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Laura Jane Grace Announces New Album ‘Hole in My Head’, Shares Video for New Single

Laura Jane Grace has announced a new album, Hole in My Head, marking her first solo release since 2021’s At War With the Silverfish EP. It’s to arrive on February 16 via Polyvinyl. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the title track, alongside a music video directed by Gilbert Trejo. Check it out below.

Hole in My Head includes the previously shared single ‘Dysphoria Hoodie’. Grace recorded the LP at Native Sound in St. Louis with producer David Beeman, and over half of it features Drive-By Truckers bassist Matt Patton. “St. Louis really opened its arms to me and I just have such a great time when I’m there,” Grace reflected in a statement. “It’s a really special city. To me, it feels like the way every city in America felt when I first started touring in the late-‘90s, and this crazy mix of fun and adventure, but danger and possibility.”

Hole in My Head Cover Artwork:

Hole in My Head Tracklist:

1. Hole In My Head
2. I’m Not A Cop
3. Dysphoria Hoodie
4. Birds Talk Too
5. Punk Rock In Basements
6. Cuffing Season
7. Tacos and Toast
8. Mercenary
9. Keeping Your Wheels Straight
10. Hard Feelings
11. Give Up The Ghost

Full of Hell and Nothing Share Video for New Single ‘Like Stars in the Firmament’

Full of Hell and Nothing have released ‘Like Stars in the Firmament’, the second offering from their upcoming collaborative album When No Birds Sang. Following lead single ‘Spend the Grace’, the track comes with an accompanying visual written and directed by Mike Martinez and Tyler Way. Check it out below.

“Nothing put a foundation down on ‘Like Stars In The Firmament,’ and Full of Hell put a house over it—and vice versa,” Domenic of Nothing said in a press release. Full of Hell’s Dylan Walker added: “‘Like Stars in the Firmament’ is like a cooling and serene bath, a valley amongst peaks. It’s a slow motion free-fall into oblivion and a fading cry at the end of the road. I think when we are faced with our own mortality and insignificance, we have to confront that oldest of fears and this song manifests that in a beautiful and sad way.”

When No Birds Sang lands on December 1 via Closed Casket Activities.

Jonah Yano Shares New Song ‘concentrate’ Featuring Clairo

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Jonah Yano has unveiled a new single, ‘concentrate’. It features contributions from the Montreal musician’s live band — Christopher Edmondson, Benjamin Maclean, Leighton Harrell, Felix Fox-Pappas, and Raiden Louie — while Clairo provided clarinet and backing vocals. Give it a listen below.

Yano’s sophomore album, portrait of a dog, arrived back in January. Revisit our Artist Spotlight Q&A with Jonah Yano.

Marika Hackman Shares Video for New Song ‘Slime’

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Marika Hackman has released a new track, ‘Slime’, lifted from her upcoming album Big Sigh. Following previous cuts ‘No Caffeine’ and ‘Hanging’, it arrives alongside a music video she co-directed with Anne-Sofie Lindgaard. Check it out below.

“It’s a reflection of the destruction that can be caused when you get together with someone and there are other factors at play,” Hackman said of ‘Slime’ in a statement. “On the one hand you have a new thing that’s really exciting and hot and lusty but there can also be a lot of storm clouds floating around, a lot of fall-out socially.”

Big Sigh, Hackman’s first album in four years, is due for release on January 12 via Chrysalis Records.

Arlo Parks Shares Cover of Jai Paul’s ‘Jasmine’

Arlo Parks has announced a deluxe edition of her sophomore album, My Soft Machine. It will arrive December 8 via Transgressive, and it features six new recordings, including a studio cover of Jai Paul’s ‘Jasmine’. Check it out below.

“‘Jasmine’ has always moved me deeply – to me it’s this shadowy, timeless and incredibly profound love song,” Parks said in a statement. “I really wanted to draw out the yearning of the lyrics and pay homage to an artist who has had a seismic impact on me and on culture. Receiving Jai Paul’s blessing to create this cover with Dave Okumu was one of the highlights of my creative journey so far.”

