#the incredibly unique group dynamic is definitely a highlight of the show

[strawberryicemoon]

There are VERY few shows that are truly an ensemble main cast, as usually there is one character who is front and center. In group shots, in overarching narrative, etc.

Code Lyoko is definitely an ensemble cast though. You can make a compelling argument for every one of the main characters that they are THE primary character.

Jeremie is sort of a a shoe in as the the guy who started this whole thing. He turned on the super computer. And his role as "Guy in the chair" is never presented like some supporting cast role. He's constantly working to help fix whatever is going on, and whatever Jeremie is doing is usually the most important part of the plot. He's even blue. He''s just visually in official art, often to the side (though not always) on account of his lack of a Lyoko form's been central in some official art, but he's also been known to be off to the side or excluded altogether, since he doesn't participate in the cool sci-fi battles in the virtual world so he's really not cool from a marketing perspective. He doesn't have main character vibes so to speak, but they could tell me he's the main protagonist and I'd believe it.

Aelita is a late addition to the cast, not literally in show, but in development, not appearing in Garage Kids or the earlier short film, The Children Make Their Movies. However, the main plot of code lyoko is hinged on her and her backstory. She's the one who was trapped in the super computer, whose father built it, whose mother was kidnapped. She's not passive in her life either. She's the most important person on Lyoko, where most of the action takes place because her father gave her the keys to Lyoko, making her the only one who can do certain things. The one who must be protected.

For the first part of the show, when she's confined to Lyoko she and Jeremie have alternate roles. Aelita, the most important special powerful person on Lyoko (but unable to leave it). Jeremie, the most important person outside of Code Lyoko who acts as the eyes in the sky and programs things into Code Lyoko (and outside of it). The very thing giving them main protag potential also being an argument against that status for a show focusing on school drama and virtual world fights. On the other hand this leaves the trio of Ulrich, Yumi and Odd, who ultimately all don't have the same amount of personal investment in Lyoko, so the show wouldn't completely fall apart without them, but they still have their own traits that make them "main charactery".

Odd seems like he was almost the main character once, though not so much anymore. He's the new guy, the most extroverted and with a unique skillset (being a cat boy apparently) with the weirdly implemented, potentially but not really OP power of precognition. When Code Lyoko was still "Garage Kids", him being the new guy was seemingly more plot relevant as everyone else was in on "Xanadu" before he was introduced, and was front and center on the poster, giving the vibes that he was the main character. He's also got a dog that he snuck into school. Generally he just is not the center of the plot, and and outside of animal themed shows purple cat boys isn't something that makes you think "main character".

Ulrich is probably the closest to the expected lead character. He's just a dude. He's the everyman. He's not great at school and is the star athlete. He's the guy whose at the center of the shows main love triangle (which gets turned into a love zigzag later with him still involved in both triangles. He often gets to be front and center (in virtual form) in promotional material, but so do the rest of teammates. His associated colors are green and yellow, neither of which are ever strongly with leaders. He foils Odd, as his quiet and grumpy attitude is one usually more reserved for the edgy deuteragonist, complete with a harsh and demanding father.

Yumi is probably the one with the weakest argument. But she's still the character who is in the center of the group shot at the end of the first opening so there is still definitely an argument to be made. She's also the only day student and thus her family drama is the most prevalent, which is kinda a protagy thing to do. Her Lyoko color is red which along with blue is usually one of the central protag colors. But really, she and Ulrich go together, and the two form a sort of dual protagonist situation within the ensemble. The main argument is probably just that she's too she's too busy playing that role to be main protag. She's at the center of the shows second love triangle which is an extension of the first that centered Ulrich. She's a martial artist on par with Ulrich. Not to mention she and Ulrich both have Japanese themed forms and some official art places her on par with Ulrich in the center. She just doesn't have Ulrich's "everyman" qualities. In fact she has kind of "othering" qualities such as being the token minority (Japanese), being a grade above everyone else, and also being a girl in an early 2000s action adventure show. Basically she's got a lot going on that makes her a perfectly qualified deuteragonist type. Which may be for the best in a series otherwise full of protagonist types.

But really every character takes their turn at being central in the art, and the stereotypical "main protag traits" tend to be distributed amongst them. Ulrich may have the stereotypical skillset for instance, but Odd is closer to the stereotypical personality and Yumi has the more fleshed out home life. Jeremie drives the plot forward, but the plot is about Aelita's family. You really can't point at a single character and go "that's the face of Code Lyoko".

[thebandcampdiaries]

The Angry Toons presents - Toonomicon

The Angry Toons is a band that has a distinctive focus on avant-garde metal. Its sound is energetic and kaleidoscopic, throwing many curve balls at the audience and adopting a left-field approach that is creatively rewarding. The group has just released its latest album titled Toonomicon. 

This album is a must-listen for fans of bands such as Primus, Metallica, Dog Fashion Disco, Mr. Bungle, and Stolen Babies. Featuring 11 unique songs, each one brings something new to the table. The music on this release is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitar riffs, complex rhythms, and unconventional song structures. The first track, “Endless Scream,” begins with a flanged guitar intro that has a very open and big sound. It immediately sets the bar higher, highlighting the punch of the sound and the band’s love for old-school production aesthetics. Many modern metal records are really overproduced, but this one is actually more organic, highlighting the natural dynamics between the musicians, not to mention the one-of-a-kind vocals sound and the progressive elements that people can expect from the album. 

The song “Still Alive” also offers an incredibly diverse guitar sound, with tremolo and delay spicing up the guitars. The bass is mid-heavy, cutting through the mix and adding more definition. The drums are very powerful, giving the music a sense of weight and power. “Renegade Retribution” is another fantastic song, at times reminiscent of 70s progressive rock bands like Tangerine Dream or Pink Floyd, only to mention a few. This particular track stands out for its haunting melodies, complex chord progressions, and immersive soundscapes that transport the listener to another world. On the following track, “Big Bad Wolf,” the bass growls like a caged animal waiting to break out, and the dramatic tension is truly exciting. In this song, the band uses psychedelic effects such as echo, reverb, and distortion. These effects add a dreamlike quality that is both hypnotic and mesmerizing but never detracts from the aggressive edge of the music. “Bat Out Of Hell” is another soothing and deeply atmospheric track with jazzy drums and a 3/4 time signature. The song has a 60s touch, especially in the way the guitars use reverb to add to the haunting depth of the music. As the title suggests, “I Don't Mean To Be A D!ck, But F-ck You” is one of the most outspoken and direct tracks on this album, and it is a true statement of intent, highlighting the band’s uncompromising attitude and one-of-a-kind stylistic vibe. The following track, Frankenstein #2, begins with some mesmerizing experimental guitar textures and unique sounds and effects. Eventually, the track breaks out into one of the loudest and most rocking moments on the entire record, with its fast-paced beat and roaring guitar and bass tones! “Toon Raider” is another highlight of this album. 

At times, the sound of this track is akin to old-school metal and doom bands like Black Sabbath. On the other, it is actually raw and dynamic, tipping the hat off to legendary artists like The Misfits, only to mention a few. On the other hand, “Farrier Of The Swamp” offers a more contemporary tone, akin to bands like Dead Rituals or TOOL, only to mention a few. The song “Sh!t Show” is one of the most notable tracks on the whole record, especially due to its fast-paced and unadulterated energy. Last but definitely not least, the album comes to a close with the song “Godzilla.” Much like the famous movie monster, this track packs a punch with its heavy power and bone-chilling energy. This is a perfect conclusion to an album that is all about pushing the boundaries of traditional alternative rock and metal to push the genre further and explore so many ideas in line with the band’s visionary style.

In conclusion, the diverse set list adds to the album's variety, creating a sound that stands out for its aggressive edge and experimental attitude. In addition to their music, The Angry Toons also have a distinctive visual component, particularly the cartoon-inspired artwork, and aesthetics that set them apart from most metal bands out there.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fodkXhlKwjCBrUAG04ZOf?si=4nKKMr8ZROi6B7fKxAflKQ

http://twitter.com/theangrytoons

http://instagram.com/theangrytoons

https://youtube.com/@TheAngryToons

[greysfall]

My 4444-word review of NEO TWEWY (with personal illustration + heavy spoilers)

My overall critical score for the game is 7.5/10, while my personal enjoyment score is 8.5/10. This review is posted as I have 80% completed the game, got the secret ending and achieved the Angel psychic rank. I’ll first start with the main pros and cons as follows.

PROS:

-        Enjoyable as a whole, still upholding the first game’s spirit in world building and sharing the same backbone - which was mostly revealed in the Secret Reports, it’s impossible to grasp the story without reading them.

-        The new cast and new game is charming in their own way

-        The old cast’s return is one of the biggest highlights for sure, it was fun and impactful. Everyone stays true to themselves and also had their own stories wrapped up nicely.

-        Boss designs are cool, new pins are fun to use and collect

-        The connection between the old and new cast is well written and executed, including but are not limited to the tension between the old and new protagonist, the weird but fun interaction between the 2 Composers, the new friendships revealed and formed

-        Sho being in the main cast is something so uniquely TWEWY and uniquely Sho

-        Still good music

-        Still many fun side quests, some of them really uphold the same quirky spirit of the old game and some are surprisingly touching

-        Many new nice stores and yummy looking foods to explore

-        The map is really easy to memorize for me, it’s fun to travel around the “current” Shibuya to see all the differences compared to the past

-        The social network is crazy and interesting to read through

-        Has an anti-frustration system to help 100% complete the game more easily and earn money faster, so post-game is relatively managable.

-        Overall, I really feel the efforts the team poured into making this as their passion project, not just during the development process but for all the last 14 years. They showed the vision of what they wanted to make, at the same time giving something to both the old as well as new fans.

CONS:

-        The biggest problem with the game is scenario writing. The story is so heavily back-loaded. The director himself thought it would be better to balance out the tension flow by adding more at the beginning but gave in to the scenario writer in the end, probably due to time pressure. This results in an underwhelming execution of characterization and lots of wasted potentials for the first half of the game.  

-        I struggle to view it as a stand-alone game, since the backstory and the old cast both play such an important role in the core of the game. If someone plays this game without having played the OG, they can only enjoy it on surface value at best.

-        The new cast is nice but most of them aren’t quite as intriguing as the old cast, maybe it’s cuz they’re all too nice deep down that they lack a little bit of an edge, of that batshit craziness that everyone in the OG used to have? I think some characters (Fret, Nagi) ended up weaker in terms of characterization because the writer is too afraid of making them unlikeable – which kind of backlashed cuz they only became likable in the most expectable way to cater for a specific group of fans. I would have wished for the other team leaders to be more crazy too, had they not suffered 30+ loops of the Game…

-        The CAMERAWORK IS HELL.

-        Gameplay does get tedious at certain points with all the time travels.

-        Shiba is so badly written as a villain, some Shinjuku characters should be given more screentime cutting into Shiba’s– like Hishima or Kaie or even, Hazuki (though his limited presence also solidified his importance).

-        Some of the main character designs, for example Beat’s hairstyle and his food reactions are hilariously bad. What’s the point of covering up most of his unique facial features?

-        Some of the minor/side characters’ design are too cool for them to have such a small role (eg: Ayano, Eiru). Ryoji did get much screentime but is nowhere as fun as Makoto was.

-        Overall the scope of this game is made a little too big for the team to handle as perfectly as the last game that was very compact, it felt somewhat rushed in development too so the missing pieces are clearly there in the final picture

The entry fee versus paying for it all in the end

An important difference between the Neo game and the original Shibuya game was that the Shibuya rule asked for an entry fee that is the Player’s most important asset, stated as a chance the Composer gives them to reexamine themselves. Meanwhile, the Shinjuku rule neither encourages nor allows personal growth and ultimately aims to erase as many Players as possible. It’s a pity we were never introduced to the full Shinjuku rulebook, as it seems like the system there focuses more on building up power and a grand government to compare with the individuality-driven system of Shibuya.

When you have to compare the new game and the original game (OG), this is an important factor to consider. Also, the OG has a serious storyline running through and through, locked with a different partner/GM creating unique atmosphere for each week and you don’t get to see your old partners again until the end. NEO’s team system does not allow such deep insight and communication between the Players. All of your teammates are always there throughout, the dynamic does change with each new addition but it is not as prominent as a partner change.

Another important factor is how the OG was built from scratch for a new platform as “something no one has ever seen before”, while Neo recycled a lot of old unused ideas from the previous development (check out this interview for more details). The development team for NEO lacks 2 key members and had a change of writer so the final product is not as strongly bound together as the last game.

The new cast is definitely inspired by today’s teenagers (from the view of creators), compared to the old cast they’re more sociable and always seem to take whatever works for them despite feeling unstable inside. They are all innocent and genuinely nice kids, avoiding to hurt each other to a degree that they end up keeping some sort of distance. They’re also unable to communicate at deeper levels, always stagnant at this half-baked stage of equilibrium without any motivation to get to the core of things. That is the cost of entering the game without an entry fee, without even dying or having a reason to be there/to fight seriously. These kids were stolen from the RG into a Game that was decidedly the worst environment for them to change or develop, just wandering around cluelessly to find a way “out” until tragedies started to unfold one by one and they ended up being charged the total sum of the price for their actions – ultimately losing everything in the end.

That is, I believe, a story arc which can resonate more to the youth of today rather than of my generation. If the message of the old game was to “listen”, enjoy life to the fullest and accept to trust others, the message of the new game is to “speak up” from the inside, trying to understand yourself and take actions instead of just going with the flow and finally, to take responsibility for such actions.

If Neku was handpicked by the Composer for being the special one with an all-dense soul to ensure victory of the game then Rindo was just a normal kid chosen out of random by Kubo to be his back-up plan, who just happened to have a high enough imagination to awaken the incredible power from his pin. Rindo was then officially chosen by the Composer as Josh picked up and handed the pin to him again, this time not as Josh’s personal Proxy – but as the Proxy to represent the normal people of Shibuya and via whom he could gamble if humans can fight for their own fate.

The underworld heroine and the hero with little of his own

Shoka is for me a refreshing and layered heroine. She’s the kind of character that took at least 3 trials of creators to form as a complete individual – that included Nomura who gave her the base design and Reaper background, Gen who gave a more cunning touch and the writers who made her English dialogues more punchy. Dishonesty equals “tsundere” is such a cliché, so the English writers tried really hard to avoid that trope in my opinion, while still letting her good intention come through.

She serves as the character who is informed of everything the players should have known, and there was almost nothing she could do about it. Almost. Until she met Rindo.

They were drawn to each other by sharing a state of “not having anything of their own”. They both started out with not being able to truly know themselves, Shoka even hated her RG life but also managed to mature from that stage before Rindo. She must have vibed with Shiki’s love and passion in the Gatto Nero threads, initiating her connection with Shibuya and understanding herself more. With Shoka as Swallow, they were able to open up to each other and offer mental support… but was still not getting to the centre of their problems because for all this time, Shoka could not tell Rindo the most important things about herself.

How did Shoka feel when she met Rindo at the UG? She probably didn’t want to hope that he would live the day until she witnessed the Twisters’ potentials. From the very beginning, they were both incredibly conscious of each other and also constantly frustrated that the person they happened to “notice” was such a condescending bitch/a clueless loser. The Shinjuku Reapers are overall quite drunk in power and uncompassionate to Players, Shoka included. She is also a master of dissociation, which results in her constant boredom, tone swings, haughtiness and subconsciously distancing herself from the friend – the boy she cares about – from false hope, as she judged from facts that it was a hopeless situation where nothing could ever be. Maybe she is naturally a bit of a chameleon just like her name suggests (Shoka 紫陽花 = hydrangea, the color-changing flower), so putting on an act and always dissociating herself from what’s important was easy, while hiding her contradiction was impossible. It was the ex-Reaper Beat who broke it out to her, that she should decide whether she really cared and wanted to do something for a change. He knew how it felt like to cross that line, and knew she wanted to too.  

Shoka is endeared by many of the Shinjuku Reapers and has shown independent acts of kindness (the Shinjuku ghost), proving that her kind and truthful side is as real as her harsh and dishonest side – which makes her a nice mirror to the previous heroine Shiki, who also embraced a dichotomy of self-complex and self-love within her character. In the end, she was the first of the new cast to ultimately accept all that is important to her and independently made the decision to help save Shibuya despite all costs.

She was jealous at Rindo’s interaction with Tsugumi and Kanon but remained silent cuz she wasn’t at a place to have any say about it. She also didn’t reveal about Swallow because that would only add an awkward irrelevance to their current situation, as she was too ready to face erasure at the end of the Game. She only wished to “play a game” with him, be it FanGo or the Reapers’ Game. The tension that the team could only feel at the end, she’s felt it the entire time. The song “DIVIDE” is applicable to not just one bond in the game, but it always makes me think of theirs. There is always a “divide” between her and Rindo throughout the course of their journey, as the living and the dead, as a Player and Reaper, as someone who has a place to return to and someone who doesn’t, someone who knows little but wields too much power and someone who knows a lot despite not being able to do much.

“If only I had the chance to connect with you on the other side

But time goes on, and without us realizing it

The battle is getting heated

Time goes on, and without us realiazing it

Divided again”

To be honest, maybe I didn’t grow any affection for the new main cast from Rindo’s perspective but from Shoka’s. Since I started to sympathize with Shoka, I started to see the boy in a more “real” way. The real Rindo, behind his peaceful façade with others, would lash out on Shoka for her unfairly harsh attitude while none of the others cared. He could also subtly feel that mantle of unspoken secrets from her, her own contradictions, the unresolved chemistry between themselves – and not knowing what to do with it rather than to feel angry with all the unfairness he could not process. (As a Libra too, he’s triggered the most by unfairness!)

