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[bourbontrend]

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[gazetto-no-ki]

LIVE2024 HERESY LIMITED 【HETERODOXY Vol.3-IMMORTAL CREED-】 2024.09.12 Toyosu PIT - spice.eplus Live report

At every live show, the GazettE's vocalist RUKI always says, “First, thank you for sharing this time with us.” These words are not just a formality; they come from his heart, and during this two-hour performance, it became evident that this is the reality of their world. Thousands of fans filling the venue chose to share the same space and time with the GazettE, directly meeting the members’ gaze and creating an intense sense of unity. What seems like a "usual" sight for their live shows—a sea of fans and the band connecting deeply—is, in fact, a miraculous and irreplaceable experience. This night served as a profound testament to that truth, and it will surely stand as an enormous “trace” (shouseki) in the band’s future path.

In April of this year, the band’s bassist REITA passed away, and this was their first live performance after the memorial concert "HERESY LIMITED 'SIX GUN'S,'" held on May 27th. This show was part of their fan club exclusive series 'HETERODOXY' Vol. 3. Ahead of the performance, vocalist RUKI stated that the setlist would be chosen from across the three-disc best-of album they released about two years ago (the GazettE 20TH ANNIVERSARY BEST ALBUM HETERODOXY -DIVIDED 3 CONCEPTS-). He also explained that the title, "IMMORTAL CREED," carried the meaning of an "undying belief." In other words, the purpose of this concert was to reflect on the band’s journey so far, while reaffirming their unchanging commitment, no matter what happens. After watching the two-hour show, this became an undeniable conviction.

As the start time approached, the SE track "HETERODOXY" played, and five flags, adorned with the logo of their fan club ‘HERESY,’ slowly rose. With the five spirits gathered on stage, the intro to "Filth in the beauty" began, featuring graceful female vocals. This unexpected opening song sparked a cheer from the audience. When this single was released in 2006, its innovative blend of heavy rock and R&B created a buzz, and the floor shook with movement as fans jumped and headbanged at RUKI’s command. Applauding the sight, RUKI then transitioned the applause into clapping, signaling the start of "VENOMOUS SPIDER'S WEB." As the distorted guitar sound filled the venue, laser beams, like spider webs, crisscrossed the inside of Toyosu PIT. Uruha (Gt) and Aoi (Gt) exchanged guitar riffs while Kai (Dr) drove the beat forward, overwhelming the space with the band’s signature heaviness.

“Tokyo! Show me how cool you can be!” RUKI shouted as "VORTEX" began. Uruha had already taken the center stage platform, and RUKI moved fiercely from side to side, riling up the crowd with clapping and headbanging. In the powerful chorus, you could clearly hear REITA’s (Ba) voice, and the excitement in the room continued to rise. This unusually fast ignition of energy showed that the band truly craved the live performance setting, something RUKI hinted at in his next MC.

“Can I be honest with you? I’m so happy to see you. Really, live shows are a place where you can let out any feelings, any emotions, so feel free to do whatever. Show me any face you want. You don’t have to worry; we’ll lead you.”

Next, they performed "GABRIEL ON THE GALLOWS," a hard-hitting, vertical-headbanging song, followed by "FADELESS," a catchy melody wrapped in loud rock. Both numbers combined the decadent theme of ‘falling from grace’ after losing wings, delivering a clear narrative. During the latter’s outro, the spotlight turned to the rhythm section, placing the focus on the bass, and chants of “REITA!” echoed through the venue, etching his presence into that space.

RUKI’s vocals, both smooth and on the verge of breaking with sharp shouts, were bathed in blue lighting and smoke, reminiscent of water's surface, as he walked unsteadily, expressing loneliness through "DRIPPING INSANITY." The song introduced a world of quiet sorrow. In "QUIET," where the powerful drumming felt like it could blow everything away, RUKI sang "For now it's goodbye" but didn’t complete the line "The habit of leaving an empty space by your side." This left the audience with a tightness in their chest. After the poignant guitar echoes faded completely, applause filled the venue. RUKI’s silhouette swayed like a shadow puppet under the heavy, drumbeat-like drumming of Kai, while Aoi unleashed the maddeningly beautiful intro phrase of "GODDESS." The performance, drenched in red light, ends with RUKI singing of a broken mind, and just as he repeats the words "Are you testing me?" the curtain lifts on "BABYLON'S TABOO." The red lights flickered like candy threads across the hall, while RUKI whispered the spell-like phrase "ADE DUE DAMBALLA," creating a dark and unsettling atmosphere akin to a ritual. The band's heavy, technical, and tricky performance was captivating. No matter how aggressively they stormed through the songs, the deep tracks that followed were always integral, forming the foundation of the GazettE’s profound world.

"After all, live shows are great. Standing here, I feel like this is a place where you can release any emotion. So, everyone, don’t hold back. Let it all out, everything, and follow us from here," RUKI said.

Emphasizing the word "everything," the band’s physical power began to push the emotions of everyone present. In "TWO OF A KIND," RUKI incited headbanging with calls of "Head! Head! Head!" while the audience unleashed their wild energy under the weighty and brisk sound. But it wasn’t just their bodies that trembled—the lyrics like "Knowing the same pain" and "Every time we share our scars" shook their hearts as well. Under the laser beams, "VERMIN" painted a thrilling sight as the crowd leaped high during the chorus, while REITA’s gritty bass lines intertwined with Uruha’s swirling guitar. When the intro to "ATTITUDE" kicked off, the crowd exploded into a massive sing-along and clapping to "Until die!" RUKI rallied the crowd, shouting, "Come on, shout from your gut! Make it reach!" as the guitarists quickly switched positions, driving the audience into a frenzy.

"You're doing great, Tokyo! Can you keep going? You can do more, right? This isn't all you’ve been holding back! Bring it on!" RUKI roared as the crushing low bass of "ABHOR GOD" reverberated through the venue, sparking a storm of headbanging. As the crowd clapped in unison, Uruha and Aoi stood side by side, strumming their riffs, electrifying the audience with their presence. The intense blast beats of Kai and RUKI’s death growl brought the madness of the final moments to a thrilling close.

Then, as RUKI shouted, "Can you handle the last one? The last one!" and Kai hit the bass drum with a steady four-on-the-floor beat, the audience instantly responded with claps and cheers. In perfect harmony with the crowd, the band launched into "TOMORROW NEVER DIES." When RUKI shouted, "I’m singing for you guys!" fists were raised high, and the front members of the band freely ran across the stage, filled with the joy of performing. As the crowd erupted into cheers before the final chorus, RUKI looked up to the sky, repeatedly asking, "Do you hear it!?" The voices from the audience grew louder with each repetition. Needless to say, by the end of the song, RUKI let out a roar, pouring out all of his feelings.

Though REITA’s physical presence couldn’t be seen, his sound, his spirit, and his soul were unmistakably there. Because through the GazettE’s songs, the memories and presence of REITA were etched into the hearts of everyone in the venue.

"First of all, I want to thank you for sharing this time with us. You all have your jobs and daily lives, yet you chose to come to our live show today, and I’m really grateful for that. Truly, I’m genuinely so happy. No matter what expression you have, show me your faces clearly. To be able to meet again on the day we promised—honestly, I think that’s such a blessing. Time is something that inevitably passes equally for everyone, but today, every single second, let’s make this an unforgettable and amazing moment together, you and us."

Responding to the encore, the band reappeared, and RUKI expressed his gratitude as always, speaking about the happiness of being able to gather for the live show, which was met with applause. He followed it with these touching words: "Memories, you know... they're treasures that will never disappear for a lifetime." Then, he began singing the deeply emotional "Anata no Tame no Kono Inochi." (This Life is for You) with heartfelt love and melodic grace.

As he called out, "Let me hear you!" a huge chorus erupted, and during another early song, "Akai One Piece", the crowd joined in with claps, fists, and headbanging, creating a truly spectacular scene. "Go wild and go home! Can you do it?" he shouted, as they launched into "INCUBUS," sending heavy bass through the venue and creating a sea of raised fists, shaking the hall. This led seamlessly into "Hyena," where REITA's shout echoed across the venue from the start. Although REITA's voice and bassline were not live, the overwhelming live experience born in that moment, with the drums, twin guitars, vocals, and the audience's chorus all coming together, seemed to possess a mysterious, superhuman power.

The last song RUKI signaled was "UNFINISHED," a track that unmistakably declared that the GazettE’s journey is far from over, and they have yet to reach their final or complete form. Aoi leaned against Uruha, layering their sound together, while RUKI brought the lyrics "I'll take your hand" to life by gesturing as if pulling the crowd’s hands into his own. The audience responded with all the voice they had, and the unforgettable stage reached its emotional finale.

"Thanks to all of you, we were able to create an unforgettable and amazing day. Thank you. And next year, thanks to your support, the GazettE will be entering its 23rd year. As a surprise, we've prepared a promise for when we can meet again. We'll be waiting for you like this once more. Please spend your precious time with us again. Thank you for giving us such an incredible day today and for always supporting us. Please continue to support the GazettE from here on. Let's meet again. I love you."

As RUKI spoke these raw and sincere words, he gazed across the floor filled with applause before leaving the stage. On his way out, Kai embraced the bass amp. The flyers distributed at the venue's exit announced the tour 'the GazettE LIVE 2025 23rd ANNIVERSARY TOUR Shouseki,' which will take place in January through March next year. The tour will begin at Nagoya's DIAMOND HALL on January 16, continue at Osaka's Namba Hatch on February 6, and culminate on March 10 at the Tokyo Garden Theater, marking the band's 23rd anniversary.

The title of the tour, "Shouseki" ('traces or a trail that will serve as proof in the future'), reflects their earnest desire to leave behind a solid mark as the GazettE continues its journey. What kind of "trail" they will create along the way will depend on the audience who loves them.

[eskewcity]

Eskewcity's Top Ten Games of 2023

Hello!!! I've decided to compile a list of the best games I played this past year. As such, this list is not limited to only 2023 releases (in fact a majority of the games I played are several years old atp). Additionally, I only considered games that I had completed by year's end. This means that fantastic games such as Signalis and The Talos Principle 2 will not be included, though I still highly recommend them.

Finally, I will put my ranking under a read more for the sake of not clogging anyways dash. Hope you all had a good 2023 and maybe can find something that interests you mwah <3

10. Subway Midnight by Bubby Darkstar

Board the train! Run away from a weirdo! Solve some puzzles! Make friends with some ghosts! Try not to become a ghost yourself!

