#ashe sykes

[texaschainsawmascara]

REVOLVER covers

[cursed-bite]

the cork boards & polaroids are a STAPLE in any bedroom i build. how else would i cry over their prom photo booth pictures???

[seaslugfanclub]

Kool-aid Isn’t the Only Thing I’m Thirsty For

Happy 4th of July everyone!

————————————————————————

“Y’know my great grandfather was stationed in France?”

“No shit? My nephew was deployed there.”

“Yeah— Cant remember for the life of me what division he was in, but he was sent back to the states after he blew off most of his fingers.”

“Yeesh.. Makes me mighty glad I missed out on all o’ that! hey- make sure to keep flippin’! These need to be grilled correctly.”

“Don’t tell a man how to use his own grill…”

Sykes, Rourke, and Alameda hovered over the grill, Sykes in charge of the burgers as he shot the shit with the old commander and cow wrangler, a half-smoked cigar hanging from each of their mouths and a chilled beer bottle in hand.

It had been a while since Sykes had celebrated the 4th, but he had subtly dominated the command of the grill. And Rourke was more than happy to piss away time, puffing on his cigar as he talked about old war battles with the two other men.

The sun beat down on the men, who had stationed themselves in the old lot behind the main studio building, both Rourke and Sykes had exchanged their usually stiff outfits for their old wife-beaters. While Alameda wore a simple plaid button up. An old radio played classic yacht rock, sitting atop a splintering picnic table. And a cooler filled with drinks was placed beside the grill, a few spare wasps hovering around the yellowed plastic of the cooler.

“(Y/N)!!!” Sykes hollered, Rourke and Alameda flinching at the noise,

“How're you doing with the Kool-aid!?”

(Y/n) opened the door to the backyard, calling back, “Almost done!!!”

Closing the door, (Y/n) turned towards Medusa, who was finishing mixing the disgustingly sweet drink, limp cigarette between her lips

“Hey, don’t get any cigarette ash in it!” They whined.

“Oh please, I won't! At least the ash would cut back the sugar.” Medusa muttered, sweeping back her dangling American flag earrings.

(Y/n) nodded, pulling on the hem of their denim shorts that stuck to their sweaty skin. “Cool, Imma bring out the ketchup and shit, Facilier, do you wanna join us?”

Facilier, who was draped on the counter across from Medusa, top hat off and slightly fanning himself shrugged,

“Eh, I’m not too big on burgers Chére. And I’m pretty sure drinking even a small glass of that red monstrosity will put me in an early grave.”

“You sure? I brought some illegal fireworks that we’ll be setting off later? You could do the honors of lighting them?”

Facilier paused his fanning, “…Illegal you say? What kind?”

“Oh I’ve got; Snakes, sparklers, firecrackers, M80, black cats, Roman candles, screamin’ Mimi’s, ladyfingers, fuzz buttles, snicker bombs, church burners, finger blasters, gut busters, crap flappers, whistling bungholes, spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, hoosker do’s, hoosker don’ts, cherry bombs, nipsa daisers with scooter stick, and whistling kitty chasers.” (Y/n) listed off with their fingers.

…

“….Well, I could never pass up a good ol’ Roman candle… sure. Just let me know when you bring ‘em out.”

(Y/n) laughed, nodding excitedly as they carried out all the condiments, paper plates, and napkins to the backyard, Medusa bustling beside them with the large pitcher of iced Kool-aid.

“I haven’t had a proper July 4th cookout since I was a girl! I still remember my ol’ mother and father screaming over the undercooked hot dogs… Oh, back when this country had proper domestic violence~” Medusa cooed, a nostalgic smile making her eyes squint.

The park attendant gave Medusa the side eye, brows furrowed before shaking their head, (Y/n)’s attention quickly turned towards the large men outside.

They tried not to blatantly stare at how tight Sykes beater was stretched around his chest, or how all of the men’s chest and arm hair were slicked with sweat, OR how an old anchor tattoo made itself known on Rourkes back whenever he flexed, OR OR how good Alameda looked taking a long puff his cigar.

…

“…Meat's back on the menu tonight…” (Y/n) thought to themselves, hoping that the heat could excuse their flushed face.

To break out of there thoughts, (Y/n) shouted to the group,

“Alright! Who’s ready to party!?”

———————————————————————

“What in god's name are they doing?” Hook muttered, watching through the window in morbid fascination as (Y/n) fanatically cheered on Facilier, who had begun to laugh maniacally as he shot off three Roman candles at once.

“Oh it’s that silly American holiday, today. The one where they dress up is garish clothing and raise their cholesterol.” Cruella hisses, already feeling a headache coming on. “I tell you those Americans eat like they have free healthcare..”

“Ugh, a wretched holiday for a wretched country, the traitors..” Governor Ratcliffe sneered.

