Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
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 […]
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 […]