While I am not someone usually willing to gloss over a somewhat lackluster story for the sake of gorgeous visuals, I will give Subway Midnight an exception. Even with a game that largely takes place in a subway car, it was exceptional when it came to its visual design. It has a blend of a cartoonish style for the characters mixed with extremely realistic environments. The gameplay itself was also quite fun, if not tedious in multiple runs and I really enjoyed the variety of characters that players encounter.

9. Broken Reality by Dynamic Media Triad

A humorous adventure set in a 3D parody of the internet. Diverse puzzles, beautiful worlds, friends, experiences, upgrades and more, await those who 'log on'!

Depending on yourself, Broken Reality might either be a headache inducing cacophony of colors or a fun exploration game about the internet and the commercialization of products and each other. For myself, I choose to look at it from the latter perspective. I found the game to put quite humorous and I really enjoyed all the different worlds to explore. Much like Subway Midnight, I would not recommend it much on its story but I think the design and concept certainly carries where that lacks.

8. Hylics by Mason Lindroth

Hylics is a recreational program with light JRPG elements.

At its core, Hylics is a game with a pretty simple concept. Fight your way through the world with the end goal of defeating the big bad, Gibby, King of Moon. However past that, get ready for a confusing and abstract adventure. This accounts for several reasons. For one, the dialogue of Hylics consists of randomly generated sentences that feel almost coherent while maintaining a healthy amount of head scratching. The game was also created through claymation leading to characters and environments whose shapes twists and turn in perplexing patterns. While this may seem to take away from the experience, I found this not to be the case at all. In fact, I would say it enhanced my time playing greatly. I could not stop thinking about Hylics after I played it simply because its weird and purposely lacks focus which makes it all the more memorable.

7. Babbdi by Sirius & Léonard Lemaitre

BABBDI is a short, first person exploration experience with light narrative and platforming elements. Visit the town of BABBDI, a forsaken district in the outer ring of the megalopolis. Meet its inhabitants and discover how to escape.

In Babbdi, your goal is to leave Babbdi. You must search through the city to find a train ticket that can guarantee your escape. However, the ironic part of playing this game was that I did not rush to leave. While being a free-to-play game, it had an incredibly sizable area to explore. The game actively encourages the player to search every inch of city to find its secrets while also reminding the player that their goal is to eventually leave all of this behind. If you have an hour or so to spare and love games focused more on exploration than action, this is definitely one to check out!

6. Who's Lila? by Garage Heathen

A reverse-detective adventure, where you control your character's face

In Who's Lila, you play as a young man named Will who cannot properly control the expressions on his face. As the player, your job is to ensure that he reacts properly to the world around him. The game even starts with a tutorial on how to respond accordingly to a variety of situations. While a seemingly simple concept, this game is not as it may appear. In fact, and without giving much away, Who's Lila requires multiple playthroughs to order to begin to piece together what is truly going on.

5. Hypnospace Outlaw by Tendershoot

Greetings Enforcer, and thank you for enlisting in the Hypnospace Patrol Department! As the world falls into its slumber, Hypnospace becomes a bustling global village. These virtual streets aren't going to police themselves!

Taking place in 1999, Hypnospace Outlaw tasks you as a moderator for a new form of technology which allows users to surf the internet in their sleep. As the player, you're tasked with seeking out policy violations and handing out warnings and even banning users, if necessary. There is so much about this game I can say but I find going in blind is the best. I definitely found some frustrations which some of the puzzles and how obtuse their solutions were but its undeniably one of the most unique games I have ever played.

4. Return of the Obra Dinn by Lucas Pope

Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person mystery adventure based on exploration and logical deduction.

In Return of the Obra Dinn, is a mystery game where you not only have to determine the fates of one person, but an entire ship's crew. Additionally, you have to determine the names of each individual based on existing records. By going in the past to witness the last moments of each individual, players can be able to slowly work out the mystery of the Obra Dinn. As someone who plays many puzzle games, I found this to be one of the most satisfying I've ever played. I also thought the game just looked gorgeous and was extremely fitting for the vibe it was going with.

3. Papers Please by Lucas Pope

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

As a border patrol officer, your job is determine the legitimacy of the documents that are brought to you by people wishing to enter the country of Arstotzka. This requires things such checking if their paperwork has expired, if they match their passport photo and if they have the necessary seals for entry. However, what if someone comes to the border fearing for their safety if they are denied, without the correct paperwork? Will you let them in, risking punishment for yourself or deny them, ensuring that you will able to provide for your family at home? Papers Please is a game that will continuously make you question your own ethics under a authoritarian regime. I found this game to be incredibly emotional and made me replay several days simply because I decided against my initial judgments. Certainly one of the most impactful games I played this year.

2. Presentable Liberty by Wertpol

You have been imprisoned without being told why. All you can hear day in day out is the faint ticking of a clock in your cell. That is, until the first of 5 fateful days begins.

Sometimes there are short indie games in the world that fundamentally change you and this is one of them for me. With that in mind, there is not much I want to say about Presentable Liberty since I find its best experienced blind. The short of it is you play as a prisoner as they receive letters from those on the outside. The gameplay is minimal since the player is stuck in their cell for the majority of the game but promise you when I say it does not much that action when its biggest strength comes from its writing. While this game had its short lived success on Youtube, I implore everyone out there to play it and see why I choose to rank it this high on the list.

1. Cry of Fear by Team Psykskallar

Cry of Fear is a psychological single-player and co-op horror game set in a deserted town filled with horrific creatures and nightmarish delusions. You play as a young man desperately searching for answers in the cold Scandinavian night, finding his way through the city as he slowly descends into madness.

Honestly, it's insane it took me so long to play this game especially when loving a piece of media that's a psychological horror featuring a depressed character wandering a city is kind of what I'm known for. However, I finally got around to it and I'm so glad I did. While not the most technically savvy game out there, it is incredible what Team Psykskallar managed to pull off while offering players the opportunity to experience the entire thing for free. Several times throughout playing Cry of Fear I couldn't stop thinking how much better it was than many of the games I've paid for. Like I said, its definitely not the most polished horror game out for sure but damn was I charmed. Even after I completed this game, I immediately had to restart so I could play with director's commentary as I was just that damn interested in learning about as much of this game's development as I could. And its because of how invested I got in playing this game but also its background, that I choose to make it my number 1 pick this year.

(fuck that train level though)

[mariacallous]

There’s a nasty not-so-secret secret no one likes to talk about, so it’s best to start there: Black women are among the most hated demographic worldwide. In America especially, anti-Blackness is the air. It’s everywhere even when you can’t see it. From the ivory halls of Washington to C-suites at Fortune 500 companies, Blackness is treated as less than. And because that is how it works and how it has worked generation after generation, not even Beyoncé, currently the most commanding force in music, can escape the fangs of misogynoir.

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: A Black woman was told she did not belong, that she was not welcome in a certain space, so she paved a path all her own. That’s the story Beyoncé recounted in an Instagram post in March, the day she announced her new country album, Cowboy Carter. “The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” she wrote. Unlike other musical genres, country is infamous in who it chooses to exclude. The genre’s history is rife with allegiances to the old ways of American prejudice, and no bearing or social position can change that.

The sweet irony, of course, is that now we have Cowboy Carter, the second installment in a three-act project of historical and musical restoration that Beyoncé began in 2022 with Renaissance, her dance-floor tribute to house music. She is on a mission to reclaim her time. The rare artist who can pull off such a canny move, Beyoncé now represents something bigger than music. She’s an industry unto herself: swaggering and audacious in reach, with a built-in fan base that anticipates every album drop, Instagram post, and product release. Whether you agree with the motivations behind her work or not (and there are valid criticisms to be made for artists who create at such a grand scale as her; mass influence in all arenas of life necessitates questioning, there’s no denying that), no other contemporary Black musician will bring more awareness to country’s gated meadowlands—its past, present, and possible futures—than Beyoncé. If nothing else, she gets people talking.

“I’d like to actually thank the CMAs for pissing her off,” X user @gardenoutro wrote Friday morning, just past midnight, in the hour following the album’s official release, calling attention to Beyoncé’s 2016 performance with the Chicks that was later shunned by Country Music Association members. Where Lemonade was scorned memoir and Renaissance flirted with fantasy—a disco-lit dreamscape where freedom and love have no inverse—Cowboy Carter unravels like autofiction, blending biography with novelistic flair on songs like “Daughter” and “Spaghettii.” It takes country into uncharted terrain. “It’s easy to listen to 27 tracks when they’re all good,” songwriter Rob Milton wrote on X.

That’s the other thing about the Beyoncé Effect: There is no room for dissent in her universe. Online, and particularly across social media, new albums of hers are given billboard status. It is cause for celebration but rarely one for challenge or sharp inquiry.

“A lot of people still want to join in with something larger than themselves. Fandom offers them a way to do that. It is not, though, entirely a utopian space,” says Mark Duffett, a professor at the University of Chester who researches fandom. “The concerns and issues that society has are mirrored in fan communities. They do not escape from being part of the wider social world.”

As powerful as her music can be, the release of a Beyoncé album exposes the fiction of a shared internet. There is not one but many. In its most intense form, fan logic thrives in isolation. On Beyoncé’s internet, as with comparable fan cultures, logic finds comfort in the sideways geometry of the echo chamber. Its reasoning animorphs into blind zealotry, wagging its finger in the face of disagreement. Fan logic butts against balanced judgment. It has led Barbs (Nicki Minaj fans), Beliebers (Justin Bieber fans), Hive members (Beyoncé fans), and the like into a cycle of heated confrontation, and sometimes wild irrationality.

Brittany Luse wasn't expecting death threats when she commented about a Cowboy Carter ad that was projected onto the front of the Guggenheim Museum, but she also knew “the Hive can be so intense in their defense of any criticism of Beyoncé, let alone any perceived slight. So I wasn't expecting nothing to happen.” Luse is the host of NPR’s pop culture podcast It’s Been a Minute and a fan of the singer. “I maintain a pretty low-key presence online, so over the years, I’ve only dealt with wild social media attacks a handful of times, with the Swifties or the manosphere, but never death threats. They probably should have stressed me out, but they mostly just confounded me. I said I didn’t like an ad, and now you want me to choke? That’s too much.”

