The latest collaboration includes the electronic-phenom Bonobo and the superb Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. In their throwback-filled track ‘Heartbreak’, the household names of electronic music decided to take it back and pay tribute to the disco scene in New York City over the ’70s and ’80s. In terms of production, we hear a lot of raw drum samples mixed with melodious synths and delay-filled vocal samples that pull us back in time, making it perfect for the weekend.
The Habits ‘Amelia’
The Habits, an up-and-coming alt/pop duo comprised of singer and guitarist Wolf Bradley and drummer Andrew Macatrao, have revealed their latest single ‘Amelia’ — just yesterday. The single marks the first song from their forthcoming EP What’s The Worst That Could Happen.
‘Amelia’ is a catchy piece of music that is potent to the listener with its ear-pleasing melody and easy to absorb lyrics. Whilst from the outside, the production sounds delightful, the songs melancholic side can be quite mood-altering.
Kowloon ‘Come Over’
‘Come Over’ by Kowloon, a singer-songwriter out of Los Angeles, California, is one of the more irresistible pieces to come out this year. With a minimal production that thrives on prominent vocals, we are taken in from the get-go with the sharp beat of the song. Kowloon’s ability to use subtle elements to elevate the mood of the song is something to take note of too; in fact, it shows maturity from an artist whose first release ‘Walk With Me’ came out just earlier this year.
For an album composed and performed almost entirely by Robin Pecknold, Shore might be Fleet Foxes’ most extroverted release to date. The singer-songwriter’s voice doesn’t even feature on the opening track of the record, ‘Wading in Waist-High Water’, where he calls on a relatively unknown singer, the Oxford student Uwade Akhere, to take on vocal duties. When it does emerge on the follow-up, ‘Sunblind’, he uses it to pay tribute to a number of artists who have passed away, from Richard Swift to Judee Sill and Elliott Smith. His lyricism might appear to be a result of deep introspection – such indie folk records are always assumed to be – but this time, it involved making “playlists of hundreds of warm songs to immerse myself in,” as he explained in a lengthy statement, the same one where he uses the phrase “thank you” more than I think anyone ever has in a press release.
It comes as no surprise, then, that Shore is an album whose heart teems with warmth and gratitude. Even as it moves towards a more self-reflective mode, it loses none of its graceful spirit: Pecknold seems intent on absorbing all the beauty of the world around him and using that energy to craft richly textured, gloriously beautiful folk music that’s as personal as it is universal. If the lush walls of sound and ear-pleasing melodies in early Fleet Foxes records were a means of masking the post-adolescent fears and anxieties that lurked underneath, here they serve as a genuine expression of newfound joy and hope in the face of the same kind of existential dread. On the exuberant ‘Young Man’s Game’, he professes to having moved on from the songwriting approach that helped him and his collaborators appear far more mature than their age: “I could worry through each night/ Find something unique to say/ I could pass as erudite/ But it’s a young man’s game,” he sings.
Fleet Foxes’ last album, 2017’s long-awaited Crack-Up, was a knotty, often inscrutable project that seemed to collapse in on itself, leaving you wandering just as it gave you something to hold on to. As compelling as it was overwhelming, the record was steeped in conflict, searching for resolution amidst all the uncertainty and ultimately resting on “I can’t go on, I must go on” as its mission statement. By contrast, Shore is just as complex but much less fragmented: rather being torn between different notions, it oscillates between them, finding comfort in a sense of equilibrium. This explicitly metamodern approach is best epitomised on what is perhaps the most essential song on the album, the light yet life-affirming ‘Featherweight’, where he admits to “staging life as a battleground” in the past, but now holds “love and hate in the balance” and relishes in such simple pleasures as witnessing another warm day.
It’s not that the album resorts to the kind of naivety that would make finding solace seem as easy as adding a letter after the word “war”, and neither does it abscond the musical adventurousness or hefty subject matter of Crack-Up. While both albums are forces of nature drawing on similar elements, one good look at their respective covers makes the differences between them crystal clear: if Crack-Up felt like riding along a wild and unpredictable wave, Shore flows peacefully from one song to the next, leading quietly into its natural point of conclusion. It might not be as experimental or dense as its predecessor, but it is still far-reaching and thoughtful in its composition, from the sweeping orchestral arrangements on the reinvigorating ‘Cradling Mother, Cradling Woman’ to the captivating vocal harmonies that colour ‘Jara’.
