Album Review: Dead Cross- Dead Cross II

The new album by Dead Cross is one twisted and interesting ride. Made during a very turbulent time not just in the world but also personally for a couple of the members. Guitarist Michael Crain was diagnosed with cancer and progressing through chemotherapy while laying down his guitar lines. Singer Mike Patton developed severe agoraphobia and a bit of a drinking problem. That though didn’t interfere with Dead Cross delivering this thought provoking and pummeling record.

Their first output was a band finding their niche within all the genres and subgenres. This new album is a lot more focused and driven to make your head explode. Dead Cross II is more than just a blast of energy. It’s subject matter and lyrical approach does make you a bit more intrigued and you tend to listen a bit closer. It’s definitely an album that grows on you with each listen. The songs are more intricate and complex than the first album and I have to say too that having Justin Pearson’s vocals on more tracks adds a bit more “charm” to the album as a whole.

Through the nine songs and 35 minutes of this album you get an onslaught of brutality but with tinges of some fun things you’ll pick up on as you listen closely. One of my favorite tracks on the record is “Christian Missle Crisis.” This one has Justin on lead vocals and DAMN, this one goes HARD! Having the different vocal takes this song to a whole other level. Yes Patton is Patton but at times it’s too much Patton and you start to crave a bit more variety and that’s what makes Justin Pearson’s vocals stand out. Plus his delivery on this song is impeccable. My other favorite song on the album is “Reign Of Error.” Once you hear this one, you’ll understand why.

One thing that’s not to be dismissed about this album is the musicianship. Michael Crain’s guitar work on this album is superb. The tones and playing are top notch. There has always been an intensity to Michael’s playing (his days in Retox come to mind) but, he definitely seems to be channeling his cancer and treatment into this one and boy, does it pack quite the punch. Dave Lombardo is crushing on this album. His versatility as a drummer is on display here and it’s awesome. Justin Pearson’s bass rips through these songs with precision and razors and his vocals!!! One more thing to add about Dead Cross II and that is the production. While the first one is a bit more “raw” this one is more focused and concise, which actually makes for a better listen through. Dead Cross II is an album for the times that is for sure. It’s got almost everything you’d want and expect from those involved in this band and when it shines it makes you want to punch through glass (in a total good way). Hooray for ). Hooray for a new and anticipated Dead Cross album. I’m sure the live show this go round (when that time comes) will be one hell of a trip!

Overall Rating: B

Christian Missle Crisis:

Reign Of Error:

Heart Reformer:

Album Of The Week: The Bobby Lees- Bellevue

One of the best things about writing and running Audioeclectica is when I get an album sent to me that really peaks my interest. When this happens, I tend to get quite excited and listen to the album countless times and to find all sorts of nuances that make it even better. Recently, I received the new album, Bellevue by a band from New York called The Bobby Lees and it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s one of those albums that the more you listen, the more you enjoy it.

The Bobby Lees are an unhinged band with roots in punk, alternative, garage rock and I’d even say a tinge of folk. The 13-song album, which was recorded live in-studio, was produced by Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, The Raconteurs) and it’s stunning. When you listen to this band you hear something pure and honest that isn’t found in much of the mainstream music you’d hear today. So much so that the band found a champion in the legendary Henry Rollins, who brought them to the attention of Ipecac Recordings where Mike Patton and Greg Werckman signed them. The Bobby Lees are a four-piece that hail from Woodstock, NY, two women (Sam on vocals/guitar and Kendall on Bass) and two guys (Macky on drums and Nicholas on guitar), Sam is the band’s driving force – the songwriter/lyricist and the guide on all things Bobby Lees. The album is incredibly personal, written after a mental break while staying close to Bellevue (she uses the title as both a geographical point and also a reflection of her state of mind at the time).

Now with all that in mind, this album is an absolute kick to the nuts and punch in the face in a totally great way. There is an urgency and ferociousness within these songs that are not only a therapeutic journey but, also one that breathes life back into rock n roll. The album is 13 songs of hard charging unapologetic rock. What they deliver in 32 minutes is astonishing. The moment this album starts you can tell you are in for something that’s quite a trip. I could go song by song but my descriptions of the songs won’t do it justice enough. You need to listen to this album! There is an intelligence to this album too. The lyrics aren’t just personal they are introspective and deep. Then you add in the raw elements of the production and the chills that run amok over you with each listen will grab you and throw you against a wall with a sense of excitement that goes back to the days of CBGB’s and the craziness that ensued there.

The Bobby Lees have released an album that in 2022 is vital and necessary. It also has something that is missing that I’ve been talking about for a while now and that is a feeling of danger. Rock music has needed an injection of danger to it for a while and The Bobby Lees have found the right vein to tap into and let their music speak for itself. Do yourself a favor and take this album on a few spins and let it take over you. It’s one hell of a treat!