That, more than anything, is the tenor of fandom on the internet today: Perceived disloyalty is met with Tony Soprano–style intimidation. The rise and permanence of social media has led, in part, to the decomposition of fan culture. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram brought us closer together. Platforms that prized connection boosted the careers of artists from burgeoning to box office stars. But it had costs, Luse says. Instant access to celebrities rewired our relationships entirely.

“You can find seemingly endless content from your fave and befriend other fans more easily than ever before. Of course that would bring people joy,” she says. “But that constant, instant access also at least partially fuels an us-against-them mindset that puts some people into attack mode over their favorite artist.”

But perhaps the problem is not that such intense fandoms exist, but where they take root and make a home. “Another thing that has happened is that fans might be talking on social media to each other in ways that they do not necessarily anticipate nonfans will seek out or understand,” Duffett says. “It raises the question of whether a community can keep to itself and yet communicate in a public space.”

Beyoncé represents a monoculture at a moment when monocultures have gone all but extinct. For her, extreme fandom is both anchor and ascendence. There are downsides, unquestionably so, but the people who power Beyoncé’s platform provide a necessary function too: When the door has been slammed in her face and she’s told she’s not welcome inside, or when the Recording Academy twice overlooks her for Album of the Year, it is her fans who give her the authority to reboot country music in her image, and perhaps, in doing so, chart a new course altogether. “It would be cool if she never mentioned the Grammys again,” Luse said on X. “When you can do all this, who cares?”

[black-arcana]

HIM Announces Career-Spanning Anthology 'When Love And Death Embrace - The Best Of HIM 1997-2003'

BMG has announced the upcoming release of "When Love and Death Embrace - The Best of HIM 1997-2003", a comprehensive anthology celebrating the early years of the legendary Finnish rock band HIM. Set to hit stores on October 25, 2024, this collection brings together the most beloved tracks from the band's first four studio albums, offering fans a nostalgic journey through HIM's groundbreaking career.

HIM, recognized worldwide for its distinctive blend of sentimental lyrics and hard-hitting rock and its iconic Heartagram symbol, has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. With over 10 million albums sold worldwide, HIM stands as one of Finland's most commercially successful musical exports and remains the first Finnish group to receive a gold record in the United States.

"When Love And Death Embrace" features 16 tracks that defined HIM's sound and propelled them to international stardom. From their debut album "Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666" (1997) to the acclaimed "Love Metal" (2003),this compilation includes fan favorites such as "Right Here In My Arms", "Join Me In Death" and "The Funeral Of Hearts". The album also showcases HIM's memorable covers of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper".

"When Love And Death Embrace - The Best Of HIM 1997-2003" track listing: 01. Right Here In My Arms 02. The Funeral Of Hearts 03. Your Sweet Six Six Six 04. Heartache Every Moment 05. Buried Alive By Love. 06. Wicked Game. 07. Join Me In Death 08. In Joy And Sorrow 09. Soul On Fire 10. Pretending 11. Gone With The Sin 12. (Don't Fear) The Reaper 13. Poison Girl. 14. Close To The Flame. 15. The Sakrament 16. When Love And Death Embrace

The anthology will be available in three formats: a standard CD album featuring a wallet with spot gloss and embossing, a limited-edition 2LP set pressed on 140g white vinyl with a spot gloss jacket and embossing, and digital. Both physical formats are sure to be coveted by collectors and fans alike.

Despite disbanding in 2017, HIM's music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Ville Valo's ongoing solo career, in which he performs as VV, often features HIM classics in live performances, keeping the spirit of the band alive for devoted followers.

"When Love And Death Embrace - The Best Of HIM 1997-2003" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to HIM's enduring legacy in the world of rock music. This anthology is a must-have for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

[gasolinerainbowpuddles]

𝑬𝑵𝑫𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑺 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 ║ Chapter 5 - Clever As the Devil and Twice As Pretty

| ENDLESS NIGHT | series masterlist | main masterlist | | PAIRING(s): Joel Miller x fem!OC/reader Ellie Williams x platonic!fem!OC/reader | RATING: explicit material | 18+ | WORD COUNT: 5k | CHAPTER WARNINGS: mental health struggles, trauma/PTSD | CHAPTER SUMMARY: You’ve been avoiding Joel since your major misstep, and you’re desperate to find something that will land you back in his good graces. It feels like circumstances continuously arise that test the limits of your mutual understanding of one another, and you want nothing more than to patch things up for good and move forward.

║ＰＲＥＶＩＯＵＳ ║⋄── •✧• ──⋄║ ＮＥＸＴ ║

✧⋄⋆•✧⋄⋄⋆⋅⋆✧•✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆•⋆⋄── •✧• ──⋄⋆•⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧•✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧•⋆⋄ ✧ "𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐." - Bʟᴀɪsᴇ Pᴀsᴄᴀʟ ✧⋄⋆•✧⋄⋄⋆⋅⋆✧•✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆•⋆⋄── •✧• ──⋄⋆•⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧•✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧•⋆⋄ ✧

You felt out of sorts lately. Joel and Ellie were more of a challenge than you had predicted, and not in the ways that you would have expected, either. It wasn’t just the task of finding them their spot in the community. It was how Joel made you question if you really were as perceptive and resourceful as you thought. It was how Ellie, through no fault of her own, made you feel like you weren’t figuring things out fast enough for her. All the shake up since their arrival had stressed you out more than you had expected. The stress was whittling away at your composure to the point that it had infiltrated your nights. Old nightmares that were all too familiar sprang up a few nights here and there without cause or warning. They played in your head like a washed out echo, still potently rotten and poisonous enough to bring destruction in their passing. That scream. Oh, that scream you’ve heard a million times over, never losing its pain and impact. It blends into the conscious world when you find yourself waking in a scream of your own.

 There was nothing to do but shake it off and push it down. There was no place for it here, in your new life and role. It was done. You had held it in your hands for long enough before releasing it, but it crawled back to you eventually. It always did. And, as always, you sent it away until the next time it crept and itched and sank back into you. You were used to it by now, although this particular stint felt more insidious and malignant. The best way to claw your way back was to focus on someone else. Find a resident that needed something. Help a newcomer adjust in some way. Give yourself a victory completely outside of yourself that you could devote all your attention to. What you needed was a win. 

If you could score a major victory with Joel and Ellie, you could get back into your old tempo and everything would be normal again. The problem was, you were stumped. You felt even more insecure after that embarrassing display of yours in Tommy’s kitchen. And it may have been an outgrowth of Joel evoking so much self-doubt, but anything pertaining to him gave you a sort of writer’s block in regards to conjuring all those perfect solutions you were known for. Ellie had only just begun her hybrid schooling - a “perfect solution” were you lucky to have contrived despite your recent funk - but it was too soon to claim that as a success. You wracked your brain for ideas, willing something, anything to shake loose. After 15 minutes of absolutely no miraculous epiphany arising, you decided to clear your head with a walk. You traipsed lazily, looking to the ground for creative insight. You are lost in thought when you hear faint laughter somewhere over by the town center. It was a community movie night, something you would usually attend, but you didn’t make an appearance for this showing. You knew it was nerves holding you back from going. You doubted either Joel or Ellie would be there since they didn’t really partake in community social functions, but you still worried they may have decided to go for whatever reason. You didn’t want to face Joel again until you had something. You had almost completely ruined your relationship with both him and Ellie when you lost your temper, challenged Joel, and ended up only hurting Ellie. It wasn’t like you to lose your cool like that. Then again, nothing was going as it usually did.

By this point in acclimating a newcomer, you’d have already oriented and debuted Jackson’s newest resident, a nice little addition for the community and a showcase of why you were valuable and a reminder of your worth. You were so far from that with Joel and Ellie it made your temples twinge with the promise of a headache. There was usually some sort of obvious catalyst whenever somebody had a setback, but you fell short when you tried to pin the source of your own struggle down. Or at least try to understand why it seemed to blindside you.

You stopped walking when you realize you had wandered down to the construction site. You hadn’t been recently, all in an effort to avoid Joel. The progress of the build provided a momentary distraction from your problems. The old facade had been torn down and replaced with new materials. It wasn’t an extreme departure from the original style, but it was drastic in its refreshed appearance.

Your inquisitive nature gnawed at you to slip inside and see the changes. You glanced up and down the street, finding yourself alone, and reasoned you were relatively guaranteed to not be discovered if you were to take a closer look. It was mere seconds into the building that the extent of the overhaul made itself known. The space had been completely gutted, and the once decaying walls had been replaced with brand new framing and walling. Scaffolding and supplies scattered about the space spoke to its unfinished state, but as you weaved around them and ventured further into the building, you could really see your vision coming to life. A leisurely, enthralled turn from the middle of the building as you took it all in made your heart sweep and flux with elation and appreciation. By the time you made it to the back and opened the door to the outdoor area, you weren’t sure how much more jubilation could possibly seize you.

All the overgrown grass was gone, and its absence made the beautiful, tall tree all the more impressive. The land was bare, broken concrete hauled away. Small wooden stakes neatly lined the perimeter of the next stage in renovation. You keep finding yourself unintentionally holding your breath as you walk and assess the site. The rear wall shines back at you in the setting sun, its new, clean face an unmarred plane. Your movie night would soon be playing on that very wall.

From the looks of it, the build was coming along in a timely fashion, just as Joel had promised. This wasn’t surprising, though. Joel was a man of his word. Incredibly reliable. Someone you could depend on when it counted the most.

You took a deep, thoughtful breath before closing up the doors and making your way back home. Yes, Joel was reliable. You were counting on him to get this build done and do it right, and he was delivering. The nagging feeling that you couldn’t say you were just as dependable in return made your skin itch. Why was this so hard? You had made it through absolute hell to get this far in life, and now you couldn’t even handle welcoming two new residents? What was wrong with you? This had been your life for years now, so what was the cause for your struggles and shortcomings as of late? You were good at what you did, and, best of all, you didn’t have to deal with all the responsibility of a leadership position. Still effective, without having to make the tough calls, just the way you liked it.

You’d had more than your fair share in life of making agonizing choices, and it was a relief to put that duty behind you when you joined Jackson. Bearing the brunt of a newcomer's emotional baggage was a dream role in comparison, and you had a sense of pride bringing comfort and safety to people. Shouldering some of their grief and exhaustion was a small price to pay when it meant you had a direct hand in setting them up for success. Passing by their faces as the weeks passed, seeing the worn down, deadened expressions turn to small, tender smiles and sparks of hope flickering into an eventual blaze of a content life. And it wasn’t like anyone was clamoring for your job either. The thought of working through every facet of a person was not something many had the capacity for. They were just as burnt out with their own issues and didn’t have much if anything to give to somebody else. They much preferred dangerous patrol posts or heavy manual labor. At least those things could be compartmentalized a lot easier. The truth was, you had done the work. You had painfully pushed yourself to sit with the terror and guilt and unrest you had experienced. You reflected on the losses, how they had changed you. You had made a decision a long time ago to keep pushing. It felt like a betrayal to the ones you had lost if you just gave up. And you had wanted very much to give up many, many times.

