Musings on the past and present state of music, film, and pop culture. Get off my lawn.
Melvins 1983 ‘Thunderball’ Review: Buzz Osborne reunites with original drummer on a heavy, weird, short-but-sweet album. The Melvins have always thrived on reinvention. Whether pioneering sludge metal and grunge, dabbling in noise rock, or leaning into experimental absurdity, they’ve never been content to stay in one sonic lane. Their new release, Thunderball (April 18, Ipecac), […]
The Darkness ‘Dreams on Toast’ Review: theatrical UK glam rockers subvert expectations and explore new sounds on eighth album. The 2024 documentary Welcome to The Darkness showcased the survival skills of a band that peaked commercially with their 2004 smash debut album Permission to Land, broke up, reformed, and transitioned into a cult act with […]
Ministry ‘The Squirrely Years Revisited’ Review: Al Jourgensen Makes Peace With His Synth-Pop Past over 40-years later on new album. “I think I’m the only person that could probably say that they sold out before they started. I’ve hated that record for years, just on the simple principle that it’s not my record and that’s […]
Red Fang ‘ Deep Cuts’ Review: Pacific Northwest sludge rockers showcase 20-years’ worth of rarities on new double-album. ★★★★ Celebrating two decades of their refined blend of stoner and sludge metal, Red Fang’s “Deep Cuts” is a 26-track compilation that offers fans a treasure trove of the band’s lesser-known works. Released on March 14, 2025, […]
‘Welcome To The Darkness’ Movie Review: jovial UK rockers’ rise, fall and rebirth makes for an endearing documentary. ★★★★ The Darkness rocketed to fame on their 2004 debut album Permission to Land, buoyed by glam influenced hits like I Believe In A Thing Called Love and Growing On Me, infused with their unique wit and […]
The 15 Best Rock Albums of 2024: the best in alternative, metal and more from a year that sorely needed musical solace. 2024. What a year, huh? I’m personally worn out from it and dreading 2025, but I take my pleasures where I can find them, and music remains a source of solace for me […]
Jerry Cantrell’s ‘I Want Blood’ Review: Alice in Chains vocalist/guitarist shines on a sullen yet gorgeous new solo album. Jerry Cantrell is one of the most consistent and tasteful songwriters in the business. His work in Alice in Chains shows a distinctive talent for off-kilter sonics, emotive vocals, and a sublime mix of heaviness and […]
Episode 54: The Melvins’ Dale Crover Talks New Solo Album ‘Glossolalia’-SLIS Podcast: veteran drummer talks third solo effort, current European tour, Melvins’ activity and more in new interview. Today, we’re talking with legendary drummer Dale Crover, best known for his work with The Melvins. Their unique blend of metal, punk, and experimental music helped shape […]
Concert Review: The Sisters of Mercy Return to ACL Live: Goth icons cast a bewitching spell over their rabid Austin fanbase. This past Sunday, The Sisters of Mercy played their second performance in Austin in just over a year. This was a welcome surprise, given the 17-year absence that preceded their 2023 return. Darkwave duo Blaqk […]
Episode 53: Pulsars’ Dave Trumfio Talks 1997 Self-Titled Album Reissue-SLIS Podcast In this week’s episode, I interview Dave Trumfio, the songwriter and vocalist for the synth-pop duo Pulsars. The Chicago-based Pulsars, which also featured Trumfio’s brother and multi-instrumentalist Harry Trumfio, were one of the first bands to bring back an 80s retro sound on their […]
