I first got into Hot Milk when I discovered their song "Candy Coated Lies" and you can tell with their new album A Call To The Void that they've come a long way. The album opens up with the song "Welcome to The…", which gives off the feeling of entering into a cave in a horror film and sounds hitting the cave walls. The ending lyrics “Am I the darkness” add to a haunting start to the album. 

The next song is "Horror Show". My favorite elements for this song were the dark lyrics but instrumental parts that make you feel like dancing at the same time. “Lobotmize my brain” were some of the lyrics that stuck out to me, it was sung in such a way that it felt relatable.  "Bloodstream" has a different sound compared to the other songs, I loved the word choice for the lyrics of this song. The lyrics “Kaleidoscope of the abyss” is an interesting description and I like that the instrumental felt like it was blending well with the vocals. 

Up next is "Party On My Death Bed", I loved the screams in this one and the guitar moments. The lyrics didn’t resonate with me as much for this song as it did for the others. It was more of a fun song to dance to for me. This song is followed by the song "Alice Cooper’s Pool House". The first thing that grabs me about this song is the lyrics “Only lucid dreams can keep me clean” and from there, it starts feeling like being stuck in a realm in between fantasy and real life. You can really get a sense that they’re losing their minds. The dark-humor ending of the song was a fun twist as well.  

Another killer track is "Zoned Out". It has some really fun drum parts to it and some cool electronic moments in the song. The instrumental for me was my favorite part of the song, it set the mood right away. The lyrics “Get me out get out” were also very relatable. The song also reminded me of how nowadays we are too absorbed in things like our phones and other forms of technology. When really it is important to be in the moment whenever we can and not be a slave to our technology.

"Over Your Dead Body" is next and it has a strong opening, loved the lyrics “You’re the Jesus of Nowhere” and the message of this song. The dramatic instrumental moments were also fun.  I feel like we can all relate to having someone in our life who acts like they’re bigger than they are and promises things they can’t deliver and just overall being done with them as a result. Being around fake people is never fun and that’s the kind of message I get from this song. The energy in "Migraine" feels a bit chaotic but in a fun way, it has a fast pace to it.  “I’m living with the pain” were the lyrics that stood out the most to me. However, I loved the next song more which is "Breathing Underwater," with relatable lyrics like “I cracked under the pressure” and “I open my mouth but the words don’t come out”. I could really feel the emotion with this one and the feeling of being alone and not having a voice for anyone to realize what you’re going through. 

 I was excited about "Amphetamine" when I realized Loveless is a part of it.  Loveless and Hot Milk sang perfectly in harmony with each other.  I loved how they sang about the disorder and chaos in the world and the feeling of being treated like we’re crazy for noticing it. When the things that have been going on shouldn’t be going on. It also felt like a song that fits both Loveless and Hot Milk.  

The final song "Forget Me Not" has a nostalgic melody to it and feels like a goodbye song. Which in a way feels fitting for the final song of the album. I feel like it captures the grief of losing someone and going on with your life really well. This song hit the hardest emotionally for me and lyrics such as “Please come back home” felt very haunting and relatable.  This one almost made me cry and ends the album on a strong note.

Overall, A Call To The Void is a strong album where every song is different but haunting in its own way.  Even if you don’t like all the songs, I feel like for most people into this genre of music, you’ll find at least one that you resonate with. Hot Milk has talent and a unique voice that I feel will keep attracting more fans to them. This one is 100% Hunnypot approved!

They say trends tend to repeat themselves about every 20 years. This would seem to prophesies that Nu Metal would be making a resurgence in the music world. I don’t know if this 20 year trend cycle is true for everything, but it certainly is real for Nu Metal. The genre is beloved by many and joked about with hindsight by many more. With the music Festival Sick New World taking place earlier this year in Las Vegas, tens of thousands turned out to sell out the festival and prove Nu Metal never left their hearts. One of the most prolific bands of the era was Mudvayne who sadly disbanded in 2010, and after an eleven year hiatus finally came back to much fanfare. Their tour with Rob Zombie last year was considered one of the best metal tours of the year. This year Mudvayne decided to keep that momentum going with the Psychotherapy Sessions Tour. Bringing with them other recently reformed Nu Metal favorite Coal Chamber, along with GWAR, Nonpoint, and the Butcher Babies. Dr. Chad Gray has clocked in, and the patients have arrived for their therapy session at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA.

Opening this stacked tour were Hollywood natives the Butcher Babies. This tour happened to start incredibly early on a Thursday evening, so it was very unfortunate to see that people were having a hard time getting into the venue before the show started, causing the Butcher Babies to perform for an incredibly small crowd. This didn’t seem to hinder the energy of the Butcher Babies, as they were ready to pump up the patrons who were able to get there in in time. Co-vocalist Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey are nothing but pure entertainment to watch, as they chase each other around the stage flipping each other off, playing off each of like teenage girls, as well as letting out some of the most ferocious roars you would hear this night. Guitarist Henry Flury drives the songs with his riffs and melodies, while bassist Ricky Bonazza and drummer Chase Brickenden hold down the low end that let the fans in attendance headbang. The Butcher Babies played a solid set consisting of songs “Red Thunder,” “Best Friend,” “Monsters Ball,” “BEAVER CAGE,” “It’s Killin’ Time, Baby!,” “Last December,” and closing with “Magnolia Blvd.” To the fans that made it in time, the Butcher Babies gave it their best and the energy was given right back to them.

