Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
David J ‘Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh’ Review: sophomore solo effort receives first vinyl reissue in 33 years. ★★★★ While bassist/vocalist David J. Haskins is best known as the bassist for iconic post-punk acts Bauhaus and Love and Rockets, he’s also had a quite prolific solo career, releasing 13 albums since 1983. And his […]
Concert Review: A Perfect Circle at Austin360 Amphitheater: band brought politically themed new album ‘Eat The Elephant’ and more to vivid life at Texas show. ★★★★★ Austin’s Wednesday weather necessitated a rescheduled performance, and luckily A Perfect Circle opted for a one day delay vs a cancellation. The skies were clear and cool and the […]
Book Review: ‘The Big Book of Super-Villains’: Downtown Bookworks’ latest DC Comics affiliated title gives the low-down on all the best baddies in the DCU. ★★★★★ They say a hero is only as good as its villain, and the superheroes of the DCU have some of the most memorable adversaries in pop culture. And Downtown Bookworks latest […]
Holygram ‘Modern Cults’ Review: German act conjures classic post-punk and new wave on début full-length release. ★★★★ The musical ghosts of the 80s remain forever in our midst, with new bands drawing upon the sounds of 80’s goth, new wave and post-punk to both interesting and less-interesting results. But German newcomers Holygram have expertly seized […]
Episode 18: Night Club’s Emily Kavanaugh Talks Album ‘Scary World’ and Opening For A Perfect Circle-SLIS Podcast: vocalist discusses duo’s personal (and topical) new album and upcoming tour. Night Club are one of the most exciting indie acts in recent years, exploring a unique mix of darkwave, industrial, and modern pop. The duo, comprised of […]
Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats ‘Wasteland’ Review: UK psych oddballs channel 21st century angst with melody and retro doom groove on dystopian concept album. England’s most eccentric fuzz merchants Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats return with Wasteland, their first album since 2015’s The Night Creeper (out October 12th on Rise Above Records). And they do so […]
John Carpenter ‘Halloween’ 2018 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Review: filmmaker/composer adds new layers to his signature horror theme (and score) for director David Gordon Greene’s sequel. ★★★★★ Sure, the upcoming Halloween film is directed by David Gordon Green, but the influence of director/composer John Carpenter is felt throughout this direct sequel to his 1978 horror classic. Not […]
Episode 17: Fantastic Fest 2018 Recap: ‘Halloween’, ‘Suspiria,’ and Much More: a recap of all that was amazing, strange and meh at this year’s genre film festival at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. On this week’s podcast, co-host Dave Dierksen and I recap the wide arrange of great (and not so great) films at […]
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 […]
