“Inspiration comes from my belief that anything can be creative, and is.” – Simon Byrne.
Saxophonist Simon Byrne recently made the leap from Britain to start a new life in Wellington.
Completing a Law degree in a previous life, Byrne’s calling has always been music. Using hospitality roles as a way to explore and perform his way around New Zealand, he is now committed to making music his main work source.
“…the saxophone has been the real constant in my life… so I wouldn’t mind people having a listen and creating some enjoyment!”
Byrne isn’t just a solo artist though – he enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians too (feel free to reach out!).
Reflecting on the differences of music scene between here and Britain, Byrne noted that New Zealand has more of an awareness of its roots with an encouraging atmosphere, feeling as though “we’re all in it together”. Whereas Britain’s vast scale of musicians can be perceived as intimidating, with it feeling easy to get lost in the crowd.
Described as a versatile and high-energy saxophonist, Byrne lending his music to weddings, gigs, live performances and recording sessions.
While he plays every genre, even accepting song requests at events, his versatility as a saxophonist is reflected in his favourite genre; jazz.
“Whilst I will pretty much play anything at the drop of a busker’s hat, it has to be Jazz. But don’t be scared! It suits so many moods and audiences in different ways. It comes into soul, funk, hooks in pop, electronica – all sorts.”
It’s the spontaneous performances, particularly those accompanying a DJ, that he find most rewarding.
Getting his teeth stuck into New Zealand’s music scene, Byrne has big ideas for his next step.
Proclaimed as an ‘ambitious project’, Byrne is developing a show that will boast visuals, electronic music and improvisational sections. An intense and fun performance set to be delivered at festivals and other arts spaces.
“My latest original work will be premiered in 2026. It’s not a play, poetry, gig or recording. Yet, watch this space!”
When life took a turn in 2019, 40-year-old Kiwi builder and designer Geoff Kunac picked up a guitar.
Six months later, he had nearly enough songs for a whole album.
“I think for lack of anything better to do more than anything else,” Geoff says. “It became my cathartic diary or voice, as I was silently watching my life simultaneously fall apart around me.”
Geoff of Martinborough didn’t come from a background of music. Teenage memories of messing around on the family’s piano, dropping out of guitar lessons at school, and listening to his older sister’s CDs and mixed tapes were the extent of his music experience.
But a messy break up was the bump in the road that urged him to dust off his mum’s old $200 guitar as a way to process the darker days.
“Chords or melodies would just flow out onto the guitar whenever they felt like it… I didn’t have much control over it. I quickly learned to push record on my phone to capture the moment or I’d wake up the next day with no idea what the tune was or how I’d played it.”
There was no intention to take the recordings any further, it was merely a way to “stay sane”. But he soon decided to try and make something of his creations by taking an online singing course, picking up a free piano, tambourine, and learning to use some old microphones and a recorder his friend had given him.
The 10-song album Freedom was released and published on Spotify and other streaming providers this year.
“The whole thing was hard. I was going through messy personal stuff. Drifting around, living in an office, cabin, caravan and trying to build a little house to get settled, while at the same time trying to creep myself into this world of ‘music’ that I knew absolutely nothing about – at forty.”
Described as avant-garde, Freedom is a collection of raw, acoustic, indie-rock tunes. Geoff’s emotion and honest storytelling is at the forefront of this album, with the single-mic and ground floor method of recording only complimenting the rustic feeling of his songs.
When asked if music would continue to be just a hobby and outlet, Geoff responded definitively: No – he wasn’t going to stop now.
“I have much bigger plans – I want to take it as far as I can. I have lots of songs waiting to be produced. I’d love to perform on the big stage someday. I like to travel – Glastonbury or the US somewhere would be great fun, I think.”
Keep an eye out on Geoff’s Instagram here for upcoming gigs over the summer where he will be performing his debut album. In the meantime, check out his debut album Freedom below.
