Mura Masa has shared a new single, ‘Whenever I Want’, via his own Pond Recordings. It arrives ahead of his scheduled performance at both weekends of Coachella later this month. Check it out via the accompanying video below.
Mura Masa’s latest album, Demon Time, was released last fall.
It’s easy to talk about pain and trauma when you’re making music. These days, it’s about as essential on the road to acclaim as pushing the boundaries of genre and having a sense of humour. You’ll see artists discussing these concepts abstractly, and then you hear the music and it’s just boilerplate; none of it feels particularly real, even if it comes from an honest place. Then there’s music that sounds raw but keeps its vulnerability perfectly obscured. It takes time and guts to pierce through that veil, and I’m impressed by any songwriter who reaches that threshold. But there’s a line between pain as an experience and tragedy as a story that still so few are willing to traverse. “Memory always twists the knife/ Nothing will ever be as vivid as the darkest time of my life,” Karly Hartzman, who leads the Asheville, North Carolina band Wednesday, sings wearily on ‘What’s So Funny’, almost as if admitting defeat. Yet their music – in the past more poised to amble through the darkness – now zones in on that blurry space in ways that are immediate, glorious, and totally arresting.
Rat Saw God, the follow-up to Twin Plagues and Wednesday’s Dead Oceans debut, is a triumph of razor-sharp focus, churning intensity, and natural ambition. By this point, the group – rounded out by guitarist Jake Lenderman, lap steel player Xandy Chelmis, and drummer Alan Miller – is so in sync that it sounds like they’re carrying stimuli through the same nervous system while eliciting different responses. In the ten seconds before we first hear Hartzman’s voice on opener ‘Hot Rotten Grass Smell’, all sensory receptors are activated, the loud signal waking the body into alertness. The first half-minute of ‘Got Shocked’ is spent reorienting after the shock and queasiness left over from the mind-melting catharsis of ‘Bull Believer’, the 8-minute single in which Hartzman delivers one of the most tortured and thunderous performances you’ll probably ever hear. “I’m told that I screamed and looked up/ Then I sat down and wept after the amp got unplugged,” she recounts.
Passed down from person to person: that’s one way a memory gets registered. Some of the ones on Rat Saw God are sourced from people in Hartzman’s life, yet she has a unique penchant for combining fact and fiction. ‘Quarry’ cruises through several households on a cul-de-sac, describing an imagined world that fits real stories like that of her dad accidentally burning an entire field of cotton and keeping it secret. ‘Bath County’ relays the scene of an overdose and distills it to its barest ingredients: “Drunken laughter/ Violence after/ Killing the heat/ Salt strips the pain.” No matter where they come from, these scraps add up to, if not a full picture, then a life lived on the edges – not just before and after the worst kicks in, but right in the thick of it.
Hartzman doesn’t shy away from memories that run closer to her core, but they spill out in more than one form. She offers fragments that are enough to provoke a reaction but negate any speculation about details; on ‘Hot Rotten Grass Smell’ they’re fairly isolated, ‘Formula One’ gets a little hazier, while on ‘Bull Believer’ they curdle into an epic, astonishingly heavy whole. Befitting its anthemic presentation, ‘Chosen to Deserve’ structures them into a rather straightforward account of her past – not for the listener’s sake, of course, but as a show of commitment to a romantic relationship. It’s the most grounded, life-affirming moment on the record, and its placement right in the middle could indicate a turning point.
Yet there’s no clear-cut division between past and present on Rat Saw God, and that’s perhaps Hartzman’s greatest achievement as a writer. Pieces of them both are scattered across songs, stirred up by some random occurrence and connected through basic instinct – often smell. “I ran like hell into the burning house/ It’d been too long since I had felt the sting,” she sings on ‘Got Shocked’. The song’s lyrics may seem muddled and disjointed, but the band consoles by summoning an electric current more uplifting than paralyzing (just listen to Lenderman’s leads, which seem to warp and weep alongside her). That weightless sensation culminates in ‘Turkey Vultures’, which spirals upward until her past is “a minefield beneath me.” As distant as it might seem, the damage cannot be erased: “At night I don’t count stars/ I count the dark.” After documenting all the unspeakable ways trauma continues to imprint itself, the broadness of the statement feels revelatory.
