Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
Richard Christy Talks New Charred Walls of The Damned Album ‘Creatures Watching Over the Dead’: veteran metal drummer discusses latest release in exclusive interview. September 23rd will see the release of Creatures Watching Over The Dead (Metal Blade Records), the third studio album from metal supergroup Charred Walls of The Damned. The group is the brainchild […]
Alternative rock pioneer Tyson Meade is offering fans an intimate gig that will shine a light on his musical history. The singer will revisit his 1990’s output with Defenestration and Chainsaw Kittens in a one night event at Norman, Oklahoma’s The Red Room Event Center on September 24, 2016. Click here for my 2015 interview with […]
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez ‘Arañas en La Sombra’ Review: the fourth in a series of twelve previously unreleased solo efforts will thrill fans of The Mars Volta. [rating=4] This summer, the ever chameleonic Omar Rodriguez-Lopez has opened the vaults on a mountain of previously unreleased material (twelve albums in full, released bi-weekly through December). And so far, its been a […]
Sophe Lux and The Mystic ‘All Are One’ Review: a truly cosmic début release. [rating=4.5] 2016 has been a brutal year, from tragic world events, to the loss of musical icons, to the ugliest and most divisive presidential race in American history. And Gwynneth Haynes, former vocalist for Oregon art-pop collective Sophe Lux wants to help heal the divide […]
Slipknot, Marilyn Manson Austin360 Amphitheater Concert Review: sweaty heads banged on a simmering August night. [rating=4.5] A muggy, August Texas night seemed about right for a Slipknot concert, and the packed crowd of maggots at Austin’s 360 Amphitheater were ready for some bludgeoning. Things kicked off with serviceable metalcore from openers Of Mice and Men, which […]
Albums Revisited: Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten’ turns 30: our own Diamond Dave Dierksen looks back at the grunge underdog’s iconic debut thirty years on. By David Dierksen On August 27, 1991, Pearl Jam released their début record Ten. And no one really gave a shit. A little under a month later, Nirvana released Nevermind. And still, […]
Watch Music Video For New Placebo Song ‘Jesus’ Son’: video for new track off forthcoming 20th anniversary compilation album. Alternative rock stalwarts Placebo are celebrating their 20th anniversary with ‘A Place For Us To Dream,’ a collection of greatest hits and B-sides. And today they’ve premiered their video for ‘Jesus’ Son,’ a new track that […]
Faith No More ‘We Care A Lot’ (Deluxe Band Edition) Review: FNM’s long out-of-print début gets the reissue it deserves. [rating=4.5] Out of print for 20 years, Faith No More’s début release We Care A Lot is getting a long overdue reissue. Released on Bassist Billy Gould’s Koolarrow Records (due out August 19th),We Care A […]
Billy Corgan Reconciles With D’arcy Wretzky, Fuels Reunion Hopes: Smashing Pumpkins frontman discusses opening line of communication with former bassist. We reported recently that a long-hoped for reunion of the classic Smashing Pumpkins lineup, once thought unthinkable, is gaining traction. And frontman/master contrarian Billy Corgan added more fuel to the reunion fire, as first reported by […]
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez ‘Blind Worms, Pious Swine’ Review: the third (in a series of 12!) solo releases from the ever prolific At The Drive-In, Mars Volta multi-instrumentalist. [rating=5] Omar Rodriguez-Lopez ‘Blind Worms, Pious Swine’ marks his third release of 2016, unloading a catalogue of previously unreleased solo material (twelve releases in total). Whereas the first entry […]