The grief of heartbreak is both a unique and universally relatable theme explored in the short film Lasting Flames. It perceives break-ups as a grieving process; mourning someone who is still alive.
Written and directed by Federica Alice Carlino – recently recognised as the most awarded director under 35 – Lasting Flames is a deeply personal project that almost wasn’t pursued.
“I wrote this project based on a very personal feeling and experience. It took me a while to decide whether or not to produce this short, as it came from a deep emotional place,” Carlino said.
Above: Federica Carlino
A story close to her heart, Carlino explained that as painters paint, and songwriters write, she processed her experiences through writing stories. She pursued the idea, knowing it was a universal experience many could relate to.
“It was an incredibly cathartic process for me, and I’m proud to have come to a place where I can share it with others… [As] I was explaining the concept to my cast and crew, I could see their minds travelling through their memories. Some of them told me they could definitely relate to it, and that was one of the first impressions that showed me I was on the right path.”
Lasting Flames follows ex-lovers Danielle and Jack, who have recently broken up and now experience the agonising loss of one another.
Above: Danielle and Jack played by Emeline Nsingi Nkosi and Jack Roper
However, through their emotional journey, the film explores the theme of hope.
As Danielle and Jack learn to live without each other, they find solace in cherishing their memories together, forever holding onto the love they once shared. The painful process of moving on is contrasted by the enduring power of love, memory, and the quiet promise that the past will never be forgotten.
Lasting Flames celebrates previous relationships that you look back on fondly. They’re the people who have taught you lessons that help you to become a better person for your future relationships.
“You learn to give your whole heart again,” Carlino explains. “This [short film is] for the good exes that you don’t resent in any way.”
Currently in pre-production, Carlino’s favourite part so far has been the casting process.
Danielle is played by Emeline Nsingi Nkosi and Jack is played by Jack Roper. Their new partners, Ashton and Mary are played by Nathan Bryant and Willow Zhao respectively.
Carlino will include English voiceover narration by Rory Kilgor from USA, and Italian narration by Michele Vitarelli from Italy.
“It was important for me to have it in my language as well,” Carlino said.
Born in Milan, Italy, Carlino first explored television before studying filmmaking, acting, photography, editing, visual effects, prothetics and makeup. In 2016, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she earned a BFA from the New York Film Academy. She further honed her acting skills at the Met Film School in Ealing, UK, and Pinewood Studios.
Despite living and working in Los Angeles, Carlino is shooting her new project in London, England. She had to start networking all over again and assemble a new crew to work with.
“The most challenging part is definitely finding my way in a new city. I had to find new people to collaborate with from scratch when I moved to London… Surprisingly it was smoother than expected, but it still had its challenges.”
Above: Ruby Ballantyne, Director of Photography.
Carlino always hoped to work with a predominantly female team, and on this project, it came together naturally.
The film is produced by Cameron Wight and shot by cinematographer Ruby Ballantyne. Gracie Herring handled hair and makeup, including the wig for Danielle’s character. Amy Reid (gaffer) and Chelsea Bernard (first assistant camera) played crucial roles in shaping the film’s visual style.
The film’s music is being composed by Victor Muñoz from Spain.
Being on set with the cast and crew is another of Carlino’s favourite parts of the process.
“I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years now, and it’s still the same feeling. There’s a sense of energy and creativity in the air, and it’s truly a magical experience to be a part of.”
Lasting Flames will be released on YouTube this year (2025), and within film festivals worldwide.
With Carlino’s professional influences including Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton and Greta Gerwig, this short film is sure to be an emotional and visually transportive experience for anyone who has ever been in love.
“I hope to reach broken-hearted people with my work [and] offer them some relief, as I found it for myself. I want them to know that what they feel is valid and it’s part of life, but there’s hope.”
As a self-proclaimed Sweeney Todd fiend, Ty Bru: A Night In Charlotte with Sweeney Ty immediately piqued my interest.
