#barry would have probably grown up to be something like a mix of the future barry costume and test labs barry

[backtothestart02]

The Football Star and the New Girl - 1/? | westallen fanfiction

A/N: I suck at titles lately...oh well. Enjoy this first chap! The story itself is based loosely on a dream I had. :)

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Synopsis:  HS!AU - They were like ships passing in the night. Would they ever meet on the same page?

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Chapter 1 -

Francine West walked down the hall and peeked into the open doorway of her daughter’s bedroom. She found her sitting on her bed, her things packed in multiple suitcases at her feet, but she herself – Iris West, 14 ¾ years old – did not look very excited to be leaving her home without her family. She was looking at a photo album. Tears were staining her cheeks.

Francine rested her head against the door frame as she watched her, her heart aching to heal the wounds she knew would only grow more with time.

“It’s not too late to change your mind, you know.”

Iris’ head whipped toward the sound, and she hastily shut the photo album and tossed it onto her bed, wiping her cheeks quickly after.

“Mom!”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t interrupting, was I?”

She walked into the room, and Iris scooted over a little so she could sit next to her on the bed.

“No, not at all. I’m glad you’re here.”

They shared a sweet look, then Iris leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder. Francine held out her hand, and Iris intertwined her fingers in her mother’s grip.

“I still want to go,” she assured her.

“Yeah?”

She nodded against her shoulder.

“I need stability, mom. I can’t be moving around going from school to school every six months. I’m proud of dad, of course, and I love being with you all. I’ll miss you a lot, but…I want friends and the same school and a life.”

“A boyfriend?” Francine nudged her gently.

Iris rolled her eyes and smiled.

“Maybe…eventually. I’m only 14, Mom.”

Francine nudged her again.

“14 ¾.”

Iris laughed.

“Yeah, yeah, okay. A boyfriend would be nice, once I get to know the guy for more than a couple months. But first, friends.”

“Friends are important too.”

Iris nestled into her mother’s embrace and sat in silence for a while.

“What about Wally? Is he going to be going to new schools every-”

“I’ve decided to attempt homeschooling.”

Iris lifted her head.

“You have?”

She nodded.

“He’s only 10, so the curriculum is simpler, and he’s pretty introverted, even around us, so Ruffly can suffice for his friend. At least for now.”

Francine pursed her lips. She did want real, live human friends for her son, as well as for her daughter. But for now their golden retriever seemed to be what got the most laughs out of young Wally West. She would hope that lasted at least through another school year.

“I’d take him with me if I could,” Iris said.

“You’d take both my children from me?” Francine asked, only half joking. “What am I supposed to do all day long without your brother to drive me crazy?”

Iris looked into her mother’s eyes and saw that they were watering.

“Oh, Mom, I didn’t mean-”

“It’s okay, honey.”

She sighed and pressed a kiss to her daughter’s temple.

“I know it hasn’t been easy for you, losing your friends so often because we have to move. It’s the life of a military family, I’m afraid. I signed up for it when I agreed to marry the man, but you, my baby, were just born into it.”

She pulled back to look into her eyes.

“I want you to know though that if at any time the school isn’t working out for you, we’ll come get you in a heartbeat.”

Iris winced. She knew it wasn’t that simple. They were moving overseas to a new post. Iris would be staying here in the U.S. Even if the school was a bit of a move for her too. It wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to.

Still, she obliged her.

“Yeah, okay, mom.”

She smiled, but Francine knew better.

Footsteps sounded down the hallway, and interrupting their little moment came Joe West with little Wally West on his back. Joe was dressed in all camouflage wear, and Wally was giggling from bouncing up and down on his “horsie”. Ruffly was close at Joe’s heels.

“What is this here?” Joe asked, witnessing the tear streaks on his two ladies’ faces.

“Dad!” Iris sprung up.

She ran to him, and he slowly released Wally off his back, who promptly complained when his shoeless feet hit the floor.

Joe hugged his daughter tight, lifting her off her feet briefly and kissing the side of her face.

“Oh, baby girl, are you sure you want to go?”

Iris laughed when she was back on her feet again. She wiped away fresh tears.

“Yeah, I’m sure. I’m just gonna miss you guys, but I need this. For me. Okay?”

He sighed and nodded, then looked across the room at his wife.

“She’s so grown-up.”

“I know.” Francine sniffled.

“Why is everyone crying in here?” Wally asked. “Aren’t we gonna see her for Christmas?”

Everyone laughed.

“Aren’t you gonna miss me at all, you little punk?” Iris asked, ruffling his curly hair.

“Eh, maybe a little.” He shrugged, uncaringly.

Iris rolled her eyes.

“Well, it’s time to get going then, yeah?” She looked at her parents who nodded.

“Yeah,” Joe said. “That seven-hour drive is no joke.”

“Seven hours! That’s a lifetime!” Wally whined.

Ruffly barked.

“Just wait till your plane ride,” Iris egged him on. “That might be even longer.”

Wally groaned. “I hate traveling!”

“Better make sure you have something to keep you occupied with then, Walls,” Joe said, and with that Wally zipped out of Iris’ room to make sure his many bags included plenty of toys to play with on his very long journey.

“I’ll go help him,” Francine said. “We’ll meet you at the door with his things.”

“Sounds good.”

Joe smiled, but it was pained. Once Francine had left, all the toughness had melted away again, as it often did with his baby girl.

“Boy, am I gonna miss you,” he said.

“I’m gonna miss you too, Dad.” Another tear streamed down her cheek, and he was quick to wipe it away. “You look so handsome in your uniform, Dad.”

He chuckled.

“Alright, enough sadness for now. We can do this again in seven hours.”

She laughed. “Okay.”

“You wanna help me get all a million and one suitcases out to the car?”

She took a step back and looked around her room.

“Yeah, sorry about that.”

“You can apologize by helping me.”

“Deal.”

She smiled, and slowly they made their way to the front door and then the driveway with all seven of her suitcases. It took a few trips, but then she knew she would need every bit of her belongings for the long school years that lay ahead.

Her family would visit as often as they could, of course, but it would be difficult with them living overseas. She probably wouldn’t see them again until her dad was forced to move again like they were doing now.

But she’d thought long and hard   this. She longed for friendships that lasted, for a life beyond what was available to a military family. She needed to connect and to be free for a while, even at the sacrifice of not seeing her family every day, especially her mom and baby brother. This new school – Huntington Farm and Boarding School – would be just the ticket.

Out in the middle of nowhere somewhere down south, the school was on a huge stretch of lush land that also served as a farm – no animals, just crops, which was a shame, Iris thought. She’d miss having even just her dog around too.

But the place was renowned for its academics and social scene there in the middle of the wilderness. A boarding school for those who needed it, traveling families mostly; and if the colorful flyer they’d sent in the mail was any indication, Iris would absolutely love it.

