#It's something about the main tune in the vocals that just

[cassmouse]

After Hours by The Velvet Underground has an almost tear inducing nostalgic feel to it despite I literally didn't know it existed until a few weeks ago how does that work

[notjustjavierpena]

Cher (Drabble)

Series Masterpost | Main Masterpost | Support a disabled creator

A/N: Just something silly :) 

Summary: Why is Javier blasting Cher?

Pairing: Javier Peña x f!reader/you (no y/n)

Tags: Family dynamics, fluff, happy family 

Word count: 900

Link to this work on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52937182/chapters/156416113

Cher

There is a new course you have to take for work. It involves a few days of training a week, being huddled up in a building across town with your colleagues. It also involves leaving Javier alone most Wednesday and Thursday nights with a very fussy Inés and her adjusting older brother. You are excited to return home each night, parking the car with a smile every time you see the light through the kitchen window. 

However today, the light is accompanied by the sound of your stereo system - Javier’s pride - playing as you step out of the car. It is just loud enough for you to be able to hear the pulse of the bass through the brick walls. The song is unmistakable. 

DO YOU BELIEEEVE IN LIFE AFTER LOVE?

You swing the door open, firstly greeted by Cher’s voice. It isn’t obnoxiously loud but it certainly makes an impression at this volume, her auto tuned vocals blasting from the kitchen.

Next is the sight of your husband looking like he has been through war, hair tousled from tugging on it and his shirt untucked from his pants. He bounces Inés in his embrace, her arms laying against his chest while her face shows evidence of many previous tears. She isn’t asleep but rather wide-eyed and quiet, staring up at her father with wonder as the music plays. 

“What is going on here?” You ask with a stifled smile, putting down your bag and heading toward your daughter. You kiss her head and then her fat cheek, 

“Don’t ask,” Javier answers before you can say something snarky. 

“This is what we’re doing now?” You say instead and reach up to cover your mouth, a giggle escaping you but luckily getting lost as Cher hits another high note. 

“Oh yes, very much so. Inés won’t stop screaming at me unless Cher is playing at top volume and your son thinks it’s the best day of his life,” he gestures to Lucas as he comes bounding through the living room. You turn to face him while Javier continues to gently rock his daughter back and forth in time to the beat. 

“Mamá! Dance with me!” Lucas’ voice sounds over the music. He runs straight towards you, so very clearly enjoying himself like Javier has said. You mostly want to sit down, exhausted from hearing a man drone on about a program for your computer, but your son starts dragging you toward the center of the living room. You let him, unable to resist the way he looks like a mini version of your husband. 

He starts spinning around in circles, enthusiastically trying to follow the rhythm but only seeming to flail around while missing the beat completely. He is adorable, smiling from ear to ear as you hold out your hands for him to take. You sway with him while he giggles, your whole body flooding with happiness at the sight and sound. 

When the song starts to fade, Javier disappears into the kitchen to restart it. The familiar intro to the 90s hit starts playing and you can’t help yourself, reaching down to pick up your son and spinning with him. 

From the doorway, Javier watches you with soft eyes. He still makes your heart do somersaults in your chest, beating as fast as when you had first met him. He has a tired smile on his face, a bit of baby spittle on his shirt, but to you, he looks perfect simply because he has set aside his sanity for the sake of his baby girl. 

You dance towards him with Lucas on your arm. Your free hand reaches out for him, and Javier takes it only to be dragged into a tender kiss. Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Lucas’ face light up at the sweet display of affection between his parents. 

“You’re a great dad,” you say, the upbeat song a funny contrast to the gentle moment. 

Javier looks slightly shy, the faintest pink tinting his cheeks, and he huffs a flustered laugh. He rests his lips against the top of Inés’ head, her eyes having started to droop, “Cher’s the real star of the show here, doing all the heavy lifting.”

“Give yourself some credit, husband,” you roll your eyes affectionately while Lucas impatiently starts wiggling between the two of you. You smooch his dark hair even as you still look at your intoxicating man. 

“Yeah, well,” he replies with a slight shrug and a smile while you step back to continue dancing around the living room, holding a squealing toddler in your arms. It’s a funny feeling to be bone-deep tired yet also so full of happiness that it feels like you’re floating. 

Javier goes to restart the song once more. On his chest, Inés has dozed off completely. You are already feeling overwhelmed by the third replay of the tune but it is Javier who looks exasperated by the idea that he might start singing it in his sleep tonight. 

However, as Lucas throws his arms out to the sides to imitate flying in your arms, Javier also looks like he can’t believe that this happiness is his.

.

.

If you would like to follow my writing then go follow @notjustjavierpena-fics and turn on notifications 💖❤️

[grahstumhurts]

1. Ignition

Cheerleader!Megan x Loser Band Member!Reader

a/n - n/n basically means nickname

Rekindling Masterlist

“Hey” Lara waves a hand over your face “You good? Zoned out for a good five minutes. Anything you wanna talk about?” She questions the look on your face, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. Noticing the deepness in your thoughts in the way your face had scrunched up.

“I'm good, Dont worry about me.” You shrug her hand off your shoulder, standing up to put your guitar strap on. “What are we working on today?” All four of your band had gathered in Dani’s garage, which had become a tradition ever since forming your quartet. Meeting up every Tuesday and Thursday to work on music together, With Lara as vocals, Dani as bass, Yoonchae on drums and You on guitar and main songwriter. 

“We are voting on prom performance songs” Dani grins, “As the leader of our band, I say we should do either Still into you or Fender. if your done that is.”

“Either one works for me.” Yoonchae chimes in, quietly tuning her drum kit.

“I'm down to sing still into you” Lara shrugs and looks over at me expectantly. “What bout’ you? Still into you fits your vibes currently since you're still not over megan.” Dani slaps Laras arm, “Ow what its true!” She rubs her arm. 

“Fenders my vote, Dani?” you glance over at dani who is still glaring at Lara. “For the record I'm over her.” You go back to playing around with your pick, One that Megan had given you when you were kids. A pink hello kitty one with her worn out initials on the back. 

“You still using that pick says a lot, Yn” Dani scoffs “But i can ask if we do both? I’m sure Ms Grant wont mind us doing two” She shrugs, 

“Well some of the lyrics on fender need some reworking since i haven't finished it.” you add in, “I’m like, 80% done though. Shouldn't take too long” you glance into your notebook, the lyrics scribbled in, varieties of different coloured pens from when you had woken up and scribbled something down. You hand it over to Lara, who takes a quick read and nods. 

“This is probably some of your best work so far, Personally.” She smiles, “No offence to the other songs in this tragedy of a notebook”

“None taken, Some of those were horrid” You chuckle. “Lets work on still into you first though, I’ll finish up fender in the next couple of days.” You strum your guitar to check its tuning before turning on the amp. 

-

Wednesdays were always the worst. You shared one class with Megan and that was Psychology. On Wednesdays Psych was always first period, which means you had to see her with Greg. Greg is an asshole to say the least, He always teases Yoonchae, who's a sophomore while he's a Senior. Calling her a bunch of racist slurs and other things cause she's a transfer student from Korea, Not sure he realises Megan is also Asian. Pretty fucking ironic honestly. Greg always flirts with Megan any chance he gets. It's hard not to pay attention to his poor attempts at flirting with her when he's so bad at it. 

You sit in your regular spot waiting for Ms Ginberg, You open up your notebook and work on changing up some of the lyrics that didn't work. 

“Im hiding in the trunk im crossing my legs,” You mumble under your breath, “What's another word for crossing?” You rub your forehead as you repeat your question aloud.

“Pretzeling is a good word. If that's what you're looking for?” Megan stands by your desk, Close enough to notice the scent of oranges and persimmons, Her favourite fruits. “You write music now, That's pretty cool, N/n” She smiles at you, as if she hadn't been ignoring you for the past year.

“Thanks,” You avoid eye contact with her, scribbling down the word in place of crossing. “I'm hiding in the trunk, I'm pretzeling my legs. Sounds a lot better.” 

“Whats this song even about?” She questions you, looking into your notebook glancing around at the different lyrics. 

“Its nothing, just something i'm working on” You hastily close the book and shove it into your bag. “Since when do you care what i'm doing?” You scoff under your breath as Ms Ginberg walks in, Megan returns to her normal seat next to Greg with a slightly hurt expression.

-

Class goes as usual, Ms Ginberg teaches nothing, Greg flirts with Megan,Ms Ginberg assigns you way too much homework, and the list goes on. You gotta give it to Greg, he is persistent. Megan comes up behind you after class ends, Taps your shoulder to get your attention.

“Hey, Can we talk after school?” She asks, with a seemingly large amount of sincerity “I owe you an apology and an explanation.”

“What makes you care now?” You cross your arms over your chest and give her a disappointed look “You haven't seemed to care for two years, Megan.” It hurts to call her that when you’ve known her for all your life as Meg or Meimei. 

