Hand Habits has shared one final single from their new mini-album, Sugar the Bruise, ahead of its release on Friday (June 16). ‘The Bust of Nefertiti’ follows the previously released offerings ‘Private Life’ and ‘Something Wrong’, both of which made our Best New Songs list. Check it out via the accompanying visual below.
Angelo De Augustine Releases New Song ‘Toil and Trouble’
Angelo De Augustine has released ‘Toil and Trouble’, the title track from his
upcoming album, which is out June 30 via Asthmatic Kitty Records. Following earlier cuts ‘The Ballad of Betty and Barney Hill’ and ‘Another Universe’, the song comes paired with a self-directed claymation video created by Clara Murray. Check it out below.
Speaking about ‘Toil and Trouble’, De Augustine said in a statement: “As we all know, we are living in a world within another. A place of specific curation and design where the mind is the chief architect in command. I often wonder who the mind is working for? Who is behind the curtain pulling the strings and transmitting the messages?”
Clara Murray added of the video: “‘Toil and Trouble’ takes place in a dusty room alight with magic, tucked away but teeming with magic. Flying pop-up books and a singing cauldron give birth to mystical creatures, tapped into a sorcery seemingly both wicked and holy.”
Julia Jacklin Covers Roland Howard’s ‘Shivers’
Julia Jacklin has shared a cover of Roland S. Howard’s ‘Shivers’, a song first released by Nick Cave’s band Boys Next Door in 1979. Give it a listen below.
The rendition of ‘Shivers’ is Jacklin’s contribution to a new compilation honouring Australian producer Tony Cohen, who recorded the original version of the track as well as records by the Birthday Party, the Go-Betweens, Hunters & Collectors, and Nick Cave. RVG, Leah Senior, and Grace Cummings also contributed to the collection, which accompanies a book about Cohen’s life titled Half Deaf, Completely Mad, written by John Olson.
“It’s been covered a lot, but it’s a special one for me,” Jacklin said in a statement. “It was one of the first songs I ever learnt to play. Many Sydney bars, venues and open mic nights have heard me sing this song. Howard wrote it at 16 and I’ve always loved how much the lyrics capture that type of unbridled, dramatic teenage infatuation. The kind that physically hurts but also makes you laugh at yourself.”
Jacklin released her latest album, PRE PLEASURE, last year.
Posthumous Sparklehorse Album Announced: Hear New Single ‘Evening Star Supercharger’
A new posthumous Sparklehorse album has been announced. Bird Machine is set to arrive on September 8 via -Anti. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘Evening Star Supercharger’, alongside a video featuring recovered handwritten lyrics by Mark Linkous. Check it out and find the album details below.
According to a press release, Mark Linkous began work on what he planned to be the fifth Sparklehorse LP in 2009. The album was recorded with Steve Albini in Chicago and finished several years later by Mark’s brother Matt, sister-in-law Melissa, and Bryan Hoffa, an audio preservation specialist at the Library of Congress’ National Audio-Visual Conservation Center. “It was as though the songs let you know,” Melissa remarked. “Mark communicated these songs. We just did our best to transmit them.”
“It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” Matt said of completing the album. “It’s difficult making a choice about someone else’s art, even if you’ve known them all your life and worked with them, even if they were your brother and best friend. We had long conversations about not wanting to take this into a different direction. We wanted to bring out what was there.”
Alan Weatherhead co-produced Bird Machine with Matt and Melissa. The record was mixed by Joel Hamilton and mastered by Greg Calbi. “It means so much to me, this last batch of beautiful stuff that my brother was putting together,” Matt added. “When I sit down and put on a pair of headphones, I’ll run it all the way through. Everything from ‘It Will Never Stop’ to ‘Evening Star Supercharger’ to ‘Stay’, that’s Mark just letting it out.”
Bird Machine will include the previously unveiled single ‘It Will Never Stop’.
