Sydney-based trio Middle Kids are back with a new song, ‘Bootleg Firecracker’, which arrives alongside an accompanying video. Following their 2021 LP Today We’re The Greatest, it marks the first taste of new music from a six-week session in Eastbourne, UK with producer Jonathan Gilmore. Check out the Toby Morris-directed clip below.
According to lead singer Hannah Joy, ‘Bootleg Firecracker’ is “a song about the power, magic, and risk of intimacy… It started out as an up-tempo chorus about dancing, but Tim (Fitz – co-producer and bassist) slowed it down, and we came up with this idea of the bootleg firecracker. Fireworks can be dangerous and risky, but there’s something about their explosion of light and heat that brings people together in celebration. I think love is like that.”
Alpina is one of the most recognised names in the world of watches, founded in 1883 and proudly producing the famous red-triangle signature watches that whisper quality and eye-pleasing appearance. In this series of Watch Spotlight, we’ll be looking at Alpina’s Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph with the petroleum blue dial.
Design
The petroleum blue dial on the watch is undoubtedly an eye-catcher; its distinctive dark blue hue combines harmoniously with the 41mm stainless steel case and the warm-coloured brown calf leather strap. Each detail of the watch is considered, from the off-white stitching on the strap to the crisp font on the chronograph — nothing is overlooked.
Movement
By virtue of being a chronograph, this watch is already a winner in my eyes regarding functionality. As a quartz movement, the AL-372 Caliber carries great accuracy (as expected) with 48 months of battery life and 13 jewels. As a bonus, this watch is also shielded with a great case ensuring the movement is safe for up to 100 metres in water.
Conclusion
The Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph is a reputable piece in any sophisticated watch fanatic’s collection. It’s well-refined with superb detail that will enhance your enjoyment of it. The strap is comfy and feels sturdy, suitable for daily wearing, and the accurate quartz movement will make your life simpler and more leisurely. This one is for the buy list.
Few directors have so profoundly impacted me as Yasujiro Ozu. While my adolescent self was perplexed by his films’ unconventional approach (the leisurely pace, the absence of “dramatic highs” other stories take for granted, the rigorous shooting aesthetic), with adulthood came an appreciation for their technique and understanding of the joys and sorrows that permeate ordinary human life. Cinema has long attracted me with the promise of learning something about the world, and in Ozu’s quiet dramas about the dissolution of families, the social gaps between generations, etc. I found honest reflection of what people everywhere—regardless of race or culture—think and feel. (I’ll never forget my first viewing of 1942’s There Was a Father and how the behavior of its protagonist after watching his parent die mirrored mine in a similar moment of loss. My reaction upon seeing my grandfather lifeless in a hospital bed just weeks earlier was the same: the quiet realization I’d never again speak with someone I’d always known, a slow retreat—then the tears came.) To paraphrase film critic Stanley Kauffmann, the definition of Ozu’s appeal isn’t how much we know about him but how much he knew about us.
With 2023 marking the sixtieth anniversary of Ozu’s death (and the one hundred and twentieth of his birth), I dedicated a sizable portion of a recent Japan trip to this director. While in Tokyo, I traversed to the shitamachi town of Fukagawa, where Ozu was born and spent part of his youth and early adult life. There I attended an exhibit at the Koto City Furuishiba Culture Center and learned of the local Ozu Bridge, which was promptly tracked down after leaving the museum. A later date found me at the seaside community of Atami—admittedly to see the castle smashed by King Kong and Godzilla in their famous 1962 tussle but also with the hope I could find where Ozu filmed the “sea wall” scene in Tokyo Story (1953). As readers can imagine, much has changed in seventy years (the wall is gone and the background peninsula’s crowded with buildings), but I managed to find roughly the spot where Chishu Ryu and Chieko Higashiyama, ignored and cast away by their children, gazed at the water and decided it was time to return home.