Overall Rating: A

The Bobby Lees- Bellevue:

Bellevue (Video):

Anticipated Albums: Dead Cross- Dead Cross II

The long awaited second album from Mike Patton, Justin Pearson, Dave Lombardo and Michael Crain aka Dead Cross is just about here. On October 28th (via Ipecac Recordings), Dead Cross returns with an abrasive and socio-political 9 song record that will leave you in shambles. The album, while both a ravenous hardcore collection, and at times, a politically-charged opus, has its roots in friendship, with the band rallying together after Crain received a surprise cancer diagnosis. “Words can’t even begin to describe how much this album means to me. It’s birthed of pain and uncertainty,” explains Crain. “The slow, excruciatingly painful, and nauseating recovery from cancer treatments were the catalyst for every riff and note on this album. However, my will to live and be with my brothers Justin, Dave, Mike, and co-producer Ross Robinson, got me out of bed and running into the studio every day to get it all on tape.” And that couldn’t be more true. This album although only 9 songs is unrelenting and what you’d want in a follow up to the band’s 2017 debut.

The first song releases “Reign Of Error” has an interesting backstory to it. “’Reign of Error’ was recorded almost as quickly as it was written and I believe there’s a very good explanation for it,” adds Crain. “I haven’t told anybody this before, least of all the rest of the band or Ross, but I honestly felt a strong presence in the studio that day. Those riffs flew out of me and when Dave sat down at his kit it was almost as if we’d played that song a thousand times before. It literally just happened so fast. Bam! One take. I’m not trying to paint a dark or fantasy-like story either. Having just escaped death and still healing from my cancer treatments I was incredibly sensitive to energy and the other side. There was someone else there. Not evil but benevolent and inspiring. I honestly believe it was Dave’s old bandmate and friend Jeff. I think he just wanted to jam with his friend again and perhaps did so through me. There I said it. Whether people believe it or not I really don’t care. I’m just grateful that I had that experience.”

Personally, I’ve been very excited for this new release from Dead Cross. I throughly enjoyed the debut and am stoked on this one for sure. October 28th can’t come soon enough. Now, lets just hope they tour it!!!

Dead Cross- Reign Of Error:

Memorable Live Performances: Jim Martin’s Last Show w/ Faith No More 1993

Faith No More are an absolutely tremendous band. They are one of the few bands that have the ability to evolve in a way that is untouchable. The versatility of the band and how damn good each member compliments each other shows on each album, no matter who is in the line up. I personally am very partial to the Jim Martin era. I’ve always thought he brought such a unique touch to the songs. That’s in no way a shot at Jon Hudson or Tre Spruance. I will always be bummed I didn’t get to see Faith No More with Jim but, when I get that time machine, you bet your ass I’ll be going back to see Faith No More with Jim. That being said, this performance here, is Jim’s last with the band. It’s a pretty awesome performance and how. The setlist is pure gold and the energy on stage is contagious.

Faith No More- Live July 17, 1993 / Phoenix Festival / Stratford-upon-Avon, England:

Track One: Faith No More- Land Of Sunshine

Faith No More’s album Angel Dust is an absolute masterpiece. From start to finish, it’s a work of art. The moment, “Land Of Sunshine” begins, you know you are in for a treat. The song itself has a very interesting history too. The song was released as the second single. The lyrics contain, amongst other things, questions from Scientology personality tests, with one of them, the question “Does emotional music have quite an effect on you?” Mike Patton also wrote more lyrics to this song, during a sleep deprivation experiment and included lines taken almost directly from fortune cookies and the Oxford Capacity Analysis personality test offered by the Church of Scientology. He also watched much late-night television to get into the right frame of mind. “Land Of Sunshine” is an absolute banger and live, holy hell is it huge!

Faith No More- Land Of Sunshine:

Land Of Sunshine (Live 1993):

Album Review: Tomahawk- Tonic Immobility

Tonic Immobility is Tomahawk’s first album in 8 years and the end result is something quite intriguing. Adding to the already well established hard rock sound they’ve developed since their debut, Tonic Immobility is one of if not the most diverse album this group has released thus far. There’s something more to this album than the previous one, 2013’s Oddfellows. This album expands on what you’ve heard before and adds some very interesting new curveballs.

As much as people love Mike Patton and his vocal deliveries, the real star on this album is the band. Bassist Trevor Dunn, drummer John Stainer and guitarist Duane Denison have really crafted songs that transcend genres and boundaries alike. The textures on the album along with the riffs and rhythms create a sonic adventure with the icing on the cake being Patton. You can hear all the different sonic waves on songs like “Recoil” and “Sidewinder.” You still have the vintage sound fans of this band have come to enjoy like “Business Casual.” Then you can’t forget how the album starts off with the assault of “Shhh” and “Valentine Shine” which adds a thrash element to the vocals. One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Doomsday Fatigue.” I’m not going to say anything about this one as I’d much rather hear what you think about this one.