Clearly inspired by Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this rap/hip-hop production gave the melodramatic victorian tale a previously unseen twist.
Ty Brueilly is the front man – and presumably the vision behind this performance – who has been involved with independent music for nearly two decades.
Intercepting and merging with Ty Bru’s rap are the familiar voices and instrumentals from Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd musical. The two genres weaved between each other effortlessly.
In the same way that Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby mashed the twenties with modern music, I think this performance did a great job of blending the victorian-based thriller with modern rap.
While the smoke machine sets the scene, the make up is individualistic and the camera work is smooth, what’s lacking from this performance is slickness. It seems loose, particularly when considering performers in the background who act as though they can’t be seen when others are in the foreground. I think this makes the performance messy and breaks the illusion.
Having said that, from another point of view this could just be the interjection of a typical imperturbable rapper’s performance to the theatre stage show backdrop.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the theatrical nature of this Sweeney Todd inspired performance. Certainly very creative and unlike anything I’d seen before.
If this sounds like a bit of you, check it out below!
Atlanta-based four-piece progressive rock band, Coda Nova, have released their third single, Fable.
With drums that lean toward heavy metal, hooks that remind me of My Chemical Romance (in the early days!), electric guitar that screams straight from the 1980s, and vocals that echo Placebo, Coda Nova is an authentic mash up of all things rock to create a distinct sound of their own.
This eight-minute track bends all the ‘rules’ of modern three-minute tracks, which in itself sets this band apart. This step off of the beaten track reminds me of the forward-thinking Pink Floyd.
“Say what you will, this fable’s in decline.”
– Coda Nova
Fable speeds up and slows down like waves of emotion as the story builds momentum. A brave and progressive song structure against poetic lyrics woven between classic rock riffs makes this single memorable.
“Feel that elation That pull of greed Exaggeration of things we need What is left to fill But all the minds we see are just left for guessing”
– Coda Nova
My only wish is that they’d crank up the bass guitar a little, as the song sounds a bit thin at times with the lead guitar taking centre stage without a much-needed heartbeat.
Stardust is a song that has been covered by the greats – Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, Frank Sinatra and more – since its first recording by Hoagy Carmichael in 1927.
You’d have heard Stardust feature in movies such as Sleepless in Seattle, Goodfellas, The Aviator, and even as recent as 2018’s A Star is Born too.
When our love was new And each kiss an inspiration But that was long ago And now my consolation is in the stardust of a song.
Stardust
Among these covers, is Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s version. This Norwegian guitarist has covered Stardust three times during his music career, as featured in the video below.
The first one version was recorded at NRK Tromsø in 1980, the second one in Umeå, Sweden in 1987, and the last one recorded in Jacobsen’s music room in Oslo, Norway in 2009.
But why has Stardust attracted so much attention over the years? For Jacobsen, it’s a melody that has followed him throughout his career, and is a song that will be eternally timeless.
“When I started my career as a guitarist in Tromsø in northern Norway, Stardust was often the opening tune at Grand Restaurant in Tromsø. The melody has traveled with me all the time and it has something timeless about it; a bit of melancholy and reflection on life’s ups and downs,” Jacobsen said.
Though I dream in vain In my heart it will remain My stardust melody The memory of love’s refrain.
Stardust
A professional musician since the 1970s, Odd-Arne Jacobsen has seen success in multiple countries. He gained popularity in Russia where he performed as a guest solo artist at the Moscow international Jazz Festival, and in New York where he was the first Norwegian guitarist to hold a solo concert in Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Touring China and Japan influenced brought inspiration to his signature sound. But Jacobsen is also inspired by 1940s music; an era that saw huge leaps in guitar development such as the release of the Les Paul guitar.
“The forties stand out to me as a decade with clear guides towards today’s pop-rock, jazz and hip-hop,” Jacobsen said.
As a well-established European Jazz musician, he has worked with a lot of music students on very different levels.
