Earthquaker Devices Unveils the Black Ash Endangered Fuzz Pedal
Earthquaker Devices has unveiled a new pedal called the Black Ash Endangered Fuzz. Limited to 1,500 units worldwide, the fuzz is a take on the “three-knob” Tone Bender that is built with rare components. “It uses a highly curated selection of premium components including paper-in-oil capacitors and half-watt carbon composition resistors from EarthQuaker Devices president Jamie Stillman’s personal collection to...
More Beauty and Desolation: An Interview with Steve Lawson, Part 2
In our last interview with solo bass whiz Steve Lawson, he gave us the scoop on his latest album, Beauty and Desolation. The gorgeous seven-song collection continues the bassist’s constant sonic exploration and artistic growth. Our chat included his ideas on the album’s concept, his improvisational style, and how he uses symbolism in music. In part two of the conversation,...
Horace Panter and The Specials Announce New Album, Tour
The remaining members of The Specials have announced they’re working on a new album called Encore. It will be their first new release in 20 years and the first to features vocalist Terry Hall since 1981. It also reunites the band with Lynval Golding and bassist Horace Panter, who helped spread the news on Twitter. “Can finally talk about our...
Ozzy Osbourne Announces New “No More Tours 2” Dates
Ozzy Osbourne has announced a new round of dates in his “No More Tours 2” farewell tour. The former Black Sabbath singer will once again be joined by longtime collaborators Zakk Wylde, Tommy Clufetos, Adam Wakeman, and Blasko on bass. The North American leg of the outing will also feature support from Megadeth, who will be celebrating their 35th anniversary....
3Leaf Audio Unveils the Chromatron Pedal
3Leaf Audio has expanded their pedal lineup with the Chromatron, a state variable filter that is the result of “10 years tweaking, refining, and reimagining.” “It is an optically-controlled analog filter that can switch between envelope control and manual control via expression pedal with the push of a button,” the company explains. “The envelope detector is an original design, producing...
Video Premiere: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra’s “The Trap,” featuring MonoNeon
We have another jaw-dropping video premiere for you today, this time from the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra. The band, led by steel pan player Scales, has always been stocked with killer bassists. (Just check the archives.) This live performance of “The Trap” features band member E’Lon JD with special guest Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas, Jr., who also appeared on the song for...
Blackberry Smoke Releases Acoustic EP, “The Southern Ground Sessions”
Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke have released a new acoustic album called The Southern Ground Sessions. Recorded at Southern Ground studios in Nashville, the six-song EP is described as a companion to their recent album Find A Light and features stripped back versions of songs from the LP. They also include an acoustic cover of the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers...
Mr. Big Planning Final Album Before Disbanding
After reforming the original lineup nearly a decade ago, Mr. Big is looking to call it quits after one more album. The band, anchored by bass master Billy Sheehan, has become incomplete since drummer Pat Torpey’s death due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Vocalist Eric Martin told Rock Radio N1 that it would be “uncomfortable” to continue without Torpey. “I’m...
In Memoriam: Josh Fauver
Former Deerhunter bassist Josh Fauver has passed away at the age of 39. A cause of death was not reported, but a band representative confirmed the sad news. Fauver first joined the Atlanta-based indie rock band in 2004 after founding bassist Justin Bosworth died. He recorded on their debut self-titled album that same year and ultimately played on six releases...
Static-X Reunites For New Album and Tour
Four years after the death of frontman Wayne Static, the original members of Static-X have announced they’re reuniting for a new album and world tour. The original lineup of Tony Campos, Koichi Fukuda, and Ken Jay will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip. Campos says the project will include the final vocal performances...
Bass of the Week: Nordic Guitars Rotator
The Rotator from Nordic Guitars is unlike anything you’ve seen. At first glance, the double-necked instrument seems upside down, but that’s where its name comes in. The Rotator’s fretted and fretless necks point in opposite directions and can be rotated to quickly change styles. “[The necks are] fixed together in each end with 1 piece of milled out brass, which...
Hugo Doyon-Karout Featured on New Beyond Creation Album
Beyond Creation have released their third studio album, Algorythm, with bassist Hugo Doyon-Karout. The band calls their new ten-song collection their own “representation of modern, cohesive progressive death metal with an extra touch of dynamic arrangements, vigorous rhythmic patterns integrated with tamed, refreshing atmospheres.” Though Doyon-Karout has been in the band for several years, it’s the first album to feature...