ALBUM REVIEW: Spirit Mother – Thistle


Spirit Mother represents the post-grunge era, entwined with Stoner Rock in a way that blurs the line between where one begins and the other ends. On Thistle (Sound of Liberation Records), they touch on a few different sounds from the nineties and bring them into a more modern focus rather than just trying to pay homage to an era. “Violent Son” has a moodier swagger and syncopated riff that finds the guitars adding atmosphere that allows the vocals to coast between it all. The vocals here are in a mellow croon that is possibly drug-induced. The strength of the vocals is not in their range, but in how emotion is conveyed and where he puts his voice. 

Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Strawberry Fuzz – Miller’s Garage


Venice Beach punk natives Strawberry Fuzz share their new album Miller’s Garage (CandyShop Management). The new album directly follows the band’s 2023 LP Strongs Dr. Ever since making their musical debut in 2021 with the album Fuzz Tapes, Vol. 1, Strawberry Fuzz have cemented themselves as an unprecedented force to be reckoned with among the Los Angeles surf/skate punk scene. Continue reading →


CONCERT REVIEW: Machine Head – In Flames – Lacuna Coil – Unearth Live at The Fox Theater Oakland


Making my way to Oakland via the BART, I was super excited to return to the Fox Theater for a night of metal. Heading out extra early, not wanting to miss any of the Bands, I met up with my bro and one of our best West Coast correspondence Pags ,I hadn’t seen in a year and a half in person, and I am so glad we got to reconnect and hang before the big night. Picking up our credentials was a breeze, and I’m always appreciative of the fantastic staff at The Fox. Continue reading →