Underrated and Influential: No Knife

When we look back at music history, especially in rock music, there are so many bands that should have been huge but, for whatever reason, they weren’t. That’s not to say that they didn’t leave a lasting impact on those that did listen to them. Throughout the years, I’ve spent many a day and night delving deeper into the 90’s and discovering a plethora of bands that I never truly gave a full listen to when they first came out. One such band that I’ve really come to love and draw inspiration from is No Knife. This band originally from San Diego, California, was quite special. They had this very cool style of mixing, bits of post hardcore, math rock, and what we now refer to as “indie” rock. Through their career, No Knife released four full length albums and went on to influence and inspire so many other bands that in a way, copped their sound. 

Going back through the bands catalog, and really listening, you come out of it not only inspired but, with an understanding as to why they are commonly referred to as a “band’s band.” Their debut album, Drunk On The Moon (1996), has this really interesting melodic sense to it that cuts through like a knife (no pun intended). It’s a very 90’s sounding album but, if it were to come out in say the early mid 00’s you’d think this was a new band from that era. Their next album Hit Man Dreams, (1997) was actually the first album I heard from No Knife. Original guitarist/vocalist Aaron Mancini was replaced by Ryan Ferguson. This album is a bit more melodic but, also seems to have more of an “edge” to it.  To me, and this is just my opinion, this is the album that No Knife really found their sound on. I strongly suggest you taking a listen to all their albums but, Hit Man Dreams specifically. I think this is the one that will make you fall in love with the band. Following these two albums, drummer Ike Zaremba was replaced with Chris Prescott and the band continued on. Their next album, Fire In The City Of Automatons (1999), was another step in the bands evolution. This one has more of a “math rock” approach to the rhythms while still keeping true to its melodic undertones. The bands final album Riot For Romance (2002), really fit in perfectly for where their genre was heading but, sadly didn’t quite capture the audience that their peers like Jimmy Eat World did. Even though, No Knife was clearly the better band. In 2003, the band sadly broke up. Though in 2009 they did reunite for a few shows in the San Diego area. And most recently, they were the special guest at one of Jawbox’s reunion shows in Los Angeles in 2019.

All in all, through No Knife’s short but inspiring history, they forged a sound that would be highly touted and recognized by countless bands and their peers. No Knife are the type of band that should have been huge but, thankfully, we have four great albums to go back to and celebrate. I personally think that if they were to come back with an EP and go out on the road with a band like Thrice (imagine how amazing that tour would be), it would open a whole new door for the band and people can really get a chance to discover how great this band truly is. 

Drunk On The Moon:

 

Hit Man Dreams:

 

 

Fire In The City Of Automatons:

 

Riot For Romance:

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

Underrated and Influential: Prong

As a music enthusiast since a very young age, I’ve been able to see the power and effect specific bands from a point in time have on genres and on their peers. It’s truly a remarkable thing to see and hear. There is one band in particular that never really got their due and that is a bit unsettling in my mind. That band is Prong.

Underrated Band: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

There are so many bands out there that are extremely underrated, it should be a crime. One band in particular, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is a prime example of that. Formed back in 1998 by Robert Levon Been and Peter Hayes, they have released seven studio albums in that time and in 2018 will release their long awaited eighth album. When the band begun they had a more “hard rock n roll” sound but over time they truly found their own niche by incorporating psychedelia, space rock, shoe gaze, blues, alternative rock and even a bit of folk. It’s not surprising to see those elements in their music considering they are influenced by bands like The Velvet Underground, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Love and Rockets, The Rolling Stones, T Rex, The Call (which featured Robert’s father Michael Been), and Lou Reed.