It is actually a positive development as he’s at least “reacting” to something strongly now rather than to keep evading his problems. During my replay, I clearly saw the difficult situation Shoka was in, her remaining harshness after the Motoi incident was due to her internal struggle with a mission to save her own life, versus a chance to really be with the team. Her decision was to do both at the risk of losing favour from both sides. Rindo started to accept her layer by layer, as the person who resonated the most to her contradicting nature from the start and knew that via learning her resolve, he has learnt his too.

Later into the game, she even got too much of his attention. Maybe even without knowing she’s Swallow, he’s familiar with her thinking direction and Swallow had always been closer to him than any other friend. It was only after she had to betray her important ones twice that she could start being truly honest. The scene when she died a 2nd time left a strong impression in me, the little reveal let Rindo know that he is also losing Swallow as he’s losing Shoka – and that only death could drive the last secret out of her. Her final “Later, loser” echoed through Rindo as it was the final truth, with only him remaining to hear it: they had actually, already lost everything.

Rindo was the boy who never dared to face all that matters to him until he lost it all, fighting an unfair battle in the faith that they would somehow still win. Shoka was the girl who always knew what was dear to her, but never dared to think she could be together with them ever after and still threw her all into a battle she knew was losing. I think they stir each other on naturally to fill out their gaps, similar to what the Shibuya game partner systerm would have aimed for. The end reward was a little divine intervention to help close up the divide between them once and for all.  

During the game there was not enough space to process anything personal so at the ending when they officially became “friends”, it was an important affirmation of their bond. Some people complained it was friendzoning but it’s not, they just have arrived at the perfect place to start something more. “From now on, we will truly be together” – I read it as that kind of message.  

The heroine from a lost battle, with her story taken away

After reading the secret reports and playing the game to be surprised of how small a role Tsugumi had in the main game despite being the “Hype-chan” thought to be a major character of the next TWEWY installment, many fans would feel sad at a missed opportunity to see the Shinjuku arc in full depiction.

It was shown clearly that, a Shinjuku arc was very carefully planned out and is a vital part of the whole story, yet it could not be made due to various circumstances behind the development scene. I would assume, that the team were not able to make a TWEWY game that ended on a despairing note, but it already happened in their mind, thus becoming a mental burden that forced them to break away from it and started the game anew with NEO. A significant part of NEO became the healing arc for the Shinjuku characters, especially for Tsugumi though I really wished more emphasis should have been placed on her rather than Shiba. We didn’t even get to see her brother – Shinjuku’s Conductor who had a vital role and instead was given the clueless Shiba, who had absolutely no idea what’s going on all the way until the last day in NEO. It’s as if Tsugumi has had her story stolen away from her, because her own battle ended with a saddening loss.

I think every time the game creators look at Tsugumi, they would feel that sadness too. Maybe to them, she is a bigger character than what is seen by the fans, as despite their failed effort to depict her story, she’s lived in their mind for all these years through periods of destruction, healing and rebuild.  Though it is a pity we could not get to experience the full scope of the Shinjuku story, the creators was clear about the place they wished for it to arrive at.    

Individuality, connection and the social network

The team system adapted from Shinjuku rulebook does not allow much room for personal development, as the team dynamic is closer to a work relationship forced to bear results, than a spiritual bond to max out all corners of understanding as found in the partnership system. The old Shibuya system allowed only 1 winner and 1 week limit per game, while the new rule declares for a 1 winning team and only the team at last place will be erased – the other teams will enter another loop. Furthermore, whichever team to challenge the unwinnable Ruinbringers will face the risk of ending up dead last followed by erasure. As a result, the longest-standing teams are most likely not the strongest ever recorded, but the ones who have figured out a strategy to simply survive until something changes, enjoying their newly found social constructs while they are at it. Basically, it is a system to hypnotise players into the illusion that they are still “living”.

Therefore, we as players would not get to the core of each Player individually as fast and directly as we did in the last game. The Twisters were able to stand out not because they’re powerful, they only started to have a real chance after growing enough to each form a meaningful and personal connection to another teammate. It did not come as a team, nor did it intiate from the existing friendship between Rindo and Fret. In fact, I did not find much solidity or anything truly note-worthy about the main team and new characters within themselves until they started clashing with other team members, Reapers and new recruits from week 2 onwards. Rindo found his personal development with Shoka (via a clash with Motoi and pretty much a mini dating sim between them), then via the confrontation of his role with Neku; Fret found his with Kanon then Nagi, the team learned about the real Neku via Beat, Neku entered the UG via Coco’s wish to save Tsugumi… it was not the team but their personal links that empowered them to fight and solve each of their problems.

The other team leaders may have failed because they did not form such personal links, after 30+ hopeless loops Fuya’s team all fell apart to pursue their own interest even at the cost of erasure, Motoi quit his KOL façade to work like a dog for the Reapers (probably to save just his own ass not his team), while Kanon dropped her tricks to find changes via honest cooperation in acceptance of a fair loss. The despairing note in that is huge without making much of a scene because their failure didn’t happen at their best effort to “win”, but in their last attempt to find a way “out”. Even Shiba got his way “out” in the end thanked to his personal friendship with Hishima and Tsugumi.

Something has shifted in the mindset of the game creators in the last 14 years, as both games are about “connection vs individuality” but the last game focuses more on connection between just individuals and this one on the overall network that is formed out of those individual connections.

The introduction of Beat into the main cast was truly the bridge between old and new, they helped each other out in several turns before officially recruiting him. Beat is a character whom a lot of fans including myself have felt somewhat concerned about after Neku disappeared from the RG, so when the new kids welcomed Beat with warm and organic interaction and Beat seemed happy, I started to feel like I wanted to help them out too! I think the overall team chemistry is enjoyable enough for new players, but I could warm up to the new kids more from the pov of a returning character – whom I’m glad to be Beat, as the older brother figure who is genuinely kind, fun, serious and upbeat at the same time; who is needed and needs the kids in return.

The social network is a fun and refreshing feature. You can read all of the crazy tidbits about Shibuya and the links each character have formed with the town people, it’s also fun to visualize how the characters act off screen. Characters’ profiles provide extra insight into their background too, like how it reveals Tsugumi has been friend with Coco during her time in the RG. During the game when not all characters have showed up, you can sometimes guess which empty spot will belong to whom. For example there is a 1 character linking to Neky that is not linked to anyone else, so I could guess that was Joshua, and that another character linking only to Joshua was probably Hazuki, hinting that the 2 Composers are related before either of them even showed up.

Hazuki only showed up for 5 minutes, but his presence is so vital and true to the game that I think he is the most memorable out of the new cast. The two Composers have such an intriguing bond, with their yin/yang or phoenix/dragon themes, opposite color design, the sempai/kouhai tone and the way they keep some sort of distance/work relationship as if it’s mandatory between Higher beings, yet at the same time they can talk so casually because they are truly equal – and different from one another. I have written a separate meta on them here.

Some people pointed out, that all Shinjuku characters’ names and themes are based off Hanafuda cards and the Phoenix in Hanafuda belongs to the Paulownia suit – which is Joshua’s name flower. This is so interesting because it feels like the creators somehow saw it as a sign to interweave the Shibuya and Shinjuku storylines together. Though it doesn’t come out much on the surface, it’s fascinating nonetheless considering both Josh and Haz had at some point interfered with the other town’s affairs.

“Shibuya tour with Haz” was such a special scene, as it happened between 2 characters who do not/no longer have a reason to care about Shibuya, on the subject of what is worth saving about Shibuya. Hazuki carried out the purification of Shinjuku and stepped in to restore Shibuya just as part of his job and unlike Hanekoma or Joshua who both possess profound understanding of humanity, he really didn’t know humans at all. Rindo’s irrational wish invoked in him a sense of curiosity, to try gambling on something irrationally and learning a bit of what his senior have experienced. With all the pieces put together, it provides an overview on Higher beings as a whole, and that Joshua and Hanekoma are really the odd ones out with Hazuki being somewhere in between them and the rest.        

The old friends

It’s easy to have returning characters overshadow the new cast as they have already matured out of their personal story arc and stayed in our hearts for all this time. In the end, I have managed to enjoy both the old and new cast separately and altogether, and they will both find their own place in our memory of this game for the long term.

Sho is truly as crazy as ever, the game wouldn’t be the same if Sho is any less of what he is. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like Neky or Beat is younger than Nagi at all, with moments when it seems like Neky has aged 14 years instead of 3 years. His friendship with Coco surprised me pleasantly, and their interaction together with Beat was fun to watch. Rhyme’s found a new dream and her friendship with Kaie is precious too, especially considering that she can still talk to him online after the game ended. Josh and Neku’s interaction suggested that they have resolved the past and are on equal terms now, they even parted ways in good spirit and I don’t feel any worry about them like I did before.

Neku and Shiki’s reunion scene was beautiful, theirs is such a special bond that it has grown and supported them even without being able to see each other. I am so happy to see them all again and that they stay true to who they are, albeit looking more grown up, cooler and happier than ever before.  

Overall, NEO can’t become a classic on par with the OG, but is definitely a good sequel and a good game in its own rights. I’m happy with whether or not there will be a 3rd game to complete the 3 monkeys theme, but if there will be – I hope the creators can really find the time to learn from the last 2 games and start over with a fresh mindset and strong core.  

[fyexo]

200924 20 Questions With SuperM: The K-Pop Supergroup On Their New Album & Becoming ‘Like Family’ With Each Other

Last year, SuperM notched a huge win when their self-titled “mini album” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The K-pop supergroup -- which consists of members of EXO, SHINee, NCT 127 and WayV -- had generated a huge amount of buzz before releasing a single track thanks to its star-studded lineup, and with the No. 1 bow, SuperM was off to an explosive start.

With Super One, the group’s first full-length out Friday (Sept. 25), SuperM continues its positive momentum. The hopeful, hook-stuffed album allows all seven members of SuperM to shine, while also expanding the group’s pop aesthetic and finding the right balance between singing and rapping. Songs like “Wish You Were Here,” “Better Days” and lead single “100” demonstrate SuperM’s dexterity -- and even though it’s still uncertain when their global fans will be able to see the songs performed live, the collective sounds prepared to put on an eclectic, wide-ranging show with these tracks.

Ahead of their new album’s release, the members of SuperM answered 20 questions about their musical backgrounds, leaning on each other during the pandemic, the highlights of Super One and more:

1. What’s the first piece of music that you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?

BAEKHYUN: An Avril Lavigne CD. I really liked her music when I was young so I remember going to a CD store with my brother to buy her album.

2. What was the first concert you saw?

KAI: I remember I went to my first concert when I was 16 years old. This was Usher’s concert when he came to Korea. Seeing him perform onstage inspired me to work harder towards my dream to become an artist like him. I still can’t forget the energy and the vibe of people around me and remember wanting to perform on a big stage like that.

3. Who made you realize you could be an artist full-time?

TAEMIN: My mom was the first person actually. When I was very young, she saw how much I enjoyed singing and dancing and encouraged me to audition. Since then, I started moving towards my dream to become an artist and performer. She helped me discover my passion at an early age and encouraged me to do what I love, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

4. What’s at the top of your professional bucket list?

TAEYONG: I just want everyone I work with to be happy, and work together for a long time. This includes not just SuperM members, but also the rest of the staff and the team behind the scenes that make it all happen!

5. How did your hometown/city shape who you are?

MARK: I think everyone is influenced by their hometown and where they come from. It’s really special to be a K-pop artist and perform in front of fans in Canada, where I’m from. When we performed in my hometown during the world tour earlier this year, it was such a significant “homecoming” moment for me. Canada always has a special place in my heart.

6. What’s the last song you listened to?

LUCAS: The last song I listened to is Justin Bieber’s new song, “Holy.” It’s a great song to listen to when you are feeling tired. I listen to it on repeat when I’m on the move during the day and it puts me in a good mood.

7. If you could see any artist in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?

TEN: I would choose Michael Jackson, because I always regret that I didn’t get to see him perform onstage live. I look up to him as an artist, and I’d love to see him sing and dance live at one of his concerts.

8. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen happen in the crowd of one of your shows?

MARK: Well, one thing that happens at every show is how emotional I get seeing the venue packed with our fans. Before going onstage, I always take a peek at the audience from behind the curtain, and it’s hard to describe the exact feeling in words but it feels surreal — too good to be true, almost. Especially for a standing audience, it’s not easy standing for hours straight in a tight space, but their energy never goes down. I never feel tired onstage because of them. It’s still pretty crazy to me to see and feel their energy every time. I miss them!

9. How has the pandemic affected the way you’ve created music in 2020?

BAEKHYUN: The process of creating music, writing and recording songs, was pretty much the same. However, planning the album promotion during pandemic was a little different, since everything had to be done online. We had to think of fun and unique ways to interact with our fans, from creating our own reality show to holding livestream, AR tech-based concerts. We have a lot more creative content in store for our fans, so stay tuned!

10. What was your reaction to SuperM’s mini album topping the Billboard 200 chart last year?

KAI: Everyone was super happy. We put our heart and soul into the album and worked really hard on it, so in a way, we were looking forward to the results. When we saw that the EP hit number one on the chart, it was one of the happiest moments of our career.

11. What’s the biggest difference, creatively speaking, between last year’s mini album and Super One?

TEN: The mini album was more about introducing SuperM and our SMP-style performances, whereas for Super One, it shows more of our different musical styles and really brings out the dynamic qualities that we possess as a group. So, to put it simply, Super One is the completed version/look of SuperM. Also, what was important for us when creating this album was to include a message of hope and deliver that positivity and strength to listeners. Music can really lift your spirits when you’re feeling down, so I hope people find healing and happiness while listening to our music. That would make us very happy.

12. Why did “100” make the most sense as a lead single?

TAEYONG: “100” is all about speed and energy, so it’s the perfect single to showcase SuperM’s power as the opening act of Super One. It also helps convey the message that we are always moving forward at full-speed, giving our 100% in all we do.

13. What’s one song on the album that you suspect will be a big fan favorite?

LUCAS: I think fans will like “Better Days.” It’s a nice ballad song for a great start to your day. It also contains a message of comfort and empathy to help get through these difficult times. We hope our fans can feel the warmth of this messaging through our vocals and fluid rapping.

14. How has the group bonded during what’s been a wild 2020?

TAEMIN: We’ve been through a lot and have always been there for each other through thick and thin so naturally, we’ve gotten very close. They’re like family now. We didn’t have to “try” to become close, it just naturally happened -- as if we were destined to be in the same group.

15. SuperM has been part of a massive year for the global expansion of K-pop. How does it feel to see so many K-pop songs, albums and artists setting records?

MARK: This makes me really proud. I remember growing up in Canada, a lot of people at my school didn’t know K-pop. It was mainly just popular among Koreans. Now, so many people all over the world know about it and K-pop is getting so much attention. I feel honored and proud to be a part of this movement. Bringing the two cultures closer together and building that bridge through music is such a historic moment, and I can’t wait to contribute more to it and create great music for listeners worldwide.

16. What’s your go-to song that you’ve been singing along to lately?

BAEKHYUN: These days, I have Eric Benet’s “Still with You” on repeat, so I’ve been singing this a lot lately. This was one of my favorite songs in high school, and ever since I started spending more time at home, I’ve been revisiting some of my old favorite playlists. They bring me back to that moment when I was in school, aspiring to become an artist.

17. What movie, or song, always makes you cry?

TEN: This always changes, but when I can empathize with the characters in a movie or connect with the emotions in a song, it makes me cry. I recently cried watching the animated film, Grave of the Fireflies. I watched this for the first time when I was young, but re-watching it as an adult touched me in a different way.

18. If you were not a musician, what would you be?

LUCAS: If not a musician, I’d probably be a firefighter – a job that saves other people’s lives is truly inspiring to me. But if not a firefighter, I’d definitely choose a career that make people happy, just like what I try to do now through music and performing.

19. What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

KAI: I would tell my younger self to take care of yourself and stay healthy, because health is so important! I would also tell him not to be so hard on himself and enjoy the ride as a young teenager. This is the time for having fun and trying different things! Back then, I was so focused on my career and working towards my dreams that I didn’t spend a lot of time doing “regular teenager experiences,” which I wish I did more of!

20. What’s your message to fans who have been supporting SuperM -- and waiting for this album to arrive?

TAEMIN: It’s been almost a year now since our debut, and we are incredibly grateful to have so many fans cheer us on. We put our heart and soul into the album knowing that our fans have been waiting for a long time. While we’re sad that that we can’t meet them in person, we hope they can feel the positive energy through our songs and performances.

Jason Lipshutz @ Billboard

[swanface]

Who are you two favourite cats in each clan you're in? And why?

ohhh man i answered an ask similar to this a little while ago but slimming it down to just two per clan is hard...most of my answers have remained the same but there are some alterations from last time!

NETTLECLAN

berryclaw

everyone knows how much i adore berryclaw. she’s been an absolute favorite character of mine for years now, and the more time that passes, the more fond of her i am. she’s so hardworking, striving to build the best life she can have, and i always want her to succeed. she has a level head and good judgement but still obviously struggles when it comes to feeling in control / like she’s making the right choices and that makes her particularly relatable, i feel.

rabbitpaw

rabbitpaw’s a new addition since the last round, and she’s been stealing my heart from her earliest days. she’s just so completely sweet that i can’t help but adore her. the generosity and understanding she extends to everyone she knows is so charming and also a brilliant contrast with her much more self centered sisters, and okay, sue me, i’m biased because of just how precious her dynamic with flintheart is. her love for her uncle and her total faith in a cat who really has a hard time believing in himself is just so heartwarming and really does highlight just how big of a heart rabbitpaw has.