“Oh, now look at that—” Hook pointed out,

From the backyard, Rourke hands (Y/n) what seems to be a small, multicolored bazooka, a wicked grin on his face as he helps them light the rocket's fuse.

Rourke ruffled their hair, stepping back a few paces to join Sykes and Slim’s side, watching proudly as (Y/n) braces and aimed the rocket towards the sky, shooting a fiery ball high up into the night air, which promptly exploded into a burning flower of sparkles. The firework joking one of many across the dark sky.

“USA! USA! USA! USA!”

…

“…I bet 30 dollars one of them is losing a finger tonight.” Clayton speaks up amongst the crowd of villains watching from inside.

“Aye, make that 50.”

————————————————————————

Just wanted to write a little blurb celebrating the 4th of July! I realized just how little American villains the Disney cannon has, and I wanted an excuse to thirst over Rourke and Sykes in old wife- beaters grilling me a burger🤤.

(ALSO DISCLAIMER!! This was merely written for fun. I love America and I love the beautiful nature it has, but I don’t love the American government.

This was not written with any political intention, only thirst for old men and Kool—aid.)

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

Time For Tea: Introduction

Lavender Haze ( Violet Kingsleigh & Cian Hearts ) has now been merged with Long Live The Queen ( Queenie Hearts & Ace Hearts & Maria Frollo & Helena ) to create a clusterfuck political intrigue series, and several more Wonderland characters have been added to the mix

PS: huge thanks to @cecexwrites @ginevrastilinski-ocs @the-witching-ash for listening to me completely lose my mind and jump all over the place as I figured this out!

The OGs

Ace Hearts [ Curran Walters ] – Long Live The Queen; son of the Queen Of Hearts, Queenie's left hand man & chief enforcer

Cian Hearts [ Gavin Leatherwood ] – Lavender Haze; son of the Queen Of Hearts, invited to the isle because reports say that the child of the Queen of Hearts is running the Isle and they assume it must be her son

Helena [ Tegan Croft ] – Long Live The Queen; daughter of Hades & Persephone, Queenie's right hand man, and other chief enforcer

Maria Frollo [ Elle Fanning ] – Long Live The Queen; daughter of Judge Frollo, grew up locked in his tower and has only recently been freed and brought to Crims, manages Crims

Queenie Hearts [ Madison Davenport ] – Long Live The Queen; daughter of the Queen Of Hearts, unofficial Queen of the Isle, runs her crew with an iron fist and military precision

Violet Kingsleigh [ Meg Donnelly ] – Lavender Haze; daughter of Alice & The Hatter, heir to Wonderland, goes to Auradon because Wonderland suspects Auradon of poisoning the White Queen

The Wonderland Crew

Caoilinn Whittemore [ Florence Pugh ] – daughter of the White Knight & Violet’s personal guard; goes to Auradon with Violet

Arley Whitaker [ Tom Holland ] – son of the White Rabbit & Violet’s personal secretary / manager / wrangler; goes to Auradon with Violet

Chelsey Chester [ Rowan Blanchard ] – daughter of the Cheshire Cat

Tenney Earwick [ Jack Wolfe ] – son of the March Hare

Mallaidh Merrick [ Mary Mouser ] – daughter of the Dormouse

Deirdra Taggart [ Ella Hunt ] – daughter of Tweedle Dee

Deryn Taggart [ Joe Keery ] – son of Tweedle Dee

Duncan Taggart [ Joe Keery ] – son of Tweedle Dum

The Isle Crew

Neasa Kearney [ Kaia Gerber ] – daughter of the Red Queen, runs recruitment & orientation for the crew

Caitria Devlin [ Billie Lourd ] – daughter of the Duchess, crew manager

Keira Knave [ Alba Baptista ] – daughter of the Knave of Hearts, combat trainer

Killian Knave [ Freddy Carter ] – son of the Knave Of Hearts, combat trainer for the crew

Shiloh Reece [ Emilia Jones ] – daughter of the Cook, medic

Bonus – existing ocs who have been added to Time For Tea as part of Queenie's crew

Nettie Tremaine [ Peyton Elizabeth Lee ] – daughter of Anastasia Tremaine, medic

Raisa Rasputin [ Sophia Ann Caruso ] – daughter of Rasputin, barge day coordinator, collector

Rini Bing [ Jenna Ortega ] – daughter of Herman Bing / The Ringmaster, crew manager

Savina Stromboli [ Diana Silvers ] – daughter of Stromboli, collector

Winona Sykes [ Milly Alcock ] – daughter of Bill Sykes, head of inventory

( now need to decide if the existing ocs added to Time For Tea should keep their current titles or become part of Long Live The Queen )

[isleofdarkness]

