The Armed are back with news of their next album: Perfect Saviors lands August 25 via Sargent House. The follow-up to 2021’s ULTRAPOP is led by the single ‘Sport of Form’, which features vocals from Julien Baker and comes with a video starring Iggy Pop as God. Check it out below and scroll down for the LP’s cover art and tracklist.
Introducing Perfect Saviors, the Armed said in a statement: “Too much information has made us dumb and confused. Too many ways to connect have inadvertently led to isolation. And too much expectation has forced everyone to become a celebrity. Predictable primal dangers have given way to newer social ones. And the result is a world that is confounding and terrifying—but ultimately still beautiful. We hope this record is exactly all of that, too. Perfect Saviors is our completely unironic, sincere effort to create the biggest, greatest rock album of the 21st century.”
The Armed’s Tony Wolski produced the new LP with Ben Chisholm and Troy Van Leeuwen, while Alan Moulder handled the mixing. In addition to Julien Baker, it features Ken Szymanski, Randall Lee, Dan Greene, Urian Hackney, Cara Drolshagen, Patrick Shiroishi, Sarah Tudzin (illuminati hotties), Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Mark Guiliana, Matt Sweeney, Bryan Aiken, Jacob Bannon (Converge), Julien Baker, Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Josh Klinghoffer (ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chris Slorach, Zach Weeks, Brian Wolski, and Derek Coburn.
Commenting on ‘Sport of Form’, Wolski said:
There are two types of sport — those of measure and those of form. A sport of measure like basketball, football, or soccer has a point system and a sort of binary path to victory. A sport of form is something like diving, figure skating, or bodybuilding — something with evolving standards and a layer of subjectivity and some sort of critical component.
The world that surrounds us is complex, and our lives are truly more akin to a sport of form than one of measure. Yet, so many people see it as exactly the opposite.
Lyrically, this song is about the human need to win a game that we’re not even actually playing. Sonically, it is a reflection of that cognitive dissonance through a constant whiplash between beauty and ugliness, severity and tenderness, obscenity and grace.
Perfect Saviors Cover Artwork:
Perfect Saviors Tracklist:
1. Sport of Measure
2. FKA World
3. Clone
4. Modern Vanity
5. Everything’s Glitter
6. Burned Mind
7. Sport of Form
8. Patient Mind
9. Vatican Under Construction
10. Liar 2
11. In Heaven
12. Public Grieving
The Knife’s Olof Dreijer has shared his first solo material since 2009. ‘Rosa Rugosa’ arrives today via Hessle Audio, marking the Swedish musician’s debut for the UK label run by Ben UFO. The connection came after Ben UFO included Dreijer’s ‘Echoes From Mamori’ on an EP for his Melodies Record Club series. Listen to ‘Rosa Rugosa’ below.
“I’m surprised to see how much fun I’m having making my own music after a longer period of working on other people’s projects,” Dreijer said in a statement. “I’ve been trying to make some colourful, energetic music with emotional melodies. I hope there’s room for that out on the dance floors.”
Earlier this year, Dreijer released Souvenir, a five-track collaborative EP with Mt. Sims.
The nostalgia of retro gaming brings us back to playing the classic games we know and love so well year after year. Don’t feel shy about playing your childhood favourites; you’re not alone! The gaming world is still participating in Mario Kart tournaments on N64, participating in intense debates about the best titles from the original consoles, and exhibitions with all the merchandise you could ever dream of. Today we will explore why nostalgic retro gaming continues to captivate us and even attract young gamers to the scene.
Retro casino games
Game developers have understood the need to involve casino games in their titles for extended periods. Online slots UK have always been a firm favourite for players, with many returning to the same titles. Games such as GTA have expertly incorporated casino games into the gameplay, adding depth to the original game with a side event for plates to complete.
Retro arcade games
You may feel like an adult now, but your inner child will always love playing arcade games. The inner child who likes to do silly things and cuts loose.
For this reason, arcade games will always have a place in our hearts. A couple of hours down at the arcades playing some of the popular titles of the 80s, such as Donkey Kong, Mario, and Tekken, can unlock a level of fun that you may have forgotten about completely.