Another highlight occurred when a friend of a friend informed me of an exhibit at Yokohama’s Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature. The next day I was on the shinkansen and delighted in seeing not only scripts, photographs, and personal belongings of Ozu’s (plus home movie footage of him!) but equipment used on his last few films: the Mitchell camera that filmed his impeccable images, the custom-made stopwatch (designed to simultaneously measured seconds and celluloid frames) used to time scenes. My only regret regarding this Yokohama excursion is that I missed the chance to see the great actress Mariko Okada, who was to speak at the museum the day I flew home.
Most ethereal, though, was visiting the temple Engaku in Kamakura—where Ozu’s buried alongside his mother. I knew not where to look upon entering the temple cemetery, only that their gravestone was marked by the kanji character 無 (mu—“nothingness”). So I wandered amid the tombstones (the only person around minus a groundskeeper) until finally I located the grave. Smiling at the sight of the alochol-loving director’s tomb stocked with liquor bottles, I placed some coins on the stone before offering a few words. Ozu once confided to cinematographer Yuharu Atsuta his suspicion that foreigners wouldn’t think much of his movies; quietly I informed him how wrong he’d been—that I wish he’d lived to see the impact his movies have had around the world. At the time of Ozu’s passing, he’d known of rave reviews in London for Tokyo Story and surely was aware of film historian Donald Richie’s showing five pictures at the Berlin Film Festival. But I doubt he imagined that in 2012, international filmmakers and critics polled by Sight and Sound magazine would vote that same movie the greatest of all time.
A final (somewhat amusing) anecdote. While riding the train back to Tokyo, I learned Engaku is also the resting place of other Japanese film legends such as Akira Kurosawa and Mikio Naruse and—I was told later still—Keisuke Kinoshita. I hope to pay my respects at each of their graves on my next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The internet has revolutionized the way we live, work and play. It has opened up a world of possibilities that were previously unimaginable. Nowadays, there are countless interesting things you can do online that range from creative pursuits to educational resources to thrilling entertainment options. In this blog post, we will explore seven fascinating activities that you can engage in on the internet. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking for a fun way to pass the time, these online experiences are sure to captivate your attention and spark your imagination!
Unleash Your Creativity with Online Art and Design Platforms
Are you a creative person looking for an outlet to express yourself? Look no further than online art and design platforms! These websites provide endless opportunities for artists, designers, and enthusiasts to showcase their talents and explore new mediums. The best part? You can do it all from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out, there are online communities that cater to every skill level. Websites such as DeviantArt and Behance allow users to share their artwork with others, receive feedback on their work, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
In addition to sharing your own creations, many art and design platforms offer resources for learning new techniques or improving existing skills. From video tutorials to written guides, these resources can help take your creativity to the next level.
Visit an Online Casino
Are you in the mood for some excitement and thrill without leaving your house? Look no further than visiting an online casino. Online casinos offer a vast selection of games, from classic slots to live dealer table games. You can enjoy these games from the comfort of your own home or even on-the-go with mobile devices. If you are looking for real money pokies online in Australia, it is vital to research them online and make sure to check the reviews to avoid fraudsters. Once you find an online casino for you, you can enjoy their accessibility. They are available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, many online casinos offer various promotions and bonuses to keep players engaged and rewarded.
Online casinos also provide a safe and secure environment for players as they are regulated by governing bodies that ensure fair play. Players’ personal information is also kept confidential through encryption technology.
Expand Your Knowledge with Online Learning and Educational Resources
In this digital age, learning has never been easier with the abundance of online resources available at our fingertips. From free courses to paid certifications, there’s something for everyone. Online learning is flexible and can be done from anywhere in the world.
One of the most popular platforms for online learning is Udemy, where you can find thousands of courses on almost any topic imaginable. Whether it’s coding or cooking, there’s a course for you. Another great platform is Coursera which offers university-level courses taught by professors from top universities around the world.
If you’re looking to learn a new language, Duolingo is a fun and interactive way to do so. With daily reminders and gamification features that make learning feel like playtime, it makes mastering a new language an enjoyable experience.
For those interested in more specialized skills such as graphic design or photography, Skillshare provides access to classes taught by industry professionals who share their knowledge and expertise with students. YouTube also offers plenty of educational channels dedicated to making complex topics easy to understand through engaging videos and animations. Channels like TED-Ed provide short animated lessons on various subjects ranging from science to philosophy.
