Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
Al Jourgensen Talks New Project Surgical Meth Machine: Ministry frontman discusses new solo debut album, his synth-pop past, 2016 presidential election and other new projects in our exclusive interview. Al Jourgensen announced that Ministry’s 2013 album From Beer To Eternity would (possibly) be the band’s swan song after the death of guitarist Mike Scaccia. But be […]
Kaada/Patton ‘Bacteria Cult’ Review: Composer/vocalist duo reunite for first studio album in 12 years. [rating=4] The ever prolific Mike Patton has had a packed schedule the past two years: Faith No More returned with their triumphant 2015 reunion album Sol Invictus, and in January he released Nevermen’s début album his collaboration with Doseone, and TV on the Radio’s Tunde […]
Ex-guitarist returns for surprise appearance at Los Angeles concert performing tracks off ‘Siamese Dream’. It’s an Easter miracle: last night, estranged Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha joined the band to perform songs from their 1993 masterpiece ‘Siamese Dream.’ This marks the first time in 16 years that he’s shared the stage with frontman Billy Corgan […]
Ummagma ‘Frequency’ EP Review: Shoegaze duo give a refreshing, vibrant take on the genre. [rating=5] Here at Smells Like Infinite Sadness, I take pride on being ahead of the curve on musical releases. But hey, I’m no spring chicken, and sometimes I’m late to the party. Case in point: I’ve only recently discovered the 2015 […]
SXSW 2016 Interview: The Cult’s Billy Duffy Talks New Album Hidden City The Cult are back with Hidden City, their first album in four years. The release shows the band exploring more subtle and atmospheric elements, culminating in one of their most varied efforts to date. Guitarist Billy Duffy’s simmering riffs, always a highlight of […]
Primal Scream ‘Chaosmosis’ Review: Scottish iconoclasts return with a slick electro-pop makeover. [rating=4] Primal Scream never sit still for long. Their discography shows the Bobby Gillespie led outfit veering seamlessly from acid-house (Screamadelica) to roots rock (Give Out But Don’t Give Up) and all things in-between (XTRMNR, Vanishing Point). 2013’s More Light saw them refocus […]
Deftones SXSW 2016 @ Auditorium Shores Concert Review: Sacramento alt-metallers thrill with free last-minute show. [rating=5] The Deftones surprise gig at Auditorium Shores on Thursday stood out like a sore thumb against the hipster fare that preceded them, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. Thus the Austin skyline reverberated with their beautiful […]
Iggy Pop ‘Post Pop Depression’ Review: Pop and Homme join forces for a suitably strange, if overly restrained affair. [rating=3] It’s been a grim few months for rock music given the deaths of Lemmy, Frey, Emerson, and (most seismically) David Bowie. And while still alive and kicking, Iggy Pop is confronting his own mortality. His […]
MTV’s ‘120 Minutes’ Turns 30: a look back at the crown jewel of MTV programming on its 30th anniversary. Last week marked a nostalgic milestone for fans of alternative music: MTV’s 120 Minutes turned 30. The 30th anniversary flew under the radar, fitting for a show that felt like a secret society for seekers of a […]
SXSW 2016 Preview: This Year’s Must-See Bands. A definitive guide for the best acts (large at small) at the 30th annual Austin, TX Music Festival. By David Dierksen For those of you attending SXSW this year, we realize it can be an overwhelming task to decide which musical act demands your semi-undivided attention. And luckily […]