The impact on gamers
Gamers playing releases from their childhood experience the joy of nostalgia, and one of the main reasons people continue to play old games. Nostalgia is a feeling of sentimental longing and affection for the past, creating an intense emotion that has motivated many players to revisit the games they first experienced in childhood. Here are a few ways nostalgia can impact gamers:
Rediscovering old favourites
Replaying an old game gives the player a chance to rediscover a lost love and find why they initially enjoyed it so much. The game could be as enjoyable as the first time, or even better in some cases, having a better understanding.
Creating an emotional bond
Gamers can recall old memories they may have forgotten by replaying an old game, unlocking feelings and experiences they may not have felt since childhood. This emotional connection brings players closer to the games they are playing, ultimately reliving the joy they initially felt.
Nostalgia as a marketing tool
Game designers and developers using nostalgia often leverage new games and consoles. These games will feature elements from popular retro games or titles being remastered to attract players who have fond memories of playing the original.
Key benefits
Nostalgia plays a huge role in gaming, with a powerful influence on why players continue to play retro video games. The happiness it brings is unmatched, along with the comfort of remembering when you were lost in the magic as a child. Here are some key reasons nostalgia benefits players of all ages.
Timelessness
The timeless nature of a good game you are replaying allows you to revisit a time when that technology, game mechanics, soundtracks, and ideas were current.
Reliving fond memories
Experiencing nostalgia enables players to remember the fantastic times they had when playing a game before. The emotional bond created from playing the game is one of the main reasons that continued engagement lives are present.
Familiarity
Replaying old games provides a sense of comfort and familiarity. The comforting escapism is excellent if you are experiencing uncertainties in your everyday life.
Finding hidden meanings
Retro video games can help the discovery of early experiences you had in life, channelling the psyche of various sentiments.
Overall the key benefit of nostalgia is a reconnection to an earlier self, offering a feeling of happiness and comfort that can be pushed towards other aspects of daily life.
Nostalgia is the driving force in why we continue to go back to the retro games we used to love, even in the market where newer and arguably better titles are available. The positive feeling you felt as a child can be evoked, pushing happy memories, emotions, and feelings that you felt as a child. The continuation of playing these games will promote these feelings even further, bringing them into your everyday life.
Gameplay isn’t everything. The experience and emotions attached to these games will always keep them in a comfortable pace of your heart. Returning to the times when things were a little simpler without a care in the world is a refreshing escape from the stresses that can be apparent in adult life. The power of nostalgia is beautiful, and if experienced regularly, it can inspire gamers in more ways than they could have imagined. Return to the old classics no matter how many times you have enjoyed them.
Online platforms offer convenience, ease, and easy access. But these online pose some serious threats to sensitive information and financial data. Online gambling sites changed the way we approach casinos. With the rise of online gambling sites, scammers have also been more active in hunting their new targets. Anyone can fall victim to online gambling scams. There are fraudulent online casinos, identity thieves, and hackers to manipulate new gamblers.
With effective strategies and knowledge of licensed and legal gambling, one can stay away from possible online gambling scams. Sometimes casino operators also become victims of these online fraudsters. Being part of a legal casino will help you to recover from these illegal activities. Rogue casinos will take your money, and you will have no idea whom to contact for assistance. There are trusted authorities that issue valid gambling licenses to the operators. Law enforcement authorities are also trying to make the iGaming industry safer for consumers and operators.
How to Stay Protected in the Online Gambling World
Online gambling, or the iGaming industry, has become one of the most promising industries in the entertainment world. Online gambling is secure and legit if approached with care and caution. Like other industries, there are operators with good and bad reputations. It’s up to you if you want to end up with a good or bad one. As a whole, online gambling is one of the best things that has happened to the gambling world in a very long time. Here are some major benefits of online gambling:
Convenience
Accessibility
Variety of games
Bonuses and promotions
Privacy and anonymity
Flexible betting limits
Global access
Social interaction
24/7 availability
With all of these benefits, there come some potential risks too. Losing your funds to a rogue casino or sharing your bank card details with a fraudster casino site are some of the few examples of online gambling scams. There is no casino that would offer unlimited access to real money games for free. Bonuses and promotions also come with limitations and terms. If an offer is exceptionally attractive and good, it might be a red flag. There are different free games athttps://onlinekasyno-polis.pl/automaty-za-darmo/hat new players can play for free. Free games don’t offer the thrill and excitement of real money games, but new players can learn and improve their gambling skills with these. If you are going for real money games, even more attention to detail is required. To keep our readers safe from possible online scams, here are four strategies and tips that can help you with safety from fraudsters.
