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...
Fuzzrocious Pedals Announced Baby Furnace Gated Fuzz Pedal
Fuzzrocious Pedals has unveiled the Baby Furnace, a miniature version of their Blast Furnace pedal. The new pedal features the gated fuzz section of its big brother with two footswitches: one that toggles the effect on and off, and one to switch between two separate volume controls. “When Volume 1 is active, the fuzz signal is wide open with a...
Colin Edwin and Lorenzo Feliciati Collaborate for “Twinscapes Vol. 2: A Modern Approach To The Dancefloor”
Bassists Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree, Metallic Taste of Blood) and Lorenzo Feliciati (Naked Truth, Berserk!) have teamed up once again for Twinscapes Vol. 2: A Modern Approach To The Dancefloor. Each player is known for their progressive rock and jazz styles, but they also share roots in ’80s pop. The new album layers that era into their already unique sound....
GR Bass ONE800 Bass Amp Now Available
Italy’s GR Bass Amps are now available in the U.S., and they’re now shipping the GR Bass ONE800. The 800-watt bass amp offers lots of tonal tweaking with a four-band EQ section that includes three-way frequency switches for the Lo-Mid and Hi-Mid ranges. Deep and bright switches offer more general EQing while a Pure switch allows you to bypass all...
Daniele Roccato Honors Stefano Scodanibbio On New Album
The late Stefano Scodanibbio was a pioneer of modern double bass technique. His extended techniques and innovative approach to writing music on the bass changed what people thought the bass could do. Double bassist Daniele Roccato honors that excellence on a new album called Alisei. Along with his Ludus Gravis Ensemble, Roccato performs Scodanibbio’s compositions for solo bass, bass duo,...