O. – the London-based duo of baritone saxophonist Joe Henwood and drummer Tash Keary – have announced their debut album, WeirdOs. It arrives June 21 via Speedy Wunderground. To accompany the announcement, they’re sharing the new single ‘Green Shirt’, which you can hear below.
‘Green Shirt’ is “a short rock/metal rinse out,” according to the band. “To match the distorted amp sounds coming from Joe, we put Tash’s drums through distorted guitar amps on this one. It’s named after Tash’s favourite green flannel shirt, that was lost several times and then eaten by a dog.”
Speaking about the LP, which features production from Dan Carey, they said: “WeirdOs is a dark, heavy album based around our love of riffy basslines, blast beats, dub, noise, and all the weird sounds in between. It was recorded live across 2 weeks in the studio with Dan Carey and aims to replicate the feeling of being at one of our gigs.”
“We’re just two people making a big sound, unafraid to give it our all when we play,” Henwood remarked. “We’re interested in taking it to the limit – it’s something that comes naturally to us.” Keary added, “The album name is inspired by people coming up to us after shows and saying, ‘this feels like music for weirdos.’ We listen and jam to lots of different styles of music and it all filters through naturally in our sound – we’re just expressing ourselves.”
WeirdOs Cover Artwork:
WeirdOs Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. 176
3. TV Dinners
4. Wheezy
5. Micro
6. Cosmo
7. Green Shirt
8. Whammy
9. Sugarfish
10. Slap Juice
We have decided to compile a list of the best British watch brands to celebrate the upcoming British Watchmakers’ Day on the 9th of March, 2024. From micro brands to well-established names like Bremont, the horology landscape in the UK is beaming with exciting watches that would make great additions to your watch collection. Here are some of our favourites brands we think you’ll like.
Christopher Ward
Stylish and well-functioning watches form the core of what Christopher Ward focuses on as a brand. Established in 2004 by Mike France, Peter Ellis, and Christopher Ward, the brand took by storm as it established itself as one of the few brands selling solely online, directly to the consumer.
Our favourites from the brand include the new C63 Sealander GMT and C60 Trident Pro, which are both priced well for what you get. With a growing follower base and noteworthy new releases, we’re keen to see what’s next for this brand.
Founded in 2002 by Nick and Giles English, Bremont is an adventure-focused watch brand. They specialise in making work-ready watches that have a pleasing aesthetic and are durable. Bremont is another luxury introductory watch brand that stands alongside some of the biggest names in watchmaking.
Our favourite watches from Bremont are their exciting Bamford Aurora, a limited edition watch with GMT functionality. We also adore their ALT1-C Grifon, which boasts a stunning vintage aesthetic.
Playing on the fun and playful nature of watches is Mr Jones Watches, a brand established by Crispin Jones in 2007. They create budget-friendly timepieces infused with quirky designs by various talented illustrators and artists. They are steadily gaining brand traction and deservingly gathering a devoted following.
As part of British Watchmaker’s Day, Mr Jones unveiled four unique versions of the The Indefatigable Sphinx. Edward Carvalho-Monaghan, a British artist and visionary, designed the watch. The dial features a surreal, imaginary landscape with dream-like characters and objects. Most excitingly, the watch features a jump hour mechanism with central minute and seconds hands.
While the Swiss dominate the watchmaking industry, Garrick watches undoubtedly do well to compete with their high-quality finished timepieces. Founded by David Brailsford and Simon Michlmayr, Garrick creates fine British timepieces in its dedicated Norfolk facility. Due to the limitations and craft, they only produce a maximum of 50 watches, making them highly exclusive.
Our favourite timepiece by Garrick is their S3 Timepiece, which has an open-worked dial and heat-blued skeletonised chapter ring. It’s a magnificent timepiece limited to five pieces per year.
Launched in 2018, Zero West Watches stands out as a brand that stays true to its core principles. As an independent watchmaker, Zero West delivers watches commemorating significant moments in British history through elegant timepieces.
