#not gonna repeat last year

[wigglebox]

Suptober [Extended] - Day 24 || Smoke

[moonchild-in-blue]

Massive thank you to you and everyone else who calls out how shitty it is to get mad at peoples interpretations. Sleep tokens music is romantic. Its also toxic. These statements can coexist. Its not your business if someone plays bloodsport or vore or hell even atlantic at their wedding. Youre not them, you dont know what the music means to them. If you see a weird take just roll your eyes and move on, its not a big deal. Absolutely sick and fucking tired of all these "why are you calling this romantic/sexy? Youre stupid and a terrible person!" takes like fucking relax. Media literacy is important yes. Respecting that this music is dark and personal to vessel is also important. Same goes for respecting how people relate to the music in dark ways. But as long as people are not saying things directly to vessel or fans about how their individual trauma is sexy then just chill out and respect peoples different interpretations. It sucks that i cant talk about how i view certain songs without being called horrible things and having really fucked up vitriol aimed at me. Yall need to grow the fuck up and get over yourselves. Im not thinking of your personal shit when i call a certain song romantic/sexy, i dont even know you, sometimes im thinking of my own trauma actually lol. Lets all discuss this music maturely where we respect each other and what each of us as individuals bring to the table for interpretation, stop making this fandom toxic as hell for anyone who doesnt agree 100% with your own interpretation. (Also the whole "youre not allowed to say this song is romantic/sexy" thing is very dismissive of some peoples trauma in itself, it ignores how messy someones feelings toward their abusers/toxic partners can be. Pretty fucked up to call a trauma survivor stupid or a terrible person because a song reminds them of their positive feelings towards someone who hurt them) Anyways yeah, just tired of people being so harsh because they refuse to see other peoples perspectives. I genuinely think one of the most toxic aspects of this fandom is the vitriol over different interpretations, people act like outright children at times with it im ngl, especially with more sexual discussions. It also feels infantilizing towards vessel at times, hes a grown adult who put romantic/sexy elements in his music and he doesnt need people trying to protect him from those themes. Im rambling but this stuff pisses me off so much, this fandom needs to do better

Context post for the clueless ones - regarding my tags/replies

Here's the thing - I've been in fandoms for many, many, MANY years. This type of discussion isn't anything new nor unique to Sleep Token, but it sure does make a comeback quite often. It's tiring to keep repeating the same things over and over, but that's what fandom is all about isn't it?

Someone needs to say something, and I am not one to shy away from uncomfortable conversations like these. Something something, build your own community, be the change you wanna see, etc etc.

I've said pretty much everything I wanna say already under that post, but for the sake of clarity, and because I can't keep my mouth shut apparently -

Under the cut for length - you know the drill:

Music is art. And art is subjective. Meaning, each individual will have their own personal connection and interpretation of a given piece of art, which in this case is Sleep Token's music.

Did Vessel write the songs with a certain intent or meaning? Most likely yes! It's not hard to connect the dots and guess what events/emotions might've transpired and served as inspiration for them (accuracy to personal life is irrelevant and none of our business, but it's also no rocket science to understand what's been said).

Can we establish a base meaning for any given song, or better, can we have a general consensus of what a song is about based on its lyrics and themes? Absolutely! Not every song is like that, but we can all agree there's a lot of recurring themes of past relationships and mental health struggles.

Is it wrong to diminish the songs to one basic element (eg. the sexual undertones) and/or completely disregard the bigger, more important theme? I'd say it is.

Giving Atlantic as an example (which as a lot of you know, is my most favourite song of them and very dear to me): this one has some very blatant references to suicide and depression. Regardless of whether it is based on irl events or not (none of our business!!!), it is extremely heavy and emotionally charged. I find it incredibly disrespectful when people say random stuff during the rituals when he plays this one.

Or for example, how certain people reduce Sleep Token to "baby making metal", instead of acknowledging the insane (insane!) variety of genres and the profound lyricism they present.