On the whole, Shore is as delightfully rich and refined as you would expect a Fleet Foxes record to be – so much so that its 15 tracks are almost too much to take in – but it is also direct and open-hearted in ways that are new and exciting. While Crack-Up felt like it could be a bittersweet but fitting ending to the Fleet Foxes canon, Shore feels like the kind of conclusion that comes with the promise of new beginnings, as if Pecknold could just keep building atop what he has made as he watches the seasons change and continues to hone his craft,
Ever since its inception, Fleet Foxes has been a project defined by its dual nature: more of a solo endeavour during the songwriting phase, but a collaborative process when it came to touring. But as the band will be unable to tour in support of Shore, Pecknold is already planning to release nine new songs come 2021, though this time co-written with the rest of the group, as a means of making up for that loss. This might have come as a bit of surprise a month ago – say, when Pecknold first debuted ‘Featherweight’ – but listening to the track in the context of this deeply empathetic record, bringing others into his creative process seems like the only possible path forward. As he sings on the chorus, “We’ve only made it together/ Feel some change in the weather/ I couldn’t, though I’m beginning to.”
Bon Iver‘s Justin Vernon performed ’22 (OVER S∞∞N)’ as part of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert‘s #PlayAtHome series. Vernon offered a meditative new take on the opener to his 2016 album 22, A Million, while his face was covered with the message ‘Wisconsin/Register to Vote Online or By Mail/By/Wednesday/October 14/2020′. Check our his performance below.
Earlier this week, Vernon and Eaux Claires Festival launched the voting initiative For Wisconsin. “Free speech and freedom begin and end with voting,” a statement read. “If you don’t mark your ballot someone else will define your Wisconsin and your future.”
Bon Iver recently released the singles ‘PDLIF’ and ‘AUATC’. Their last album was 2019’s i, i. Vernon recently contributed to Taylor Swift’s new album folklore.
Chicago rapper Polo G has shared a new song called ‘Epidemic’. It arrives with an accompanying music video directed by Ryan Lynch. Check it out below.
‘Epidemic’ marks the first new music from the rapper since the release of his most recent studio album THE GOAT back in May. Earlier this week, he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon! for a performance of his song ‘Martin & Gina’. Polo G was recently named as a member of this year’s XXL Freshman Class.
So far in 2020, Swae has released a series of one-off singles, including ‘Someone Said’, ‘Reality Check’, and ‘Back 2 Back Maybach’. He was also featured on Chloe x Halle’s latest album Ungodly Hour. His last album was 2018’s Swaecation.
Aminé was the musical guest on Friday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! The Portland rapper performed the Limbo tracks ‘Burden’ and ‘Woodlawn’ from a hot air balloon emblazoned with flags from around the world as well as Black Lives Matter messaging. Watch the performance below.
Limbo, the follow-up to 2018’s ONEPOINTFIVE, came out back in August. The LP features guest contributions from Young Thug, slowthai, Vince Staples, Summer Walker, and more.
Game fans worldwide are hotly anticipating various video games that are due to be launched in 2021. Here is a look at five of the most eagerly awaited.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Due for release in early 2021, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the sixth entry in the TT Games series, and it looks to be just as fun as its predecessors. Unlike most other Lego video games, in Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, you can choose to start the game from any of the nine Skywalker saga episodes, and you can complete them in any order you choose. Each episode contains five missions, so there is a total of 45 levels to keep you entertained for hours on end. The game will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Windows.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood
Part of the World of Darkness series, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood is based on White Wolf Publishing’s table-top RPG Werewolf: The Apocalypse. This game’s plot concerns an eco-terrorist werewolf called Cahal, who has been banished from his tribe. Cahal now fights against the evil Pentex Corporation and the terrible pollution the company causes. Fans of the table-top game and the World of Darkness are eagerly anticipating this game, but there is not very long to wait, as it is due for release for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Windows in February 2021. If you cannot wait that long, you could always play other wolf-centric games in the meantime, such as the howling-good-fun slot Untamed Wolf Pack, which is available at a casino online.
Resident Evil Village
Did the first Resident Evil game really come out way back in 1996? My, how time flies! Since then, the franchise has become one of the most famous video game series on the planet. Now, the tenth installment is nearly upon us. After the enormously successful Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, fans around the world have their fingers crossed that Resident Evil Village can be just as jaw-dropping. And early reports suggest it is. The newest horror game in the franchise is set a few years after the previous game, and Resident Evil 7’s protagonist Ethan is still in the spotlight. Resident Evil Village will be available for Windows, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Halo Infinite
The military sci-fi Halo video game series has become one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time, so fans the world over are hotly anticipating the sixth main entry in the series. It is due to be released sometime in 2021 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. Although it is the sixth game of the main series, Halo Infinite will actually be the fourteenth game. Little is known about Halo Infinite, but we do know that it continues the story of the Master Chief from Halo 5: Guardians, as he embarks on his greatest adventure to save humanity. We also know that the Banished, a splinter group from the alien alliance known as the Covenant, appears as the Master Chief’s enemies. Whether Halo Infinite can live up to expectations is anyone’s guess at present, but it is, without a doubt, one of the most eagerly anticipated video games of next year.