Join Licensed Casinos only
Choosing a legit and licensed online casino is the first and very important step toward safe gambling. If you end up at a rogue casino with no proven history or approval from the authorities, the safety of your data is at risk. Authorities measure the security protocols of these casinos and issue licenses of different categories. These authorities also analyze the fairness of the games and RNGs.
In different countries, laws related to gambling are different. Casino operators need valid licenses from the licensing authorities to offer their services. Once approved, casinos must show their license and registration details to the users. Usually, these licensing details are available at the bottom of the home page. These registration numbers can be verified online. Consumer protection is only possible with legit and legal online casinos.
Do your Research and read Reviews
Online gambling is a serious commitment as financial commitments are involved. Before choosing any online casino for real money games, players should do their due diligence. Spending a few hours reviewing the reputation of a casino can offer you a safer gambling experience.
Online forums and gambling communities can help you find negative comments and warnings about the casinos. If many users are sharing their bad experiences with a specific casino, you need to steer clear of that casino. Here are some possible issues that players might encounter with different low-quality online casinos:
Unfair or rigged games
Slow or delayed payments
Difficulty withdrawing winnings
Lack of transparency in terms and conditions
Poor customer support
Inadequate data security and privacy measures
Limited or unreliable payment options
Limited game selection
Don’t Fall for Non-realistic Offers and Bonuses
Bonuses and promotions are the backbones of modern businesses. It is quite hard for businesses to attract new customers and players without offering incentives. Not all bonuses are hoaxes because every casino offers these bonuses. Free spins, no deposit bonuses, and welcome packages are a few of the main bonuses available online. If an operator claims to offer an unrealistically good bonus, it might be a scam.
Scammers reach out to new gamblers via their emails, and they claim to be affiliate partners of top brands. You will be asked to join the casino via their special link to avail of the offer. Entering your banking details on their website will compromise your card and data.
Keep your Personal and Financial Details Safe
It is the most important thing in the online gambling world. Make sure that your selected website is owned by a legit company. Common cyber security measures are in place, and the site is encrypted for the protection of your data and information. Never provide your password and bank details to any support agent or affiliate program manager.
Two-factor authentication can also provide an added layer of security for online users. Players should have strong passwords and keep updating passwords after some time. Never log in to your gambling account if you are not sure about the safety of the internet connection.
Conclusion
These were some practical tips to stay safe in the online gambling world. Every gambler should follow responsible gambling practices. You will not only enjoy the true spirit of gambling, but the risk factor will also be reduced. If you ever get in trouble with online casino operators, regulatory bodies might help you to resolve the issue. Always choose casino offers and bonuses from trusted brands only.
Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, country, hip-hop, or any other genre, the East coast of the USA offers a plethora of venues that cater to diverse musical tastes. Get ready to immerse yourself in the energy of live performances, where music becomes a captivating force that unites fans from all walks of life.
Beaver Dam Amphitheater, Kentucky
This outdoor venue offers a picturesque setting surrounded by nature, creating a captivating atmosphere for music lovers. The Beaver Dam Amphitheater concerts have been known to cater to a wide range of musical tastes as well as boasting excellent acoustics. This place ensures that concert-goers can enjoy an immersive and unforgettable experience, where the music blends with and reflects off of its equally impressive surroundings.
Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee
The Grand Ole Opry is an important symbol for country music enthusiasts around the world. Aptly known as the “home of country music,” this iconic venue in Nashville, Tennessee, has been a cornerstone of the genre since its creation. For decades, the Grand Ole Opry has showcased an impressive lineup of country music concerts, featuring both legendary artists and rising stars. Its stage has witnessed countless unforgettable performances, where the rich melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and twang of guitars come together to create an authentic country music experience like no other.