The Isle

The pieces of the Isle and notable locations and inhabitants of them

Isle of the Lost - Dragon Hall - Serpent Prep - Bazaar - Barge Docks - Facilier's Arcade - Castle Across the Way - Cruela de Vil's mansion - Evil Queen's Palace - Jafar's Junk Shop - Horned King's Cauldron Repair Shop - Ursula's Fish and Chips - Hades' Cavern -- River Styxx - Yen Sid's house - Gothel's Tower - Hospital - Kronk's Shelter - Want's Escorts and Whores - Harriet Hook's Docks - Uma's Docks - Forbidden Forest - Slop Shop - Monsieur D’Arque's Asylum - Nasty Nanny's Orphanage - Chernabog's Mountain - Devil's Bayou - Tremaine Palace - Frollo's Church - Rasputin's Church

- Hades - Persephone (part-time) - Maleficent - Evil Queen - Jafar - Cruella de Vil - Horned King - Pain and Panic - Ignorance and Want - Ravana - Surtr - Zhan Tiri - Red Faerie - Blue Faerie - Madam Mim - Ursula - Morganna - Demona - Marina Del Rey - Oogie Boogie - Fawn - Queen Nerissa - Nasira - The Enchantress - Doctor Facilier - Queen La - Mother Gothel - Mr Dark - Yzma - Rasputin - Monsieur D’Arque - Yen Sid - Scout - Ivy de Vil - Cecil B de Vil - P H de Vil - Jasper and Horace Badun - Lady Tremaine - Anastasia and Drizella Tremaine - Madame Medusa - Mr Snoops - Captain Hook - Smee - Cassim - Queen of Hearts - Judge Doom - Bill Sykes - Percival McLeach - Gaston - Paulette, Claudette, and Laurette - Claude Frollo - Shan Yu - Lyle Tiberius Rourke - Helga Sinclaire - Pete - Ringmaster - Stabbington Brothers - Hans - Kronk - LeFou - Edgar Balthazar - Stromboli - The Huntsman - Lawrence - Nasty Nanny - Shan Yu's Army - The hyenas - The black triangles - Scar - Zira - Iago - Flotsam and Jetsam - Diablo - Monstro - Kaa - Shere Khan - Lucifer (cat) - Cheshire Cat - Molly - Tick Tock - Calypso

- Mal - Jay - Evie - Carlos - Claudine - Hadie - Uma - Freddie and Celia Facilier - Ginny Gothel - Jade - Diego de Vil - Dizzy - Anthony Tremaine - Yzla, Zevon - Harriet, CJ, Harry - Gaston II, Gaston III, Gil, Belle, Giles, Gordon, Narcissa, and Alaric - Squeaky, Squirmy, and Sammy Smee - Rick Ratcliffe - Jace - Harry - Hermie Bing - LeFou Deux - Reza - Riah Darhk - Rose and Ace of Hearts - Veronica de Vil - Mischa, Polina, Kira, Nikita, and Pasha Rasputin - Odgerel, Odtsetseg, Sarangerel, and Taban - Arika Sykes - Lydia Snoops - Hans II and Anna - Averil, Hayden, Ash, and Josiah - Tarzan and Tara D'Arque - Agony and Chaos - Desiree - Jonas - Bonny - Gonzo - Maddy, Madrigal, Mallory, Malvolia, Mara, Mary, Molly, Mordred, Malcolm, Mage, Morpheus, Morwenna, and Maxine Mim

-

Isle of the Doomed - Maleficent's Palace - Cavern of Lost Items - Desmodona's Prison - Dream Pirate Prison - Firebird Forest

- Kozmotis Pitchiner - Creeper - Firebird - Lord Ombra - Fenrir - Maleficent's Minions - Chernabog's minions - Horned King's minions 

- Desdemona

-

Isle of Exile - Gods of Tomorrow Academy - Hecate's Apothecary - Circe's Shelter - Medusa's Garden

- Nyx - Hecate - Androctasiae - Melinoe - Eurynomos - Themis - Loki - Deimos - Erebus - Elea - Oizys - Circe - Styx - Dionysus - Medusa - Mother Earth - Father Time - Chiron

- Mavis Mim - Dawn Olympian - Hatitosa Lokidottir - Justice Olympian - Mercy Olympian

[l1ttleclouds]

All eyes on me, live the life of a thug n**** until I die

My name is Åska!¹ You can call me Ash or even Lala, and I'm 19 y/o.

