Leisure

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

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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

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Don’t worry, darling, about Don’t Worry Darling

Allow me to reassure you: Beyond the gossip and noise, there’s no cause for concern.

By September 23, 2022

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A rousing ensemble cast elevates the script of The Woman King and gives the film its power

Despite some narrative and visual deficiencies, The Woman King succeeds in its dedication to painting a full picture of life in Dahomey.

By September 16, 2022

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Beyoncé, rebirthed: What Renaissance means for her legacy and more

But it’s on Renaissance where Beyoncé proves there’s no need to top herself—she instead transforms the musical geography altogether.

By August 27, 2022

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House music is back, with credit to its roots

From hip-hop to hyperpop, music’s biggest names are playing with house music, a genre born in the gay clubs of Chicago and New York.

By August 26, 2022

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Austin Butler resurrects The King in Elvis, imbuing his career with a newfound twenty-first century relevance

So what more is there to discover about the music industry star so influential that he was dubbed “The King?”

By August 20, 2022

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Fire Island puts the Pride in Pride and Prejudice, to generally successful results

Rejecting the author’s heteronormativity, Fire Island centers the titular vacation spot known for its celebration of gay life.

By June 3, 2022

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State Champs’ Kings of the New Age artfully improves on what makes pop punk captivating

State Champs’ Kings of the New Age (2022) is an anthemic punk album ready-made for summer—all while being a life-affirming, thoughtful dive into issues of love, loss, paranoia, and moving... Read more

By May 31, 2022

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Rx (2022) shows ROLE MODEL revived in a whirl of passion, devotion, and vibrant sensation

Rx surges forth in a journey from struggle and vulnerability toward a place just as open and honest, but cushioned by love.

By April 30, 2022

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Violet Brings Faith, Hope, and Music to Georgetown’s Davis Center

The strong dichotomy between hope and tragedy in the narrative and Gleason's impactful directorial choices turned the show into a beautiful, lingering memory. 

By April 29, 2022

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We gave Lizzy McAlpine a minute and five seconds flat is the remarkable result

five seconds flat firmly side-steps the sophomore slump with mature production, stellar lyricism, and fearless creativity.

By April 25, 2022