Band Of The Week: Will Haven

On July 7, 2023 the mighty Will Haven will unleash their long awaited new album, VII (pre-orders available HERE). I personally am quite stoked on there being a new Will Haven album. Their last opus, Muerte was top notch and showed that there is still much more in the tank. They have now released two singles “Wings Of Mariposa” and the latest offering “5 Of Fire” and oh boy is it a scorcher for damn sure. Guitarist Jeff Irwin said of the track ” ‘5 Of Fire‘ is to me the blueprint for this record; it’s heavy, chaotic, with different moods and tempo changes. We wanted to challenge ourselves by writing live in real time, and this song was the one to set that off. I love how it came out and I find myself going back and listening to it over and over again. I still find something new every time I listen.” Based on that little description, I’m even more excited to hear what lies ahead on the 10 songs that will be on the new record. I’ve always felt like Will Haven never got the due they deserved. Their 2001 album, Carpe Diem is still one of the gems of the time as well as their entire catalog. You can catch Will Haven live at this years Furnace Fest in September as well as at The Knitting Factory in North Hollywood on August 30 with Arc Angles, Stronger Than Machines, Cycotic Youth and more. And don’t forget to blast the ever living hell out of “5 Of Fire!!!!”

Will Haven- 5 Of Fire:

Will Haven- Wings Of Mariposa:

By: Brian Lacy

Photo Credit: Eric Rivera

Band Of The Week: IRESS

There is something to be said about finding beauty in darkness. In this case it’s found within the band Iress. The moment I heard this band, I knew there was something more to it than just a “dark/moody vibe.” What I found was a band that sonically devastates while at the same time draws you in seductively. Iress derives their name from two concepts that when put together perfectly describes what this band is all about; Ire, as in fury, indignation, rage, and wrath and  -ess as a noun suffix meaning “female”. Now that combination has been recorded and now gearing up to be unleashed upon us all. Dubbed the “Adele of Doom” by her local LA music peers, frontwoman Michelle Malley’s vocals are subtle yet powerful as she sings of love, loss, pain, and anguish but, with such restraint that it’s almost hypnotic how the melodies seep into your pores and make your skin crawl in a fantastic way. The band itself brings all this to life with their willingness to serve the songs and provide the right amounts of atmosphere, heaviness and an unrelenting passion that really makes this all come together. Iress’s sound stretches across different sub-genres but the way it all comes together is tremendous. By mixing, doom, shoegaze, metal, dream pop and ambient/psychedelic sounds, Iress has the recipe for one of the best releases of 2023. The first single “Ricochet” from their upcoming EP, Solace is absolutely stunning. Once you listen to this song you’ll feel compelled to play it again and again. One more thing I have to talk about is the production on this single and EP. It’s truly stunning. Being able to capture the rawness and real emotion of these songs is astounding. Producer/Engineer/Mixer Alex Estrada did a phenomenal job on this record. I’m personally really stoked on this band and can’t wait to hear more and see this all come together live. Do yourself a favor and on May 12 via Dune Altar Records (one of my favorite Indie Labels by the way), pick up a copy of this EP!

Iress- Ricochet:

Find Iress Online At:

weareiress.com

Bandcamp

Facebook

Instagram

Review By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Faint On Call

Music has a way of bringing people together from all regions. When you take certain elements of a band and mix them with other people and their styles, often times the end result is something that sounds exciting and intriguing. Which brings me to the band of the week, Faint On Call. This band was born during the pandemic with an emphasis of combining all the things each member loves about music. Their sound has elements of 90’s alternative rock mixed with bits of shoegaze, melodic hard rock and hooks that will stay with you. The founding members, Tobias Hawkins (ex Counting Crows/Laundry), Cristian Hernandez (ex Onesidezero) and Arthur McConnell challenged each other’s songwriting abilities in a daily trudge through music apps and emails during 12 months over 2020 and 2021. Not only did they share their ideas through sharing files they did this while in different countries particuarly the US and Mexico. When the time came to put it all together, the band recruited producer Sylvia Massey (Tool, System Of A Down) to helm their debut album. The end result is a sonic excursion that exudes passion and optimism. Faint On Call is a band that is on the right path to awaken listeners to the world around them.

