Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

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Inside the maniacal menagerie that is Alaska Thunderfuck 5000’s Red 4 Filth Tour

As the lights went out and the onstage screen lit up, it became clear that this was more than just an exhibition of music—it was an immersive drag experience.

By November 3, 2022

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Ticket to Paradise is the ultimate feel-good getaway

If watching George Clooney and Julia Roberts play beer pong was not on your 2022 bingo card, you are not alone.

By November 2, 2022

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The 1975 revisits their roots in Being Funny in a Foreign Language

The band has figured out how to cut to the point without getting lost in the details.

By October 28, 2022

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On Midnights, all of Taylor Swift’s late-night thoughts come alive

But on the darkly mysterious Midnights, Swift uses the vulnerability of the late night to reflect on these raw emotions.

By October 28, 2022

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Mask and Bauble’s Love’s Labour’s Lost puts a joyful spin on one of Shakespeare’s more obscure comedies

Mask and Bauble’s take on Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost is a commentary on the dynamics of love and gender.

By October 27, 2022

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Concert Preview: Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, Oct. 29, The Howard Theatre

Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 of Drag Race royalty will be bringing the North American tour of her latest album Red 4 Filth (2022) to The Howard Theatre. 

By October 23, 2022

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Demi Lovato’s return to the stage will leave you saying “Holy Fvck”

Lovato’s Holy Fvck tour is one of healing, catharsis, and rebirth, all delivered through her natural stage presence and breathtaking vocals. 

By October 23, 2022

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Triangle of Sadness is a parable about beauty and excess

But the film truly shines when dissecting the economic value of beauty as it exists today with Instagram influencers and their ilk.

By October 23, 2022

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Marcus Mumford’s (self-titled) is a meditative and powerful solo debut

On (self-titled) (2022), Mumford doesn’t need to reinvent; he explores, reflects, and reveals his individual artistry. 

By October 19, 2022

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Post Malone’s personality and gratitude carry him through his Capital One Arena concert

Malone provided an exciting concert that gave D.C. the opportunity to let loose and sing along on a Tuesday night in October.

By October 17, 2022

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Post-therapy revelations: Hold the Girl (2022) is Rina Sawayama’s love letter to healing

Coupled with electropop instrumentals, Hold the Girl humanizes Sawayama; on her 14-track album, Sawayama holds a light to her past pain and current healing. 

By October 16, 2022

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Amsterdam’s star-studded style can’t make up for its lack of heart

While the movie may be entertaining, it isn’t engrossing: its biggest shortcoming is prioritizing style while not having enough substance.

By October 14, 2022

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Maude Latour takes us on a tour of self-discovery with 001

Latour is one of the freshest faces in the pop scene right now with her psychedelic aesthetic and distinct vocals and lyrical style.  

By October 12, 2022

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The Banshees of Inisherin digs deep into a breakup like no other

Discussions of loneliness and niceness and greatness all weave together to produce a profoundly philosophical masterpiece.

By October 10, 2022

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Moonage Daydream wants you to experience David Bowie, not understand him

In this film, narrative doesn’t just take a backseat to style; it’s not even allowed in the car. 

By October 9, 2022

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HDTV brings Tai Verdes’ genre-bending music into high definition

Though both of his albums are musically and thematically lighthearted, Verdes elevates HDTV through experimentation with new sounds.

By October 7, 2022

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Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is wacky, weird, and wonderful

Shawn Mendes as a singing crocodile is objectively absurd, and yet, I loved it.

By October 7, 2022

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IDLES brings “hard rock for softies” to The Anthem

From their first album, 2017’s Brutalism, Bristol-based outfit IDLES established themselves as a punk band driven by one vital goal: cultivating joy and compassion in a painful and unjust world.

By October 6, 2022

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Snippets from a Strokes concert

I was on a mission to experience The Strokes in all of their manifest, authentic glory at least once in my life, and nothing could stand in my way. 

By September 29, 2022

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Bad Bunny’s “World’s Hottest Tour” is the perfect summer send-off

Bad Bunny transported concert-goers to the beaches of Puerto Rico and gave D.C. a much-needed opportunity to let loose and say goodbye to summer.  

By September 25, 2022