Home Blog Page 659

Knocked Loose Release New Songs ‘Deep in the Willow’ and ‘Everything Is Quiet Now’

Knocked Loose have dropped two new songs, ‘Deep in the Willow’ and ‘Everything Is Quiet Now’. Following the band’s 2021 EP A Tear in the Fabric of Life, the Upon Loss singles are accompanied by a music video directed by Eric Richter and vocalist Bryan Garris. Watch and listen below.

“‘Deep in the Willow’ and ‘Everything is Quiet Now’ are a reminder that we are heavy, intense, and extreme,” Garris explained in a statement. “Some elements come and go, but those will never change. After ‘A Tear in the Fabric of Life’ we were inspired to see how much art we could incorporate moving forward – which led us to a style of video we’ve never attempted or approached. Taking myself specifically far outside of my comfort zone and pushing the boundaries on how I’ve been seen in the past was a creative experience I will never forget. This video wouldn’t be what it is without the collaboration with Eric Richter, someone we’ve admired for a while. And the songs wouldn’t be what they are without [producer] Drew Fulk, a new friend and creative ear in the entire process.”

THICK Release New Single ‘Doomer’

Brooklyn band THICK have released a new song called ‘Doomer’, which features production from Will Yip and drums from Mannequin Pussy’s Kaleen Reading. Check it out below.

“This song screams exhaustion. It’s about knowing what you could do for someone but being too burnt out to do,” the band’s Nikki Sisti said in a press release. “It’s the opposite of self-abandonment, it’s choosing to stop giving so much and hoping that the other person can find it within themselves to do the work and grow.”

THICK dropped their sophomore LP, Happy Now, last year. Read our Artist Spotlight interview with THICK.

Strange Ranger Share New Single ‘Way Out’

Strange Ranger have unveiled a new single from their forthcoming album, Pure Music. It’s called ‘Way Out’, and it follows previous cuts ‘Rain So Hard’ and ‘She’s on Fire’. Check out its accompanying visual by Fiona Woodman below.

“I wrote this one while going through my memories of being a teenager in Montana and then it got all biblical for some reason,” the band’s Isaac Eiger explained in a statement.  “We produced it at the house in the woods and I remember feeling extremely alert, almost manic working on it late at night. At the time, we thought of it as a sort of condensed Talk Talk song, but I’m not sure if it ended up that way.”

Pure Music lands on July 21 via Fire Talk.

CHAI Announce New Album, Release New Single ‘Para Para’

CHAI have announced a new self-titled album. The Japanese band’s fourth LP, which follows 2021’s WINK, is set to arrive September 22 via Sub Pop. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘Para Para’, which will appear on the record alongside the previously unveiled ‘We the Female!’. Check it out below, and scroll down for CHAI‘s cover art, tracklist, and the band’s upcoming tour dates.

“This is CHAI! With our self-titled album CHAI, CHAI declare that we live proudly as Japanese women♡ We hope this album gives everyone a little more confidence in living how they want to live,” the band’s Mana said in a press release. “That is our ideal. If this album becomes that existence for anyone, that is the right answer in our eyes⭐ Listen, feel. We give you our evolution, inside and out! Now come onnn, NEO-KAWAII BABIES. If you can’t catch up with us, you’ll never feel the NEO KAWAII♡”

“There’s not a deep meaning to that song, it’s really just about the dance,” Mana added of ‘Para Para’. “As long as you can feel the two-step, any dance is possible! Let your body just move to your dancing heart ♡ When your body moves to the beat of your heart, you’ll realize that the world is smaller than you think, and all your problems are easier than they seem. ‘Cause two-step and music is the best way to communicate in this world ♡ Let it START! CHAI’s two-step dance music ☆☆” A video for the track, directed by Jennifer Juniper Stadford, will go live tonight at 9pm EST.

CHAI Cover Artwork:

CHAI Tracklist:

1. MATCHA
2. From 1992
2. PARA PARA
4. GAME
5. We The Female!
6. Neo Kawaii,K?
7. I Can’t Organize
8. Driving22
9. Like, I Need
10. KARAOKE

CHAI 2023 Tour Dates:

Sat Sep 23 – Boise, ID – Flipside Festival
Sun Sep 24 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
Mon Sep 25 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
Wed Sep 27 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Fri Sept 29 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
Mon Oct 2 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
Wed Oct 4 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
Fri Oct 6 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
Sun Oct 8 – Boston, MA – Crystal Ballroom
Tue Oct 10 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
Wed Oct 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
Fri Oct 13 – Mexico City, MEX – Indie Rocks!
Nov 1 – Berlin, DE – Pitchfork Music Festival Berlin
Nov 3 – Paris, FR – Badaboum
Nov 5 –Amsterdam, NL – Tolhuis (Paradiso Noord)
Nov 6 – Brussels, BE – Botanique – The Rotonde
Nov 8 – Southampton, UK – Heartbreakers
Nov 9 – Brighton, UK – Patterns
Nov 10 – London, UK – Pitchfork Music Festival
Nov 12 – Manchester, UK – Yes (Pink Room)
Nov 13 – Glasgow, UK – Broadcast
Nov 15 – Leeds, UK – Headrow House
Nov 16 – Bristol, UK – Rough Trade

Watch out for some familiar titles in this summer’s new gaming releases

Today’s gaming industry generates more revenue per year than the music and movie industries combined. So it is no real surprise that new game releases can attract as much media attention in the gaming heartlands of Australia, the USA and Europe as a new Hollywood release or rock album.

Gaming’s mainstream appeal in the 2020s is reflected in the wide spectrum of titles. But one trend that is impossible to miss is that so many of 2023’s summer releases are variations on titles that are already established. Just as a new album by the Rolling Stones or a new Bond movie are guaranteed to do well, so gaming is leveraging the selling power of some classic branding, too. Here are just a few examples.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes the Star Trek approach

It has been four years since Mortal Kombat 11 and there was a general assumption in the gaming community that 2023 would see the release of Mortal Kombat 12. Developer NetherRealm has decided to take a different strategy and adopt a Star Trek approach of taking us right back to the beginning and exploring a different timeline – but with even more violence and grislier fatalities.

The original Mortal Kombat was released more than 30 years ago, and the franchise has a fanbase that encompasses multiple generations. When it goes on general release in September, we have little doubt that MK1 will be the biggest fighting game of the year.

The Wish Master Megaways is already wowing Australian casino gamers

Another new update on a classic theme, NetEnt’s very latest game looks set to be a casino cracker if early reports from Australia are anything to go by. The Wish Master Megaways went on limited release at Australia online casinos for real money in early June and full roll out will follow shortly.

The original Wish Master slot came out in 2014 and introduced the casino world to the idea of multiple Wild features. It is still popular today, but this Megaways version adds a welcome polish to the gameplay as well as the Megaways mechanic, which significantly boosts the win potential. Australia is great barometer for casino games, and it is safe to say that is it is a hit there, it will be a hit in the rest of the world, too.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage goes back to basics

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has seen as many sequels and spin-offs as Mortal Kombat but in half as many years. The most recent, Valhalla, was the most ambitious yet, taking place across a practically limitless open world on a grandiose sale. Mirage is conceptually more ambitious despite being played out in a smaller setting (a carefully rendered Basra).

The designers have set out to make the playing experience closer to the original game, highly narrative driven, but with the addition of the latest game features and mechanics.

Counter Strike 2 – the eSport upgrade is here at last 

The sequel to what is arguably the most popular title in e-Sport has been long mooted but slow to arrive. It is finally going to be made available to existing CS:GO customers as a free upgrade, so there’s no reason to doubt that it will become available for tournament play straight away.

Counter Strike 2 brings no fundamental changes to gameplay, but it includes a useful and entertaining new array of features, such as smoke bombs and improved player reactions to explosions, gunfire and the like.

Sonic Superstars effortlessly blends 2D and 3D

This one really is the gaming equivalent of a new Stones record. Sonic was the emblem of the SEGA generation, and the little blue hedgehog attracts sales as effortlessly as he picks up gold rings.

Sonic Superstars was one of the highlights on display at the 2023 Summer Games Fest couple of weeks ago. All the familiar faces are there both alongside and against Sonic such as Knuckles, Tails and Dr Eggman. However, the environments and challengers are quite new. It’s a perfect blend of the familiar and the new and is certain to attract both new players and those who remember Sonic from the Mega Drive / Genesis days.

How tuxedo-culture was firmly engraved by gambling culture

Tuxedo culture, or the practice of dressing formally in a tuxedo, has been a prominent part of high society events for centuries. The tuxedo is a symbol of sophistication and elegance, and is often worn at events such as weddings, formal dinners, and award shows. However, what many people may not realize is that tuxedo culture is closely tied to gambling culture.

Gambling culture refers to the practice of engaging in games of chance or skill for money or other valuable items. It has been present in various forms throughout history, from ancient civilizations to modern times. In many societies, gambling has been associated with wealth and social status. This association has led to the integration of gambling into high society events, where tuxedos are often worn.