Fillmore Miami Beach, Florida
Now, if you find yourself in the vibrant city of Miami, the Fillmore Miami Beach is a chic and dynamic venue that sets the stage, pun intended, for an eclectic array of concerts. Renowned for its stylish ambiance and contemporary design, the Fillmore offers a setting that can perfectly enhance a musician’s sound. From mainstream pop sensations to alternative rock bands, this venue curates a lineup that appeals to a wide spectrum of music enthusiasts. The Fillmore Miami Beach has become synonymous with unforgettable live performances, where artists captivate audiences with their talent and charisma against a backdrop of state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
The Met Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Now if you’re looking for something a little fancy, The Met Philadelphia stands as an enchanting venue that seamlessly blends the old and the new. Recently renovated to its former glory, this historic gem is celebrated for its stunning architecture, which transports visitors to a bygone era. The Met Philadelphia’s ornate details and breathtaking aesthetics create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication that sets the stage for an exceptional concert experience. With its vast seating capacity and impeccable acoustics, The Met Philadelphia has become a sought-after destination for a wide range of musical performances.
As you embark on your journey through the vibrant music scenes of the eastern USA, the possibilities for incredible concert experiences are limitless. Whether you find yourself at the lovely outdoor space of Beaver Dam Amphitheater, the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the stylish Fillmore Miami Beach, the historic and renovated Met Philadelphia, or any of the other remarkable venues in the region, you are bound to be swept away by the power of live music.
In 2021, Japan-based author Norman England published his first English language book, Behind the Kaiju Curtain: A Journey Onto Japan’s Biggest Film Sets. Documenting the writer’s time visiting Japanese monster movie productions in the late ‘90s and early 2000s (namely Shusuke Kaneko’s 2001 Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack), the book captured not only details regarding the films’ makings but—more uniquely—the Japanese film set culture. England’s access to these sets came in part due to freelancing for Fangoria magazine, for which he wrote, by his estimate, enough material to fill seven or eight issues. And now, his genre pieces—for that publication as well as outlets such as Sci-Fi Teen and The Japan Times—have been amassed into a single volume titled Ring of Fear: Dispatches from the Trenches of Japanese Genre Film Sets.
In his introduction, England notes various circumstances led to him moving on from film reporting (changes at Fangoria; the decline of the J-Horror boom; an urge to become more involved in the film industry) but that he long considered re-releasing his reporting work as a collection. The results are well worth the attention of any serious Japanese film fan. Ring of Fear contains eighty-one articles on everything from monster movies (including Godzilla flicks not covered in Behind the Kaiju Curtain) to ghost stories. Besides documenting on-site incidents and behind-the-scenes information, the author speaks to reputable directors such as Kaneko, Takashi Shimizu, Hideo Nakata, and Nobuhiko Obayashi. He also picks the brains of cast members, producers (a piece on Shogo Tomiyama, who oversaw Godzilla in the ‘90s and 2000s, is a personal favorite of mine), special effects technicians, and monster suit actors. All this lush detail supported by a plethora of photographs from the sets, interviews, and premieres.
In this interview with Our Culture, England recalls his time covering Japanese genre film sets.
First off, thank you for collecting your genre writings and making them accessible with this volume. In your introduction, you describe yourself as a kaiju enthusiast before moving to Japan. Did you have a pre-existing interest in Japanese horror, the other major genre covered in this book?
I knew little about Japanese horror before moving to Japan in 1993, but that’s how it was back then. In those days, Japanese cinema to Westerners was either art-house fare or giant monsters, which wasn’t really anyone’s fault as horror in Japanese cinema is actually a recent phenomenon. My understanding of the Japanese “atmospheric” horror style began after moving to Japan and noticing how deeply rooted it was in the culture. For example, temples are stocked with all sorts of creepy statues of oni (toll-like demons) and otherworldly creatures, and their holiest spots are often damp and set in deep shadows. Japanese homes are poorly lit, too, with nearly all having an altar to deceased family members; it’s something explained quite well in Ring of Fear by The Grudge director Takashi Shimizu. TV shows featuring “mystery spots” in Japan and cases of paranormal events, such as photos of a blurry ghost over a person’s shoulder, were popular when I moved here, as were horror manga. I don’t know if all of this is “horror” per se, and one can find similar things in Western culture. Still, the Japanese fascination with creepy stuff wasn’t anything I expected when arriving, but as a horror fan, I was grateful to discover it.
