Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
Tool ‘Fear Inoculum’ Review: At long last, the 13 years-in-the-works “new” Tool album has arrived. Was it worth the wait? “If I had to ‘psychology 101’ [it], I would have to say, ‘Well, yeah, that’s why it would take 13 years to write something, because you’re paranoid that it’s not gonna be the best that […]
Concert Review: A Perfect Circle at Austin360 Amphitheater: band brought politically themed new album ‘Eat The Elephant’ and more to vivid life at Texas show. ★★★★★ Austin’s Wednesday weather necessitated a rescheduled performance, and luckily A Perfect Circle opted for a one day delay vs a cancellation. The skies were clear and cool and the […]
Episode 18: Night Club’s Emily Kavanaugh Talks Album ‘Scary World’ and Opening For A Perfect Circle-SLIS Podcast: vocalist discusses duo’s personal (and topical) new album and upcoming tour. Night Club are one of the most exciting indie acts in recent years, exploring a unique mix of darkwave, industrial, and modern pop. The duo, comprised of […]
A Perfect Circle ‘Eat The Elephant’ Review: APC defy expectations with understated, reflective comeback album. [rating=4] The last time A Perfect Circle released an album, it was 2004’s Emotive, a political protest album (featuring unorthodox cover songs), railing against an unpopular republican president and a divided electorate. The group return 14 years later with Eat The […]
Concert Review: A Perfect Circle at HEB Center: reconstituted alt-rock veterans cranked out an elegant, atmospheric set in Austin, TX. [rating=5] It’s been six years since A Perfect Circle toured North America, and nearly 14 years since their last album. But as their well received, stellar set at Austin/Cedar Park’s HEB Center proved, absence has only made the […]
Book Review: A Perfect Union of Contrary Things By Maynard James Keenan and Sarah Jensen: Tool frontman offers illuminating snapshots of his past in new autobiography. [rating=4] When one thinks “enigmatic rock star,” one of the first that comes to mind is Maynard James Keenan. The frontman of Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer has […]
Albums Revisited: Failure’s ‘Fantastic Planet’ Turns 20: celebrating one of the most underrated alternative albums of the 90s. August 13, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of Fantastic Planet, the 1996 album from L.A. space rock gods Failure. And if ever there was an album deserving of a tribute and reappraisal, this is it. In an decade full […]
It’s been a decade since Tool’s album ‘10,000 Days’. Or should we say 365,000 days since ‘10,000 Days’? May 2nd, 2016 shares a dubious distinction in musical history. On that same date in 2006, Tool released 10,000 Days. their last album to date. That’s right: a full decade with no new music from a band who never broke up. […]
Concert Review: Puscifer at Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX: Maynard James Keenan’s rock-comedy project keeps things weird in the Texas capital. [rating=5] Yesterday marked Puscifer’s third stop off their 2015 Money Shot Tour, which landed them at Austin, TX’s Bass Concert Hall. And attendees who’ve learned to expect the unexpected from Maynard James Keenan’s oddball musical/comedy art-troupe, weren’t disappointed. Click here for my […]
Puscifer ‘Money Shot’ Review: Maynard James Keenan and co. make their most cohesive and satisfying album to date. [rating=4] Frontman Maynard James Keenan lit up the internet this week when he appeared to lash out at Tool’s fan base, saying in a Phoenix New Times interview that they’re: Insufferable people. It’s just ridiculous, retards. I’m sorry. Can’t help […]
