I was going in as “let’s give it a shot” and come out “omg yes”. The style, music, cinematography, vibes, and Jordan’s acting were all on top. The story was not that strong though, but how it was done won me over still.
Sinners (2025)
Private Life (2018)
My fandom for Paul Giamatti just keeps rolling, I’m on target for the full filmography. This movie felt like one of those “a day in the life of” flicks where we just happen to follow these people along for a bit, taking a sneak peek into their lives. Very well directed and shot, feels lived in.
Fighting with My Family (2019)
Great atmosphere, great casting, great acting, fun story. I didn’t see a role like this coming for Florence Pugh and she was so awesome: many different types and levels of emotions, and being light-hearted as well.
Nine Inch Nails – Tron: Ares OST
There are a few nice tracks and hooks, but overall it’s not a king slayer in the realm of NIN soundtracks. Its biggest merit is to get something new that has NIN on it.
The Black Dog – My Brutal Life 2
An ambient ode to cities made of concrete.
Katatonia – Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State
Melancholic prog metal. Beautiful moody music.
The Beths – Straight Line Was A Lie
The friendly alternative rock band in the neighborhood that you hear over as they are rehearsing in the garage. It’s low-fi, relatable, and genuine.
Lorna Shore – The Pain Remains
I can so see the appeal of Lorna Shore and what the massive and dedicated fan base loves about this. I’ve put off listening to them for a long time, and now starting with this. It’s an incredible, heavy-punching deathcore metal album with some symphonic injections. It brutally kicks teeth and grinds, it’s guitars and drums are drilling while the words are spit with barks, but it’s also beautifully emotional and melodic at the same time. This is a classic for sure. It feels like listening to Cradle of Filth for the first time, decades ago. Goosebumps.
TOKiMONSTA – Eternal Reverie
Soulful hiphop, lounging r&b, quality chill-out electronics. It’s such an understated and elegant album, so good to listen to. Perfect soundtrack to a day when I’m just going about my things and want something to keep me smoothly sailing along.
This has quickly become one of the soundtracks of this year, and by yet another fantastic female artist; this is a women’s year, no question about that.
Ductape – Ruh
Post-punk with classic goth vibes. Drum machines and synths, not a rock sound.