Up next was the Florida boys Nonpoint, who were decked out in all red attire. Where more bands are performing in more casual clothes and attire, it’s nice to see a band that has been around for over twenty years still prioritizing stage attire to bring a show to the crowd. Opening the night with “Victim,” lead signer Elias Soriano has a commanding voice, and performs with his dreadlocks flailing in front of his face. The man is the epitome of a front man. Lead guitarist Jaysin Zeilstra and rhythm guitarist Rasheed Thomas are a dynamic force to be reckoned with. Layering their guitar lines to help create the sound Nonpoint is so well known for. While bassist Adam Woloszyn and drummer Robb Rivera were perfectly in sync. Rivera specifically knows how to play up to the crowd while keeping the band on beat. Nonpoint manages to keep the Nu Metal sound alive while mixing their sound with aspects of metal in songs like “Dodge Your Destiny,” “A Million Watts,” “Chaos and Earthquakes,” “Ruthless,” and ending with “Bullet With a Name.” As fans continued to trickle into the FivePoint Amphitheatre, Nonpoint continued the trend that Butcher Babies started, by giving it their all and performing their best show regardless of how many people were in the venue for their set.

As parts of the stage, and the amps positioned in front were covered with tarps, the fans in the front row screamed as they knew what was coming up. The mighty GWAR was ready to hit the stage and let the blood flow and spray all over the place. Looking at the fans who pushed their way to the front, you could tell which ones were here for GWAR, as they were wearing white. At a GWAR show, you can create your own personal souvenir shirt by wearing all white outfit and come home with your clothes drenched in GWAR fluids. For this show it felt as if GWAR was over stocked with blood that they needed to let flow, as their lackies would let the blood fly through out entire songs, and the fans drank it all up. The band themselves are filled with solid performers that have really crafted a community of diehard fans, but the stage show that GWAR brings with them is what puts them over the top. From monkey henchmen swinging 12” dicks on stage, to massive 10 foot tall monsters fights happening on stage, to pulling the guts and intestines out of a sacrificial body. The GWAR fanatics screamed for more and more blood and never let it up. The bloodbath continued for every song like “Hail, Genocide,” “The Cutter,” “Mother Fucking Liar,” “Sick of You,” “Completely Fucked,” “Let Us Slay,” “Fuck This Place,” “Berserker Mode,” and ending with the AC/DC cover of “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It).” GWAR are a sight to behold, and a live show you must experience firsthand to truly understand why people love this band so much. Though I tried my best to stay dry, I still even took some GWAR blood damage to take home with me.

Now I have been fortunate enough to see DevilDriver quite a few times, and Dez Fafara has always come across as a straightforward metal vocalist. When I heard my friends talking about Coal Chamber having a reunion and Dez fronting the band, I had to look them up because I was not familiar with his first band. Seeing Dez with colored hair and some smokey guyliner caught me off guard but made me excited to see how he would be live with Coal Chamber. The band started their set with “Loco,” and as Dez hit the stage with minimal face and eye makeup, he had a different energy to him than that of his performances with DevilDriver. With Coal Chamber, Dez still had the powerful scream/sing style vocals, but he let himself be looser with his stage persona. Guitarist Miguel Rascon weaved his guitar parts with heavy chord progressions, and high-pitched wails. While bassist Nadja Peulen, with her fiery red hair, was the finger plucking master of the night with her driving bass lines. Drummer Mike Cox balances the power that Coal Chamber brings along with the melody that lets the mosh pit flow. Playing songs like “Fiend,” “Big Truck,” “I.O.U. Nothing,” “Rowboat,” “Drove,” “Dark Days,” “Oddity,” “Another Nail in the Coffin,” “Something Told Me,” and ending with “Sway,” The old school Nu Metal fans were happy to see the reformation of Coal Chamber.

Draped across the front of the stage, a black curtain donning only the Mudvayne logo hung to keep the audience from seeing the stage set up. As the opening notes to “Not Falling” played, vocalist Chad Gray’s shadow was cast as a larger than life image against the back of the curtain. Once it finally dropped the crowd erupted with excitement for the show they were about to see. One aspect of the band that I am happy to see they brought back is that they are wearing new variations on the L.D. 50 era Mudvayne looks. Vocalist Chad Gray has elevated his clown-esque look to include a bullet hole right through his forehead, and cracked paint. Showing just how battle worn Mudvayne has been over the years. Guitarist Greg Tribbett, painted with a style akin to the demon from Insidious, and riffs that screech just as intense as the monster. Bassist Ryan Martinie has shaved his head bald except for two patches of hair that are spiked into devil horns, making him the fiend of the group. Drummer Matthew McDonough altered his look to appear more like the Jackal from the movie Thirteen Ghosts and would carry just as menacing of a look as he glared at the crowd. Something that has always stood out to me about Chad Gray as a frontman, is that he is not afraid of the audience. He would constantly stand on the amps in the pit to get just a tad closer to the audience, and even jump on the barricade multiple times. Allowing the crowd to hold him up, and even embracing any crowd surfer that could make their way to the front. The man is a singer but understands how important the fans are and really shows them love back. Mudvayne played all the fan favorites including “Under My Skin,” “Internal Primates Forever,” “World So Cold,” “A New Game,” “Severed,” “Death Blooms,” “Fish Out of Water,” “Dull Boy,” “Determined,” “Nothing to Gein,” and when going into the often meme’d  “Dig” the crowd could not hold back from singing the Ryan’s brbr deng opening bass notes of the song. Finally ending with “Happy?” Chad once again jumped into the crowd and let the fans sing with him.

I was able to see Hellyeah once, so I had experienced Chad Gray’s performance before. And though a lot of his same energy and love for the fans are there. Seeing Chad dressed up with the Mudvayne makeup and attire, he just comes to life even more with such a bigger presence. We are finally seeing a resurgence of Nu Metal, for better or worse may depend on who you ask, but to the fans that showed up this night, it is for the better. Though we have bands like Korn and Deftone’s that have been carrying the torch for years, it is amazing to see beloved bands like Mudvayne and Coal Chamber reforming to help us fans relive the heyday of Nu Metal. I hope both of these bands will put out new music soon and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the rebirth of Nu Metal.

We all wish that we can live our heyday forever. Sadly, Father Time doesn’t want to grant us this wish. And thus, we grow older with every passing year. Our favorite music artists continue to perform and put out new music throughout their lengthy career. However, they must call it quits eventually. Foreigner has sadly reached this point where they are ready to hang up the guitars. Travelling on a worldwide Historic Farewell Tour, they weren’t leaving without making a big last splash on people’s lives. As fate would have it, California was hit with a tropical storm and the potential of a hurricane the day before Foreigner’s show here. Mother Nature was still looking out for us, and thankfully the storm passed without doing much damage to Orange County, and Foreigner was able to still put on their show at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA.