Should we limit our views, and by extension, those of others, to surface-level interpretation, without allowing room for different views and interpretations, either fictional lore based or not? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Vessel himself said to "not restrict ourselves to labels or genres because music transcends it all" (paraphrasing here). It's literally their whole thing. It's very hypocritical to be shouting from the rooftops about "media literacy" and assuming people are stupid or idiots for not understanding the basic, surface-level meaning of a song, when Vessel himself constantly writes in metaphors and half-truths.

I've touched on this a lifetime ago on one of my analysis, but if you *actually* look at the lyrics, you'll realise Vessel hardly ever says what he means. There's always something else behind his words, something he purposefully keeps hidden. It really sneaks upon you sometimes! I'm over a year in and I still find something new everyday on their music. That man has a way to weave in a hundred and one statements under a single sentence, that is just truly beautiful to study.

Is, say, The Love You Want, about a man (Vessel) mourning the fact that his love isn't reciprocated? Yeah! Is it about someone who, despite knowing they can never receive from their lover the attention and affection and care they want, will stay by their side anyways? It is!

Is it about bitterness, spiteful accusations aimed at the one person who should love you fully? Or a reflection of how little self-regard the singer has, so much that they are willingly and actively choosing to stay in a sinking one-sided relationship, because the alternative is too painful to bare? Can you flip the switch and see it as someone who is obsessively pursuing another person, and painting themselves as a victim? All of this, yes!

You can even eliminate the romantic aspect all together and apply it to a relationship with the self (past or future, or an alter ego), or a parental figure. The options are endless. There isn't one universal truth when it comes to music, and as such, all of these takes are 100% correct.

Many statements can be true at the same time - it doesn't make one more true or correct than the other. Simply different. The way we connect with music is very much dictated by our own life experiences, and no two people have lived the exact same life.

Can you prefer a certain way to look at a song, or completely disagree with certain takes? Absolutely! I know I sure as hell do! That's normal and expected and part of the fun in being in a community such as ours. More people means more ways to look at a song - isn't that just wonderful?!

Now, this is very obvious for most of us, but some people, especially in the younger rage, have been taught to look at things in a very black and white way. Not to be that person, but the truth is that the rise in awareness of social issues and "pc-ness", is slowly starting to eliminate the possibility of things being flawed and nuanced.

If you're wrong, you're awful. If you're right, you're obnoxious. Made a mistake? Get cancelled. Grow from your mistakes, but not like that. Learn from your actions, but change your whole personality in a day otherwise you're problematic.

You know what I mean.

Life isn't black and white. Art isn't black and white. Music isn't black and white. What may seem like a toxic, dark, obsessive depiction of a relationship to you, might translate to the deepest and most truest of loves to me. I can acknowledge something is Not Right, while still drawing my own conclusions.

Is Blood Sport a sad af song? Yeah! Definitely not the first thing I'd think of when in a happy relationship. But maybe that's the point. And maybe I do. And that's okay, and none of anyone's business. "Okay but The Apparition isn't a good example of a healthy and romantic-" TO YOU! Maybe that's what love looks like to me! Maybe I just happen to be into it! And what about it?

Maybe to me love comes with all the ugly sides too. The violence, the despair, the self-doubt. Who are you to dictate what I can or can't think? I highly doubt Vessel would go 🗣️ "WRONG! NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! >:::(", so why would you?

You can, and should, discuss the songs with others! Maybe some people do genuinely need a fresh pair of eyes to help them get to the juicy core of the songs - that's why we're here! To discuss, and exchange ideas! You can, and should, call people out when their engagement with the music is being harmful to others (joking and laughing during Missing Limbs? No bueno. Speculating about Vessel's personal life? VERY no bueno. Choosing a potentially weird song to walk down the aisle? None of your business + not your wedding + you weren't even invited + none of your business. Notice how I've been repeating that. Notice again).

