Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
Toadies ‘The Lower Side Of Uptown’ Review: Texas alt-rockers return with their best album since 1994’s Rubberneck [rating=5] On their 2015 album Heretics, the Toadies reworked their classic heavy tracks, giving songs like Possum Kingdom subdued acoustic makeovers that worked surprisingly well. Click here for my Heretics Review And on their latest disc, The Lower […]
Dälek ‘Endangered Philosophies’ Review: alternative hip-hop act’s dystopian soundscapes and caustic lyrics capture Trump-era angst. [rating=4] Experimental hip-hop act Dälek have always forged their own idiosyncratic path. The group combine elements of industrial and shoegaze with lyrics offering insight in uneasy times. And their latest release, Endangered Philosophies (out September 1st via Ipecac Recordings), is […]
The Black Watch’s John Andrew Fredrick Talks New Album The Gospel According to John: frontman for underrated indie act discusses his band’s new album, his recent literary pursuits and much more in our exclusive interview. The Black Watch are one of the best kept secrets in indie/alternative music. The band, which formed in Santa Barbara, […]
Roselit Bone ‘Blister Steel’ Review: contributor David Dierksen dives into Portland group’s Gothic Americana infused sophomore album. [rating=4] By David Dierksen Attempting a simple sonic description of Blister Steel, the newest release from Portland collective Roselit Bone, is almost committing a disservice to the music, akin to describing a piece of abstract art by talking […]
Queens of the Stone Age ‘Villains’ Review: Josh Homme and co. embrace dance music without losing their quirky edge. [rating=4] If Queens of the Stone Ages uptempo new album Villains feels like a reaction against 2013’s somber, mortality examining …Like Clockwork, it’s by design. In a recent radio interview, band mastermind Josh Homme described it […]
Concert Review: Dead Cross at Emo’s, Austin: Hardcore supergroup brings noisy bliss to Austin. [rating=5] Everyone awaiting Dead Cross at Emo’s had a scare yesterday when news broke that the band (fronted by the ever-prolific Mike Patton) had been detained by police in Houston, Texas. Somehow, given their combustible and intimidating self-titled debut, it seemed […]
The Black Watch ‘The Gospel According to John’ Review: one of alt-rocks best kept musical secrets is back, and its time to pay attention. [rating=4] As a music obsessive of the Gen-X persuasion, I pride myself on an extensive knowledge of amazing, under-the-radar alternative and indie bands from my youth. I tend to favor the […]
Melvins Drummer Dale Crover Talks New Solo Album ‘The Fickle Finger of Fate’–influential drummer discusses his first full-length solo album and much more in our exclusive interview. Dale Crover has had one busy year so far, and he isn’t slowing up anytime soon. In addition to The Melvins recent double-album A Walk With Love and Death, […]
Love and Time Lost: A Possible Endgame for Twin Peaks The Return–Damon Shell examines Agent Dale Cooper/Dougie Jones’ ultimate fate in Showtime series. By Damon Shell With only 6 episodes left in Twin Peaks The Return, and dozens of loose ends left to be tied up, there is one major plot thread that has me […]
Dale Crover ‘The Fickle Finger Of Fate’ Review: Melvins drummer offers eclectic affair on début solo album. [rating=4] For his first full-length solo album The Fickle Finger of Fate (due August 4th, via Joyful Noise Recordings) veteran Melvins drummer Dale Crover showcases his musical gifts in both expected and unexpected ways. Click here for my […]