Single of the Week: “Famine” by Kate Nash

I don’t like to pick covers for Single of the Week, but I’ll make an exception here- Kate Nash has presented a retelling of Sinead O’Connor’s “Famine,” which tells the truth about the Irish potato famine and how it all ties back to English Imperialism. Last night I saw Habibi perform, and their lead singer, Rahill, discussed at length what’s happening in Iran, and it was potent. (Her song about that is dropping soon) But the history of false famines to control a population is as painful as it is deliberate. (See: US destroying Cuba RIGHT THIS FUCKING SECOND)

“Famine” is ready to stream now, and the 7″ can be preordered for release July 17th. 

Film Review: “Exit 8”

Exit 8 is equally mind-bending and frustrating

A anomalous (?) man smiles in the infinite passageway in ‘Exit 8.’

Based on an indie Japanese video game, Exit 8 finds its protagonist, a young man (Kazunari Ninomiya), on his way to a temporary job, only to get caught in a neverending loop of subway station hallways. The only clue the entrapped man (and the audience) has to what’s going on is through an information sign that warns to look for anomalies, and if one is spotted, to turn back immediately. Successfully spotting the anomalies, which can vary from a small change in a poster design to a horrific creature popping through ceiling vents, enables the protagonist to get to the “next level” (i.e., the next exit), which are numbered from 0 to 8. As a concept, this psychological setup is a great opportunity for sight gags, mind-bending conundrums, and visceral thrills. Unfortunately, Exit 8 tries too hard to be super serious and sincere amid its repetitiveness, to the extent that audiences will be begging for a tonal or structural shift (but maybe that’s the point?). Continue reading “Film Review: “Exit 8””

Film Review: “Hamlet”

Hamlet showcases Ahmed’s way with ‘Words, words, words’

Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) broods in the nighttime glow in ‘Hamlet.’

Set in modern day London amid a wealthy South Asian family, Hamlet is the latest cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. Clearly filmed on a modest budget, yet using dialogue directly pulled from Shakespeare’s text, Hamlet will be embraced by thespians and fans of the Bard, but generally dismissed by casual moviegoers looking for something more grandiose.  Continue reading “Film Review: “Hamlet””

Photo Gallery: Lamb of God at The Masonic Auditorium!

Photos by: Alan Ralph @ConcertGoingPro

On Friday, April 3, Lamb of God, Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabugg rolled into San Francisco for a the sold-out show at Masonic Auditorium!

Continue reading “Photo Gallery: Lamb of God at The Masonic Auditorium!”

Eat All: The Songs of Heated Rivalry: Episode 2

EPISODE 2: OLYMPIANS

SYNOPSIS: After two years of Ilya pitching woo and Shane ducking it, they finally hook up again at Shane’s Montreal apartment. Despite this success, the next time they see each other is at the Winter 2014 Olympics in Ilya’s native Russia. The Russian team gets knocked out early, and Ilya suffers the disappointment of his countrymen — in particular his father. Ilya ices Shane out hard. Shane learns that Russia isn’t particularly evolved when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights. Six months later, the pair presents a sportsmanship award together at the MLH awards. Shane confronts Ilya about not returning texts, Ilya wins MVP, then they get filthy in Ilya’s hotel penthouse suite; Shane is heartsick about it afterward.  Continue reading “Eat All: The Songs of Heated Rivalry: Episode 2”

Film Review: “The Drama”

Zendaya and Pattinson create worthy Drama

Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) have an eye-opening conversation with friends.

This review will be shorter than usual, because writing about The Drama without giving any spoilers is nearly impossible. There is so much to say about this provocative and highly original film, but the less you know going into it, the more you’ll be able to enjoy its surprises. Suffice to say that I’ve already short-listed the movie for my 2026 Top 10. If you love unexpected, immensely creative, and thought-provoking films, you owe it to yourself to see The Drama. 

Continue reading “Film Review: “The Drama””

Single of the Week: “What’s For Dinner” by BLARF

What? An actual piece of modern classical music as your “Single Of The Week”? And it’s out on Stones Throw? Oh, BLARF is actually comedian Eric Andre?!? YES! This piece is a little Copland, a little Gershwin, and a little Reznor and it’s AMAZING. 

BLARF’s full album of classical compositions, Film Scores For Films That Don’t Exist is out May 1st. Preorder here! And see him debut these works WITH ORCHESTRA in LA on April 27th! 

 

Show Reviews: fast Thrash meets slow Sludge at DNA Lounge!

Photos and review by: Alan Ralph @ConcertGoingPro

DNA Lounge has been on a tear lately with their metal bookings in the last 10 days of March. Starting with the Bay Area’s own gore metal band Exhumed, to English thrash metal band Onslaught several days later, culminating in a one-two punch of NWOBHM band Raven alongside Bay Area’s newest thrash metal supergroup Nefarious and New Orleans sludge metal masters Crowbar and Eyehategod to close out the month!

Continue reading “Show Reviews: fast Thrash meets slow Sludge at DNA Lounge!”

Outside Lands announces SOMA Line Up

April lands tomorrow, but Outside Lands decided to avoid fooling up by gifting us the SOMA line-up, which looks like it’s most varied yet. They also have added a special, ultra-exclusive SOMA Social Club package, available here. Full line-up for OSL’s epic dance music grove below: Continue reading “Outside Lands announces SOMA Line Up”

BUMBERSHOOT 2026: BIKINI KILL! TURNSTILE! DEATH CAB! DIE SPITZ! PEACHES!!!!

YES! YOU CAN RESIST PSYCHIC DEATH at BUMBERSHOOT 2026

The longest-running music festival in the US has announced its 2026 lineup, and it’s killer. Despite Peaches being on the bill, it’s still a family-friendly affair in Seattle, complete with Seattle legends Death Cab For Cutie headlining alongside “the biggest hardcore band ever” Turnstile. (How the hell did hardcore finally have a mainstream face?!?!) Fellow PNW legends Bikini Kill are playing, too. Plus De La Soul, Die Spitz, W.I.T.C.H., Yves Tumor, and so much more. Tickets start at $90.50 a day, $155.50 for the weekend (fees inclusive!) with payment plans starting at $40 down! Tickets here, full music lineup below! 

Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival 2026 Lineup Continue reading “BUMBERSHOOT 2026: BIKINI KILL! TURNSTILE! DEATH CAB! DIE SPITZ! PEACHES!!!!”