“Look, Just hear me out. You don't have to do anything afterwards, I'll leave you be. But just take a chance on me okay?” She pleads with you.

“Fine, I’ll meet you outside the gate and we’ll talk there.” You sigh deeply, “I’ve gotta go to my next class. I’ll see you around, Megan” You walk off, knocking your shoulders together as you push past her to your second class of the day. Lara ambushes you on your way to your shared ceramics class. 

“So, what's the deal with you and Megan anyway?” She gives you a knowing look “If you're not over her just say so, Saw you talking to her earlier.”

“She wanted to talk, I dunno what about but it seems important I guess.” You shrug “I’m not entirely sure if I'm totally over her now.” You sigh again and Lara rolls her eyes

“I knew it, Dude, seriously its not that embarrassing as you think.” She pushes your shoulder playfully “First girl crushes be like that for real.” she laughs after her last comment.

A/n EEEK SO HAPPY WITH HOW THIS FIRST CHAPTER CAME OUT WOOOWOWOOO

[yuurei20]

Interview with Twst Music Composer Ozawa Takumi from the Soundtrack: Q: What was the production process like for the theme song ‘Piece of my world’ (Disc4-39)? Ozawa: "Right after it was decided that I would be involved in the music for this project- I immediately started working on this theme song. It begins with a tune for dancing to, and then at the interlude the rhythm adopts a waltz-like, classical atmosphere, and then it returns to something more danceable. I enjoy the structure of this song very much."

I had never really done music for an all-male group before, and there are 11 members in the Night Ravens—it was my first time directing so many people. Recordings were lively and bustling like Night Raven College itself, as if we had all come together for a club activity."

"There are multiple versions of the song, each with different variations in the performances and interludes, and I hope everyone is able to enjoy what makes them unique.

I also directed the voice actors in their performance of [Piece of my world -NRC 17 ver- Full size] (Disc3-04) featured in Chapter 5 of the main story. Their performances and singing were wonderful; they were perfect."

"I didn’t have very much experience with recording songs by voice actors, and I was awestruck just by being in the same room. ‘Absolutely Beautiful Full size’ (Disc3-05) also appears in Chapter 5, and we recorded it at the same time."

"I was also responsible for writing its lyrics, but to be honest, I very anxious about this one up until the moment that the vocals were recorded. The power of the voice actors' singing is truly incredible.

Vil-sama presided through Aiba Hiroki-san’s voice, and the charm of ’It’s not just about strength!’ was portrayed with complete clarity. Jamil raps during the song and Futaba Kaname-san gave an incredibly skilled performance, which is another highlight to listen for."

-Ozawa Takumi (Twisted Wonderland OST interview)

[ryukatters]

kaaatttt 😭😭😭 i need some satoru headcanons to heal my soul... what is he like as a bf??

ask and you shall receive my love (writing this to heal my soul)

content: modern AU, fluff, nsfw headcanons at the end

SFW

“mmm..i think i deserve a little treat right now.” 

except he says that at least 5 times a day and you will also be given a little treat. he does not care if you don’t want to eat kikufuku right now, you will be accompanying him to get some. 

speaking of, this man is basically eating 24/7. if gojo leaves your side for any reason while you guys are home, just know he is scavenging the kitchen for scraps like the raccoon he is. 

food is one of satoru’s main love languages. there’s something oddly satisfying and strangely warm about his loved ones eating and sharing a meal together, even if they tend to make him the butt of the joke in every single dinner conversation. 

will force you to become a sanrio girly idc (if you aren’t one already)

“babe, look!” "satoru, we have enough cinnamoroll plushies at home." "so you hate me then?"

the type to pick you up and spin you around whenever you two hug. he’ll spin and spin until both of you are dizzy and crash onto the couch.

attention whore. also just a whore in general but mostly a whore for (your) attention. will absolutely do the MOST to make sure your eyes are on him— i’m talking about poking your cheek, locking your phone if you’re scrolling through tiktok next to him, and it doesn’t even take much for him to start begging. he’s a loser like that.

scarily in tune with you. satoru is a lot more emotionally intelligent than he likes to let on around others, but he picks up on a lot of things. both of you are at a function and he can take one look at you and know that it's time to pack it up and go home.

is very sentimental about the things you give him/the things you two do together. before you started dating, satoru wasn't really one to collect tiny trinkets or keep ticket stubs because he thought they were just a waste of space. after you two got together, he started keeping virtually everything in a little box hidden in his closet. he realized that it's nice to give sentimental value to the little things, because then the memories associated with them live on in something physical.

he just... can't keep his hands to himself LOL. and like not even in a sexual manner either (sometimes), he just naturally gravitates towards you and is almost always touching you somehow— hand fiddling with your jewelry or hair, arm around your shoulder when you're sitting, arm around your waist when you're standing, playing footsies, whatever.

this man is painfully in love with you, and he makes it everyone's (mostly nanami's) problem. manages to bring you up in every single conversation with a lovesick grin on his face.

you will rarely ever hear satoru address you by your actual name. it will always be some variation of baby, babe, sweetheart, love, etc. uses snookums, cupcake, sweet cheeks, cinnamon sugar roll, my little sausage mcgriddle <3 on a rotating basis to annoy you

NSFW

you know those couples that just have this pent up sexual tension between them for no reason? like y’all could just be looking at each other but to everyone else it feels like you two are just eyefucking ​​😭 that’s you and gojo

no matter how long you guys have been together for, that spark between you just doesn't go away. people can see the immense physical attraction between you two.

is somewhat of an exhibitionist LMAO. he literally gets horny at the worst times and will drag you to the nearest supply closet, even if it means breaking the door in the process. who knows, maybe his real kink is vandalism

enjoys when you put up a bit of a fight/act like a brat. it makes putting you in your place so much sweeter.

very vocal— talking, moaning, whimpering. he sounds very pretty. he's extremely receptive to your touch so simply rubbing your hand along the bulge in his jeans has him moaning like a pornstar.

say it with me: satoru gojo is a pussy👏🏻pleaser👏🏻!

really likes going down on you. he thinks he could stay in between your thighs forever if you'd let him.

nasty. will cum inside you and clean it up with his tongue.

oscillates between wanting to overstimulate you and deny you. sometimes he does both. the way you get this hazy look in your eye and become so pliant, so needy for him gets him going.

he gets strangely possessive during sex. maybe it's a way for him to affirm that you really do love him and find him attractive.

"i'm the only one that can fuck you like this, right? make you feel this good?"

is a fan of snacks during aftercare LOL. you could have just had the most wild sex of your life, with the two of you panting as you lie in bed before satoru rolls over and opens his nightstand drawer and pulls out a pack of oreos before shoving one into your mouth

Some of these aren't even bf headcanons they're just how I think he'd be LMFAO

[biceratops7]

So about Buddy Holly…

Guys my heart is gonna burst 😭, so I was watching the trailer and pausing it every two seconds to catch every detail (you know, having a normal one), when I got a bit fixated on the music.

I had the idea to sing along to the parts of the score that were recognizably the melody to “Everyday” in order. (So the tune would play the equivalent of the first verse, then some vocalizing would happen, then the tune again but this time it’d be the second verse, so in and so forth.)

And you won’t believe what verse is playing over that scene where Aziraphale flashes back to the candlelight dinner, it’s a real shocker /s:

“Everyday, it's a-gettin' faster

Everyone said, "Go up and ask her"

Love like yours will surely come my way

A-hey, a-hey, hey”

…So uh… putting aside the fact that the implications are very adorable (encouraging Aziraphale to just have a nice time with Crowley and don’t overthink it), it also sure sounds familiar.

MARK MY WORDS, something Happened at that damn dinner. He worked up the courage to invite Crowley inside for what was an obvious date, then Crowley probably, you know, acted accordingly, and Aziraphale got overwhelmed. Like babe no offense but I feel like you went to fast for yourself, lmao.

So now let’s pay close attention to the actual part containing sung lyrics, with the only discernible lines being:

“everyday, it’s a gettin’ closer,

Going faster than a roller coaster,

Love like yours will surely come my way”

So interestingly “love like yours” plays specifically when the trailer reaches its climax, flashing image after image to tell us to expect some element of chaos and urgency in the events to come. This is maybe a reach but it’s gotten me even more convinced that the romance(s?) aren’t gonna simply be a very important B plot but directly effecting whatever strangeness/ danger is occurring in the main mystery.

…Look I’m really gunning for an “oops, we broke the universe with gay pining” angle, lol. First of all that would just be funny. Second of all, I think it would be utterly fascinating to explore any number of implications Aziraphale and Crowley’s whole thing has for the natural order of things. Or even the possibility that the “Great Plan” was about reconciliation instead of war, but perhaps more on that in a later post.

[aimportantsheep]

Here are some fun headcanons for the main Sing cast and, of course, a special focus on Darius since he’s the main character of my heart:

Main Cast Fun Headcanons

Buster Moon:

He secretly watches motivational videos on YouTube to stay inspired, often quoting them without realizing.