The senseless violence of the world that only offered an agenda of surviving had left you with a lack of purpose. After Caroline died, you didn’t see the point in it anymore. If Maria hadn’t come along, you aren’t sure what your life would have ended up like. Probably dead at the hands of some random clicker you missed. All it took was one mistake, and you were done. It was a truth you knew all too well.

When you settled in Jackson, you found a purpose again. You understood what this ragtag group of people were aiming for, what they needed, what type of people needed to be grouped and for what tasks. You could just see the shapes of the puzzle pieces in front of you and how to make them all fit together. You sought no power, happy to just genuinely figure people out and give them that first little push forward into carving out their own sense of peace and safety in Jackson.

Maria had taken notice of how you impacted general morale and were able to get people into a sense of calm. Being able to make people slow down and take a breath was nothing short of a miracle, and Maria put it to use immediately. You enjoyed the friendship with her and the mentorship she provided.

She was older than you by at least 10 years, and you were impressed with all she had accomplished before the outbreak as well as how incredibly effective she was in this new world. You often wanted to emulate her strength and confidence in yourself, which came without too much difficulty when you dealt with others. When it was just you alone with your thoughts, it took a little more convincing. Joel only spurred more of those questioning introspections. You made it home and shrugged your coat off, hanging it thoughtlessly as you finally gave up for the night. You’d just have to start again tomorrow in your mission to figure out what fun thing you could drum up and find yourself firmly back in Joel and Ellie’s good graces.   You emptied your pockets and slid the knife out of your boot onto your desk. It was your favorite one, easily concealed but still very effective. You smile at it, thinking about your promise to Ellie to teach her some knife skills. Your smile falters when you realize at this rate you’re probably never getting a chance to do that.

You sigh, looking at the chip along the hilt of your knife. You really needed to get the metal workshop guys to take a look at it before the chip got bigger. You resolved to go there in the morning and talk with them about what they could do to fix it. You opened and closed the blade a few times in your hand as you made your morning plans.

You froze suddenly as you closed it for the last time.

That was it. Oh my god, it was perfect.

That is what you were going to set up for Joel and Ellie. It had taken you long enough to come up with the idea, but it was well worth the wait. You rushed to bed, willing yourself to sleep so the morning would come faster. You hoped your breakthrough would douse your mind with enough good feelings that you wouldn’t have any bad dreams tonight.

“Okay, it’s not much further. I promise it’s worth it,” you reassured Joel as he straggled behind you. “And explain to me again why you couldn’t just tell me what this is when you were at my door this morning?” Joel drones. “Because it’s a surprise,” you titter as if it’s the most self-explanatory situation in the world. Joel acted like your bubbling excitement was taxing, but truthfully he liked watching the way elation washed over your features. You were bad at hiding excitement - and most other things, under Joel’s examination - and he found it endearing if not sometimes a little grating. Joel’s patience was augmented by the distraction of you in your linen dress. It was an oatmeal colored, shapeless thing that hit below your knees, but the way you moved in it had a different energy, almost as if you felt more like yourself just by wearing it. He grinned at the ridiculous striped crew socks and brown lace up hiking boots you paired with it but somehow made work. Joel had more reason to trail behind you other than keeping up the appearance of mild irritation and indifference. The sun filtered through the trees and would every now and then backlight you. Your tousled mess of hair created a sort of halo effect around your head when the sun shone through it. Joel had to hold back a derisive snort at himself for the sentimental, syrupy impression he was issuing you. You really messed with his head sometimes. The sun cast a soft glow on you, the fabric of your dress becoming translucent under its light, and illuminated your frame into a dark silhouette with every curve and dip manifesting. You may have been of smaller stature, but every bit of your proportions was sinuous, flowing perfection. Joel’s eyes traveled the serpentine line of your body from the ground up. When the wind blew hard enough a few times and flattened the fabric against your body, it was no longer just a blurred shape but a vivid rendering. The fabric swept into the crease of your thigh, hugging against your hip bone when you took a tall step over a tree stump. The cool breeze blew against your chest, which was not constrained by an undergarment, and caused your nipples to prick up in response. It showcased your small breasts gently jostling as your hardened nipples raked across the fabric. Joel had to look away and ignore the rush of blood that had already shot down to his lower belly. It was best to just concentrate his gaze on your hair if he was going to brave a look in your direction. Your hair blew around wildly as always. He wasn’t sure why you even put it into a braid half the time, but he liked the way it danced around your face. He remembered how it felt tucking that piece behind your ear and the way your lips parted slightly at his touch.

Joel grunted in annoyance with himself. He forced himself to keep his thoughts on a more chaste track with the self-directed warning that he’d have to come up with a good explanation to give you should you notice the growing bulge in his jeans. He adjusted himself quickly, not trusting applying too much pressure for too long on the spot that was aching to explore the silhouette and form of your body more intimately than what the sun and wind gave him.

“So,” you start, almost at your destination. “I know you and Ellie don’t really get out of the house much, and I know you prefer it that way.”

Joel nodded in agreement.

“But, I thought if you didn’t want to socialize with the whole town, maybe it would be fun for just the two of you to do something.”

You flash a smile to Joel who only offers an “Mmm hhmm?”

He had grown accustomed to your penchant for dramatic reveals and decided to indulge you - only because it made you practically jump for joy when you theatrically revealed your brilliance - even if he really just wished you would get to the point already.

“The metal shop? This is the surprise?” Joel wonders aloud as you walk through the workshop.

“Not exactly.” You know you had a tendency to get carried away with these kinds of things, but you couldn’t help yourself.

Joel raises his eyebrows lazily, waiting for you to bring the final flourish.

“Well, through here is where the guys have set up a little something they like to play on break or even after work sometimes with a few drinks.”

You lead Joel out back behind the workshop. A small space has been cleared out around a few trees. Makeshift targets have been tied to some of them, and a large pile of wood nearby has several knives and axes embedded throughout.

“Axe throwing!” you proclaim in a singsong voice as you wave your arm broadly at the targets.

Joel’s flat line twitched into a smile. Ellie would absolutely love this.

“Yes?” you nudge, asking him to confirm what you think his actual, real, definitely-cannot-miss-that-it’s-actually-there smile means.

“Definitely,” Joel says, shooting the smile to you, and your breath catches in your throat. All the times Joel was so gruff and ornery made the softer side of him all the more priceless.

“So you call in a favor or somethin’?” he wonders, noting the setup was very casual.

You tilt your head and grin. “Maayyybbbeeeeeeee.”

Joel nods, still allowing the smile to play on his lips. “You ever done this before?” he asks rhetorically. The mental image of you wielding any weapon with efficiency was difficult to conjure, especially given your shortcomings with basic safety like keeping a single fucking door locked in your house. “A time or two,” you lie, downplaying your robust proficiency. You could tell Joel didn’t think you would be very good at it. “We could always give it a quick run. Test it out before you bring Ellie?” you suggest innocently. Joel scoffed a bit. “I prefer my fights to be fair,” he tuts. He grabbed a hatchet from a log nearby and turned it easily in his large hand. He was cocky, and you couldn’t wait to see his face when you made your first throw. Pretending to be a good sport, you offer to let him start the first round. Joel’s eyebrows met his hairline as an incredulous smirk spread on his face. He thought you were stalling. “Ladies first,” he drawls. “Such a gentleman,” you snark back. There are other axes, hatchets, and knives closer to you, but you take a few strides to the log in front of Joel and pluck out a sturdy hatchet. You dexterously flip it into the air where it rotates in tight spins for a few seconds before falling back into your grasp. You wink at Joel whose smirk has started to give. You prance towards the dirt patch across from the setup and, in one continuous motion, align yourself with the target, hitch the hem of your skirt in a fist, lean back on your dominant leg, and swing forward as you nimbly launch the hatchet. It lands squarely two rings from the center, but it’s not too bad for no warm-up. Joel can’t hide his shock. The way you had taken mere seconds to walk from him to your spot, line up your shot, and send it barreling towards the target looked almost like a dance. The fact that you had done it in a dress annoyed and impressed him even more. “Beginner’s luck?” you extend in a sickly sweet, angelic voice. You shrug, feigning bewilderment at your impeccable throw. “You in the circus or somethin’ before the world collapsed?” Joel sputters. You roar with laughter, excited to have surprised him and corrected him all in one go. “Rodeo clown, actually,” you deadpan, some giggling still bubbling up. Joel rolled his eyes at your ceaseless ability to irk him, and it only made him smile more. He could see why Ellie liked you so much and why the two of you got on like a house on fire. You were easy to like, especially when you weren’t on one of your self-adulatory stints. Still, he needed to dig deeper if he was going to feel that Ellie and all her history would be safe with you. You moved aside graciously, gesturing for Joel to take his turn. His first throw had more force behind it, but it lands just to the left of yours. “Hm, shame,” you gloat. As much as you got under his skin, there was a part of Joel that enjoyed the back and forth with a worthy opponent. Before he could respond to your heckling with his own trash talk, you gracefully launched a large knife just off dead center. You tilt your head and wiggle your eyebrows at Joel in a mocking coquettish display. Joel had to pretend to be annoyed instead of enamored.

“Take this to a goddamn shooting range and you wouldn’t be peacockin’ like that,” he muttered. You really had to admire his unwavering commitment to being such a grouch.