Bird Machine Cover Artwork:
Bird Machine Tracklist:
1. It Will Never Stop
2. Kind Ghosts
3. Evening Star Supercharger
4. O Child
5.Falling Down
6. I Fucked It Up
7. Hello Lord
8. Daddy’s Gone
9. Chaos of the Universe
10. Listening to the Higsons
11. Everybody’s Gone to Sleep
12. Scull of Lucia
13. Blue
14. Stay
ANOHNI and the Johnsons Share New Single ‘Sliver of Ice’
ANOHNI and the Johnsons have released a new song, ‘Sliver of Ice’, alongside an accompanying video. It’s taken from their forthcoming LP My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross, which was announced last month with the single ‘It Must Change’. Check it out below.
“A friend of mine expressed to me in the final months of his life that the simplest sensations had begun to feel almost rapturous; a carer had placed a shard of ice on his tongue one day and it was such a sweet and unbelievable feeling that it caused him to weep with gratitude,” ANOHNI commented in a statement. “He was a hardcore kind of guy and these moments were transforming the way he was seeing things. I wrote ‘Sliver of Ice,’ remembering those words of his.”
My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross comes out July 7 on Secretly Canadian/Rough Trade.
Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme Reveals He Was Diagnosed With Cancer in 2022
Just days ahead of the release of their new album In Times New Roman, Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer last year in a new interview with Revolver.
“I never say it can’t get any worse. I never say that, and I wouldn’t advise it. But I do say it can get better,” Homme said. “Cancer is just the cherry on top of an interesting time period, you know? I’m extremely thankful that I’ll get through this, and I’ll look back at this as something that’s fucked up — but will have made me better. I’m cool with that. There’s a lot of stuff I want to do. And there’s a lot of people I want to do that with.”
Homme added: “I definitely had a serious case of emotion sickness. There were times I almost didn’t make it. It’s OK for me to ruminate on that. It’s not OK to stay there, feel too sorry for myself. This has been the darkest four years of my life. But that’s OK, too. In the heartaches, my mistakes, these deaths and my own physical things I’m dealing with — even though all that has occurred and smashed my old life to pieces, those pieces I’ve been able to build into a ship that’s about to launch. I will float into my new life from all those pieces.”
In Times New Roman is out this Friday, June 16. So far, the record has been previewed by the singles ‘Emotion Sickness’ and ‘Carnavoyeur’.
Watch Spotlight: Grand Seiko Heritage Shunbun Cherry Blossom
Taking its inspiration from Japan’s ‘fleeting sakura’ season, this majestic Grand Seiko Heritage Shunbun Cherry Blossom is a modern reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic 62GS from 1967, which became Grand Seiko’s first automatic piece to enter the market. In this piece, I’ll explore why I adore this iconic piece by the beloved Grand Seiko.
Design
The dial of this watch offers a captivating visual experience, transporting you to Hana-Ikada, a beloved scene during Shunbun, just after the spring equinox. It beautifully depicts the moment when cherry blossom petals, carried by the wind, delicately blanket the surface of a river. Its textured surface and gentle pale pink colour capture the enchantment of this cherished occasion in the Japanese calendar.
With a diameter of 40mm, the piece fits nicely on the wrist, and its strap and case are made of titanium, allowing it to be stronger and lighter than most stainless steel watches. Besides, it has a water resistance of 10 bar (100 metres), so you won’t have to worry about damage while going for a casual swim.
Movement
The cherry on top for some but certainly for those that adore a great movement is that this watch comes with the self-winding Spring Drive movement (calibre 9R65). It has excellent accuracy with a power reserve of around three days and 30 jewels, ensuring smoothness and less friction.
Conclusion
Grand Seiko’s have grown on many people in the last five years. Much of it is due to the adoption of influential figures on the social media space and the rightful hype of their Spring Drive movement. This Heritage Shunbun Cherry Blossom is no exception to the quality that Grand Seiko produce. It’s true that Grand Seiko typically isn’t considered a sound investment, but they certainly deliver on quality and individuality. At £6,200, this piece certainly tickles the interest, and while many other great options come at this price point and below by artisan brands in Switzerland and Germany, the calibre and the beautiful dial would seal the deal when it comes to this style of watch.