Has a surprisingly good singing voice

Rosita:

Her kids have accidentally gone viral on TikTok multiple times for their chaotic antics.

Johnny:

He often hums random tunes that end up becoming full songs, but he’s too shy to perform them right away.

Can’t resist joining street performances if he hears music while walking by.

Ash:

She secretly collects pins for her guitar strap, each one representing a different gig or important moment in her life.

Has a playlist for every mood, but refuses to share them because they’re “too personal.”

Meena:

She’s amazing at charades but pretends to be bad so others can win.

Can memorize any song after hearing it once, which amazes everyone.

Gunter:

Has an alter ego for when he’s “off-stage” and pretends to be a low-energy, serious person, but no one buys it.

Keeps a secret stash of glitter and confetti "for emergencies."

Darius Headcanons 🩷

Since he’s my favorite, let’s go deeper! 🩷✨

Dramatic Flair:

Darius cannot resist adding a dramatic flourish to everything he does. Whether it's ordering coffee or stepping into a room, it has to be an entrance.

He has a signature move for photoshoots—a head tilt and smolder that he’s perfected over the years.

Fashion Icon:

His wardrobe is huge. He has an outfit for every possible scenario, but claims he just “throws something on.”

He secretly loves wearing cozy clothes at home, but will never admit it. Louisa (My oc) probably finds him wrapped in a ridiculous blanket scarf while claiming it's "casual couture."

Over-the-Top Romantic:

If he ever falls for someone (ahem, Louisa), he goes all out. Think surprise serenades, extravagant gifts, and handwritten poetry.

For all his flair, he gets tongue-tied in moments that feel too real emotionally. His overconfidence falters, and he’ll cover it up with a joke or a dramatic gesture.

Routine Perfectionist:

His morning routine is a sacred ritual. Skincare, vocal warm-ups, and a perfectly brewed coffee are non-negotiable.

He spends an absurd amount of time styling his hair, but insists it’s “naturally perfect.”

Hidden Softness:

Darius keeps mementos from fans or people he cares about, like little notes or trinkets, but he hides them so no one thinks he’s sentimental.

He loves the quiet moments—like watching sunsets or fireflies—but only lets his guard down around someone he truly trusts.

[itsallmouthwashing]

Tulpar Band AU- Character descriptions/some lore PART 2

Uh okay fellas- I had to use piccrew since I'm bad at art (good thing @living-stain is keeping me fed WOOF) and I'll include some more facts about them! This is part 2 of the Tulpar Band AU character descriptions! (Part 1)

(MAYBE I NEED TO CLARIFY MAYBE NOT BUT THE ART IS DONE MY @living-stain!!!!!!! Please show him some love!!)

JIMMY ZARE- Scream Vocals and Guitar

Learned guitar pretty early in life. His parents would often drop him at the local YMCA and he took an instant interest to making music. One of the instructors there also taught him how to write songs and write music!

That instructor also listened to a lot of metal music! Little Jimmy was fascinated with it and demanded the instructor teach him how to do the monster voice thing. (Instructor learned how, just for him) (Jimmy ate up every bit and even made notes in his journal!)

Has perfect pitch! It drives him crazy sometimes when he hears a sound- any sound- and can immediately know what note it is. Although, sometimes the crew will 'test' him. They'll make random noises and ask to identify it

Music was a great outlet for him, so all of his songwriting is very personal to him and exposing himself was something he had to come to terms with if he wanted to start a band and use his songs

he starts a journal of songs and notes about making music and carries it with him almost everywhere. It's where all of his lyrics are stored, where all of his feelings are stored. They have no place in his heart, so they must be put somewhere else

Started smoking cigarettes at age 9 when he snuck one out of his parent's stash. They caught him, but just gave him his own pack and lighter in response (shitty Jimmy parents that I created, when I get you- Jimmy's parents when I get you-)

Becomes a dealer at the high school but low-key only sells to people he trusts (aka people he knows for sure are stoners and don't want to ruin the one plug that will sell to them)

Curly gets him to stop when they form Tulpar, but Jimmy still gets supplies for the two of them (he doesn't know WHERE Daisuke heard about him still selling, but it leads to Tulpar's full formation so whatever)

Smashed some motherfucker's guitar on their first day of high school. Yes, Jimmy was bragging about having perfect pitch, but he didn't expect so many goddamn kids to want him to tune their guitars for class. So when this kid with too blond hair and a grating fucking accent, he finally had enough, and all the annoyance and impatience came out in a violent swing to the ground with that kid's guitar in hand

GRANT CURLY- Main Vocals and Guitar

Picked up guitar the summer before he moved to America. His freshman year of high school is when he was able to commit the most of his time to practice and learned how to play through school

First day of school had his guitar smashed. He brought his own from home not knowing there would be instruments provided, and the kid who smashed it had to pay Curly and his family himself to replace it (Curly parents could replace it no problem, it wasn't a financial thing. And Curly feels bad about this fact for 0.2 seconds before he's searching for new guitars on the internet)

Always had a knack for singing. His dad was actually in a band when Curly was growing up, and while his dad played drums he loved to sit in on practice and sing along.

Karaoke? What was that blond blur just now? That was Curly getting first in line

Develops an alt style thanks to Jimmy, molds it to a more 'classy' look by wearing button-downs and suit pieces (someone said he looked great in a button-down and he decided it was the only thing he would wear ever)

Jimmy got him hooked on cigarettes during their freshman year of high school. He literally cannot got thirty minuets without a cigarette. He's insecure about the smell that lingers on him, so he also carries a bottle of cologne with him almost everywhere

DAISUKE JUAREZ - Drums and Synth/Keyboard

Had an interest in piano when he was younger and kept up with it as he learned drums at 12

Between piano lessons and school, he played baseball at his after-school care program. He really enjoyed it, playing baseball through middle and high school and eventually getting a scholarship based on his skill! he has to juggle Tulpar and his college baseball career, so sometimes they need to schedule around Daisuke

His parents are stupid rich and have lots of connections in production. Both parents work in Hollywood (as what? Beats me him!)

Daisuke is sent to a new high school when he turns 18 (which is junior year. his parents let him finish the year but send him to a state of his choosing to finish high school and experience life on his own) (yes they spy on him through Swansea)

Clicks with Anya instantly when he find out they both just moved to the state the same year. Quickly finds out she's a little bit of a goody-two-shoes (he changes his)

ANYA MUSUME

Picked up bass when she was 13 when she started listening to music. Honestly, she felt bass was a super underrated instrument (and that it was harder to pick up than other instruments). Her dad bought her first bass!

It's been Anya and her father for as long as she could remember. Her mom stayed behind in their home country (I'll figure it out) as they all planned to move to America, but she never made it to them. She suddenly became ill and passed away. This all happened when Anya was very young, so she has little memory of it. But her father does break down when she names her bass after her mom :)

Her and her father moved to a different state during her senior year of high school for reasons unknown to her. Sometimes she overheard hushed phone calls in the kitchen, or notices his shifting eyes in public spaces.

She meets Daisuke in a business studies class and the two take on the first few weeks of school together! It's not until Daisuke tells her that there's someone on campus that sells the good shit and they agree to meet at the dealer's spot that they meet Jimmy and Curly!

Curly and Daisuke have Gym at the same time, so that interaction was nice ("Word?" "Word." "I didn't know you were chill like that.")

The four of them hang out plenty after that!

SWANSEA (LASTNAME?)- Manager (I COULDNT FIND A GOOD PICCREW IM SORRY :(

Part of Pony Express Record's staff of managers. They refuse to hire more, so usually managers are looking after two or more bands at a time. This is also true for Swansea!

Daisuke's parents call in a favor he's owed them for some time, and of course it's for their precious baby boy. And of course he can't say no

He oversee's Tulpar's progress as a unit, coaches them individually on what industry standards are for musicians and then as a group for synergy, blending, and other factors that could risk their signing.

No matter how many times Swansea tells Jimmy his shit wont fly at P.E Records, Jimmy writes what he wants anyways. And the band rallies behind him. And somehow it fucking works

On top of being Tulpar's manager, he also kinda becomes Daisuke's babysitter (on his parents wishes. "Well, you're going to be over there anyways! I don't see the big deal in reporting back to us about what he's- how he's doing :)")

[at1ias]

@existencebringsonlypain I had to make this a post cause it got too long {side note, hi I'm in the soul segment now, I wrote this when I just started, IT GOT WAY TOO LONG HOLY FUCK} TW: mention of suicide Also, I might get things wrong: feel free to correct me. ALSO: for more in depth stuff, go look at Genius I guess cause as much as d love too, I don't wanna spend all day here- ALSO ALSO: Go listen to the album! It's really good!

