On this week's episode, I interview Dave Trumfio, the songwriter and vocalist for synth-pop duo the Pulsars.

The Chicago-based Pulsars, which also featured Trumfio's brother and multi-instrumentalist Harry Trumfio, were one of the first bands to bring back an 80s retro sound on their 1997 self-titled debut album, years before the post-punk revival of the early 2000s, when bands like The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol became indie music darlings.

Their debut album was chock full of New Wave gems like 'My Pet Robot', 'Silicon Teens' and 'Technology'. And while they received some initial success and high profile tours with artists like Oasis and Beck, the dissolution of their record company heralded the end of the band, and their album went out of print for nearly thirty years.

The Pulsars are rereleasing a remastered edition of this album on vinyl, CD and digital on September 13 via Tiny Global Productions. This is a treat for hardcore fans and should also appeal to electronic music fans unfamiliar with their work.

On today’s episode I speak to Trumfio about his memories of the band’s initial success and the Chicago alternative scene of the 1990’s, his work as a member of The Mekons and as an in-demand producer and studio musician for artists like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Liz Phair and Moving Units, why the band are finally reissuing their debut album, their upcoming tour, future releases, and much more.

And stick around afterwards, when I’ll be playing 'Technology', one of my favorite songs off their underrated 1997 gem of an album.

The Sisters of Mercy are one of the most iconic Goth groups of all time. Despite not releasing an album since 1990's 'Vision Thing,' they retain a devoted fanbase, as evidenced by the rapturous acclaim of their 2023 North American tour, which saw them play hits like 'This Corrosion' along with deep cuts, and new material. And now the band are preparing to return to the U.S. and Canada with a Fall 2024 tour.

On this week's episode I talk to band guitarist Ben Christo to discuss what fans can expect on the setlist, why the band are in no hurry to release a new album, the band's songwriting process (they continue to write songs, but only perform them live), their enduring appeal, and more.

So check out the episode, and visit the bands website https://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/ for tour dates and more.

Join us for a special episode as we delve into the legacy of musical icon Michael Hutchence, whose career with INXS skyrocketed in the 80s. Beloved for his mystique and distinctive vocals, Hutchence left a lasting impact on millions despite his untimely passing in 1997. Now, producer Danny Saber (U2, Madonna, David Bowie) brings Hutchence's unfinished demos to life with the release of 'One Way' b/w 'Save My Life,' a 10-inch picture disk out August 9 via Boss Sonics and Deko Entertainment. Saber meticulously reconstructed these tracks from loose demos the two recorded together just prior to his death. In this episode, I interview Saber to discuss the journey of 'One Way,' the nearly three-decade wait for its release, Hutchence's enduring appeal, future releases of more unearthed Hutchence material, and Saber's favorite memories of working with the legendary singer. And stick around afterwards when I'll be playing the new single.

Just in time for spooky season, Jack Sommerby and I list our picks of the 17 best horror films of all time, from the most iconic to to the slightly obscure. We're covering slashers, body-horror, sci-fi horror and more. So take a listen and see if you agree with our choices, and tell us your favorites in the comments.

Prong are an eternally underrated metal act, but their fervent underground following has fueled them since forming in NYC in 1986.

Over 13 albums and revolving lineups, frontman/guitarist Tommy Victor has unleashed his patented brand of working class angst on classic tracks like 'Prove You Wrong', 'For Dear Life', 'Whose Fist Is This Anyway', and their best-known hit, 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck' off 1994's 'Cleansing'.

In addition to that body of work, he pulls double duty as the guitarist for Danzig, and has also lent his talents to the likes of Rob Zombie, Ministry and Teenage Time Killers.

Prong are back with their 13th album, 'State of Emergency' (click here for my review), out now on Steamhammer SPV Recrds, and on today’s episode I talk to Tommy about the new album, from its songwriting genesis to recording on his home turf of NYC, the inspiration behind key tracks, covering Rush's 'Working Man', fatherhood, plans for touring, his tenure with Danzig, the band’s legacy and more.

So take a listen to the episode via the embed above or on your podcast platform of choice (located at the bottom of this post) and stick around afterwards where I’ll be playing the single 'Non Existence', my favorite tune off the new album.

On our latest podcast episode we're doing a genre double-dip when I talk to director Mike Schiff about his informative new documentary, The History of Metal and Horror, which features notable luminaries from the worlds of film and metal discussing why the two genres feel so interlinked.

The film is a treasure trove of genre trivia, with Schiff picking the brains of the likes of Rob Zombie, John Carpenter, Kirk Hammett, Corey Taylor, Kane Hodder, Richard Christie, Dave Mustaine, Phil Anselmo, John 5, Bill Mosely, Johnathan Davis and Alice Cooper (and that's just scratching the surface).

It's a fun deep dive of all things scary and rocking, and in our interview Schiff discusses why this film took over five years to get released, what he found most illuminating from the interviews, cancel culture, remembering the late Gunnar Hansen, Sid Haig and , plans to release more material, a possible sequel, and much more.

So take a listen, and if you want to buy or rent the doc, you can do so directly from the ⁠filmmakers website⁠ or via the Amazon link at the bottom of the blog post for this episode.

Emily Whitehurst first rose to prominence under the alias Agent M, lead vocalist for late 90's/early 00's punk act Tsunami Bomb.

After leaving the group in 2005, Whitehurst would go on to form indie-electronic project Survival Guide alongside guitarist Jaycen McKissick, but she's been the sole creative force behind the project since McKissick's departure in 2015.

Whitehurst/Survival Guide is gearing to release her new album Death Dreams (due October 19 on Double Helix Records), and it continues her unique miasma of 80’s New Wave and contemporary indie rock.

On today's podcast, Whitehurst discusses how the creative process behind her new album got her out of her comfort zone, what it’s like working as a solo project vs a group dynamic, how mortality played a crucial role to the lyrical process, what makes a great Bond theme, and much more.

So take a listen and stick around afterwards, where I’ll be playing Lady Neptune, a single off of the new album.

You can listen to the latest episode via the Spotify embed below, or via the major podcasting platforms links at the bottom of the post. And if you'd like to buy her new single, click here.

Last week lovers of intense cinema were saddened by the passing of director William Friedkin, who died on August 7 at the age of 87.

Friedkin was a true force of nature, an uncompromising director known primarily for two of the greatest films of the 1970's (and of all time): hardboiled crime drama 'The French Connection' (starring Gene Hackman) and 'The Exorcist', one of the most iconic and terrifying films ever made (and that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year).

While his career waned in ensuing decades, he remained a fascinating filmmaker, and on today's podcast, Jack Sommersby and I cover it all, from the two award winning films that gave him his notoriety, along with some reviled flops ( 'Cruising' and 'Jade) and other films that became cult classics despite failing at the box office ('To Live and Die In L.A.', 'Sorcerer') along with some 21st century films like 'Bug' and 'Killer Joe' that garnered him a new audience.

So take a listen as we do a deep dive into a singular filmmaker's body of work, and why his like will never come again.