The Naked and Famous released their debut album Passive Me, Aggressive You in the fourth quarter of a tumultuous 2010. The synthpop indie album was a breath of fresh air, an anthem of happiness and energy. Listening to the New Zealand outfit’s catchy, pounding synth somehow makes you feel like everything is going to be all right. The wait between their debut album and its successor was only a couple of years, but the painful lapse felt far longer. At last, the follow-up In Rolling Waves is here, and it does not disappoint.
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Review – “Prisoners”
A short ways into Prisoners, there is a quote on the radio about the importance of patience and penance, and working through trying times. The Lord’s Prayer is uttered at least twice, and faith plays a prominent role. But every man has a breaking point, and different ways of handling hardships.
Continue readingReview – “The World’s End”
There is nothing inherently wrong with nostalgia, but if you’re not careful, you into one of those guys who listens to Springsteen’s “Glory Days” and utters the words, “High school was the best time of my life.” In Edgar Wright’s new sci-fi-comedy The World’s End, that guy is Gary King.
Continue readingAlbum Review: Nine Inch Nails – “Hesitation Marks”
Reznor’s music was always so full of hatred, solipsism and self-loathing, I’m pretty sure everyone thought he was going to kill himself. Between his anger and past drug addictions, I think everyone is just surprised that he now has a supermodel wife, two kids and is a well-respected soundtrack composer (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network).
Continue readingReview: The To Do List
Taking place in 1993, the movie revolves around Brandy Klark, played by Parks and Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza. Unlike her past roles where she was a malcontent or snarking hipster, Plaza’s Brandy is a tightly-wound nerd who has dominated all her classes and extracurricular activities, graduating top of her high school class.
Continue readingReview: Jobs
Although the role for Steve Jobs is played by the unexpected Ashton Kutcher, who’s most memorable from “That 70’s Show” as playing the notoriously unintelligent role of Kelso, he puts on a remarkable performance that’s captivating, and wistful.
Continue readingAlbum Review: Washed Out – Paracosm
Ernest Greene started out as a jobless librarian recording music on his computer in the upstairs bedroom of his parent’s house. They were humble beginnings that did nothing to dampen the allure of a young man who would become known as Washed Out.
Continue readingAlbum Review: BLKHRTS – Death, Romance, and the Color BLK
Combining the disparate worlds of gothic music and hip hop, BLKHRTS exemplify the creativity that the Colorado music scene generates. Denver rappers King F.O.E., Yonnas Abraham, and Karma the Voice have produced an album of fast and unflinching lyrics layered over droning and reverberating synth lines.
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