Post-Mr Bungle’s dissolution in the early 2000s, Clinton “Bär” McKinnon relocated to Melbourne, Australia with stacks of material he’d written originally for the Eureka, California eccentrics. Thereafter, the formation of Umlaut followed, and a line-up that currently reads as the aforementioned McKinnon – Tenor Sax/Flute/ Clarinet/Keyboards/Guitar/Lead Vocals, Angus Leslie – Guitar/Backing Vocals/Keyboards, Bassist Shane Lieber, and recent addition Danny Heifetz (ex-Bungle) on Drums.
Tag Archives: pop
ALBUM REVIEW: Cheer-Accident – Admission
Cheer-Accident has been around since 1981, which equates to the same length of time as Metallica. Unlike the Thrash Metal legends however, the Chicago outfit (named after a Hallmark shopping display) have released a fantastic amount of albums, nearly 30 at last count, as well as several compilations, EPs and seven inches, some of which have been released by the legendary Skin Graft Records (home to Squid Pisser, U.S. Maple, The Flying Luttenbachers, Dazzling Killmen and other such wonderful artists). Continue reading
PODCAST: Episode 741 – Ava Maybee at BottleRock Napa
Up-and-coming Pop and Rock singer Ava Maybee just released her debut EP, “Orange Drive!” We caught her fiery opening slot on Saturday of BottleRock Napa 2025, and she killed it, followed by a quick interview with Keefy! Even though she comes from Rock royalty 9her father is Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and she was on American Idol, she is a totally DIY artist. In addition to her new release and BottleRock Napa, she is undertaking her debut tour and will also appear at Summerfest and Warped Tour this summer!Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Skunk Anasie – The Painful Truth
Sometimes bands create an album so creatively stellar that it leaves its mark on who they are as artists, such is the case with Skunk Anasie and their 1999 album Post Orgasmic Chill (Virgin Records) that transcended genres as well as eras of music. But Skin does not care how big they were in the past, she presses forward on their new album The Painful Truth (FLG Records), disregards being defined by anything to reinvent what the band is about. The song This is Not Your Life” proves Skin is in fine voice, even as an older wiser artist. Continue reading
GUEST POST: Ryan Cosmonaut Goes Track-By-Track for “Stars Are Coming” Album – Out Now
Ryan Michalski, who has been making music for many years under many names and bands, is currently going by Ryan Cosmonaut. He just released his new album Stars Are Coming, on The Doorway To label, and it’s an exploration of thoughtful lyricism and eclectic and killer songcraft. Ryan has given us a track-by-track breakdown of the depth and meaning behind each song on the record.Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Little Annie – With
Since the late seventies, Annie Bandez (known as Little Annie) has carved out a singular path as a singer, painter, and performance artist. Over the years she has collaborated with many luminaries of the Alternative music scene. With (Cold Spring) is a compilation that brings together many of Annie’s key collaborations on one record for the first time.Continue reading
INTERVIEW: Aki McCullough Talks New Album Directions, Nu House Studios, Allyship, and More
Aki McCullough is known as one of the most talented and colorful musicians and engineers in the extreme and experimental punk/metal underground. Having played with acts like Dreamwell, A Constant Knowledge Of Death, Necroplanet and guesting on multiple acclaimed albums (including Jisei, Victory Over The Sun and more) to running East Coast cult and very pro lgbtq studio Nu House, McCullough is often a blur of activity, determination and inventiveness. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Kelsy Karter And The Heroines – Love Made Me Do It
As soon as it became clear what Kelsy Karter And The Heroines were all about, I knew I was in for a joyride like no other, and I was ready as ever to be completely immersed in it.Continue reading
CONCERT REVIEW: Leprous – Annex Void – Nighdrator Live at The Crofoot
Pontiac is a northern suburb of Detroit known for having colorful nightlife and last Tuesday evening proved why. Their downtown was a buzz with streets closed and stages set up. The Crofoot, an acclaimed entertainment complex, was hosting a community concert series with hundreds of locals gathered. The venue was also hosting Norway’s own Leprous who is on a headlining tour promoting their new album, Melodies of Atonement (InsideOut Music). Having provincial rap acts perform outside and having a hot, progressive band play inside showed off the versatility and innovation of the beloved music venue. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Leprous – Melodies of Atonement
Leprous is a band that stands apart from other progressive acts. Their ability to effortlessly experiment while remaining exceptionally grounded in their superior signature and skillful sound is uncommon. This Norwegian five-piece has been labeled as unique and is known to be creatively inventive within the heavy music sphere. Each record they make manages to explore new ground and deliver world-class wonders. They are about to release their eighth full-length record, Melodies of Atonement (InsideOut Music) and its distinctively different approach compared to their previous works proves once again how aptly ingenuous the band is. Continue reading