“Everybody ready?” Joe asked, when everyone had piled into the car sometime later.

“Ready!” the family cheered.

Joe chuckled and started the car.

“Huntington Farm and Boarding School, here we come. Watch out for your most dazzling student yet.”

He met Iris’ eyes in the rearview mirror, and they sparkled.

“You know it!” Iris said.

Joe grinned and backed out of the driveway.

They were all on their way to bigger adventures now.

…

One year later…

Iris sat on top of the fence on the edge of the football field, waiting for who she hoped she hadn’t misinterpreted wrong. After nearly a year of first claiming he didn’t like her and then months of mixed signals, Iris was convinced he actually did like her, as much as she liked him.

Sitting on the fence post waiting for the guy to come kiss her seemed like an odd tradition, but it was built into the social aspect of the school, and she figured it was the only guaranteed way she’d know if he was really crushing or not.

She’d dressed as cute as she could for a game, and soon she’d know if it would pay off or not.

Biting her bottom lip, she gasped quietly when she saw him coming around the corner heading right towards where she had herself perched.

Barry Allen was the star football player – star of every sport he could get himself into really – and they’d been making genuine eyes at each other for weeks. Now, as he approached her, it felt as if their whole future was hanging in the balance.

He stopped about 20 feet away. Bracing himself maybe for the decision he’d have to make? Presumably have gained the courage, he continued his walk, headed straight for her and stopped directly in front of her.

Iris waited, her heart hammering a mile a minute in her chest. He was tall enough to reach her – so tall, but she bent her head anyway, and sure enough their lips met in a soft, tender kiss.

She opened her eyes as he took a step back, but the smile on his face was undeniable. So was hers.

Just as he was about to say something truly romantic – she’d decided – one of his teammates burst behind them.

“Did you just kiss Iris West?”

Barry spun around, panic on his features.

“I-”

Another teammate appeared.

“Wait, what?”

“Barry just kissed Iris!”

“But I thought he hated her. He swore he did.”

Iris tensed on the top of the fence, waiting for Barry to smooth the whole thing over. It couldn’t be that big of a deal that he’d pretended to hate her all while flirting with her on the downlow for nearly a year…could it? It was annoying to her for sure, but his teammates couldn’t be that annoyed, could they?

Barry never smoothed it over.

His teammates left, looking disgusted, and Barry looked back at Iris for one more moment, not knowing what to do. Then he left, calling after them.

“Wait, guys, it’s not what it looks like!”

And Iris sat alone on top of the fence, the magical memory of her first kiss completely shattered.

How would they come back from this?

[fwns]

First time crying because of a pokemon game

Literally no one:

Me: I’m gonna write about pokemon shield because it’s a great game and i love it

Man the last time i got to review something was probably 7 years ago during high school english class. I am by no mean a writer, yet again a game reviewer. This is just my honest take on the game bc it saddens me to see that a lot of people are shitting on the game especially with the dexit, short game, lack of action and the paid DLCs just announced. I‘ve been playing pokemon for 10 years or so (my first game was saphire) and despite the flaws this game has, i truly enjoy it.

1.) First of all. dude u gotta appreciate the visuals of the game!! LOOK AT THOSE!!

The screenshots above are from some of my favourite areas in the game. The concept of wild area is really cool and it makes the pokemon journey more realistic like the ones we used to see in the anime or how we imagined it. That it would take days to reach a city and u need to set up a camp whenever you need to rest or fill your belly. Also getting chased by strong wild pokemon in the wild area really got my blood pumping lmao

2.) THE SOUNDTRACKS. THE FRIGGIN. MUSIC. I’m such an aficionado for great music whether it’s an album, movie scores, and even games like these. Seriously the gym leader battle theme is an absolute banger (especially the crowds’ chants!!). Like it makes my 12 yo character more fired up to kick a grown up’s ass in front of a packed stadium and live tv.  The last time i was this excited to kick a gym leader’s butt was when i was battling winona years ago bc my dumb ass haven’t quite figured out the concept of type advantages.

^more appreciation for the gym leader battle theme. From all the shits this game has received, i haven’t seen a single complaint about the music so explain this, science side.

3.) I love how in this game some of the NPCs have actual character like our rival hop, leon, piers, marnie and bede too. BUT ESPECIALLY OUR RIVAL HOP. SERIOUSLY HOP IS BEST BOI AND ONLY DESERVES THE BEST 😭😭😭. Hop is (i assume) childhood friend/neighbour who happens to be the little brother of the current champion leon. Now this may seem like a usual pokemon protag - rival trope, being the protag is a nobody who just stepped into the world of pokemon trainer and the rival being someone related to someone important in the region (like how green/blue, barry, and hau was). Being a champion’s little brother is quite a big deal for hop but hop isn’t the snarky arrogant rival like green was. Instead he’s just a happy kid who dreams of surpassing his brother and want to form a healthy rivalry/friendship with you (he’s kinda a mix of barry and hau imo). Throughout your journey, hop helps you with the ropes and just generally be there as a friend...a real good friend.

And just like the previous games, as the story progresses you get to battle hop quite frequently and in order to advance further in the game (and keep those pocket money to buy varsity jackets) you gotta beat him over and over again. The thing is, unlike some other rivals who were like ‘wow ur so strong! k i need to train more bye’ hop actually TALKS TO YOU. Sure he did acknowledge our strength, but after he would talk to you abt other things like the next city/gym leader or even abt his life atm. I really appreciate the developers for making details like this bc through the dialogues you can actually see the depth of the characters and it makes you actually think. Like for example from my battles and dialogues with hop, i can see that he’s quite pressured bc of his background as the champion’s brother and people have high expectations of him, yet he keeps on losing to you (his rival). There is even one point in the game in which hop fell through a downward spiral bc he keeps on losing to you (the protag) and another NPC rival. You can ACTUALLY FEEL the stirring of emotions through the battles with hop and the dialogues bc at one point he even said something like ‘i don’t wanna drag leon’s name through the mud bc i’m too weak’ and i was like NOOOOO WHO HURT YOU 😭😭😭😭 (but then i realized it was partly me oh god i’m so sorry hop). Never in all my experience playing pokemon game that i feel bad about beating a rival, i do hope in future games they would let the rival beat us....well probably during an offscreen battle :p

Also, for the longest time we finally have our champion doing actual champion duties (?) like protecting the region from catastrophe. Like i understand that this is probably where the ‘lack of action’ comes from because let’s face it, team yell isn’t actually a threat to you or the region, and whenever a ‘real threat’ comes up, leon would beat you to take care of it first. Tbh there are moments when i was like ‘damn leon let me in on the fun too!’ but then again i realized there are actual adults in this game with their actual jobs (champion, researchers, gym leaders) who can actually do their job without relying on a 12 yo to do everything for them which is pretty realistic if you think about it

but don’t worry, in the end we’ll get to play a big part in saving the region too :))

4.) THE GYM LEADERS AND GYM BATTLE IN THIS GAME ARE JUST *chef kiss* the developers really put all their effort in this. Although i admit some of the gym challenges are kinda ‘lazy’ like just pummel through these gym trainers before facing the leader (especially on the last gym???really????). But the battles against the leaders are never boring.