*This is NOT a writing blog*

Masterlist: (is generals posts I do NOT write yet)

Requests infos and rules (request are OPEN)

Requests masterlist

The eyes are on:

My Nana : @onedayimgonnasnap

Platonic hubby: @ryker-writes (@ryker-originals)

@beadichnoa (little sibling)

@handsometiredtransguy (twin birthday)

@cowboyfatgum

@vtoriacore (@vtoriacore-rbs) (evil twin)

@amberrskiies (@amberrskiies ) (mother)

@ithseem (cool single aunt)

@fluffy-mo

@maybemilo (partner in "crime")

@maopll

@juvellianovo (child)

@lqvelocks

@achy-boo (co-parent)

@wilczachannn (the forgotten mutual)

@castielsloversblog (bestieeee)

@eemma25

@altairswish

Also vice president of Rook's harem as well as his translator 🫡 (@dotster001)

Popular tags: tag game, l1ttleclouds requests

¹. Pronounced: Oska (hold the o)

Rules and DNI

Fandoms

[swordofsun]

Wanted to do something for the new year, so I guess I'll do a 2023 book wrap up. In chronological order from the beginning of 2023 to the end.

Putting in a read more because this is 90 books and that's too much to not hide it.

Rereads marked with a *

The Iron Dirge by Sam Sykes - Grave of Empires #2.5

Three Axes to Fall by Sam Sykes - Grave of Empries #3

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty

The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin - Great Cities #2

Unbreakable by Mira Grant

Apocalypse Scenario #683: The Box by Mira Grant

Juice Like Wounds by Seanan McGuire - Wayward Children #4.5

Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire - Wayward Children #8

The Spirit Thief by Rachel Aaron - The Legend of Eli Monpress #1*

The Spirit Rebellion by Rachel Aaron - The Legend of Eli Monpress #2*

The Spirit Eater by Rachel Aaron - The Legend of Eli Monpress #3*

The Spirit War by Rachel Aaron - The Legend of Eli Monpress #4*

Spirit's End by Rachel Aaron - The Legend of Eli Monpress #5*

Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold - Vorkosigan Saga #1 (Publication Order)

The Coup of Tea by Casey Blair - The Tea Princess Chronicles #1

The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown

Lyconthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal

The Jewel and Her Lapidary by Fran Wilde - Gemworld #1

Sandry's Book by Tamara Pierce - Circle of Magic #1*

Comeuppance Served Cold by Marion Deeds

By A Silver Thread by Rachel Aaron - DFZ Changeling #1

The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Ann Older - Mossa and Pleiti #1

The Twice-Drowned Saint by C.S.E. Cooney

Tris's Book by Tamara Pierce - Circle of Magic #2*

The Bones Swans of Amandale by C.S.E. Cooney (Novella)

Even Though I Knew The End by C.L. Polk

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M Danforth

An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard - Unseen World #1

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

The Ghost Network by Catie Disabato

The Keeper's Six by Kate Elliot

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

Servant Mage by Kate Elliot

The Warden by Daniel M Ford - The Warden #1

Daja's Book by Tamara Pierce - Circle of Magic #3*

Jackdraw by K.J. Charles - A Charm of Magpies World #1

The Thief Who Pulled On Trouble's Braids by Michael McClung - Amra Thetys #1

Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot

Lexicon by Max Barry

The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi

The Thief Who Spat in Luck's Good Eye by Michael McClung - Amara Thetys #2

Briar's Book by Tamara Pierce - Circle of Magic #4*

The Thief Who Knocked on Sorrow's Gate by Michael McClung - Amara Thetys #3

Murder at Spindle Manor by Morgan Stang - The Lamplight Murder Mysteries #1

Ebony Gate - by Julie Vee and Ken Bebelle - The Phoenix Hoard #1

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diaries #2*

Rogue Protocols by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diaries #3*

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diaries #4*

Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from "Zen in the Art of Archery" by John Stevens

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diareis #6*

Apparently I've hit the character limit without a paragraph break. So, we'll be starting over from 1, but it will really be #54.

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diaries #4.5

Compulsory: A Murderbot Story by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diaries #0.5*

Magic Steps by Tamara Pierce - The Circle Opens #1*

Murder on the Lamplight Express by Morgan Stang - The Lamplight Murder Mysteries #2

Bone Swans by C.S.E. Cooney (short story collection)

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel - Themis Files #1

Mammoth at the Gates by Nghi Vo - The Singing Hills Cycle #4

The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M Valente

Triggernometry by Stark Holborn - Triggernometry #1

Street Magic by Tamara Pierce - The Circle Opens #2*

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett - The Foundryside Trilogy #1

Advanced Triggernometry by Stark Holborn - Triggernometry #2

Inda by Sherwood Smith - Inda #1

Thief Liar Lady by D.L. Soria

A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand

Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne - Tomes and Tea #1

Red River Seven by A.J. Ryan

Dracula by Bram Stoker - via Re: Dracula

Beholder by Ryan La Sala

A Season of Monstrous Conceptions by Lina Rather

System Collapse by Martha Wells - The Murderbot Diaries #7

Cold Fire by Tamara Piece - The Circle Opens #3*

Dream of the Falling Axe by Sam Sykes - Grave of Empires #3.5

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

The Salvation Gambit by Emily Skrutskie

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Hikaru No Go Vol 1 Decent of the Go Master by Yumi Hotta - Hikaru No Go #1