Our highlighted watch from Zero West is the DB-1 Lancaster, which takes cues from an altimeter and pays tribute to the iconic Lancaster ED825.
Beginning in 2015, Farer has taken little time to become a force in the British watch space. They develop adventurous watches priced in the entry-level luxury market. They utilise British design with Swiss manufacturing to ensure well-finished timepieces that stand the test of time.
Our current favourite watch by Farer is their new World Timer timepieces, which come in three variations: Foxe (Green Dial), Roche II (Midnight Blue Dial), and Markham II (White Guilloché Pattern Dial). All priced at £1,495 they make a great first world timer watch.
Established by Dr Roger W Smith OBE in 2001, the Roger W Smith studios aim to create pure brilliance in the world of horology. With such high craftsmanship, Roger W Smith is an iconic name in the British watchmaking space, promoting and showcasing excellence.
Our favourite timepiece by Roger W Smith is the Series 3, which features a 40mm diameter case that comes in 18-carat gold and platinum, depending on preference. Like the other pieces by the studio, it’s designed and made in the Isle of Man.
Focusing on creating solid mechanical watches, Marloe, another fantastic British brand, is fearless in exploring shapes and colours with its designs. From vintage-inspired timepieces to vividly coloured ones, Marloe is certainly a brand to keep on your list when you’re looking for a watch.
Our favourite watch from the brand is the Astro, which comes in numerous variations. The boxy shape reminds us slightly of the Tag Heuer Monaco but with a Dieter Rams twist that looks clean and contemporary. Wearing it on your wrist is undoubtedly a pleasure.
Mike Lindsay has unveiled ‘kachumber‘, the second single from his upcoming debut solo LP, supershapes volume 1. It follows last month’s Anna B Savage collaboration ‘lie down’. Check it out below.
“It’s about the magic of creating something in the kitchen whilst listening to the radio,” Lindsay said of ‘kachumber. “It’s a zen like feeling and extremely cathartic whilst also being creative. The Alchemy of blending ingredients to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The salad has personality.”
“I sent this song to Robert Wyatt to see if he would like to sing it, or write his own version,” he added.” I got a very sweet reply saying that I was right to send it to him as he was once going to make a whole album of recipe songs, none as good as this one (so sweet). He then went on to ask if it was me singing, and if so, he thought my voice fit the song perfectly. It was an incredible response from a hero of mine – he gave me confidence in my own voice!”
The track’s accompanying video was created by Ben Edwards (aka Benge). “Shot entirely on VHS in his kitchen and edited in his video lab at his Memetune studio in Cornwall, the majestic patterns were created with feedback loops on vintage video editing hardware which really brought out the magic within the simple moments of the salad conjuring,” Lindsay explained.
Clementine Was Right – the songwriting project of poets Mike Young and Gion Davis – have announced a new album called Tell Yourself You’re Going Home, which lands on May 10. It includes the previously shared songs ‘River Boys’ and ‘There Are No More Almond Trees’, as well as a new single, ‘Meet Me in the Dark’. Check it out below, and scroll down for the album cover and tracklist.
Tell Yourself You’re Going Home Cover Artwork:
Tell Yourself You’re Going Home Tracklist:
1. There Are No More Almond Trees
2. Attic Full Of Barbie Limousines
3. Coca Cola Vigil
4. Secret To Let Go
5. Meet Me In The Dark
6. River Boys
7. It’s Ketchup (We’re Fuckups)
8. Take Tall Walks
9. Goddamn Universe
10. Imagine A Fire You Can Wear As A Coat
‘Dancing in the Club’, Amos explained, is “a riff on the ‘playing the heel’ romantic fuck-up archetype — it was supposed to be a character study and I guess it is but it turns out the character was just me.”