CREEKCLAN

currentstar

i will be a currentstar stan until i die. he’s so well written as a breath of fresh air against a backdrop of cats who tend toward the more chaotic side of things. currentstar’s not devoid of his problems, but i adore how unique he is in his viewpoints and behaviors. it’s easy enough to be a rebel, but currentstar is incredibly special because of how devoted and dedicated he is. snow did an amazing job of picking him up after a streak of dropped adopters and has made him so interesting and so sympathetic. he has to be this upstanding figure for everyone else’s sake and does so much to support his clan that everyone kind of just seems to take him for granted...more people need to appreciate my lovely lovely boy. 

applepaw

i was drawn to applepaw almost instantly, and for good reason! she’s such a complex character due to being placed in the role of a “hero” or figurehead for the whole eden cause. the contrast between her and her brothers is incredible because she is, in theory, a much more realized and... secure sort of cat, except just kidding, this girl is full of insecurities. i love the fact that she manages to maintain an air of being more closed off and reserved without showing outright hostility, and i’m always eager to read roleplays that she’s involved in.

JAGGEDCLAN

stonefang

what is there to say about stonefang that i haven’t already? she’s had such a brilliant arc of development, going through trials and all sorts of suffering to become the cat she is, and it’s all been written so stunningly. stonefang is absolutely the hero of the story that you adore, root for, and desperately want to see crawl her way out of the hell she’s been put through. her sharp wit and judgement paired with her selfless acts to protect her loved ones makes her so enjoyable, and i also adore getting to see her slip away from being the more warm and kindhearted sort of cat she usually is when her security / loved ones are threatened. stonefang going crazy on fogclan always brightens my day, you get ‘em, girl. 

eveningstorm

miss sunshine herself, despite her name. eveningstorm’s a cat i had to come around to really adoring after just liking her casually for a while, and i am so glad i saw the light. she’s got a tender heart and a level of sensitivity that makes her capable of helping others without ever giving in herself. she’s not weakened by her kindness but is instead fueled by it, and that makes her stand out against more typical shy and soft personalities that you might see elsewhere. her relationships are compelling and interesting, especially when it comes to her tendency to just...break down the barriers of cats who have spent so long building them up. she’s really just a little fluffy treasure and i adore her wholeheartedly.

FOGCLAN

lilystar

lilystar is easily one of the most complex, morally gray characters in the group. so many of her decisions and her choices have been flawed, but that’s what makes her feel real and drives me to love her. i feel like more often than not people are wary of having their characters make mistakes or take a path less traveled by, but lilystar always seems to go where no one else will. she’s driven, fiery, and certainly not the easiest cat to get to know, but her actions all click into place and make logical sense considering what she’s been through. her storyline is undeniably tragic, and the echoes of palestar’s influence that still run through her life give her such an intriguing thought process. 

bramblefang

who doesn’t have a soft spot for bramblefang? he’s a special brand of gruff but not outwardly hostile that i feel is difficult to keep a balance of, but it just works so well for him. he has super clear motivations and the way he’s now developing ties in fogclan that allow him to let go of past hurt with his sister and the manipulation palestar put him through is so sweet. he definitely hasn’t flipped completely over to being soft, but i like seeing touches of it in him now. he knows when he needs to have a hard head and when it’s better to step back and be understanding, which is such a good development for him considering the way he used to view the world in a more black and white sense. 

TRIBE OF TWISTED TUNNELS

spark feather

sometimes you just have to cheer for a character whose life seems to go wrong at every possible turn. spark feather has never had it easy, and as time goes on, he’s started to play a more active role in screwing himself over, which is a super interesting thing to see develop. he went from basically being a victim of circumstances that built him up to a cat who was capable of making all the foolish, rash mistakes he’s made now. everything about his arc feels natural and he’s still incredibly easy to sympathize with even when he’s doing the opposite of what he should be. he doesn’t get to show it often anymore, but i love his tender side that is displayed to his kits. he’s gone through so much growth already, and i’m eager to see where else he ends up now that his life is sort of starting to get stable again.

butterfly

sort of similar to spark feather, butterfly started a victim of circumstance...and she’s stayed that way all along. her life is absolutely devastating to watch because it never seems to want to treat her right despite her best efforts to be so good, so honest, so true to herself. i’m obsessed with her fixation on truth telling, and it’s such a brilliant trait for her to develop considering that basically no one in her life has ever been entirely honest with her. she’s been forced to navigate so many complex feelings from the moment she was born, and i have so much love in my heart for this poor little darling...it’s insane to think she’s really growing up and getting older now, but seeing her mature and come into herself is comforting after all the struggles she’s been forced through.

[theblogreview1-blog]

The best headphone  review  2020

That is an unprecedented arrangement of cases to make, and we don't make them softly. Our group has a consolidated 50 years in the buyer and star sound ventures. We have looked into many earphones, utilizing them in a wide range of areas, with sound sources that go from encompass sound motion pictures to the most forceful hard rock and rap.

We are persuaded the Sony WH-1000XM3 will be the best pick for a great many people, however in case you're searching for certain other options, we have you secured there, as well. We've distinguished various different models that are more than deserving of your thought, each with their own particular qualities, regardless of whether it's for use during an exercise — or just to shield you from giving your charge card an over the top exercise.

The best remote earphones/best commotion dropping earphones: Sony WH-1000XM3

This tempting blend earned the model an uncommon five-star rating in our underlying audit, and — because of a couple of prominent enhancements — makes the most recent form the best earphones you can purchase.

At the core of the WH-1000xM3 is exceptional remote sound. Sony's LDAC innovation conveys a remote sign at what the organization claims is multiple times the nature of standard Bluetooth spilling, and the earphones additionally bolster the most recent aptX HD codec (with upheld gadgets). The 1000XM3 can even "upscale" remote music from high-goal sound gadgets utilizing a unique chip, assisting with making music sound dynamic and excellent, with definitive bass and clear treble reaction held together by a balanced midrange.

The WH-1000XM3's propelled control frameworks permit you to allow in different degrees of surrounding sound, with cutting edge highlights like voice-just mode, which helps channel through vocal frequencies so you can hear your music and the voices around you while shutting out different sounds. Responsive touch controls let you explore volume, make calls, and play and interruption music easily, all while assisting with keeping up a perfect stylish. The best part is that the WH-1000xM3 offer a stunning 30 hours of battery life, giving even substantial clients long periods of utilization from a solitary charge, and have a brisk charge highlight that permits you to appreciate five hours of tuning in after only 15 minutes of charging.

The best remote earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3

Since the time they appeared in 2019, the Sony WF-1000XM3 have positioned at the head of our rundown of the best evident remote earbuds. That is on account of their unparalleled mix of sound quality, commotion retraction, remote execution, and battery life. This is by all accounts Sony's mystery recipe: While a couple of genuine remote earbuds may rank higher in one of these qualities, none so far have arranged them all as Sony has.

It's constantly been difficult to beat Sony on sound quality when the organization mentions its best exertion and the WF-1000XM3 are no special case. With its restrictive DSEE HX motor, Sony can work sonic miracles on pretty much any music material you want to play. And keeping in mind that we think these earbuds have a practically ideal equalization of highs, mids, and lows directly out of the container, you can make these settings your own utilizing Sony's Interface application.

With ANC on, battery life is a totally adequate six hours, yet turn that component off and that number bounces to eight. That is not exactly the best nowadays, yet it's path superior to most, including Apple's AirPods Genius which top out at five hours. A fast charge include gives you an additional hour and a half of existence with only 10 minutes in the charging case — and that case holds three all the more full charges.

You likewise get some extremely helpful highlights, such as having the option to utilize the earbuds together or independently, hear your general surroundings utilizing straightforwardness mode, and you can alter what the touch controls are answerable for. Include Google Colleague and Siri similarity and you have a genuine victor.

The best earbuds under $100: 1More Triple Driver

The maxim that you get what you pay for is commonly valid for sound items like earphones. What has made us large enthusiasts of the 1More brand is its capacity to reclassify that desire in amazing manners. The 1More Triple Driver in-ear earphones are an incredible case of this: They show the entirety of the signs of top of the line, costly earbuds, yet figure out how to keep the cost exceptionally reasonable for the vast majority.

Their mix of double offset armature drivers coordinated with a unique driver to siphon up the lower end are somewhat building ordinarily found on items that cost more than twofold the cost of the 1Mores. Indeed, even the littler subtleties are all around resolved, for example, Kevlar-wrapped links that expansion protection from wear while all the while diminishing knot.

Flaunting materials like cast aluminum that has been cleaned and sandblasted for a lavish vibe, even the included conveying case — ordinarily an expendable pocket that individuals overlook altogether — has been clearly created and worked with care.

The best earphones for working out: JLab Epic Air Game

Until this year, our preferred earphones for exercises were the Jabra Tip top Dynamic 65t. Why? Incredible battery life, extraordinary sound, and the sort of waterproofing that implies you don't have to reconsider before taking them on watery experiences. Be that as it may, JLab's Epic Air Match have dominated our exercise hearts and it's anything but difficult to perceive any reason why: Nearly all that we enjoyed about the Jabras is currently obscured by the JLabs.

It begins with battery life. Nowadays, you can expect a great deal of life span from a lot of genuine remote earbuds and the Epic Air Game convey no doubt. They can run for 10 hours before expecting to make an arrival excursion to their charging case. For many individuals, that implies you don't have to carry the case with you, which is an immense in addition to for those throughout the day bike travels. Each earbud has its own capacity button — so no compelling reason to stress over wearing them out in the event that you don't utilize them for some time. In any case, in the event that you do pack the charging case, you most likely won't have to search for a USB link for a considerable length of time — it stocks an astounding 60 hours of additional life for a sum of 70 hours of self-rule.

The JLab Epic Air Game accompany a tremendous cluster of fit choices. Seven arrangements of silicone gel tips and one lot of froth eartips joined with the implicit earhooks to essentially ensure a solid match. We love that there are three EQ modes to browse, and you can choose them from the buds themselves — no application required. We enjoyed the Mark mode the best: "The sound architects at the organization have scooped out a touch of mud in the midrange to bring enormous, punchy bass close by a fresh and brilliant high register," our analyst noted.

With an IP66 rating for residue and water obstruction, the Epic Air Game are up for nearly anything shy of a genuine swim. You can't completely submerge them in water, however showers (regardless of whether deliberate or something else) ought to be fine, and it implies you can clean them under running water. Access to your preferred voice associate is the cherry on the head of this superb arrangement of remote earbuds.

The best earphones for Music: Sennheiser HD6XX/HD650

Audiophiles by and large concur that in case you're energetic about music, and you have a listening space that is moderately liberated from outside sounds, nothing beats a great arrangement of open-back earphones. Most definitely, you won't locate a lot of open-back earphones that figure out how to join magnificent sound quality and a sensible cost than the Sennheiser HD6XX/HD650. All things considered, these are not the very same models. The HD6XX is a run of the HD650 with a lower cost from Massdrop, and a couple of physical changes, yet with regards to their sound hacks, they're indistinguishable.

The individuals who purchase both of these earphones are in for a treat. Our commentator didn't keep down in their appraisal of these jars' capacity to completely understand everything about an account, taking note of their "warm and inflexible bass, a midrange that plunges near the bronzed shades of simple tape immersion (without giving up an ounce of detail), and a laser tight reaction up top that lights up distinctive clearness and granular instrumental surface in all cases."

In the event that that seems like the sort of execution you need in a lot of earphones, we think you need look no farther than the Sennheiser HD6XX/HD650. You can positively spend more to get this degree of value, yet you don't need to.

The best earphones for iPhone: Apple AirPods Master

We will accept that at this point you're very much aware of the AirPods' top highlights like without hands Siri, super-straightforward matching, fantastic remote availability, and profoundly pocketable plan.

Presently how about we help ourselves to remember their top disadvantages: Fair stable, no commotion crossing out, and no water-or sweat-obstruction. Prepare to have your mind blown. The AirPods Ace keep the entirety of the best pieces of the AirPods and fix the parts we didn't care for. Is it accurate to say that they are great? No, however they're such a major improvement over the standard AirPods, we think you'll cherish them.

The new in-ear configuration is both agreeable and secure. Also, incredibly, they sound route superior to Apple's past adaptation. We would regularly wail over the way that the AirPods didn't sound generally excellent, particularly when contrasted with the plenty of not too bad obvious remote alternatives for the equivalent or less cash.

Apple probably won't have done a lot to help with reasonableness with the AirPods Geniuses, yet at any rate now you can get them realizing you aren't settling on any highlights. They are a commendable overhaul for any individual who has just become an aficionado of the AirPods.

The best earphones for Android: Google Pixel Buds 2

Between the highlights, the plan, and the sound quality, you won't locate a superior of buds for Android clients than the subsequent age Google Pixel Buds.

Google appears to have fabricated its new buds considering admirers of the Android biological system. A Quick Pair on Android include easily begins the arrangement with your Pixel or Android cell phone, and highlights like without hand Google Partner and Google Interpret stand apart as creative abilitie  for you to take advantage of.

They might not have commotion dropping, however the Google Pixel Buds 2 have a Versatile Sound element that naturally alters the volume to the condition that you're in. That sets well with the improved sound nature of the Pixel Buds 2, and another plan that makes them gigantically more agreeable than the firsts.

Inside and out, the Google Pixel Buds 2 have a triumphant equation for buds that intrigue to all, particularly the individuals who have just embraced Android gadgets.

The best earphones for gaming: Astro Gaming A50

The Astro Gaming A50 developed in 2012 as the remote follow-up to the fantastic A40. After seven years and four ages on, they remain the highest quality level for gaming sound. With a capacity to loyally imitate 7.1 channel encompass sound through only two earcups, gamers will get basic 3D sound for the entirety of their preferred comfort titles whether it's from a Xbox One or a PlayStation 4. Remote sound can prompt an unsatisfactory measure of slack, which regularly sends gamers looking for wired models, yet here as well, the A50 figure out how to beat desires.

With a battery that is appraised for 15 hours of nonstop use, we're genuinely trusting you don't outlive them. On the off chance that you do play for overly expanded periods, in any case, you'll be happy that the earcups can serenely pivot, giving you the choice to drop the headband around your neck and still hear all the activity. The most recent variant of the A50 offer noteworthy customization choices through programming, and in case you're utilizing them with a PC, you can interface straightforwardly to your sound card as opposed to utilizing the optical association.

The Astro Gaming A50 may not be the least expensive choice in the gaming sound universe, yet we resist you to locate a superior alternative. Challenge gave!

The best earphones for kids: Puro PuroQuiet

Commotion cancelation for kids? Doesn't that mean they'll overlook their folks much more frequently than they as of now do? Maybe, however it's a hazard worth taking on the off chance that it implies your children's hearing will be secured over the long haul. That is actually the reason behind the Puro PuroQuiet earphones. In addition to the fact that they are remote and incredible sounding, yet they likewise come furnished with a product limiter that keeps the volume at or beneath 85dB, which is viewed as the most extreme volume that youngsters ought to be presented to for delayed periods. The clamor dropping component implies they'll really have the option to tune in to lower (subsequently more secure) volumes.

These earphones pack around 16 hours of battery life, which should be sufficient for an entire day or more, however on the off chance that not, there's consistently the choice of utilizing a simple link. An outside switch lets you turn the clamor wiping out here and there. No doubt about it, these may be focused on kids, yet the nature of development, determination of materials, and shading decisions give them an appearance that will at present intrigue to your young charges long after they've grown out of their Disney stage (a few of us despite everything haven't).

While not the least expensive children's earphones you can purchase, they are sensibly evaluated for what they offer. We think your children's ears are justified, despite all the trouble. Read More.

[paperclipninja]

Younger post-ep ramble 6x03

This week’s episode of Younger, ‘The Unusual Suspect’, was a big one. No scenes felt wasted, each one moving the story along and it all felt very purposeful. Despite some capital H hotness and really light and funny moments being scattered throughout, mostly thanks to fave (and only) NYC agent Redmond and the resurrection of some truly classic Diana Trout, there was definitely the sense of tension on the rise. It’s been simmering since the end of this season’s first episode and I feel like this week we have hit an apex.

We open with brunch at Maggie’s and what one can only assume is a time jump (either that or Clare has recovered remarkably well from birthing a baby the size of a four month old) and right away an overarching theme for this episode is established, as Lauren enters raving about the latest hit podcast, Exonerated. I’m gonna come straight out and say that I am so into this premise. The excitement around the table sounded like the break room in my office most days, they definitely nailed the trend of true crime fixation. It immediately allowed for Maggie’s quip about white women loving murder, a delightful array of OTT facial expressions from Liza and Kelsey dropping in that Millennial will be meeting with Audrey Colbert, subject of the podcast, to nab her book before anyone else does. Of course the other big news is that Josh and Clare appear to be happily family-ing it up (though mommy wipes, daddy dipes = vom in my mouth a little bit) and Maggie is dealing with unresolved BoUBT (Back of Uber Birth Trauma). Lauren’s vow to help get Maggie back on the ‘h for hunt’ once again epitomises why I love her character so and I want to record her sympathetic ‘oh Divaaa’ as my ringtone. I just love that Maggie, of all characters, is the one who seems like she should be the most pragmatic when it comes to something like birth yet her coping level is zero here.

You know who else wasn’t coping? Me and my Liza and Charles loving heart as Liza suddenly up and left the brunch because she ‘was late for a thing’, cue the scene that was released as a sneak peek last week that I have definitely only watched a normal number of times *cough*. The set up for The Rubin Museum from the opening conversation was fab and the fact that Charles and Liza are using the podcast to frame up a role play situation is just too much. Obviously I had seen the scene prior to the ep and while it is certainly *insert flames here*, I can’t help but wonder what it would’ve been like not to have expected it (actual combustion probable). I mean regardless, I will never think about a trip to the museum in the same way again. The voice-over narrating what we were seeing was such a great device that is really different to anything the show has done before, it built the anticipation of what was playing out and it felt like a scene from a movie. The moment when Charles turned and came face to face with Liza was a great reminder of how electric the chemistry between these two can be (actual lightening bolts were sighted) and quite frankly, seeing these characters being adventurous and lustful in their relationship is a yes on all fronts. I think the fact it all took place in a place of intellect and culture was extra fitting, it somehow kept the whole thing true to the characters and I am here for the #nerdlove. 

The office drama was amped this whole ep and that of course was largely due to the ever growing reign of our season 6 villain, Quinn. With the time jump since last episode confirmed by the fact that Quinn’s book is both published and sitting on the best seller list, Kelsey and Diana’s first encounter with Quinn as she uses the WiFi for a conference call included a) Diana saying goodbye in Mandarin, which was yet another lovely tidbit to add to this character while also setting up the classic Diana we got throughout this ep and; b) some of the best fashion and hairstyles all in one scene (and episode as a whole) ever. I mean the fashion on this show is always next level but this episode in particular took it up a notch: Diana’s high-neck printed electric blue top and Kelsey’s hair/makeup/outfit in the conference room were so stunning I was actually distracted by them. 

Kelsey’s office refurb was also noted, loved Liza’s ‘set it (Claw) on fire’ comment and of course, Diana telling Kelsey that now she is publisher, maybe she should stop speaking like a trucker was D. Trout golden line no.1 for this episode. Even better was seeing Kelsey, Diana and Liza settling into this new way of working. I adore the dynamic between these three and the way we’re seeing Diana adjust to her former assistant now being a peer without a fuss is why this show is so wonderful. It would have been easy to have Diana trying to assert herself and maintain some sort of authority, but to see her just want to get on with the work and do the best job she can gives a great credibility to the notion that this character is the best in the industry. I could pretty much write out every Diana Trout line from ‘The Unusual Suspect’ and leave this entire ramble at that (’why is everybody in this country obsessed with true crime? Actual people have died and they’re selling branded beanies on Etsy’ LOLLLLL) but I would then need to do that for Redmond because the fave one and only agent in NYC was back this week and as always, he was in fine form. 

The pitch of Audrey Colbert’s book is up there with the funniest scenes of this series, from the creepy af Audrey (A+ casting of Willa Fitzgerald) to Liza and Kelsey trying to play it cool while being hella freaked out to Redmond’s attempt to present a compelling pitch being railroaded by Audrey’s ‘crippling lack of media training’, it was Younger writing and delivery at its finest from start to finish. Seeing Redmond so unnerved by Audrey was unnerving in itself and really, I am so happy with the amount of Michael Urie in this episode. Our next encounter was of course when Kelsey and Liza interrupt his infrared sauna treatment (again, so many hilarious lines, I really feel that a transcript of the entire episode is about the only way to do it justice but may be problematic to pass off as a recap/review…or would it?) and discover that Audrey’s book is being shopped around thanks to the dagger next to Claw on the bestseller list, which = bulk sales = dodgy business = Chinese bots tweeting = Quinn is the worst (math doesn’t lie) = Audrey doesn’t want to be associated with anything suspicious on account of the fact she’s been accused of murdering two ppl (fair). I do want to back this truck up a little though to the way Kelsey and Liza discovered their next big hit was being pitched to half the major publishing houses around town.

Diana Trout hobbling into the office on crutches before dropping the bomb that her injury was the result of being so frazzled upon hearing the news re: Audrey going elsewhere, that she got caught up in her reformer (just go and re-watch this scene, you will not be sorry) is everything I never knew I wanted to see. The reference to Jackie Dunn, who you may remember has been a longstanding nemesis of sorts of Diana’s, was such an utter delight as a long time fan and once again, seeing Kelsey, Liza and Diana all equally vexed by the news was so great and continued to solidify them as a team. I promise no more direct quotes* (*this is a very loose promise), but ‘postpone the power-trip Kelsey, I am handicapped’ in response to Kelsey’s stunned expression upon Diana’s request for espresso, is so outrageously funny and makes this whole scene an absolute stand out on account of its hilarity. 

I missed Lauren and Diana interacting this week, however I appreciated seeing Lauren be the wonderful friend she is to Maggie and Josh. Taking Maggie to the support group obviously allowed us to meet Beth, who Maggie engaged for some one on one tutoring (looking forward to seeing where that goes this season) after returning to the store to apologise for running out during the group session. While Maggie was lining up her ongoing therapy, Lauren and Josh shared a sweet and heartfelt moment that highlights why their friendship is such a lovely one on this show. Obviously Josh had told Lauren that he and Clare had a moment that made him think, ‘maybe we should make this relationship work’ and Lauren is following up to see where his head and heart are at. 

I absolutely loved said scene between Clare and Josh, when he had finally settled the baby, asks Clare if she wants to go to her bed and then joins her on the floor when she says she sleeps where she can now. There was such a sense of unity and care and it made my heart swell. So in his discussion with Lauren we also find out the baby is named Gemma (last name TBC, for both father and daughter) and when pressed about what he actually wants, Josh reveals that he doesn’t think he and Clare are right for each other. I have said it before, but for all the wacky that Lauren can be, she is the most incredible friend who only wants the best for those around her in such a relentless and genuine way and this scene really highlighted that once again (the line about her dad having such a little bottom though brought us straight back to Lauren light in the best possible way).

The divorce proposal was such a great scene and while I was hoping that perhaps Clare and Josh could work things out, I am thrilled to see that the writers put both these characters on the same page right from the get go. I love that this show constantly bucks stereotypes and expectations of how certain characters and relationships will play out, so to see two adults who have an agreed desire to put their child first but know they need to do so outside a romantic relationship is something really unique on television. I have always enjoyed Josh and Clare’s dynamic and I hope we get to see a real, loving co-parenting arrangement play out.

Kelsey’s interaction with Zane when she is buying a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate scoring Audrey’s book (eek!) is my favourite interaction of theirs this season. Their banter was really effortless, Zane’s, ‘you’re not listening’, as he pulled out the cash to pay for the one remaining bottle smooth and a little bit over confident, but really played up that he has something in the works that is legit. I especially love that we later discover both are buying champagne to celebrate the same win. I feel like we also need to stop and appreciate that they were about to drop $400 between them on two bottles of bubbles like it was no big deal. What is this life? How do I get it?

Though admittedly Kelsey deserves a nice glass of something this ep considering all that she is dealing with. I have made no secret that I have struggled with Kelsey’s character these past couple of seasons and no one is more surprised than me at how much I am getting on board with her this season. Kelsey calling out Quinn point blank that she faked her best seller was so good to watch and seeing Liza backing her up and standing her own ground made this extra satisfying. Gah, I just LOVE how Laura Benanti plays Quinn and her stating that ‘the money is real, what else do you need?’ is so cold and matter-of-fact. What I love most about this whole confrontation is that it immediately made me think back to the first time we met Quinn - her whole presentation was about the fact that no one wants your success more than you do and that women helping women is actually holding women back. That right there should’ve been the red flag that her “helping” Liza and Kelsey was not legit. 

And so her true motivation for investing in Empirical becomes evident. It had nothing to do with saving an ailing publishing house, it was to ensure her book would be published, she could have some control over how big it would become and be seen to have the support of a reputable publishing house, all in order to gain name recognition so she could successfully run for Senate. In her mind, Kelsey and Liza benefit from the whole thing financially so it’s a win win but she also holds the power so feels like she has the upper hand. Which is why the scene at The Cut (which is so fab, the looks Quinn shoots Kelsey are searing), when audience members question the dagger next to her book, is so damn satisfying. Kelsey’s move to announce Quinn’s run for Senate is so bold, I am very on board and boy oh boy Kels, I think you’ve got yourself quite the adversary. I was very much Liza watching this all unfold, shocked, impressed and a little bit scared for and of Kelsey and what this all means.

Now Liza was late to the event because she was living out the next chapter of the podcast at the Brownstone which we need to discuss, however I first owe some of you an apology. At the end of last week’s ramble I suggested you may need a fire blanket at the ready after seeing the museum scene sneak peek to you know, contain the flames. I fear some of you may have deployed it prematurely (this is not a euphemism though I am very aware it sounds like one) in response to how damn hot that scene was, but I was not to know that we were going to get this later scene, in which Liza just wanders into the townhouse BECAUSE SHE HAS A FREAKING KEY (suspected ep 2, confirmed ep 3, appreciated always) and decides to have a good old snoop at her bf’s mail. Similar to the museum scene, this set up felt more like a movie than a typical Younger episode. There was an ominous weight to it; the music, the lighting, the Charles padding silently up behind her (barefoot again?) and the tension was palpable. 

Liza asks Charles about what’s going on, he provides a vague answer about moving some things around before asking her if she’s listened to chapter 7 of Exonerated, which conveniently mirrors almost exactly what just occurred, with Audrey’s ex finding her going through his things. Ok, so this is where it gets tricky for me. This entire exchange, from the way these two fall into that speaking in third person and wrapping a narrative around themselves, the way Charles wraps his arms around her, the way they look at each other, I mean, this whole thing makes my heart spontaneously combust because it is sexy and flirty, dripping with desire and just really really hot *reaches for backup fire blanket*. But then Liza is clearly distracted by that letter and Charles’ deflection and part of me is wondering why on Earth she isn’t pressing him harder for an answer or following up, I mean, we saw how open they were with one another last season, but then the other part of me looks at Liza and thinks, you are a person who has eyes and that whole situation is right there in front of you so I get it, go with it and worry about it later.

I am aware of how long this ramble already is, but I am going to do something a little different here and digress slightly away from the episode itself and put out some conjecture on my part. It could well be completely over-analysing (lol, I’m neck deep into a freaking novella about a 25 min episode of TV, I think that’s a given) but I know that there is concern about Charles behaving secretively and I have seen some people expressing disappointment in this season so far. 

For what it’s worth, my take on it is that it might seem as though some of the characters are behaving a little out of character but I feel that actually, the characters are behaving in ways we haven’t seen before because they’re in situations we haven’t seen them in before. As invested viewers we feel like we know these characters as whole people in every aspect of their lives when in fact, we’ve not seen Liza at the top of her game in her career or Josh as a parent or Charles in a romantic relationship or away from the office. So while the way they behave might not be the way we imagined it, to me it isn’t so much out of character as seeing a new dimension of the character. Also, the addition of flaws does not necessarily equate to destroying a character, it builds them out and makes them more real, if anything. 

In relation to Charles and Liza’s relationship and the ‘Charles is being shady’ concern, IMO the key purpose of that is to create tension and you can FEEL it building. As crazy as it may sound, I think the Liza/Charles dynamic thrives in the build and resolution of tension and that’s why their moments in this episode felt so electric and hot, it’s like those unspoken, unresolved tension points charge their chemistry. As much as I think I would love to have Charles and Liza sitting around blissfully happy (I mean, I would obvs), the reality is, it’s not that fun to watch. I believe the tension is building towards a resolution of sorts that will actually put them in a better place and move the relationship forward. (*Full disclosure: since writing this I listened to the podcast from ATX fest and Joe Murphy, one of the writers for Younger, said very similar things so if you listened to that podcast I promise I have not just taken what Joe said and pretended they’re my thoughts, I legit had this written and then heard (ngl, I may be feeling a little smug as a result). I’m putting it down to us both being Australian because clearly that is a thing that makes sense).

I also think there is an unsettled feeling this season because the entire premise of this show, the roles these characters played, the interactions we have grown accustomed to week after week, has been completely flipped upside down. As viewers we garner comfort from the routine of watching a show but also from knowing where the players are positioned, how they will behave and what it looks and feels like. I think the writers know exactly what they’re doing and are achieving exactly what they would’ve hoped (apologies writers if this is wildly inaccurate and I’m just assuming things incorrectly left, right and centre) - everyone is sitting in discomfort and it’s largely due to the unfamiliarity of it all. The set up, the way we’re seeing characters etc, it reflects what the characters themselves are experiencing on our screens, which is all kinds of meta and actually pretty cool. But the further you push that discomfort and make viewers sit in it, the greater the impact and more satisfying the resolution. It’s like waiting for a beat to drop in a song, the build up can become almost unbearable but damn it’s good when it lands. That’s how I feel this is all going to go. 

That is what I meant by this episode feeling like an apex, it feels as though there’s a limit to how far an audience can be taken in a state of flux without some resolve somewhere. And the writers know this, it’s what they do, it’s WHY we tune in. I’m not suggesting that everything is going to go back to the way it was, the evolution of a show like Younger is exciting and part of the fun is seeing where it goes, but we are three episodes in to a twelve episode season and while we consume it week to week, it ultimately has to make narrative sense across the whole season. It’s as though we’re at the end of an ‘establishing’ phase right now. So I am reserving any judgement until I see how it all comes together, but have no doubt there will be many resolutions and many new points of tension throughout.

Right now, I am thoroughly enjoying all that we’re getting and I think the writing this season has been excellent so far, with moments like the final scene of ‘The Unusual Suspect’ providing us with the first true cliffhanger of the season. Our last bit of Redmond for the ep was peak Redmond (I love that he dashed off to a better table uptown), and of course the big Mercury reveal, YESSS. That moment of realisation washing over Liza’s face, props to Sutton Foster, and I cannot WAIT to see how this all goes down. The prospect of inter-generational team ups of Kelsey/Liza vs. Zane/Charles while members of each team are in relationships with one another is the kind of set up I live for in a TV show. Is it July 10th yet?

[dcarevu]

DCAU #17: The Cat and the Claw (Part 2)

“Oh, I've been going to the Paris Grand Prix for years... You know, one of these days I think I'll enter it.”

Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. So how much did Part 2 of our first Catwoman story satisfy? Does it get a bowl of cream, or a spritz of water?

Episode: 16 Robin: No Writers: Sean Catherine Derek (story), Laren Bright (story), Jules Dennis (teleplay), Richard Mueller (teleplay) Director: Dick Sebast Animator: Akom Airdate: September 12, 1992 Grade: C

The first part of The Cat and the Claw had me interested, but certainly not blown away. It was a hit-and-miss episode with enough good ideas in it to allow me to enjoy it and wonder where the story was going to lead. I liked that it did give out a sense of substance, but honestly, I don’t think that the substance held steady between the credits of part 1 and the first scene of part 2. Part 2 does continue the story, but sucks out a lot of what made part 1 worth watching, and if I had never even watched part 2, I would not have been missing a damn thing aside from the realization that Catwoman ends up okay and the day is saved. But I think it was safe to assume that anyway, you know what I mean? Part 2 left very little impact on me, positive or negative, and for that reason I’m labeling it a C. Ironically, this is probably the episode with the highest stakes so far, right? With a conclusion that has a pretty epic scale. But it’s just not handled in an epic way. The concept is there, but the execution is lacking. Even if a studio like TMS or Spectrum were the ones to take care of the visuals, it still would have given the same feelings. The team knew what they were doing, giving it to Akom. Yeah, Akom’s work here is pretty bad, and Part 1 is more visually appealing in addition to being simply more entertaining. Even though it didn’t look the best, I could appreciate Sunrise’s unique style. When Sunrise failed, it still made for something that you don’t see everyday. Akom’s work was just plain old underwhelming. This is especially noticeable during the climax with their work on the fire (yeah, fire count, by the way). 

That fire looks like something from a Hanna-Barbera cartoon, guys. I’d expect to see similar on Scooby Doo. You don’t get a sense of the danger or the heat coming off that thing, and so you don’t get a sense of worry as Batman tries to get the hell out of there. Another very Akom scene is the car chase that happens when Bruce and Selena are together, out of costume. It looked laughably lame. That scene could have been so exciting and dynamic! But, at the same time, like I said, I understand why Atom was chosen. Even if the animation got me a little bit more invested, it still would have felt empty because of a lack of why I should be invested. It’s like watching a Transformers movie. Just brainless action. And why waste money on sending this episode to a better studio when a much better episode could be? The only real Akom-caused highlight was the train stuff. That looked pretty cool, likely because even though the train was moving, it still provided a static, stable platform for our characters, so it required less technical stuff to animate. All of the other cool stuff to look at was definitely in the storyboards. I liked the bit where the Bat Plane flew across the moon, kinda emulating that iconic moment in the 1989 film. And my favorite visual moment was when Selena’s secretary put on her glasses, and we see it via a POV shot. But then once things are crystal clear, a second later she walks into the shot, seamlessly transitioning it from POV to third person. 

More things like that could have probably almost created a B-level of enjoyment, admittedly. This part is also campier than part 1, with a lot more cheesiness thrown in, and that is to the episode’s detriment. The idea of Red Claw’s group of terrorists stealing a vial of disease from a military-guarded train is a really cool one, and I’ll take that over another standard police chase any day (until those chases start getting more god damn interesting). But something about watching them ride their little vehicle, leap on top of the train like ninjas, walking around on the train effortlessly, and dismantling it was pretty hard to take seriously. 

(This thug was in the last episode too, and he’s got this constant, static grimace. Makes me chuckle.)