Foreigner is doing something amazing on this tour, by helping promote music and the arts with schools. At every stop, they are hosting a competition between local high school choir teams. The winner gets a donation made to the school, and the team themselves gets to perform and open for this tour. This day, we got to hear the Sound Effects from Los Alamitos High School. Unfortunately, due to the tropical storm that passed by California, this caused Foreigner to get into the venue late, and the shows start time was pushed back a little bit. Due to this push back, the Sound Effects set was sadly cut from 20 minutes to only 8 minutes. None the less, the boys of this choir made it their mission to harmonize in the most beautiful way they could and bring some well known doo-wop classics to Irvine.

Joining Foreigner on this tour was fellow 80s hard rock pioneer’s Loverboy. I was fortunate to see Loverboy last year with Styx and REO Speedwagon, and to hear they would be helping Foreigner out on this tour, I just knew we were in for a good time. Opening their set with “Notorious,” lead singer Mike Reno carries with his voice a bit more gravitas and grit behind it, compared to the brighter tenor you hear on record. This doesn’t take away from Loverboy’s sound, as Mike is still just as charming with his smiling and charisma on stage. Guitarist Paul Dean and Bassist Ken Sinnaeve play off each other with style and flair. Often rocking out right next to each other, and nearly smashing their guitars into each other. Keyboardist Doug Johnson finds ways to blend his synth into the songs that just bring them to life and makes you relive the 80s big hair days. While drummer Matt Frenette stacks his kit with drumheads and cymbals galore but knows how to be a technician and finesses his kit with a delicate touch. Loverboy’s set was also sadly cut short due to the later start time, but they made it count with songs like “The Kid is Hot Tonite,” “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” “Hot Girls in Love,” “Turn Me Loose,” and ending with the always popular “Working for the Weekend.” Loverboy continues to be a solid band, that fans are always grateful to see still performing.

Then it was time for the final goodbye. As Foreigner stepped onto the Irvine stage for the last time, fans erupted in screams and cheers. This band has meant so much to so many of us over the years, the fans wanted to make sure that was clear to the band. Opening with “Double Vision,” the crowd was ready to sing all night long with vocalist Kelly Hansen. Hansen is still a top notch frontman after all these years, working the mic stand, playing for the photographers, and making the woman lustfully scream out. Guitarist Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado perform with their own charm that can steal the attention off Hansen, who is more than happy to let Watson & Maldonado shine in the spotlight of the front of the stage. Bassist Jeff Pilson sadly hurt his leg and was performing seated at the back of the stage. But for “Cold as Ice,” he got positioned front and center to play the keys for everybody to see. Keyboardist Michael Bluestein provided the harmonizing vocals that helped elevate Hansen’s powerful voice, while drummer Chris Frazier is the perfect timekeeper behind the kit.

Foreigner was in perfect sync and proving why they have enjoyed such a tenured career of success. They wanted to make this farewell tour special, and included a small acoustic performance in the middle of the show that brought every member of the band to the front of the stage. Performing three songs like this were “When it Comes to Love,” “Girl on the Moon,” and “Say You Will.” Foreigner managed to make this 13,000 seat venue feel like we were sitting in a bar listening to some guys just jam out. Hansen even took this moment to introduce the members of the band and give a speech about how much the fans have meant to Foreigner for the last 46 years. And though they are sad to be saying farewell, they have always appreciated everyone who has shown up to every show. It was hard not to get emotional hearing Hansen’s speech and realizing just how many hits Foreigner have put out over the years. But those tears were quickly brushed to the side as we all started rocking out again to songs like “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” and getting two hear a two song encore that included “I Want to Know What Love is,” and ending with “Hot Blooded.”

The guitars rang out, the band waved as they walked off the stage, and fans continued to cheer. Foreigner let so many of us relive our younger days by playing the soundtrack of our teens and twenties, and we were eternally grateful to hear it live again. This was the last time we were going to see Foreigner and as the lights came back on, you could see the bittersweet joyful sadness of the fans as they headed back to their cars.

Music enthusiasts and punk rock devotees were treated to an electrifying night of nostalgia and high-octane performances as The Offspring headlined a stellar lineup at the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX. Supported by Simple Plan and Sum 41, the concert on August 19th was a true testament to the enduring appeal of punk rock.

Opening the night was Canadian rock outfit Sum 41, who wasted no time in setting the tone for the evening. Bursting onto the stage with an explosion of energy, Sum 41 whipped the crowd into a frenzy with their signature blend of melodic punk and edgy attitude. Hits like "In Too Deep" and "Fat Lip" transported the audience back to the early 2000s, when pop-punk was at its peak. Their tight musicianship and charismatic stage presence proved that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

As the sun began to set, Simple Plan took the stage to an eruption of cheers from the crowd. The band's infectious enthusiasm and catchy hooks had the audience singing along to every word. Hits like "Welcome to My Life" and "Perfect" evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminding everyone of the soundtrack to their teenage years. The band's ability to connect with the audience on a personal level was evident, as they shared stories and anecdotes between songs, making the large venue feel like an intimate gathering of friends.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as The Offspring graced the stage with their iconic presence. From the first chord, it was clear that the band's energy was undiminished by the years. Frontman Dexter Holland's distinctive vocals were as powerful as ever, while guitarist Noodles shredded through riffs with precision. The setlist was a rollercoaster of hits spanning their illustrious career, including "Come Out and Play," "The Kids Aren't Alright," and "Self Esteem." The audience responded with unabashed enthusiasm, mosh pits forming and bodies surfing the crowd.