The songs referenced in this post are Chonny's {who I will refer to as CJ} covers of Miracle Musical's "The Mind Electric". The covers are from CJ's album, "Chonny's Charming Chaos Compendium" {I will refer to this as CCCC}, which consisted of "covers" of Tally Hall, Miracle Musical, Rob Cantor, and Joe Hawley songs. I quoted the word cover, because sometimes he writes entirely different lyrics. Now for the explanations.

Take a description of the characters I wrote a month ago! FYI: they're all parts of this guy called Whole {he represents CJ!}

Heart is one third of the whole, and is seen as the “emotional one” by Mind. He is also the one seen in more control of Whole in the beginning of the album. His voice in the album is represented by having no effects added, along with being softer. He has a mutual hatred to Mind. He is blind, and therefore also wears a blindfold. It is not specified when he was blinded, and is up to individual interpretation, though seemingly the most popular one being after the “Juno incident”, which I will cover later. Fun fact, HE HAS A GUN?! He represents the Moon, and has a mostly purplescheme. HMS each has a monochrome color that represents them, Heart’s being white. He has also been referred as “Resident Heart”, “The emotional side”, “Juno”, and “Artemis”. He has purple lipstick.

Mind is the second third we talk about, and is the “cold, logical” one, and finds Heart useless due to his emotions. After “The Ruler of Everything”, he is seen to have more control of Whole. His voice is the most distinct, which, THANK GOD- and is deeper and more monotone. Due to “The Ruler of Everything”, and Heart’s last lines in “The Heart Acoustic”, a majority of the fandom sees Mind as an android/ automaton. He has a blue color scheme. He represents the sun and the color black. He’s referred as “Mr. Mind”, “Automaton freak”, and “Apollo”. He has blue lipstick.

Soul is the final third. He is the peacekeeper, working to bring together Heart and Mind, and is determined to do so, saying he’d die trying. His voice is slightly distorted, and I don’t really know how to explain it. He is the one most representing Whole, and is seen in mostly two ways by the fandom, “Mom and Dad are fighting again”, and, “The children are fighting again.”. He has a glowing red trident, matching his red color scheme. In fanon, and sort of canon, Soul has a chicken named Darrel, created by Socialc1imb due to Mucka Blucka (Intro to Cacophony) having chicken noises, and was canonized in the music video for “The Bidding” by OpalTheThing. Confirmed by Chonny, Soul does drink Monster Energy {I think that's true, probably???}. He really wants Whole back and hates the constant fighting. He represents the color gray and the stars {some people see it as something else though}. He’s referred as “The host”, “a madman”, “insane”, “peacekeeper”, and “Atlas”. He has red lipstick. 

Finally, Whole. Also known as Harmonia {though some people see them as separate entities} , he is what happens when HMS goes into concord. Not much to say here. Again, he’s also a representation of Mr. Jash himself!!! {EDIT START} Oh wait also here's a quote from Mr. Jash's QnA mostly for me to save but uhm. How are Soul’s, Whole’s and Heart’s vocals distinct from each other? How did you decide on these differences? Why did you make Mind’s voice so distinct from the others? The main difference between Soul and Heart is the type and intensity of their pitch-correction. Heart is made to sound like a normal take, using pitch-correction only to fine-tune the notes that they sing to sit better in the music, while Soul’s is heavily cranked to sound almost robotic, even though each is in the same register. For some songs, Soul’s vocals also get layered on top of a Vocoder that’s programmed to replicate the melody of the song (noticeable in Two Wuv and Light.) The fact that Mind’s voice is so distinct isn’t really a specific choice I made, just that out of the three characters, he seemed to best suit it. Finally, from a sound/mixing/production point of view, the voice of ‘Whole’ as you all seem to refer to me is almost identical to Heart’s. This isn’t really for any thematic reasons, and instead just because it feels the most natural. {EDIT END}

Alright we aren't going to talk about Whole much by the way- So, The Heart Acoustic {I will refer to this as THA} is Heart singing a song from Apathy {I'm pretty sure Apathy is a hole}. He is in Apathy, from what the fans dub, "The Juno Incident", an event where Heart attempted to shoot Mind, but missed. He got sent to Apathy as a punishment. It's what I like to call, Heart going on a rant. Importantly, at the end of the song, Heart says this, "Do what you want, you automaton freak, no I can no longer bring myself to care, this hollowed out vessel's beginning to creak, so take control, let's see how you fare." Automaton freak refers to Mind and vessel refers to Whole, by the way. This is Heart's way of saying, "I give up." The Mind Electric, {TME} Is what I like to call, Mind's third and final "diss track" to Heart {The "diss tracks" in question being songs, "Be Born", "Storm and a Spring", and "The Mind Electric"}. Most of the song consists of him mocking Heart, here's a quote I like, "See how his feet miss the ground, and he falls inside a hole he dug for me.", This refers to Heart being in Apathy, a hole he dug for Mind as his grave for after the Juno incident. The Soul Eclectic {TSE}, A.K.A. my favourite song {yes, I'm biased cause Soul is my favourite but also this song goes HARD} Also, this song is real hard to sum up. So, the first verse is Soul kind of introducing himself. The second has Heart calling Soul a "Damn madman", and Mind calling Soul a "Depressed fool". This could also be taken as Heart and Mind talking about each other though. The last line in this verse Soul says "You seem to forget to you answer to me." This is Soul trying to claim any power he can, and he is telling the truth, Heart and Mind *do* have to answer to him. Third verse, Soul says "Neither is wrong, yet neither is right", referring to Mind and Heart's fighting. At the end, Heart and Mind share a line saying, "Condemn him to the infirmary", which I see as them trying to get Soul out of their fighting. The bridge Soul says, "You must be so arrogant to think That either of you can control The Soul so wholly, when To be one whole you can't hold solely" This is Soul talking to Heart and Mind, saying you can't control me, and you shouldn't think as such. Also, I took the usage of "Wholly" and "solely" as puns for Whole and Soul. Starting in verse 4, Heart and Mind finally start listening to Soul. In verse 5, Soul is pretty much like "I'm done with y'all's bullshit." The second bridge isn't notable, but in the interlude, Heart, Mind, and Soul all say, "I. Am. Me." {I'm only writing that because in the sound it sounds cool as fuck lmao} In the chorus, Soul says: "See how the brain plays around And it splits what once was whole down into three And you fall inside a hole, inside a- Someone help me Understand what's going on behind my eyes Doctor, I can't tell if I'm not me" The brain refers to Mind, and splitting refers to how they're all parts of Whole. The hole, again, refers to Apathy. The last three lines are Soul saying he doesn't exactly know what's happening between the three of them, even as their "host". In the second part of the chorus, Heart and Mind are fighting. Again. Shocker. In the third bridge, Soul again talks about their fighting, saying this: "See how they fight all day The other half won't hear what's had to say It's just the game they play here in this labyrinth maze" Yes, the last lyric is a reference to Labyrinth by Miracle Musical. In the outro, Soul is now fed up, and starts to threaten them. Here's the lyrics: "Screams with no sense for why One more day and more night One more black and one more white One more chance is all you've left to turn the tides Tridential regicide I won't hesitate to kill my Heart and Mind I will abdicate these deviants sat inside I'll take you down in tandem when this rope is tied"

Day / night, black / white refer to Heart and Mind's corresponding things. Soul then says he's giving them one more chance. In the last three lines, Soul threatens them, saying he'd rather die than do this. And I'm pretty sure the rope refers to a noose, which.., y'know.

SIDE NOTE IVE BEEN WRITING THIS FOR OVER AN HOUR, WHAT.

[aois-amaterasu-painting]

Guitar Magazine - Aoi & Uruha interview (2022)

Uruha & Aoi Discuss the Evolution of Guitar Work in the GazettE

To mark the GazettE's 20th anniversary in 2022, we sat down with guitarists Uruha and Aoi from the iconic visual rock band. They recently released a commemorative best-of album and continue to gain momentum. This time, the two reflect on the band's history, focusing on their guitar work from the band's formation to the present.

Interviewer: The GazettE 20TH ANNIVERSARY BEST ALBUM HETERODOXY-DIVIDED 3 CONCEPTS was released as a three-disc set: “DISC1 SINGLES” compiles your singles, “DISC2 ABYSS” highlights tracks with memorable melodies, and “DISC3 LUCY” features rock tunes.

Uruha: We decided to make it a three-disc set after having many meetings with the members. DISC2, ABYSS, and DISC3, LUCY, are composed of tracks that form the core of the GazettE’s worldview, so we mainly focused on that when selecting the songs.

Aoi: ABYSS and LUCY are pretty close to the concept of our live shows. We always perform both emotional tracks (DISC2 ABYSS) and intense ones (DISC3 LUCY) in our concerts.

Uruha: The song selection felt like working on a live setlist with the members. We’d have discussions, like, “Not this, but maybe that?” That’s how it went, right?

Aoi: Yeah. When deciding the tracks, we thought about what structure would be best if we were to use this album for a live performance.

Uruha: For example, the idea to start DISC2: ABYSS with 'Naraku' came from Ruki (vocals). I think he already had a live performance vision in mind when he proposed it.