These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs - The Kingdom Trilogy #1

Shatterglass by Tamara Pierce - The Circle Opens #4*

Paladin's Faith by T Kingfisher - The Saint of Steel #4

The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill

Forest of Memory by Mary Robinette Kowal

The Archive Undying by Emma Mieko Candon - The Downworld Sequence #1

On The Fox Roads by Nghi Vo

Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrom by John Scalzi - Lock In #0.5

Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton

Okay, and according to Storygraph:

My longest book was Three Axes to Fall at 806 pages

My most read authors were: Tamara Pierce, Martha Wells, and Rachel Aaron. Which is due to re-reads. I re-read 16 books this year.

My average rating was 4.14 out of 5.

I read the most in June.

I read 41 new-to-me authors.

52 of the books I read were part of series.

So, I guess, feel free to ask me any questions.

Happy New Year!

[theyovngveins]

happy birthday ash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK UUU SYKES MY SYKES!!!

[forathousanddays]

Bring Me The Horizon - That’s The Spirit (Review)

Bring Me The Horizon’s 2015 hit That’s The Spirit is a masterclass in atmosphere and cohesion. The consistently muddied instrumentation cut through with perfect clarity in the vocals provides an unmatched sense of immersion, in an alien quality present for the entire album. Bring Me The Horizon is at their commercial peak on That’s The Spirit, and for good reason. The record was self-produced by keyboardist Jordan Fish, (what an excellent name) considering an external producer unnecessary.

While a lot of unconventional decisions were made in the production process, the critical reception was met with universal acclaim, citing That’s The Spirit as their most conventionally appealing album. Having moved away from their direct metalcore roots, That’s The Spirit leans more into alternative rock, with great success.

Track-by-track below the cut.

TRACK 1 - DOOMED

The record opens with a track that perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the album. The cold and deep sound immediately makes its presence known, providing a sense of isolation that will stay present for the rest of the album. Doomed arguably sounds overproduced, with a heavy filtering present on just about everything. I don’t consider this a negative, though; the album was made with the concept of our darkest moods in mind, but in a context making light of them. The pushy production carries a disorienting atmosphere, and stops you from feeling quite too close to the vocals.

This is an opening track done right, functioning almost as a macrocosm of the record as a whole. All of the elements heard here will be expanded on in later songs. 7/10.

TRACK 2 - HAPPY SONG

This is the closest thing That’s The Spirit has to a title track, with the album title being repeated as a lyric over and over. We leave the murky comfort of Doomed behind, to an instant rolling nu metal riff. This is where the themes of making light out of our darkness are most visible; the lyrics and sound are distinctly moody, but the sampled cheering and the title itself contrast it in a sick sense. Oli Sykes’ vocals are firing on all cylinders here, with a wide dynamic range of nu metal fry and gorgeous clarity. The chorus is ethereal, and the verses are all intimate and up-close, through the haze of the production.

Every moving part in Happy Song just works. The use of children’s voices are perfect for the bleak sarcasm the track champions. 10/10, There’s gonna be a lot of those.

TRACK 3 - THRONE

Throne is the most familiar track on the album to previous fans. The atmosphere and vocal techniques are reminiscent of their previous album, Sempiternal, but with a distinctly That’s The Spirit aspect to their production. The lyrics are powerful and motivating, second only to the way they’re delivered. If this song resonates with you, it resonates hard. The synth lines prop up Sykes’ performance, and the choice of making the bassline only occasionally present really heightens the feeling of rising from the ashes. The verses are somewhat subdued, with only the drums and keyboard being noticeable; but as soon as the pre-chorus steps up, bassist Matt Kean absolutely drowns the track in a wave of sound that feels triumphant and swelling. I believe every lyric of Throne, in no small part due to how powerful the production feels.

I can only say “this is atmosphere done right” so many times. 10/10.

TRACK 4 - TRUE FRIENDS

The choice to open the song with the isolated motif from the chorus is inspired, and serves to amplify every other aspect of the song when it comes in after. The delivery sets up an expectation for angry, crashing vocals, which makes the soft tone on the first verse a pleasant subversion. By this point on the record, though, we should know that won’t last very long. The sound storms in with every intention to make itself known, with a classical influence in the primary instrumental motif. The title line of “true friends stab you in the front” is poignant and even a little amusing, once again carrying the bleak comedy theme of the album. The instrumental cuts out occasionally to emphasize the chorus, and it’s an excellent effect. The breakdown near the end of the second minute is a highlight.

