Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
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 […]
Concert Review: The Smashing Pumpkins at Frank Erwin Center-90’s alt-rock titans rock the Texas capital on their Shiny and Oh So Bright Tour (featured image by Olivia Bee) [rating=5] The Smashing Pumpkins made Austin their first Texas stop on their Shiny and Oh So Bright tour. And for fans who’ve been clamoring to see a […]
Spotlights ‘Hanging By Faith’ Review: Brooklyn alternative-metal trio return with remixes off last year’s Seismic LP, as well as a cover track. [rating=5] Spotlights’ album Seismic was one of the best albums of 2017, a bruising yet beautiful sound from the NYC husband and wife duo of Mario and Sarah Quintero, which offered a bewitching […]
Failure ‘Your Body Will Be’ Review: band’s 2nd of four 2018 EP’s covers the gamut of their sound. [rating=4] Hot on the heels of their In The Future EP, Failure are back with Your Body Will Be (due May 25th on Failure Records),the 2nd of 4 EP’s planned for this year, all of which will […]
Poptone ‘Poptone’ Review: Bauhaus, Love and Rockets and Tones on Tail vets reunite for live recordings of their classic back catalogue. [rating=5] Last year former Bauhaus, Tones and Tail, and Love Rockets members Daniel Ash and Kevin reunited as Poptone, rounded out by Haskin’s daughter Diva Dompe on bass. Click here for my recent podcast […]
Kaada ‘Closing Statements’ Review: Norwegian instrumentalist offers a moving meditation on death. [rating=5] Norwegian composer and multi-instrumentalist John Erik Kaada has had a diverse and multi-faceted career. While he’s perhaps best known for his work with vocal virtuoso Mike Patton, he’s also had a varied solo career as well composing film scores. And his cinematic take on sound […]