Also included on the deluxe version of My Soft Machine is a new version of ‘I’m Sorry’ featuring Congolese-Belgian singer and rapper Lous and the Yakuza, a new take on ‘Blades’ with redveil, a cover of Tirzah’s ‘Holding On’, and acoustic renditions of ‘Devotion’ and ‘Pegasus’.

In September, Parks published her debut book, The Magic Border. She recently performed her song ‘Weightless’ on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

The Killers Announce Best-Of Album ‘Rebel Diamonds’ Featuring New Song ‘Spirit’

The Killers have announced a new best-of collection, Rebel Diamonds, which will be released on December 8 via Island. It marks the band’s second greatest hits album, following 2013’s Direct Hits, and it spans 20 tracks that are presented in chronological order. A new song called ‘Spirit’, which a press release describes as an “anthem ready to be sung at festivals across the world,” closes the album. Check out a trailer for it below.

“See it’s been said that what’s remembered lives, and we’ve racked up stadiums full of memories the past twenty years, enough to fill lifetimes,” lead singer Brandon Flowers reflects in the clip. “Twenty songs for twenty years – Rebel Diamonds.”

The Killers’ most recent LP was 2021’s Pressure Machine.

Rebel Diamonds Tracklist:

1. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
2. Mr. Brightside
3. All These Things That I’ve Done
4. Somebody Told Me
5. When You Were Young
6. Read My Mind
7. Human
8. Spaceman
9. A Dustland Fairytale
10. Runaways
11. Be Still
12. The Man
13. Caution
14. My Own Soul’s Warning
15. Dying Breed
16. Pressure Machine
17. Quiet Town
18. boy
19. Your Side of Town
20. Spirit

Julia Holter Returns With New Song ‘Sun Girl’

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Julia Holter is back with a new single, ‘Sun Girl’, out today via Domino. It arrives alongside an accompanying video by the artist and animator Tammy Nguyễn. According to Holter, the song lyrically evokes “being brought out of my comfort zone—into the unknown, playfulness and chaos.” Check it out below.

‘Sun Girl’ marks Holter’s first proper single since releasing her album Aviary in 2018. In 2020, she composed the score for Eliza Hittman’s film Never Rarely Sometimes Always.

How to Write a Movie Review

Movies have always been a significant part of our culture, offering entertainment, insight, and a way to see the world through different lenses. Writing a movie review is more than just sharing opinions; it’s about conveying a comprehensive understanding of the film’s elements to potential viewers. Here’s a detailed guide on how to craft an insightful movie review.

Plot Summary

Start your review with a brief plot summary, ensuring not to give away any major plot twists or endings. It provides readers with context about the movie’s storyline without spoiling the experience.

Introduce the Main Characters

Briefly discuss the main characters and their roles in the story. Understanding their motivations and development throughout the film gives readers a clearer picture of the story’s dynamics.

Analysis of Key Elements

Direction and Cinematography

Analyze the director’s vision and how they’ve brought it to life. With the prominence of online reviews, many viewers turn to these feedback forums to understand different perspectives on the director’s choices. Discuss camera angles, lighting, and how they enhance or detract from the storytelling.

For instance, long, drawn-out shots indicate a film’s contemplative nature, while rapid cuts might suggest tension or action. Online reviews often highlight these nuances, providing a broader context for audiences worldwide.

Sound and Music

Consider the film’s score, background music, and sound effects. How do they complement the scenes? Sometimes, a well-placed song can elevate a scene, making it memorable.

Performances

Talk about the actors’ performances. Were they convincing? Did any actor stand out? Strong performances can sometimes redeem a weak plot, so it’s essential to give credit where it’s due.

Themes and Messages

Every movie tries to convey specific messages or themes. Reflect on what the movie is trying to say. Was it successful in getting its message? Discussing this will provide readers with deeper insights into the film’s purpose.

Personal Opinion and Recommendations

While the majority of your review should be objective, it’s also crucial to include your perspective. Did you enjoy the movie? Why or why not? Conclude with whether you’d recommend the film to others and who its ideal audience might be.

Concluding Thoughts

End your review by summarizing your main points. You can also compare the movie to other films in the same genre or by the same director or actors.