From the moment their self titled debut was released, BRMC has played by their own rules. Never a band to compromise their art and music, they really have made a name for themselves not just with great albums but with a live show that is at times hypnotic and full of passion. When their first album came out many critics lumped them in with the emerging “garage rock” sound that was blowing up which featured bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes. Though I don’t think they ever really belonged in that. The second album Take Them On, On Your Own was a bit of a departure from their debut. It was a harder and darker sounding album and also featured  a bit of a political tinge to the lyrics. When Howl, their third album was released in 2005, BRMC had changed yet again by adding a more bluesy/folk feel to their music. A lot of “critics” loved the change in sound and said that it was “an innovative departure” for the band. Personally, I dig on Howl but, it’s not where the band really found their stride. 2007’s Baby 81 is one hell of an album and where they truly left their mark. This album featured a harder, more raw sound as well as some of the most profound and poetic lyrics since their debut. Their 2010 album Beat The Devil’s Tattoo was a statement album for the band. This one featured a more straight ahead rock approach while also incorporating a new drummer Leah Shapiro who took over for Nick Jago, who left to pursue a solo career. Their 2013 album Specter At The Feast was a bit of a solemn album and sort of a tribute to Robert Levon Been’s father Michael, who passed away following a heart attack. Michael had also been working with the band as their live sound tech, producer and sort of musical mentor. The songs released from their upcoming album Wrong Creatures are remarkable. It has been about five years since BRMC have released a new album and this new one is shaping up to be quite the album for the band. Every one of the bands albums has something special in them. They are the epitome of rock n roll.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Black Rebel Motorcycle Club live a few times over the years and they never disappoint. Instead of having all the glitz and glamour of a bombastic rock show, they rely on the music to guide you through the show. Usually draped by minimalist lights, the band really knows how to deliver that feeling of intimacy and vitality. When BRMC comes through your city, I strongly suggest you take the time to go see them and witness a truly great and underrated band.

 

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Albums:
BRMC:

 

Take Them On, On Your Own:

Howl:

Baby 81:

Beat The Devil’s Tattoo:

Specter At The Feast:

Wrong Creatures:

Underrated Band: Balance & Composure

There are bands that often get overlooked because there are so many coming out of a genre at the time. Most times when you take a step back and see what you’ve missed, you come across some pretty spectacular bands. Back in 2009 or 2010 when I went to see the band Dredg, they brought along a band called Balance and Composure on tour with them. During their set I really began to dig on their sound and songs. I remember thinking that they had a very cool vibe that was similar to that of Brand New with a bit of Sunny Day Real Estate.

Since the bands inception in 2007, Balance and Composure have released 3 full length albums and more than half a dozen EP’s and splits. Through the years not only has the band progressed and evolved but, they have started to really rub off on other up and coming bands from the post-hardcore/alternative rock scenes. Something else about Balance and Composure is their ability to write songs that not only emit feeling but, also pack a punch of aggression delicately with precision. Their music isn’t “heavy” for the sake of being “heavy.” It’s all done in a way that is needed for the song and fits where things are going.

Their most recent album Light We Made, is the perfect representation of the band. This album is mature yet full of all the things that make Balance and Composure a band for the times. Since that release, they have also released an EP called Slowheart that is one of their best pieces of work.

Catch Balance and Composure on tour this fall with Thrice and Circa Survive.

 

Balance and Composure- Light We Made:

 

Balance and Composure- Slowheart EP:

 

Balance and Composure- The Things We Think Are Missing:

Underrated Band: Chevelle

There are bands out there that get a bad rap for no good reason. And the more you really delve into the band’s albums, you realize that said band is quite good and really consistent in releasing quality material. Over the last few years, I’ve personally noticed that the band Chevelle falls into this category of underrated bands. Not only do they release consistently solid albums but, they’ve upped their game on each album. Rather than just stick with a “radio friendly” formula, the three guys in Chevelle, bucked the trend and went on to create what they wanted to.

After their platinum selling second album, Wonder What’s Next, which featured songs like radio staples “The Red” and “Send The Pain Below,” Chevelle realized that they needed to separate themselves from the rest of the bands of that time. Drawing more on their influences of Helmet, Tool, and The Cure, Chevelle managed to carve out their own little niche. Since Wonder What’s Next, Chevelle has been consistent in putting out solid albums. This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In and Vena Sera, are very melodic and heavy. Sci-Fi Crimes is a bit of an experimental album for them, as they were toying around with bits of prog rock in their new tunes.

When they made Hats Off To The Bull, that’s when they really found their sound and style. Working with producer/engineer Joe Baressi, was the best thing they could have done. Joe not only has a great ear for production but also tones, and structures. Hats Off, while, not the band’s best effort, was the push in the right direction. When it came time to work on their follow up, La Gargola, Chevelle made a statement with that album. Not only is it an “album” but it was sonically bombastic and written so well. It was the perfect album at the right time. Not long after, when it was time to go back in the studio, Chevelle upped the ante by writing their heaviest album to date, The North Corridor. This album is 10 songs of unrelenting syncopated rhythms and a darker tone.

Chevelle are the type of band that deserves the recognition of being one of the best heavy rock bands since the turn of the century. Their catalog represents that as does their live show. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them in different times of their career, and they have never disappointed. One other thing that makes Chevelle such an underrated band is that they are a great band to recommend to someone that is wanting to get into heavier music but, doesn’t want it to be “too heavy.” Chevelle is and will always be a melodic heavy rock band, and they do it so well.