Though Amos has put out dozens of EPs and hundreds of songs as This is Lorelei, this is his first attempt at a traditional album. He elaborated:
I had just finished a tour with Water From Your Eyes, during which I laid on the ground at Stonehenge for 40 minutes and decided to stop smoking weed. Initially, this album was just a challenge to make music without getting high, and I was worried I wouldn’t come up with anything at all. I isolated myself from pretty much everyone and wrote songs all summer. I was pretty broke and significantly depressed, but also in a sort of healthy mental demolition mode, trying to reimagine how I wanted to move forward with my life. For better or worse, what I made ended up being a delayed recovery album, largely dealing with more significant addictions that I kicked a year earlier.
Box for Buddy, Box for Star Cover Artwork:
Box for Buddy, Box for Star Tracklist:
1. Angel’s Eye
2. Perfect Hand
3. I’m All Fucked Up
4. Dancing in the Club
5. My Boy Limbo
6. Where’s Your Love Now
7. Box for Buddy, Box for Star
8. A Song That Sings About You
9. Two Legs
10. An Extra Beat for You and Me
Want to improve your health and fitness while enjoying breathtaking landscapes? Why don’t you start doing trail runs? Imagine jogging along cliffs with serene-looking lakeside paths through ancient forests and up to stunning hilltops. Isn’t it exciting? The UK offers a variety of trail races to suit every type of runner. Whether you’re a marathon enthusiast seeking your adrenaline rush or simply looking to add some excitement to your weekend routine, you’ll find a British trail race that suits your preferences perfectly.
Prepare for the Excitement
Be like a soldier who doesn’t go to war without a gun. So, prepare your essential gear before heading out into the outdoors. Having the equipment is essential for trail running, as it guarantees performance and safety. This is where finding good deals becomes important, such as using JD sports discount codes to get high-quality equipment for trail running without spending too much.
Once you have shoes that provide traction and comfortable apparel that keeps you at ease throughout every mile, you’re ready to embark on your trail exploration adventure.
The Enchanting Coastal Experience: South West Coast Path Adventures
Picture yourself jogging alongside the expanse of the sea accompanied by a briny breeze. The South West Coast Path is a paradise for runners meandering through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset and catering to every running pace:
Enjoy a captivating sprint by engaging in friendly 10k races along magnificent cliffs and sandy shores.
Get ready for tests of endurance by being bold and daring to take on challenging 100-mile ultras that push your limits.
Varied distances from marathons to marathons. Select your preferred level of challenge.
This trail is unparalleled in its breathtaking beauty, ensuring that every step becomes a moment. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced runner, this path offers a combination of difficulty and scenic magnificence that proves the journey can be as fulfilling as crossing the finish line.
The Lake District Laps: Scafell Pike Trail Marathon
Scafell Pike Trail Marathon in the Lake District is for those who seek a nice climb. It is definitely your kind of adventure. Here’s what sets it apart:
Tough Terrain: Get ready to conquer trails and steep inclines.
Breath-stealing Rewards: Once you reach the summit be prepared to be awestruck by breathtaking vistas that truly leave you breathless.
This marathon offers an exhilarating combination of challenge and natural splendour, making it an ideal choice for those who seek both.
The Scottish Highland Fling: Glencoe Skyline
Feeling a little bit extreme and up for a run in the highlands? The Glencoe Skyline offers an experience combining beauty and thrilling challenges:
Enjoy exciting routes and conquer technical climbs and narrow ridges with precision.
View the majestic highland setting and race against the backdrop of Scotland’s mountains.
It is a global appeal that attracts adventurers from all around the world, pushing their endurance and skills to the limit.
This race is a fusion of magnificence and physical tests made for those with an adventurous spirit.
The Snowdonia Trail Marathon: Embrace the Beauty and Challenge of Wales
If you’re seeking a race that truly encapsulates the essence of Wales, look no further than the Snowdonia Trail Marathon. It offers a blend of breathtaking beauty and thrilling obstacles:
Majestic Peaks: Traverse Mount Snowdon, granting you awe-inspiring vistas of Wales from its highest summit.