Jacobsen’s inspiration and obvious musical talent has turned this nearly 100-year-old tune into a refreshed and personalised song once again. His talent as a guitarist and composer certainly shines through in his performances, with strong jazz vibes as the backbone of every version.
With every cover of Stardust being filtered through so many different artists, I think this song has become one of the most inspirational and versatile musical creations of all time.
Check out Odd-Arne Jacobsen’s covers of Stardust below, and click on the icons to follow his updates on Facebook and Youtube:
Director: James Pratt Writer: James Pratt Released: 2021 Starring: James Pratt, Demitra Sealy, Hayley Gia Hughes, Jessica Ross and Aiden Mckenzie
Inspired by the writing style of the Farrelly Brothers’ (Dumb & Dumber), Malibu Crush is a labour of love by award-winning actor and director, James Pratt.
It’s a quirky Indie film about two best friends from Pasadena who pretend to be highly acclaimed film school students in order to declare their love for an ex-girlfriend living in Sydney, Australia.
With the physical comedy gags peppered throughout the movie, I can not only see the Dumb & Dumber-inspired sketches, but I’m also reminded of Seinfeld‘s Kramer. (Which, automatically makes me a big fan!)
I think the only thing it’s missing is a punchy soundtrack to set it apart a little more from other indies.
However, you wouldn’t know this movie was completed on a small but respectable budget (at least in comparison to mainstream Hollywood films) or during Sydney’s heavy Covid restrictions. Its high-quality camera work takes centre stage, and the bright colours steal the show.
James Pratt is the star of Malibu Crush, both on and off-screen. He was born in Sydney and attended the acting school there. In 2012 he made a $200 short film in the outback of Australia, which was a finalist at the 2012 NBC Universal Shorts Fest in San Francisco. Since then, he has since won more than 23 acting and directing awards in Hollywood.
Malibu Crush is a must-see Indie Comedy. It’s scheduled for release in Australia and NZ on 7 September 2022, and in October across America and Europe. Watch the trailer below!
The Days of Aqua Net is a pop-rock anthem by After Adam, and it’ll be a sure hit with Gen Z.
It’s an innocent recollection of the past, filled with nostalgia, regret and fresh perspectives.
Those were the days of aqua net Those are the days I’ll never forget I only have one regret And that’s not kissing you
It reminds me of the kinds of songs that would be played in the disco scenes of children’s tv shows such as Lizzy Maguire.
The song and music video make more sense when you Google what aqua net is. It’s a brand of hairspray from the 1950s that had a huge comeback in the 80s when the trend for big hair returned.
Echolily is a doctor by day a bedroom musician by night.
Inspired by the likes of Sia and Bjork, this singer/songwriter is incorporating the best of her favourite artists while creating an identity of her own.
The song Under the Clocks (Stay) is an echoey and haunting song with electronic pop vibes. I could easily imagine it being remixed for the clubs!
I love how Echolily has produced the song entirely on her own. It gives the music a raw, independent quality that I really enjoy, because it’s not been overproduced or manipulated too much. I love her description of sound; electronica downtempo, synth pop, trip hop and ‘can you make that more lo-fi please?’.
My favourite thing about this song is the meaning behind it. Inspired by the love of the city of Melbourne, and the overwhelming emptiness of it during Covid. The singer says she met a man while busking outside Flinders Station (the iconic train station you would have seen on postcards), who told her that he used to meet his lover here. He’d just say ‘meet me under the clocks’ of Flinders Station. Hence the song title.
Having visited Melbourne several times, I know Flinders Station well. I totally understand the romance of its architecture, which is why I love this story so much.
Her connection with the pandemic goes beyond empty city streets. Echolily is a frontline health worker, and experienced Covid-19 head-on. I think that brings a new depth to the song.
The St. Louis-based duo have a few thousand followers across their channels, with Bright Light already receiving more than 8,000 plays.
While Neil and Adam’s song Bright Light does sound quite generic, I suppose that is the essence of the pop genre.