Aoi: I realized once again that we're a band that is centered around live performances, no matter what. That hasn’t changed from the beginning until now.

Interviewer: This album seems to encapsulate the essence of the GazettE. Aoi-san, you mentioned the phrase “the beginning” What kind of guitarists were the two of you when you first started this band?

Aoi: I wouldn’t say I wasn’t thinking at all… (laughs), but I approached everything with an open mind and flexibility. On the other hand, Uruha had a strong vision even back then.

Uruha: No, I didn’t! (laughs)

Aoi: Oh, come on! (laughs) I remember being drawn to the demo tape I received before joining the band. It had twin-guitar arrangements that were completely outside of what I know. So at first, I was just trying my best to understand everyone’s styles and preferences. It wasn’t until some time after I joined that I was able to add my own touch to our music.

Uruha: Honestly, in the beginning, I had no vision at all (laughs). At that time, we were frequently playing events with other bands, and all I could think about was, “How do we survive in this scene?” It was a very stimulating environment, and I found myself incorporating all sorts of influences and ideas to keep up.

Interviewer: Many guitarists in their early days seem to have strong preferences, like “the guitar tone must be distorted” or “there has to be a solo in every song.” Did you have those kinds of fixations?

Uruha: Back then, I think we were still in the stage before really diving into the musical aspects as guitarists. We weren’t as concerned with creating our own individual styles yet. Our main focus was figuring out how to survive as a band in the scene. Now that I think about it, I hadn’t even reached the point where I cared about things like guitar distortion. It was more about “How do we perform in a way that attracts fans?” That’s all I could think about. If we couldn’t draw fans, we couldn’t even keep the band going.

Aoi: For me, it wasn’t so much about my own personal direction as it was about “What would work best for the GazettE?” For example, metal-style riffs were an absolute no-go in our music. Whenever I brought up a riff like that, the response was always something like, “Yeah, that’s not really our vibe…” Back then, the trend was that lead play for intros felt more emotional and cool than heavy riffs, and that was reflected in our choices as well.

Interviewer: In your early days, it seems like you were focused more on being "edgy" rather than heavy. When would you say you reached a turning point as guitarists after starting the GazettE?

Uruha: It was around the time we started doing solo shows. That’s when rehearsals and recordings became more serious, and I began paying attention to each individual sound. That period when I started to focus on the band's overall sound was my first turning point.

Interviewer: So that’s when you began focusing on “honing your skills as a guitarist,” as you mentioned before?

Uruha: Yes, that’s right. Back then we didn't have the money to buy equipment. Without financial freedom, it was hard to really focus on the finer details or be particular about gear.

Aoi: For me… I’d say my first major turning point came about 15 years into the band’s career.

Interviewer: What?!

Aoi: (Laughs) Honestly, yes. Of course, I cared a lot about the sound during recordings, but I’ve always placed more importance on live performances. I feel like I’ve always prioritized what I do on stage more. In the first year or two, all I could think about was how much fun I could have on stage. My main concern was generating enough energy to match or outshine other bands when sharing the stage. Even conversations within the band leaned heavily towards that.

Interviewer: So that mindset lasted for about 15 years?

Aoi: Yeah, it did.

Interviewer: From the early days, it seemed like both of you had a strong dedication to sound as guitarists.

Aoi: Like Uruha mentioned earlier, there were plenty of people who were more particular about their sound or technically skilled than we were. I always felt like our abilities were just average compared to others. So, whether it was in making music or in our playing, I never thought we were particularly exceptional.

Interviewer: I see. I also think the two of you have an extraordinary ability to deepen the atmosphere and worldview of your songs.

Aoi: Incorporating guitar phrases into the band’s worldview is something that, to an extent, feels natural and expected. But with that in mind, my priority was always the stage. I had the basic mindset and skills to express the songs, so while I felt my playing was “lacking” in some ways, at the time, it was good enough.

Interviewer: I see. Let’s talk about guitar arrangements. How did you decide on the approach that would make the most of the twin guitars?

Aoi: Decisions like, “I’ll play this, and Uruha will play that,” came about pretty naturally. We were also conscious of having different approaches for the guitars in the left and right channels.

Uruha: I was influenced by a lot of twin-guitar bands since my teens, so the general theory of twin guitar work was something I absorbed intuitively. But did Aoi and I ever talk about how to divide the guitar parts…? Did we?

Aoi: No, we didn’t. I would just naturally play something different from the kind of phrases or melodies you were likely to play.

Uruha: That’s true.

Aoi: But, with the current the GazettE, there are songs where we both play the same riff, and honestly, I sometimes wonder, “Is this okay?” I’ve always felt that having the two of us play different phrases is musically richer.

Interviewer: The unison-heavy sound of recent years is also incredibly cool. Speaking of unison, starting around STACKED RUBBISH (2007), you began incorporating heavier elements into your music. How did that come about?

Aoi: As we continued to play live, we started talking about wanting some heavier elements. It was initially about creating a more impactful stage presence, but that naturally influenced our musical direction as well. Before settling on a heavier style, we experimented with punk and rock ’n’ roll sounds, but they didn’t quite fit the band. After going through that period, we eventually went in a heavier direction.

Uruha: At first, I felt a bit hesitant about the heavy elements. Back then, I thought music like Slipknot’s was cool, but I couldn’t imagine us pulling it off. Still, I felt it was necessary to take that first step, so I made a demo with a lower tuning than usual and shared it with the members. That experiment led to the idea of, “Why don't we try doing a heavy song?” Of course, we didn't feel like we got it right away, so we had to keep trying and refining it through many attempts.

Interviewer: Did it ever feel like, “Down-tuning… maybe not for us”?

Uruha: Yeah, it definitely did.

Aoi: Oh, for sure! I actually hated the idea at first (laughs). Switching to down-tuning meant I’d have to set up a whole new guitar specifically for that. It felt like a lot of hassle at the time, so I wasn’t really enthusiastic about it.

Uruha: Our knowledge of down-tuning was minimal back then, so I ended up playing on guitars with super low string tension. I was trying to figure out how to get the right amount of tension. Nowadays, we have well-established methods, but back then, we had none. Honestly, at first, I was just playing on a guitar that felt all floppy and wobbly (laughs).

Aoi: It took a long time to stabilize the tuning, didn’t it?

Uruha: Yeah. We didn’t even know much about using thicker strings or how thick they needed to be. It was all a process of feeling our way through.

Aoi: It takes years to create a decent sound with down tuning.

Interviewer: I understand. With heavier music, sometimes it’s hard to tell if the guitar sound is heavily distorted or actually not that distorted at all.

Uruha: That's right. I had this preconceived idea about what a heavy sound should be, so I’d just crank up the distortion. But the sound just wasn't cutting through. I kept wondering if it was the amp, or maybe the power of the pickups. I tried all sorts of things, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t find the answer.

Interviewer: Changing your playing style after the band became big must have been quite challenging. It’s impressive that you didn’t shy away from it.

Aoi: Part of it was because we started feeling bored. If we had just kept making the same kind of music without stepping out of the “This is what the GazettE’s sound is” box, we would’ve inevitably gotten bored. Even though I wasn’t excited about down-tuning at first, I agreed with the idea of trying new things. After all, if we weren’t enjoying ourselves, what would be the point of making music?

Interviewer: That makes sense. the GazettE has evolved constantly—whether by incorporating heavier or digital elements or, conversely, emphasizing a raw, live band feel.

Uruha: Regarding that, I think it’s less about reaching for a variety of things to expand our range and more about creating music within the scope of what we genuinely like. I feel the changes are a result of gaining proper knowledge while trying new things.

Interviewer: So, you’re becoming better at refining and expressing what you originally liked?

Uruha: That’s right. I feel like I’m gradually organizing my knowledge and experiences now. Even with ideas that didn’t quite work out at the time, I hope that someday I can revisit them and eventually transform them into something that elevates the band’s sound.

Aoi: The digital elements you referred to are from the DIVISION (2012) era. But even now, those elements haven’t disappeared entirely. I think we’ve become better at integrating different styles into our sound, so it feels more natural now compared to back then.

Uruha: Yeah, I agree.

Aoi: Before, we’d approach it with a set theme, like “a fusion of dance music and rock,” and create songs with that in mind. But now, we include digital elements without consciously focusing on them, so it doesn’t feel as forced as it did in the past. Many newer bands have members who listen to a wide variety of music, and they’re skilled at incorporating elements from different genres. We’re an older type of band, starting from a place of having no knowledge and doing things by trial and error. When we tried something new, it often ended up with that element being very prominent at first. Over time, though, we’ve gotten better at integrating those influences more subtly.

Interviewer: It’s true that in the past, musicians tended to stick rigidly to one genre. For example, if someone loved metal, they wouldn’t know how to play anything outside of it.