In a world where music trends come and go, the fact that The Offspring, Simple Plan, and Sum 41 can still draw thousands of fans and deliver such a powerful performance speaks volumes about the timelessness of punk rock. The Dos Equis Pavilion was transformed into a haven for punk enthusiasts, a place where age was just a number and the music was a reminder of the joy and rebellion that defines the genre.

Over the past couple of years I’ve been able to see some great old school hip-hop and R&B concerts. They seem to get better and better each show.  This concert happened to be on what is known as the birthday of Hip-Hop, the 50th anniversary.  So what better way to celebrate than hitting up a concert with my wife and some great friends.  LL Cool J is calling this the F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live tour. LL will headline those shows himself, and he’ll perform with The Roots, as well as Philadelphia legend DJ Jazzy Jeff and LL’s own collaborator, the onetime mash-up specialist Z-Trip. But rather than having LL give a proper headlining performance, the show will be set up more as a continuous set, with the Roots backing up all the guests.  I love the idea of mixing up the special guests, so no one show will be the same.  We were lucky enough to get the GOD MC himself, Rakim, Queen Latifah and De La Soul. There is a common theme for me and my friends (more on this later), and that was The Roots performance.  WOW is all I can say.  They may be one of the best live bands I have ever heard, and the fact they played straight for the 3-and-a-half-hour show was remarkable.  So live, so energetic, so perfect!  Questlove….holy crap!!!  The Roots came out first to get the crowd moving, and gave us a taste of what was to come.  They played a few of their own songs, sounding perfect.  "Black Thought" on the mic was awesome….all night long!  LL was on a local radio station earlier in the day and said, this is not a concert, it is a party.  And he was totally right.  The Roots stopped for a second and we hear Jazzy Jeff bringing in a beat and Rakim steps to the stage.  Crowd went nuts, not a single person sitting.  He goes into Move The Crowd and yes, the crowd was moving.  They flow onto "Microphone Fiend", the crowd rapping right along with Rakim…..

The invincible, microphone fiend, Rakim,
Spread the word 'cause I'm in
E-F-F-E-C-T
A smooth operator operating correctly, But back to the problem, I got a habit, You can’t solve it, silly rabbit.

When he went into "Eric B. for President", or should I say Jazzy Jeff for President, the crowd rapped right along and it was so loud right from the first lines….I came in the door, I said it before, I never let the mic magnetize me no more. So good, so hyped, so crazy.  "I Ain’t No Joke" was up next, he was playing everything this crowd wanted.  The Roots and Jazzy Jeff sounding so perfect.  Every song Rakim got more hyped, The Roots got more hyped, the crowd got my hyped.  It was time to pump up the volume with "I Know You Got Soul".  Rakim stepped aside for Jazzy Jeff to entertain us on the wheels of steel with some amazing cutting and scratching……I think he may be the best DJ ever.  That, of course, took us to "Don’t Sweat The Technique". My wife (a DJ herself and influenced by Jeff) leaned over and said, they are going to go into "Know the Ledge", perfect song to mix into and flows so perfectly.  She was right and the crowd loved it. Rakim stopped The Roots and Jazzy Jeff (one of the few little “breaks” The Roots had all night) for a nice acapella free style.  Nice and slow and smooth, leading us into "Follow The Leader".  A little earlier the guy in front of me said, what do you think will be his last song….without hesitation I said "Paid In Full"…….Well, once we all heard the bassline, crowd went absolutely crazy.  There was not one person not rapping along.  It gave me goosebumps listening to close to 14,000 rapping along with Rakim.  I have seen Rakim a few times live and this had to be the best performance!  I was a little surprised Rakim was the first up, but a perfect way to get the party started.  The Roots played a couple of songs and we were expecting either Queen Latifah or De La Soul to come out next. 

And then were heard, Calling all cars, calling all cars, be on the lookout for a tall light-skinned brother with dimples……..CROWD WENT NUTS…….LL Cool J comes running out to "I’m Bad"!  I think it took us all a few seconds for it to sink in the LL was on stage.  He sounded so good.  He truly is BAD!  He flowed into "Doin’ It" and the crowd was doin’ it with him.  Next up Black Thought and LL rapping back and forth together, sounded so great.  He then gave us some "Boomin’ System" and "Big Ole Butt", the crowd rapping right along to every lyric. Tina got a big ole butt. I have never been the hugest LL fan, always liked his music, but not one of my top hip-hop artists.  I totally was into this performance and didn’t realized how many of his lyrics I knew.  He was having so much fun up there.  I was so surprised at how The Roots were so hyped.  Questlove drumming constantly, Tuba Gooding Jr. dancing all over stage with his tuba and Captain Kirk Douglas all over the stage as well!  Their sound was perfect all night.  When he went into "Luv U Better", everyone was on their feet swaying to the sweet groove. We knew he was going to flow into "Around Away Girl", crowd bobbin’ up and down to LL’s groove. I do not think there was one person in their seat since Rakim came on. So much energy on stage from LL and The Roots.  Then an amazing part of the whole show, he goes into "Headsprung" and the energy hit the roof, so did LL, Tuba Gooding Jr and Black Thought!  They were jumping up and down for almost the whole song…..tired just thinking about it.  He then went into EPMD song "Rampage" with Black Thought, he sounded so hard!  He was killing the mic!  We got some "Jingling Baby" and then he took us back to Cali….Going Back to Cali, Cali, Cali, I’m going back to Cali, hmmmm, I don’t think so.  LL sounded great but this song was also about The Roots….perfect live song for them, especially the sax!  LL walks off the stage and we are all just so hyped. 

The Roots played a couple more songs, mixing in some old school hip-hop songs we all grew up with and then De La Soul (Posdnuos and Maseo) comes to the stage.  Of course they were missing Plug 2 (Dave), passing away earlier this year (RIP).  Another group I was never a huge fan of back in the day, but wow did Posdnuos and Maseo put on one hell of a show.  They sounded so good, going through some songs I was not familiar with and others I remembered (again like with LL, knowing more lyrics than I would have thought). They did "Potholes In My Lawn", "Goes With The Word", "The Grind Date" (getting the crowd to move their arms up and down the whole song).  They really sounded so good and The Roots were a perfect background group for them.  Maseo was behind the turntables up to this point but came down with Posdnuos for Oooh, they had the crowd dancing and jumping up and down and rapping right along. 