Tips for Writing an Effective Review

Stay Objective

While personal opinions are important, it’s essential to approach a review objectively. Avoid letting personal biases cloud your judgment.

Provide Examples

When making a point about a particular scene or actor’s performance, provide specific examples from the movie. It supports your claims and gives your review more credibility.

Know Your Audience

Understand who you’re writing for. If your audience is more casual moviegoers, avoid using technical jargon. If you’re writing for film enthusiasts, dive deeper into the intricacies of the film’s production.

Edit and Proofread

Ensure your review is free of grammatical errors and flows smoothly. A well-written review is easier to understand and more enjoyable to read.

In conclusion, writing a movie review requires a balance of objectivity and personal insight. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting reviews that are both informative and engaging, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the film in question.

Cryptocurrency and Slot Gaming: The Rise of Blockchain-Based Online Casinos

The intersection of cryptocurrency and online gaming has spawned a novel ecosystem where blockchain-based casinos are carving a niche for themselves. These platforms are leveraging the unique attributes of blockchain technology – decentralization, transparency, and security – to reinvent the wheel of online slot gaming.

The Advent of Decentralized Gaming

Traditional online casinos are centralized platforms where the gaming outcomes are processed on private servers. The shift to decentralized gaming means that the results of each spin in a slot game are now computed on a blockchain, which ensures that the process is transparent and verifiable. This is a significant stride towards addressing the long-standing issues of trust and fairness in online gaming.

Blockchain casinos are not just altering the underlying technology but are also revolutionizing the player experience. The integration of cryptocurrency as a medium of exchange allows for faster transactions, anonymity, and reduced fees, making it an appealing option for tech-savvy gamblers. Thus, you can play a microgaming pokie in NZ with a cryptocurrency deposit, enjoying all the benefits of using crypto as a payment method.

Enhanced Security and Transparency

Security is a paramount concern for online gamblers. Blockchain technology mitigates these concerns by providing a system that is nearly impervious to fraud. Each transaction and outcome is recorded on a distributed ledger, offering an unprecedented level of transparency. Players can verify the fairness of each slot game themselves, fostering a trustless environment where the “house” can no longer hide behind the curtain.

Expert voices in the industry have underscored this advantage. Michael Gordon, an online casino expert from Clash of Slots, remarks, “Blockchain technology has introduced a paradigm shift in online slots. Players are not just passive bettors anymore; they are auditors of their own gaming experience.

The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Gaming

Cryptocurrencies have gone from being a niche interest to the mainstream in just a few years, and their foray into online gambling is a natural progression. Here’s how they’re making an impact:

  • Anonymity: Players can gamble without revealing their identity, which is a significant draw for those concerned about privacy.
  • Lower Fees: Traditional banking methods often come with hefty fees. Cryptocurrency transactions, in contrast, can be significantly cheaper.
  • Fast Transactions: Deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrencies are much faster compared to traditional banking methods.
  • Global Access: Cryptocurrencies provide a universal means of exchange, allowing players from various parts of the world to participate without the need for currency conversion.

This confluence of cryptocurrency with slot gaming has resulted in a diversified market for players. They can choose from Bitcoin slots, Ethereum slots, and even games based on smaller altcoins, each offering a unique gaming experience.

Cryptocurrency Bonuses and Rewards

To entice players, blockchain casinos are offering lucrative bonuses and rewards in cryptocurrencies. These can range from deposit matches to free spins and even cashback rewards in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The inherent divisibility of digital currencies means that casinos can offer bonuses as small as a few thousandths of a coin, making it easier to offer a wider range of bonus sizes.

The Future of Blockchain-Based Online Casinos

The proliferation of blockchain-based casinos is not just a trend but a glimpse into the future of online gambling. As these platforms mature, they are expected to offer even more advanced features like smart contracts that automate payouts, further reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing the integrity of the games.

With industry analysts predicting that the global online gambling market will continue to grow exponentially, the fusion of cryptocurrency and slot gaming is poised to become a significant segment of this booming industry. The flexibility and resilience of blockchain-based platforms, combined with the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency, are likely to propel this market forward.