Aoi: Right. For example I hadn’t even tried cutting until I joined the GazettE (laughs). I used to think, I’m never going to need to do cutting in my life. But when I had to play it in the band, it turned out to be really difficult.

Uruha: Don't metalheads do cutting?

Aoi: No (laughs).

Interviewer: That said, breaking free from conventions can lead to discovering new charms, don’t you think? Also, I’d like to revisit something you mentioned earlier about prioritizing live performances. When your musical style evolved, it must have affected your stage presence as well. Did you feel any resistance to that?

Aoi: I just force myself to adapt. When a song with a new style is created, I figure out how to adjust my stage performance to fit it. As long as I think it through and commit to it, there’s no reason it won’t work. In the end, whatever we, as members of the GazettE, choose to do on stage becomes the “right answer,” so I think it's fine. That’s why I actually enjoy the first night of a tour. At that point, the members’ movements haven’t fully settled yet, and everyone’s individuality still shows. I love seeing that freshness—it’s like the best appetizer! (laughs).

Uruha: I’m similar to Aoi in that I adjust and adapt to any type of song. My style is essentially shaped by everything I’ve done up to now, so I don’t really think of myself as having a fixed style. I also don’t have a specific vision of ‘this is how I want to be.’ Even if we ended up playing something like reggae, I’m confident I’d find a way to make it work.

Interviewer: The ability to adapt things into your own style probably has a lot to do with the fact that the GazettE consistently embarks on long tours. With a short tour, it would likely end right around the point Aoi mentioned—where you’re still in that “first-show freshness,” wouldn’t it?

Aoi: Yes. Japan has a particularly unique approach, doesn’t it? It’s become standard to release a new album, do a handful of shows, and then wrap things up. But that feels like such a waste to me. It’s not just about the way we present ourselves—playing songs live helps them grow and evolve. I feel like you need to keep working on them over a longer period of time.

Uruha: Lately, even at the end of our tours, we hear comments like, “It’s not enough,” “I’m not tired of it yet,” or “I want to see more.” It’s made me realize that this band has gotten to a point where we can keep playing these songs over and over without them losing impact. I think that’s an amazing thing. That's why I think the GazettE should continue with this approach moving forward.

[nevadas-night-time-novelist]

can u please do 2bdamned x reader but they have the same music taste? sorry for bad english!! :3

Your English is fine :]

Doc x Reader - tunes n chillin (in other words, yall gonna like MY MUSIC TASTE lol)

Hello there, the angel from my nightmare, the shadow in the background of the morgue.

The base was relatively empty, everyone else off doing who knows what, killing who knows who, leaving you plenty of space to zone out into your own world, music on in the living room while you doodled away in an old sketchbook. A ballpoint pen was the only tool you had on hand now, but the deep black strokes added weight and character to your art.

The unsuspecting victim, of darkness in the valley. We can live like Jack and Sally if we want, where you can always find me.

Scrawling what came to mind, the song inspired you to roughly doodle the main Nightmare Before Christmas characters, the gaunt and oddly handsome Jack Skellington, and his sweet patchwork lover Sally. Oh to have a romance like theirs would be a dream.

And we'll have Halloween on Christmas, and in the night we'll wish this never ends -

"We'll wish this never ends." You looked up from your art, seeing Doc nodding his head along to the music. "Hey, it's a good song." He shrugs when he notices you watching him.

Some weeks later you were in your room, exhausted from dragging around some guy whom Sanford was currently torturing information out of. To drown out the noise, you'd placed a CD into the player and flicked through an old manga, something about a cosmic horror planet coming to devour the earth.

I'm just a normal boy who sank when I fell overboard. My ship would leave the country, but I'd rather swim ashore. Without a life vest, I'd be stuck again. Wish I was much more masculine, maybe then I could learn to swim like fourteen miles away.

Your door was currently non-existent, Hank had ripped out part of the hydraulic seal during a half-MAG rage, so currently only a curtain served as your privacy. Privacy which was often ignored by the lads.

The curtain swayed as Doc stormed in, he wasn't wearing his mask and his displeasure was evident. "Trying to break passed some firewalls is incredibly difficult with all that fucking noise Sanford is making. I'm used to some level but his current toy hasn't stopped screaming his lungs out for two hours straight. I can't even think right now!"

You looked up from your lounging position. "Yeah, that's why I put music on. It's not like I can shut the door." Doc sat on your bed, going back to debugging and unencrypting.

"I'll get it sorted when I have the parts, I promise." You knew why he'd come to your room, it was the furthest from Sanford's makeshift torture chamber in the storage room. Well, that was half of why he'd come. In truth, the old dog had grown rather fond of your company.

You two had a few bits in common, music taste for one, and the differences were good talking points, clashing viewpoints being a discussion rather than an argument. It was nice, yes, he enjoyed being around you.

Now floating up and down, I spin, colliding into sound, like whales beneath me, diving down. I'm sinking to the bottom of my- Everything that freaks me out, the lighthouse beam has just gone out. I'm cold as cold as cold can be... Be...

As you flipped through the gruesome pages of your manga, you paid little attention to your surroundings, the music and all else just melting into background noise.

I wanna swim away but don't know how-

"Sometimes it just feels just like I'm fallin in the ocean." And there it was again, just barely above a whisper, Doc's voice mixing with the vocals.

You couldn't help but smile, his rugged voice was rather lovely when singing, Deimos was right. Dei secretly admitted to you that Doc used to sing him to sleep when he was young, it was nice to finally get to hear it.

"You sing pretty well Doc."

"Hm? Ah." You could see his cheeks turn red, his gaze averting from you. "Thanks. You wanna know something funny? Your playlist seems to have a lot in common with mine. Rather a lot in common."

"Really?" You smiled at him, he seemed to shift uncomfortably under your watchful eyes, his cold exterior slowly giving way to a hidden sweetness. "You'll have to share it with me sometime, we can just listen together for a while."

"Hm," Doc rubbed the back of his neck, giving you a shy smile. "I think I'd like that."

[keeneschoices]

I'm gonna miss one of my classes because I stayed up late to watch the finale of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies and couldn't sleep afterwards... WELP, ANYWAY.

what a fucking good episode.

SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 10 AHEAD!

I've seen people saying they didn't like it that much because it was more relosution of past problems than anything else, but I did love it. The race didn't get to me nearly as much as I thought it would because after being presented with Cynthia and Lydia's situation, and the whole Olivia marrying that predator, I honestly had more things to worry about than any of that, but it was sort of fun.

Anyway, the whole song in the beginning of the girls telling Olivia not to marry that creep ("he's literally just a guy, hit him with your car" vibes) was just amazing. Everyone's vocals were great but holy fucking shit, ARI?? ARE YOU FOR REAL? THE TALENT.

We got a little more of backstory for Lydia and got some sort of hint regarding Cynthia's mom (my theory is she left them when Cynthia was young and sometimes she calls If she's in need of something). I'm loving to get to know these characters better, honestly.

The whole coming out scene between Nancy and Cynthia broke me. Like, literally had me crying and pausing the episode because I couldn't see anything behind the tears! I'm so goddamn glad Nancy talked to Cynthia and accepted them as they are (not that I ever thought she wouldn't), and seeing Cynthia cry, no, sob like that in Nancy's lap was so heartbreaking because their friend accepted them but it's still the fucking 50s and it's scary as hell.

AND THE MIRROR HOUSE SCENE?? WITH CYNTHIA SEARCHING THROUGH FOR LYDIA AND BEING VERY CLOSE BUT THEN AGAIN VERY FAR, UNTIL THEY CONNECTED AT THE END AND FINALLY GET THE RESOLUTION WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!! MY HEART MELTED. THEY'RE ALL IN, LYDIA!

God, I just love love love the mirror house song and scene, it was so well done (I SCREAMED OKAY?? THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE THING). And Nancy not only preparing Cynthia to go in but encouraging her and even entering the house to make sure Lydia knew Cynthia was serious about their feelings? AMAZING. NANCYCYNTHIA BESTIES, YES.

I also sort of liked that Hazel is now a Pink Lady and sort of didn'? like, I love the message and I totally think If anyone else deserves a chance to be a Pink Lady, it's her... but like, the other four are so connected already because of everything that's happened between them. I'm not saying Hazel couldn't fit into that, but with a bond like theirs it's normal that she'll probably feel left out at least a little bit and that's not what I want.

OHH, AND THE LITTLE NODS TO GREASE AND GREASE 2 WERE SO GOOD. Potato's "speech" to keep things intereseting with Nancy mirroring Sandy's to Danny from the first movie made me cackle and I just looooveeee that they included the Pink Ladies' Pledge, not only the pledge in on itself but also that little part of the song from Grease 2. I loved it!!

The only thing that really bothered me from the episode was the cliffhanger in the end. Because I was expecting like, a cliffhanger and we got, well, name dropped. Which is not bad I guess, I just don't give a shit about whoever this Zuko is and what his relation to Danny is so I'm sort of hanging here for season 2 because If this is the main plot, I'm gonna be tuning in mostly for my favorite characters. Not saying the plot won't be good (because these writers are fenomenal), but it's not as interesting as of now for me personally.