Diverse Terrain: Experience a remarkable journey through picturesque villages and rugged trails, providing an array of landscapes to conquer.
Nature’s Splendour: Immerse yourself completely in the mesmerising charm of Wales’ stunning landscapes.
This marathon is a tribute to Wales’s wonders and indomitable spirit. It’s an opportunity for those who crave both an exhilarating challenge and a feast for the eyes.
The Edale Skyline: Discovering the Charm and History of the Peak District
Are you new to trail running? Embark on an adventure through the Peak District with the Edale Skyline route. This scenic trail offers a combination of history and breathtaking vistas:
A glimpse into history, like ancient paths that are adorned with landmarks, allows you to step back in time.
Delight in captivating scenery and the views of the Edale Valley’s splendour.
Favoured by novices as it provides a balance of challenge and charm, making it an ideal introduction to trail running.
Beyond covering a distance, this race offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the tapestry of history and nature that defines the enchanting Peak District.
Takeaway
It’s time to tie your shoelace and uncover each trail run’s majestic scenery and wonders. Each trail in the UK provides a blend of adventure and personal growth. It is an ideal way to connect with nature and challenge yourself. Whether paths entice you with mountainous terrains or historical routes, a trail race perfectly suits your preferences. Develop a liking for trail runs and be captivated by the remarkable stories that every mile unfolds.
Will there be a Yellowstone Season 6? This is what every Yellowstone fan is wondering about. However, we know that ”End is Nigh” as Season 5 part 2 will end this fantastic series. But there is some hope that we might see a season after Season 5. Now, it might console the sad fans who wish the TV series would never end.
The undeniable success and reputation of the Yellowstone series have left its fans yearning for season 6 after season 5 ends. But the series was written in a way that it is destined to end after season 5. In this article, you will learn everything about the Yellowstone Season 6 latest news, rumors, and release date.
Yellowstone Latest News
You will be amazed to know that most of the cast members were in favor of continuing the series, taking it to season 6. There were also rumors about Paramount planning to continue the series to the next Season and bring back earlier characters.
However, all those considerations and plans for the Season seem to be fading now. But how? Paramount considered adding a long-forgotten Dutton sibling, played by Cory Asbury, into the next Season. But this news soon went to ashes, as confirmed by a few sources that there are significantly fewer chances of a new season.
Yellowstone Season 6 Rumors
You might have heard rumors about spinoffs and sequels after the release of Season 5 part 2 in 2024. After all this news, one thing is sure: either there will be Yellowstone season 6 or just spinoffs. However, the chances for a sixth season are sleek.
That means there will be spinoffs with totally new characters. However, you may get to see a few from the series. For all the admiration Yellowstone has earned over these years, Paramount can do anything for the fans. But things will get more clarity as we get nearer to the release date of Season 5 part 2 in November 2024.
Is there a Yellowstone Season 6 Release Date?
It is ridiculous that fans are expecting a release date for a canceled season. Be realistic, Yellowstone fans; you take the idiom ”hoping against hope” too seriously. Yes, there won’t be a season 6 Yellowstone; forget it. However, once Season 5 Part 2 goes on the air in November this year, we will learn more about the new series, whether it is spinoffs or sequels.
Yellowstone Season 6 Cast
Unfortunately, Season 6 won’t be coming, but let’s discuss what is coming. Some of your favorite cast members from the series are expected to return for at least one of the spinoffs. But this is an assumption, and no sources confirm anything about it. Cast members who might return in the spinoffs will be Wes Bentley, Kelsey Asbille, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, and Cole Hauser.
Is there a Yellowstone Season 6 trailer?
Yellowstone Season 6 won’t happen; therefore, there will be no trailer. However, you must be excited about Season 5 part 2 and waiting for its trailer. Well, we will share it once Paramount releases it online.
What is Yellowstone 2024?
Yellowstone 2024 is the spinoff of the original Yellowstone series. It was announced in 2023 and is part of Taylor Sheridan’s expansion of the Yellowstone universe. We will get more details like cast and release date once part 2 of Season 5 goes online.