Over time, the connection between tuxedo culture and gambling culture has become firmly ingrained. Today, the tuxedo is often associated with images of high-stakes poker games, roulette tables, and other gambling activities. This association has had a significant impact on both tuxedo culture and gambling culture, shaping trends and attitudes within each.

The origins of tuxedo culture

Tuxedo culture has its origins in the formal dress traditions of European high society in the late 19th century. The first tuxedo, as we know it today, was designed in 1886 by the famous American fashion designer, Pierre Lorillard IV. Lorillard was inspired by the informal dinner jackets worn by English country gentlemen, and he created a formal version of this jacket to be worn to formal events. The jacket was named the Tuxedo after the Tuxedo Park Club in New York, where Lorillard wore it for the first time.

The tuxedo quickly became popular among wealthy Americans and Europeans, and it soon became a symbol of high social status. The tuxedo was often worn at exclusive events such as opera performances, debutante balls, and formal dinners. It was a mark of sophistication and elegance, and it was often paired with other formal attire such as black trousers, a white dress shirt, and a bow tie.

The tuxedo’s association with high social status was due in part to the exclusivity of the events where it was worn. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, access to these events was often restricted to members of the upper class, and the tuxedo was a clear indicator of belonging to this social group.

The tuxedo was also a symbol of wealth, as it was an expensive garment to own and maintain. It was often tailored to fit its owner perfectly, and made from luxurious materials such as silk or velvet. The tuxedo was a statement piece, and it conveyed a message of wealth and power.

In addition to its association with high social status and wealth, the tuxedo was also a symbol of formality and propriety. It was considered the appropriate attire for formal events, and wearing one conveyed a sense of respect for the occasion and the other guests in attendance.

Today, the tuxedo remains a symbol of sophistication and elegance, and it is still commonly worn at formal events such as weddings, proms, and award shows. While the social status associated with the tuxedo has evolved over time, it remains an important marker of formality and respect in modern society.

The rise of gambling culture

Gambling culture has been present in various forms throughout history, and it has been associated with wealth and social status in many societies. In ancient Rome, for example, gambling was a popular pastime among the wealthy and was often associated with gladiatorial games and chariot races. In medieval Europe, gambling was often associated with knights and other noble figures.

Today, gambling culture is still alive and well, with casinos and other gambling establishments operating in many countries around the world. With the rise of technology, online gambling has become increasingly popular, and there are now many websites where players can engage in games such as poker, blackjack, and best online real money slots, offering the best experience possible for having a lot of fun..

Despite some negative stereotypes surrounding gambling, many people see it as a positive form of entertainment and a way to potentially win large sums of money. Gambling can also be a social activity, with many people enjoying the camaraderie of playing games with friends or fellow casino-goers.

The association of gambling with wealth and status is also still present in modern society. Many high-stakes poker games and other gambling events are attended by wealthy individuals, and there is often an air of exclusivity and sophistication surrounding these events.

Overall, gambling culture continues to be a significant part of modern society, with many people enjoying the thrill of the games and the potential rewards they offer. For those interested in trying their luck at the online real money slots or other games, there are many reputable online casinos that offer a safe and enjoyable gambling experience.

The connection between tuxedo culture and gambling culture

The association between tuxedo culture and gambling culture has been shaped by several factors over time. One key factor is the way in which gambling became associated with high society events, where tuxedos were often worn.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exclusive clubs and private social events often featured gambling as a form of entertainment. Wealthy individuals would gather to play games such as poker, roulette, and baccarat, and these events became synonymous with the glamor and sophistication of high society.

As a result, the tuxedo, which was already associated with high social status and formality, became a common attire choice for these events. The tuxedo was seen as a way to elevate the elegance and sophistication of these gambling events, and it became an integral part of the overall aesthetic.

The portrayal of gambling in popular culture and media has also contributed to the connection between tuxedo culture and gambling culture. Movies and television shows have often depicted high-stakes gambling games set in opulent surroundings, with characters dressed in elegant tuxedos and other formal attire.

These portrayals have helped to reinforce the idea that gambling and tuxedo culture are closely linked, and they have contributed to the ongoing popularity of both. Even today, many casinos and high-stakes poker tournaments require formal dress, including tuxedos, to create an atmosphere of sophistication and exclusivity.

Overall, the connection between tuxedo culture and gambling culture has been shaped by historical events and societal trends, as well as the portrayal of gambling in popular culture and media. This connection remains strong today, with both tuxedo culture and gambling culture continuing to be symbols of elegance, sophistication, and high social status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tuxedo culture and gambling culture have a long and intertwined history, with both becoming closely associated with high society events over time. The tuxedo, with its origins in European formal dress traditions, became a symbol of wealth and status in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it was often worn at exclusive events where gambling was a common form of entertainment.