Your previous book, Behind the Kaiju Curtain, goes into great detail about your time on kaiju film sets—including crash courses in Japanese film set culture. Did you experience similar learning curves while reporting on the films covered in Ring of Fear?
When I covered the so-called J-Horror genre for Fangoria, there was pretty much no information in English available on the subject. So, I went into interviews somewhat naive. Japanese people are generally patient and the filmmakers did their best to educate me. In particular director Norio Tsuruta (Ring Ø, Dream Cruise, Premotion). As one of the few directors I’ve met in Japan wholly dedicated to the horror genre, he was determined that I, being the Fangoria guy in Japan, understand what sets horror in Japan apart from horror in the West. We had a lot of great chats and I visited a few of his film sets, which are covered in Ring of Fear.
In the course of your film reporting, you interviewed a large number of people. When you look back, who was your favorite person to interview? Was anyone particularly difficult to interview?
It’s hard to say who my favorite was as I never experienced a particularly bad interview, although some filmmakers expressed themselves better than others. Offhand, the more eloquent directors in Ring of Fear are Shusuke Kaneko, Nobuhiko Obayashi, and Hideo Nakata. But then, directors are directors because they know how to communicate. Actors tend to be hit or miss. Surprisingly, Yumiko Shaku was sharper than I’d expected during our time together on Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla. I’ve had bad interviews with actors but bad only because they can’t form their thoughts well. I interviewed the star of a big horror franchise in Japan and, I swear, she couldn’t answer a thing. It was her manager that told me what I needed to complete my coverage. It was an early interview of mine, and it taught me to feel out actors with small talk before turning on the tape recording. If they showed the ability to express themselves, I’d ask the more biting questions; if not, I kept things basic.
Most of the articles in this book were originally published in Fangoria, but you also have pieces from publications such as the newspaper The Japan Times. Were there differences/challenges in writing for a daily news publication versus a genre magazine?
I’d been writing for Japanese publications since around 1995; Fangoria was my debut as a professional writer in English. That was in 1997. At the time, I was given a word count between 3,000~3,500. When the Internet encroached on sales in around 2004, to have more variety in the magazine, the word count dropped to around 1,000~1,500. This was annoying because it still took the same amount of legwork, and I got paid less. As for newspaper style, I did a few pieces for The Japan Times, but honestly, I couldn’t get with the brevity of the style. I enjoyed the opportunity but didn’t feel like myself when I wrote those kinds of terse sentences. I like being playful in my writing, and there’s little room for that in newspapers.
You’ve also directed films in Japan. Did your time on Japanese film sets influence your approach to making movies and, if so, in what way?
After having spent almost 200 days on various film sets, I decided to put what I’d learned to the test. The result was The iDol, my first film, which I shot in 2005, is available in the US on the SRS Cinema label. I felt, too, that making a film would aid my reporting as it would connect me with the filmmakers and give me a deeper understanding of what they were up against when making films. After that, I directed a few other things, such as Bringing Godzilla Down To Size, a film about the art of kaiju cinema, and New Neighbor, a kind of horror film released in the West on the Midori Impuls label.
Although less involved in the film journalism circle, you’re still involved in the Japanese film industry. Can you tell the readers what you currently do for a living?