“Hey, if you’re asking me to set that up for you and Ellie’s next family night out, I’m your girl,” you brag. Joel chastised himself for liking the way you referred to yourself as “his girl,” knowing you hadn’t meant it that way. Joel groused in reply with a few disagreeing sounds, and his next throw landed even further out than his previous attempt. You were very distracting right now, and he wished it were possible to ignore you for a moment so he might actually hit a respectable mark. You practically bounce into place and rear up again for your next throw. Joel catches the way the wind yet again sculpts your dress around you. Your hem is hitched to your thigh in a ball of your fist as you aim. Joel wonders if your legs are even softer than your hands. You turn around, a smile exploding over your features, pleased with your latest throw as you jump into a victorious spin.You glide back over to Joel whose heart feels sort of fluttery and is in good company with his head, which feels sort of fuzzy. He watches your lips as you speak, but it’s only thoughts of pressing his against yours that fill his mind. You tilt your head, and it pulls his attention to how you pointlessly try to shove your windblown hair from your eyes. He wonders how it would look if you just let it loose for once. Plenty there to run his hands through and grab at as he pulls you into hi– “Joel? Did you hear me?” Joel realizes he has been staring at you wordlessly and abruptly shifts his gaze to the target. Your latest attempt sat dead center. “Bullseye!” you repeat in a singsong voice. Joel doesn’t really know what it says about him that watching you wield that axe with such finesse and prowess made him hornier than he had been in a long time. “Okay, I get it,” he grumbles, trying not to think about how much he wanted to take you right then and there. “Oh, don’t be a sore loser,” you whine. You really hoped Joel wasn’t going to be such a poor sport that losing to you would make him not like the axe throwing idea anymore. “I’m not. It wasn’t even a contest. At least one of us fights fair,” he grumbled, feigning exasperation. You smile in relief. “Ellie’ll have a great time. Anythin’ else to show me or can we go now?” Joel wanted to be back in his own house alone where his thoughts about you weren’t so erratic. “No, that’s it for now. Just let me know when you want to bring Ellie, and I’ll clear it with the guys,” you reply. The two of you walk through the metal shop and back down the path home. Joel could have walked in silence like he usually preferred to do, but he was a glutton for punishment today it seemed. “So is that how you survived out there until you made it to Jackson?” he asks tentatively. He tells himself he needs to know you better for Ellie’s sake, but the truth of it was he also found himself more and more curious about all the mysterious glimpses of insight that are gone before he can decipher them. “Hm? What’d’ya mean?” you ask. Joel raises his fist and points his thumb back. “Your lil’ lumberjack assassin deal back there,” he clarifies.

Joel clocked the way your head snapped his direction, your face flashing desolation and shame before fixing it to a neutral expression. You look away quickly and swallow the thick lump stuck in your throat. You steer yourself back to the benign conversation. You weren’t going to let this amazing afternoon get ruined. You needed your win. “Lumberjack assassin,” you muse. Your forced giggle rang false to Joel’s ears, but he didn’t call you on it. He had begun to develop a bad habit of saying just the right combination of words to disrupt your equilibrium - sometimes on purpose but most times unwittingly. He didn’t want to veer into the field of landmines he had just run up to. Whatever his words stirred in you had tapped right into the furthest chasm of your mind. There was that sadness again, just beneath the surface, that Joel knew you didn’t even realize was lurking so close. “Never heard that one before, but I’ll take it,” you chirp with effort. You ignore the sick feeling in your stomach and explain that you always felt more capable with a knife or an axe in a post-outbreak combat situation, and guns were always the more sought after and picked over items. “And of course ammo was always hard to come by,” you continue, finding it easier to get the words out as you kept pushing through. “Much easier to rifle through somebody's kitchen or broken down shed and find something sharp and stabby than find the right type of ammo. You’d be surprised at the damage a letter opener or a pair of scissors can do in a pinch.” You shrugged, knowing Joel went with the big guns first - literally. “We agreed to save as many bullets as we could for really tight spots. Bloaters or raiders sort of a deal.” Joel had an easier time imagining you taking out a clicker with just an axe or a knife after watching you back at the targets. He found himself time and again pleasantly surprised the more he learned about you. The far off stare you kept snapping yourself out of told Joel there was a whole lot more to learn. “We even tried spears for a little bit,” you admit, laughing at yourself. You shake your head remembering how incredibly naive and unprepared you were in those first few years of the outbreak. “We got the idea to catch fish on a wood spear from that movie Castaway. You remember that one? The one with the plane crash, the guy on the deserted island, his volleyball friend and all that?” A mental image materialized in Joel’s mind of two kids about Ellie’s age trying to catch a fish with a makeshift spear. He gave a little chuckle. “Yeah, classic. Not exactly the sit back and enjoy your popcorn sort of movie I’d peg as your pick.” Joel calculates you couldn’t have been much into your twenties or maybe even younger when the outbreak happened. “But, yeah, we made do with what we had. Not many options. Neither of us really had great aim with the gun, anyway,” you confess. “So, it was just the two of you then?” Joel asked, referencing you and your . . little brother, you had said when you first met? “Yep, just us two,” you said with finality. “But anyway, I would say, yes, my lumberjack assassin skills are what got me far enough to even discover Jackson.” Joel saw the heartache in your expression as you spoke. He didn’t dare ask what happened along the way that your little brother didn’t make it with you. The knot in his stomach tightened as he imagined Ellie out in the world on her own just trying to survive. Even within the city’s safe walls, Joel couldn’t stop himself from imagining all the bad things that could have happened and would have happened if they had never met. To him and Ellie both. Desperate to change the subject, you playfully nudge Joel’s arm with your shoulder and say, “might want to double check with

Ellie that her preferred weapon of choice isn’t an axe or you might wind up losing again. Know thine enemy.” You punctuate your last thought with a giggle. “I know Ellie just fine,” Joel snipped, still entertaining all his doom and gloom inner musings. “Okay, okay,” you placate, immediately backing off the topic. You add a little more space between you and Joel, unsure of what you had done to turn his mood so quickly. The walk was nearly done, and Joel was ready to be alone with his thoughts. His patience for you had come to an end for today, and he politely parted ways with you as soon as you reached town center. “Can’t wait to hear all about it,” you call out. Joel continued walking but raised a hand in acknowledgement. It wasn’t the warmest of goodbyes, but you were still going to say this was a win. Joel spent the rest of his walk home trying to figure out if he sees too much or not enough of you.

Uugghhhhh this was such a struggle to get posted today. Technical difficulties make me want to lay down in a ditch and scream into the dirt. ANYWAY. I hope you all are enjoying the story so far. I really love this chapter. I feel like it highlights the push and pull of their attraction.

Thank you to readers who have been reblogging chapters and whatnot. It is incredibly kind of you!

Catch ya later, 

♥Puddles♥

[fanfictiontrash]

Athena Rensworth

I see all the cool criminal case ocs and the lore that's made for them and I want in!! Athena Rensworth is the character I play in the DND campaign based in Criminal Case's world, whether it's that world or just regular Criminal Case Athena won't change. We all know how the player is like super cop yeah. Like the best cop of the 21st century worldwide, when I was younger, I never really paid any attention to it. Now that I'm older? And with the knowledge I have? Yeah, that's changing and I'm giving a reason why Athena is so great at her job.

Athena is a Reborn, someone who has died yet still lives, was it a resurrection gone wrong? Are you now made of straw? Wake up in an abandoned laboratory surrounded by clockwork organs? There are several other origins but for Athena it's option number 6, 'You were released after being petrified for generations. Your memories have faded, though, and your body isn't what it once was.'

Athena was petrified during a period where magic was well known, over the Millennium she was imprisoned magic has taken such a downfall it either doesn't exist to public knowledge (Criminal Case) or it's limited to illusions and enchantments (Criminal Case DND). She was a wizard at the time, a strong one, having access to 8th level spells she made use of the Clone spell. I'll have a link to my sources at the end which will include the spell but tldr: it makes a copy of you that lasts forever so long as the vessel it's in isn't destroyed, it matures after 120 days, and you can choose if it'll be a younger version of you or not. In all senses it's just you, it has your memories, your personality, and abilities, just not whatever the original had on their person. Athena in her past life had died and awoke in her clone room in her last clone vessel, all the others had been destroyed except for the one she kept a bit better hidden for emergencies, the clone she decided to be herself when she was ten. It'd allow her to blend in huge crowds better, no one pays much attention to orphans, so she'd be able to get away and plan her counterattack. Awoken and rightfully panicked she falls to notice her attacker who petrifies her. She gets freed from stone after so long by the Rensworths, who take her in and helps her try to restore what's left of her shattered memory. All she can remember is that she used to be a Mark of Detection Half Elf, so perhaps she used to be an investigator?

The family goes with that, and they must be on the right track! She's the best of the class! She's able to fly through school, pass any exam physical or mental and it feels so right! Until Athena tries to get into anything other than becoming a detective. Her hands tremble and she can't seem to do anything right, that night she gets visited by the God Kelemvor, one of the Gods of Death. In her past life not only was she a wizard, but a cleric of Kelemvor, who devoted her time defeating necromancers as Kelemvor despises undead. He brought her back due to the unnaturally high mortality rate has been as of late, since a majority were murders plenty of souls were left behind in the mortal plane instead of following him to their afterlife. Athena is tasked with becoming a detective to soothe the lost souls who demand their closure, that is why she breathes anew, that is her purpose.

With her destiny now revealed she does as Kelemvor demands and plans to join the Grimsborough Police Department when she's finished with college. It's after her dream with Kelemvor that she takes a closer look at what she does when she investigates, any broken object that ends up in her hands are quite literally magically repaired, she recognizes the spell, it's the Mending cantrip. Locks are a piece of cake due to another spell called Knock. She always has energy because she doesn't need to sleep, she just needs to sit still for a couple of hours and she regains all her spell slots, she never hungers, she doesn't need to breathe, nor does she need to drink! She remembers accidently eating something highly poisonous but recovering much quicker than any normal man, she remembers all spells lost to man. She can detect thoughts, speak with the dead, disguise herself to look like any other! Magic weaves through her hands with ease, like they did all those years ago. (In the DND campaign her control over the spells is a bit wilder, hence her becoming a Sorcerer rather than a Wizard.)

Now 22 she joins the Grimsborough PD, at first all the praise starts to get to her head, she feels proud to have such recognition all up until The Rorschach Reaper case, as Tess hypnotizes Jones and as Jones almost kills her she feels nothing but guilt, failing to take into account how often Jones gets scolded by the Chief, some deserved some not, and how often he gets compared to her. She's a whole ten years younger than him and caught up to him in rank in less than a year. She tends to act humbler from that point forward, insisting that it's not just her that others need to thank, but her team that sticks by her side and her partners who always have her back.

I could talk about her for hours, but this is getting long, thoughts?

Links under the cut for more information on the Reborn lineage, the Half Elf race, the Clone spell, and Kelemvor, the God of Death.