You shouldn't, however, shame and ridicule others for having different views from you.

I think, rather than engaging in pointless discussions and start accusing people of being this or that, we should all exercise a little "don't like? scroll past". Is it harming you or others? No? Then scroll past! Is it an awful, truly horrendous take about something you're really passionate about? Okay! Disgusting! Scroll past! Good for them! 👍

Also - keep an open mind. We're all doing this living businesse for the first time, no one holds all the answers to everything. It's okay to change your mind. It's okay to say the wrong thing and backtrack. It's okay to make a mistake and learn and grow.

You know what's not okay? Being a dick to others because the thing you like is being misinterpreted. It's hard, I know!!! You can block people! You can scroll past! You can look at pictures of your favourite vessel and cleanse your brain!!!! I know I do!!!!!

And this is a last afterthought but - you don't get to complain about the fandom you're in if you're doing nothing to change that. I see many, maaaaany of you bitch about this and that, while having 0 engagement aside from the bitching. Like?? Maybe if you spent more time reblogging cool art or gifs and less time whining about literally everything, this would be a much more pleasant space!! And I DO get to be a little petty here because I sure do try my best to make this a fun and nice community. I am allowed a little bitching 😌

Anyways, tl/dr: don't be a dick; don't like - don't engage; keep an open mind; gaze upon the vessels. Peace and love yall 💙💫

[suchine-toki]

(Now this is the final one) Top 10 Gintaka moments

Arranged chronologically because it was too difficult to choose. Spoilers ahead.

1. Childhood glimpses

Beyond detailed backstories, Sorachi treated us to brief glimpses of the relationships between Gintoki, Takasugi, and Katsura during their time as children in Shouka Sonjuku. These panels showed Takasugi’s frustration at losing to Gintoki and being teased about his height, Katsura occasionally playing the mediator, and Takasugi's attempts to get back at Gintoki by annoying him in return (chs. 523, 519, 676, 591, 703).

2. Partners in crime

When Gintoki, Katsura, and Sakamoto set out to aid Takasugi, Sakamoto reminisced about the experiences they shared during the Joui War. He recognizes how close Gintoki and Takasugi are, being partners in crime but at the same time getting on each other's nerves and fighting all the time. We would later learn that it was something they loved to do, which may be why everyone who saw them is shown smiling (ch. 557).

3. Heaven

While fighting with the Kiheitai, Takasugi has a flashback of being wounded on the battlefield during the Joui War, and when he lost hope and looked to the heavens, he didn’t see a place to rest peacefully but instead saw the backs of his comrades fighting. He thinks of this while remembering Gintoki protecting him, which could be interpreted as Gintoki being like heaven for him in a way (ch. 639).

4. Watching him from afar

Before their famous meeting at the festival, the first time Takasugi sees Gintoki after 10 years is when he apparently went to meet Gengai, who was his ally in the terrorist attack he wanted to perpetrate against the Shogun, only to see the old man with the Yorozuya. This implies that Takasugi purposefully sought out Gintoki to have an exchange with him after such a long time (ch. 30).

5. Alone

When Itou Kamotarou allies with the Kiheitai with the intention of fracturing the Shinsengumi from within, he has an encounter with Takasugi where he reveals that he seeks recognition. However, Takasugi is able to point out that he just feels lonely. Later, when Bansai tells him that Gintoki said what he wants to protect hasn’t changed, Takasugi quickly becomes upset. This ties the two scenes together and shows how Takasugi thinks Gintoki no longer understands him (chs. 165, 168).

6. Unpacking gag panels

There were a couple of interesting occasions when Sorachi decided to use Takasugi for gags before his big fight against Gintoki. One instance involved Takasugi sending Gintoki a New Year’s card, either just breaking the 4th wall or mocking Gintoki after his vow to cut him down (or both). Another gag occurs in Gintoki’s imagination, where he envisions Takasugi avoiding contact in a ridiculous manner, not particularly bothered by the idea of him actually showing up and having to follow through on his earlier vow. Both moments suggest that Gintoki and Takasugi didn’t truly hate each other, despite how it might’ve initially appeared at that point in the manga (chs. 294, 453).