Seeing Batman glide in with the bat-glider for the first time was neat, but then again, we get flown into a corn field. This is some of the cheesiest dialogue/line delivery on the show so far, even dwarfing the stuff from I’ve Got Batman In My Basement. No easy task! It’s like the writers here were aware of the serious tone, and trying, but still could only make a guy dressed like a bat so rational. I especially cringed at Batman’s shock that Red Claw was a woman. Having Catwoman be an admirable, strong character is doing feminism in a cartoon right. But this episode was too on-the-nose about it. Another instance is when Catwoman and Batman are tied up. Catwoman says something about their savior being a “woman’s touch”, and then she claws them out. Outside of the show trying to push a feminist message, why, in universe, would she say that exactly? Batman was not being sexist toward her. Red Claw certainly wasn’t. Red Claw is a woman for crying out loud! And how are her claws particularly feminine, anyway? Are they supposed to represent those stereotypical secretary nails? C’moooooon. Lame, lame, lame. I’m a feminist, and I’m all about cartoons showing that women are every bit as capable as men are. But if this is how they do it, then just don’t even try. And to add insult to injury, after we get Catwoman saving both of them, we end with her getting the shit beaten out of by Red Claw in a fight, merely because she does absolutely nothing to defend herself. Catwoman is an athletic cat-burglar who, in the previous episode, managed to give Batman a challenge. And now she’s just letting Red Claw kick her over and over in a way she easily should’ve seen coming. What a…confusing approach. 

While the superhero stuff was seriously below par, it’s slightly made up for because of how it explores Bruce and Selena’s relationship a little bit more. I liked seeing them on another attempted date, and so did Char! They’re really charming together, and it was incredibly satisfying to see Selena begin to enjoy his company. But as things start to go right for him, things also start to somehow go more wrong, and he discovers that Selena is Catwoman. To me, it’s believable that he wouldn’t have made that assumption right away. First of all, what are the odds. Second of all, a much different environment, mindset, and appearance. Plus, it’s not as though he was seeing Catwoman every single night, right? Most of his interactions of her was as normal human beings dressed in normal human clothes. Bruce mentions that he hasn’t felt a fondness of a woman like this in a very long time (Mask of the Phantasm entered my head for a second), and it feels so genuine. Somehow over these 16 episode and pilot, with a pretty small amount of spoken words for a main character, we’ve gotten to know Bruce…or…Batman…quite well. We can tell when he’s being phony, we can tell when he’s being sincere. This was sincere. And because his Bruce persona is such an exaggeration of his decency, spotting cracks in that just makes you feel something, man, especially when it shows us that hint of affection. This can be compared to Bruce Wayne talking to Harvey Dent about how proud he was that Harvey was seeking psychological help (Two-Face Part 1). These moments show us that Batman still has this warmth to him. It may be like a candle in the wind, fighting to stay alive, but every now and then there is a spritz of gasoline. For a second, Bruce Wayne and Batman are one. But y’know what? This is all well and good, however it makes me wish that the Red Claw stuff was absent. In part 1, it was different. I wanted to know where it was going. But without decent payoff, there is no reason for the terrorist story element at all. This would have been so much stronger if it were a half hour dedicated to building up the relationship of two troubled adults, fighting for what they believe in, succumbing to a certain level of darkness, all while not being able to find common ground. Paul Dini could have done it. Alan Burnett could have done it. Y’know what, Tom Ruegger probably could have done it. But no. We got writers who felt the need to add in that unnecessary, goofy superhero stuff that was not meant to be the focus of Batman the Animated Series when it didn’t need to be. But if there is one major strength of the superhero stuff, it’s the very ending. Because despite what Batman and Catwoman just went through together, saving countless people, Batman still needed to put her in handcuffs (and not in the way he probably wishes he could). 

(Blurry screenshot, apologies...by the way, are bat-handcuffs really necessary, Batman?)

That was paaaaaainful, but the right kind of painful (again, not in the way Batman probably wishes it was). Having Batman state that he didn't want her taken away like a common criminal was a great addition, and I really want to know which writer came up with that line. Whoever did got what makes Batman and Catwoman so interesting. If only they could have gotten a crack at this episode on their own. As some final words, despite me giving this episode a C, I went back and forth between a C or a D many times. I’m still not entirely sure which is my true grade. It depended on what I was writing about. When I was complaining, I was sure that I should make it a D. But as I was talking about some of the more positive elements, I thought maybe a C was more appropriate. Bottom line, I’m not sure. I think a C is the most fair, though, because aside from just being a middle of the road grade, it could also represent me being completely confused on my opinion. Is that understandable?

(Here we clearly see that the section of the train that was bombed is still very much intact)

(Batman was very much on model throughout the episode, particularly in the face)

Fire count: 8 Char’s grade: B

Next time: See No Evil Full episode list here!

[happymetalgirl]

Periphery - Periphery IV: Hail Stan

Periphery is one of those bands that I think draws way more polarized opinions than they need to. When it comes to them, it's either the big djentheads who appreciate what they do or the rest of the metal world that just can't get past Spencer Sotelo's vocal style. While it did take me a while to get used to, I eventually came around to Spencer's vocals around their second album.

Even though I am now on the fan side of the Periphery dichotomy, I have actually never been much of a fan of their beloved self-titled debut; I've always found to be kind of an overdrawn prototype for what was to come. I gave it a listen not too long ago before this album dropped and it again confirmed my position on it. I did of course find their sophomore effort to be a lot more polished and for the better.

It was with the Clear EP, though, and the subsequent, long-awaited Juggernaut double release though that I really found myself drawn to Periphery, and largely for Spencer's incredible melodies. The band were starting to really find the dynamic between anthemic choruses and crushing djenty heaviness that allowed both of those facets of their sound to compliment each other exquisitely. Songs like "Parade of Ashes", "Pale Aura", and "Feed the Ground" brought the best out of Spencer's slightly scratchy high range through anthemic melodies and set up the rest of the band for the best of the heaviness they had to offer.

The band really set the gold standard for themselves in a lot of ways with Juggernaut though, refining everything that made their sound already great at its best and raising it to a new best. There's djent at its most powerful on songs like "MK Ultra" and "Hell Below", which is absolutely filthy, slow 8-string deliciousness, and the absolutely ripping breakdown of "The Bad Thing" still fucking gets me every time I hear it (and I've heard it a lot). Spencer's highs at the climax of "The Scourge" and his entire performance on the also invigorating melodies of "22 Faces" are absolutely phenomenal as well, and the risky melodic direction of "Alpha" paid off stupendously. Needless to say, I really liked Juggernaut, and while 2016's Periphery III: Select Difficulty wasn't a complete letdown, it definitely missed that divine spark and seemingly the long grooming process that the Juggernaut albums did. It had its moments, but it's still just so overshadowed by the band's magnum opus.

So now a little further down the road from that towering monument of theirs, the band are back with their fourth self-titled album, which is another respectably ambitious effort that seeks to build its own monstrous djent castle on bigger compositions and darker themes. At 63 minutes, Periphery: Hail Stan is quite a beast of its own. Sonically, much of this album feels like a combination of the grandiosity and untethered heaviness of Juggernaut and the rawness and stylistic tendencies of the band's debut LP, and the mixture is, to a degree, predictably mixed.

As much as I love big, ambitious prog metal epics, and I love the idea of kicking an album off with one, the nearly 17-minute, string-backed "Reptile" that starts the album feels so unusually meandering and unnecessarily dragged out for Periphery, and despite the few shining moments in the track, it seems more like the band just wanted to make their longest song than anything else. So while it's not a particularly great start to the album, it certainly comes with enough highlights to not sink it immediately, and it does get better from there. The determinedly deathy, djenty, and eventually anthemic lead single "Blood Eagle" that follows the somewhat misdirected epic finds the band channeling their Juggernaut form into a much more focused and perfected piece than the preceding track, and it very much confirms where the band's strengths still mainly lie. The eerily relevant "CHVRCH BVRNER" subsequently carries the heavy momentum further by upping the speed and even the black metal intensity. Still, the band manage to impressively work in a sweet and fitting melodic vocal hook seamlessly, a testament to their progression as a group and proficiency with their common elements.

The album's second single, "Garden in the Bones", breaks the "kvlt" vibe with brighter, less aggressive instrumentation, hearkening to more ethereal prog metal anthems like "Heavy Heart" and "Priestess" from Juggernaut. I'm surprised the band used it as a single because it's not one of their most impressive contrasts to their heavy style on the album. An electro synth line then opens the following song "It's Only Smiles" much like that of "Alpha", but unlike "Alpha", Spencer's reverting to the debut LP's pop punk melodic tendencies on this song are not effectively balanced and given the vigor they had on the Juggernaut classic. It's not the worst example of the style, but it is the kind of song the band's and Spencer's detractors can point to to feel justified in calling Periphery weak (which is bullshit even just looking at this song in the context of melodic hardcore).

"Follow Your Ghost" follows with more indulgent heaviness but not really much in the way of tasty riffs, unique grooves, or infectious vocal melodies. It's clearly meant to simply juxtapose the lighter atmosphere of the previous track, which it does wel enough at an aesthetic level, but it's a little bit of an autopilot track. The electro beat that starts the next song, "Crush", ushers in an electronically supplemented, bass-y rocker that outshines much of what Underoath and Bring Me the Horizon were attempting on their recent albums. Its a bit long and I wish the climax was a little more climactic, but its consistent infectious bass and the swagger the band are able to pull off with it make up for it.

The following song, "Sentient Glow", is a reworking of a song from a previous side project of Misha Mansoor's and Mark Holcomb's, and it does feel a bit like an outside track that's just been Peripherized. Spencer's ethereal high melody at the song's explosive ending is a nice touch, but I still wouldn't say it alone justifies the song's inclusion.

The album finishes with the angelic and euphorically anthemic "Satellites", which is a bit of a new prog, melodic metalcore power ballad that ascends from atmospheric clean guitar echoes and soft singing into a crescendo of emotive, ambiance-supplemented djent with some of Spencer's most impassioned and impressive high singing atop it, and it makes for a fittingly grand and well-executed conclusion to a similarly massive and ambitious album.

Even where the band so stumble on Hail Stan, they are so tuned in to what they do well when they revert to their evolved form that they more than make up for it. And that's not to say all their musical ventures flop, they do pull off quite a few surprising hits on songs that don't fall within their usual modes of operation. And when they're on their tried-and-true shit the band don't slip up much, showing their focus and full capabilities with their style. It's still not quite up to the level of long-toiled mastery that Juggernaut was, but I definitely want to heap more praise than criticism on this album because so many bands have tried (or half-assed) the kind of reconciling of dense production, orchestration with an older, heavier sound and it usually falls flat on its face, while Periphery have managed to to stay themselves and still channel the best version of themselves even through less familiar means. Unlike the many bands who neuter, malform, or erase their signature essence through forays into bombastic projects like this, Periphery's most vibrant form shined through and kept the background from taking over the album, which is certainly a much more accomplished follow-up to their masterpiece than their previous album was.

Juggernaut: Beta/10

[zukadiary]

Company/BADDY ~ Moon Troupe 2018

Welp I'm in Japan again, for a bizarre trip considering none of my so-called faves are doing anything I'd normally clamor to see live... There are multiple reasons for that, but a big one is I let the idea of this show seduce me completely. I pegged it my most highly anticipated Grand Theater of the year pretty much as soon as the blurbs came out, anticipated it even more after I read and loved the novel, and pretty much lost my mind as soon as the first BADDY tweets surfaced back in February. So I braved Golden Week crowds in Hibiya to squeeze two viewings out of the last week of the run, and I'm quite pleased with my choices.

COMPANY

I summarized Company and its characters a bit before so I won't do it again; they stuck to the premise well enough.

I'd call Company cute and very pleasant; I thought everyone did a wonderful job and any qualms I have are with Ishida-sensei. My love of the book definitely enhanced my appreciation of the show because I went in already attached to the characters, but it also set me up for disappointment in a few places where Ishida fell flat. It's a bit of a long book though, and overall I think he cut exactly what needed to be cut to fit it into one act.

What I LOVE about the play as a whole is the modernness of it; Takarazuka almost never does shows set in present-day Japan, and its shows set in present-day elsewhere often come awkwardly tinged with an uncool dad vibe (LET'S TAKE A SELFIE FOR FACENOTE a la Vampire Succession, for example). Company felt totally natural and it was really refreshing. That said, something bugged me about the line delivery in pretty much the entire show; it was kind of stiff and hammy. I'm inclined to believe it was the direction, but I do wonder if it was just Patented Takarazuka Acting™ and it happened to stand in greater contrast against a modern play (and I also wonder if that's why they shy away from such stories).

Tamakichi was so beautiful it hurt to look at her. Her character Aoyagi's backstory was changed by absolute necessity; the book opens with his wife leaving him, but in the opening song of the show he tells us she's died from cancer two years back. Book Aoyagi is a nobody at work and pretty much a total loser in general at the beginning, and goes on a real journey of self love and improvement. I am a little sad we didn't get this angle because I think Tamakichi could have done an absolutely heartbreaking job portraying that particular transformation, but I also completely understand that including all that simply wasn't possible. Instead we have Cool Good-Looking Senpai Aoyagi, reliable leader from start to finish, whose journey is injecting some joy back into his life and beginning to heal from his wife's death. Tamakichi is so good at the wholesome everyday hero I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. My biggest takeaway from her performance, other than that she slays in a basic clean-cut suit, is that she has blossomed and is such a top star. NO SHADE to Tamakichi up till now; she's done nothing but impress me since assuming office. But while what stood out to me in Grand Hotel and All for One was the balance of the troupe and how perfectly they allowed their other wonderful players support her, SHE stood out to me in Company all on her own; her presence and confidence were incredible. They kept Chapi the exact right amount of time.

This could be Chapi's most typical top musumeyaku role since Tamakichi took over, but it's still unique in that she's the pursuer in their romance and I love that. Minami, while less confident in her ballet/work life than Stage Aoyagi seems to be in his work life, is slightly more confident in their personal interactions—always trying to joke, lighten the mood for him, drop hints—and it's a lovely dynamic. Her portrayal was probably the most faithful to the book. Chapi is bright and cheery and the smoothest actress, and every bit of real ballet we get to see her do is a blessing.

I had the greatest attachment to Haruka (MiyaRuri) and Yui (Umi-chan) going in. My absolute favorite aspect of the book was the slow burn surrounding everything Haruka: his relationship with Yui especially, but also with Aoyagi and the others. Of course I totally understand there is no room for slow burn in one act. Aside from that, Miya was exactly the Haruka I imagined and that was a joy to watch (her costume and countenance in the Dark Gay Swan Lake scene in particular is a VISION). Yui is another refreshing atypical musumeyaku character and Umi did a great job. It's a pretty good show for musumeyaku roles in general; Sara (Wakaba) and Noa (Touka Yurino) are also pretty big parts. I loved Kumichou in particular, she had some amazing one-liners.

My biggest disappointment was in Ishida's handling of Nayuta (Reiko). Reiko did just fine, but I felt that Ishida sucked all the life out of the character. Book Nayuta is a hot-headed asshole who underneath all the strutting and crude commentary cares a lot about his performing. A lot of that comes from him being a trainee idol and trying to prove that he has a place among his equally hot-headed senpai whereas Stage Nayuta is the star of the group, but it's NOT AT ALL HARD TO IMAGINE that a star idol might be kind of a hot-headed asshole. Stage Nayuta was just kind of pretty and there, and as a result the drama surrounding him joining Dark Gay Swan Lake in the Prince role felt flat to me. This is one change I really think could have been made in the given timeframe. (Trivia bit: in the understandably zuka-fied Final Drama where Nayuta injures Sara on stage with a lift gone wrong, Nayuta locks himself in the bathroom at intermission and won't stop crying from guilt. In the book, he feels his finger slip between her ribs during the lift, and dwelling on the sensation makes him so ill he can't stop throwing up).

Toshi is a VERY cool idol group leader; Ari is, as I predicted, herself; and Ruu, Shimon, and Mayupon are a pretty funny group (boss and salarymen), with Mayupon in particular also absolutely WEARING the normal suit look. Everyone else was pretty light on the stage time.

BADDY

BADDY is a triumph. If you still have the opportunity to watch it sans spoilers, I recommend it, I'm jealous, and I would love to know what that's like. However I can also say that I read almost everything about it before seeing it and I felt no less impact from its brilliance.

It's completely ridiculous, but the balance it strikes in its ridiculousness is absolutely sublime. Simplicity combined with absurdist randomness; both using and upending traditional Takarazuka elements JUST enough; it strikes the perfect note.

There's so much to unpack.

For one thing, it's SO META. We open in Takarazuka City on the Peaceful Planet that has seen no disturbance in 103 years, and down comes the Baddies' spaceship with a thunk. Following the thunk, Tamakichi declares "Looks like you've been waiting quite a while for this," RIGHT BEFORE going into the standard opening announcement—"written and directed by Ueda Kumiko," etc—and I am sure that's her sticking in her own jab about Takarazuka waiting 103 years before letting one of their female directors do a revue. Really, I wouldn't be surprised if the ENTIRE THING was a reference to this; I mean we're in TAKARAZUKA CITY where COOL BADDIES infiltrate a BORING LAME SOCIETY THAT HASN'T CHANGED IN 103 YEARS and then they BLOW EVERYTHING UP and EVERYONE GOES TO HEAVEN. That's bold, UeKumi.

There are smaller amusing references too... Reiko commenting that Amashi Juri's character looks new (she just switched to musumeyaku), Tamakichi kidnapping Reiko and giving her to Miya saying "here you're in charge of improving this person's general everything" which I'm pretty sure is Miya and Reiko's IRL relationship.