Is Yellowstone on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?
You can’t watch Yellowstone on Netflix. However, you can purchase it on iTunes, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and Vudu. A few other platforms, such as YouTube TV, Hulu, and Philo, also offer subscriptions for the famous series.
Conclusion
Yellowstone has been one of the biggest TV shows in recent years. Fans have got so addicted to the show that they aren’t excited about Season 5 Part 2 as much as they are sad about the fact that there won’t be a Season 6. But you shouldn’t be worried, as Paramount will soon come with a surprise in the form of offspins when the show ends. So, that is all about Yellowstone season 6 latest news, rumors, and release date. I hope the article answers all your questions. If you still have any, leave them below. Cheers!
Board games often provide a sense of nostalgia with many people having fond memories of rainy days in the past playing classics such as Monopoly and Scrabble. But many games are now able to be enjoyed online, due to advancing technology and a variety of gaming platforms.
We’ll explore the differences between traditional games and the rise of online playing methods.
Traditional games
There are many traditional games that were commonly played at parties and gatherings in the past. Some popular ones include Snakes and Ladders, Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit. Chess, Dominoes and Backgammon were also commonly played by people up and down the country and offered a means of building social relationships with others.
The move online
In the past, board games required the use of a physical board or machine and ample space to play, But many games are now available to play online, negating the need for physical items.
Games can be played instantly, at the touch of a button, via mobile and PC devices. Playing online also gives rise to a wider audience and allows for interactivity between two or more players without them having to be in the same room. There are also options for single players to play against the computer.
Playing traditional games online means opportunities to access a variety of games under one roof, wherever you are in the world. Many choose to play while on the move or from the comfort of their own home.
Popular games to play
While there are many newer games that can be played online, some of the most popular ones are the tried and tested traditional ones.
Scrabble: this popular game for two to four players involves placing tiles onto a board to spell words, either in a straight line or diagonally.
Monopoly: this involves moving around a board by rolling dice and buying properties with the aim being to avoid bankruptcy and be the wealthiest player.
Mobile slots: these include a variety of skill and chance games. The advantage of mobile slot games is the ability to play a range of different games on the go.
Bingo: this all-time favourite is not only played in bingo halls, it’s also easily played online with opportunities to win cash prizes and be part of a community.
Chess: this two-player strategy game doesn’t need a board or pieces when you play online via a smartphone or other device and chess tournaments can be played virtually.
These types of online games allow for connection across the world and enable groups of friends to enjoy a social night without the need to travel anywhere.
As technology advances, it will be interesting to see how the future of online gaming takes shape, with interactivity and immersive experiences expected to be at the forefront of innovations.
TikTok is famous for making new trends, and something new goes viral every day. If you are on TikTok, you might have come across a cat in a blue dress with a mushroom hat walking in her vibe. TikTokers and meme lovers have gone crazy over this trend.
However, most people don’t understand what it means when they see this meme for the first time. You are not alone if you are curious about this weird blue smurf cat. In this article, we will learn about the viral blue smurf cat meme on TikTok and its meaning.
What is Blue Smurf Cat?
Whether it’s YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, this weird blue smurf cat meme is everywhere. People are sick of seeing this viral blue cat photo and its memes. The blue cat is a blend of a cat, a blue smurf, and a mushroom. It first appeared on TikTok with a Russian-origin hashtag ‘’Шайлушай’’ which means Shailushai. The viral meme shows a blue cat walking in a forest with a mushroom hat and a snail on its back. Interestingly, you will be surprised to know that this viral blue smurf cat isn’t new; instead, it is almost ten years old from now.
Origin and Evolution of Blue Smurf Cat Meme
The Blue Smurf Cat meme emerged on TikTok and has evolved since then. The meme gained popularity because of its funny appearance, which captivated fans worldwide. However, the origin of the blue smurf cat dates back to 2014, thanks to the creative mind of Nate Hillian, who created this image. The idea behind this image was to elaborate on what actual smurfs might look like, but it turned out to be sarcastic. They shared the image on different online platforms, but it didn’t become famous.