Tomahawk delivers the goods on this album. There is plenty for longtime fans of the band to enjoy. If you are a new fan too, this album is a nice way to get into the band. I still will always have a fondness for their first two albums. I even had the pleasure of seeing Tomahawk open for Tool back in 2001. That’s where I really began to develop my appreciation for them. I will say too that it’s very awesome to hear Duane, Trevor, John and Mike all back together again and make an album like this. These guys are too talented to stay in one lane. Tonic Immobility is a strong album and a very welcome return!

Overall Rating: B

Tomahawk- Tonic Immobility:

Bands That Should Come Back: Mr. Bungle

Well, it’s happened… After 20 years, Mr. Bungle Is Back!!! I’ve waited so long for them to get back together and the stars have aligned. Mike Patton, Trevor Dunn and Trey Spruance will be reuniting the band for a handful of shows in 2020. Joining them will be Dave Lombardo and Scott Ian. The band will be performing their early material from The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny. This makes the first performances of the band in 20 years and 30 years since some of these songs have been played live. Mr. Bungle is one of the most influential bands of the past 30 years. You can hear their influence in countless bands like Korn, Incubus, Glassjaw and many many more. Their albums Disco Volante and California are 2 of the most interesting and intriguing albums to be released in the 90’s. I personally hope this isn’t a one off reunion and more shows will come from this.

 
The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny:

 

 
Mr. Bungle:

 
Disco Volante:

 
California:

Memorable TV Performances: Faith No More on Saturday Night Live

Let’s take a trip back to 1990, when John Goodman was hosting Saturday Night Live for his second time and the musical guest for the evening was Faith No More. The band played two songs from The Real Thing, “Epic” and “From Out Of Nowhere.” Their performance on SNL is one of my all time favorites. Mike Patton really went off that night too, as you’ll see when you watch the below clips.

 

Faith No More- Epic:

Faith No More- From Out Of Nowhere:

Cover Song: Dead Cross (Bauhaus)- Bela Lugosi’s Dead

One of the coolest songs on the debut album from Dead Cross (the new band featuring Mike Patton and Dave Lombardo) is their cover of the Bauhaus classic “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” Hearing their version is like hearing the song for the first time again. Mike Patton’s vocals on this song is perfect. The musical arrangement from Justin Pearson, Michael Crain and Dave Lombardo is stellar, Anyways, enough with me blabbing about it. Take a listen for yourself and do yourself a favor and buy Dead Cross’s album!

Dead Cross- Bela Lugosi’s Dead:

 

Bauhaus- Bela Lugosi’s Dead:

Album Review: Dead Cross- Dead Cross

It’s not everyday that a project lives up to the hype these days. In fact, the majority of “new and exciting” projects fall flat and leave you with nothing but a feeling of disappointment. That is not true though of the new band Dead Cross. The band was originally formed in 2015 by drummer Dave Lombardo (Slayer & Fantomas), bassist Justin Pearson (The Locust, Head Wound City, Retox), guitarist Michael Crain (Retox), and on vocals Gabe Serbian (The Locust, Head Wound City, Retox), the latter though was replaced by the legendary Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, etc).

Let me just cut to the chase. The debut self titled album from Dead Cross is, 10 songs and about 30 minutes of blistering hardcore punk rock that will leave you one, wanting more, two, wondering where this style of vocals Mike Patton has been for the longest time, three, damn… Dave Lombardo really is the soul of Slayer, and four, Justin and Mike have really outdone themselves in bringing back a sound that has been often copied and tired but not really done right. There are moments that really bring out the Mike Patton we all know and love, from the time he spent with The Dillinger Escape Plan, when they made Irony Is A Dead Scene. Songs like “Seizure and Desist,” “Idiopathic,” and “The Future Has Been Canceled,”  really show that side of Mike. The rest of the album is full of Hardcore Punk meets Fantomas and a bit of Mr. Bungle. Other tracks like “Obedience School,” Shillelagh,” “Divine Filth,” “Grave Slave,” and “Gag Reflex,” are beyond stand out songs. The sheer magnitude of force that pummels through those songs and the rest, provided by Dave, Michael, and Justin, is astonishing. One other gem on the album is the cover of the Bauhaus classic, Bela Lugosi’s Dead. Just listen to the whole album and you’ll hear the greatness

Dead Cross is the type of band that is needed for today. In the age we are in and with what is going on, this is the type of energy that can help. The combination of Dave Lombardo and Mike Patton is always welcome and appreciated. The inclusion of Justin and Michael, really brings out something special in those two. I truly hope that Dead Cross is a band that will stay for some time. I’d really love to hear this band develop and become something kids can get inspiration and influence from.

Overall Rating= A

 

Seizure & Desist:

 

Grave Slave:

 

Obedience School:

 

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE (Album is out August 4th):