Final Thoughts

Blockchain-based online casinos represent a significant evolution in the gambling industry. By harnessing the benefits of cryptocurrency, these platforms offer a level of transparency, security, and convenience that traditional online casinos struggle to match. As regulatory landscapes evolve to accommodate these technologies, the sector is set to expand even further, bringing with it a new era of digital gaming that is fair, fast, and accessible to a global audience.

The synergy between cryptocurrency and slot gaming is not just an innovation; it’s a comprehensive solution to age-old problems in online gambling. As this space continues to evolve, it could very well redefine our concept of betting and gaming online, one spin at a time.

How to Make Sure You Receive Compensation After a Bus Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, finding out how to get compensated for the costs associated with it can feel like an uphill battle. This often involves navigating complex legal systems and understanding your rights as both a passenger and a victim. But while this process may seem overwhelming, it is possible to secure fair compensation by taking close account of all potential losses suffered due to the incident. In this article, we take a look at the steps and strategies you should consider when seeking payment following a bus accident so that you can get fair compensation after an accident.

Understand your rights as a passenger on public transportation

As a passenger involved in a bus accident, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights in this situation. Public transportation systems are subject to regulations and safety standards to ensure the well-being of passengers. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured due to negligence or the fault of the bus company. It’s prudent to take the time to understand these rights thoroughly, which can empower you to navigate the process of seeking compensation more effectively. Be sure to research the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction that pertain to bus accidents to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of what you’re entitled to.

Take pictures of the scene and any visible injuries

Immediately after a bus accident, it’s essential to document the scene through the lens of your camera. These pictures can serve as valuable evidence later on, helping to illustrate the circumstances of the accident. Capture the condition of the bus, the accident site, and any visible injuries you or other passengers have sustained. Visual evidence can be instrumental in proving the extent of the damage and injuries, which can be crucial when seeking compensation to cover medical expenses and other losses.

Make sure that you get medical attention

Prioritizing your health is of utmost importance after a bus accident. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to ensure your well-being and safety. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and prompt medical evaluation can both address any hidden issues and create a medical record that can be useful for your compensation claim. Documenting your injuries and the medical treatment you receive is a critical step in the process of building your case for compensation.

Contact a personal injury lawyer 

Navigating the complexities of seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a bus accident can be daunting and intricate. That’s why it’s often advisable to engage the services of a personal injury lawyer. If you live in California, you can find certified personal injury lawyers who specialize in bus accidents and are well-versed in California’s laws. For individuals residing in Irvine who’ve been involved in such incidents, contacting local Irvine bus accident attorneys can be particularly beneficial, as they are familiar with gathering, evidence, building a case,  and negotiating a fair settlement for their clients. They can advocate effectively on your behalf. By seeking their counsel, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Gather contact information from witnesses if possible

If there were witnesses to the bus accident, it’s essential to make a concerted effort to collect their contact information. Eyewitness accounts can be instrumental in supporting your claim for compensation, as they can provide valuable details and perspectives that may strengthen your case. Witnesses can corroborate the events that unfolded, further solidifying the narrative of the accident. Their involvement can be pivotal in establishing the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Report the incident to the bus company or local police department immediately

Reporting the bus accident to the relevant authorities should be a priority in the aftermath of such an event. You should promptly inform the bus company about the incident and ensure that it is officially documented. Additionally, filing a report with the local police department is a crucial step. These reports serve as official records of the accident and are essential for your compensation claim. Timeliness in reporting is crucial, as it can help ensure that the details of the accident are accurately documented, preserving the integrity of the incident’s records.

Public transportation accidents can often be overwhelming. It’s important to take action immediately following an accident. Knowing and understanding your legal rights as a passenger can go a long way in protecting you and getting the fair compensation you deserve after an injury. If you or someone you know has been injured in public transportation, it’s important to take photos of any visible injuries and of the scene, seek medical attention if necessary, and gather contact information from witnesses. It is also essential to report the incident to the bus company or local police right away. When in doubt, reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer for help filing a claim for compensation. Don’t wait; make sure your rights are protected and you get the payout due to you.