God bless the God,

lay these Streets wall to wall,

It go, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh,

Yo, you got popped like a flick by that rivalry clique,

It went, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. 

They flowed with "Much More and Stakes Is High", and took a second to talk about their album De La Soul Is Dead, and their transformation from the daisy and just growing up.  Paying homage to Plug 2 and having the crowd yell, thank you Dave, thank you Dave.  "Pass The Plugs" was next up and they finished off with "Rock Co. Kane Flow".  Great song to finish off the night and what a performance. Once again The Roots plays some songs and mixes in some hip-hop tracks, did I mention how amazing they sounded?  Then the Queen comes to the stage to "Had It Up 2 Here" and right from the start she sounded so good. She moves onto "Wrath Of My Madness" and "Just Another Day", her lyrics on point and her singing sounding so nice.  She really showed off her singing voice with "It’s Alright", the crowd dancing and swaying along with the Queen. She goes into "Verse Of The Day" with that smooth beat keeping the crowd grooving to the beat.  She then hits us with a little bit of her TV show theme song, "Living Single" and then it got crazy.  Monie Love came out on stage with her for "Ladies First!"  Monie was so freakin’ awesome! She sounded amazing and so sweet hearing the two on stage together for this absolute classic.  Of course Monie couldn’t be done……"Monie In The Middle!"  Her flow is so amazing, totally impressed. 

Monie in the middle (Where she at?) In the middle
Yep, Monie's in the middle (Where that at?) In the middle
Monie in the middle (Where she at?) In the middle
(Go Mon, Mon, what is she?) Monie in the middle

It was time for a little house music so Latifah hit us with "Come Into My House". The Roots totally killing this joint. It was time for Queen and Monie to finish up so they hit us with "U.N.I.T.Y".  Wow did this hit us!  Great sound, great performance.  I loved Queen Latifah and Monie Love, so sweet, so strong, so amazing.  We got a bit of a surprise in this concert….I mean Party!  As Queen leaves the stage De La Soul comes back out for "Me, Myself and I".  The crowd LOVED IT!  Every single person on their feet singing right along! 

The Roots went on and played for five to ten minutes playing so many classic hip-hop songs, the crowd not tired yet, dancing and rapping along to all of it. Kool Moe Dee, Biggie, Rakim, Jay Z, Biz, DMX, ODB, and on and on.

It was time to hear LL Cool J…again.  He started with a nice slow jam, "I Need Love".  Everyone rapping right along with LL.  He had the crowd put their lighters (phones) up in the air, 12,000 plus lights in the arena. He kept the mood slow with Hey Lover, the crowd flowing right along with Cool J and then changed up the music to "Between The Sheets" and then onto a little Biggie flow! I see some ladies tonight that should be having my baby…baby!  Nice work LL.  Keeping the slower flow going, he flows into "All I Have", asking the ladies to sing J Lo’s part. It was time to bring up the tempo a bit with "I Shot Ya", really nice flow from LL on this one. Then he took us way back to I "Can’t Live Without My Radio".

Suckers on my jock when I walk down the block
I really don't care if you're jealous or not
'Cause I make the songs, you sing along
And your radio's def when my record's on

"Jack The Ripper", Jack, Jack The Ripper flowed right in. What a smooth transition!  Keeping with his boomin’ beats he goes into "Kanday", the girl with big juicy lips and nice round hips. "Eat Um Up L Chill" and "Ill Bomb" up next, the beats are still bumpin’, The Roots still killing it and the crowd dancing! Time for "Paradise and Phenomenon", LL with so much energy and love for the crowd. We all deserved a visit from "Mr. Goodbar", so LL delivered. As he flows into "Loungin’ (Who Do You Love)" the sound and party are getting more hyped. Next was the one most were waiting for, one that we all needed to hear live, "Mama Said Knock You Out!" This. Was. So. Hyped!  It was a long show (party) we were all there for a long time, but you couldn’t have seen that!  Every single person on their feet rapping right along and throwing air punches! 

Just like Muhammad Ali, they called him Cassius
Watch me bash this beat like a skull
Don'tcha know I had beef wit'
Why do you riff with me, a maniac psycho
And when I pull out my jammy, get ready 'cause it might go
Blauh! How ya like me now?

The crowd kinda thought this was the final song, and easily could have been.  People were ready to head to the exits.  Then we hear Jazzy Jeff on the wheels of steel doing his thing…….could there be more?   LL had to finish this off with "Rock The Bells".  This may have been the song with the most energy and passion.  Wow what a way to finish off the party LL told us about.  This show was fantastic, everyone sounded great and brought amazing energy.  The next day, whether we were at breakfast, or lunch, or having some beers at the Pratt Street Ale House, or at the hotel bar telling the bartenders about the show, or dinner at the Rusty Scupper, all we kept talking about was The Roots.  How amazing they sounded but even more amazed at how they played basically straight through for three plus hours, never losing their energy, in fact getting more energized as the night went on.  Questlove, holy crap, how do you drum for that long with so much love and energy!  This is a show to be seen, if you get the chance you got to check it out. 

-One Love, Todd

I first heard of Yung Pinch back in 2016. It was the height of the Soundcloud Rap era and I had stumbled across the “Rock With Us” video on the ELEVATOR YouTube channel. In a scene that was littered with face tattoos, guns, and promethazine fueled raps, Yung Pinch offered an alternative vibe. Staying true to his roots, the 19-year-old’s “714Ever” mixtape boasted a laidback, lighthearted, melodic chill beachboy vibe that contrasted heavily with most of the scene. Combined with his ability to seamlessly blend hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements, Pinch’s signature sound catapulted him into a lane of his own. As a Southern California local, his music and vibe really resonated with me. I immediately became a fan and consumed his catalog and eagerly awaited each following release. Fast forward to 2023: the stars aligned and I got the opportunity to photograph Yung Pinch. Let’s hop into it.