(Amashi Juri is so cute I can't stand it, help).

Another thing, it flows so beautifully for a revue with a plot (not a theme, a plot... the only other example of which I can recall at the moment is Nova Bossa Nova, which does not flow like this). Despite the scenes connecting perfectly into one cohesive story, they are still individual scenes that feel like standard revue scenes, with variety and costume changes and great music and really fun choreography.

Chapi is given the queenly treatment she deserves; she's as much the star of the revue as anyone else. The rockette with her in the center might be my personal highlight, and it's the perfect example of what I mean by both using and upending Takarazuka traditions. We've got typical rockette-style costumes, synchronized kicking, the works—but we've traded the high-pitched KYAA for YELLING ABOUT HOW ANGRY THEY ARE in unison with some really badass choreo. It's the perfect balance of respect and rebellion; it works because the rockette is such a standard part of our fan lexicon, and the small differences make us open our eyes wide. Crushed velvet kuroenbi. Ray Bans during the parade...

The duet dance also—passionate and angry and LITERALLY fiery, as Tama and Chapi dance and eventually descend through the floor with one long hard kiss surrounded the entire time by swirling flames. I mention that in case the flame effect (like the starlight during Maa's Chopin in HOT EYES) does not show up on the DVD, which would be tragic.

As beautifully and wholesomely as Tamakichi carried herself in Company she pulled out all the stops and slayed in BADDY. Dynamic (and dangerous) radiantly glowing top star. Miya is downright erotic.

Mayupon is just an alien, in the background, through costume changes, the entire time.

There was a fun amount of gender fluidity presented in sort of a nonchalant? way?? Like not the gratuitous otokoyaku-in-drag situation we usually get; paired with the free-flowing top 4 love quadrangle, it felt, dare I say, progressive.

I had an extra fun experience at my first viewing... TSUKI MATSURI! Tsukigumi has a tradition where one day per run (though I imagine not every single run) they all wear afro wigs in one scene and adlib it to hell and back. Since it was my first time and this did not seem at all out of place against the backdrop of BADDY I didn't even realize until after, but what lucky timing.

I can't wait for UeKumi's next show, and I went into QR and came out only with Tsukigumi bromides, I don’t know myself. 

[thebandcampdiaries]

Happy Curmudgeons introducing brand new single: 2nd Chances

Happy Curmudgeons is a band with a very diverse sound and a vast range of sonic textures in their music. What is really special about their sound is definitely the fact that the group seamlessly combines elements of folk, Americana, country, but even rock and pop. Their musical frontiers are very open, and much like the pioneers of great American music, they always push forward, looking for new ideas and elements to incorporate in their diverse and distinctive sound.

There recently released single, second chances, is actually a fantastic production, and an excellent example of what I am talking about. At first glance, the arrangement might sound simple, in a good way. However, this is a deceptive blend of simplicity, because there are many amazing details to this production, making it stand out among the crowd. For example, the acoustic guitars have a very nice chorus-type effect, which is not usually found in this kind of music very often. I feel like it contributes to the uniqueness of the song, giving this song a special vibe reminiscent of 80s and 90s artists such as R.E.M. or The Replacements, only to mention but a few. There is also room for a cello part, making the intro of the song even more dynamic and cinematic. There is really something special about the timeless combination between acoustic instruments like guitars and drums with the vocal and emotional leads of a cello, adding more depth to the mix.

The vocal melodies come in at about 30 seconds into the song. The singer's voice is bright, sultry, and extremely dynamic, highlighting her incredible vocal range and emotional delivery. In this case, the vocal melody of the song makes me think of a classic track - "Sweet Home Alabama," as made famous by Lynyrd Skynyrd. There is a similarity here, but not a rip off! In this case, the similar melody explores a more understated and intimate sound, focusing on a more introspective approach. With lyrics such as "Driving down this lonely highway," the song actually paints a vivid picture, giving the listeners a sense of connection with the story.

"I Believe in Second Chances, I've got faith in me and you -" With this positive line, the song alternates darkness with light, showing that although life can be like a lonely road, there is always a drive to shoot for the stars, and start again, looking for a chance to start anew. Sometimes, being human means that we do not necessarily make it the first time. We might need to take the fall, get back up again, and look for a second chance to get back on the road, even if we don't know where it goes or what we will find while we get there. Ultimately, as a listener, I'm interpreting this song as a very honest and passionate outlook on what is simply the human condition. It is all about embracing the fact that we can't control the outcome of the situations that we put ourselves into in our lives. Still, we do have the power to stay positive, aim high, as well as having faith - not only in ourselves but in others around you. It is refreshing to hear a song with such a selfless, positive message to inspire and engage people. In a day and age where there is so much shallow music out there, it is terrific to be able to hear something that pulls the right heartstrings, finally!

The music is just as excellent as the lyrics and the concept, with some simple, yet atmospheric acoustic guitars, the aforementioned cello lines, and a crisp drum sound. The snare drum has a very special sound, almost reminding me of one of those vintage marching snares, but you can really hear the bottom sound and the snares creating such a haunting texture.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this song to any fan of artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Wilco, Calexico, R.E.M., or even Big Star, among others.

Once again, Happy Curmudgeons set out to prove that you do not need a complicated arrangement or overly intellectualized lyrics if you want to create a piece of art that is meaningful and easy to relate to. On the contrary, keeping it simple is the way to go if you want to connect with people the right way. Just have a look at artists such as Bob Dylan, the Beatles or even more recent performers like Elliott Smith. Some of their best songs are by far the simplest!

Find out more and listen to "2nd Chances."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiqK5R983T0

[themusicenthusiast]

Sunday, September 23rd, 2018 – Clutch Shares Tales From ‘Book of Bad Decisions’ and Then Some During a Fiery Performance at Dallas’ Gas Monkey Live

Photos by Jordan Buford Photography The fact that Clutch has managed to remain such an indomitable force in the music world doesn’t seem to be talked about often enough. At least not as much as the band probably deserves. During a career that has spanned well over a couple of decades they’ve managed to avoid any of the drama that often befalls other groups, the original core lineup having remained intact. Their early records were clearly products of the ‘90s era of music, the brash traits that defined Clutch’s early years never being lost completely even as they ultimately refined their sound, those heavy tendencies transitioning into more of an alt-rock/hard rock sound. One that is distinctly their own. The point is that Clutch has managed to evolve and grow with the ever-changing industry. One could even say that the outfit has constantly been at the forefront of it, helping to shape modern rock ‘n’ roll; and they have consistently remained relevant to it. That’s no truer than now. They are still a staple on the festival circuit, and their last few albums have scored some respectable positions on the charts, including the two-week old Book of Bad Decisions (out on Weathermaker Music), which debuted at the number sixteenth spot. An impressive feat to say the least, especially when considering their company on the Billboard 200 is largely pop artists. Neil Fallon, Tim Sult, Dan Maines and Jean-Paul Gaster weren’t wasting any time in taking to the road to support their twelfth studio album, having embarked on the Book of Bad Decisions Tour within the past week. Texas was one of the first states they were visiting; and on this particular Sunday night they were returning to Gas Monkey Live in Dallas to treat their North Texas fans to some of the new stuff they had created.

One thing is certain, the significant of Clutch’s music doesn’t escape their loyal supporters, droves of which had turned out to Gas Monkey Live to witness the spectacle that was transpiring on this Sunday night. It was a relatively diverse crowd, comprised largely of the longtime fans one would expect to see, though there were also quite a few kids, ranging from teenagers to legitimate kids whose parents had brought them out to experience a band that had been important to them. And said kids were giddy about it. Clutch has assembled an eclectic lineup of acts to support them on this tour, though extremely talented ones, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown getting the night off to an electrifying start, while Sevendust brought the intensity during their brief, heavy set. By the time both were through, to say spectators were pumped up for Clutch performance would be a massive understatement. It was 9:51 when Fallon, Sult, Maines and Gaster strolled out onto the stage, and the manner in which they did made them all the more appealing. There was no grand or theatrical entrance. Instead, the four of them just casually assumed their spots, looking more like a bunch of average guys preparing to go to work rather than rock stars. Which only strengthened that rock star quality.

“Welcome to the party!” Fallon declared as he paced about the stage and surveyed the hundreds and hundreds of screaming fans, properly greeting everyone before they unleashed their adrenaline pumping assault on them. Nearly half of their 81-minute long set was comprised of cuts from Book of Bad Decisions, the lead track from the record, “Gimme the Keys”, setting everything in motion. The casual demeanor they had exhibited during those initial moments quickly gave way to chaotic actions as the wall of sound they proceeded to crank out collided with the concertgoers’ ears. That number provided a sensational start to Clutch’s performance. Live listeners were able to fully appreciate the nuances of the powerhouse track, such as the way the percussion and bass coalesced around Fallon’s voice, particularly as he belted out, “Gimme the keys!”. It made him sound even more authoritative; his booming voice portraying that more as a command than a request, while the eye contact and intense stares he gave made it feel as if he was speaking directly to every soul in the room.

They didn’t require any time to warm up, flooring it from the get-go and already appearing in excellent form; their hold over the spectators being absolute. You had to be there to fully appreciate it, but it was incredible. The floor shook slightly due to the sonorous drums and blaring guitar and bass; the spirited performance making it impossible to look away. Rock ‘n’ roll at its finest. “Vision Quest” allowed them to hit with a one-two punch, the frantic pace it keeps further energizing everyone. Sult’s mastery of the guitar was apparent on it, his methodical and intricate manner of playing – the tones he painstakingly crafted – shining through at various moments.

“If you didn’t get the memo, we have a new album out…” Fallon declared afterwards, informing the audience that they would be hearing plenty more from it and promising to pull some “old ones out of the pantry” as well. Quickly delivering on that, they launching into a string of songs found on their self-titled record, much to the delight of the fans. All were gems, though “Escape from the Prison Planet” stood out as an early favorite, thanks to it highlighting a more primal Clutch. The instrumental end (which felt like something of a jam) was nothing short of epic, Gaster going all out as he hammered away at his kit with a splendid mix of passion and precision, not merely loving it but getting a euphoric rush from knocking that one out.

The music was the primary focus of the night, though shortly after that one Fallon, in tune with the crowd, took a moment to discourage any rough antics such as crowd surfing. He began by saying he didn’t want to police anyone and whatever was fine by him, though he did point out that several young kids (many of whom were proudly sporting Clutch attire) were front and center, and he didn’t want to see this become their last rock show. “Your parents are cooler than mine were…” he then quipped, enjoying the fact that some of their longtime fans were turning their love of Clutch into a family tradition. Their set list was well structured, old and new material being spread evenly throughout, so regardless of if people loved it all or were only all about the classics they were going to be appeased. In regards to the new, “Ghoul Wrangler” was perhaps the most stunning of the Book of Bad Decisions material. Stunning because like a lot of the stuff they did from the new album, it could be considered something of a deeper cut, yet they made it out to be a definitive song from it. For those who hadn’t spent much time with the new album yet it was the perfect introduction to that exhilarating number, its gripping dynamics only enhanced by the live environment. Fallon’s pronunciation of “Ghoul Wrangler” alone is fascinating; the way the song blends a sort of Southern edge to its driven hard rock style yielding something unique.

As amazing as the first half of the set had been, the second half saw Clutch kicking it into overdrive as they constantly seemed to outdo themselves. The fans relished the rare treat that was “El Jefe Speaks”, the oldest song of the night being revamped in a way that spliced together the sounds of where they were at then with what they’re creating now. It only made it more potent, Maines and Gaster guiding the song between its ominous verses and pulse pounding refrains, while the tones emanating from the guitar proved intoxicating. The throng of supporters were already well-versed with some of the weeks-old stuff, most collectively shouting the final “WEAPONIZED FUNK!” of “In Walks Barbarella” when Fallon silently directed them to assist. And as Clutch’s initial 66-minutes on stage began to wind down, the people were elated to see a cowbell and harmonica brought out on stage, knowing just what that meant. “D.C. Sound Attack!” provided a fiery end to what had been a powerhouse set -- one certainly not lacking in the rock department; the track being made all the more riveting thanks to the instrumental outro that concluded it.

After the musicians disappeared a couple of minutes passed, the ensuing fanfare done in hopes of drawing them back out, while others shouted their requests of what they still hoped to hear. There was no way Clutch could appease everyone, though Maines, Gaster, Sult and Fallon did have a few more in the chamber, including the final track from Book of Bad Decisions. “We appreciate y’all coming out,” Fallon stated before they got back to it. He was sincere in his gratitude to everyone for coming out, stressing that they didn’t take it for granted and knew that if those supporters weren’t there then there was no way they would be. A moody, even atmospheric rocker, “Lorelei” was as impressive as everything that had preceded it and highlighted just how mighty Clutch is, that in terms of quality every new track they had performed was at least on par with their most revered hits, if not even surpassing them. It made for a proper bookend of sorts, given they had begun and practically ended their show with the first and final tracks from the release.

And speaking of hits, they dusted a couple off of From Beale Street To Oblivion, resulting in one last raucous sing-along for the night. Clutch left having delivered the quintessential concert experience, making it thrilling throughout, their robust and even somewhat brash way of conducting themselves being utterly compelling. That’s what makes them such a force to be reckoned with, the fact that Fallon, Gaster, Sult and Maines do everything possible to invigorate concertgoers, the way they handle themselves being conducive of everyone else letting loose, succumbing to the music and just relishing the reprieve from everyday life that is provided. That can largely be attributed to the creative nature of their writing, everything about their material being cutting edge, sounding familiar enough to be appealing but also setting them apart from their contemporaries. However, the overwhelming charisma they wield isn’t to be overlooked either.

Fallon does bear the bulk of that responsibility, given that he is the most capable of moving about and interacting with onlookers, and he excels at it, his boisterous, at times even eccentric movements and behavior only enhancing their riveting hold. And after all of these years, they’re arguably better than ever. My first time actually catching a Clutch show came a few years ago and I was immediately struck by their raw power, something that seemed to be even more prevalent on this night. Maybe it was because the Book of Bad Decisions Tour is just getting underway, or possibly they’ve been eager to start playing these songs live and are enjoying finally being able to. Either way, they were spectacular, their energy seeming limitless, and for the duration of their time on stage they never relented. Bands of that caliber are hard to come by, ones that deliver a straight up rock ‘n’ roll show, no frills needed. Together, the four of them acted as if they had something to prove. At the very least they just further solidified their stature, their immense passion and unwavering dedication to their craft reminding all of the loyal supporters why they were so drawn to Clutch’s music in the first place and why they still hold it in such high esteem. The group even enamored fans of newer generations in the process, ensuring the legacy of Clutch will live on for some time to come.

Whether you have never seen Clutch before or catch them almost every time they come to your area, you owe it to yourself to check out one of the dates of the Book of Bad Decisions Tour. There is no telling what songs you might wind up hearing and their already impeccable form is sure to be bolstered by each additional show. The tour will roll on for another month, concluding in Philadelphia, PA with a show at Electric Factory on October 28th. Other notable stops include a visit to the Ogden Theater in Denver, CO on October 2nd; Showbox SODO in Seattle, WA on October 7th; and Los Angeles, CA’s El Rey Theater on October 12th. Additionally, they’ll be in Tulsa, OK on October 17th at Cains Ballroom and will be making a two-night stand at the Irving Plaza in New York, NY on the 26th and 27th. They’ll then bring the show to Europe in late November for a nearly month-long stint. Clutch’s complete listing of events and additional details regarding each one can be found HERE. And if you haven’t gotten it yet, do check out Book of Bad Decisions on iTUNES or GOOGLE PLAY. Set List: 1) “Gimme the Keys” 2) “Vision Quest” 3) “Texan Book of the Dead” 4) “Escape from the Prison Planet” 5) “Spacegrass” 6) “Emily Dickinson” 7) “Ghoul Wrangler” 8) “Earth Rocker” 9) “X-Ray Visions” 10) “El Jefe Speaks” 11) “How to Shake Hands” 12) “Sonic Counselor” 13) “In Walks Barbarella” 14) “The Mob Goes Wild” 15) “D.C. Sound Attack!” Encore 16) “Lorelei” 17) “Electric Worry” / “One Eye Dollar”

[toogoodmusic]

THE TOO GOOD TEN with CALICO

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March of 2020, four longtime friends, Tony Cecchetti, Chris Couto, JeanSe Le Doujet and Will Lloyd decided to use the lockdown to come together to create the Folk-Americana band CALICO. It all begin with Tony who had decided to find time between his six-month-old daughter’s sleep schedule to record several of the songs he had been sitting on. Chris joined in next - who Tony had played live music with to yoga classes in Squamish, BC - who produced the songs and added percussion. Shortly after JeanSe and Will were added to the mix to finish off with their additions of bass and electric guitar respectively. The result was the debut album, Under A Sudden Sun that came together with each musician being able to add their own unique style with no direct guidance and all while being completely separated geographically. Under A Sudden Sun resonates as an introspective and refreshing view on nostalgia, life and love. The band already has their second album recorded and while they continue to already work on their third album, we’ve been lucky enough to have Tony take on the latest Too Good Ten interview. Check out the full interview below to learn more about the album, how they felt about getting a song playlisted on Spotify, how Tony’s mom came to paint the album cover, his biggest pandemic learnings and so much more.

The Too Good Ten. Ten Questions. One Artist. Too Good.

1. Now you guys all started making music during the pandemic in early 2020. Describe how starting a band in the middle of pandemic has been? What were the pros and cons of doing so?