I got out of reporting once I moved into the production side of Japanese films, where I’d do almost anything and everything: directing, acting, sound, and dialect coaching. Probably the job I’ve enjoyed the most is set still photographer, as I’ve always been a fan of movie stills and lobby cards. Today, my main gig is as a subtitle creator. I began this on a lark in 2008, but it’s gradually grown into my main source of income. While I miss the daily routine of production work – getting up at 4 am, meeting the crew blurry-eyed at 6 am, being driven to locations around Tokyo and beyond, then getting home at midnight – it’s physically demanding to do day in and day out. As a subtitlest, I put my knowledge of film to work. One might think that all you need to do this is an understanding of Japanese, but you need to know film and have watched many movies. In some cases, I work directly with the directors, who explain how scenes were constructed and what a line’s deeper meaning is, which isn’t always obvious when taken at face value. Directors who don’t know me are always relieved to discover that I have a history with film production and understand filmmaking’s realities. While I enjoy seeing photos I’ve taken used on movie posters and in magazines, I’m equally happy to know that I’m filling an essential need in Japanese cinema.
Currently, I’ve finished subtitling SANA, a horror film by Takashi Shimizu, a director featured heavily in Ring of Fear. Although I subtitle everything from films to NHK documentaries, I like to tell people that I specialize in horror dialogue. As, yes, there is a way to write scary lines!
Last week, ElectroniCON announced the lineup for its 2023 edition, which takes place in August this year. John Maus was listed as a headliner along with festival co-curator George Clanton, but after vaporwave fans expressed their displeasure about his appearance on the lineup, the musician is no longer set to perform at the event.
In a lengthy statement on social media, Clanton wrote:
Due to the response by our ElectroniCON family of performers and fans, we have decided to move forward on this year’s festival without John Maus.
I, George Clanton, apologize to everyone who felt unseen by this lineup decision, and the artists who have been unduly dragged into controversy. ElectroniCON is defined by its focus on outsider, underground electronic music and inclusive environment. We selected each of the venues that have hosted ElectroniCON events carefully as spaces that have historically held an inclusive space for POC and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We will never allow our singular event to turn into an unsafe space for our POC and LGBTQ+ fans and artists on the bill.
As longtime fans of John Maus’ music, we looked to his lyrics, crowds drawn during recent festival appearances and his statements denouncing white supremacy, fascism and violence against LGBTQ+ as evidence that his inclusion on our lineup wouldn’t attract a vitriolic crowd at ElectroniCON. We underestimated the division this booking would sew amongst our community and did not anticipate a toxic war of words to potentially move beyond the internet into our concert space. John Maus and team agreed the best thing for all is to step away from the show.
I regret that this has given cause to anyone to question our vehement stance against fascism. I, along with 100% Electronica and the venue, assure our incredible fanbase that ElectroniCON this year, along with all others past and future, will continue to be an inclusive event for all.
– Beyond that, I know for some of those more deeply involved in the ongoing discourse – your questions cannot be answered by a simple statement. I will be appearing tomorrow on a special edition of the @hottakesvapor live podcast at 9PM ET to answer your questions in conversation. As well as fielding user submitted questions through @vwnewsnetwork podcast later this week. More on that to follow
In 2016, Maus was featured in the alt-right Adult Swim show Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace. Several musicians whose music appeared on the show, including Chastity Belt, Ovlov, and Molly Nilsson, shared statements condemning the series and creator Sam Hyde’s views. Addressing his involvement in a Noisey interview, Maus said, “I don’t want to make any apology, but I also didn’t want to… The guys I met were nice. They weren’t burning crosses or doing anything like that. In other words, I never had, from what I know about it, any indication that anything other than certain instances of a sort of trolling was going on.”
On January 6, 2021, Maus was pictured attending the pro-Trump protest on Capitol Hill, which he has yet to comment on. He has also been accused of homophobia due to the lyrics of his 2007 track ‘Rights for Gays’. Maus’ most recent US show was at Los Angeles’ Substance Festival in November 2021, and he has some shows lined up in the UK and Europe this year.
I know all of your questions cannot be answered in a simple statement, so i will be appearing on @hottakesvapor tomorrow at 9pm et to answer questions in conversation, and taking user submitted questions via @VWNewsNetwork to be responded to in podcast form later this week. -gc pic.twitter.com/lrWwF98JF8
— 100% Electronica™ (@100pelectronica) June 27, 2023
Lil Uzi Vert has announced that Pink Tape, the follow-up to 2020’s Eternal Atake, will be released this Friday (June 30) via Atlantic. Below, check out a Gibson Hazard-directed trailer for the album along with its cover artwork.
