There are a plethora of great songs on the album with one in particular that always seems to grab me, and that song would be “Adhesive.” Each time I listen to this song I get swept away by it. The vocals and melody of Scott is otherworldly. Musically, Robert, Dean and Eric created a whole vibe with this song. It’s one of those songs that you can listen to at any time and it just feels right.
As we start the new year what better way to kick things off than with the albums of 2024 that are the most anticipated. Some of these are absolutely coming out and others we shall see what happens.
02/09/24: Chelsea Wolfe-She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She 02/16/24: The Baby Goats- Electricity 02/23/24: Darkest Hour-Perpetual | Terminal 03/01/24: Ministry- Hopium For The Masses 03/15/24: Gouge Away- Deep Sage
Iress The Cure The Smashing Pumpkins Better Lovers Spiritbox Centershift Kerry King Project Deftones Converge Thoughtcrimes Emma Ruth Rundle Black Magnet Fear Factory Killswitch Engage Spirit In The Room Sunny Day Real Estate The Halo Effect Black Map Dredg Korn Shadows Fall Thrice The Red Chord Vowws Pearl Jam The Black Queen Anthrax Chevelle Mudvayne Deadsy Failure Gojira The Pretty Reckless The Smile Common Wounds
MAYBE IN 2024: Chimaira? Down? Alice In Chains? Cult Leader?
Thank you all for making 2023 a great year for Audioeclectica. I hope you all found new and old bands to love and delve into. As 2024 begins, there will be new things coming to Audioeclectica including the long awaited return of The Audioeclectica Podcast as well as Radio Show, also coming are new topics, a revamp to the look of the site and many more surprises. Also don’t forget, I am putting on shows with The Cobalt Presents (aka The Cobalt Cafe), so if your band is coming through the greater Los Angeles area, reach out to me and let’s see if we can’t make a show happen!
And now… The Results Of The 2023 End Of The Year Lists (the results are based on readers votes):
01) Best Drummer: Glenn Chu- Iress & Sebastian Thomson- Baroness
02) Best Bassist: Nick Jost- Baroness & Michael Maldonado- Iress
03) Best Guitar Duo: John Baizley/Gina Gleason- Baroness & Graham Walker/Michelle Malley- Iress
04) Best Producer/Mixer: Paul Fig- Filth Is Eternal & Alex Estrada- Iress
05) Best Guitarist: Brian McClelland- Filth Is Eternal
06) Best Vocalist: Michelle Malley- Iress & Lis Di Angelo- Filth Is Eternal
07) Best Album: Iress- Solace & Filth Is Eternal- Find Out
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