Give them a chance if you haven’t before. You’ll be surprised at what you missed out on.

 

Wonder What’s Next:

 

This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In:

 

Vena Sera:

 

Sci-Fi Crimes:

 

Hats Off To The Bull:

 

La Gargola:

 

The North Corridor:

 

 

Underrated and Influential: Placebo

There are bands that have come out and really influenced other people and bands but, never seem to get their due. A slew of bands from Europe have left their mark on bands from the states. The only thing is, most of America didn’t embrace it or give it a chance. One such band is Placebo. Formed in 1994 in London by singer/guitarist Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal, Placebo has left their mark in the alternative rock scene for over 20 years. Brian’s unique and distinct voice along with his beyond honest lyrics, have given great inspiration to many throughout the band’s inception.

One of the great things about Placebo is that they are a band that’s never been afraid to expand upon their sound and evolve. Originally when they came out, they were received as a “glam-rock” band by critics and the press, and over the years they worked to put themselves in a position not only escape that categorization but,  to be one of the best rock bands. Lyrically, Brian Molko paints vivid pictures with his words. He lets you in a little bit at a time, so you can understand where he is at in his life and what he has experienced. Hid lyrics are some of the most truthful and thought provoking of the last 20 plus years.

Since 1994, Placebo has released 7 full length albums, each of which get better and better. You might recall first hearing Placebo back in the movie Cruel Intentions, and their song “Every You and Every Me.” Their debut album (self titled), is full of angst and questions in regards to growing up. Something everyone could relate to. Without You I’m Nothing, the band’s second album, saw them grow by leaps and bound and explore a different side of themselves. This album went deeper and featured a more “mellow” sound, making Brian stand out even more. Over the course of the next couple albums Black Market Music and Sleeping With Ghosts, Placebo really began to cement their place in rock music, especially in Europe and with their influences like David Bowie and Robert Smith of The Cure.

My personal favorite album of theirs, Meds, is a great summation of everything the band is about. There is something special about this album. It’s dark and powerful yet it breathes a sense of calm and connection as the songs play through. Songs like “Meds,” Infra Red,” “Drag,” “Follow The Cops Back Home,” “Because I Want You,” “Song To Say Goodbye,” and the very amazing “Blind,” are absolutely perfect. Meds would also mark the last album drummer Steve Hewitt would play in the band. Placebo has gone on to release 2 more full lengths, Battle For The Sun and Loud Like Love, which take the band on a different approach, incorporating more electronics and synths. Both of these albums though are pretty stellar and translate to a whole other space live, especially the songs off of Loud Like Love.

Placebo is a band that deserves their due. They are one of the few bands to truly understand what it is to evolve and pursue their goals without compromising their artistic integrity. There are so many bands that owe Placebo a huge debt of gratitude, which I hope they get. They are masters at their craft and like a fine wine, only gotten better with age.

 

Placebo- Meds:

 

Placebo Live 2003:

 

Placebo Live 2013:

 

Placebo Unplugged:

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:

 

Underrated Band: Cold

I can remember two times in my life when a genre of music has really hit me. First, in the early 90’s with bands like Nine Inch Nails and Alice In Chains. Then, again in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. I’ve always thought I was born later than I should have been, so I could have been fully emerged in the 90’s movement. That’s not to say that I wasn’t, but it would have given me the opportunity to see some of those bands back then. When the “Nu Metal” phase hit, it grabbed my attention greatly. It spoke to me just as the “grunge” movement did, only now I was older and angrier than I was when I was younger. Bands like Deftones and Korn were constants in my stereo, discman, and in the car with my parents. There was a band in particular at that time that really stuck out to me and hit me hard. That band was Cold. The album of theirs that got me right off the bat was 13 Ways To Bleed On Stage. Songs like “No One,” “End Of The World,” “Confession,” “It’s All Good,” “Outerspace,” and “Bleed” would be the ones that resonated with me the most while listening to that album. The entire album was a huge help during my adolescence. But it wasn’t just that album. After hearing 13 Ways, I went out and got their self titled debut, and fell in love with that one too. To me the first album is a more grunge influenced album than nu metal. Songs like “Go Away,” “Give,” “Everyone Dies” really stood out to me and still do to this day. By the time their third album Year Of The Spider was released I was fully emersed in the band. Despite Cold losing their more “raw” aesthetic on Year Of The Spider, the songs still were just as impactful as their previous albums. Songs like “Remedy,” “Suffocate” featuring the very talented Sierra Swan, “Cure My Tragedy,” “Don’t Belong,” “The Day Seattle Died,” and “Black Sunday,” were the ones that drew my attention more than anything. During this time of the band, they started to really take off. Sadly the label they were on didn’t care enough to put forth the effort to push them the right way. Thus leading them to leave their label and sign with another for their next album. That album A Different Kind Of Pain, like 13 Ways To Bleed, is one of the most heart wrenching and intense albums of their career.  You can hear it in songs like “Back Home,” “Feel It In Your Heart,” “A Different Kind Of Pain,” “Happens All The Time,” and “Ocean.” After taking some time off, Cold released a new album in 2011 called Superfiction, which saw the band take a different approach lyrically by making it more story driven, adding to their already emotional lyrics. Now in 2016, the band is working on a new album to be released later in the year.