5 Must-Have Perfumes for Men (Summer Edition)
Smelling great is an all-season necessity. From Marc Jacobs perfumes to Tom Ford, brands love to own each season. Yet, with each season it’s fun to change-up the way we represent ourselves through the sense of smell. This applies to a typical British summer as well (if we can call it that). In this post, we’ll be gazing at some of our favourite perfumes for men that are suited to the season of summer.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Embracing notes of tobacco leaf and vanilla ginger, the iconic Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford is a powerful and opulent perfume suited for modern sophisticated gentlemen. It’s a classy wear and while moodier than others on the list, it’s appropriate for late night formal events and cocktail parties.
Suitable for: A person looking for a woodier and more intruiging smell that elevates class.
Creed Aventus
Creed Aventus is one of the most recognised names in perfumery and certainly stands out as a safe option if you’re looking for a spirited and contemporary perfume. With notes of lemon, pink pepper, apple, jasmine & patchouli, cedarwood and others — you won’t go unnoticed with Aventus.
Suitable for: A person looking for an established perfume that delivers on its performence and captivating notes.
D.S. & Durga Amber Kiso
A delicate and woody scent emanates from D.S. & Durga’s Amber Kiso eau de parfum, named after the fabled forest in Japan prized by samurai. The eau de parfum has top notes of Japanese cedar, incense, sawara cypress combined with heartier notes of iris, patchouli, and asahi zuru maple.
Suitable for: A person looking for refined perfume that whispers elegance and confidence.
Creed Royal Water
With Royal Water, Creed offers another alternative to the well-known Aventus. As a tribute to the next generation of Windsor dynasty, Olivier Creed created the perfume with the intent of evoking sophistication, youth and charm. As far as I am concerned, it does just that. Featuring cedarwood and musk in its base notes, verbena, mandarin, and bergamot in its top notes, this blend is well suited for summer wear.
Suitable for: A person looking for a graceful and lively perfume for the summer.
Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza
With its citrusy, fresh, and yet masculine notes, Colonia Essenza by Acqua di Parma is the perfect perfume for summer. With its distinct top notes of lemon and orange, which are complemented by the vetiver and patchouli base notes, this perfume makes a wonderful summer perfume.
Suitable for: A person looking for lively, masculine perfume that strikes well with its citrus accords.
Artist Interview: Multimedia Artist Meichun Cai Achieves A Broader Dimension of Art
Art should not be a one-way output. With an attitude of openness, multimedia artist Meichun Cai upgrades the value of individual artists to a discussion on the boundless possibilities of new forms of life. By leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and holographic projection, Cai is able to frame her imagination of the future.
Q：Would you briefly introduce yourself?
A： My name is Meichun Cai, a multimedia artist and designer. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the School of Visual Arts and my master’s degree at Harvard University, with a focus on design technology. My work explores the multifaceted relationships between humans, nature and machines in the context of emerging technologies. My research areas include immersive storytelling, cognitive augmentation, mixed reality, installation and 3D printing. Some of my recent works have been selected for the SXSW Art Program and exhibited in China, North America and Europe.
Q: What made you switch from fine arts to technology design?
A: During my undergraduate, I studied the spatial needs and behavioral habits of the target user groups in the early stages of design, and then created a tailored physical space – it was all about molding the tangible world to meet specific needs. However, I soon realized that physical space wasn’t the final frontier. There existed a potential to extend, modify, and reimagine these spaces through the powerful lens of technology. My first professional experience at an international architecture firm exposed me to advanced approaches like building information modeling, virtual reality and computational design. These tools didn’t just enhance productivity, they fundamentally altered the way we approached design and made it more efficient, more adaptive, and infinitely more creative. Consequently, I decided to focus on the intersection of design and technology.
Q: What is your design philosophy of Building Toy?