7. The same scent

Takasugi and Kamui meet as part of a Harusame plan where they’ve to kill each other. Before striking, Kamui notes that Takasugi has the same “scent” as someone he knows. Surprisingly, Takasugi immediately realizes that Kamui is referring to Gintoki, acknowledging their lingering similarities. Takasugi also seems aware of Kamui’s intent to kill Gintoki but doesn’t take it seriously, probably because he trusts that he’ll not die (ch. 310).

8. Last glance

After their climactic battle, Gintoki and Takasugi share a moment of mutual understanding. They openly acknowledge their bond as comrades and disciples of Shouyou, choosing to protect each other in a critical moment. While being aided by Kagura and Kamui, the two exchange a final glance before parting ways once again, contrasting their previous encounter, where they passed each other without acknowledgment (ch. 523).

9. Looking for Takasugi

Following their encounter at the ruins of Shouka Sonjuku and running away from Hijikata, Gintoki begins searching for Takasugi using a hilariously terrible drawing he himself made as a reference. He eventually meets Matako and Henpeita, who question him about Takasugi’s fate. Gintoki reassures them that he isn’t dead but reveals little else. At this point, Gintoki sees Takasugi as a friend and a fellow disciple of Shouyou, which motivates his efforts to join him despite Takasugi’s resistance (ch. 675).

10. Reason for world destruction

While escaping, Gintoki teases “Takasugi” about his antics. Feeling ignored after getting no response (and being so accustomed to provoking an immediate reaction) he tugs on his hair like a child seeking attention, suggesting it’s something he’s likely done more than once. Believing Takasugi to be bald, instead of making fun of him like he has done with other characters in the same situation, he tries to pump him up, encouraging him to shout out his catchphrase to boost his confidence, only to discover it was someone else wearing a wig (ch. 685).

Bonus' bonus: Magic trick

I couldn't leave out this silly gag that Sorachi drew on an extra page, where he offers a non-canon comedic moment between Gintoki and Takasugi. It acts as a lighthearted breather after their intense battle, providing a glimpse of the humor they might’ve shared in less serious situations (ch. 521+).

Part (1) (2) (3) (4) (Bonus)

[icharchivist]

@sandetigerrr tagged me to shuffle my on repeat playlist and post the first 10 song

and i rarely do tagged games but when it comes to music i will because i'm going to make it everyone's problem

and should mention i've only been looping my Solas' playlist lately so I guess that's a warning that comes with it

I'm Your Man - Mitski

Amber - Koethe

Heaven or Hell - Digital Daggers

Mr Magic - Reliqa

Sorry - Nothing but Thieves

Breath of a Life - Florence + The Machine

Falling Slowly - Glen Hansad, Markéta Irglovà

Forsaken - Within Temptation

The Truth Beneath the Rose - Within Temptation

Your World Will Fail - Les Friction

and yeah that sounds like me alright.

tagging huh. now that's always the hard part.

@aranarumei, of course. @nadejdaro if u want. @crimsonshadesblog. And honestly anyone who may feel like it i never know who to tag

Thanks for the tag <3333 im normal about music

[yeuziu]

color wheel challenge

[beesorcery]

i really liked the design of this shirt but 1) too many dollars 2) i wasn’t about to stand in that merch line for an hour and 3) it’s not on the website anymore??? idk

anyway i have decided to embark on a fun project in which i recreate this design but instead of the city names it’s the 8 ball from that show, which means it won’t be done until april! so i’m gonna post progress updates as i do them. graphic design is my passion or whatever

here is the current draft updated through 3/4:

i’m doing it in illustrator because i have access through my school and also it’s easier to move things around as stuff gets added. i don’t know yet if i’ll try to make it into a shirt or maybe a poster or something once it’s done

my main obstacle to making it really similar to the original is these fucking song titles jesus christ. it took me like 5 hours noodling to get the current composition. slump isn’t even one of their longest like if they play get busy in raleigh i’m cooked. i am having fun though so that’s what matters

finding the fonts is also very time consuming but still fun, there are some i straight up can’t find anywhere (and the image isn’t hq enough to be able to tell exactly what they look like anyway) so for some of them i’m just gonna use the best match and then convert to shapes and fuck around until it looks right; i did it with the 3.3 and 3.4 idk if it’s noticeable

i’ll rb this post with more updates!! hopefully posting will also structure the time i work on it so i don’t end up completely missing schoolwork due to hyperfocusing on this

[tsenya]

weekly music roundup ! no. 1

new:

cradle - dua saleh

no name - intentions

who's who - frex

undo - 4bout

trevi freestyle - sofi de la torre

reruns:

new phrase - oskar o.

fool's gold - aries

we'll be alright - ilham

seatbelt - brevin kim; halfoff

stomp - cosette

[thepandalion]

not to be annoying or anything but it's been 9 years since the release of indie game undertale

[strmpt]

i cannot wait to graduate in 11 days good GOD

god fuckin jumped by a migraine in the middle of work today and had to go home. im so fucking pissed too bc it came out of nowhere

[flovverworks]

thought again how overwhelmingly lonely akira would become after everything while time does its healing. u go from having a twenty-something ppl around u at all times to being alone. no one to knock on ur door in the morning, no ppl going in & out, no chaos of sudden fights. even in the (more likely) case where akira forgets its like. this haunting feeling of having forgotten something u shouldnt have. guy who goes to every social gathering ever to have that chaotic energetic experience of having so many ppl around again

[atoziam]

Man, never in a million years did I think this would happen so soon. I've been in disbelief over the past few days feeling so sad but I know it's nothing compared to what those who were closest to him are feeling. People can go at any moment but that doesn't mean it hurts any less when they do, especially for someone you looked up to and never got the chance to meet. Liam and Zayn were my favorites in the band and that's why i made this blog. They've been my top male singers for so many years growing up and still to this day. Seeing the words Liam Payne 1993-2024 was gut wrenching. I enjoyed being a teenager and growing up during the era of One Direction ever since 2013 and am eternally grateful I got to see them live and I wouldn't trade it for anything. So it truly feels like the end of an era even though it isn't. I loved listening to him sing and couldnt wait for more to come after Teardrops. He had the voice of an angel and now hes singing with them. Rest in peace Liam, and thank you for all of the memories 🖤

[doriansbutt]

y’all some people really have some balls. or just a…misunderstanding of places that require appointments.

man: when’s ur next opening for 5 people

me: uh what service are you looking for?

man: foot and body massage?

me: *guides him to website with our menu of services, proceeds to spend 5 minutes asking for any more gd clarification which proves mostly useless*

me: okay the next time I have 5 therapists available at the same time is….January 30th—

man: oh no I meant for today!

me: HAHAHA no we’re completely booked today??? I don’t even have 5 therapists working today?????

man: what?? damn *hangs up*

[james-p-sullivan]

if anyone has any good cookie recipes please send them my way. im gearing up for my annual cookie boxes next weekend and i want to go all out 🙏

this was last years spread hehe

[keroinnie]

i did this bc i got curious after seeing @baekslight do it and….. the way one of these things does not belong here…. hmmm i need help or smth idk

[bluejay-flies]

OH MY GOD I JUST REALIZED THAT NEW YEARS EVE IS GOING TO BE ON 12/31/23. 123123.

[honeydots]

happy october! :D last year i did a halloween costume doodle-a-day, but i never posted them. i don't know if i'll post them every day THIS year either, but i'd like to do a few! so for day 1: sophie <3

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