Last year, Lil Uzi Vert dropped a new EP called Red & White. In November, they shared Pink Tape‘s first single, ‘Just Wanna Rock’.
Animal Collective have released a 22-minute single called ‘Defeat’. Recorded with producer Russell Elevado, the piece features contributions from Samara Lubelski (violin), Leila Bordreuil (cello), and Ben Chapoteau-Katz (saxophone). Listen to it below.
‘Defeat’ is the A-side to a limited-edition 12″ that includes a live recording of the improvised track ‘The Challenge’. It’s out August 25 via Domino.
Militarie Gun are used to moving at a relentless pace. The billing of Life Under the Gun as a debut LP might seem strange to anyone who’s been following the project’s evolution over the past three years and is aware of Ian Shelton’s prior investment in the hardcore scene, but even if you haven’t heard a thing until now, it doesn’t take long to figure out what they’re all about. “I don’t care what you do/ Just do it faster,” the frontman implores on the opening track, one of those times it’s clear he’s addressing the rest of the world rather than just himself. You can listen to All Roads Lead to the Gun, the collection of EP tracks and bonus songs the band released last year after signing with Loma Vista, and immediately recognize that same philosophy driving the music, which is at once furiously and insanely catchy. But Life Under the Gun immediately registers as a studio affair – Shelton co-produced it with in-demand producer Taylor Young – and the shift in their approach is palpable without undermining the qualities that captured people’s attention in the first place.
Even though they’re now also signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Management, and might be used as key evidence for the “Turnstile Effect” after their Dazy collaboration ‘Pressure Cooker’ landed on a Taco Bell ad, transcending the boundaries of hardcore seems far from Militarie Gun’s primary concern. Life Under the Gun is more captivating for the way it meets the demands of a full-length LP by expanding the band’s trademark sound instead of watering it down for a bigger audience. And while ‘Do It Faster’ makes for a great introduction, Militarie Gun are quick to prove they’re more than capable of working in different modes; Shelton certainly sounds like he wishes he could maintain the frantic energy, but life naturally tends to get in the way. “It seems I’m stuck,” he sings with varying intensity on ‘Seizure of Assets’, a song about “biting bastard leeches” you can easily put a face to depending on your own circumstances; “I’m still waiting for a sign,” goes the chorus of ‘Return Policy’, which is just as hooky as ‘Do It Faster’ but swerves into downright radio-friendly territory, shimmering and soaring at the same time.
This isn’t to say the album lacks aggression – that’s still one of the main emotions Militarie Gun serves as an outlet for, but there’s more nuance in it. If you’re looking for the songs most heavily seething in frustration, the ones that barely pass the 2-minute mark shouldn’t disappoint. But listen to the record as a whole and you’ll be rewarded with a better-rounded experience, proof that the band can seek balance across a fuller project with the same ease they show in a single tune. One of the more forceful tracks is ‘Big Disappointment’ – perhaps unsurprising given it’s a revamped version of an older song – in which Shelton admits to being “addicted to rage,” but it’s sandwiched between two songs that are more melodic and reflective, amplifying intimate, regretful thoughts through a vibrant sound that attests to the benefit of hindsight.
Life Under the Gun shines just as much in its more startlingly vulnerable moments, which are unpredictable but sit at the heart of the project, not skirting the edges of genre. ‘My Friends Are Having a Hard Time’ finds Shelton feeling defenseless against a pretty universal problem, but his voice still towers over the dreamy instrumental. Even on ‘See You Around’, the penultimate ballad that’s reminiscent of bedroom pop in its haunting simplicity, it’s loud and clear in the mix, as potent as ever. The ability to make relatable sentiments and familiar song structures sound dynamic is Militarie Gun’s biggest strength, and one way the album achieves this is by not letting its playful attitude undermine its cleverness. Shelton smartly offers his most vital and quotable line on the closing title track: “A life of pursuit ends up pursuing you.” It’s not a reason to stop, but a reminder just to keep up.