The cat meme first appeared on TikTok in 2020, when users shared an image of a little blue creature that looked like a mix of a cat, a smurf, and a mushroom. As the Blue Smurf Cat meme became famous on TikTok, its trend also reached other online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. People appreciated the meme’s creativity. Moreover, Allan’s walker famous song “The Spectre” added fuel to fire by playing this cat meme in videos and concerts. The smurf cat has also appeared in many other locations including football pitches and Minecraft video game.
The Blue Smurf Cat meme has evolved and is evident in the remixes that creators and memers are creating every day. People started using the meme in various scenarios, such as in song videos, making animated versions, and even sending it as a reaction image to their pals. The versatility of the meme has led to its popularity. But, inevitably, this trend will also die like many others.
What is the smurf cat meme meaning?
The origin of the blue smurf cat dates back to 2014 when Nate Hillian created this image. The reason behind creating this image was to explain what actual smurfs might look like, but it turned out to be funny as it became a meme on TikTok. The image was shared on various online platforms, but it didn’t get much popularity until TikTok arrived.
Why is Smurf Cat so popular?
The Smurf cat meme became popular because of its funny appearance, which captivated fans all over the world. It first appeared on TikTok with a Russian-origin hashtag ”Шайлушай’’ which means Shailushai. Due to its whimsical appearance, this meme gained several million views and likes on all social media platforms. The idea behind this image was to elaborate on what actual smurfs might look like, but it turned out to be sarcastic.
Conclusion
The blue Smurf cat, created as an imaginative character to depict what Smurfs might look like, has now become a meme. It has become a social media trend, taking the internet by storm. Social media users have loved this viral meme, while others, including me, seem sick of this trend. However, memes and trends are like flying termites who appear in great numbers after rain and soon die after a short period. So, either if you love this Viral Blue Smurf Cat Meme on TikTok or get freaked out seeing this, don’t worry; this trend will finally end like many others.
Two retellings, a dive into ancient Italian history, two tales of intense Jewish family dynamics, and the exploration of whatever ‘postcolonial’ means make up our ten recommendations for upcoming books you should be adding to your list in March.
In this slim and thoughtful novel, a woman wakes up one day to no sound in her right ear before she’s supposed to fly to Italy for a friend’s wedding. The doctors shrug their shoulders, and our narrator decides to simply keep score for the following year; she speaks with assistants, filmmakers, artists, and friends who spill wild stories and information, some useful, some not, all documented. In dreamlike, state-of-consciousness free-flowing prose, Eliza Barry Callahan’s debut novel is unpredictable, warm, and artistic.
In an outsourced effort to translate her magnum opus, world-renowned author Irina Rey invites eight translators from all over the world to work on her masterpiece. But days after they arrive in a forest at the border of Belarus, Irina disappears, leading the translators to work while searching for their acclaimed author. While they dig deep into her past, they start to learn more about Irina and her work that might reveal secrets and lies spanning the length of her career.
Camp counselor Cory Ansel is aimless in life when all of a sudden her father offers her an alternative to traditional work — hot-shot CEO Rolo Picazo offers Cory a childcare job at his luxurious private island, where she can self-soothe to her heart’s desire with opiates. Her mother, however, senses something is wrong and hurries to collect her daughter, alternating between different viewpoints in this modern and intense retelling of the myth of Persephone and Demeter.
Born the day her parents landed in Australia so as to get immediate citizenship, Girl has always felt the looming expectations of her family behind her. Writing a novel about postcolonialism — picked out by her because the word seemed scholarly — and a dissertation on Sylvia Plath, Girl heads to Scotland for a fellowship with other writers and artists. She quickly feels at odds with the other students and meanders around town, sitting for a pompous artist’s portrait instead of writing her own work. Before her big presentation she switches gears and begins to write Pillar of Salt, a retelling of her own family history, to the thinly veiled comments of her peers. In this semi-autobiographical telling of art, friendship, the musings of Girl will be relatable to anyone subjected to the absurdity of the world.