For all the darkness – the blurriness – that Rat Saw God digs into, what it drags along with it is never a lack of clarity. On the contrary, these mostly coming-of-age tales, lived or otherwise absorbed, have sharpened so many other senses. Throughout the album, Hartzman is acutely aware of irony, especially as it pertains to religion (“There’s a sex shop off the highway/ With a biblical name”), aligns humans with other animals (“Bird flies into the window every day at the same time/ It’ll never learn but it also wouldn’t die”), and, on songs like ‘Bull Believer’, fuses allegory and truth to striking effect. Hartzman’s descriptions never feel overbearing or exaggerated, but heightened in their reality. The blood stays fresh on the page but the pain takes on different dimensions. Comedy is an unintended consequence, not an antidote. It all blends together. It’s all real.
And in the strangest contradiction, it fosters an appreciation for the kind of beauty that remains undetectable by most. ‘TV in the Gas Pump’, the album’s closing track, is made up of images from life on the road that should induce anxiety, mirrored in the distorted, screeching guitars. They blare and brush past, but Hartzman keeps them behind, not beside her, as she retains a kind of wistful tenderness. She won’t get swept up in the debris, standing there to lay witness and remember, as if to say: What else could one possibly have asked for?
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 ’Hunter’, the lead single from Jess Williamson’s new album, an anthem of true yearning; Tyler, the Creator’s ‘DOGTOOTH’, a song from the deluxe edition Call Me If You Get Lost that’s both effortlessly boisterous and hopelessly romantic; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s ‘Middle of the Morning’, a somber, introspective track written during lockdown; Hand Habits’ ‘Something Wrong’, which is musically playful and emotionally intimate yet full of heft; ‘Big Songbirds Don’t Cry’, a wonderfully melancholic track from Steve Ciolek’s debut LP as superviolet; Hannah Georgas’ pensive yet driving new song ’This Too Shall Pass’; The Beths’ ‘Watching the Credits’, an excellent one-off track recorded during the sessions for their last album; and ‘We’re in Love’, a heart-wrenching highlight from boygenius’ debut full-length.
Best New Songs: April 3, 2023
Song of the Week: Jess Williamson, ‘Hunter’
Tyler, the Creator, ‘DOGTOOTH’
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, ‘Middle of the Morning’
Hand Habits, ‘Something Wrong’
superviolet, ‘Big Songbirds Don’t Cry’
Hannah Georgas, ’This Too Shall Pass’
The Beths, ‘Watching the Credits’
boygenius, ‘We’re in Love’
Seymour Stein – the music executive who helped launched the careers of Madonna, Talking Heads, the Pretenders, the Ramones, and more – has died at the age of 80. Stein’s daughter Mandy told the New York Times that he died Sunday morning in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer.
Born in New York City on April 18, 1942, Stein got his start in the music business at the age of 13, working for Billboard magazine. After interning for two summers with King Records, the Cincinnati soul label that was home to James Brown, he took a permanent role at the company in 1961. In 1966, Stein co-founded Sire Productions alongside Richard Gottehrer. After releasing early work by Fleetwood Mac and Focus, the label became a key force in the new wave and punk movements, signing both the Ramones and Talking Heads in 1975.
Stein signed Madonna in 1983 after hearing her demo for ‘Everybody’ from his hospital bed while recovering from open-heart surgery. Sire was acquired by Warner Bros. in 1978. Some of its latter-day acts include Regina Spektor and Tegan & Sara. In 1998, Belle and Sebastian released a song called ‘Seymour Stein’ on their album The Boy With the Arab Strap. In 2005, Stein was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he helped form in 1983. He retired from the music industry in 2018, the same year he published his memoir Siren Song: My Life in Music.
In her statement, Mandy Stein said: “I grew up surrounded by music. I didn’t have the most conventional upbringing, but I wouldn’t change my life and my relationship with my dad for anything, and he was a loving and caring grandfather who took pleasure in every moment with his three granddaughters. He gave me the ultimate soundtrack, as well as his wicked sense of humor. I am beyond grateful for every minute our family spent with him, and that the music he brought to the world impacted so many people’s lives in a positive way.”
Clairo has unveiled a demo of a new track called ‘For Now’. Proceeds from the single, which is available via Bandcamp, will go to the organizations For the Gworls and Everytown. Take a listen below.
Last month, Clairo teamed up with Phoenix for a new version of their Alpha Zulu track ‘After Midnight’. Her most recent LP, Sling, came out in 2021.
Lil Yachty was the musical guest on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live, making his debut on the show in support of his psychedelic rock album Let’s Start Here, which dropped in January. Watch him perform ‘the BLACK seminole’ (with singer-songwriter Diana Gordon) and ‘drive ME crazy!’ below.