WE FINALLY GOT A DARK TYPE GYM LEADER WOOTTT!! Plus he’s that one dude from the pop punk band that we love during our middle school years.

God i wish i had a big brother like piers, not only he’s one of the most challenging gym leader in our journey but he also helps us not just once but twice. At one point he throws an impromptu concert to cause a riot for us to be able to get through a heavily guarded area

gOD i love that chaotic energy 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

Last but not least...man...MY BEST BOI RAIHAN!!! JUST BEST GYM LEADER, DRAGON TAMER (lol sorry lance), A GENIUS, 100% WILL TREAT YOU RIGHT, JUST 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻💦💦💦 💕 💕 💕💯💯💯 

just thank you gamefreak for creating him 😭😭😭😭👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 

OH AND GYM BATTLE UTILIZING WEATHER EFFECTS??? that’s some solid strategy there. I’m not a really strategic pokemon trainer, so i usually just pummel through every opponent lmao so when i saw this man controlling dragons and the weather i just 😮

AND THE FRIGGIN SELFIE GAWD 😭😭😭😭 LIKE WHO THOUGHT SNAPPING A SELFIE IN THE MIDDLE OF A SANDSTORM HOLDING A GIANT ASS POKEBALL IS A GOOD IDEA??? BUT THIS MAN SOMEHOW MAKES IT WORK. Also pls give me that camera bc the quality is bomb.

Well this turns out to be longer than i expected but i really just pour out how i feel about this game. It’s true that it’s not perfect and there are some aspects that can be done better, but as a long time fan of pokemon I REALLY ENJOY THIS GAME. I can see that the developers really work hard for this game to be able to cater to both old and new fans, and we all know that it’s impossible to please everyone. And for those of you who begs to differ or have different opinion about this game it’s perfectly fine and i’m not hoping to change anyone’s opinion. But PLEASE STOP HARASSING THE DEVELOPERS AND NEW FANS ESPECIALLY YOUNGER ONES! because we all know people who shames others’ interest are the worst kind of people :))) And if you have the time and money i suggest you give this game a try.  Well that’s all i gotta say, have a good day/night everyone!!

[cruzrogue]

It’s all Relative

#Fictober19 @fictober-event

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for fanfiction:

Prompt number: 7  “No, and that’s final.”  

Fandom (AU if applicable): #arrow fanfiction #olicity

Characters: Oliver/Felicity/William

Rating:PG

Warnings/Tags: Unhappy preteen with parents

Summary: William has a chance to work with an idol he doesn’t understand why his father isn’t allowing it.

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

​It’s all Relative on A03

This is an argument Oliver intends not to lose. His voice steady holding a finality to it. He tells his son his final answer, “No, and that’s final.”

“It’s not fair!” He stomps his foot. “You did worse when you were my age.”

“And look where that led me.” Oliver sighs. His son doesn’t get it. He only wants what is best for him. “You’re the only thing from that time period I cherish.”

“You didn’t even know I existed.”

“That is right. I didn’t. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t try to make it up to you.”

“Well I don’t need you!”

“William, apologize this instance for that remark.”

The boy looks to his step-mother and he can tell she isn’t thrilled but he knows if Felicity places herself onto the conversation he knows darn well that his dad will be tenfold in executing any plan and never, ever back talk to her in any case. Not only will it cause a terrible chain reaction from his father he’ll feel so terrible and guilty because he truly adores Felicity, she’s not only an awesome parent but she’s super chill with him.

“But mom, it’s not fair! Dad is being super biased.”

“William!” Her voice carrying that underlining tone. After the whole debacle of the infinity crisis that is what it’s been called even if he thinks it’s truly a stupid name. His dad was supposed to perish he thinks. The life he is having right now could have not existed. Somehow that thought alone makes his dad live on the edge of being overprotective but there is a baseline that his parents will do whatever it takes to protect him and his siblings.

“I’m sorry dad. I just don’t understand.”

“I know you don’t. It’s okay to be upset but there are things you aren’t aware of.” Oliver closes his eyes for a second as he thinks of the right words. “You’re becoming a teenager and your mother and I want you to live your life to the fullest so yes you aren’t privy to things that we don’t see fit for you.” A small pause. “Yet.”

“William, we know somethings cause tension. We expect that as you are becoming more and more independent but son you’re still so young. Protecting and getting you ready for adulthood is our job.”

“So, I really can’t go?”

“William. When it comes to your idol. The Flash. Your mother and I don’t mind your hero-worshipping from afar but we don’t want you entangled within his web.”

“What your dad is trying to say without being seen as aggressive or jealous is that we care for Barry we just don’t want you mixed up in his crazy timeline catastrophes.”

“What? The Flash is a hero! He’s not responsible…” He looks at his parents who are now mum all of a sudden. “Wait? Uncle Barry is the one who caused all those… No way. The media always says… Oh!”

There is a quiet moment within the household as Oliver and Felicity’s eldest is understanding something major. To him as the Flash came onto the scene. The red dash was super cool as it zipped through the city. He stopped bad guys what isn’t cool about that? Though like many things when you get to know your hero they become humanized and finding faults in humans is just a reality. The Flash isn’t that mere idol anymore. He has a face and a name to William. He also has had a hand in breaking his family apart. The crisis left everyone mending with a feeling of what-ifs and these paradox realities weren’t very pleasant. He lost his dad, didn’t see his mom until two decades later and William knows right now the life he is living is a blessing.

“William, we never wanted you to see him different.”

“He makes mistakes. We all do.”

“But his mistakes affect our family right?”

Oliver nods.

“Okay, I can see why you don’t want me at Star Labs anymore.” William looks at his step-mother and a smile creeps onto his face. “Maybe I can intern at Smoak Tech. Learn some coding. The archer program was way to cool for…”

“The archer program is decommissioned until I can figure better safety protocols.”

“Okay but I can still help out right? Especially when baby two makes its presence known.”

Oliver looks at his wife and just shrugs. William is totally a tech nerd and a feature that connects him to his wife so he can’t fault the boy at all. While Mia is learning to walk and already getting into things knowing that at least his son will be safer with Felicity he can relax just a tad more.

“Sure, I’d love the extra set of hands. If Mia is any indication. Your brother or sister will enjoy trampolining on my bladder.”

“Cool, I want an intern T-shirt, a badge, shoot I want a name plate too.”

“Okay, there tiger. There isn’t a physical building yet. Not until your mom here figures the location. The t-shirt well… hmm maybe you can design the logo.” Oliver can see the spark in not only in William’s eyes but the thought of creating a logo has his wife also beaming a huge smile. “Okay, I know those looks. Maybe we’ll need to go to the art store and buy some supplies.”

