Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Tingler [Collector’s Edition] Blu-Ray Review–it may not make your seat vibrate, but Shout Factory’s reissue of the classic William Castle cheapie packs a fun jolt. [rating=5] William Castle was the king of the gimmick: the filmmaker/huckster never met a shameless marketing technique he didn’t like when promoting schlock classics like The House on Haunted […]