It actually sounds like the kind of song that’s played over the credits of a coming of age movie like Fault in our Stars or The Way Way Back. It’s very upbeat, positive and nostalgic.
Scared of the bright light Burning in your heart Waiting for the fist fight That rages in your heart
With a catchy chorus and smooth vocals, you’re bound to enjoy it! It’s easy to sing along to, and it certainly gets stuck in your head.
Stepping away from their more upbeat and rocky music, Baby Let Me Go by Smoking Martha is a soft rock acoustic song with dark undertones on their album In Deep.
Echoing the glamorous aesthetic of rock and roll singers from the deep south, surprisingly this band hails from Brisbane’s sunny coastlines.
This is the second song I have reviewed of Smoking Martha’s, and I didn’t even realise it was the same band because of how different this song is to the last one!
Baby Let Me Go is about death and grief, with the video using classic symbols of religion, angels and roses to represent the loss and acceptance associated with the song.
My only criticism would be that the song takes a long time to warm up with perhaps one too many verses before reaching the bridge. This plus the repetitive shots used in the video made the song drag a little.
This song in particular reminds me of the 2000’s Ashley Simpson and Avril Lavigne, with a rocky and smokey undertone beneath the feminine and melodramatic exterior, which I think would appeal widely to today’s younger generation. However, their back catalogue is far more typical of the classic rock genre.
I adore this song. It would be nothing without Fiona Apple though. She brings all the raw emotion to it.
Andrew: I don’t believe everything happens for a reason Fiona: To us romantics out here, that amounts to high treason
What begins as an internal conflict of Andrew Bird’s, soon becomes a quarrel between lovers as Fiona Apple’s growling vocals retort. I think it’s about Andrew’s conflict over writing a love song – does he believe everything happens for a reason? Or is love logical?
It soon takes the role of two lovers having an argument.
I first thought the song was a bit all over the place in terms of melody. But the lyrics kept getting stuck in my head so I found myself replaying it over and over again. It’s Andrew’s pining voice and the melancholy of his violin against Fiona’s rough and emotional vocals that I love because it tells a story of disagreeing lovers.
I love the writing – all yourleft-handed kisses and backhanded love songs.
Fiona:
The point your song here misses
Is that if you really loved me
You’d risk more than a few 50 cent
Words in your backhanded love song
The bridge of the song shows that they are accepting that they’ve had an argument and are ready to move on. This comes after their vocals begin to harmonise and weave in and out of each other’s lines.
It could also be interpreted as Andrew deciding on how he feels about love.
Andrew: Now it’s time for a handsome little bookend Fiona: Now it’s time to tie up all the loose ends Andrew: Am I still a skeptic or did you make me a believer?
But I love how the final line is a threat from Fiona Apple. It echoes her very angry songs (that I love). She’s not to be messed with!
Fiona: If you hesitate, you’ll hear the click of the receiver
I recommend watching the live version – I think it shows off the emotion better.
I am a huge Kate Bush fan, but Cloudbusting has to be my favourite song.
I just know that something good is going to happen
And I don’t know when
But just saying it could even make it happen
I never knew what the song was about until now. I thought it was like a pep-talk about good things being just around the corner.
In fact, Cloudbusting is about a real-life father-son duo in the 1950s who believed they had invented a machine, called a cloudbuster, to make it rain. This invention would result in crops being saved during a drought if successful.
But every time it rains
You’re here in my head
Like the sun coming out
However, the father became paranoid and began to get into trouble with the government after suspicions of his invention being phoney spread. He refused to go to court, and along with other reasons, he was arrested. (I think I’ve understood this correctly; it’s quite a complicated story.)
I can’t hide you
From the government
Oh, god, daddy
I won’t forget
Kate Bush’s song is from the point of view of the son who watches his beloved father getting taken away by the government.