Ryuichi Sakamoto has died at the age of 71. The pioneering Japanese musician and composer passed away on March 28, according to a statement from his management team.
Sakamoto was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, which went into remission after successful treatment, but in 2021 he revealed that he was battling colon cancer. Last year, he shared he now had a stage four diagnosis.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow,” a statement on Sakamoto’s website reads. “He lived with music until the very end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members.”
Born on January 17, 1952 in Tokyo, Japan, Sakamoto took up piano when he was three years old. He studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he graduated with a master’s degree in music composition. It was during this time that he started experimenting with the synthesizer equipment available at the university and began his career as a session musician, producer, and arranger. He soon joined Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi to form the hugely influential synth-pop group Yellow Magic Orchestra, which released its self-titled debut in 1978.
‘Behind the Mask’, one of Sakamoto’s compositions, went on to be covered by artists including Michael Jackson and Eric Clapton, and his first solo album, Thousand Knives of Ryūichi Sakamoto, arrived just months later. A version of the title song appeared on Yellow Magic Orchestra’s 1981 album BGM, which featured one of the earliest uses of the Roland TR-808 drum machine on a recording.
Service, the final studio album from YMO’s original incarnation, came out in 1983. That same year, Sakamoto scored the film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, in which he also acted alongside David Bowie. His work on Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987), along with David Byrne and Cong Su, won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy. He went on to score films including 1990’s The Sheltering Sky, 1991’s High Heels, 1993’s Little Buddha, and 2015’s The Revenant. Over the course of his career, he collaborated with international musicians such as Thomas Dolby, Youssou N’Dour, Iggy Pop, Brian Wilson, and Jaques Morelenbaum.
In 2017, Sakamoto issued an ambient album called async. His final album, 12, was released earlier this year. In December 2022, Sakamoto livestreamed a career-spanning piano concert previously recorded at Tokyo’s 509 Studio. “I no longer have the energy to do live concerts…” he told actor Masafumi Suzuki ahead of the performance. “This might be the last time that you will see me perform in this manner.”
— ryuichi sakamoto (@ryuichisakamoto) April 2, 2023
Seiko is one of the most beloved and esteemed brands in the world of watches. They present stylish dials with timeless designs that transcend quality and individuality.
In this article, I’ll look at some of my favourite Seiko budget-friendly watches that will fit your formal outfit event. From a special date to a tux-ready awards ceremony, these watches will compliment your outfit effortlessly.
This £420 watch by Seiko is undoubtedly worth every penny. With a classic watersport style dial and bezel, the ‘Black Grape’ truly stands for its quality within its price range. The metal bracelet reminds us of Rolex’s Jubilee bracelet bringing out complexity throughout the wrist while complimenting the bold font of the bezel and strong shapes within the dial.
It is perfect for casual swimming despite only being 100m water resistant.
In addition, it looks great when paired with a tailored black suit and silky white shirt for a formal ensemble. Like most diver watches, the watch comes in at 43mm diameter, so you’ll want to try it out before you buy it.
The ‘Blue Dial’ of the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series is one of the more minimal watches from Seiko on the market, focusing on elegance while remaining sharp with the distinctive dial pattern that emboldens itself onto you. Compared to the ‘Black Grape,’ it is about 4mm smaller, making it suitable for wrists of all sizes and perfect for men who adore classic-style watches.
‘The Irish Coffee’ watch from Seiko is an acquired preference but certainly, one that fits the formalwear criteria with its mesmerizing, hypnotic-like dial and uncluttered approach. In addition, it leans to a warm colour pallet that whispers luxury and class, a truly defined piece for any watch collector or regular formal event attendee.
Entering with a much pricier tag is the Seiko Presage ‘Eternal,’ a limited edition piece from Seiko (1,000 pieces). With a crocodile leather strap and a deep dark blue dial, this watch transcends maturity and simplicity, making it a highly suitable look for a white-tie dinner or a special occasion such as a wedding celebration.
Last but not least on our list is another limited edition piece by Seiko named ‘Kabuki.’ With a brown-to-black gradient dial, this watch stands out as an expressive piece that thrives on the contrasting elements that give it a subtle appearance from afar but allow you to marvel at its beautiful artistic synchronisation up close.
At £900, it is undoubtedly a worthy piece for any weighty watch collector that likes the juxtaposition of quiet and spirited.
Tactical clothing has become increasingly more popular in recent years. Once thought to be reserved for either military or law enforcement personnel, this rugged clothing style is now commonly worn as everyday menswear. Read on to learn more about the origins of tactical clothing and how it applies to modern men’s fashion today.