The connection between tuxedo culture and gambling culture has been further strengthened by popular culture and media portrayals, which have often depicted gambling as an activity reserved for the wealthy and glamorous, set against a backdrop of elegant formal wear.

Today, both tuxedo culture and gambling culture continue to be important symbols of elegance, sophistication, and high social status. The tuxedo remains a staple of formal events, while casinos and other gambling establishments continue to be popular destinations for those seeking the thrill of the games and the potential rewards they offer.

However, it is important to recognize that gambling can also have negative consequences, including addiction, financial problems, and social isolation. As society continues to evolve, it is important to consider the impact of gambling on individuals and communities, and to promote responsible gambling practices.

Album Review: Janelle Monáe, ‘The Age of Pleasure’

The Age of Pleasure might be an unusually straightforward title for a Janelle Monáe album – the record itself prizes immediate gratification more than any of the singer-songwriter-actor’s previous efforts – but it didn’t exactly come out of nowhere. There were hints on 2018’s Dirty Computer, which placed an emphasis on hooks and embraced joy as the language of liberation, leaning on a warm, new wave-inspired palette that rendered its politicized narrative more accessible. The conceptual framework was there – Monáe continued to hone her penchant for dystopian world-building with the collection The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer and its accompanying short film – but it could be easily extricated from the pleasures of listening to the album. Even as Monáe seems to ditch high-concept Afrofuturism entirely on The Age of Pleasure, however, it feels less like a departure than a natural continuation: “Baptize me with ocean/ Recognize my devotion,” Monáe sang on ‘Don’t Judge Me’, one of the most nakedly vulnerable moments on Dirty Computer. “The water’s perfectly good/ Let’s reintroduce ourselves/ From a free point of view.”

Replete with water imagery – though it’s mostly sanitized pool water we’re talking about, not ocean – The Age of Pleasure wastes no time doing just that. “I’m not the same,” Monáe declares on ‘Float’, but she’s definitely more herself, more present. The buoyant horns of Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 don’t soundtrack battle but a victory lap, Monáe breezing through their journey toward self-confidence so that they can spend the rest of the album in pursuit of simpler delights. Free from disguise, they allow themself to bask in the glow of their achievements, dripping with ambition even if the sonic markers of it are noticeably absent. “It’s hard to look at my resume, hoo, and not find a reason to toast,” she raps. She’s not here to prove herself or even engage; she’s on her champagne shit, and it’s hard to imagine any other artist making effortless pride sound so sumptuous and commanding. They’re hard at work – the album is tastefully crafted and typically polished – but the image they present isn’t that of a genius innovator continuing their sci-fi saga but a “free-ass motherfucker” hosting pool parties.

In that sense, The Age of Pleasure is autobiographical and intimately human – the target audience Monáe had in mind were her guests at Wondaland West, the Los Angeles compound where she threw parties during lockdown. At just over 30 minutes, it’s their cleanest, tightest, and horniest album to date, but the reason it works is that it also feels inviting – the tracks flow seamlessly into one another, yet they also relax into a communal celebration of queer love, with production that threads Monáe’s left-of-center sensibilities with the pulse of the diaspora. ‘Phenomenal’ boasts an infectious amapiano beat that matches the swagger of Monáe and MC Doechii’s performances clearly feeding off each other: “I’m looking at a thousand versions of myself/ And we’re all fine as fuck.” Even better are songs like ‘The Ocean’ and ‘The Rush’ (the latter featuring assists from Amaarae and Nia Long), whose lush airiness has a distinct musical character the record sometimes lacks.

As enjoyable as it is, there are moments when the album’s reliance on reggae and funk tropes can feel a little thin. Monáe is under no obligation to keep playing to the role of a genre-bending multi-hyphenate, and their weaving of influences here, often by means of interpolation, is actually refreshingly subtle. But some attempts at being subversive, like ‘Only Have Eyes 42’, come off a little too quaint in the context of a record that’s often explicit without always being bold, at least on a sonic level. (‘Lipstick Lover’ is a good song, but it’s no ‘Pynk’.) Leaving something to be desired is the last thing Monáe would want, so ending the record on a more tender note with ‘Only Have Eyes 42’ bleeding into ‘A Dry Red’ is a smart choice that makes it feel a little more complete. There’s nothing frivolous about the whole thing; you can still trace a narrative flow, and the comfort derived from it is more than purely physical. You can’t really question The Age of Pleasure‘s utopic vision, but so long as you follow the light – and especially for those already devoted – the rush is guaranteed.