It’s crazy how on any other album all of these songs would be a ten. 8/10.

TRACK 5 - FOLLOW YOU

The more heavy-handed production is at its most noticeable in Follow You, with several elements in the mix that are immediately “not an instrument” sounds. I have nothing but praise for the vocals across the entire album, but this might be one of their best. The layering and tuning feels intimate and personal, but not enough that the alt-rock shouting feels startling or out of place. Much like in Doomed, we get another look at his higher vocal register and how perfectly it fits the alternative rock nu metal fusion of That’s The Spirit. I wouldn’t leave this song to anybody else. The instrumentals all across the record are stellar, but the vocals are in a league of their own. 

The lyrics are really cute, too. 9/10.

TRACK 6 - WHAT YOU NEED

I’ve been waiting for this one ever since I started my review. It’s not the star of the album, but man is it fun. The bassline is infectious, the vocals are catchy, and the lead guitar follows them both perfectly. The punchy delivery on the verses has a gnarly contrast with the strong projection in the chorus, and the one-man choir within. In any other song, the verses would be an incredibly strong highlight, but unfortunately one part of this track overshadows every other (masterfully done) aspect. The bridge in What You Need is my second favourite section on the entire album, dwarfed only by a passage two songs from now. The “Hell Yeah” refrain is perfect, and the solo following it is overwhelmingly cool.

Pure adrenaline in here, I wouldn’t want it any other way. 10/10.

TRACK 7 - AVALANCHE

Avalanche is the closest That’s The Spirit comes to an honest confrontation of its themes. There’s no attempt at black comedy, no shred of resigned sarcasm. The screaming vocals feel less powerful, and more desperate. This is the bleakest track on the record, and I’m glad it’s here to balance out the themes. The lyrics are on the repetitive side, which takes away a little from the ranking, but this song needed to be on the album somewhere. The instrumental is still as strong as ever, and despite its serious tone the song doesn’t feel like a downer.

There’s not too much to say on here. The fade-out at the end is a highlight for sure. 7/10

TRACK 8 - RUN

Remember when I said the What You Need bridge is second only to one passage two songs from it? The intro to Run is atmosphere perfected, with “ten thousand voices fill my broken lungs” being one of my favourite lyrics ever put to song. Run is all-encompassing, enveloping, just short of drowning. The sound is full and complete, almost an amalgamation of every individual note as one seething mass. The production is stellar, the composition is stellar, the vocal delivery is stellar. The song is an ode to the desire for teenagers to run away and make their own place in life, with undertones that might point to a darker interpretation.

Highlight of the album. 10/10.

TRACK 9 - DROWN

Again, a masterfully presented intro. The overproduced sound of what seems to be a chanting crowd feels almost eerie and unnatural, but not in an uncomfortable way. Drown exemplifies the sense of isolation and intimacy That’s The Spirit has been balancing all along, and it does so seamlessly. Like Avalanche, Drown feels like an honest confession and a cry for help, free of any sarcasm or humour. The lyrics detail a desire to keep going, but not the energy to make that plausible. “Who will make me fight? [...] You know that I can’t do this on my own." The bridge ends with the same massive crowd the intro opens with, but the final vocals from Oli Sykes are isolated and vulnerable.

Gorgeous production. 10/10

TRACK 10 - BLASPHEMY

This is the most explicit rock on the album. There’s not much in the way of hazy production or vulnerable, quiet vocals. Blasphemy shrugs off the precedent of the record in favour of a massive arena rock sound, easily the most commercial song on the record, with catchy hooks and a simple throughline riff. I don’t think this is a bad thing, though. The short but soaring solo at the end of the second minute is a highlight, and the sound only keeps ramping up with a stomping hook as soon as it moves out of the way. The delivery on this track is spitting and spiteful, and a breath of fresh air if you don’t like the murky sound on the rest of the album

There’s a time and a place for subversion, and I think near the end was a great place to put this. 9/10.

TRACK 11 - OH NO

This is such a perfect closing track. Completely stepping away from the sounds we’ve been acquainted with so far, Oh No has a thrumming synthetic beat in the back of the sound that makes it feel like a party jam. Once again, choral chanting is used in the mix, and it makes Oh No feel epic in scale. The infectious pop hooks and commercially appealing lyrics make the track feel like a true send-off to That’s The Spirit, not a goodbye so much as a celebration that it happened. The song is fundamentally upbeat pop, but the lyrics are still somber and sentimental. This feels very 2015.

...sorry, was that just a saxophone solo? This was going to be a 9, but I guess i can spare another 10/10.