TONY [on behalf of CALICO]: Starting a band during the pandemic had many moving parts. In some ways, CALICO would never have been a thing if it wasn’t for the pandemic. When the world shut down and we were all stuck at home we had the time to do things we may of never had the time to do given the normal pace of life. We could record and really dive into the songs that I had written over the years. The pandemic allowed for us to do that. It was our silver lining during the incredibly difficult time. That said, we also didn’t get the opportunity to play together in the same room until this summer, in late July of 2021, just before we released, Under a Sudden Sun. We started CALICO in March of 2020, so that’s a really long time to not get together. We did a good job Zooming and creating music from afar but it wasn’t easy and it lacked the energy that bandmates bring to a room. All in all it was an incredible experience and is definitely a large part of the backstory of our band. 

2. Congrats on the release of your debut album, Under A Sudden Sun! What was it like putting this together? What was the most personal song to release off the album?

T/C: Thank you so much! We couldn’t be more excited. It’s been amazing to put music out and get so much support back from our community. The reaction has been above and beyond our expectations. Given that we all recorded our parts from different locations, putting together the album had a lot of components. The process for each song was more or less the same. I recorded vocals and rhythm guitar from home. That was then sent off to Chris Couto, who recorded percussion/drums. That was then sent off to JeanSe Le Doujet, who recorded bass. And lastly, sent off to Will Lloyd who recorded lead guitar. Chris Couto produced the album and put an incredible amount of time into making sure each song sounded like we were in playing in the same room. 

The most personal song off the album is “Oh My Mind.” The song is about searching for something that has yet to be fulfilled. In many ways it represents the album as a whole. I always wanted to play and make music. The pandemic allowed me to start a musical journey, with close friends, that seemed unattainable prior to. “Oh My Mind” is about putting one foot in front of the other, exploring, and searching for something that you know is out there, you just haven’t found it yet. 

3. Tony – your mom actually painted the cover for the album. What kind of direction did you give her for the album cover? Were there other versions of the album?

T/C: Yes, my mom painted the album cover. It is something I am very proud of that my mom could be a part of it. I did give her an idea but she had complete creative freedom to take that idea and run with it. I loved wandering the hills of Berkeley, CA when I grew up. Hills that my mom knows well and still hikes regularly. The initial vision was to capture that first light of day when the sun just peaks over the hills. It is a special moment. My mom did a wonderful job capturing it. I have the original painting at my house. I have yet to frame it but will soon and will treasure it for a long time. 

4. As mentioned, the title of the album is named after “that magical moment when the first light of the day peaks out from behind the hills.” What is so enticing about that moment that it inspired the name of the debut album? Which song off the album most encompasses that “tranquil and meditative” moment?

T/C: One of my favorite things to do as a kid was get up at the break of dawn and go fishing. We had reservoirs in the Berkeley Hills where I would go fish. When I was too young to drive, one of my moms would take me. When I became old enough to drive I would go with my closest friends and my sister. To this day, fishing at those lakes is one of the fondest memories I have of growing up in the Bay Area. We would sit for hours in our lounge chairs, look out at the beautiful scenery, and wait for a bite. It was so peaceful and a wonderful place to connect with myself and my favorite people. 

“A Little Light,” which is the first song of the album, best described that tranquil and meditative moment. It is about the importance of light in our lives and was first written as a poem about spending time in those hills as a kid. 

5. “My Darlin’” off the album made it onto your first official Spotify playlist – Renegade Folk. Where were you when you found that out? What does it mean as an artist to make it onto an official Spotify playlist? 

T/C: I got an email from Spotify a couple days after we released, “My Darlin’.” I was sitting at home feeding my 2 year old daughter breakfast. I was so excited. For me, it was a testament that we had made music that was quality enough to be grouped with some great names in the Folk world. I was very proud of everyone in the band. It means a lot to be recognized. I don’t think that Spotify is the be all end all but it’s important to be on that platform. Most people listen to and find new music there nowadays. I still think we have a long way to go. We have yet to play our first show and have a lot of things we want to achieve. We believe we have potential to write more music that moves people and plan to do so.  

6. Although the band started early 2020, you guys only recently got together in person to play songs and take band photos. What was that moment like – finally being all together and playing the songs live after over a year of working on them? Do you think the music would’ve sounded any different if you had all been in the same room instead of remote for the entire process?

T/C: It was an incredible feeling to watch the guys get off the ferry in Victoria, BC. Chris Couto had come out a few days early to settle in and do some prep for our recording session. Will and JeanSe came in on the Friday Night ferry and had to leave on Sunday morning. We didn’t have much time but we made the most of it. The four of us have been friends for years long before CALICO was a thing. Chris, Will, and JeanSe have all played in other bands together. When we all lived in Vancouver I would go hang out and watch them play. I always thought I had the most talented friends. They are incredible musicians and wonderful people. 

I do think there would have been some differences if we had all been in the same room. I am not sure how much that would come through with the sound but definitely with the energy in the room. There is an irreplaceable dynamic that is created when musicians physically  play together. It’s a vibe thing. I will say that recording from afar had immense perks, too. Everyone had complete creative freedom with their individual parts. What you hear as a final product is what four musicians felt added most to each song. There was little guidance. With everyone recording from afar, we could do it on our own time, when we felt we played best. There wasn’t the pressure of doing it at a specific time in the recording studio. 

7. What is the main thing you hope listeners take away from your music?

T/C: I hope that you all resonate with the stories that we share. Most of the songs began as poems and grew from there. They are snippets of our lives that bring us back to particular memories. My hope is that the music can do similar things for you. That you find some inner peace listening to the music and that, maybe when the album has finished, you’re brought back to a place that you think of fondly. 

8. For you, what was the biggest learning from this past year and a half in quarantine/pandemic? 

T/C: I learned to slow down and treasure the small things. The pandemic was a time to be introspective. I gained insights about myself, my ambitions and pursuits that I had never given space for. There was also immense struggle that we all went through. The virus was one thing but the loss of community was a whole other. Losing connection with loved ones was difficult. I had never felt so far from those I cared about. All in all I think it was a time to reflect on what’s important and begin to prioritize that. The pandemic really highlighted the fragility of this life. 

9. If you could only listen to (5) artists for the rest of your life who would they be?

T/C: If I could listen to 5 artists for the rest of my life it would have to be Bob Dylan, The War on Drugs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Beatles, and The Highwomen.

10. What’s the rest of 2021 and early 2022 look like for CALICO?

T/C: We will continue writing and hopefully can start playing some live shows soon. Now that shows are happening again we plan to get our foot in the door. That might not happen until next summer but we are really excited about the idea and await the opportunity. We have recorded our second album, that will be released in 2022, and are working on our third album currently. Stay tuned for more music and we really look forward to playing live for you all one day. Thank so much for checking us out and giving our music a listen. 

Excited to have had Tony from CALICO join for the latest Too Good Ten Interview! Be sure to check out all their socials and music below and be on the look out for those upcoming shows and upcoming second album.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

MUSIC:

Spotify

YouTube

[anvigeet]

8 Web Design Trends to Help You Win the Battle

The field of data innovation (IT) is an endless cycle that is developing with something inventive and progressive as time passes. Proficient site planning can be named as the most significant occurrence in such manner. Today, even the littlest organizations have sites, and their development, generally, relies upon how decently their sites are getting along in the internet.

Sites planned and created by digital marketing agency in patna are an essential nowadays assuming a specific business needs to focus on the most extreme number of clients. Hence, it becomes essential for all business sites to stay up with the most recent in the digital space highlighting all that clients all throughout the planet love, as, and respect.

This post investigates probably the most recent web planning patterns that have overwhelmed the year 2020 as well as will remain in the occasions to come-

1-Digital Illustrations

To the extent the visual symbolism in a site is concerned, digital outlines have turned into a vital part as a result of the accompanying reasons-

Digital representations give your plans uniqueness and peculiarity while making sites stand apart from the group with an incredible passionate association with your guests.

READ MORE: What are the basic elements of web designing?

These representations are a flexible instrument in the possession of architects related with any site planning organization that can be utilized to fill countless needs, for example, include depictions or potentially as brief symbol in the route bar.

2-Color Vibrancy

All the digital item fashioners related with a decent web composition organization are making a decent attempt to utilize lively shadings as they give an unparalleled visual interest to a format. The energy in colors assumes a significant part in commanding the notice of the guests and it is perhaps the best and productive approaches to accomplish that in any sort of website composition. Brilliant shadings utilized behind the scenes of the site not just command the notice of the guests effectively yet additionally give them an extraordinary encounter, making exceptional recollections for them worried that specific brand.

3-Hero Video Headers

In contemporary occasions, "Show, don't tell" has turned into an essential rule of an incredible web architecture completed by any web composition organization of substance. Symbolism has consistently been assuming an incredible part in visual plans be it a business site or a promotion for printing purposes.

Aside from it, the symbolism additionally helps website specialists to pass on a specific thought intensely and rapidly. Some time ago expert architects needed to utilize static symbolism to fill the need, yet presently the situation is totally changed. With the utilization of Hero Video Headers, the website specialists' local area is attempting to change over their landing pages into a theater-like encounter.

Video has a unimaginable capacity to connect with clients all the more adequately, and thus, they invest more energy while watching those spellbinding clasps. These exceptionally captivating recordings that are utilized in a saint area can be a clasp of a couple of moments of circled design video to stunning full-length see cuts joined by an amazing voiceover.

4-Bold Typography

Emphatically introduced content has consistently been a urgent piece of the whole planning measure. Any plan made by the fashioners of a decent web composition organization should respect the message that an entrepreneur needs to pass on to its possible guests. At this crossroads, striking typography is the thing that can have a significant effect. Utilizing it, website specialists can put the screen-ruling text in the middle stage. Striking text styles increment coherence as well as fill different utilitarian needs of a site.

5-Geometric Patterns

Some time ago mathematical examples were utilized by inside decorators intensely in the inside just as outside plans. According to the most recent in website composition, website specialists across the globe are utilizing mathematical shapes and examples to convey amazingly lovely and tastefully engaging sites. They are utilizing SVD just as HD quality PNGs as foundations. These foundations upheld by mathematical examples scale incredibly well leaving you very effortless with regards to how they will show up on different screens.

6-In-your-face Interstitials

Pop-ups have made an incredible returned once more, however presently they are more audacious. In present day website architectures, they are called interstitials. All website specialists related with the digital marketing company in singapore are utilizing this website architecture apparatus. These interstitials show up as and when a guest begins exploring to a site while welcoming the person in question to pursue their limited time sorts of stuff.

7-Integrating social media applications

Social media combination is quite possibly the main provisions of an digital site. You will see no site without social media fastens on it nowadays. Interest for social media combination has expanded huge amounts at a time in the previous 10 years and it proceeds. Cell phone clients all throughout the planet are doing everything on versatile nowadays directly from perusing, getting to their online media accounts, to sharing perspectives on various social media stages. All dynamic sites need to have social reconciliation so clients can do the needful according to their advantage and tendency.

8-Flamboyant and gimmicky plans are out

As of late, the website specialists' local area all throughout the planet has begun making and conveying cleaner and sleeker web ideas to give guests better perusing execution. They are keeping away from picture substantial pages that make the stacking system more slow as well as disappoint the clients to the degree that they think after leaving the site.

It is straightforwardness that is giving a totally different definition to the seo services utilizing the negative spaces on a site. Blank areas in sites are not another wonder but rather in 2021 the creators and engineers both are utilizing them for bettering the things.

[charlieharry1]

Facebook promotion positions clarified

Facebook is an extraordinary stage for focusing on your crowd, giving an enormous assortment of choices, including advertisement situations. Facebook promotion positions can be a touch  Digital Marketing Agencies Nottingham of minefield under the most favorable circumstances; from channel arrangements and stories to courier or commercial center, what do you pick?

As there are such a significant number of alternatives, it's hard to tell which is the correct advertisement arrangement for your battles. To enable, we'll to investigate every position alternative and which ones work best for each crusade objective.

What are Facebook Ad Placements?

Promotion situations are basically where Facebook can show your advertisements. Positions are set at the promotion set degree of your battle, and relying upon your crusade objective, your advertisements can show up on Facebook, Instagram, the Audience Network and Messenger.

Great to know: Facebook bunches arrangements by how the client will encounter the advertisement over the stage and by imaginative resource required. For instance, stories can show up across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger utilizing the equivalent imaginative and offering a comparative encounter.

At the point when you make your advertisements, you'll pick whether you need to physically choose your promotion situations or let Facebook show them in the spots where they're well on the way to perform best with programmed arrangements.

While Facebook 'suggests' utilizing Automatic Placements, this isn't really the most ideal alternative for your crusade objectives. The programmed position highlight can prompt an immaterial or wrong appropriation of your advertisements. Rather, utilize this setting specifically, altering your positions to expel alternatives that will increase the value of your crusade.

On the off chance that you decide to alter your positions and physically select which you need to run, it very well may be dubious to know which of the numerous choices will assist you with accomplishing your crusade objectives. We're investigating all Facebook Ad Placement choices accessible and when to utilize each.

Feed Placements

#1 Facebook News Feed Placement

The Facebook news channel arrangements mean your advertisements show up in clients' work area news sources and additionally their portable news source. The versatile news source incorporates both the Facebook application and Facebook got to by means of portable programs.

Facebook news channel promotions are one of the first position alternatives and along these lines, they are the most well known and successful situations. This likewise implies these advertisements can be costly regarding CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions).

#2 Instagram Feed Placement

Next up is the Instagram channel position, fundamentally the same as Facebook news source arrangements, these advertisements show up in clients' Instagram channels.

With Instagram being the quickest developing web based life channel with more than 1 billions dynamic month to month clients, Instagram feed promotions are the second best situation alternative – especially if your intended interest group is dynamic on this stage.

Tip: Run Instagram channel promotions nearby Facebook news source advertisements at that point separate your crusade information by arrangement to see which stage creates the best outcomes.

#3 Facebook Marketplace

Facebook commercial center advertisements are another expansion to the channel positions. This position shows your promotions on the commercial center landing page or when somebody peruses commercial center by means of the Facebook application.

It's presently unrealistic for advertisements to just show up in commercial center; when you select the commercial center alternative, promotions will likewise show up in the Facebook news source.

Commercial center advertisements won't function admirably for high-esteem things or administration based organizations yet are an incredible choice for eCommerce organizations who know their intended interest group look locally for bargains on low to mid-estimated things.

#4 Facebook Video Feeds

This crusade position alternative will show your advertisements in the video channel, explicitly the proposed video channel and Facebook Watch channel.

Video is the most financially savvy approach to manufacture crowds you can remarket to in future battles.

#5 Facebook Right Column Sponsored Placement

This is presumably the least utilized arrangement as it is just available for work area clients however is useful for remarketing. As this is a work area just position and most of your compass on Facebook will be on portable, you'll see that it won't get that much reach contrasted and channels on versatile.

#6 Instagram Explore Placement

Instagram Explore is the place clients go when they need to see photographs and recordings identified with their inclinations from accounts they may not as of now follow. Investigate is probably the best spot for individuals to find, shop and associate with individuals, organizations and makers.

In the wake of tapping on a photograph or video in Explore, individuals may start to consider advertisements to be a piece of their perusing experience simply like in the fundamental feed. As usual, individuals have authority over the advertisements they see.

#7 Messenger Inbox Feed Placement

Toward the end in the feeds classification is the Messenger Inbox Feed situation. While choosing this position, your promotions will show in your crowds' courier home tab between discussions.

At the point when individuals click on an advertisement, they'll be sent to a definite view inside Messenger that shows your full promotion with your source of inspiration (CTA) button, which guides clients to the connection goal you set while making your promotion.

Numerous sponsors are reluctant to utilize this sort of situation as it is more nosy than different positions. Notwithstanding, this situation can be useful for messages battle destinations where the objective is to associate with individuals on Facebook, speak with potential or existing clients.

#8 Stories Feed Placement for Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger

The Stories situation on Facebook and Instagram is a genuinely new component and has developed greatly with more than 400 million individuals utilizing it consistently (Facebook).

Inside the Stories situation, there are three further stage alternatives: Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger Stories. The most widely recognized arrangement of the three is Instagram. With its full-screen, vertical arrangement, your business can share photographs and recordings.

Great to know: The suggested ideal advertisement imaginative measurement is full-screen vertical pictures or recordings (9:16), which show up when changing stories starting with one client then onto the next.

#9 Facebook In-Stream Videos Placement

Utilizing the Facebook in-transfer recordings situation, your advertisements will show up previously, during, or after video content. You can convey 5 to 15-second video advertisements to people watching recordings on Facebook and through the Audience Network.

Tip: Make sure your video promotions catch your crowd's eye quickly and make sure to keep the general message brief.

One of the issues with the in-stream arrangement is that you're intruding on somebody who has just made a move to watch a video; consequently, your commitment rate won't be as high when contrasted with the feeds situation, for example.

#9 Facebook Search Placement

In 2019 (following a time of testing), Facebook started revealing the hunt promotion situation to all publicists. The Facebook Search arrangement permits your promotions to show up in results when somebody scans for watchwords identified with your advertisement.

Great to know: Search promotion situation isn't an independent choice — sponsors must be running a News Feed advertisement to have their promotions appear in list items too.

Focusing for advertisements in search depends on your picked focusing on alternatives notwithstanding pertinent pursuit term watchwords. In any case, it's significant that the watchwords are dictated by Facebook, not by the promoter. Facebook will show your promotions dependent on a blend of highlights, for example, advertisement text, item class, title and portrayal.

#10 Messenger Sponsored Messages Placement

Dissimilar to the courier inbox arrangement in the feeds class, the supported messages position lets you make message promotions.