Faint On Call- Pearl:

Faint On Call- Harpoon:

Album Of The Week: Faetooth- Remnants Of The Vessel

A little over a month ago I introduced you to the band Faetooth. Their first single off their debut album “Echolalia” had just been released and what a treat that was. Now here we are on release day of their album Remnants Of The Vessel and HOLY HELL… What a debut record it is. The band is self-described as “fairy-doom” and it is most definitely a best of both worlds description. One one hand you have this thunderous and hard charging sound and on the other is this more delicate and dreamy style that echoes in the shoegaze realm with lush textures and soothing melodies and the occasional roar. Remnants of the Vessel is one of those debuts you will be talking about for some time.

Throughout the albums ten songs, you quickly realize that there is more to this band than meets the eye. The way the album flows it has a bit of a Neurosis vibe meets Chelsea Wolfe. The dark shrouded elements mixed with the glistening brightness adds to the tension of theses songs. When you listen you get pulled into quite a trance as the music guides and then the vocals and lyrics hit you. Something else about the way this album grabs you is the way Faetooth sinks their teeth into you bit by bit. When “that moment” comes, not only do they go in for the kill but they leave nothing left once they are done. Songs like “Echolalia,” “La Sorciere,” “Remains,” “Discarnate” and closing track “Saturn Devouring His Son” leave you utterly breathless. The sheer brute force that drives this album is on another level all together.

The musicianship among the four members is astounding. This band can not only play, they sure know how to write a song. I’m personally quite impressed that this is their debut album. After listening you’d think they’d been around for at least a few records. Faetooth are definitely not your run of the mill doom band. There is so much more and the deeper you delve into this album, the more you crave it.

Faetooth are without a doubt a band to watch out for. It’s been a minute since I’ve heard a debut album of this quality and precision. Do yourself a favor and sit down with this album and let it take you over. You won’t be sorry at the end. In fact, you are more likely to want to start it over once you reach the end because you are hooked and want more!

Overall Rating: A

Band Of The Week: Faetooth

One of the best things about running and writing Audioeclectica is that I get to hear all sorts of music from all genres. When I get sent something that really sparks my interest, I’m even more intrigued. Recently I was introduced to a band that has elements of a ton of differnent genres/sub-genres that I really enjoy. I’d like to bring to your attention, Faetooth, a four-piece doom metal band based out of Los Angeles. These long time friends have come together to create something that is quite spectacular. Their trance-inducing riffs, alluring melodies, thought provoking lyrics that are both mysterious and diaristic have made Faetooth one hell of a force to be reckoned with. And now Faetooth are about to release their debut album, Remnants Of The Vessel (on October 28th via Dune Alter). The first single from the album, “Echolalia” is one hell of a song. The thunderous mountainous riff, along with the hard charging rumbling bass kicks it off then takes a slight turn to a meloncholic sombering vocal that sinks its claws into you and digs deeper as the song continues. By the end you are caught in the trance and want even more and more. This is just the opening song, wait till you hear the rest of the album! What a trip it is. Faetooth are coming to bite and won’t let loose of its grip!

Faetooth- Echolalia:

Faetooth- Echolalia (Lyric Video):

Connect With Faetooth Via These Links:

https://www.tiktok.com/@faetooth

https://www.instagram.com/faetooth/

https://twitter.com/faetooth

https://www.facebook.com/faetoothband

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFnsyPIxsyRRwn37R1aobw

https://faetooth.bandcamp.com/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/faetooth/1493046333

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bAM7jeIX4pI5lZ0QoSZjt?si=4KQBCnGkThGduvFKzt5Lew

Band Of The Week: Cycotic Youth

I love when bands reunite for the right reasons. You can often tell when a band gets back together it’s for reasons that has nothing to really do with the music or passion. That’s not the case for Venice, California natives Cycotic Youth. After being away for almost 30 years, the legendary DogTown Thrash Punk Rockers are back with a new attitude and an album of songs that will absolutely pummel you. Since they announced their return, Cycotic Youth has been ripping up stages any chance they get, reminding everyone that not only are they back but they are taking no prisoners along the way. Their new album CYCO UP, which was produced and recorded by Terror’s Nick Jett, will be out in July. In the mean time, CY have released two banging singles/videos in “Cycofied” and new single “Cyco Up.” Both videos were directed and edited by the bands new guitarist Nick Garcia. These videos give you a little glimpse into the life of CY and where they come from. The lineup consists of OG members Jason Brown (vocals) and Mikey Beato (bass/vocals) is rounded out by Nick Garcia (guitar) and Billy Greenwood (drums) new comers but, not new to the DogTown scene. Cycotic Youth are back with one hell of a vengeance and I highly recommend you take the time to check them out!