You could see them coming
You looked too small
In their big, black car
To be a threat to the men in power
It’s such a haunting song because of the cello and the lyrics. But it’s equally uplifting, as she interprets the feeling of breaking new ground and the excitement of it.
I heard this song on the epic TV show Breaking Bad and it gave be chills immediately.
Its melancholic, dreamy sound is amazing – Norah Jones’ voice was perfectly matches the tone. Choosing her to feature in this song was a brilliant decision.
Until you travel to that place you can’t come back
Where the last painting’s gone and all that’s left is black
I think it’s about hitting rock bottom, not being able to see anything good in the world – all you see is black.
At last those coming came and they never looked back
With blinding stars in their eyes but all they saw was black
It reminds me a little of a song that’s featured in Stranger than Fiction called La Petite Fille de la Mer, but Black is far heavier and darker… No pun intended.
Thank you Breaking Bad for a lot of things (don’t do drugs, kids!) but most of all for introducing me to this song, which features in season 4.
And when you follow through and wind up on your back
Looking up at those stars in the sky those white clouds have turned it black
I stopped being a fan of Paramore a long time ago, but I stumbled across this song during a busy day at work creating a new-found love for Hayley Williams’ freakishly talented vocals.
Hard Times is on Paramore’s most recent album After Laughter, and it’s distinctly influenced by 1980s pop. It’s so catchy! I’ve had it on repeat for 72 hours straight. It sort of reminds me of Kiesza’s style (Hideaway).
Hard times
Gonna make you wonder why you even try
Hard times
Gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
These lives
And I still don’t know how I even survive
Hard times. Hard times.
And I gotta get to rock bottom!
Director: Edgar Wright Writer: Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg Released: July 2007 Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
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A brilliant action-comedy from writers Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg. It’s one of my favourite films, and I can’t believe I’d never gotten around to review it.
Hot Fuzz is the second instalment of what is referred to as the ‘Cornetto trilogy’ by Edgar Wright fans (due to the ice cream’s frequent appearances). Shaun of the Dead being the first, The World’s Endbeing the third.
This is my favourite film of the three because it is so cleverly written and very funny. It follows the story of goody-two-shoes London policeman (rather “police officer. Being a man has nothing to do with it.”) named Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) who gets transferred to a small, rural village against his wishes.
Sergeant: …we’re making you sergeant. Nicholas: I see. Sergeant: [mumbles] Nicholas: In where, sorry? Sergeant: In Sandford, Gloucestershire. Nicholas: But that’s in the country… Sergeant: Yes! Lovely!
The straight-laced Sergeant Angel is frustrated by the Sandford police who prefer to turn the other cheek rather than causing a fuss when someone breaks the law. He soon discovers there is a reason for this.
So, with amateur officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) as his sidekick, Angel’s love for the law is put into full swing as they begin a full-on investigation into what is going on in the village.
Inspired by stereotypical action films, the writers have made fun of the genre by including all the sorts of characters you’d usually see in an action film. They even go as far as re-enacting popular action movie scenes, or quoting them. They’ve studied the genre very well!
Danny: Where’s the trolley boy? Nicholas: In the freezer. Danny: Did you say “cool off?” Nicholas: No I didn’t say anything… Danny: Shame. Nicholas: Well, there was the bit that you missed where I distracted him with the cuddly monkey then I said “play time’s over” and I hit him in the head with the peace lily. Danny: You’re off the fuckin’ chain!
This entertaining and fast-paced film is littered with hilarious one-liners and nods to action film tropes and quotes. The script for this movie is so clever – it must have taken ages to work out how it was all going to piece together.
The script has a lot of fore-shadowing all through it, weaved through an intriguing mystery of murders and outrageous characters. My favourite being two officers, both named Andrew – AKA ‘The Andes’ played by Paddy Considine and Rafe Spall.
The editing is incredible, which is classic Edgar Wright. We studied his work for an entire year at high school; I can see his influence a mile off now, even in his most recent film, Baby Driver.