Opening first for the night was an artist I hadn’t heard of until this show, Moon Lander. Born Dillon Houston Church, Moon Lander was tasked with setting the tone for the night, and he surely didn’t disappoint. With singles such as “BrightSide” and “Swish”, Moon Lander proved he was not only a logical choice, but a great choice to open for this tour. Backed by his DJ and a flutist, he sang and rapped his way through his set. Leaning heavily into interludes, Moon Lander also cracked jokes and bantered with the crowd. He laid it up well for the next act, Riley.

Riley kicked the production up a notch with massive, illuminated visuals behind him as he criss-crossed the stage with a mic in one hand and a smoke in the other. He rapped songs such as “It Feels Like I’m Dying” and “Pink Linen”. Riley’s been around the block with Pinch as they’ve toured together previously, and it showed in the crowd reactions as they latched onto his hooks. His melodic approach to rap was the best way to get everyone ready for the main act.

Last but certainly not least was the headliner, Yung Pinch. Wasting no time and no breaths, he hit the stage to one of his Lil Skies collaborations, “I Know You”. The crowd erupted with excitement as smoke cannons went off and the lighting production simultaneously kicked into high gear. One thing he did that I really like was he split his set up into smaller segments; he played collections of songs from each project and progressed chronologically. It felt like he was taking you through his journey as an artist. He snuck anecdotes and short stories in between each song and really connected with the crowd. One moment that stuck out to me was when he talked about ironically going into a difficult time in his life after releasing “Washed Ashore”. Another was when he talked about his struggles with alcoholism and addiction, but then announced that he was 61 days sober right before playing the song called, you guessed it, “Sober”.

Overall, Yung Pinch’s homecoming to Orange County was a hit. He started his career right here in OC when he was just a kid and he’s still only 26 today. He’s got a long road ahead of him and I’m only excited to see where he goes from here. When the beachboy from Bluntington Beach swings by your local venue, check him out. His show is absolutely a vibe.

There's a line that connects horror films and metal music, and on August 11, 2023, that line was drawn in blood at Toronto's Rebel. The much-hyped Ice Nine Kills North American tour hit town, and let me tell you, this wasn't your run-of-the-mill metalcore spectacle. This was a visual and auditory shockwave that left the audience spellbound. It was a great 4 band lineup that kicked off just after 6pm on Friday.

Mike’s Dead is an industrial freakshow of a band that opened the show with some great licks and a heavy beat. The three piece band had some solid riffs and a great command of the stage, hope to see them again.

Veil of Maya, once a technical deathcore powerhouse, has transformed over the years, embracing a more accessible metalcore sound. Lukas Magyar's inclusion as the vocalist brought clean vocals into the mix, altering the band's dynamic. But, witnessing their live performance transformed my skepticism into appreciation. Their setlist was a carnival of anthems, expertly engaging the crowd. Yes, the sound mix could have been better, the vocals overshadowing the instruments, but the band's development since my last encounter with them in 2012 was undeniable.

August Burns Red took the stage with their trademark energy. I have seen them several times before and they consistently deliver. Their setlist spanned their career, the crowd’s enthusiasm skyrocketing. The symbiotic flow of their complex riffs made for a jaw-dropping experience. Light shows and pitch-perfect sound mixes don’t do justice to the sensation of an August Burns Red live show; they mind-blow, plain and simple. Jake Luhrs did me a huge favor this time around as his trademark baseball cap was turned around and I could finally capture his fantastic expressions. "JB" Brubaker on guitar is always a highlight. For a mop head guy in flip flops the guy can shred. The encore set was first rate.

But the real carnival of chaos awaited us with Ice Nine Kills. Metalcore shows typically follow a certain pattern, but not this one. This was a living, breathing horror movie – a sonic Alice Cooper-esque extravaganza. Clad as Patrick Bateman from American Psycho, Ice Nine Kills drenched the stage in horror theatrics. Choreographed reenactments of iconic scenes from horror films took the center stage, none more chilling than their recreation of Bateman’s infamous murder.

This wasn't just a concert; it was a theatrical immersion. Spencer Charnas, the frontman, was the star, his vocals as haunting as his stage presence. The band's intricate blend of pop vocals and metalcore instrumentation, coupled with Spencer's commanding performance, was like a vortex, drawing the audience into their dark realm.

Their setlist was a rollercoaster through their three recent albums. A fusion of pop hooks and visceral metalcore, it was hard not to get swept away. The show was a horror fan's paradise, with references to Psycho, Evil Dead, and more. Their creativity didn't stop at music; it seeped into the visuals, with dramatic lighting that transported the audience into different horror dimensions.

Ice Nine Kills didn't just perform; they created. They owned the stage, transforming it into their dark playground, where horror and music embraced. This tour, this evening, was a sonic celebration of horror and metal. It was a testament that metalcore could be more, a storm of creativity and innovation. Ice

Ice Nine Kills might just be the band that injects life back into the concept of a metalcore show, reminding us that a concert can be more than just music – it can be a visceral experience. If you missed this, you missed an inferno of horror and metal intertwining in electrifying harmony.

This concert wasn't just a lineup; it was a legacy. It was a blazing inferno of horror, metal, and theatrics. A tour de force that blasted through genres and expectations. If you're a fan of metal, or if horror films send shivers down your spine, an Ice Nine Kills concert is a must-see. It wasn't just a performance; it was a full-throttle plunge into the dark, adrenaline-pumping world where metal and horror collide.

DISCO     SPOTIFY

THE DARTS formed in 2016 with the goal of making great all-girl garage-rock noise, see the world, and have a fab slumber party every night. We threw on some vintage black slips, threw off our shoes, and set out on the adventure.