A: My fundamental goal was to reimagine the relationship between space, function, and human interaction. Traditional architecture often remains static and pre-defined by practical considerations. However, when I encountered VR, I began contemplating the possibility of creating a space that could dynamically respond to human behavior. In turn, the people within it would be influenced by this dynamic space and respond to it in distinctive ways, instigating a continuous, symbiotic exchange between space and inhabitants. This transforms space from a mere passive object, shaped to serve human needs, into a sentient entity, much akin to a “living organism”. It perceives, reacts, and evolves – it has an essence of life, a sense of consciousness that echoes human attributes.
Q: What are you looking to achieve in your project Metamorphosis?
A: My focus lies in exploring the liminal spaces that exist between the human and non-human, the organic and inorganic, and reimagining our understanding of the world from a more-than-human perspective. By collecting environmental datasets such as microscopic images of minerals and satellite images, and training them with AI models, I re-generate new datasets that can reconstruct fluid, dynamic, and ever-changing representations of human bodies. Through this combination, I seek to disrupt the hierarchical structure that privileges humans over non-humans. Contemporary design and art practices are predominantly anchored in anthropocentrism, with an emphasis on the individual self and a binary opposition to “the other”. I aspire to reconsider how we can embrace difference, iterate ourselves, and shape a diverse future from a transhumanist vision.
(Metamorphosis, by Meichun Cai, Yiou Wang)
Q: What distinguishes your work from digital art in general?
A: I use modern technology as an embodied instrument to assist in design processes, encouraging me to experiment with ideas and create paradigm shifts. While I have worked with various technologies such as holographic projection, virtual and augmented reality, photogrammetry and computational design, digital means are not the exclusive mediums through which I bring my vision to life. Some of the installations and sculptures I have made also involved manual processes. The line between reality and virtuality is blurred and relative. What I prioritize is the humanistic metaphor of the collective rather than self-indulgence as the main theme.
Q: How do you ensure all your works are “creative”?
A: Part of my creative process stems from extensive interdisciplinary research. I draw inspiration and support from diverse disciplines such as architecture, material science, and cognitive science, collaborating with experts in various fields to navigate and create within a realm that is rich with unknowns, yet profoundly interconnected. The definition of creativity extends beyond private emotional expression, which connects individuals to the outside world at different levels. It allows us to delve into our emotions and think beyond ourselves to contribute to the larger, shared narrative. Additionally, I find myself constantly drawn towards subjects that challenge me, that push me out of my comfort zone and compel me to work with mediums that I may not have been previously well-versed in. But I see it as an exhilarating experience.
Mindblowing Benefits of Playing at Litecoin Casinos
Popular cryptocurrency Litecoin provides quicker and less expensive transactions than Bitcoin. Online Litecoin casino has also grown in popularity, and most sites are authorized and unaffiliated with any financial organization. Like other crypto casinos, the Litecoin blockchain network verifies Litecoin transactions, keeping them safe from fraud and hacker attempts.
Before playing casino games, including table games, online slots, and live dealer games, users register by giving personal information and making their initial deposit. Litecoin casinos provide deposit benefits with a promo code, like welcome bonuses and free spins. It is advised to contact customer service by live chat, email, or phone.
Top Litecoin casinos run lawfully under the supervision of reputable gaming regulatory agencies and have industry-standard security measures in place. The key benefits of playing at the best Litecoin casinos are highlighted in this article.
Benefits Of Litecoin Casinos
When registering at a casino, many beginners like having different options. The following features are available at the best Litecoin casinos: –
International Appeal
Users may visit Litecoin casino websites from all corners of the online gambling sector. These online casinos are drawing an increasing number of new players from various countries since they provide some of the quickest transactions at the most affordable rates. Casinos accept Litecoin in several countries, including New Zealand, Canada, the US, and Australia. Due to regulations, playing online casino games in some countries is illegal.
Reliability
Litecoin offers a very safe option to deposit funds in your casino account. However, it’s crucial to be sure that the LTC wallets or online gambling services taking the funds are dependable and secure. Experts encourage customers to think about the LTC casino site’s reputation rather than focusing just on arbitrary factors like the number of games they offer.