William excitedly nods. “Oh, we need a color scheme too. I know you like purple.”

“I do, but I know you love the color blue.”

Oliver just watching the conversation become a debate. Loving every moment of observing two of his favorite people discussing color schemes and it just makes him have a goofy smile. He knows its goofy by how many times he’s just turned and found a truly happy face looking back at him from a quick mirror’s glance. He doesn’t drop that smile he only makes his grin become wider as Felicity and William turn to him for his opinion. Finally telling them, “I think we owe it to ourselves to try every option.” It is that precise moment that Mia makes her presence known as she wakes up from her nap. Oliver checks his app. “Well while you two discuss business I have a little lady waiting for her daddy.”

William and Felicity watch him go before William asks his mom, “Do you think he’ll ever let Mia touch a bow? I know she became the Green Arrow before…”

“Your father loves you. He’d do anything for his children but he also knows he can’t always be there and it’s not to say it will be the easiest thing in the world. We need to allow you and your siblings to grow and it’s a delicate balance William. We’ll make mistakes but you do know we’ll try our best.”

“I know. I’m sorry for before.”

“I know you are sweetie. As for your sister becoming the Green Arrow. It’ll be a bittersweet moment for him. When that day comes…” Felicity tries her best but she still tears up. “You won’t be our babies anymore.”

William snickers, “Please you’ll still treat us like kids.” That gets his step-mother to chuckle. “I hope you know when that time comes we’ll do fine. We have two of the greatest parents raising us.”

A deep cackling voice is heard, “No amount of buttering your mother up will keep from getting your well-deserved punishments.”

“Ah, Dad!” William raises his hands, “I was trying to have a moment with mom.”

“I overheard the conversation of a future scenario.” His head nods to the baby receiver on the table by Felicity’s side. “If and when one of my children decide to follow in my footsteps it will be an honor.” He bounces his baby girl against his hip. The little girl giggling. It’s strange to look down and see that there is a path she can take and become the Green arrow. A path that he’ll be there to see. Does he want that? A sane rational father would say no, no way. Her safety is of great importance. A part of him wants to lock his kids in a tower and throw away the key. He won’t go that far, even if he lost his mind his wife would kick his ass. They will eventual grow up and its Felicity and his duty to make sure they can handle themselves in whatever occupation they decide to enter.

“You’re really going to be okay with it?”

“William, we started this argument over my overprotectiveness. I can’t bare for you to go to Central City for a few weeks when I know there is a good chance something can happen.”

“Yea, I know. You said no.”

“It’s still very much a no.” He sees William nod in understanding. “But one day you’ll be a grown man and I need to believe your mom and I did our very best to inform you and ready all of our children to make the best possible decisions possible.”

“Okay, I get it.”

“I need you to know that my past mistakes are mine alone. What mistakes you’ll create and believe me it’s probable being my son that you’ll create some whoppers. We’ll deal with the consequences together. I’ve got your back.”

Felicity adds, “We’ve got your back.”

William feeling over emotional just hugs his mom whom happens to be closer and then hugging his dad before he tells them he’ll go get some markers and such so they can at least look at some logo art for Smoak Tech. He practically runs off.

“Well he totally has your sense of emotional control.” Mia is moving her little arms towards her mother.

Oliver huffs, “I can’t even use anything against you on that. Though if I didn’t know any better I’d say he is all you.”

Felicity laughs as she takes her daughter into her arms. “This one here is just like her daddy.”

“Maybe the next will be a good mix of us.”

“I’m okay with little blue-eyed monsters that’ll own my heart.”

“You say that now, until they break the rules and become all mine.”

She shrugs to his correct assumption though she is still very empathic to his needs so she goes in for some kissing. Bringing their daughter up between them and Oliver kisses their baby girl first.

“Come on! I just left for a minute. You two are so gross!”

[nellie-elizabeth]

Arrow: Fadeout (8x10)

I don't really know what to say. I wish I felt differently, but this finale left me feeling a little bit underwhelmed! But let's get into the specifics.

Cons:

So first of all, Oliver's final fate is that he dies, creates a new world that's better for everyone, and then gets to reunite with Felicity in some sort of pocket world there at the very end. Here's the thing that's tripping me up - this is still just straight-up a tragedy. So he brings his mom and Tommy and Quentin Lance back from the dead but he never gets to see them? And more importantly, he still doesn't get to raise his kids. I get that it's supposed to be this big sacrifice, like, in his final act he finally did what he always set out to do and he "saved his city." But it's just kind of too sad for me, to be the ending of Oliver Queen.

Related to that is the problem I've already discussed in the past two episodes. We have episode eight, which was the Crisis crossover thing, then episode nine, which was a backdoor pilot... so Oliver's fate, dying the way he does, surrounded by people from other shows, doesn't really feel appropriate to the story of Arrow as a whole. Everything about the Crisis is disconnected from the beating heart of eight seasons worth of buildup. It's someone else's big bad, some other characters' final stand. It doesn't feel like it should have been Oliver's.

Since I won't be watching the spin-off and I don't watch any of the other shows in the Arrowverse, I don't want to get too bogged down in the weeds on this, but I'm a little bit confused - why do most people forget/not remember the Crisis? In the spin-off future it looked like Dinah and Laurel found each other and were just then realizing that they weren't the only ones who remembered. But they're together at Oliver's funeral, and everyone there seems to know the full deal. Did something happen in the intervening years? Also, not to put too fine a point on it, but if Oliver's sacrifice is supposed to be worth it, doesn't it suck that in the future, the Green Arrow is needed once more, as Star City falls again into crime and disaster?

You know I loved seeing Thea, and Roy, and Tommy, and Moira, and Quentin Lance... but some of these returns rang a little hollow. Why do I love Tommy? Because he's Oliver's best friend. But we don't get to see them interact. We don't get to see Oliver with Moira or with Thea or Roy one final time. It all goes back to the fact that Oliver and Felicity reuniting is sweet and I'm glad it happened... but it still feels like only partial happiness for Oliver.

This is a nitpick, but Thea is right about Roy's timing being for shit... William is still missing when Roy decides to rehash their breakup and propose. Dude, save it for when you know the kid is safe!

Also, I try not to be too critical about things that the writers can't do anything about, and I know that actor availability is the reason why Felicity wasn't in this final season. But the fact that she shows up for Oliver's funeral, leaving baby Mia with a sitter, just emphasizes how stupid and pointless it was that she remained in hiding the whole season. Oliver was around for a lot of it. When he was taken to go to the Crisis, there was still plenty of time for him to run around dealing with smaller issues as he prepared for it. Why oh why would he and Felicity not have seen each other in the intervening months?