In the first six months, we put out two self-produced EPs and signed with Dirty Water Records (UK). In the first year, the label put out our first full-length vinyl release, Me. Ow. (2017 Dirty Water Records). We headed to Eu- rope a bunch of times and never wanted to come home. But when we did, Dirty Water re-released the first two EPs as a second full-length vinyl, The Darts (2017 Dirty Water Records) and we toured all over the U.S. a bunch of times, with great bands like Australia’s The Living End and Billie Joe Armstrong’s The Longshot – and, once again, never wanted to come home. Our idols started noticing, including author Stephen King, actors Drew Carey and Fred Armisen, and punk legends Jello Biafra and Blag Dahlia, sometimes even coming to shows and getting on stage with us. Two years into the project, we were on bigger European stages like Sjockfest, Cosmic Trip, and Roots n Roses, with acts like Turbonegro, The Flaming Lips, and The Dead Kennedys.

In 2018, Jello Biafra signed the band to his label, Alternative Tentacles, and released the third full-length record, I Like You But Not Like That (2018 Alternative Tentacles Records), at a packed Punk Rock Bowling appearance in Las Vegas. We then embarked on an unforgettable coast-to-coast US tour with our heroes The Damned. We found ourselves performing with bands like Rancid and L7, had songs placed on top tv shows like Peaky Blinders, got thrilling reviews in Rolling Stone, made a stop at Mexico City’s superb Hipnosis Fest, and then…the pandemic hit.

But even then, things didn’t stop. Vox hosted an Instagram Live show garnering over fifty thousand views, we played Punk Rock Bowling 2022, made our debut at Seattle’s uber-hip Freakout Fest, and recorded a new 7-inch for Adrenalin Fix Music in Europe. By summer of 2022, we toured all over the US again, performed on the legendary KEXP Sessions, and finished recording a new full-length record (funded entirely by fans) co-produced by Jello Biafra himself. Snake Oil was released on Alternative Tentacles in early 2023 to rave reviews. European tours are lined up well into next year and work is already beginning on the next record. See you out there. 

Hunnypot is proud to be THE DARTS official sync representative, ask us about LICENSING!

PRESS

“Gets even the most apathetic nerds moshing. Crank it!” – Rolling Stone (FR)

“The Darts ‘Take What I Need.’ Very cool.” – Stephen King, author

“Fabulous…I’m hooked.” – Ken Foote, CBS (Dallas)

“One of my new favorite bands.” – Dave Vanian, The Damned

“The Darts smolder and shine like a serpent at the end of a rainbow.” – Blag Dahlia, The Dwarves

“The Coolest Song In The World” – The Underground Garage (SiriusXM Radio)

“Cramps’ spooky punk and Stooges/ raw chaos, by a quartet of garage goddesses.” – RockNYC

“Everyone here is a fan, from Jello [Biafra] to the newest intern.” – Alternative Tentacles Records

“A majestic album of aggressive, wild garage rock. Explosive.” – Rockerilla (Italy)

“The talent in this band is off the charts.” – 50thirdand3rd (FL)

“Like getting hit by a freight train full of inflatable dolls.” – Rumore (Italy)

“One of the most exciting bands on or off the stage” – Turn Up The Volume (Belgium)

“One of the greatest revelations of dirty American rock-n-roll” – Musica Inclasificable (Mexico City)

“The Darts f*ing rock…Best local band of 2017.” – Phoenix New Times

“Best new band I have seen.” – John Carlucci, The Underground Garage

“A knock-out punch.” – Rich’s Rants n Raves (Las Vegas)

“The best girl band in the universe.” – Blog Da Buzzo (Brazil)

“Exciting, sweltering..consumes all of your garage rock desires.” – Java Magazine

“Move over Vincent Vega, I’m going with The Darts. Bloody Ace.” Mass Movement (UK)

“Oh yeah, Nicole Laurenne does it again!” – Genya Ravan, Chicks and Broads

#493 An unforgettable evening with the incredible Joel C. High, the renowned Music Supervisor, and Producer with an impressive portfolio of over 150 films and television projects, including iconic works like "The Dead Zone" and "Weeds," collaborating with visionary directors like Tyler Perry and Rob Zombie. Kicking off the night was NYC-based Hip-Hop interpreter ALY G followed by the mesmerizing Dr Monika Demmler from Berlin/L.A., who enthralled us with her trippy techno, blending Solfeggio frequencies and genres. We took an emotional journey with AKICITA, a dark pop, alt-rock warrior, who took us on a raw and profound exploration of life's tragedies. Wrapping up the evening was the inspiring Los Angeles hip-hop artist, Memento, delivering a performance that left us speechless. 

#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay

JOEL C. HIGH (CO-HOST)

Joel C. High is a music supervisor and producer who has worked on over 150 films and television projects and also is chief executive for a company he co-founded in 2006. Over the last decade, he created and supervised the music departments for two of the leading independent studios in the industry: Trimark Pictures and Lionsgate Entertainment. He built the publishing division for both companies and started the boutique soundtrack label Lions Gate Records. In addition to his acclaimed work in motion pictures working with directors such as Tyler Perry, Marc Forster, Peter Bogdanovich, Don Roos, Roger Avary, James Foley, Bill Paxton, Billy Ray, Mario Van Peebles, Duane Adler, and Rob Zombie, he oversaw the music for the growing Television group at Lionsgate, including "The Dead Zone" and the Golden Globe-winning series “Weeds.”

Joel is currently the principal executive at Creative Control Entertainment, a multi-faceted music supervision, consultation, live event, and production company, with offices in Los Angeles and New Orleans and diverse clients ranging from independent studios and national brands to international governments.

WEBSITE  INSTAGRAM  SPOTIFY

ALY G

WEBSITE  INSTAGRAM   

DR MONIKA DEMMLER

WEBSITE  INSTAGRAM  SPOTIFY

AKICITA 

Teaming up with producer Ben Wylen, AKICITA created dark-pop and alt-rock masterpieces. Her unfiltered lyrics tackle stigmatized topics, breaking the silence. With her EP, AKICITA embraces her warrior identity, celebrating her power and bright future. 