Connect with Like-minded Individuals through Online Communities and Forums
Feeling connected to a community of like-minded individuals can be difficult, especially if you live in an area where the people around you don’t share your interests. That’s where online communities and forums come in handy. With just a few clicks, you can connect with people all over the world who are passionate about the same things as you. Not only do these communities provide a sense of belongingness but they also offer valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities that could help you grow personally and professionally. You never know what kind of insight someone else may bring to the conversation.
Moreover, joining an online community or forum is not just limited to socializing; it could also lead to potential employment opportunities since some employers use such platforms as part of their recruitment process. Additionally, participating in these groups helps develop communication skills that could prove useful both personally and professionally.
Online communities and forums can be beneficial for connecting with people from all walks of life who share common interests while providing ample opportunity for growth both individually as well as career-wise.
Discover New Worlds through Online Virtual Reality Experiences
Experience the thrill of discovering new worlds without ever leaving your home through online virtual reality experiences. These immersive adventures allow you to explore different landscapes, interact with objects and characters, and even learn new skills in a completely digital environment.
From exploring ancient civilizations to visiting other planets, virtual reality experiences offer endless possibilities for adventure. You can even take part in thrilling activities like skydiving or bungee jumping from the comfort of your own couch!
Virtual reality technology has come a long way in recent years, offering increasingly realistic graphics and sound effects that make you feel like you’re really there. And with more and more developers creating exciting new experiences every day, there’s always something new to discover.
Indulge in Online Gaming and eSports for Thrilling Entertainment
In recent years, online gaming and eSports have emerged as popular forms of entertainment. With many people staying indoors due to the pandemic, more individuals have turned to online gaming for thrilling experiences. From action-packed shooter games to strategic role-playing adventures, gamers can choose from a wide range of genres and platforms. Not only do these games offer exciting gameplay, but they also provide opportunities to connect with others around the world through multiplayer modes and chat features. eSports has also gained popularity in recent years with professional teams competing in tournaments for large cash prizes. Fans can watch live streams on platforms like Twitch or attend events in person to witness their favorite players battle it out.
Despite some concerns about addiction and excessive screen time, many experts agree that playing video games in moderation can have cognitive benefits such as improving problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
Stay Fit and Active with Online Workout Classes and Fitness Apps
Staying fit and active has never been easier with the advent of online workout classes and fitness apps. Whether you prefer high-intensity interval training or calming yoga sessions, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Online workout classes offer a variety of live or pre-recorded sessions that can be accessed from the comfort of your own home. Many popular gyms and fitness studios now offer virtual memberships, allowing you to participate in their classes without ever leaving your living room.
There are also numerous fitness apps available for download on both Android and iOS devices. These apps provide a range of features such as customized workout plans, progress trackers, and even personalized coaching. Namely, one major advantage of online workouts is the flexibility they offer. You can choose when and where to exercise based on your schedule. This means no more rushing to make it to an early morning class or struggling to find time after work.
Additionally, online workouts often come at a lower cost than traditional gym memberships or personal training sessions. Many platforms offer free trials or low monthly fees making them accessible for everyone regardless of budget constraints.
The internet provides a vast array of opportunities to explore and engage with various activities that were previously only available offline. From creating art to playing games, learning new skills or fitness routines, there is no shortage of things to do online. So whether you are looking for entertainment, education or social interaction, the possibilities are endless. The key is to find what works best for you and take advantage of all that the internet has to offer. So go ahead and try something new today – who knows where it may lead?
Glasgow’s Humour have shared a new single, ‘The Halfwit’, their first material since the release of their debut EP Pure Misery last year. Check out Robin Herbert’s video for it below.
“This song was one that came together fairly easily,” frontman Andreas Christodoulidis explained in a statement. “I decided to write a song about a guy who takes himself off to some far away place and gradually transforms into something less than human, somewhere between a person and an animal, with little sense of who he is remaining. I wanted to describe his new life as being quite sad and lonely, but also kind of peaceful and carefree.”
