Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
Concert Review: The Sisters of Mercy at ACL Live: Goth icons conjure nostalgia and break new ground with first Austin performance since 2006. It’s been 17 years since Goth legends The Sisters of Mercy last played Austin, TX. So to say the eager, black clad faithful attending their performance at ACL Live last Saturday were […]
Concert Review: Placebo at Stubb’s. European alt-rock darlings play Austin for first time in two decades in support of 2022 album ‘Never Let Me Go’. Before they took the stage at Stubb’s, Placebo frontman Brian Molko’s seemingly ageless visage appeared on a widescreen monitor. He implored fans to put away their phones and focus on […]
Dave Lombardo ‘Rites of Percussion’ Review: influential metal drummer gets drum-centric on debut solo album (May 5, Ipecac) “When the pandemic hit, I thought, ‘Well, I can’t tour now. I immediately started working on the record. It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. I had my studio, all my drums. Nothing was […]
Bluphoria ‘Bluphoria’ Review: Nashville rockers bring good vibes on blues-flavored debut. Nashville’s Bluphoria have had a swift ascendance in their short time together. Forming in 2019, the quartet (Reign LaFreniere (lead vocalist and lead guitarist), Dakota Landrum (rhythm guitar, background vocals), bassist/background vocalist Rex Wolf, and drummer Dani Janae) signed to Edgeout Records/Ume/UMG in early […]
Concert Review: Ministry, Gary Numan and Frontline Assembly at Emo’s, Austin: Industrial triptych blows minds and eardrums in Austin. It was a little over a year ago that Ministry graced Emo’s Austin with their presence on the Industrial Strength Tour. It was an alternative metal fan’s dream come true to see Al Jourgensen and co. […]
Spotlights ‘Alchemy For The Dead’ Review: metal-gazers contemplate mortality on melancholic new album. The power trio Spotlights have become one of the most accomplished, thoughtful and assured acts in recent memory. The group’s unique blend of metal, shoegaze and space rock sets them apart from other hybrid competitors. And on their latest album, Alchemy For […]
Puscifer “Existential Reckoning: Rewired”: Review-inventive album offers intriguing remixes from Maynard James Keeenan fronted 2020 album. Remix albums are a curious beast. Some are essential, adding new dimensions to established songs. Others are filler, offering excessive, bloated renditions that undermine the power of the original material. So where does Puscifer’s new remix album Existential Reckoning: Rewired […]
Acid King “Beyond Vision” Review: Bay Area stoner legends go into interstellar overdrive on new psychedelic album. At 30 years in, San Francisco’s Acid King can lay claim to being one of the original sonic architects of both doom metal and stoner rock. Vocalist/guitarist Lori S. (and her revolving lineup) has forged her own path […]
‘Inland Empire’ Blu-Ray [Criterion Collection] Review: David Lynch’s three hour multiple-persona Hollywood fever dream gets the long-awaited Criterion treatment with a director-approved 4K transfer. Criterion has been on a winning streak with its 4K restorations of David Lynch’s filmography including Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. Now coming off the heels of their 2022 release of […]
SLIS Podcast Episode 44: The Church’s Steve Kilbey Talks New Album ‘The Hypnogogue’: frontman gives an inside scoop on new album featuring revamped lineup. The Church have been brewing up their unique blend of psychedelia, post-punk, alternative and prog-rock ever since they formed in 1980. Over four decades, various lineup changes and 26 studio albums, […]