LINKS  SPOTIFY  INSTAGRAM

MEMENTO

Hip-Hop artist in L.A., think for yourself & ignore the rules of society.

INSTAGRAM  SPOTIFY   

The new Bob Marley and the Wailers posthumous Africa Unite album is named after the sixth track of Marley’s 1979 Survival album. “Africa Unite is an extraordinary album that pays homage to the Reggae icon’s greatest hits, beautifully reimagined and infused with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats,” a Tuff Gong release said. In the release, the Kingston-based label, which Bob Marley founded in 1965, described the 10-track production as “a majestic, posthumous album celebrating the vibrant fusion of Reggae and Afrobeats.” Bob Marley is what made reggae world-wide, back when he was alive, recording and touring, but even after his death, he is still making reggae popular though out the world.  His ageless music transcends borders and generations. One of his dreams was to see Africa Unite.  What better way then a collaboration with Afrobeats artists.  Bob Marley's impact on Reggae and Afrobeats music culture is immeasurable. This albums takes listeners on an amazing journey through history and present day. The album not only showcases the global reach of Bob Marley’s music but also celebrates the rich tapestry of African rhythms and melodies.

We start off the album with "So Much Trouble In The World" featuring Zimbabwe musicians Nutty O & Winky D.  This is a perfect song to start off the album with, this song resonates with issues of the past that are still current as it speaks about the state of affairs in the world bordering on inequality, poverty and conflicts. I love the flow of Nutty O & Winky D, mixing with Bob’s voice.

On track two, "Them Belly Full (But We Still Hungry)",  we have one of my favorite Afrobeats artist in Rema, hailing from Nigeria, along with Bob’s grandson Skip Marley.  They kick up the tempo in this song and include some soothing sax play.  Skip and Rema’s soulful voices work so well together (I hope they work together again), it is distinctive yet mesmerizing and captures the spirit of this album.

As we move to the third song, and my favorite Bob Marley song, "Redemption Song".  A song that has been redone and sung by many, sometimes good, but many times it just doesn’t carry through on Bob’s vision of the song.  It is very hard for me to really like a new version.  This may be one of the best renditions I have ever heard.  South African singer Ami Faku has such an amazing voice that makes this song even more exceptional. Her contribution to the song gives a distinct taste that enhances its attractiveness. Their verses together are more than just words; they are strong expressions that bring the music to life.  

As we flow to track 4 with Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, "Waiting In Vain" is a soulful, heartwarming rendition, Tiwa has such a beautiful soulful, syrupy, sweet voice.  I need to listen to more of her music.  Tiwa takes on the verses of the song, making tweaks to its arrangement on an instrumental bassline to bring a whole new dimension to the classic track.  

Track 5 is "Turn Your Lights Down Low" featuring Afro B from South London. On this sped up track, It is a song that not only entertains but also soothes the soul with its melodious rhythm and captivating lyrics.  And while Afro B does not have as large a part in this song as the other artists do on their tracks, he comes in hard with his lyrics that fit so nicely with the song. This has always been a great song to chill too, and this rendition is no different.  As I listen to this album I keep thinking, wow this may be the best song, and then the next song comes on.

I will admit, "Three Little Birds" has never been one of my favorite songs, but this track featuring Nigerian singers Teni & Oxlade is so good. I had to repeat this song a few times. They create a sound that is a breath of fresh air by fusing a rapid tempo with the percussion and electronic vibes and a sweet background sax. It truly emulates the original with an Afro-fusion kick.  If you are only going to listen to one song on this album, this may have to be the one.

We move onto track 7 featuring my favorite Afrobeats artist hailing from Ghana, Stonebwoy, "Buffalo Soldier".  Buffalo Soldier is probably the first bob Marley song I ever heard, or at least the one I can first remember.  Stonebwoy's rendition pays homage to the original while infusing his signature flair and energy. The artiste's seamless blend of traditional reggae vibes with modern dancehall influences has struck a chord with this rendition. His sizzling verse really flows with the overall feel and mixes in so well with the upbeat rhythms and Bob’s lyrics. 

We move onto "Stir It Up" featuring Ghanian rapper Sarkodie. This song combines the signature guitar strums and soothing bounce we know and love, with Sarkodie’s iconic flow.  It is a nice change having a rapper on a track, and this is a perfect song for Sarkodie’s flow.  It is definitely a different flow and feel from the rest of the album, one that fits in nicely at track 8 with its uplifting energy. 

On track 9 we have "Jamming" featuring Ayra Starr originally from Benin.  Jamming is such a great rendition, the beats, Afrobeat rhythm just flow so well with Bob’s voice as if he was there helping to create this version.  They Arya Starr comes in with such strong lyrics and an amazing sound.  It may be one of the best tracks of both voices working so well together.  I hope the jam is gonna last!

We finish this 10 track album with one of Bob’s most famous (if not most famous) songs, "One Love" featuring Patoranking from Nigeria.  This song combines the fast-paced tempo and intensity of soul music with the pounding and thrilling vibes of electronic dance music to produce a nice sound. I really love the bassline in this version, keeps that old school reggae bass with a little something extra.  I love Patoranking’s voice on this track and how it works so well with Bob and the added in subtle background voices work so well. 

Overall I think the songs that were chosen for these artists worked very well, their styles and voices mixed in so well with Bob and these classics.  I simply love this album.  Not because it is a Bob Marley album, my favorite music artist ever, but this album just works so well, bringing together the past and present, Reggae and Afrobeats.  This is such a fresh and new take on these classics. It makes me want more of this.

Reflecting on the significance of this album, Bob Marley’s daughter Cedella Marley said in a statement, “Africa Unite is an album that showcases the importance of Bob Marley in modern day Africa. The artists that feature on this album have reimagined Bob Marley’s classics in a way we know he would have loved and been proud of.” The release of the album will undoubtedly captivate Bob Marley’s loyal fanbase and attract new listeners seeking to experience the magic of his music in a fresh and vibrant way.

-One Love, Todd