Musings on the past and present state of music, film, and pop culture. Get off my lawn.
The Venus Fly Trap ‘Icon’ Review: latest release from underground UK post-punk act is an enjoyable quirky and vigorous combination of genres. ★★★★ As someone who loves vintage post-punk and goth, I’m ashamed to admit I’m unfamiliar with The Venus Flytrap, a UK group who traveled in the same circles as genre heavyweights Bauhaus. The duo, […]
Failure ‘The Furthest Thing’ EP Review: third 2018 EP brings group’s ambitious project full circle in advance of full-length October release. ★★★★ Alt-rock trio Failure have been on a mad creative tear this year, with one grand vision: the release of three individual EP’s, to be followed by a full-length (due this October). Previous releases […]
Beauty in Chaos ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’ Review: guitarist Michael Ciravolo’s new album brings together an intimidating group of guest vocalists and musicians for remarkably consistent début. ★★★★ Beauty in Chaos’s guitarist and mastermind Michael Ciravolo has amassed connections to some of the most sought-after musicians in the industry thanks to his role as CEO for […]
Episode 16: John Christ Talks Danzig Debut Album’s 30th Anniversary, Current Projects and More-SLIS Podcast: guitarist gives the behind-the-scenes story behind their landmark album, teaching music at Peabody Prep, giving private guitar lessons, and the possibility of playing with Danzig again in our exclusive interview. John Christ’s dark, bluesy riffs and solos were […]
Concert Review: Killing Joke at The Mohawk, Austin: Post-punk vets rock the state capital for first appearance in over 25 years. ★★★★★ Sometimes a show comes along right when you need it. Without getting into too many personal details, I’ve had a shitty past few days. Nothing life-threatening or insurmountable, mind you, but frustrating as […]
The Black Queen ‘Infinite Games’ Review: sophomore release from electronic trio fronted by ex-Dillinger Escape Plan vocalist Greg Puciato brings their brand of dark wave to inspired heights. ★★★★ The Black Queen’s 2016 début Fever Daydream was one of the most pleasant musical surprises in recent memory, seeing former The Dillinger Escape Plan vocalist Greg […]
Episode 15: Mac and Me (SMELLS LIKE CINEMATIC SADNESS)-SLIS Podcast: a look back at a truly awful 80’s flick. The infamously horrible ‘E.T.’ knockoff ‘Mac and Me’ turned 30 last month. Co-host Damon Shell and I look back on the 1988 film that featured a dance scene in a McDonald’s, a kid flying off a […]
Concert Review: Gary Numan at The Mohawk, Austin-Electronic pioneer brought the cool on a sweltering night. ★★★★★ It was an overcast evening last Friday, but it was still oppressively hot. But not even the unrelenting humidity could stop the enthusiasm of the black-clad crowd at The Mohawk. They were there to welcome the return of […]
Concert Review: Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel at Elysium, Austin: veteran post-punk act play Austin for the first stop of their long overdue North American tour. ★★★★★ It’s been over 10 years since the Jay Aston led incarnation of UK alternative act Gene Loves Jezebel has played a full North American tour, and the band […]
Episode 14: Raw Deal (Smells Like Cinematic Sadness)-SLIS Podcast: our new podcast series ‘Smells Like Cinematic Sadness’ (featuring yours truly and co-host) Damon Shell will tackle the best bad movies of all time. Up first, this lesser-known stinker from Arnold Schwarzenegger. At SLIS, the only thing we love as much as classic alternative rock are movies […]