Burdened with a child her husband doesn’t want and feeling socially adrift in Los Angeles while disconnected from her Russian grandmother, Zhenia is not doing too well. She gets a call from a pet medium to explain that Zhenia’s great-grandmother, a Russian Revolutionary, has asked him to transmit her story to her grandchild, confessing what happened to her from the other side. Suddenly, Zhenia is made well aware of her history, but she might disregard it in favor of a life where she doesn’t have to confront herself.
Billed as a book not about getting better, but instead “living better with illness,” Polly Atkin’s second nonfiction work is a response to a life changing diagnosis in her late 30s, finally explaining years of pain, fractures, and exhaustion. Returning to England’s Lake District, which inspired poets like William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Taylor Swift, she refinds herself via the art of poetry and the simplicity of nature. Juxtaposed with scenes highlighting medical ableism and the desperate need for an upheaval of practice, Some of Us Just Fall isn’t a resignation, but an examination of living with what you’re able to.
A historical retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the enslaved James’ point of view, recent rising star novelist Percival Everett infuses humor and social satire for his latest novel. The unlikely duo of Jim and Huck Finn must evade storms, floods, and con artists, as the newly-minted main character must face the burden of lying with the weight of his family and continuing on. Everett spins a classic tale on its head in a brilliant and sharp new way.
Brimming with history and tension, Toby Lloyd’s debut Fervor is the story of a devout Jewish family come undone by their past threatening to emerge. When Hannah Rosenthal prepares to publish an account of her father-in-law Yosef’s time in Europe as a Holocaust survivor, her daughter Elsie begins to panic, and, eventually, disappears. Her brother, Tovyah, isn’t sure what to think — is it a breakdown stemming from a family that has too much emphasis on rituals and traditions, or is the family just reading too much into things? As he starts to acclimate to Oxford, he must work through whatever is engulfing his sister — a horror-tinged intense tale of family drama and mysticism.
Set in Syracuse, Sicily, during the Peloponnesian War, Lampo and Gelon are just two men who enjoy drinking wine at a nearby bar, picking up women, and the plays of the Athenian Euripides. There’s just one problem: anyone who could remember any of his plays is trapped in the bottom of a cave in Sicily as a prisoner, hungry and cold. One day, the pair get the idea to produce two of his plays, leaning on the memory of the Athenians, who are promised meal scraps and wine in exchange for their acting. Haphazard and scrappy, the two get food, props, costumes, and sets from around the city in preparation for opening night, but all goes wrong when other members of the town aren’t so satisfied with platforming the imprisoned Athenians as anything more than scum. Heartfelt, deeply researched, and great fun, Ferdia Lennon’s wholly original debut is as much of a history lesson as it is a meditation on art, memory, and culture.
Alexandra Tanner’s existential, absurd and deeply funny debut novel Worry is likely the best simulation of being online I’ve read in literature. Its protagonist, Brooklynite Jules, is thrust into living with her sister, Poppy, in a cramped apartment — both are floundering, trying to find meaning in their lives and careers. As a creative writer for a buzzy astrology app, Jules finds success in being overly snippy in her recommendations for Scorpios, but while she’s at home, she’s glued to her phone, watching the horrors of everyday life with apathy and humor. The Instagram moms she follows will deny vaccines and tout chunky sweaters in the same breath, and Poppy and her friends start to aggravate Jules in a way only sisters can. Hilarious, dynamic, and compulsively readable, Tanner’s debut is one you’re going to want to start telling friends about.
The Hearing Test
The Extinction of Irina Rey
Fruit of the Dead
But the Girl
Mother Doll
Some of Us Just Fall: On Nature and Not Getting Better
James
Worry