WELL ANYWAY, I'M GONNA GO TO SLEEP NOW BUT I STILL WANT A SEASON 2, YOU HEAR ME PARAMOUNT?? LET'S GO.

[emo-nova]

hi, hello, I'm back, now on season 2, episode 5, very beginning. Here's my little check in, Isaac, a little shit, one of my new faves.

Sitting right next door to Derek and Stiles, on faves list. Though I am annoyed in the direction that the writers are making Derek and Stiles go in.

Let's start on my opinion on Stiles, if I was the one writing this I would have Stiles more vocal about Derek's wolf pack and his gathering of it being possibly being okay, mainly because I think by creating friction between Stiles and Scott makes them more believable as friends. There are disagreements and this disagreement could show the difference between Scott and Stiles. Scott, projecting his trauma of no choice within turning into a werewolf, is against the idea of more werewolves. Stiles, having that choice of being or not being a werewolf but close to being pressured into it, thinks higher of Derek giving a choice to Isaac, Erica and Boyd. Another thing, if i were a writer of this show, I would have Derek and his pack notice Stiles attempting to not help but not dissuade them from Derek's turning just telling it from an outsider's perspective if possible and later having this be a build off for the pool scene.

Next, Derek, oh Derek, my poor boy. First, what the fuck was the subtle sexual thing between him and Erica, its a no from me, sorry. Maybe they were aiming for uncomfortable, or to try and make Erica's confidence in her looks be elevated after the bite with possible sexual freedom? I don't know, I'm just guessing though. For Erica's perspective, you can try and persuade me that it works. But for Derek's? No, it'll be very difficult, but I will still want to hear it out. Another thing for Derek is that the way he trains his pack, I don't see as a very Derek approach, he learns and adapts and the way he is training them is worse than what he did with Scott. I honestly think he wouldn't do that violent training more attuned to control and how to keep hidden especially with hunters lurking at every corner.

I am enjoying character development between Stiles and Derek, they have one of the most interesting dynamics to me, I can see why they are shipped and I am close to shipping them for the pure need of a competent couple working together on something. Before anyone yells at me, Derek isn't that competent, I say he is as he figures out clues and has theories and is pretty solid on understanding what's happening *MOST* of the time. He does have his pitfalls in knowledge but it's good to have to help with creating stakes.

Also, mini rant about Scott McCall. His vet/Mentor told him to look at the problem he has with a 'different perspective' and proceeds to shut off Stiles' 'different perspective' on Derek's pack and possibly working with them or at least being at peace with them. Scott refuses admantely! Then, end of episode 4, Scott finally goes "We have to work together Derek!" (hypocritical, I can deal with that) "Work with the hunters!" MAIN CHARACTER OF THIS SERIES? DID YOU FORGET THE OMEGA GERARD SLICED IN HALF? YOU THINK HE WILL WORK WITH YOU? YOU THINK ANY OF THE ARGENTS EXPECT FOR ALISON ARE GOING TO PLAY NICE???????

That, so far, all is what I'm going to say. Stay tuned for my chaotic rambling ig?

[dustedmagazine]

Wussy — Cincinnati Ohio (Shake It)

Over the last quarter century, Wussy has quietly built an impressive catalogue, eight albums including this one that span heartfelt alt.Americana, fiery jangle rock and an almost shoegaze-y wall-of-sheen sound. Led by Chuck Cleaver, once of twang punk’s Ass Ponys, and Lisa Walker, the band can sound like Eleventh Dream Day or a Sally Timms-forward Mekons (Jon Langford painted the cover art). In the silvery fog of “Desperation A.M., you might catch an echo of Yo La Tengo’s Georgia Hubley, but in the more strident opener, “The Great Divide” you’re more likely to hit on the Feelies side project Wild Carnation (Brenda Sauter played a show with Wussy in early November). Wussy touches a lot of solid indie-to-country rock bases, while remaining very much its own thing.

The songs vary a good deal depending on whether Cleaver or Walker sings lead. Their voices are very different, for one thing, Cleaver’s a wobbly, weatherbeaten, country tenor and Walker’s a cool, enveloping, faintly disembodied vehicle for dream pop. Both write songs, too, so if the writer is also the main singer, that may account for some of the divergence, too. But in any case, just to take the singles, “Sure as the Sun,” one of Cleaver’s, reels and bucks like a revival tune run amok on a wild horse. His voice is cracked and wizened, but fully capable of conveying both tune and emotion. The guitars crash, the bass thunders, the drums wallop, but an aura of resignation pervades. “And if there is a heaven, I don’t think that’s where I’ll head, I’d rather stick around and hang with you instead,” he sings, linking the mundane and the spiritual in a very Wussy way.

Walker takes the lead in the other single, “Inhaler” a slashing country rocker suffused in clouds of dread. Her voice is clean and dry in the verse, wobbling only a little with vibrato. But it’s in the multi-voiced chorus that she comes into her own. “It’s a swing and a miss and our hero is down today, and I check the brakes, and I fill the tank, his tornado is pulling away,” she trills, the main vocal line crisscrossed with descants and counterparts. There’s something giddy, something a little desperate about how this song hurtles forward, flinging itself off precipices only to be buoyed by clouds of harmony.

The pedal steel is one other factor that nudges these songs away from indie rock and into Americana, and therein hangs a tale. Wussy’s long-time pedal steel player Jon Erhardt died partway through the recording process, having completed just two songs. It’s him you can hear on the bare and ruminative “The Night We Missed the Horror Show” and on “Days and Hours”’ whirling torch song. Travis Talbert finished the job, adding the lovely glow of pedal steel to atmospheric “Desperation A.M.” and playing on three other tracks. Both add density and feeling to the Wussy sound, a subtle but essential. Likewise, when bassist Mark Messerly switches to accordion on “The Ghosts Keep Me Alive” and, later, “Disaster About You,” it tips the sound in a deeper, richer, more countrified direction.

Wussy is a bit of a cult favorite now, and long-time fans will undoubtedly have different reactions to this late period recording. Still, even coming to them fresh and without any prior connection, the sound is wonderfully rich and varied and the lyrics provocative without preciousness. If, like me, you’ve come all this way without running into Wussy, maybe it’s time to check in.  

Jennifer Kelly

[jessica-caillte-jessicannot-draw]

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Disclaimer-the pictures used belong to Capcom's Dead Rising series. I am using said images as examples to illustrate my opinions

I'm delighted to see one of my all time favourite games coming back! It looks like they did an excellent job! They seem to have fixed issues that frustrated me in the original like the survivors blocking each other from getting up onto that ledge near the safe room vent and screwing up my time for completing the other cases. If there is any time left in development before release (even post release) I hope they will change a few things.

Firstly, I'd love the option to switch between the new voice actor for Frank and the original T.J. Rotolo. It will be exciting to see what the new voice actor will bring to the table; his take on the character should be given a chance. I can't form a full opinion on the new voice yet based off the few lines in the trailer. It seems to have a playful tone and great delivery from what I listened to. However, there should be the option to choose between the new and original in my opinion, and I don't mean the reuse of audio from the original, I mean bringing the original voice actor back to redo the lines for the remaster.

T.J. Rotolo's version of Frank West will never not scream badass to me. His voice is distinct; it's a key part of keeping the charm of the original character and game intact for this remaster since Frank is the main man. I would genuinely spend another 30 to 50 euro more on top of the games current pre order price if they would bring T.J. back to redo his lines. Once again, having the option to change between the new and the original Frank voice would be awesome. I say this as I fear this choice to replace the main character's original actors will carry over should they choose to remaster Dead rising 2. What if Peter Flemming will no longer voice Chuck Greene?

As for the audio/soundtrack, I hope they include that most recent version of "Justified" By Sean Lacefield. Drea's incredible vocals wouldn't go astray either! I can't listen to it and not visualise the concept art of Isabella holding onto Frank amongst the horror. Badass. I rocked out to that tune during my teens. It's a gorgeous song and the series would not be the same without it.

No your honour, I didn't simultaneously rock out to "Justified" and write a whole assignment on why Frank is one of the best characters in all of gaming during my college days.😂

Am I a game design or voice acting expert? no, just someone that loves the games and the characters. That being said, others seem to share my opinion on including T.J.'s version of Frank's voice so I'm not alone in thinking this. It takes something away without him there. This is a beloved game; I'm allowed to be sentimental and worry about a repeat of mishandling of Frank's character like Hank East. This game and it's characters are iconic and should be handled carefully.

See below for Frank's reaction to my ranting ;-;

My second point is more time should be devoted to Frank's design. Brad and Jessie are polished but faithful to their original designs. Frank's hair line should be brought down slightly. Just enough so that he mirrors the Frank we know from the original.