Polaris Music Prize Long List: Feist, Alvvays, Andy Shauf, and More

Canada’s Polaris Music Prize has announced its 2023 long list. Feist is the only prior Polaris winner to appear on the list, which also features records by Alvvays, Andy Shauf, U.S. Girls, Jessie Reyez, Daniel Caesar, Zoon, Dan Mangan and the Sadies, poolblood, and more. The short list of ten finalists will be revealed on July 13. Check out the full list of nominees below.

The Polaris Prize Music winner is awarded a $50,000 prize with the honor. Pierre Kwenders received the 2022 Polaris Music Prize for his album José Louis and the Paradox of Love.

2023 Polaris Music Prize Long List:

ALL HANDS_MAKE LIGHT – Darling the Dawn
Alvvays – Blue Rev
Aquakultre – Don’t Trip
Aysanabee – Watin
Badge Époque Ensemble – Clouds of Joy
Begonia – Powder Blue
Bibi Club – Le soleil et la mer
BIG|BRAVE – nature morte
Philippe Brach – Les gens qu’on aime
Mariel Buckley – Everywhere I Used To Be
Daniel Caesar – NEVER ENOUGH
Chiiild – Better Luck in the Next Life
Feist – Multitudes
Debby Friday – Good Luck
Gayance – Mascarade
Ghostkeeper – Multidimensional Culture
Home Front – Games of Power
JayWood – Slingshot
Khotin – Release Spirit
Thierry Larose – Sprint!
Murray Lightburn – Once Upon a Time in Montreal
Isabella Lovestory – Amor Hardcore
Dan Mangan – Being Somewhere
N NAO – L’eau et les rêves
Tami Neilson – Kingmaker
Eliza Niemi – Staying Mellow Blows
Nico Paulo – Nico Paulo
Planet Giza – Ready When You Are
poolblood – mole
Jessie Reyez – Yessie
The Sadies – Colder Streams
Jairus Sharif – Water & Tools
Andy Shauf – Norm
Dylan Sinclair – No Longer in the Suburbs
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – I’m Good, HBU?
Alexandra Stréliski – Néo-Romance
U.S. Girls – Bless This Mess
Witch Prophet – Gateway Experience
Yoo Doo Right – A Murmur, Boundless to the East
Zoon – Bekka Ma’iingan

Lutalo and Lomelda Collaborate on New Single ‘Darkeve Duet’

Vermont-based multi-instrumentalist Lutalo has teamed up with Lomelda for ‘Darkeve Duet’, a reworked version of Lutalo’s 2021 track ‘Darkeve’. Check it out below, alongside Lutalo’s newly announced tour dates with Katy Kirby.

‘Darkeve’ appeared on Lutalo’s debut EP, Once Now, Then Again, which will get its first-ever vinyl release on June 23. “Lomelda was definitely an influence sonically and texturally for Once Now, Then Again,” Lutalo said in a statement. “It was a full circle moment to have her being willing to help with this track. I really wanted to be able to see a reimagining of the track, and Hannah did a beautiful job developing her own world around the song. Though it’s familiar, it exists on its own sphere. I want to create music that allows for an experience and this does just that.”

Hannah Reed, aka Lomelda, added: “I was excited by the opportunity to find a new song within this already beautiful song. I knew I needed it slower, but everything else that it became was a trial and error process. Listening and patience brought me to this new composition that Lutalo and I got to sing together in the final moments, turning a collage into a duet. Thank you Lu, for this chance.”

Lutalo 2023 Tour Dates:

Tue Aug 1 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s *
Wed Aug 2 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups *
Thu Aug 3 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe *
Fri Aug 4 – Chicago, IL – The Empty Bottle *
Sun Aug 6 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club *
Sun Nov 12 – London, UK – Pitchfork London #

* with Katy Kirby
# with Youth Lagoon, Barrie

Angel Du$t’s Steve Marino Announces New Album, Shares New Single ‘Got You (In My World Now)’

Steve Marino – the Los Angeles-based songwriter known for playing in bands like Angel Du$t, Jacky Boy, and Bugg – has announced a new solo album called Too Late to Start Again. The follow-up to 2019’s Fluff was recorded with producer Ben Lumsdaine and features guitar work from Matt Berry and Kora Puckett. It’s out July 28 on Pop Wig. Check out a video for lead single ‘Got You (In My World Now)’ below, and scroll down for the LP’s cover art and tracklist.

Too Late to Start Again Cover Artwork:

Too Late to Start Again Tracklist:

1. Satisfy You
2. Comedown
3. Got You (In My World Now)
4. Kingdom
5. Leaning Off The Sun
6. Tune You Out
7. Love You More Than Before
8. Blue
9. Pins and Needles
10. I Don’t Want Control of You