Cycotic Youth- Cycofied:

Cycotic Youth- Cyco Up:

DOWNLOAD “Cycofied” and “Cyco Up” Via Bandcamp:

By: Brian Lacy

Band Of The Week: Haunted Horses

Since I started Audioeclectica, I’ve noticed that certain cities have a wealth of music bursting at the seams to be heard. Seattle has long been a city with a plethora of music waiting to be heard. Which brings me to the band of the week, Haunted Horses. I’ve heard about this band for a bit now and they are quite a band. Haunted Horses is an industrial punk duo/trio from Seattle made up of Colin Dawson and Myke Pelly. Their sound is this mix of chaotic noise and rhythms paired with an onslaught of distorted keys, guitars, bass and thundering drums. The band’s music stretches between post-punk, noise core, industrial and even a bit of a gothic/new wave sound. Most recently Haunted Horses recruited long time friend Brian McClelland of Filth Is Eternal and He Whose Ox Is Gore to add another layer of dynamic heaviness to the already captivating live show and sound. The time for a band like Haunted Horses is now. The element of danger that comes with their live show is much needed in a very sterile time we live in. Plus having music that gives you the push/pull of tension to truly bring you in, makes Haunted Horses a band to definitely watch out for. On July 29, 2022 via Three One G Records, Haunted Horses album, The Worst Has Finally Happened will be out! Check out the first single “Cold Medicine” NOW!!!

Haunted Horses- Cold Medicine:

Check Out What Else Haunted Horses Has To Offer Via Their Bandcamp!!!!

On The Rise: Alex Baird

The new breed of singer/songwriters are interesting. Instead of falling back into the comfort of classic influences, the youth of today have been stretching their wings and finding new outlets to be inspired by. I’d like to introduce you all to Alex Baird. Alex isn’t your typical singer songwriter. Following the lead from her late grandmother, Peggi Griffith, an acclaimed torch singer known as the ‘Seattle Darling,’ Alex’s debut is quite the collection of songs. The album is rounded out by new performances of tunes written and recorded in the ’60s by Alex’s late grandmother. And instead of the usual run of the mill type of album you think you’d get this is where it gets interesting. Taking cues from the pop world especially from the age of the 50’s & 60’s and then incorporating a bit of jazz standards into the songs, gives the album a whole new life on its own. Think of it in terms of if Norah Jones and Carole King combined forces, that’s what you get with up and comer Alex Baird. Her debut album, Lemon Tree, is out NOW!

Alex Baird- Lemon Tree:

Band Of The Week: Tangients

I love it when I hear a band and while listening to their songs I get to that moment of “ahhhh.” A while back I came across a post punk band that realy intrigued me. The other elements they had in their music like shoegaze, dream pop, and even the bit of a pop sensibility really peaked my interest and the rest was history. Allow me to introduce you to Tangients. This post-punk-gaze duo is absolutely awesome. Vocalist Chelsea Ray has this intensity to the way she sings that you must hear to believe. The sonic textures of guitars, bass, noise, melody and ambience by Be Hussey adds to the incredible intensity of the vocals. I’ve tried to come up with a good comparison of what I’d describe Tangients as and I think I’ve come up with quite a good one. Think Siouxie and The Banshees mixed with a bit of Bjork, The Cure and a tinge of Portishead. I also am thrilled to announce that TANGIENTS will be a part of Audioeclectica’s Birthday Bash, Friday May 6, 2022 at The Federal in North Hollywood! Get your tickets HERE!!!!

Tangients- White Foam:

Tangients- Hazel:

Band Of The Week: Speed Of Light

The whole point of starting Audioeclectica was to share great new music and bands with you all. There are so many good bands out there that deserve the attention and support. With that in mind, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Speed Of Light. This power trio (ages 18, 17 and 15) plays hard-hitting rock n roll with a righteous slab of punk rock. Since their inception they’ve been playing stages all over Southern California and destroying them. I’ve had the pleasure to see a couple of their shows and each time they leave me in awe. Their style of unrelenting rock and right attitude makes them a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. I personally can’t wait for more from Speed Of Light. Everything about this band is what you would want in a great rock band. Here’s to a lot more from Speed Of Light and them conquering the rock world! Definitely head to The Federal in North Hollywood on Saturday, March 12th to see them rock the house!

Speed Of Light On YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/SPEEDOFLIGHT/videos

Speed Of Light On Bandcamp:

https://speedoflight.bandcamp.com/

Speed Of Light On Spotify:

By: Brian Lacy