What’s tactical clothing?
The word “tactical” refers to anything that supports tactics implemented by military or law enforcement in order to achieve an end goal. In general, tactical clothes are designed with the intention of being durable, comfortable, and versatile to help support the objectives of the wearer.
That being said, tactical clothing has made the leap from being worn solely by professionals, to being worn by the fashion-conscious civilian population.
What characterizes tactical style?
There is a wide variety of tactical clothing available. Some examples include pants, shirts, outerwear, footwear, eyewear, bags, and more. The characteristics of tactical clothing varies depending on the type of clothing.
For example, tactical pants often feature many pockets down the outside of the legs. These are intended to store any tools and supplies that may be necessary during one’s course of action.
Tactical shirts are generally made with strong, comfortable material that allows the wearer to access their full range of motion. They can often be intended for cool weather, with certain materials being more insulating than others. Or they can be designed for intense heat, with some tactical styles offering more breathability and sweat-wicking properties.
Another factor that is taken into consideration when designing tactical gear is that in certain high-intensity situations, the wearer may not have the opportunity to remove or wash their clothing for days or more. Because of this possibility, the comfort and anti-chafing abilities of tactical clothing is of the utmost importance.
All of these themes can be found throughout various types of tactical gear. The exact qualities a tactical clothing item possesses will depend on its intended use. Overall, clothing can generally be classified as tactical if it features lots of practical storage features, and is designed to be comfortable and flexible.
Who wears tactical clothing?
Traditionally, tactical gear was usually only worn by military personnel, law enforcement officers, or first responders. But the tide has shifted in recent years, and people from many different backgrounds now enjoy wearing tactical-style clothing.
Shooting sports enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, and hunters are all examples of people who benefit from wearing tactical clothes. In addition to these examples, people involved in many different types of outdoor activities or sports can find tactical clothing to be very useful.
Everyday carry (EDC) practitioners are another subset of the population that greatly benefit from wearing tactical clothing. For those who are passionate about the EDC lifestyle, there are a wide variety of tactical backpacks, shoulder bags, and waist packs available that feature many easily accessible storage compartments for their gear. Modern tactical bags are well-designed, with the perfect balance of utility and fashionability.
That being said, you don’t have to have any practical application in mind in order to wear military-inspired clothing. People from all walks of life enjoy wearing tactical clothing simply because they enjoy the aesthetic.
Is tactical clothing fashionable?
Due to its rugged appeal, tactical clothing has embedded itself into the modern men’s fashion scene. Jeans that feature a multitude of pockets, jackets made of heavy-duty canvas, and shirts made with a wide variety of camo prints are all examples of military-inspired clothing items that the average citizen can enjoy wearing.
In regard to prints, tactical clothing is available in many different patterns that are considered extremely on-trend. If you are someone who has traditionally associated military fashion with the standard army green, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that there are a wide variety of unique colorways available to you. Prints like digital camo, hunting camo, colored camo, checkered plaid, and classic plaid are all very popular in the tactical fashion world.
Tactical clothing is considered highly fashionable by anyone who is interested in apparel that embodies masculinity and strength. The style has become widely adopted by mainstream culture, with celebrities and fashion influencers alike frequently donning military-inspired pieces.
Tactical Fashion on the Runway and Beyond
Heavily inspired by the military jackets donned by military personnel, this runway look demonstrates how casually cool a tactical jacket paired with a simple pair of jeans can look.
Bold military wear has taken the fashion world by storm. This outfit combines a oversized jacket with a pair of jeans, military boots and a classic beanie to create a monochromatic fashion statement.
Accessorizing your outfit can make all of the difference in the final look. Adding tactical bags over your tactical clothing really pulls it all together, and can turn even a simple outfit look into a rugged military-inspired masterpiece.
Where to buy tactical clothing?
Thanks to the internet, you no longer have to trek all the way down to your local military surplus store just to buy tactical clothing. In this day and age, it’s never been easier to order high-quality tactical apparel from online retailers.
With international stores based in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and beyond, the tactical fashion you’re looking for is just a click away.
How to Style Tactical Clothing
While there are no hard and fast rules to styling your tactical clothing, here are a few tips you can use when putting together a military-inspired outfit.
Tactical Clothing as Streetwear
You can’t go wrong pairing a denim jacket with a pair of cargo pants. You can also layer your jacket with a hoodie underneath for added warmth. For a more modern look, opt for trousers with a tapered leg. Finish off the outfit with a pair of rugged black sneakers and you’ve got the perfect tactical outfit.