If you love gun fights, car chases and a good belly laugh, then this is the perfect film! A classic date night movie too, I think. Just like Shaun of the Dead and The World’s End, it’s a great blend of genres to keep everyone happy.
For me, some of the action scenes were a bit long-winded, and just when you think the film is finished, it doesn’t. But maybe that’s because I don’t actually like action films all that much.
Danny: Have you ever fired two guns whilst jumping through the air? Nicholas: No. Danny: Have you ever fired one gun whilst jumping through the air? Nicholas: No. Danny: Ever been in a high-speed pursuit? Nicholas: Yes, I have. Danny: Have you ever fired a gun whilst in a high speed pursuit? Nicholas: No!
I love films that make fun of themselves, and this is the king of them all. I can recite the whole film, I think – I’ve watched it so many times!
Writer: Gillian Flynn Genre: Mystery/crime Released: 2009 Blurb:Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice” of Kinnakee, Kansas. She survived—and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, the Kill Club—a secret secret society obsessed with notorious crimes—locates Libby and pumps her for details. They hope to discover proof that may free Ben. Libby hopes to turn a profit off her tragic history: She’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club—for a fee. The unimaginable truth soon emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started—on the run from a killer.
Dark Places is a story about a seven-year-old girl, Libby Day, who witnessed the massacre of her family. She testifies against her 15-year-old brother, who ends up in jail.
Libby is still deeply emotionally scarred by the murders 25 years on, and is struggling with depression, to pay bills, to even get out of bed in the mornings. When one day, she receives a phone call from a man explaining that there is a growing belief in the community that her brother is innocent.
With the motivation of getting a bit of desperately-needed cash by speaking to this man, she begins to question what happened that day. Did she really see her brother killing her family? Or was this man right, in that Libby was just a confused seven-year-old, guided by police and councillors to testify against her big brother?
She goes on a rocky, dark quest to discover the truth. Previously buried memories are remembered, and hidden clues are found.
This was certainly a very dark story. More horror than thriller in parts, particularly due to the satanic themes. So it’s not really a novel I would whole-heartedly recommend to everyone.
I certainly don’t think Dark Places should have a ‘if you liked Gone Girl, you’ll love this‘ kind of review. Because they’re both rather different.
However, it still has Gillian Flynn’s genius way of writing. You’re bouncing all over the place, between different characters’ points of view (which I LOVE), from before, during and after the murders, and not once are you lost or confused. How does she do it??
What I have learnt from Flynn’s writing is that she loves flawed characters. Same with Gone Girl; there’s no goodie and baddie, really. They’re all bad and all good in one way or another. Mostly bad. But still human enough to relate to them in some ways.
Prepare yourself for the bitter self-loathing you’ll endure because Gillian Flynn is such an amazing writer. So amazing that it seems totally unattainable to ever become half as good as her. It’s very annoying.
She has a talent of describing exactly what she means in such few words. From memory, a line that stood in my mind was when a character was trying to get another character’s attention in an intimidating way, and Flynn uses the word ‘needled’ to describe the sharp annoyance of the character’s persistence. Who would have thought to use that word? You get the whole picture in just one word! Genius.
I thought I couldn’t enjoy a book if I didn’t like the main character. Turns out, I can. I was hooked! It’s a classic ‘who dunnit’ mystery, laced with terror, gore and fear.
Overall, yes, you must read this. It’s fantastic. Gillian Flynn is a remarkably talented writer. But just prepare yourself for satanic sacrifices and horrific descriptions. It’s a bit full on.
Now that I’ve finished the book and started Googling about it, I realised there was a 2015 movie based on this book! Dark Places, the movie, features Charlize Theron (totally wrong casting right off the bat), which I will be watching this week. I’ll let you know if the poor reviews are accurate!
Director: Kenneth Branagh Writer: Based on Agatha Christie’s novel. Screenplay by Michael Green Released: November 2017 Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley
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‘Um. No.’ – My review in brief of both the film and book.