Pros:

The biggest compliment I can give this episode is that they decided to make it more of an epilogue. We had a chance to spend some time with all (or most) of the key characters from seasons' past, and the conflict of the episode was a brief kidnapping incident with William, which was resolved swiftly and allowed for the seeds of Mia's journey to continue to be planted, all while commenting on Oliver's journey and how much he's grown since Season One.

Even though Oliver wasn't there for most of it, this episode still truly felt like a tribute to him. So even though I have my complaints about his ultimate fate, I'm still glad that there was this chance to reflect on his hero's journey, and really let his sacrifice sink in for all of the characters whose lives he's changed for the better.

John Diggle loves Oliver so very much, and it was probably him, more so than any of the other characters, who made me feel my feelings. He has the most trouble letting go of the "mission," because letting go of Oliver's life's purpose feels like admitting he's really gone. I loved the speech he gave at the graveside, loved the way he offered comfort to Felicity, and how ultimately, he finds a way to accept that this part of his life is over. It was sweet to see John and Lyla moving on to the next stage of their lives (we're just going to ignore that Lyla was kind of a villain this season, huh?). And that little teaser, where we see John getting what I assume to be the Green Lantern ring, was really compelling and fun. It makes sense that he wouldn't be ready to hang up his hero cloak. Diggle is always going to show up when people need him.

Despite Roy's less than stellar timing, I'm also big in my feelings about seeing him and Thea get engaged. Felicity and Oliver are an epic love story for sure, but Thea and Roy really have something special, and it was so lovely to see that culminate for them. Much like with Diggle's final moment, this moment for Thea and Roy felt like the beginning of a new adventure.

Another moment that really landed for me was Laurel talking to Quentin. She wonders why the original Laurel didn't come back, like Tommy and some of the others. And Quentin says that nothing about this Laurel needs to be fixed. It's sad that Laurel died, but what Oliver did wasn't simply to erase every sad thing that had ever happened to him. He put right some avoidable tragedies, but the shape of this world is still the one we've been living in for the past eight seasons. And Earth Two Laurel is a part of that. She's earned her place in it. I loved that!

I also loved every frame we got of Tommy Merlyn, of course. Apparently he and Laurel were married, which is just delightful! And he gets to live with the knowledge that even though Oliver is gone, he has the opportunity to live on because of his sacrifice. I'm so happy to see him, and to know that he gets to stay alive!

As much as I had some problems with this episode as a whole, there were definitely several moments within it that I enjoyed. Along with what I've already mentioned, I have to give a shout-out to Nyssa's "my beloved" moment with Sara, and Barry and Kara both giving Felicity a hug at the funeral, and Rory telling Rene that he and Oliver have a lot in common, and Mia showing her weapons to her "older" brother William.

Speaking of Mia - I love that Sara brought her to attend her father's funeral. We're going to ignore how stupid it is that William is still apparently kidnapped in the future, and that Sara didn't think to snag him as well... whatever. It's cool. It was great that Mia could be there, could don the hood and save young William. And could see her mother. Poor Felicity is in the middle of intense grief over Oliver's death, but seeing her daughter, learning what the future holds for her, is something of a balm. Their hug was another highlight of the episode for me.

I think I'm going to end things here. I wish the "cons" section of this review wasn't so long. I wish this episode had felt the way I wanted it to feel. Honestly, 8x07 felt more like a culmination of Oliver's journey than anything we've gotten since. Trying to wrap up a show that lasted for eight seasons is a hard task, but to do it while also having to contend with this crazy crossover event made it even more challenging. Unfortunately, I don't really feel that Arrow went out on a high note, despite this finale having some lovely character moments.

For this finale, I'll give a score of...

6.5/10

As is tradition, I must try to come up with a score for the show as a whole. I've got to say, the early seasons of Arrow were exactly my kind of shit. I loved the mix of the superhero origin story with the almost soap-opera-esque drama of the Queen family. I liked that the show went dark, and that major characters died early and often, and that Oliver got to be that tortured hero with a heart of gold and questionable morals. As the show went on, I definitely think it lost some of what made it magical, but even the later seasons featured some great times with characters I had grown to care deeply about over the years. I'm glad I watched Arrow, even if this final season was a bit hit and miss for me. As a final score, I'll say...

8/10

[slothquisitor]

Everyone is asking for A Class Act stufffff but might I bother you for some Reparation Barris and Rosalie?? My only request is fluffy and domestic, you can run with everything else. :)

So.....this didn’t really turn out very fluffy....or domestic. I was aiming for something really cute, and it just sort of came out like this. Anyway, I’m planning more for them down the line anyway, but for now this is my offering. 900 words, Rosalie’s POV. 

Things Learned

Also on AO3. 

The sun was slowly falling behind the mountains, but the Summerday’s celebration at Mia’s hadn’t even slowed. The weather was pleasant enough that the kids played with David in the yard while the several of the adults played a game with wooden blocks and poles. Rosalie still wasn’t sure what the point of it was, but it was something Mara had been excited to teach everyone ever since she’d seen a set on a traveling merchant’s cart and promptly purchased it.

Rosie hadn’t played, had been playing games with the kids instead. They were mostly entertaining themselves for the moment, so she’d taken a seat on the steps, drink in hand. She watched her family, Matthew and Mia teasing each other from opposite sides of the game. She watched her brothers team up, and the way that Cullen smiled at Mara.

A year ago she wouldn’t have believed any of it possible. That her brother would be home, and healing and happy. That their family would have grown in the ebbs and flows of the clinic, in the constants. That there would be so much heartbreak and pain, but also growth and hope. A year ago she didn’t know what she knew now.

Oh Rosie had known plenty. She knew that life was complicated, and that it could be full to the bursting with heartache. One didn’t lose their parents at thirteen and not learn those things young. For all of Mia’s trying, she hadn’t been able to shield them from everything.

But over the last year Rosie had found that life was more complicated than she ever believed. That it was more heartbreaking, and that there was so much pain she had never considered, never understood. She’d learned that duty was a cage, and that there was little glory or victory that came without sacrifice.

Delrin didn’t speak of it much, and she didn’t press, but his life had been moving from one duty to another. There had been enough cages in Delrin’s life, and she refused to be another. She hadn’t brought up the future, of expectations. It was too soon to speak of forevers anyway, to make promises beyond the immediate. Maker knew they’d made enough of those.

It was as if her thoughts had summoned him, and ever polite Delrin stood a few paces away. “May I join you?”

She scooted over to make room. “I’d like that.”

Delrin settled beside her, shoulder touching hers. “Everything alright?”

Rosie smiled. “Yes, just needed a break after chasing the kids around.”“They are quite the energetic handful,” he replied.

She laughed. “Do you think it’s the holiday or all of the cookies?”

“Probably a good mix of both.”

Rosie slid her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder. “Probably.”

Delrin shifted a bit to accommodate her. “There was something I wanted to ask you, actually.”

