Leisure

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

Leisure

CV: Dams of the West, Youngish American

Vampire Weekend’s side projects have been tried and tested, with notable successes including Rostam Batmanglij’s duo with Ra Ra Riot’s lead singer, Discovery, and Ezra Koenig’s L’Homme Run. VW drummer... Read more

By March 2, 2017

Leisure

CV: The Orwells, Terrible Human Beings

At first glance, Terrible Human Beings, The Orwells’ latest album, has all the makings of a cult classic. The title is shameless, the cover art screams 90’s alternative with its... Read more

By March 1, 2017

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CV: Future, FUTURE

In his latest project, Future is focused on identity. After retreating from social media and laboring day and night on his latest album, FUTURE, Future has delivered a mixed bag... Read more

By March 1, 2017

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ImprovFest Charms with Wit and Talent

Last week’s ImprovFest featured 7 schools and spanned the course of 2 nights. On Friday, the schools that performed included George Mason University, George Washington University, and Georgetown’s two teams,... Read more

By February 25, 2017

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Natural Simplicity: Metallics at the Touchstone Gallery

At first glance, Mary D. Ott’s metallic paintings seem to be characterized by their lack of complexity; her aptly titled piece “Gold on Black” refers to a dark canvas interrupted... Read more

By February 24, 2017

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A United Kingdom: Not a Failure, But Hardly a Success

Biographical films are tough as they tell the story of usually unknown real-life heroes that rose to the occasion and defied the system. Therefore, on one hand, filmmakers feel pressured... Read more

By February 23, 2017

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The Lego Batman Movie Builds a Better Batman

The Lego system has served as a building block for many people’s childhoods. With Legos, children and adults can create while limited only by the bricks in hand and the... Read more

By February 22, 2017

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CV: Wyclef Jean, J’ouvert

After an almost four year hiatus, Wyclef Jean has returned with the release of his new EP, J’ouvert. The former Fugees frontman demonstrates that despite years of musical absence, he... Read more

By February 22, 2017

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Don’t See Fifty Shades Darker With Your Mother

The release of the long-awaited sequel to the box office hit Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker is sparking excitement among a large range of viewers. From teenagers to... Read more

By February 22, 2017

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Concert Preview: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Feb. 21, 9:30 Club

Ever since the release of their first record Black Joe Lewis ten years ago, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears have entertained listeners with their soulful, fun blend of blues... Read more

By February 19, 2017

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The Voice Predicts the Oscars

Best Picture Who Will Win: Moonlight Who Should Win: Arrival It is tempting to place La La Land and its bevy of Oscar nominations here, but after winning the Golden Globe for... Read more

By the February 17, 2017

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Spirit and Soul in “The Café Life”

The beautiful paintings of Rodgers Naylor’s collection “The Café Life” inspire a cozy feeling in the Susan Calloway Fine Arts gallery. The bright colors and happy scenes glow against the... Read more

By February 17, 2017

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Concert Review: Blind Pilot, Rams Head Live!, Feb. 4

Blind Pilot played to an enthusiastic crowd at their show at Rams Head Live in Baltimore on Feb. 4. The Portland-based group’s music does not fall squarely in the category... Read more

By February 16, 2017

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CV: The Radio Dept., Running Out of Love

Amid global political turmoil, relentless violence, and perpetual uncertainty, it’s tempting to avert one’s gaze, but The Radio Dept. has taken a courageous step to face these challenges head-on with... Read more

By February 15, 2017

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Critical Voices: Homeshake, Fresh Air

Homeshake’s new album Fresh Air uses a blend of traditional guitar, electronic sounds and everyday noises such as footsteps to produce an album fit for chilling out and clearing your... Read more

By February 15, 2017

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CV: Kehlani, SweetSexySavage

Kehlani may be best known for her prior collaborations with Chance the Rapper and BJ The Chicago Kid on her album You Should Be Here (2015); but SweetSexySavage is the... Read more

By February 13, 2017

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CV: Sampha, Process

Sampha Sisay’s debut album has been a long time coming. The South London singer-songwriter has recently collaborated with big names such as Drake, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Solange. But every... Read more

By February 13, 2017

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Critical Voices: Original Broadway Cast, Dear Evan Hansen

Broadway is no stranger to bringing complicated and often taboo issues into the spotlight. From RENT, an honest examination of living with AIDS in New York City, to Next to... Read more

By February 13, 2017

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Critical Voices: P.O.S, Chill, dummy

P.O.S, born Stefon Alexander, wears his punk influence on his sleeve, opening his newest album Chill, dummy with a weighty electric guitar bassline and growling vocals, as he lays claim to his bold and... Read more

By February 11, 2017

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Critical Voices: DREAMERS, This Album Does Not Exist

DREAMERS embody just about everything that defines an indie band, from their bold, pop-rock sound and to their upbeat acceptance of failures. Their debut This Album Does Not Exist (2016)... Read more

By February 11, 2017