My main argument for this is because he looks like his older self from later in the timeline, that being off the record and or case west and he's not that age yet. The receded hairline and wrinkles shows time has passed and creates a sense of progression for Frank's character -older and battle hardened. Case west era Frank's still kicking it and fighting for survival with the parasite/infection in him daily all these years later. Dead rising one's Frank just isn't there yet. So to reiterate, it's too soon in the timeline to age him up. I think Frank is slightly cartoonish in relation to the other main characters e.g Brad, Jessie etc. Frank's remaster model has intricate detail and looks amazing, no doubt about that. The design just needs to be tweaked a little as it strays a bit too much from the original in my opinion. I just don't feel he looks like THE Frank West. If you compare Frank face to that of the other characters, he feels a little out of place with the overly exaggerated hairline. One thing I love about Frank is that he's not your typical poster boy, not toned, idealistic, young etc. The original Frank was that nice balance between the two and looked like your average guy.

am I discrediting the amazing work they have done on this remaster? absolutely not, I'm just keen on Frank feeling like he's actually Frank West in this remaster of the game.

-Jessica-Caillte-Jessicannot-Draw

❤❤❤🤘🤘🤘

[rimeiii]

Forget your tears - be brave, and fall asleep (WHB Belial x MC)

Revisited the chapter 8 Mephisto boss fight (and by extension the second phase BGM Lullabye) because the recent trailer for Arknights anime season 2, Perish in Frost, had a tiny snippet of it that maybe sent the entire fandom into a frenzy. Then I remember seeing a post speculating about the effects of the seed of the fruit of knowledge on a human with the most angst-filled HC in which it turns the human into an ally of the angels. And thus, this was born.

Also served as a distraction to the entire PM situation so...yeah. Apologies for any shit writing.

Tags: GN Reader x WHB Belial. Written before launch, so prepare for lore inaccuracies. Angst. Likely not proofread. Also it's been a while since I last wrote something and this is my first rodeo with reader insert so...

Title is taken from the English translated lyrics to Lullabye from the Arknights OST!

Belial had always associated music with comfort.

Ever since he'd lost his voice to the angels when he was young, he'd always experienced nightmares. Try as he might, no matter how much he actively attempted to suppress the memories of that day, they'd return to him when his psyche was at its most susceptible. Like a monster laying in wait, these memories would remain dormant - deceptively harmless, until they'd viciously resurface in his unconscious mind.

He'll always remember. The agony of his vocal cords getting burnt away, the searing pain in his throat as his voice is completely annihilated, the demons of Paradise Lost regretfully telling him there was nothing they could do about his voice.

The way his heart ached unbearably harshly as he is beset upon the realization that he is effectively rendered mute. The soul-crushing realization that he can no longer sing, melodies and lyrics becoming nothing more than ideas locked in his mind. The deep despair as it dawned on him that he could no longer communicate effectively with anyone.

Pain made way to sadness, to the despair of loss, to anger at the angels.

Belial was young, at the time. Impulsive and perhaps a little bit rash, fueled by wrath towards the beings that stripped him of his voice. A wrath so uncontrollable that even with Jjyu doing his utmost best to keep Belial's anger in check, residual traces of his wrath remain.

Perhaps it was an effect of Satan's influence on the demons of Gehenna. Perhaps his anger was just that potent. Perhaps, he was angry at how he never obtained a peaceful rest.

But either way, Belial's turbulent emotions remained - until Solomon arrived and managed to quell his raging emotions.

Solomon came with a song. A lullaby, a song to soothe a troubled soul. Though the melody seems anything but - a melancholic melody in a tongue Belial is unfamiliar with, yet carries with it the sorrow of a protector in the night. Silent, yet steadfast, always ready to be a sanctuary.

It was enough for his restless heart to grow calm.

Even after Solomon left, there remains a recording of Solomon singing the lullaby. It always became a source of a comfort for Belial, a brief calm within the turbulent storm that was their war against the angels. And it has become his way to remember his beloved Solomon, the only being in the entire universe to be able to calm his restless heart.

It was his main source for comfort, at this point.

~

The very first time Belial heard someone else sing the very lullaby that only exists in recordings, it was sung by Solomon's descendant, (Y/N).

It was late, while they were settling down for the night. They were changing into their sleepwear in Belial's room, who was bundled up in the covers while beckoning them towards him. And unconsciously, perhaps due to the comfort of the darkness surrounding them, they started humming that familiar tune.

Immediately, Belial grew still. Is that...

Fortunately, Jjyu was quick to pick up on Belial's confusion, as usual.

"Hey, that song..." Jjyu murmured, quiet and shaky, breaking the fragile silence of the night. Seeing that he caught their attention, he continued his question. "How do you know it?"

"Hm? Oh, my parents used to sing it to me whenever I couldn't sleep, back when I was a kid." (Y/N) replied. Belial noted the slightly subdued delivery of their statement and immediately sat up straight, scooting over to create more space for them.

"It's been a long time since I last heard them sing, but it has always stuck with me up 'til now, y'know?" (Y/N) laughed weakly as they settled down beside Belial. They snuggled closer to Belial, nuzzling their head into the crook of his neck, savoring his warmth and presence. "Even after they're long gone, I still remember their voices, and the lullaby."

"Where are they now?" Jjyu asked, even though both he and Belial had a feeling they knew what was coming next.

A sad, rueful smile made its way onto (Y/N)'s lips.

"Gone."

Immediately, Belial wrapped his arm around (Y/N), giving their shoulder a comforting squeeze. I'm sorry.

"It's been years, Beli. I'm fine now." They replied. He noted the slight tinge of grief in their voice but refused to comment further on it, seeing as they diverted the conversation to another topic. "Why did you ask about the song, though?"

"Solomon used to sing that lullaby whenever Belial would get nightmares." Jjyu supplied easily. "It would calm him down after one."

(Y/N) hummed contemplatively. "I'm probably not as good as Solomon, but if you want, I don't mind singing for you if you get any more nightmares, Beli."

Jjyu looked like he was uncertain, however one look at Belial must have showed how the other demon was truly thankful for the offer. Because while Solomon's singing was the one that calmed him down all those years ago, he still thought the way (Y/N) hummed the lullaby in question is soothing and beautiful in its own right. And, because of that, he decided he wanted to hear them sing.

"Thank you, (Y/N). We'll take you up on that offer."

(And hey, at least Jjyu isn't being an asshole for once.)

~

There's a lot to be said about the significance of music, especially for someone like Belial, who loves and appreciates all the intricacies that came with music and its structure.

The lullaby he'd always come to associate with comfort had also become associated with (Y/N), the human who had won over his heart. They sang it with such profound emotion, sorrow and solace blending into a heartrending harmony, so similar yet so unlike how Solomon used to sing it to him. It was soulful, soothing, and calming all at once.

It was so unlike the way they sing it now, consumed by the heavenly powers and transmogrified into a heavenly being, becoming a berserk "angel" hell-bent on killing the very people they once considered friends.

(Jjyu would prefer calling whatever they transformed into as a monster. Belial would be inclined to agree - if not for the fact it was (Y/N) they were talking about.)

Their voice is raw, broken and distorted. Rage, anguish, anger, and despair, all intermixed into a cacophony of grating noises. It was so unlike the charming and beautiful voice Belial was used to, and it hurts.

It hurts, because he knows why (Y/N) turned into this heavenly being in the first place. Because he knows they sacrificed themself, offered themself up to keep the demons safe. Knows, that even if it meant they were to die, they were willing to give up their life for the demons they have grown to cherish.

And yet Belial, still stuck in denial, desperately searches their eyes for any sign of the human he had grown affectionate towards. A spark of life, a hint of familiarity, something, anything-

Nothing. There is nothing.

They are unfamiliar in his eyes. A husk of their former self, blazing a warpath of complete and utter annihilation of Hell and its denizens.

Was this what (Y/N) meant when they told me to gain the strength needed to kill them?

His allies are all too far away from him. Satan made his orders clear, no matter how painful it was for them all - kill (Y/N).

He has a clear shot at the moment. Though their movements are erratic, they often remain still for long periods of time - exhaustion, perhaps, due to taking up a form they are not used to. Yet they continue singing, as if it could relieve some of the pain and anguish their forced transformation has caused them.

And Belial remembers.

He remembers them singing to him until he falls asleep.

He remembers the comfort from their voice, singing to him such a familiar lullaby.

He remembers them, eventually recording themself singing the lullaby and giving the recording to him.

So similar, yet so different to how she's singing it right now.

He can't bear seeing them suffer in a fate worse than death, nor can he bear hearing the lullaby, now distorted beyond belief. So he takes aim despite his tears, aims the muzzle of his sniper rifle at their forehead...

BLAM!

They crumple into the ground in a heap, before immediately turning to dust.

Belial sobs, and Jjyu wails with him, the pair of them unable to retrieve any trace of their prior existence.

And the lullaby, a song he associated with comfort once upon a time, is now identic of anguish, of the loss of a loved one.