She didn’t move away, but she did lift her head so she could see him. “Oh?”

Delrin hadn’t been in South Reach a year, but Rosie always wondered just how long that would last. He had turned down his offer to join the Seekers, and that had been encouraging. She just wasn’t sure how long he really wanted to stay. He’d done so much, been so many places, he couldn’t possibly want to stay in South Reach forever. It was a conversation for later, much later.

“I wondered, if you would accompany me to visit my family. I’d very much like them to meet you,” he said. His words were soft and quietly hopeful.

She was surprised. “You want me to meet your family?”

His family was a noble one, his father a Bann. She couldn’t imagine that they would be terribly impressed with a farm girl from South Reach.

“Very much so. I’ve met your family, and we should do some of this correctly,” he replied. She laughed, they certainly had done things a bit out of order. Though Maker preserve her, she couldn’t find it in her to care.

She took a deep breath. “I doubt that I’m who they envisioned for you.”

Barris chuckled. “Well, I doubt they ever envisioned me with anyone. Templars don’t often marry.”

She leaned into him, suddenly finding it hard to look at him. “You know what I mean.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “They’ll love you, and I owe them a visit. Say you’ll come.”

She was still unsure, not quite believing his optimism. “I’d go anywhere with you, Delrin.”

It was true, and she wanted him to know that. He rested his head on hers. “I’ve already talked to Cullen about my leaving. I was thinking sometime in the next two weeks or so. The clinic should be able to spare me then. Is that alright?”

“Gives me just enough time to stress about meeting your family,”she teased.

“Don’t. I know you’ve met nobles before, but they’re not snobby. I promise. If anything they’re happy I finally carved out my own path.”

“But are you happy?” she asked. She told herself not to be afraid of the answer, that all of those easy smiles meant he was.  

Delrin pulled her closer. “Maker, yes.”

She was too, and in all she’d learned she knew that wasn’t something to take for granted. They were happy, and for now, it was all that mattered.

Likes and reblogs are love!

[californiafolklife]

Beliefs and Rituals of California Winemakers

The following vintner beliefs and rituals come from Michael Cervin’s “Crazy Superstitions and Rituals of Winemakers,” Part I and Part II.  Here are a few Californian ones.

Hair and Clothing:

“Here at Midnight Cellars we do not shave or cut out hair from the day of the first grapes till the day after we get our last grapes.” Rich Hartenberger, Midnight Cellars, Paso Robles

“For my first 7 harvests I didn't shave my beard or cut my hair between the first grapes that came in to the last. Then I went through 4 - 5 harvests where I kept my beard clean and shaved regularly, but never cut my hair. This past harvest I went back to keeping my beard growing. Maybe not so much a superstition but more my 1-year-old daughter loves to pull on it.” ~Coby Parker-Garcia, Claiborne & Churchill Winery, Edna Valley, California

“All the guys tend to cut their hair, grow their hair, cut their beard, grow their beard, during harvest. It was annoying me until I came up with something that I could do along the same lines. I now dye my hair purple or red just before harvest. For a blonde this is rather a shocking change but I love the looks on people’s faces who think I always look this way.” ~Dorothy Schuler, Bodegas Paso Robles, Paso Robles

“I grow a beard and don’t cut my hair during harvest. Probably part of it has to do with the fact that I like beards and it seems wives don’t like them so much, so this gives me an excuse.” ~Greg La Follette, La Follette Wines, Sonoma

“My harvest superstition: I always chop my hair right before harvest. Out with the old and in with the new!” ~Anne Vawter, Red Mare Wines, Napa

“My Cal Berkeley Sweatshirt. I wear it on the first pick of every harvest.” ~Neeta Mittal, LXV Wine, Paso Robles

”I have to wear shorts from the first day of harvest until the last tank of red is pressed out. Since we are typically pressing out towards the end of November it can get a bit chilly on some mornings. It all started over 15 years ago when a co-worker and I would kid around as the mornings were getting colder. ‘You’re probably going to wear pants tomorrow aren’t you?’ Followed by, ‘Not me, no way!’ So it became a survival of the fittest thing that turned into a ritual.” ~Paul Steinauer, Flora Springs, St. Helena

“Finish the formal harvest plan before the Tour de France finishes. No cutting of hair (head or facial) until the very last grapes are harvested. The winery break table must always have a 5-pound jar of Red Vines on it when fruit is being harvested. On the first day of the Chardonnay harvest, crack open a bottle of white Burgundy (same for Pinot, with a red Burgundy).” Mike Sinor, director of winemaking at Ancient Peaks Winery, and Sinor-LaVallee Wine Company, San Luis Obispo

“As a break from the heat, as well as a break from the habits of the local farmers, years ago I decided to wear red shorts in the field as opposed to the jeans, which are the farmers’ usual field dress. Fending off the catcalls and whistles of my fellow farmers, I told them that I wear the red shorts each April 1st as a sacrifice to the “weather gods,” and don’t take off the shorts until each Lodi farmer completes their harvest. Once when I decided to tempt fate and forgo the red shorts early, a cloud bust occurred, ruining almost 3,000 potential cases of wine and resulting in 136 calls on my voice mail asking if I had worn my red shorts.” (They make a wine to honor this superstition, Red Shorts Red) Lance Randolph, Winemaker Periano Vineyards, Lodi

Yeast:

“Once we bring the grapes into the building I always welcome them to their new home, thank them for thriving ephemerally and also let them know that we are grateful for them and this is what they were grown for. While I mix yeast, I don’t allow people to talk to me because yeasties (as I call them) are living organisms and I only want good vibes around them. That means I focus my good energy on them in hopes that they will manifest a thriving and healthy fermentation. On the morning a wine is being bottled, I wish it Happy Birthday and note the astrological sign under which the birthday falls in my records. I tell the wine how much “Mama” loves her, and I send her off with best wishes to make others as happy as she makes me. I consider all wines female except Petite Sirah, which I call my “boys.”  Shauna Rosenblum, Rock Wall Wine Company, Alameda

Every time I pitch a bucket of yeast into a fermenter to get it started, I find myself saying, “Get happy little yeasties,” trying to encourage an elegant fermentation out of them. After the tanks are inoculated, often being the first one at the winery, I will turn on Pearl Jam (something from the album Ten) and speak to each tank while it is fermenting, trying to ensure that they stay happy. Perhaps I should start to play the song “Happy” instead… Also, during bottling season we always try to avoid Mondays, with the fear of what our native “winery gnomes” may have done to the bottling line over the weekend. I’ve spoken to other winemakers about this, and they know all too well about the winery gnomes.” Don Schroeder, Sea Smoke, Santa Rita Hills

“For sluggish fermentations, we make the atmosphere as romantic as possible for the yeast - we light candles and play some Barry White.” Todd Graff, Frank Family Vineyards, Napa