Lana Lubany has released a new single called ‘EXPECTATIONS’. It’s taken from the Palestinian-American artist’s new EP THE HOLY LAND, which is out June 2 and includes previous offerings ‘ON MY WAY’, ‘POINT OF NO RETURN’, ‘CLONES’, ‘SOLD’ and ‘THE SNAKE’. Check it out via the accompanying visual below.
“’EXPECTATIONS’ is about letting go and is PHASE 5 of my concept EP ‘THE HOLY LAND’,” Lubany explained in a press release. “I had a lot of ups and downs in my journey to where I am right now, and while getting back on my feet was hard, I did it many times and started believing in myself again, finding my lost identity.”
“In the visualiser (directed by Sahra Zadat), I wanted to emulate being comfortably uncomfortable in my bedroom, where I feel the safest and most vulnerable and am unapologetically myself,” she added. “I have grown a lot by leaving my comfort zone and showing it to the world, and I’m going to keep doing that.”
Nine Inch Nails members and Oscar-winning composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are behind the score for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the movie’s director, Jeff Rowe, confirmed on Twitter.
Tony Hawk first revealed the news in a recent episode of his Hawk vs Wolf podcast during an interview with photographer Sam Muller. “Well now that my teenage hero @tonyhawk has leaked that my music heroes are doing this I can add that the score is absolutely AMAZING,” Rowe tweeted. “Exhilarating, terrifying, heartbreaking, full of sounds I didn’t know existed. I don’t have the vocabulary to describe it. I love it so much.”
Seth Rogers, who is a writer, producer, and star in the film, added on Instagram: “This has been a thrilling process and I can’t wait for you all to see this movie and hear this incredible score.”
Well now that my teenage hero @tonyhawk has leaked that my music heroes are doing this I can add that the score is absolutely AMAZING. Exhilarating, terrifying, heartbreaking, full of sounds I didn’t know existed. I don’t have the vocabulary to describe it. I love it so much https://t.co/kN6KCdHqy1
Primavera Sound is known as one of the best-booked festivals in the world, and last year’s two-weekend edition in Barcelona brought basically every band to celebrate its 20th anniversary. But that did not stop the organizers from outdoing themselves once again. Taking place in both Barcelona and Madrid over two consecutive weekends, this year’s festival is connected by the theme ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’, with the second weekend in Madrid essentially mirroring the Barcelona event, which goes down June 1-3. The 2023 lineup is a thing to behold – from cutting-edge artists to alternative icons and mainstream stars, there’s truly something here for everyone. Headliners include Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Depeche Mode, New Order, and the reunited Blur, and I probably don’t need to convince you to go see those. But to help you navigate the rest of the program, here are 14 non-headline acts we’re excited to see at Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum this weekend.
Black Country, New Road
Black Country, New Road put on a fantastic show at Primavera last year, and they’re one of the few bands returning to play the festival this year. (They’re scheduled for Thursday; violinist Georgia Ellery’s other band, Jockstrap, which makes dazzling and innovative pop, is taking the Dice stage on Saturday). Following the departure of frontman Isaac Wood and the release of Ants From UpThere early last year, the group has been performing a set of all-new material, though this time fans will have had the chance to familiarize themselves with the songs thanks to Live at Bush Hall, a recently unveiled concert film and live album capturing their three-night stint at the London venue last December. It’s a testament to their ability to continuously evolve and press forward, and there’s no better way to witness it than live.
Alex G
Alex G is one of the most singular and beloved singer-songwriters in the indie world, and despite frequent comparisons to Elliott Smith, he’s constantly been pushing his idiosyncratic sound beyond the confines of the genre. On his latest release God Save the Animals, the artist’s penchant for experimentation, off-kilter melodies, and oblique lyricism are cast through some of his brighest, most inviting songwriting to date, striking the eerily perfect balance his discography has long been hinting at. The album came out back in September, but there’s a gentle warmth to it that should be elevated in a festival setting.