Hitman 3
Every fan of Agent 47 is looking forward to the third and final installment in the hugely popular Hitman series of games. The stealth-based third-person-shooter is due out in January. Like the other Hitman games, Hitman 3 will focus on stealth and deception to assassinate significant criminals around the world. As Agent 47, you will travel to a variety of exotic places, including Dubai and England. Furthermore, players of the previous games will be able to sync their maps, levels, and progress with Hitman 3. This last installment in the Hitman franchise looks set to be every bit as good as the other two, if not better. And the developers of the game have said it will be a lot more mature and darker than its predecessors. Hitman 3 will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Stadia’s streaming service. The game will even feature VR compatibility on the PS4 and PS5 versions.
Making an investment is the process of spending money that you predict will be returned or even increased in the future. You can choose to invest in big things such as houses or cars, and even smaller items like designer clothes and accessories that are sure to maintain their value. Investing in fashion can be such a rewarding and exciting experience, as there are just so many different brands and styles to explore! So, if you would like to find out more about how you can invest in clothes and accessories, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips and tricks that you can make the most of today!
Clothing & Shoes
There are so many world famous fashion brands that offer stunning clothing and shoes (often for a considerable price), and these brands are recognisable. Many of the top fashion designers maintain certain features that enable you to detect the brand and therefore its value and quality, such as the red bottoms that you might find on a stunning pair of Louboutin heels. When investing in clothing and shoes it’s a good idea to stay plain and stick with a few items that aren’t to an acquired taste, as you must be able to resell these pieces with ease in the future. Visit auction sites and other similar platforms to see whether you can find a bargain, as you don’t always need to head straight to a certified supplier to find the perfect investment opportunity. Look for limited edition series that didn’t see huge swathes of stock released, as these items will grow in value quite dramatically as soon as they sell out. Think designer dresses, coats and jeans, as well as trainers and heels – these are generally the most popular high fashion items that are bought by the average shopper, so you’re almost guaranteed a good return on your investment.
Watches, Jewellery & More
Another great area to focus your investment efforts is jewellery and other forms of wrist wear like watches, as it’s far easier to invest in such a piece that will appeal to a greater number of potential buyers. Many necklaces and rings consist of simple metals and attractive precious stones, so the simple design and makeup of the items make them super easy to market and sell in the future. Watches are an ideal area to invest money, as certain brands are renowned for their rising value and profitability. For example, sourcing a quality Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece will offer you jaw dropping commitment to design and aesthetics, with an almost certain return for years to come. Be sure to take good care of any watches or jewellery that you invest in, as small cracks or scratches can really deduct from the overall value of the pieces.
Investing in clothes and accessories has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks that have been detailed above! Start making a profit today whilst getting to do your favourite activity more often – shopping!
Riz Ahmed plays a drummer coping with hearing loss in the new trailer for Sound of Metal, which is set to come out in theaters and Amazon Prime Video this fall. A favorite at the the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, the film marks the directorial debut of Darius Marder, best known for co-writing the 2012 Ryan Gosling vehicle The Place Behind the Pines. Marder co-wrote the script with his brother, Abraham.
“During a series of adrenaline-fueled one-night gigs, itinerant punk-metal drummer Ruben (Riz Ahmed) begins to experience intermittent hearing loss. When a specialist tells him his condition will rapidly worsen, he thinks his music career — and with it his life — is over,” reads the official synopsis of the film. “His bandmate and girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke) checks the recovering heroin addict into a secluded sober house for the deaf in hopes it will prevent a relapse and help him learn to adapt to his new situation. But after being welcomed into a community that accepts him just as he is, Ruben has to choose between his equilibrium and the drive to reclaim the life he once knew.”
Notably, Riz Ahmed is a musician in his own right, having released music under the moniker Riz MC and as a member ofthe trio Swet Shop Boys.
Sound of Metal will head to select theaters on November 20th and will be available on Amazon Prime Video on December 4th. Check out the trailer below.
Arlo Parks appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge for a cover of Billie Eilish’s latest single ‘my future‘. Check out her performance below.
Earlier this month, Miley Cyrus also offered her own rendition of the same song as part of Live Lounge Month, though she took quite a different approach to the track. Parks also recently joined Phoebe Bridgers for a cover of Radiohead’s ‘Fake Plastic Trees’ for BBC Radio 1’s Piano Sessions and teamed up with MICHELLE for a new version of ‘SUNRISE’. So far in 2020, she’s unveiled the singles ‘Eugene’, ‘Black Dog’, and ‘Hurt’.