Your advertisements will show up as messages conveyed straightforwardly to an individual when they have a current discussion with you in Messenger. This implies this situation must be utilized to focus on an unmistakable crowd of individuals who have recently connected with you on Messenger.

#11 Facebook Instant Articles Placement

The moment articles position permits you to show promotions inside a bit of substance, and for this situation, it identifies with the Facebook Instant Articles.

Great to know: Instant Articles are quick stacking content pages that are facilitated inside Facebook.

Like in-transfer video promotions, your commitment rate will be lower on the grounds that your advertisements will show among unique substance that a client has decided to peruse. Having said that, this arrangement can function admirably for remarketing efforts joined by the correct section and feeds positions.

#12 Facebook Audience Network Placements

The Audience Network are outsider applications and locales where your promotions can be appeared. There are a couple of arrangements inside the Audience Network you can browse. The main is local, flag, and interstitial, which are great presentation situations like Google show promoting.

The second is remunerated video. Here, your promotions show up as recordings that individuals can watch in return for a compensation in an application, for example, in-application cash or things.

The third is Audience Network in-transfer recordings which are indistinguishable from the Facebook in-transfer recordings situation.

As the Facebook Audience Network is so huge, you'll see that the expense is a lot of lower than the entirety of different positions. In any case, crowd quality is extensively lower.

Tips for Choosing the Right Facebook Ad Placement

Presently you comprehend more about each Facebook advertisement situation, we'll currently take a gander at which positions are generally appropriate to each battle objective.

What situations to choose when utilizing  Digital Marketing Company in Nottingham the mindfulness battle goals

Facebook channels

Instagram feed

Instagram Stories

Facebook Stories

Courier Stories

Instagram Explore

In-transfer recordings

What positions to choose when utilizing the thought battle targets

Facebook channels

Instagram takes care of

Instagram Stories

Instagram Explore

What positions to choose when utilizing the change goals

Facebook channels

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Search

Courier Sponsored Messages Placement

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[paperclipninja]

Younger post-ep ramble 6x03

This week’s episode of Younger, ‘The Unusual Suspect’, was a big one. No scenes felt wasted, each one moving the story along and it all felt very purposeful. Despite some capital H hotness and really light and funny moments being scattered throughout, mostly thanks to fave (and only) NYC agent Redmond and the resurrection of some truly classic Diana Trout, there was definitely the sense of tension on the rise. It’s been simmering since the end of this season’s first episode and I feel like this week we have hit an apex.

We open with brunch at Maggie’s and what one can only assume is a time jump (either that or Clare has recovered remarkably well from birthing a baby the size of a four month old) and right away an overarching theme for this episode is established, as Lauren enters raving about the latest hit podcast, Exonerated. I’m gonna come straight out and say that I am so into this premise. The excitement around the table sounded like the break room in my office most days, they definitely nailed the trend of true crime fixation. It immediately allowed for Maggie’s quip about white women loving murder, a delightful array of OTT facial expressions from Liza and Kelsey dropping in that Millennial will be meeting with Audrey Colbert, subject of the podcast, to nab her book before anyone else does. Of course the other big news is that Josh and Clare appear to be happily family-ing it up (though mommy wipes, daddy dipes = vom in my mouth a little bit) and Maggie is dealing with unresolved BoUBT (Back of Uber Birth Trauma). Lauren’s vow to help get Maggie back on the ‘h for hunt’ once again epitomises why I love her character so and I want to record her sympathetic ‘oh Divaaa’ as my ringtone. I just love that Maggie, of all characters, is the one who seems like she should be the most pragmatic when it comes to something like birth yet her coping level is zero here.

You know who else wasn’t coping? Me and my Liza and Charles loving heart as Liza suddenly up and left the brunch because she ‘was late for a thing’, cue the scene that was released as a sneak peek last week that I have definitely only watched a normal number of times *cough*. The set up for The Rubin Museum from the opening conversation was fab and the fact that Charles and Liza are using the podcast to frame up a role play situation is just too much. Obviously I had seen the scene prior to the ep and while it is certainly *insert flames here*, I can’t help but wonder what it would’ve been like not to have expected it (actual combustion probable). I mean regardless, I will never think about a trip to the museum in the same way again. The voice-over narrating what we were seeing was such a great device that is really different to anything the show has done before, it built the anticipation of what was playing out and it felt like a scene from a movie. The moment when Charles turned and came face to face with Liza was a great reminder of how electric the chemistry between these two can be (actual lightening bolts were sighted) and quite frankly, seeing these characters being adventurous and lustful in their relationship is a yes on all fronts. I think the fact it all took place in a place of intellect and culture was extra fitting, it somehow kept the whole thing true to the characters and I am here for the #nerdlove.

The office drama was amped this whole ep and that of course was largely due to the ever growing reign of our season 6 villain, Quinn. With the time jump since last episode confirmed by the fact that Quinn’s book is both published and sitting on the best seller list, Kelsey and Diana’s first encounter with Quinn as she uses the WiFi for a conference call included a) Diana saying goodbye in Mandarin, which was yet another lovely tidbit to add to this character while also setting up the classic Diana we got throughout this ep and; b) some of the best fashion and hairstyles all in one scene (and episode as a whole) ever. I mean the fashion on this show is always next level but this episode in particular took it up a notch: Diana’s high-neck printed electric blue top and Kelsey’s hair/makeup/outfit in the conference room were so stunning I was actually distracted by them.

Kelsey’s office refurb was also noted, loved Liza’s ‘set it (Claw) on fire’ comment and of course, Diana telling Kelsey that now she is publisher, maybe she should stop speaking like a trucker was D. Trout golden line no.1 for this episode. Even better was seeing Kelsey, Diana and Liza settling into this new way of working. I adore the dynamic between these three and the way we’re seeing Diana adjust to her former assistant now being a peer without a fuss is why this show is so wonderful. It would have been easy to have Diana trying to assert herself and maintain some sort of authority, but to see her just want to get on with the work and do the best job she can gives a great credibility to the notion that this character is the best in the industry. I could pretty much write out every Diana Trout line from ‘The Unusual Suspect’ and leave this entire ramble at that (’why is everybody in this country obsessed with true crime? Actual people have died and they’re selling branded beanies on Etsy’ LOLLLLL) but I would then need to do that for Redmond because the fave one and only agent in NYC was back this week and as always, he was in fine form.

The pitch of Audrey Colbert’s book is up there with the funniest scenes of this series, from the creepy af Audrey (A+ casting of Willa Fitzgerald) to Liza and Kelsey trying to play it cool while being hella freaked out to Redmond’s attempt to present a compelling pitch being railroaded by Audrey’s ‘crippling lack of media training’, it was Younger writing and delivery at its finest from start to finish. Seeing Redmond so unnerved by Audrey was unnerving in itself and really, I am so happy with the amount of Michael Urie in this episode. Our next encounter was of course when Kelsey and Liza interrupt his infrared sauna treatment (again, so many hilarious lines, I really feel that a transcript of the entire episode is about the only way to do it justice but may be problematic to pass off as a recap/review…or would it?) and discover that Audrey’s book is being shopped around thanks to the dagger next to Claw on the bestseller list, which = bulk sales = dodgy business = Chinese bots tweeting = Quinn is the worst (math doesn’t lie) = Audrey doesn’t want to be associated with anything suspicious on account of the fact she’s been accused of murdering two ppl (fair). I do want to back this truck up a little though to the way Kelsey and Liza discovered their next big hit was being pitched to half the major publishing houses around town.

Diana Trout hobbling into the office on crutches before dropping the bomb that her injury was the result of being so frazzled upon hearing the news re: Audrey going elsewhere, that she got caught up in her reformer (just go and re-watch this scene, you will not be sorry) is everything I never knew I wanted to see. The reference to Jackie Dunn, who you may remember has been a longstanding nemesis of sorts of Diana’s, was such an utter delight as a long time fan and once again, seeing Kelsey, Liza and Diana all equally vexed by the news was so great and continued to solidify them as a team. I promise no more direct quotes* (*this is a very loose promise), but ‘postpone the power-trip Kelsey, I am handicapped’ in response to Kelsey’s stunned expression upon Diana’s request for espresso, is so outrageously funny and makes this whole scene an absolute stand out on account of its hilarity.

I missed Lauren and Diana interacting this week, however I appreciated seeing Lauren be the wonderful friend she is to Maggie and Josh. Taking Maggie to the support group obviously allowed us to meet Beth, who Maggie engaged for some one on one tutoring (looking forward to seeing where that goes this season) after returning to the store to apologise for running out during the group session. While Maggie was lining up her ongoing therapy, Lauren and Josh shared a sweet and heartfelt moment that highlights why their friendship is such a lovely one on this show. Obviously Josh had told Lauren that he and Clare had a moment that made him think, ‘maybe we should make this relationship work’ and Lauren is following up to see where his head and heart are at.

I absolutely loved said scene between Clare and Josh, when he had finally settled the baby, asks Clare if she wants to go to her bed and then joins her on the floor when she says she sleeps where she can now. There was such a sense of unity and care and it made my heart swell. So in his discussion with Lauren we also find out the baby is named Gemma (last name TBC, for both father and daughter) and when pressed about what he actually wants, Josh reveals that he doesn’t think he and Clare are right for each other. I have said it before, but for all the wacky that Lauren can be, she is the most incredible friend who only wants the best for those around her in such a relentless and genuine way and this scene really highlighted that once again (the line about her dad having such a little bottom though brought us straight back to Lauren light in the best possible way).

The divorce proposal was such a great scene and while I was hoping that perhaps Clare and Josh could work things out, I am thrilled to see that the writers put both these characters on the same page right from the get go. I love that this show constantly bucks stereotypes and expectations of how certain characters and relationships will play out, so to see two adults who have an agreed desire to put their child first but know they need to do so outside a romantic relationship is something really unique on television. I have always enjoyed Josh and Clare’s dynamic and I hope we get to see a real, loving co-parenting arrangement play out.

Kelsey’s interaction with Zane when she was buying a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate scoring Audrey’s book (eek!) is my favourite interaction of theirs this season. Their banter was really effortless, Zane’s, ‘you’re not listening’, as he pulled out the cash to pay for the one remaining bottle smooth and a little bit over confident, but really played up that he has something in the works that is legit. I especially love that we later discover both are buying champagne to celebrate the same win. I feel like we also need to stop and appreciate that they were about to drop $400 between them on two bottles of bubbles like it was no big deal. What is this life? How do I get it?

Though admittedly Kelsey deserves a nice glass of something this ep considering all that she is dealing with. I have made no secret that I have struggled with Kelsey’s character these past couple of seasons and no one is more surprised than me at how much I am getting on board with her this season. Kelsey calling out Quinn point blank that she faked her best seller was so good to watch and seeing Liza backing her up and standing her own ground made this extra satisfying. Gah, I just LOVE how Laura Benanti plays Quinn and her stating that ‘the money is real, what else do you need?’ is so cold and matter-of-fact. What I love most about this whole confrontation is that it immediately made me think back to the first time we met Quinn - her whole presentation was about the fact that no one wants your success more than you do and that women helping women is actually holding women back. That right there should’ve been the red flag that her “helping” Liza and Kelsey was not legit.

And so her true motivation for investing in Empirical becomes evident. It had nothing to do with saving an ailing publishing house, it was to ensure her book would be published, she could have some control over how big it would become and be seen to have the support of a reputable publishing house, all in order to gain name recognition so she could successfully run for Senate. In her mind, Kelsey and Liza benefit from the whole thing financially so it’s a win win but she also holds the power so feels like she has the upper hand. Which is why the scene at The Cut (which is so fab, the looks Quinn shoots Kelsey are searing), when audience members question the dagger next to her book, is so damn satisfying. Kelsey’s move to announce Quinn’s run for Senate is so bold, I am very on board and boy oh boy Kels, I think you’ve got yourself quite the adversary. I was very much Liza watching this all unfold, shocked, impressed and a little bit scared for and of Kelsey and what this all means.

Now Liza was late to the event because she was living out the next chapter of the podcast at the Brownstone which we need to discuss, however I first owe some of you an apology. At the end of last week’s ramble I suggested you may need a fire blanket at the ready after seeing the museum scene sneak peek to you know, contain the flames. I fear some of you may have deployed it prematurely (this is not a euphemism though I am very aware it sounds like one) in response to how damn hot that scene was, but I was not to know that we were going to get this later scene, in which Liza just wanders into the townhouse BECAUSE SHE HAS A FREAKING KEY (suspected ep 2, confirmed ep 3, appreciated always) and decides to have a good old snoop at her bf’s mail. Similar to the museum scene, this set up felt more like a movie than a typical Younger episode. There was an ominous weight to it; the music, the lighting, the Charles padding silently up behind her (barefoot again?) and the tension was palpable.

Liza asks Charles about what’s going on, he provides a vague answer about moving some things around before asking her if she’s listened to chapter 7 of Exonerated, which conveniently mirrors almost exactly what just occurred, with Audrey’s ex finding her going through his things. Ok, so this is where it gets tricky for me. This entire exchange, from the way these two fall into that speaking in third person and wrapping a narrative around themselves, the way Charles wraps his arms around her, the way they look at each other, I mean, this whole thing makes my heart spontaneously combust because it is sexy and flirty, dripping with desire and just really really hot *reaches for backup fire blanket*. But then Liza is clearly distracted by that letter and Charles’ deflection and part of me is wondering why on Earth she isn’t pressing him harder for an answer or following up, I mean, we saw how open they were with one another last season, but then the other part of me looks at Liza and thinks, you are a person who has eyes and that whole situation is right there in front of you so I get it, go with it and worry about it later.

I am aware of how long this ramble already is, but I am going to do something a little different here and digress slightly from the episode itself and put out some conjecture on my part. It could well be completely over-analysing (lol, I’m neck deep into a freaking novella about a 25 min episode of TV, I think that’s a given) but I know that there is concern about Charles behaving secretively and I have seen some people expressing disappointment in this season so far.

For what it’s worth, my take on it is that it might seem as though some of the characters are behaving a little out of character but I feel that actually, the characters are behaving in ways we haven’t seen before because they’re in situations we haven’t seen them in before. As invested viewers we feel like we know these characters as whole people in every aspect of their lives when in fact, we’ve not seen Liza at the top of her game in her career or Josh as a parent or Charles in a romantic relationship or away from the office. So while the way they behave might not be the way we imagined it, to me it isn’t so much out of character as seeing a new dimension of the character. Also, the addition of flaws does not necessarily equate to destroying a character, it builds them out and makes them more real, if anything.

In relation to Charles and Liza’s relationship and the ‘Charles is being shady’ concern, IMO the key purpose of that is to create tension and you can FEEL it building. As crazy as it may sound, I think the Liza/Charles dynamic thrives in the build and resolution of tension and that’s why their moments in this episode felt so electric and hot, it’s like those unspoken, unresolved tension points charge their chemistry. As much as I think I would love to have Charles and Liza sitting around blissfully happy (I mean, I would obvs), the reality is, it’s not that fun to watch. I believe the tension is building towards a resolution of sorts that will actually put them in a better place and move the relationship forward. (*Full disclosure: since writing this I listened to the podcast from ATX fest and Joe Murphy, one of the writers for Younger, said very similar things so if you listened to that podcast I promise I have not just taken what Joe said and pretended they’re my thoughts, I legit had this written and then heard (ngl, I may be feeling a little smug as a result). I’m putting it down to us both being Australian because clearly that is a thing that makes sense).

I also think there is an unsettled feeling this season because the entire premise of this show, the roles these characters played, the interactions we have grown accustomed to week after week, has been completely flipped upside down. As viewers we garner comfort from the routine of watching a show but also from knowing where the players are positioned, how they will behave and what it looks and feels like. I think the writers know exactly what they’re doing and are achieving exactly what they would’ve hoped (apologies writers if this is wildly inaccurate and I’m just assuming things incorrectly left, right and centre) - everyone is sitting in discomfort and it’s largely due to the unfamiliarity of it all. The set up, the way we’re seeing characters etc, it reflects what the characters themselves are experiencing on our screens, which is all kinds of meta and actually pretty cool. But the further you push that discomfort and make viewers sit in it, the greater the impact and more satisfying the resolution. It’s like waiting for a beat to drop in a song, the build up can become almost unbearable but damn it’s good when it lands. That’s how I feel this is all going to go.

That is what I meant by this episode feeling like an apex, it feels as though there’s a limit to how far an audience can be taken in a state of flux without some resolve somewhere. And the writers know this, it’s what they do, it’s WHY we tune in. I’m not suggesting that everything is going to go back to the way it was, the evolution of a show like Younger is exciting and part of the fun is seeing where it goes, but we are three episodes in to a twelve episode season and while we consume it week to week, it ultimately has to make narrative sense across the whole season. It’s as though we’re at the end of an ‘establishing’ phase right now. So I am reserving any judgement until I see how it all comes together, but have no doubt there will be many resolutions and many new points of tension throughout.

Right now, I am thoroughly enjoying all that we’re getting and I think the writing this season has been excellent so far, with moments like the final scene of ‘The Unusual Suspect’ providing us with the first true cliffhanger of the season. Our last bit of Redmond for the ep was peak Redmond (I love that he dashed off to a better table uptown), and of course the big Mercury reveal, YESSS. That moment of realisation washing over Liza’s face, props to Sutton Foster, and I cannot WAIT to see how this all goes down. The prospect of inter-generational team ups of Kelsey/Liza vs. Zane/Charles while members of each team are in relationships with one another is the kind of set up I live for in a TV show. Is it July 10th yet?