Turnstile
“You really gotta see it live to get it,” Turnstile bassist Franz Lyons sings on ‘No Surprise’, a 46-second track from their third album GLOW ON. The hardcore group has broken through in a big way, and if anything, that record was proof that you really don’t need to see it live to get it; the studio recordings are as riveting, inventive, and transcendent as you could possibly want them to be. Still, I strongly suggest you do. Turnstile are known to put on one hell of a show, no matter what setting they find themselves in. They’ve played every kind of festival, and they’re extremely good at what they do. Even for those who don’t care about hardcore, it’s an opportunity for collective catharsis you don’t want to pass up.
The Beths
Few contemporary bands make power-pop as exhilarating and catchy as the Beths. The quiet/loud dynamic that works so well in a live context was utilized to great effect on last year’s Expert in a Dying Field, which is packed with some of their sharpest and most captivating material yet. Even if you go into their set not knowing the words to every song, you might find yourself singing along anyway.
Soul Glo
It’s tough having to pick between Beth Orton, Julia Jacklin, and Soul Glo, who are all playing at 6:00pm on Friday, June 2. They each make very different kinds of music, but they all released great albums in 2022. Beth Orton’s Weather Alive is wistful and richly atmospheric, while Julia Jacklin’s PRE PLEASURE delivers bracingly vulnerable and mature indie rock. But it’s Soul Glo’s Diaspora Problems, a landmark hardcore album that sounds at once boundary-pushing and boundless, that I’m most excited to hear live, along with any tracks they choose to showcase from their impressive back catalog. You can catch a number of indie-leaning acts at Primavera at any given time, but like Turnstile, seeing Soul Glo here is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Japanese Breakfast
Japanese Breakfast has been touring heavily in support of their successful 2021 album Jubilee, so I was a little surprised they weren’t on the bill last year (though they did play the São Paulo iteration of the festival). It won’t be hard to catch them this year, especially if you’re going on Friday: they’re slated to perform at both 6:50pm and (an apparently shorter set) at 10:05pm. Plus, they’re booked for the Primavera a la Ciutat event on Sunday. They have plenty of great songs that lend themselves to a festival setting, but it’s this part on ‘Paprika’ that I’ve been dying to hear live: “How’s it feel to stand at the height of your powers/ To captivate every heart?/ Projecting your visions to strangers/ Who feel it, who listen to linger on every word?” Be there, and we’ll find out.
Tomberlin
Tomberlin may be known for her gentle, introspective indie folk, but i don’t know who needs to hear this… – which we broke down track-by-track with Tomberlin – opened up her sound in a variety of ways. There are big, cathartic moments like ‘happy accident’, but even spare moments like the title track are so resonant that they sound big in their own way. They hold so much weight and tension, and Tomerblin is careful and deliberate about how she releases it. “These songs are simple, but it ain’t easy,” Tomberlin sings. “To sing it like it is, believe me.” They’ve offered me comfort in the loneliest times, and to get to experience them with a group of people who feel the same way will surely be special.
Alvvays
I got to see Alvvays when they were touring behind 2017’s Antisocialites, and it was an incredible show. Last year, though, they followed that album up with Blue Rev, which both retained and refined their best qualities: indelible hooks, clever songwriting, and sharp, immaculate production, all swirling together in a way that’s both ridiculously infectious and unruly. There’s also a lot of craft that goes into their songs, but there’s also a confidence and immediacy that brings so much fresh energy to Blue Rev. It’s a feeling you have to hear channeled live. (Although you’ll have to head quickly to the main stage to catch the better part of Kendrick Lamar’s performance.)
Christine and the Queens
After releasing Redcar les adorables étoiles last year under the moniker Redcar or Christine and the Queens Presents Redcar, Chris is returning this June with PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE, which features two Madonna collabs and production from Mike Dean. The alt-pop singer has called it the “second part of an operatic gesture,” and the singles so far have lived up to that description – this is epic, immersive, and meticulously produced synth-pop that lends itself to a grand, theatrical performance, and the organizers made the right decision by scheduling it just after midnight.