Reborn - DND 5th Edition (wikidot.com) Clone - Spells - D&D Beyond (dndbeyond.com)

Half Elf - DND 5th Edition (wikidot.com)

Kelemvor | Forgotten Realms Wiki | Fandom

[dustedmagazine]

Marc Masters — High Bias: The Distorted History of the Cassette Tape (University of North Carolina Press)

There’s a popular theory, advanced with varying degrees of seriousness, that the best kind of music is whatever was released when you were about 16. There’s also a fairly well-known Brian Eno quotation about the way we tend to romanticize forms of media just as they fall out of currency, eventually becoming loved even for their shortcomings. One of the biggest strengths of Marc Masters’ High Bias, a new history of the compact cassette (as it was originally known), is that it refuses both the personally biased special pleading of the former and the possibly distorting format nostalgia of the latter. Instead Masters brings together a fascinating technical history of the creation, limits, and virtues of the cassette tape, an overview of some of the areas where the medium has been most richly used and adopted, and a reflection on its continued vitality.

That last aspect, which is reflected on throughout High Bias and forms the focus of the book’s last chapter, is one example of the balance Masters manages to strike. It would be easy to fall into a kind of strenuous insistence on the most optimistic vision of the cassette’s future, to tell us that it could or should regain a level of prominence it hasn’t seen in decades. But to do so would require a… selective choice of data, and would probably fall into a kind of “protesting too much” register for many readers. Masters instead has the confidence and knowledge of the actual current (vital, but subcultural) role of cassette tapes to make the more modest but resonant point that the ‘cassette revival,’ such as it is, is already with us and shows no signs of going away. And he both puts this in its proper, inspiring context and makes a persuasive case for its importance because of the book’s continual emphasis on the democratizing and personalizing aspects of cassette tape as a medium.

The opening chapters, which include relatively brief looks at the context of recording technology prior to and at the time of the cassette’s introduction, set the stage well. Masters doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the social, marketing and profit motives impinging on the development and success of the medium (and the sometimes panicked response of the music industry to it, “home taping is killing music” and all), and points out how those aren’t totally separable from the explosion in personal expression that tapes allow. From there, High Bias branches out, looking at various places and times cassettes have helped or even allowed particular peoples, scenes or genres to be heard and spread in ways other media haven’t managed. From Deadheads to the early days of hiphop, Awesome Tapes From Africa to some of the more extremely personal examples that sometimes overlap with those covered in Michael Tau’s recent Extreme Music (reviewed on Dusted here), this slim volume doesn’t pretend to be exhaustive but does manage to illuminate enough different areas most readers may find themselves surprised by at least one of the many little pockets Masters looks into.

The second-last chapter, “The Tape Makers,” may be where High Bias hits many of its intended audience in an even more personal place. Here the book shifts slightly from people making music onto, or then distributed via, cassette, and instead delves into the personal mixtape. The balance between creation and curation is never that clearcut, of course, and the chapter doesn’t pretend it is. But whereas after the cassette we have burned CDs and playlists, before the team at Philips first brought the compact cassette to the world there was simply no mass-available form that offered the particular form of expression that a mixtape does. As with the rest of High Bias, here Masters uses a blend of interviews, secondary sources and direct experience to convey the unique role and impact of the cassette, both in its historical moment and persisting into the current day.

It’s not that the cassette tape is a “better” medium than vinyl, CD, DAT, or saved or streamed digital files (what would “better” even mean in anything other than a subjective sense?), and it’s not that High Bias, despite its doubly accurate title (both a desired quality in a cassette and an implicit acknowledgment that this a very pro-tapes book), tries to make that claim. But Masters clearly had in his sights a compelling portrait of the strengths of the format, and what makes it different from those other media, and here he convincingly portrays it as a special and worthy one. He’s even set up a, well, mixtape for the book on Bandcamp (linked at the beginning of this review), 12 tracks all sourced from current tape labels he discusses in the book. Notably, you can buy that mix on a cassette.

Ian Mathers

[dcblogs]

Kalki 2898 AD - Movie Review

India's highest budget movie till date, Kalki 2898 AD has released today. Nag Ashwin, who is just 2 films old (Evade Subramanyam & Mahanati), helming this magnum opus of science fiction interlinked with mythology, is itself a gutsy attempt. Roping in stalwarts like Amitabh and Kamal Haasan, while having "The Prabhas" and Deepika is taking it to next level. Did he live upto the expectations? Let's see.

Story :- It's 2898 AD, where there are only 3 worlds shown. Complex, Kashi and Shambala. Complex controls Kashi and all other worlds with it's dominance under the guidance of Yaskin (Kamal Haasan). They trace fertile women and use them for making Project K a success, which gives super power to Yaskin. Kashi is deprived of all resources and exploited by Complex. Shambala is a rebel group who want to bring down Complex at any cost. Sumathi (Deepika) is pregnant and crucial for Project K to become success, however she escapes from Complex to save her baby. Bhairava (Prabhas) a bounty hunter, who is desperate to shift to Complex from Kashi, wants to catch Sumathi and handover to complex. Ashwathama (Amitabh) is alive just to protect Sumathi's baby. Bhairava and Ashwathama face off each other in this process. Who wins over whom? Was Sumathi protected? Forms the rest of the story.

Performances :- Entire story revolves around Deepika. She was very good in the given scope and interval block stands out. Amitabh Bachchan has most creamy role, be it the elevations, action sequences or back story. He is outstanding in it. This could be termed as the best mass role for Amitabh in ages. Prabhas is the life of the film. What could be otherwise an serious emotional film with slow pace, was made lively with his comedy timing. His camaraderie with Bujji, one liners during action sequences, sequences with Bhramandam or other cameos, makes the movie enjoyable. His get up in the last scene bring goosebumps to fans. Kamal Haasan has limited scope and he excels in it. Despite having prosthetic and graphics, his intensity in acting arrests you. Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee has a meatier role as commander of Complex and he was great. Shobhana, Pasupathy, Rajendra Prasad, Disha Patani, Anna Ben were fine in their roles. Lot of cameos are there throughout the movie, which surprise us occassionally.

Technicians :- Graphics of the movie is of the highest standard and on par with any Hollywood movie. The team should be applauded for the quality. Art work comes next in line for the accolades, setting up 3 worlds with contrasting premises. Action sequences were very well designed and executed, using the graphics to the maximum extent possible. Santosh Narayanan background score is excellent. Songs could have been better though. Nag Ashwin deserves a bow for the way he has conceived this story and executed it. Perfect blend of Indian mythology in a science fiction film is a very rare phenomenon, which he has aced. No one would believe that the director of Mahanati and Kalki are one and the same. Such is the contrast of these films genre are. He has a Rajamouli and a Bapu in him. Costumes & Make up have complimented the proceedings of the film.

Positives :-

Everything

Negatives :-

Lags in 1st half

Few songs

Summary :- Great story, terrific performances, top notch graphics make it must watch. It should be seen as a story based movie rather than a Prabhas movie, to enjoy it fully. Kudos to Nag Ashwin for pulling it off.

Rating :- 4.5/5 (Kalki is India's Avengers)

[republicsecurity]

Latwoski Mark 6 Chastity Cage: The Apex of Paramedic Control

In the ever-advancing world of paramedic technology, the Latwoski Mark 6 chastity cage stands as the epitome of precision engineering and control. Developed to meet the rigorous demands of the Paramedic Corps, this device is not merely an instrument of physical restriction but a marvel of sophisticated design and relentless innovation.

Lead Engineer Dr. Richard Latwoski: "The Mark 6 isn't just about physical constraints; it's about mental conditioning. We've designed it to be a seamless part of the paramedic’s identity. It's not a limitation; it's an empowerment, ensuring our paramedics are at their best, always."

Key Features:

1. Dual-Chamber Design: The Mark 6 boasts a unique two-chamber structure, isolating the testicles and penis, ensuring both comfort and security. The material, a blend of lightweight yet durable alloys, contours to the wearer's form, providing a snug fit without discomfort.

2. Self-Cleaning System: A state-of-the-art self-cleaning mechanism ensures hygiene and sanitation. Nano-cleansing agents are released at specified intervals, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and reducing the risk of infections.

Paramedic A32FA: "The Mark 6 isn't even more then the other belts; it's a mindset. It's like having a constant reminder of my duty, my purpose. It keeps me focused, sharp, and entirely dedicated to my patients."

3. Health Surveillance: Equipped with an array of sensors, the Mark 6 continuously monitors vital signs. Heart rate, body temperature, and other physiological metrics are seamlessly integrated into the wearer's health record, enabling real-time health surveillance for timely interventions when necessary.

Researcher Dr. Evelyn Torres: "The real breakthrough here is the integration of health monitoring. We're not just restraining the body; we're ensuring the wearer's well-being. It's about merging control with care, a paradigm shift in paramedic technology."

4. Lightweight Construction: Crafted from advanced composite materials, the Mark 6 is exceptionally light, allowing for ease of movement and comfort during extended wear. It ensures that wearers can carry out their duties without being encumbered by unnecessary weight.

5. Pleasant Sensation: Designed with wearer comfort in mind, the inner lining of the cage provides a soft, almost imperceptible sensation against the skin. Wearers report a subtle, calming effect, ensuring a focused and composed mindset even in high-stress situations.

Testing Participant B17X4: "Wearing the Mark 6 was different, but the sense of unity it creates among us is undeniable. We're all bound by the same rules, the same dedication. It’s not just a chastity cage; it’s a symbol of our shared commitment."

6. Tampering-Proof Security: The Mark 6 incorporates cutting-edge security measures. Its tamper-proof design and biometric lock mechanism guarantee that once worn, it cannot be removed without authorized intervention, ensuring strict compliance with paramedic protocols.

Lead Psychologist Dr. Sarah Mills: "The psychological impact of the chastity belts and the new Mark 6 cannot be overstated. It's creating a unified mindset, a shared ethos among paramedics. They're not just wearing a belt; they're embodying a commitment, a calling. It's fascinating to observe. And its what we want in our Conscripts and Personell."

7. Seamless Integration with Armor: When worn with paramedic armor, the Mark 6 integrates seamlessly, connecting via an anal connector and diaper function. This integration not only enhances security but also ensures optimal functionality, allowing wearers to concentrate fully on their duties without distractions.

In the world of paramedic service, where precision and control are paramount, the Latwoski Mark 6 chastity cage stands as a testament to the Corps' commitment to excellence. With its unparalleled features and seamless integration, it symbolizes the fusion of technology and duty, ensuring that every paramedic is equipped to face the challenges of their noble profession.

[amies-books]

SEVEN bookish apps all readers need

Picture this: You, curled up with a cup of coffee (or tea) and a well-loved paperback. Now, imagine enhancing that experience with the wonders of technology. In this blog post, we'll explore the modern side of reading – the best bookish apps that seamlessly blend with your reading habits. So, whether you're a digital explorer or a paperback purist, join me on this journey to discover apps that add a new chapter to your reading adventures. ☕📱📚

My top favorite app is GoodReads. GoodReads not only helps you track your progress and share reviews but also lets you connect with readers all around the world. You can join groups, comment on each other’s updates and reviews, and even “friend” readers that you want to keep in touch with. GoodReads also has a shelves feature which can be used for organizing your books. 

Price: free 

Two apps that I always recommend to readers are Libby and Hoopla. Both have a similar structure where they connect to your local library and allow you to read books for free from the comfort of your home. Libby allows you to have multiple library cards whereas Hoopla only allows one. While they both connect to your library, in my personal experience, the variety of books are completely different. Libby has more “mainstream” books where Hoopla has not as popular books. Libby’s limit depends on your specific library and Hooplas limit is a monthly amount. 

Price: Free 

Another app I love is Everand (previously Scribd). Once I started listening to audiobooks, I started searching for a cost effective way to listen to audiobooks. That’s when I found Everand. Everand is a monthly subscription that gives you unlimited access to an entire library of ebooks and audiobooks. I use this app for 90% of my reads that I don’t physically own. They have a lists feature that helps you organize your tbr and will recommend you new titles based on what you’ve already read or saved. 

Price $11/ month 

I believe all readers should have the kindle app on all their devices. The kindle app gives you access to tons of ebooks all on one device. You can use your amazon prime membership to access “Prime Reads”, amazons library of 1,000’s of books that are free to prime members and you can also sign up for Kindle Unlimited (or KU). KU gives you access to 100,000’s of books and new releases for a set price each month. (US is currently 11.99) additionally, some of the KU books come with free narration! 

Price $12/ month 

This leads me into the next app I love, Audible! Audible is a subscription based audio book app. The base plan gives you 1 credit each month that you can use on any book available in Audibles library. Audible also has a “membership library” which is full of audiobooks you can listen to without using a credit (as long as you have an active subscription). Audible can pair with your kindle so you can use your audiobook to follow along with the ebook and it can even pair with Alexa so you can listen to audiobooks on your Alexa devices too! 

Price $16/month 

Lastly is my most used app, Instagram. I have an Instagram account solely for posting about books. I use this account to connect with other book lovers, authors, and publishers. Having a Book Instagram account (or Bookstagram) has helped turn my love for reading into being apart of a community. I’ve made so many friends and been give so many amazing opportunities from having a bookstagram. 

Price free 

[leanhippo12]

Releasing the Force of Execution and Internet Showcasing Technique: Could Business people at any point Disregard Advertising?

Greetings, aggressive business visionary! Picture this - you have a splendid business thought, a stellar item, and a consuming enthusiasm to succeed. Be that as it may, here's the inquiry - might you at any point stand to disregard advertising? In the present hyper-serious world, compelling showcasing is the way to opening your business' maximum capacity. In this article, we'll jump into the significance of execution and web based advertising system for business visionaries like you. Prepare to outfit the force of promoting and drive your business higher than ever!

The Force of Execution Showcasing: How about we start by unwinding the wizardry of execution promoting. Dissimilar to customary showcasing approaches that depend on mystery, execution advertising is about quantifiable outcomes. It resembles having an amplifying glass to break down each showcasing dollar you spend. By utilizing computerized channels, for example, web crawler promoting, virtual entertainment advertisements, and subsidiary showcasing, execution showcasing empowers you to follow and streamline your missions in light of constant information. It's a definitive weapon for boosting your profit from speculation (return for money invested) and driving substantial business development.

Why Internet Showcasing Technique is a Distinct advantage: Presently, we should discuss the unique advantage - web based promoting methodology. In the computerized period, having a very much made web based promoting methodology is fundamental for coming to and connecting with your interest group. Here's the reason;

Building Brand Mindfulness: In an ocean of contenders, standing apart is vital. An internet promoting system permits you to make serious areas of strength for a presence and fabricate mindfulness among your likely clients. Through a blend of virtual entertainment promoting, content creation, site design improvement (Website optimization) and email showcasing, you might exhibit your one of a kind worth at any point recommendation and lay out your image as a go-to expert in your industry. Focusing on the Right Crowd: Envision setting up a party yet not welcoming anybody. Sounds counterproductive, isn't that so? With internet showcasing, you can keep away from this situation. By using crowd focusing on apparatuses, you can limit your concentration and contact individuals who are probably going to be keen on your items or administrations. Whether it's through segment focusing via online entertainment stages or catchphrase focusing in web crawler advertisements, you can guarantee your showcasing endeavors are arriving at the right group. Driving Changes and Deals: At last, advertising is tied in with driving transformations and helping deals. A successful internet advertising system assists you with sustaining leads, guide them through the client excursion, and transform them into paying clients. By utilizing transformation rate improvement procedures, customized email crusades, influential greeting pages, and remarketing strategies, you can build your change rates and expand your income. Drawing in with Your Crowd: One of the best benefits of web based promoting is the capacity to connect straightforwardly with your crowd. Through virtual entertainment stages, live visits, blog remarks and email connections, you can construct veritable associations with your clients. By paying attention to their criticism, tending to their interests and giving remarkable client care, you'll cultivate steadfastness and transform clients into brand advocates. As a business visionary, promoting is your clear-cut advantage for progress. By embracing execution showcasing and creating a strong internet promoting system, you can drive quantifiable outcomes, construct brand mindfulness, focus on the right crowd, increment transformations and draw in with your clients on an unheard of level. In this way, don't overlook showcasing - embrace it. Release the force of promoting and watch your business flourish in the computerized scene. Keep in mind, with the right showcasing technique, there are no restrictions to what you can accomplish.

We are a full service digital marketing agency and a creative agency headquartered in New Delhi, India. A team of marketers, techies, designers and storytellers who are buzzing with innovative ideas to drive digital marketing, creative design and web development for our clients. For More info visit our website.  https://leanhippo.com/ LeanHippo Marketers do Performance marketing, D2C Marketing, Lead Generation, B2B Marketing, Online Marketing, Marketing Agency, Lead generation services, Social Media branding, Online marketing strategy, Google Digital Marketing, SEO Digital Marketing, Google Ads campaign, SEO Marketing, help me lean hippo etc.

[mahotoai]

If there was anything that came in terms of turmoil, it was the fact that life turned upside down.

And Dave was still dealing with one fact that made him.. not exactly happy with himself.

The fact he was a God. With a capital G.

Power was something he now held in limit for himself, except in certain cases. But still, held its limits. He had before unleashed his powers in the physical sense. But had yet to fully release in the magical.

So he had found a world with a good lot of mana, but in an abandoned spot that had no life for miles.

A desert area that had no life to speak of.

A safe place to try something. To play God.

So, he closed his eyes. The dragon feeling out the magic. He felt its strings like the tightly wound strings of an instrument. And when he unleashed the magic. He didn't choose destruction. He chose instead, the attempts at life.

And the spell he used, its arcane codex came alive in the sky as runes and arcane circles, brimming with life.

And life sprung from the ground as grass, trees, and pockets of water, spreading for miles. The spell unleashed like Dave had just released the floodgates from a dam.

And life flourished. And spread like an uncontrolled wildfire.

The fact was that spreading like an uncontrolled wildfire meant it crossing into Pan's Forest's boundaries and Pan having to get Yuki to strengthen the barrier while he stepped from beyond the safety of his wood, taking the form of a old shaggy deer covered in moss and brambles to hop across the newly formed oasis of life, correcting it with every stuff where there were mishaps in the life magic.

Upon reaching the dragon, the annoyed Eldritch spoke firmly and quickly; "If this is your first time using Life Magic, it's a poor attempt at one. You didn't even take into account that there might be other hidden magical realms around you that thrive on their own balance of magic!" With that said, Pan sighed and using his own life magic, he attempts to blend it with Dave's, correcting it where necessary, but mostly leaving it untouched to flourish and be an oasis when all is said in done.

"... There. It's fixed, and stable for another thing." The deer did not sound happy, but he was willing to tolerate it at best.

[90363462]

https://time.com/6235186/best-albums-2022/

The 10 Best Albums of 2022

A wealth of new albums in 2022 pushed the boundaries of genre, theme, and sound. From seasoned veterans like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, returning in triumph with fresh records and even fresher perspectives, to exciting young artists like Saya Gray, whose debut album, 19 Masters, should make any listener excited for the future of music, here are the albums that we’ve had on repeat all year.

10. Motomami, Rosalía

Rosalía’s 2018 conceptual masterpiece El Mal Querer is so intentional and powerful that it’s hard to imagine her topping it. But this year, she stepped entirely outside the box, pushing her creative ability to its absolute limit to make Motomami.

On this album, she worked with some of the best musicians in the industry from rapper/producer Pharrell Williams, who lent a hand on “La Combi Versace” and on title track “HENTAI,” to Frank Ocean, to James Blake, whose voice can be heard at the end of “DIABLO.” Motomami is a triumphant amalgamation of diverse genres, blending jazz, reggaeton, bachata, flamenco, and pop. Rosalía’s unwavering tenacity has allowed her to create a piece of art that fully showcases her stunning vocal and producing abilities.—Moises Mendez II

9. You Can’t Kill Me, 070 Shake

Danielle Balbuena, the New Jersey-born rapper and R&B singer better known as 070 Shake, has made a name for herself in the industry for defying easy definition. With a powerhouse voice and tough yet tender songwriting, she’s transcended genre and challenged notions of identity, forging a path all her own that has garnered co-signs ranging from Kanye West, who signed her to his G.O.O.D. Music imprint in 2016, to indie rock darlings The 1975, with whom she toured during the early years of her career. 