They say that music can save lives. I really believe that. Certain albums, lyrics, and the connection to music can really take you places that get you out of your own head. Scooter Ward the singer/guitarist for Cold writes some of the most personal, heartfelt lyrics. His pain and vulnerability shines though all the darkness that exists around him. The band helps to create music that not only fits his lyrics, but also helps create a vibe that makes it complete. Cold is one of the more underrated bands of the time. They have a way with melodies and emotions that can make you feel at peace amongst your own issues. It’s sad they got lumped in with that nu metal genre, as they were more of a grungy band than anything. Also the association with Fred Durst didn’t help much either, but that’s beside the point. Cold is a band that should have been huge. But as a testament to their willingness to be themselves, the fans they have love them, and swear by them.

Cold Live 2014:

Cold:

13 Ways To Bleed On Stage:

Year Of The Spider:

A Different Kind Of Pain:

Superfiction:

Underrated Albums: Sparta- Threes

 

One of my favorite things to do is take a day and listen through a bands entire catalog. Yesterday, I was looking for something to listen to and out of the corner of my eye I saw my Sparta collection. So naturally I grabbed all three albums loaded them up in the stereo and proceeded to emerse myself in Sparta’s catalog. Their first album Wiretap Scars has already been established here on Audioeclectica as an unsung masterpiece. Their second album Porcelain is a somber album that takes a little while to really get into. But the album that really wound up striking a chord with me was Threes.

All the songs on this album present a refreshing sense of the band. Vocalist Jim Ward admits he was heavily influenced by Radiohead recording Threes. In the softer parts of the songs you can hear Thom Yorke in the vocals. Whatever it is he is singing, it’s always very passionate. One thing I noticed about Threes is the atmosphere of the album. It’s not the ambience that made Wiretap Scars special, but instead it brings out a new kind of ambience full of gloominess, suffering and other emotional pain. Songs like “Untreatable Disease,” “Crawl,” “Unstitch Your Mouth,” “Erase It Again,” and “The Most Vicious Crime,” all fall into that solemn category.  The first single “Taking Back Control,” is a classic heavy song for Sparta. Other stand out tracks include “Atlas,” “False Start,” “Red.Right.Return,” and closing track “Translations.”

If there is one critique about the album as a whole is that the production is a little too slick. In a way you can tell that the producer tried to expand upon the production sound that helped to make Wiretap Scars sound so good, but used too much compression. Sparta would go on to take a very long break after Threes. They reunited in 2012 for a short tour and also released a new song called “Chemical Feel,” which is equal parts Wiretap era and Threes. Sparta, while only having three albums, really left a quiet mark on the times of the early 2000’s expansion of post-hardcore. I really feel like they still have enough in them for one more solid album. Granted that will all have to come after this current At The Drive-In reunion. So take a listen to Sparta’s Threes and you’ll hear what I’m talking about.

 

Sparta-Threes:

 

Sparta- Chemical Feel:

 

 

 

 

Underrated and Influential: Type O Negative

I’ll admit I was late to the party with Type O Negative. Any of the songs I heard growing up I enjoyed but I never delved into their albums until a few years ago. With all that in mind going back and listening to albums such as Bloody Kisses and October Rust, really cemented in my mind that, Type O Negative is one of those bands that were underrated and influenced so many bands. Peter Steele’s voice was something special. His deep monotone voice carried bits of melody making it gentle to listen to but also presented a sensual experience while the music of Josh Silver, Johnny Kelly and Kenny Hickey was sonically dark, heavy and beautiful. The haunting eerie soundscapes that were a part of their sound made listening to them quite pleasant. Sadly in 2010, Peter Steele passed away from heart failure. This also meant the end of Type O Negative. Thankfully their catalog is so good and still packs quite a punch to this day, that Peter’s legacy carries on.

 

Bloody Kisses:

 

October Rust:

 

World Coming Down:

 

Life Is Killing Me:

 

Dead Again: