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In the Mix

Rave’s Fave: Bloc Party – The Love Within

blocparty

Bloc Party are back and in a winning way. This new single doesn’t revert to their original post-punk ways, but it seems to be exactly where the band should be in 2015. The melodies are there, it’s got a groove that reminds slightly of singer Kele’s solo work, and there’s a strange, haunting organ that will likely stick to your ribs. Ace guitarist Russell Lissack remains in the fold, but their nearly irreplaceable rhythm section of old is now history. If “The Love Within” is any indication, this version of the band will be just fine. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.

Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

Bloc Party england (Official)

reviewed by
10-06-15

Rave’s Fave: Skinny Lister – Trouble On Oxford Street

Skinny Lister

If you’re a fan of The Pogues, you’ll probably be a fan of “Trouble On Oxford Street” by the UK band Skinny Lister. From the rapid drum intro to the end, it’s a fun track that allows pub rock to keep its good name. Yes this song sounds oh so British. The band is currently touring the US with Frank Turner. I’ll be at the October 22 show at LA’s Mayan Theater. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.

Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

Skinny Lister england (Soundcloud)

reviewed by
10-05-15

B3SCI Presents: Civil Twilight, Knox Hamilton & TOWER at The Roxy in L.A. on 10/06

civiltwilight

Civil Twilight, the Nashville-based indie pop stars in-waiting, link up with kinetic popsters Knox Hamilton and B3SCI Recs’-reppin’ locals TOWER for a fun show at the Roxy in West Hollywood this coming Tuesday, 10/6. Civil Twilight who are touring behind their great Story of an Immigrant LP headline. If you’d like to be there, hit our email by Sunday night 10/4 at 8 PM Pacific and you’ll be entered for one two pairs of tickets to Tuesday’s show. For further details on the Civil Twilight, Knox Hamilton, TOWER gig visit The Roxy’s website.

reviewed by
10-01-15

B3SCI Presents: RESIDENCY w/ DJ’s Marion Hodges, Pompeya, Dear Boy, Pr0files & Total Recluse

B3SCI Presents Flyer

If you’re in L.A., come hang tonight (September 24) at Bronson Bar on Sunset for RESIDENCY, our second night of a very cool monthly party we’re throwing with our friends at Total Recluse. The evening will feature DJ sets from KCRW DJ Marion Hodges, Pompeya, Dear Boy, Pr0files and Total Recluse. Doors are at 9 PM. Be square or be there!

reviewed by
09-24-15

Rave’s Fave: The Struts – Where Did She Go

struts

As of late, a few bands have been adding some edge and energy to what has been a light and pop feel to American “alternative” radio. One of these bands is The Struts who have a national airplay hit with “Could Have Been Me”. They channel a heavy 70’s British glam feel, and singer Luke Spiller has made no bones about Queen being his favorite band. He sounds like Freddy Mercury much of the time and even has the early Mercury hairstyle. The band got its name because of Luke strutting around the stage even in rehearsals. A deeper track from them is the rollicking “Where Did She Go”, which reminds of monster 70’s Brit bands like Slade. They will be touring the US this fall. Check ‘em out. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.

Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

The Struts (Facebook)

reviewed by
09-21-15

Rave’s Fave: The Strypes – A Good Night’s Sleep and a Cab Fare Home

strypes

Two years ago, The Strypes were one of the hottest new bands emerging from the UK. They were amazing live and released their stellar debut Snapshot that blended uptempo 60’s rock and r&b. US response was promising but they failed to quite get over the top, possibly due to their label being involved in a merger. With all their potential, the questions arose: What would they do for an encore? The Little Victories album has been out in the UK for over a month. It displays a real maturity for the band, as they take on a heavier sound and varying tempos. As of this writing, the band still doesn’t have a US release date despite this being a strong follow-up and them being killer live. I trust that in short time, a label will come forward because this band is simply too good. Here’s our “Fave” for first single “Scumbag City”. For a song that stretches out a little more, try “A Good Night’s Sleep and a Cab Fare Home”. These guys will be fine in the long run. There’s too much talent all around, and the time will probably come when guitarist Ross Farrelly gets his due as one of rock’s premier players. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.

Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

The Strypes ireland (Facebook)

reviewed by
09-17-15

Rave’s Fave: Crocodiles – Do The Void

crocodiles

How many times does a fine album drop, only to not to receive its due love? Here’s one: Crocodiles have always been a consistently strong band, and there are lots of cool jams on Boys. “Do the Void” isn’t quite your typical ace Crocs song but in this case it’s a good thing. It’s a pure party in your favorite garage and guitar work is excellent all around. Check “Do The Void” out and check out the entire album. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.

Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

Crocodiles california (Facebook)

reviewed by
08-25-15

B3SCI Presents: RESIDENCY w/ DJ’s SEGO, Marion Hodges, SWIMM & Total Recluse

residencyparty

If you’re in L.A., come hang on Thursday night (Aug 27) at Bronson Bar on Sunset for RESIDENCY a very cool party we’re throwing with our friends at Total Recluse and Roll Call Records featuring DJ sets from awesome band SEGO, KCRW DJ Marion Hodges, SWIMM and Total Recluse. Doors are at 9 PM. Be square or be there!

reviewed by
08-25-15

B3SCI Presents: The Velvet Teen w/ The Lake Effect and HOWLER @ The Satellite, L.A. on Wednesday August 19

velvetteen

The Velvet Teen are one of our all-time favorite bands so we’re especially stoked to present the Santa Rosa CA trio’s upcoming L.A. show at the Satellite. LPs Out of the Fierce Parade, Elysium, Cum Laude! are stone cold classics in B3-Land, the band return with and are touring behind first LP in nine years, the very strong All Is Illusory. Featuring support from Minneapolis’ HOWLER and The Lake Effect, TVT play The Satellite in Los Angeles this Wednesday August 19th; further details and ticket information are available here. BE THERE!

*ALSO, for B3SCI readers we’re stoked to be giving away a pair of passes for Wednesdays show. To enter, just email us here by Wednesday morning with ‘I Want To See Velvet Teen‘ in the subject line. We’ll pick our winner at random by that afternoon so please keep an eye on your inbox!

The Velvet Teen california (Facebook)

reviewed by
08-14-15

Rave’s Fave: Blossoms – Blown Rose

blossoms

Unlike many Brit bands who become part of the powerful UK hype infrastructure, the Manchester band Blossoms is building a truly organic international buzz that is solely based on their talent. Back home, that machine is more present and why not? Whether in studio or onstage, they consistently deliver the goods. Blossoms have mistakenly been categorized as a psych band and while past tunes have included some of those elements, “Blown Rose” is a beautiful track that shows off their depth without a hint of psychedelia. It’s got jangly guitars and an alluring melody that reminds of fave music from any decade harking back to the 60’s. Yet, it’s totally modern. It’s one of those rock songs that should become a massive pop hit, but songs in this vein often miss the mainstream mark for some strange reason. Let’s hope it does reach the upper part of the charts. At the very least, it should be a long-term live winner for them and it will be a killer album track. Hopefully that first Blossoms full-legth will drop in the not too distant future. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.

Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

Hear my interview chat with the band, that took place at The Great Escape last May.

reviewed by
08-11-15

B3SCI Presents: HUNNY @ Bootleg Hi-Fi, Los Angeles on Mon. June 22

hunnyflyer

B3SCI is pleased to present SoCal band HUNNY live and in person this Monday June 22 at the Bootleg Hi-Fi in our adopted home-base of L.A. HUNNY’s level-up single “Cry For Me” has amassed over 600k spins on Soundcloud on the back of wide blogoverse lauding and indie radio rotation. Monday’s 21+ “”Monday Night Fever” (use yr imagination) gig features support from Sam Drew, Private Island, and DJ Groupchat. Be square or be at the Bootleg Hi-Fi on Monday night with HUNNY and B3. Further details for the show can be found here

HUNNY california (Soundcloud)

reviewed by
06-18-15

Bruce Rave Interviews Bohicas

bohicas

Interview by Bruce Rave

Back at The Great Escape in May, Bruce Rave sat down with The Bohicas from London. If you like guitar hooks, this band is for you. They shred live and sound great in the studio as well. The band has shows in Europe and Japan, and will hopefully hit American shores in the near future. Look for their debut full-length album to drop later this summer.

Hear Bruce’s “Go Deep With Bruce Rave” weekly new music show on Indie1031/Los Angeles, KX 93.5-FM/Laguna Beach, and WSUM-FM/Madison. Details and archived shows can be found on his blog and be sure to follow Bruce on Twitter too!

Bohicas (Facebook)

reviewed by
06-15-15