On her second album, You Can’t Kill Me, Shake continues to hone a skill set entirely her own, serving up a project that’s surprisingly measured but no less intense. Over heavy beats and ambient synths, Shake returns to her usual contemplations: the hardships and wonders of life, the ups and downs of love. Teeming with smoldering desire and melancholic angst, the result is a moody, sensual offering from a deeply vulnerable artist who refuses simply coolly exist. “I wanted your body, but it came with your soul,” she laments on “Body,” channeling a tension that feeds into our universal ennui.—Cady Lang

8. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar

In his decade in the spotlight, Kendrick Lamar has amassed a reputation that borders on messianic—he’s the Pulitzer-winning, civil-rights-anthem-penning, Tupac-inheriting genius destined to carry his city, if not his race, if not the world, on his narrow shoulders. No one man could possibly live up to those unbearable and escalating standards, and on Mr. Morale, Lamar actively renounces them: “Kendrick made you think about it, but he is not your savior,” he says pointedly on “Savior.” 

But if Mr. Morale isn’t an epoch-defining masterwork on the level of Good Kid, m.A.A.d City or To Pimp a Butterfly, it’s still a fantastically rich portrait of an artist in crisis. Lamar navigates familial tensions, pandemic anxiety, hypocrisy, and crushing public expectations with sharpness and poignancy, especially on “Mother | Sober” and the aforementioned “Savior.” And there are several deeply polarizing songs on the album—including the domestic dispute “We Cry Together” and the trans anthem “Auntie Diaries”—that nevertheless show Lamar probing the boundaries of his comfort zone and embracing the risk of backlash in order to create art he believes in.—Andrew R. Chow

7. Big Time, Angel Olsen 

“Big” is the operative word for the sixth album from the indie rock mainstay Angel Olsen: Recorded soon after both her parents died, it deals in big emotions, big musical arrangements, big vocals, big themes of love, loss and depression and perseverance. And just as Olsen has thrived across a range of setups—from acoustic solo to scruffy electric rock band—she likewise excels in belting out hugely stirring songs that sound destined to blast during climactic slow dances or while movie credits roll. 

The songs on “Big Time” build patiently, and with few indicators as to the year they were created: there are steel pedal guitars, burnished strings, zithers, and harmoniums. The lush arrangements augment Olsen’s arguably strongest vocal performance yet: she brings both power and subtlety to wrenchingly stark lyrics like “I know you can’t talk long/ But I’m barely hanging on/ I’m so tired of telling you/ It’s a hard time again.”—A.R.C. 

6. Electricity, Ibibio Sound Machine 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more combustible minute of pop music in 2022 than the one that starts from the halfway point of “Protection From Evil,” the opening track of Ibibio Sound Machine’s fourth album Electricity. Frontwoman Eno Williams delivers a furious stream-of-consciousness soliloquy in the Ibibio language, her syllables spilling over and between the pounding four-on-the-floor dance beat; she lapses into a simmering chorus run through a vocoder, which then gives way to a shrieking horn section and a seizing synthesizer reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem’s best work. Electricity is filled with moments like this: of breathtaking sonic rises and falls, astonishing cultural exchanges, and flat-out infectious dance music.—A.R.C. 

5. It’s Almost Dry, Pusha T 

If the rapper and impresario Pusha T is the“Martin Scorsese of street rap,” as he hopes to be, then It’s Almost Dry might just be his Goodfellas: an immersive gangster epic that’s brutal yet stylish, materialistic, and psychologically probing. Pusha T doesn’t stray far from his favorite topic—hustling—but he doesn’t need to, because of the care with which he imbues his wordcraft and storytelling. His dense references will send you scrambling for Genius annotations: ”Summertime, Winterfell, I’m the Night King/ The Colgate kilo, the hood needs whitening/ We fishscale n—-s like we all Pisces/ Your bitch in my bubble like I’m still typing,” he raps on “Neck and Wrist.” But even if you don’t catch all the double and triple entendres, the music sounds fantastically luxurious. He recruited some of the most renowned producers in hip-hop, from Kanye West to Pharrell, and they delivered their A-game.—A.R.C.

4. Chloe and the Next 20th Century, Father John Misty

The musical polymath Josh Tillman, better known as his stage alter ego, Father John Misty, has made a name for himself as the most polarizing (and possibly most talented) man in the contemporary folk rock scene. With Chloe and the 20th Century, his fifth studio album as FJM, however, he takes a surprising and delightful departure from his usual form for a project that’s grandiose in its ambition, theatrical in its presentation, and thrilling in its execution. 

Drawing on elements like big band, bossa nova, and film scores from the golden age of Hollywood, the album is a lush and lofty epic that spins fictional vintage narratives into song. Through tragic vignettes that read like a screenplay of a fantasy L.A., the tracks detail torrid love affairs, untimely ends, and heartbreak, for the titular Chloe and her motley crew, showcasing not only FJM’s signature wry cynicism and penchant for melodrama, but an impressive flair for worldbuilding.—C.L.

3. Renaissance, Beyoncé

Ahead of the release of Renaissance, her seventh solo studio album, Beyoncé shared via social media that it was a creative project born out of a need for escape, freedom, and exploration during the pandemic. The spirit of release is omnipresent in the album, a true celebration of dance music and its Black queer history. From her first single off the album, “Break My Soul,” where Bey and Big Freedia urge us to “release your job/ release the time” to the dedication of the album to her late queer uncle, Johnny, the album is an homage to the Black queer pioneers of genres like disco, bounce, house, techno, funk, and ballroom. There are few artists who can drop an album late in the game and still commandeer “song of the summer” along with every dance floor, but as she tells us on “Alien Superstar,” Beyoncé is and forever will be that girl.—C.L.

2. 19 Masters, Saya Gray 

The debut album from the Toronto-based singer-songwriter Gray is not for the stadium rafters. It’s full of half-fleshed-out ideas, spindly guitar wanderings, washed-out vocal recordings and stray voice memos. But Gray’s strange restraint and restless curiosity are entirely the point: In its scattered and shaggy structure, there’s something compelling to be found around every melodic corner, whether on your second or tenth listen. In this way, the album feels like a worthy inheritor of Frank Ocean’s lo-fi masterpiece Blonde. Gray layers her scratchy voice upon itself to build breathtaking harmonies, and the tones she wrings out of her guitar and bass are impeccable.—A.R.C.

1. Un Verano Sin Ti, Bad Bunny

No other album had as much universal appeal (and, let’s be honest, adoration) this year than Un Verano Sin Ti, Bad Bunny’s glorious fourth solo studio album. It’s an album about heartbreak, yes, but also a veritable love letter to his homeland of Puerto Rico and a sonic tribute to the Caribbean diaspora. Driven by the musical styles of El Caribe, ranging from reggaeton and dembow to merengue and cumbia, and bolstered by elements of dance hall and techno, Benito firmly roots the album in the deeply personal, mining the universal experiences of love, loss, and the supreme pleasure of being alive, for an exceptional project that is genre-defying, intergenerational, and groundbreaking. 

Never one to shy away from getting political, Bad Bunny also uses the project to critique hot-button issues, from the privatization of power in Puerto Rico to how the current crisis of gentrification on the island is part of a long and troubled history of colonization. To listen to this album, to move to it and be moved by it, is an act of defiance, celebration, and radical love.—C.L.

More Must-Reads From TIME

Steven Spielberg Waited 60 Years to Tell This Story

Who Should Be TIME's 2022 Person of the Year? Vote Now

Donald Trump, Grover Cleveland, and the History of Trying to Win Back the White House

Michelle Obama: Yes, We Still Need to ‘Go High’ When Everything Is Terrible

Columns: Voters Understand the Truth About Pregnancy Decisions.What Happened in Montana Proves It

Cold Weather Can Be Dangerous for the Human Body. This Winter Worries Experts

How to Prepare for Travel Chaos Over the Holidays

Big Tech's Implosion Could Save the Planet

The Best of Culture 2022

Write to Cady Lang at cady.lang@timemagazine.com and Moises Mendez II at moises.mendez@time.com.

Sent from my iPhone

[nwbeerguide]

Alesong Brewing & Blending announces their next Alesong & Friends event, featuring Breakside Brewery.

Press Release

Eugene’s Alesong Brewing & Blending is set to host its second Alesong & Friends event for the new year, this time with special guest Breakside Brewery of Portland, Oregon. The brewery’s “Alesong & Friends” event series offers an intimate tasting and conversation with brewers, vintners, farmers, and other like-minded producers that have provided inspiration for Alesong.

Brewmaster, Ben Edmunds and Wood Cellar Manager, Daniel Hynes from Breakside will be joined by Alesong co-founder, Matt Van Wyk to guide attendees through a selection of three limited and unique barrel-aged beers from each brewery and discuss Breakside’s brewery and barrel program.

“Everyone knows that Breakside is creating some of the most consistently excellent beer in Oregon across a wide range of styles, but they get less attention for their barrel-aged beers than some of their more mainstream styles,” says Van Wyk. “We’re thrilled to showcase some of those beers that don’t make it out of the brewery taprooms and discuss Breakside’s approach to creating them.”

The event will be held at Alesong’s Country Brewery on Sunday, March 12th in a single, limited-seating session at 3pm. Tickets are $50 each and include a curated cheese and charcuterie board to pair with the six beers. Tickets can be purchased through Alesong’s website: https://www.alesongbrewing.com/events

ABOUT BREAKSIDE BREWERY: Breakside Brewery opened in 2010 in Northeast Portland as a restaurant and pub brewery and has grown to be a highly regarded regional brewery producing 30,000 barrels annually. The brewery is known for its broad portfolio of award-winning, innovative beers. In 2013, Breakside expanded operations to Milwaukie, OR with a production facility and taproom capable of producing 40,000 barrels of beer per year. The brewery opened its third location in 2017— a lively brewpub in the Slabtown district of Northwest Portland and a fourth location in 2021 in Lake Oswego. In 2019, Breakside became one of only a handful of employee-owned breweries in the country. In addition to winning many national, international, and regional awards for its beers, Breakside was named Brewery of the Year in 2017 and 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 at the Oregon Beer Awards and the 2018 Best of Craft Beer Awards. For more information, visit breakside.com.

ABOUT ALESONG BREWING & BLENDING: Alesong Brewing and Blending is a small artisan brewery based in the heart of Southern Willamette Valley wine country with a second tasting room in downtown Eugene. The all-barrel-aged brewery crafts unique and small-batch beers, brewing both wild and non-wild styles that span the flavor spectrum. Once the beer in barrels has matured, the team samples and selects each barrel individually to blend. Paying homage to old-world Lambic blenders and artisan winemakers, Alesong believes that the final, balanced blend of a barrel-aged beer is much more complex and satisfying than the sum of its parts or each individual barrel by itself. For more information, visit alesongbrewing.com.

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3S6BnRU