“I would say I do two things that are also somewhat practice. I listen to barrels a lot to see how fast they are fermenting and how active they are – so my right ear is usually dirty! I also love feeling the outside of tanks instead of taking an actual temperature of Pinot fermentation. It is a lot more tactile of a reading.” Gavin Chanin, LUTUM Wines, Santa Barbara

Other Stuff:

“Being a female winemaker, I cannot participate in the harvest ritual of shaving, and just thinking about wearing the same socks/underwear throughout harvest gives me the willies. What I learned from Lynn Penner-Ash is the elegant route of toasting the first grapes received with a bottle of Champagne. I always gather the entire team (sales/marketing included) at the ungodly hour of 5 or 6 a.m. to gather around our first bin of grapes for my harvest quote of the year and a taste of Champagne…remembering to always give a pour for Bacchus over the grapes. This year, we added the tradition of starting every processing day with the song “Troglodyte (Caveman)” by Jimmy Castor Bunch as remixed by Lo-Fidelity Allstars. And the one day we didn’t start it in time, as I was in the vineyard monitoring the pick, our Oscillys (destemmer) kept shutting itself off on us!” ~MJ Tsay, Realm Cellars, St. Helena

“I sing the French national anthem as I hydrate the yeast for fermentation.” ~Arnaud Debons, San Antonio Winery, Los Angeles

“I never start harvest on a Friday, it could be bad luck. This has been in the family for a few generations.” ~Pierre Birebent, Signorello Estate, Napa

“Full moons bring nothing bad luck for bottling. The equipment on our bottling line breaks down with no explanation what seems like every single time we bottle on a full moon. I cringe if I see a full moon and know that we are scheduled to bottle the next day because it will be a disaster.” ~Brooke Langelius St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Napa

“At Sequoia Grove, most of our cellar employees were born in Mexico, a country of many sayings and superstitions. One of the superstitions we have adopted at the winery is ‘dar el remojo.’ The direct translation (‘give a soaking’) doesn’t make much sense, but the idea is this: when you are lucky enough to have something good happen in your life - a good harvest or a new forklift - you share your good fortune and encourage future luck to come your way by buying burritos, donuts, or beer for your friends and/or employees. The unsaid implication is that if you don’t ‘dar el remojo’, then bad luck may come your way. Sequoia Grove just finished harvest and damos el remojo by having a delicious lunch of carne asada, salsa, and beer." ~Molly Hill, Sequoia Grove Winery, St. Helena.

“There is just one superstition that I follow - never, never wash your car during harvest. With multiple trips up and down Casey Flat Ranch the dust gets into every nook and cranny of my car, inside and out. It's against all winemaker rules to wash until the last grapes are in. If you hit the carwash, it will rain."  ~Laura Barrett, Casey Flat Ranch, Capay Valley

[meltedmagazine]

AN INTERVIEW WITH MAX GARDENER

     Max Gardener, a 19 year old musician hailing from the beautiful state of California, is the auditory embodiment of the ethereal. Gardener’s pairing of lazy, philosophical lyrics with pure synth pop instrumentals make for an effortless head nodding sound. We reached out to Gardener to talk about his latest release, Stirrings, among other things and here's what hes got to say.

_____________________________________________________________

You proclaim your sound to be “bedroom theme music,” could you elaborate on that description and what it means to you? 

   Bedroom theme music was something I made up around the time that I started making music. It was just a way to try and seek out some unique essence of a sound, a label that at the time felt like it fit what I was doing and it was my own creation. I'm not entirely sure how it distinguishes itself from other genres. It was more of a rephrasing of say bedroom pop, with a little twist on occasion. It's funny though, my dad has told me that when he thinks of bedroom theme music he thinks more in terms of Barry White, etc.

How has living in San Francisco, as well as participating in the local scene there, influenced your sound?

    The San Francisco scene is great. Really friendly people that just want to get together and play great shows. Everyone pushes off of each other and you can see it in real time which is great. There's so many great bands up here that I feel the need to just keep pushing myself to be a better songwriter as well as a performer. I think an interesting thing about San Francisco is that house music seems to be pretty popular up here, at least more than Long Beach. House music was fairly new to me when I moved up here, but it's grown on me and I think elements of that sort of music will show up in the things I'll be releasing in the coming future.

What do you think were some specific influences for you while writing Stirrings? Whether that be music, books, people, etc.

Some specific influences while making Stirrings would have to be Patti Smith (her music, books, poetry), Jim Morrison's solo work as well as with the Doors, Henry Miller, etc. I also love to keep up with modern bands of course, but I felt like those three were a heavy influence on me and still are. I've been fairly obsessed with Porches lately too, that guy knows what's goin' on.

Since the release of your album Memory Lounge last winter, do you think you’ve changed or matured in your sound, whether that be instrumentally, lyrically, or production-wise? 

    Yeah definitely. I spent a long time on Stirrings and it never really ended up how I dreamed it would be, but I love it all the same. Now I feel like a lot has changed in my music. I've just grown tired of the same old love song verse-chorus-verse-chorus type stuff, but then again there are songs like that that are great. I think I've just gotten to the point where I just want to push my mind and see what weird things I can make out of it. My lyrics, I feel, are going in different directions all the time. Production is probably my main interest when growing as an artist, and I've been working a ton on creating these sort of vibrant soundscapes with minds of their own.

How does the songwriting process normally go for you? Are there any parts that you particularly like or focus on/put more time in for?

    It all depends really. I used to feel pretty intense when it came to the recording process, but now that I've got more of a grip on the sound I want to have I haven't been stressing as much. I've just been experimenting with instruments and structures and lyrics and everything, which I'm really excited about. I think the best thing for me is mixing. Mixing is where it all comes together and it's exciting to try and make it all fit, it’s also where a lot of the impact of the song comes from, or at least I think so.

In a few songs on Stirrings, as well as in your older releases, you often sing of these dreamlike places that provide stability and/or comfort, why is that? 

    I'm not exactly sure why. I like the idea of an escape, a profound utopia of fantasies or something like that. It's like food for the mind, giving it a place to wander rather than to surround itself with. I don't know, I just love trying to create an escape. Music has always done that for me.

An artist, song, or album that makes you feel a heavy dose of nostalgia?

   I think an artist that I could definitely relate to a feeling of nostalgia nowadays would be Beach Fossils. I listened to them so much in high school and whenever I listen to them now I just feel thrown back into those days. It’s a great feeling, but its always pretty strange. 

What’s it like being a musician in the 21st century? 

    Being a musician in the 21st century, in my opinion, is pretty intimidating as well as seemingly challenging, but also really fun. I absolutely love making the music, and I couldn’t imagine not making it, but there’s a pretty harsh level of reality surrounding it all. Everyone makes music nowadays, so the challenge has become standing out among thousands of others that have access to a recording studio in their room just like you might. I like that challenge most of the time though, it can create a drive in you if you find the right way to channel all of that. Also, we’re all pretty lucky to be able to just wake up and record in our bedrooms if we so choose, it was a lot more complicated to get a record recorded and released a long time ago. 

LISTEN TO MAX GARDENER HERE

interview by LYDIA VELAZQUEZ

photo by MAGGIE WILDE

[kryptomalawian-blog]

THE DIARIES A REVIEW

Released in August 2018, The Dairies is a project that’s curated by Barry Uno and Phyzix and one that has a lot of potential of being one of the ones to carry us through the summer. I’ve been with the record for over a month now and should have come round to reviewing this sooner but video games and other things on my time table kinda kept me from getting around to it. Anyway here we are…. At first glance I can honestly tell you that this project feels like these guys put a lot of thought and heart into to bringing this concept to life.

Both, Veteran musicians in the Malawi rap scene, have extensively experimented with various methods of sonic delivery, from afro pop, to grimy rap, to trap, to gospel, you can pick any and that experience definitely shows on this project.

The first track, The Diaries Intro, is definitely an ode to just that. Both start off with a strong performance mostly acknowledging their career paths, they each reminisce about their challenges in life, the highs the lows, and that common ground is what sets the foundation stones for their chemistry on this project. And you will hear a lot of that retrospection on the album. Beats here are really great and they set the mood for the listener for the whole project.

Zimandiwawa; (Hurts me to think about it) is great stand out track with an Afro touch, Barry, shows of his versatility in both rhyme delivery, subject matter and staying on topic, Phyzix also sails through the beat gracefully with charm and great delivery,  but the shining gem of this track is the featured Nepman on the hook who adds an odd blend of the style of rapper Future while adding a dancehall spin to the beat

Phyzix leads on the next track Mfana Wa Hip Hop (translated Hip hop Cat) with what I must say is an honestly predictable verse and not very technical rhyme scheme, the beat is not that spectacular and is badly mixed so that also doesn’t help things. Barry Uno however, comes to the rescue and utilizes the chance to show off his rappity rap skills which he does that really well. The final verse is performed by Cyclone who happens to be Barry’s brother and he ends the track with an easily forgettable but generally respectable verse.

Relationships, goes the introspective route does well in describing usual problems and the heavy situations that can weigh down on long term and committed relationships. It definitely helps that Barry Uno and Phyzix who are both married themselves are able to articulate these problems although to be honest Phyzix’ verse falls short with some lazy writing and slightly off topic subject matter in the end.

Wine is another Nepman feature, an up beat track that successfully touches on alcoholic routines and patterns that are quite relatable for the average 20 and 30 somethings in Malawi. Without giving away too much Barry starts off with a roleplay on how he’s navigating a day after serious drinks plagued with a serious hangover. And the plans for that day obviously lead to another link up with the squad where they get to do it all over again. Were also blessed with a strong Hook from Nepman with the same Dancehall and Future meshed sound. The downside however is Phyzix delivers more lazy writing in his bars, and the bad mixing doesn’t help things much.

Feeling Your Body is a stand out beat that could fit into any Malawian club playlist well. It delivers an Afro pop sound, the hook is catchy and on point. On this track you can tell Phyzix is at home and he shows off his recently sharpened abilities to make entertaining party scene jams very well. Barry delivers a fantastic Chichewa verse that really stays on theme with the track. This is a really great track

Mental Level, is a Trap beat with an attitude. If you want to admire the willingness of both rappers to experiment outside their comfort zones this is the track. This track while being forgettable, because its very derivative still is still capable of being entertaining if you’re not being too critical about what it obviously sounds like.

Vina (translated Dance) is one of those tracks that puzzles me. Much of this is probably due to the god awful and to be brutally honest,… boring production. It’s trying to be melodic and catchy but it fails miserably at both attempts. This is the track probably shouldn’t have made the final cut in terms of their arrangement and yeah you’re allowed to skip it.

Were now in the second half… Patentha (The scene’s hot) explores themes of the club scene. A proper Malawian beat. A dope hook and the Waxy  is definitely doing an alright job of keeping up. Phyzix comes off believably with that home grown unwashed street smart hood rat (Ghamba) signature vibe he’s well known for (think Cholapitsa... if you know you know). Many great local references to have fun with, Barry finishes the track keeping on theme with that same street smart hood rat energy making the track pretty satisfying.

Chovala Chosasita (Unironed clothes). This track has great energy, it has dope banter, playfulness, and attitude (think 2005 Jeezy) which is honestly great and im honestyly not mad at. Both Emcees are basically doing lyrical backflips switching between Chichewa and English to deliver a track that demonstrates the chemistry the duo have. Unfortunately again the bad mixing lets them down here and that stands out more than their individual talents which is kind of sad cos this beat has serious serious potential and staying power after the beat stops.

Ukamandiona(When You See me). A track touching on faith and hope and all that jazz. Phyzix goes in describing his underprivileged roots and aslo gives you a glance at the lifestyles he used to covet from far. Barry Uno does a strange auto tune thing in this one that I honestly I didn’t relate to so this quite likely defining his lowest point in the album. The beats got trap vibes, so its also derivative which means I find it a bit diluted, but as a plus the strong hook will definitely keep with your after the beat dies off.

Timakukondani. (We love you) A track proclaiming their love for God an obvious proclamation of their Christian faith. Its not a very nuanced track so don’t expect to be wowed by any sort of message beyond gratefulness to the creator for the artists successes. What makes me mad about this track is that it’s a real mess and if you ask me It quite honestly doesn’t really fit in with the whole project but that’s just my opinion. Moving on…

The Diaries: another title track and a solid solid outro. Probably Phyzix’ strongest performance, he catches the beat pockets as much as possible. Weaving in and out of English and Chichewa, the subject matter itself basically giving thanks to another successful collab and project. Barry also delivers a melodic flow that comes from the same POV of admiration of the effort put into this project. A great closing track.

Overall the project definitely deserves a lot of fan attention, I think many peeps should definitely sample this. The guys have a dope chemistry, the themes aren’t too pretentious, in fact they are quite honestly grounded, intended to connect with any 20 to 30 something living in Malawi with all the lovely local  and relatable references ,and punchlines. Production is a huge issue on this project, the sounds derivative for some of the contemporary beats, but the Afro influenced beats make the project really really interesting and those are the high points.

Last word, these guys are great rappers, and they need to do a Chichewa album which would be so fire, considering Barry Uno did “How We Do” and “Automatic”, and Phyzix came with it on “Cholapitsa” and “Ghamba” which were widely popular in their time and could probably still give Tay Grin a run for his money. And in closing just to impress audiophiles such as myself, I would definitely recommend they go back and remaster this project, get it mixed right cos that would do the project a lot of justice.

We give it a strong 5.5/10. Great effort they should form a rap group.

#MALAWI #MALAWIANHIPHOP #RAP