Yves Tumor
Yves Tumor’s live show has garnered rave reviews thanks to the band’s raw magnetism and incredible musicality, promising the sort of explosive rock show you rarely get to see these days. Tumor’s persona appears both fearless and transgressive, and on their excellent new LP, Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds), they embody it while further expanding the possibilities of their sound. As comfortable as they are playing tricks in the studio, they know how to captivate an audience. Like Christine and the Queens, Tumor’s output is as heady and enigmatic as it is sensual and transformative, but also leans a bit darker, so seeing one right after the other makes a lot of sense. (Tumor is also playing a DJ set earlier in the day.)
Wednesday
Wednesday is one the last names you’ll see in this year’s festival poster, but in April they put out what many consider one of the best rock albums – for my money, the best album – of the year so far. The Asheville band has been honing their blend of shoegaze and country for a while, but Rat Saw God lives up to the hype that’s been bubbling up in every conceivable way. Their music can be cathartic and somber, tuneful and noisy, comforting and excruciating all at once, often swimming in reverb or loaded with distortion as it careens between extremes. Combined with the group’s unique musical chemistry, it should make for an unforgettable show. Make sure to stick around for the 8-minute epic ‘Bull Believer’, which will probably close the set.
Arlo Parks
The fact that Arlo Parks and Holly Humberstone are playing at the same time on Saturday is an unfortunate conflict, given that there’s probably a significant overlap in their audiences – they’re both part of a new wave of UK songwriters specializing in candid, evocative alt-pop. But Parks is fresh off the release of her sophomore album, My Soft Machine, a step-up from her Mercury Prize-winning debut that takes her songwriting in a more dynamic and ambitious direction, which makes me excited to hear songs like ‘Devotion’ and ‘Blades’ live. The emotional resonance is still there, but there’s also a palpable joy in her music that I’m sure will make its way through the crowd.
The War on Drugs
The War on Drugs are one of the few acts that are only playing the Barcelona edition of the festival, and you don’t want to pass up the chance to see their rousing, immersive rock n’ roll in the flesh. Their live sound is captured in the 2020 record LIVE DRUGS, which cemented “their status as one of the premier live bands of their generation,” according to Pitchfork. 2021’s I Don’t Live Here Anymore then offered some of their most vibrant and accessible songs yet, and as far as they may stretch them out in a live context, the possibility of transcendence is always somewhere along the road, should you follow along.
Caroline Polachek
When it comes to pop, Primavera has a good track record of covering everything from mainstream stars to artists with more left-of-center sensibilities. Last year’s lineup exemplified this by including Dua Lipa, Lorde, Charli XCX, and Rina Sawyama. This year, you have the likes of Halsey, Rosalía, and Calvin Harris topping the bill, and you’ll also find Caroline Polachek, who is having a big year with the release of Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, her sophomore record and by far the most acclaimed pop album of the year. Its maximalist, theatrical nature should be accentuated in a live setting, and I’m curious how some of her more eccentric, heady choices will translate. When Caroline Polachek welcomes you to her island, you simply can’t say no. (Even if it unfortunately conflicts with parts of Kelela and Jockstrap’s sets.) Plus, how can you miss the chance to hear the flamenco-inspired ‘Sunset’ live in the actual city of Barcelona?
If you’re a fan of Spidey, then you’re in for a treat with the new gameplay video released by Sony and Insomniac for their highly anticipated game Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This 10-minute clip showcases exactly what every fan desires. Set to launch in Fall 2023, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the next installment in PlayStation’s critically acclaimed franchise, developed by Insomniac Games in collaboration with Marvel Games and PlayStation exclusively for the PlayStation 5 console.
Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.
This week’s list includes the lead single from Anjimile’s new album, ’The King’, which is at once graceful, imposing, and dramatic; Squid’s latest, ‘The Blades’, which builds with the sprawling intensity the band normally excels at but then deflates into a finale that’s more emotionally crushing than cathartic; Loraine James’ ‘2003’, a pensive, hypnotic track that takes its name from the year her father passed away; Speakers Corner Quartet’s ‘Soapbox Soliloquy’, which features striking vocals from LEILAH as the London collective’s smooth instrumental contorts into weird shapes; ‘Time Ain’t Accidental’, another lovely, moving single from Jess Williamson’s new album; and ‘Devotion’, an explosive, Deftones-inspired highlight from Arlo Parks’ sophomore LP.
