Photo by Alice Teeple
In 1985, from the ashes of Bauhaus, one of the most influential alternative rock bands rose—Love and Rockets. Fusing the raw energy of post-punk with a more expansive, melodic sensibility. Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins, all veterans of the burgeoning gothic rock scene, took their name from the Hernandez brothers’ underground comic and crafted a sound that would come to define a new generation of rock and roll. Over thirteen years and seven albums, they carved out a legacy, their music an alchemical mix of darkly infectious grooves and introspective lyrics.
Their self-titled fourth album, released in 1989, marked a pivotal moment. Powered by the hit single “So Alive,” a track that oozes seductive swagger, the band finally broke into the mainstream without losing their underground edge. It’s a song that remains as potent now as it was then, a testament to the enduring power of its minimal yet hypnotic charm.
Fast forward to 2023, and Love and Rockets find themselves back on stage, their first live appearance in fifteen years, lighting up the Cruel World Festival in Pasadena. The performance was electric, an event that didn’t just satisfy nostalgia but reignited it. Seeing the moment, Beggars Banquet has reissued their classic albums, bringing the band’s discography back into sharp focus.
Among those entranced by the performance were Rob Kaechele (D.J. K) and Scott Kirkland (The Crystal Method). The experience was nothing short of revelatory for them, leading to a collaboration that sees “So Alive” reimagined for a new era. Dusting off the original stems, the pair have crafted a remix that breathes fresh life into the track while honoring its original spirit. Marking its 35th anniversary, this new version of “So Alive” is a masterstroke, blending the old and the new in a way that feels both timeless and immediate.
Rob Kaechele, a stalwart of the San Diego rave scene, cut his teeth in the late ’80s, making a name for himself with remixes that spanned the sonic spectrum, from The Police to David Bowie. Meanwhile, Scott Kirkland, the remaining half of The Crystal Method after Ken Jordan’s departure, continues to push the boundaries of electronic music. Their collaboration is a meeting of minds that could only happen now, a fusion of experience and innovation.
The limited-edition So Alive remix EP of will be released on August 30, 2024, in digital formats and as a clear picture disc—an artifact as much as an aural experience. You can pre-order the EP here.
For those lucky enough to catch the band on their North American tour with a reunited Jane’s Addiction, the EP will be available at the merch table, a tangible piece of the ongoing Love and Rockets story.
This summer tour, spanning 23 cities, kicked off on August 9 at Las Vegas’ Fontainebleau. The band will wind its way across the continent, culminating in a climactic performance at the Evolution Festival in St. Louis on September 29. It promises to be a celebration of a band that, despite the years, remains as vital and compelling as ever.
Love and Rockets Tour Dates:
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