RETROSPECTIVE

Ranking That’s The Spirit was always going to be intrinsically difficult for me, because of how many songs on it I consider to be near-perfect. If you dropped the lowest ranking in here into the middle of most other albums, it would probably get a nine at the lowest. The vocals are a standout performance all the way through, but they never feel like they’re overshadowing the intricate composition behind them. Every song feels deliberately placed to create the most cohesive experience you can get.

Overall, this is one of my 10/10s.

[rhapsodyred-writes]

Opinions on Socks and sandals. For Oc’s *and* Rent-Frees

*cracks my knuckles* Okay let's go

Roxy: Socks are fine. Sandals are fine. For the love of everything holy, do not combine them.

Dani: As a feature in a joke outfit, sure. If that's genuinely your sense of style? She's judging you hard.

Toni: Wears socks and sandals regularly. It's just easier, okay?

Kazurin: Agrees with Toni. If it's comfortable, who cares?

Luna: If you're going to wear socks, just wear shoes??

Xilixas: Wear whatever you want, but know that he will judge you.

Avlaroess: Is pretty sure there exists a kind of footwear made to be worn with socks. And it is not sandals.

Salem: Won't lie, there are times he's tempted to wear socks and sandals just to upset some of the others.

Fihn: Enjoys wearing sandals, but not a big fan of socks.

Tahlen: Enjoys wearing socks (with shoes), but not a big fan of sandals.

Lillianna: Will judge you hard for wearing socks and sandals together.

Owen: Sometimes wears socks and sandals to annoy Lillianna.

Fenway: Prefers to be barefoot.

Sykes: Understands this is a subject that people get heated over, but isn't sure why.

Jamie: May be undead but that doesn't mean he doesn't have standards. Socks with shoes, Sandals with bare feet.

Jade: Doesn't pay enough attention to the people around him to notice something like that, so he doesn't really care.

Jude: Prefers socks with shoes, but isn't strictly opposed to wearing them with sandals. Just as long as Lillianna doesn't notice.

Aquarios: Doesn't care either way. If it's comfortable, it's comfortable.

Perenia: Thinks people get upset about the silliest things.

Ghost: Like Owen, he sometimes does it specifically to annoy someone.

Kiyba: Same as Owen and Ghost.

Alexei: Literally could not care less. Do whatever you want.

Sasha: Will advise you to take care who you bring this up to, because...

Tsuragi: Will have a fashion attack if you wear socks and sandals in their presence. Hope you're ready to be a mannequin for a while.

Dezyn: Doesn't combine them himself, but doesn't have strong feelings about people who do.

Sans: Combines them regularly.

Red: Says he has standards, but has been seen wearing socks and sandals.

Violet: Is all about comfort. Socks and slippers are preferred, but sandals do in a pinch.

Poppy: Has standards.

Nyx: Doesn't personally like the combination, but will not hesitate to wear it to annoy someone.

Ash: Wears socks and sandals on occasion but doesn't have very strong feelings about it.

Nightmare: Socks and slippers is as far as that goes. Sandals leave his feet too exposed.

Fresh: Doesn't see an issue with it.

Beacher: Would much prefer to just wear sandals, thank you.

Briar: Doesn't want to see anyone wearing socks and sandals, but won't have as violent a reaction as Tsuragi.

Razzle: Doesn't care. If you're comfy, you're comfy.

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

New Descendants OCs

so as I mentioned, I’ve also made a shitton more descendants ocs, done some recasting, and revived some that I’d previously put on hiatus, so here’s a quick look while I wait for the energy to make the actual masterlists!

( other than Chessy, Addie, Nasira, and Mireya, these were all taken from a 2+ year old list of ideas that I just really wanted to complete, so no guarantees about how much fixation any individual will actually be getting )

Princess Addie; Ben’s younger sister ( by 1 year ), daughter of Belle and the Beast

Alina Romanova; daughter of Anastasia Romanov & Dimitri 

Anissa Radcliffe in Ties That Bind; daughter of Anita and Roger Radcliffe ( revived oc )

Arden of DunBroch; Merida’s adopted daughter ( revived / recast oc )

Beatrice; Ben’s older sister, daughter of Beast and The Enchantress ( recast oc )

Bessie Sawyer; daughter of Tom Sawyer & Becky Thatcher 

Blossom; Ben’s fairy / Ben ship ( recast oc )

Callista Gainey; daughter of Cassandra ( from Tangled the Animated Series )

Chessy Of Arendelle; redacted parents, adopted / raised by Anna & Kristoff, probable Ben ship ( inspired and developed with so much help from @the-witching-ash​ )

Eliane; elemental mentored by Elsa, sent to the isle, Harry Hook ship

Elise Charming; Chad Charming’s twin sister, daughter of Ella & Kit, Evie ship ( recast oc )

Gloria Gothel; daughter of Mother Gothel ( revived / recast oc )