Players should read user casino evaluations that evaluate a casino’s capacity for awarding huge prizes and how its customer service personnel handles customers.
Speed
It is a rapid replacement for conventional payment methods since every transaction inside the top Litecoin casino is quicker and safer than traditional ones. There is no need to wait days or deal with difficulties with Litecoin transactions or human errors while using the best Litecoin casinos that accept this payment option.
The decentralized blockchain network is used for online transactions since Litecoin is not connected to any central bank or organization. The Litecoin casino website has the fastest transaction processing times.
Versatility
The variety of casino games is another aspect that is important to consider. Popular table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette are available at the top Litecoin casinos. Several Litecoin-accepting online casinos provide specialized games, including keno, crypto-craps, scratch cards, crypto-bingo, and other games.
Live dealer games for popular games like Litecoin blackjack, Litecoin roulette, Super 6 baccarat, and others are now offered by an expanding number of Litecoin casinos.
Earning Extra Income
Online casinos that allow LTC deposits in other cryptocurrencies have understood that using this payment option on gaming sites saves them both time and money.
Due to this, many Litecoin casinos have begun giving sizable and substantial online casino bonus offers, such as the welcome bonus, welcome package, free spins, and bonus codes. The greatest Litecoin bonuses and promotions (including welcome and no deposit bonuses) are now available to gamblers, giving them an extra opportunity to make sizable sums.
Good Bonuses
At casinos, all new customers are given significant welcome bonuses. Compared to other well-known cryptocurrencies, using LTC is less expensive and quicker. However, this makes it simpler for online casinos to accept several cryptocurrencies in place of fiat money.
Large bonuses occasionally appear in advertisements as welcome bonuses or no-deposit for Litecoin. Most Litecoin-accepting online casinos also include a conversion function, allowing players to play fun games by turning their cryptocurrency deposits into fiat money. Additionally, the top Litecoin casinos typically give players who sign up using fiat cash more incentives. Users can exchange their fiat money for Litecoin rather than bet with actual money.
Lower Fees
Online casino players may withdraw and deposit Litecoin free from transaction fees and other expenditures. The blockchain often requires significant restrictions and low transaction costs to complete a transaction. The miners instantly collect commissions to make a deposit or payment. Because online LTC casinos do not impose transaction fees, players should take caution while making deposits. However, the blockchain does.
The averages of these minor transaction costs vary. Deposits made with credit cards that enable Litecoin payments are still subject to substantially lower fees at online casinos. Payments made by bank transfer incur much higher transaction fees and are frequently processed more slowly.
Anonymous Gaming
Since Litecoin transactions use a public wallet number rather than the player’s private information, you should know that every transaction is private. Users may safely purchase Litecoin with conventional fiat currency because of the software-based wallets. Thus, it is necessary to inform players of the following goals.
Gamblers can thus access platforms completely anonymously and in private. Open a wallet with a public address and private keys to send and receive Litecoin. It will be easier to prevent theft if you store the private keys for your Bitcoin wallet offline and securely.
Faster Transactions
Most Litecoin casinos provide quicker casino deposits and withdrawals than conventional money transfers, which typically take some time to complete. Litecoin transactions are processed approximately four times faster than those on the Bitcoin network, taking between 2.5 and 10 minutes to complete.
However, this is only feasible since the top online casinos in 2023 employ encrypted networks, and Litecoin is separate from banks or businesses.
Conclusion
After extensive study and analysis, we can confidently declare that the top Litecoin casinos are a force to be reckoned with in online gaming. Litecoin has swiftly gained popularity among online players because of its blazing-fast transaction times and cheaper costs than Bitcoin.
The benefits of adopting Litecoin for online gaming are apparent, regardless of your experience level. You may effortlessly and smoothly play your preferred Litecoin casino games without delays if you have instant access to your money. Why then wait? Experience the finest anonymous, safe online gaming by trying out a Litecoin casino.