Styling Classic Camo Tactical Clothing
If you’ve got your finger on the pulse of fashion, you’ve likely noticed the rise of classic camouflage print in street fashion. In recent years, this print that was once reserved only for the hunting community has made a huge surge in the mainstream fashion world. For a casual tactical look, add a hoodie and a matching pair of sneakers to your camo cargo pants.
Tactical Fashion in the Wild
If you intend to take your tactical gear adventuring, you don’t have to sacrifice style on your journey. While items like high-top mountain boots and a rucksack will provide practicality, combining them with a pair of well-fitting cargo pants and a military -style jumper make for the perfect expedition outfit.
Is tactical clothing good for informal/formal occasions?
Typically speaking, tactical clothing is meant for informal occasions. It is usually put to use in settings including (but not limited to) combat, shooting sports, first response situations, outdoor adventuring, or simply casual situations. But, that isn’t to say that one couldn’t get creative and find a way to incorporate tactical wear into a formal ensemble. It could be refreshing to see a suit jacket paired with a pair of tactical pants, or a waist pack worn over a tuxedo.
When it comes to fashion, there are no definitive rules about combining contrasting styles. In fact, it is encouraged so you can develop your own unique fashion sense. But, it is always a good idea to check with the dress code of the establishment or event you are attending before determining how creative you are able to get. While we are big fans of tactical clothing and believe that a field jacket is always a good idea, there may be certain settings where formal attire is deemed more appropriate.
Whether you recognized it or not, you’ve likely seen tactical fashion out and about. Whether it’s shown on the cover of a magazine, worn by a guy in the street, or worn by an actor in a TV show, tactical styles have permeated almost every facet of our media and culture. And for good reason! For decades, this unique clothing niche has been tweaked and perfected by military professionals, outdoorsmen, and fashion enthusiasts alike. Once an underground minority in the fashion world, tactical fashion has grown and evolved into an extremely popular component of men’s fashion.
Are you an avid tactical clothing wearer? Or are you just dipping your toes into the vast world of tactical fashion? No matter what activities or hobbies you participate in, we hope that we’ve helped to educate and inspire you to embrace tactical fashion yourself.
Although we are our own responsibility and we are the first people to take good care of our health, it is also recommened to rely on expert help to maximize our health.
Use this guide to understand why it is important and beneficial to seek expert health advice and support.
To straighten your teeth, you might consider metal braces. These are the most well-known option for straightening teeth. However, since oral technology has advanced, there are other options available now, such as invisible braces. These are similar prices and can help people achieve the same result. They are clear and less visible, meaning you can feel more comfortable and confident wearing them.
To ensure proper wound care after wisdom teeth removal, oral experts may find this guide on how to roll gauze for wisdom teeth helpful.
Although doctors are the first people to go to when it comes to our physical health, you can also use other experts to help you achieve personal goals. Doctors are there to examine and provide a solution for medical issues. Whereas a personal trainer can assist with fitness and physical health goals.
For instance, if your goal is to get fitter, it is a good idea to maximize your workouts. To do so, you can seek the help of a personal trainer. They can assess your health and goals and help you create a plan to achieve your fitness desires.
Although you might know various gym exercises and diet tips, they might not be enough to get you to where you want to be.
Plus, having a personal trainer can act as an accountability partner so you can track your progress and stay in line with your goals. You won’t lack when you have a personal trainer to keep going.
If you wish to stay as healthy as possible, the best thing to do is speak to your doctor and get direct primary care. Seeing them often for health assessments will ensure they can prevent you from suffering from an underlying health condition. You can share your concerns with them and allow them to assess you to check everything is in working order.
Doctors can assist with preventative health measures to ensure you stay healthy and avoid health issues.
Another importance of seeking help from a healthcare professional is to ensure you take the right medication if you do experience health problems. They will guarantee to provide the right medication to manage and/or treat the issue.
Our health is more than the physical side of things, it involves our mental health too. It is essential to take good care of our mental health to avoid stress, anxiety, and depression. The more we care for our minds, the more it will take care of us. Additionally, understanding medical interventions such as types of pacemakers can also contribute to a comprehensive approach to health management.
If you do experience bouts of mental health issues, it is a good idea to talk to a therapist. They are there to listen, provide support, and offer solutions to your worries. They will listen without judging and always be there to support you throughout your journey to better mental health.
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