Griffin; son of Grumpy 

Halle Finn; daughter of Huckleberry Finn

Hannah Westergaard; daughter of Hans Westergaard ( revived oc )

Kate Turner; younger sister of Henry Turner, daughter of Elizabeth Swann & Will Turner

Keto Jones; daughter of Davy Jones, Harry Hook ship

Princess Kyra in Ties That Bind; Aziz’s twin sister, daughter of Aladdin & Jasmine ( revived / renamed oc )

Loveta Garou; daughter of the Big Bad Wolf

Lucette LeFou; daughter of LeFou, Harry & Uma ship

Maisie Gringore; daughter of Esmerelda & Phoebus ( revived / cast oc )

Maria Frollo in Long Live The Queen; daughter of Judge Frollo, Harry Hook ship ( recast oc )

Mireya Madrigal; Madrigal created by the candle’s magic

Myra Frollo; daughter of Judge Frollo & Cinderella ( recast oc )

Nasira; daughter of Raya & Namaari

Natalia of Maldonia; younger sister to Tristan, daughter of Tiana & Naveen

Nerina Sparrow; daughter of Jack Sparrow

Annette Nettie Tremaine; daughter of Anastasia Tremaine

Raina Gold; daughter of Rumplestiltskin

Raisa Rasputin; daughter of Rasputin 

Robin Fitzherbert; Rylan’s twin sister, magically created daughter of Rapunzel, Flynn, and Cassandra

Roisin Spriggins; daughter of Red Riding Hood and Jack The Giant Slayer

Rylan Fitzherbert; Robin’s twin brother, magically created son of Rapunzel, Flynn, and Cassandra

Savina Stromboli; daughter of Stromboli

Sloane White in Ties That Bind; daughter of Snow White ( recast / revived / renamed oc )

Tristan Of Maldonia; Natalia’s older brother, son of Tiana and Naveen

Winona Sykes; Bill Sykes’ daughter

[bailesu]

My list of actual Puritan names my students can choose from when doing an assignment where they write a fake letter from a Puritan in Massachusetts to kin back in England to convince them to come:

Prudence Goodbury, Praise-God Barebones, Increase Mather, Die-Well Sykes, If-Christ-had-not-died-for-thee-thou-hadst-been-damned Barebones (son of Praise-God), Job-raked-out-of-the-ashes Smith, Humiliation Hynde, Rebekkah Ashton, Sarah Groves, Original Sin Andrews (this is a woman), Mary Has Descendants Williams

It’s funny to me that I’ve met people named Grace, Faith, Patience and Chastity. It is so funny that Puritan names have survived so long and are still so popular if you take a step back and think about it. She’s getting Starbucks today and accusing a townsperson of witchcraft tomorrow.

[masterasiadidnothingwrong]

Ema Syke feels like missed potential to me. She was good in Rise from Ashes. But every time she appeared posted it she feel like she missing something.

[deathbreadart23]

hey I was wondering if I could draw a fanart with Abigail with Bill Sykes on a Double date with my self Insert Ava and my oc Ashes [if I can how tall is Abigail sorry for asking a lot]

hi! Sure, she is 5'5 or 1.65 m 👀💖

[minhosbitterriver]

⨳ ❛𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓

❛ In which two disabled idols find comfort in each other’s arms.

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꒰ 💌 ꒱ ミ There’s no schedule for my updates, but I mostly write when my fibromyalgia is kicking my ass. I hope you guys enjoy, Reblogs and feedback are much appreciated! ── ( 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 )

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Han deals with a lot of anxiety and depression, reader has fibromyalgia, constant mentions of being in pain, love-making, cussing, lots of angst, MDNI.

( 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ) ( 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 & 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ) ( 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 ) ( 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 )

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[themostop]

As much as I love Ash, he’s such a basic choice. So here’s some propaganda for the others:

Valerie. The first fairy-type gym leader. She lives in a tree that she turned into a doll house. With teleporters. And she’s my personal favorite gym leader

Xerosic: isn’t he the guy who makes you choice to either press the button to start the ultimate weapon or deactivate it, but then even if you guess correctly and push the one to deactivate he’s like “syke, I’m firing the weapon anyway.” If he’s who I think he, such a silly little guy. What a prankster. How could you be mad at him for trying to kill most of humanity. It was just a prank bro

Brandon: NO! That’s not me refusing to make a case for him, the way he says no in the anime is just so funny. Also he has the original Regi trio for some reason. And just … no one questions it. Also, he’s in the episode where Ash gets possessed by that ghost. What was like, the King of Pokélantis or something? Yeah, remember that? No? I was the only one who watched Battle Frontier because that’s when they switched dubbing studios and there was a dip in quality as the new team went through some growing pains? Oh, okay then…

Pokémon Human Character Tournament: Round 1, Matchup 28