I read the book then immediately watched the film, but ultimately they were both disappointing. (The film, more so.)
I am a huge Agatha Christie fan and have read a fair few of her books, but despite its fame, Murder on the Orient Express is by far the biggest disappointment – mostly due to the ending.
CHARACTERS
Basically, in regards to the film, there are far too many characters to keep track of and far too many details to ponder for it to be an enjoyable murder mystery film. Whereas in the book, it is an intriguing and baffling mystery – because you have time to think about everything and consider all the possibilities before the conclusion.
In addition to this, I’d like to add that there are many big names in this film, who seemed to have been cast despite their obvious lack of similarity to the characters in the book.
For example, Mrs Hubbard is described as a plump, humorous, brash, loud and excitable woman, but also motherly and thinks highly of her daughter. Quite clearly, I imagined Kathy Bates would play the role (with her performance of Molly Brown in Titanic in mind), who is the opposite of Michelle Pfeiffer who played Mrs Hubbard in the film as a flirtatious cougar:
Several characters that are included in the book are excluded in the film, or are merged into one character, which became somewhat confusing and disappointing. I was quite attached to the sobbing, ‘sheep-faced’ Greta Ohlsson, who was totally removed from the film.
“She’s like a sheep, you know. She gets anxious and bleats.”
The detective, Hercule Poirot, gets things wrong in the film and accuses people too early. He comes across as a bit of an amateur, which is absolutely not accurate. Totally unlike the calm, level-headed, particular Hercule Poirot who knows the answers long before he says so.
DIALOGUE
In the film, there is a few action scenes that echo Sherlock Holmes. I felt this was jarring and unnecessary (and are not in the book, I might add!).
I was disappointed by this tone of the film because I was expecting a The King’s Speech kind of feel. Where the dialogue becomes a character of its own, where it is so captivating that you find yourself totally lost in what the character is saying – looking for clues in the way they choose their words. Where the dialogue is isolated by extreme close-ups and static camerawork during dry, but captivating monologues.
It’s a shame really! I can see so clearly what I would change about this movie. There is so much important dialogue, but its treated as a nuisance that is rushed through and forgotten about and interjected with pointless action scenes.
ENDING
The ending was the biggest let-down – in terms of the book and film. Without giving it away completely, I will say that if ‘…and he woke up and it was all a dream‘ is the worst ending to a story ever, then the ending to Murder on the Orient Express is the second to worst ending ever. It was a massive deflation after a long, climactic, uphill hike.
In regards to the film, it was more than just the ending that was disappointing. It was the film in its entirety. Basically, there are around 15 main characters in this story, and all of them need to be given almost equal attention as they are all suspects and they all need to be interviewed.
So, as you can imagine, this means there is a lot of detail that needs to be told to the audience in a very short amount of time!
I don’t mean to do the cliche thing of saying ‘it was not as good as the book’, because although this is true, I think Murder on the Orient Express is a story that is simply unsuitable for the screen. It just doesn’t work – there’s too much information that needs to be conveyed.
Basically, if you haven’t read the book, you’re probably going to be quite lost in the film because they skim over the dialogue – which is all disguised in heavy accents anyway. So even if you do catch some important detail, you probably won’t be able to decipher the meaning of it anyway.
MY CONCLUSION
Overall, not Agatha Christie’s best ending, and not an enjoyable film. Too confusing and without the ‘gasps’ and intrigue of the book. Perhaps if Kenneth Branagh picked between playing the main character or the director, instead of doing both, then perhaps more time would have been spent on the script.
I know no one intends to make a bad film… But y’all made a bad film.
It Don’t Seem Right is an acoustic song with the raw and stripped-back sound of Eyal Erlich.
Erlich is a relatively new artist who is currently performing throughout Israel, and plans to release his first album this year.
His waning vocals makes It Don’t Seem Right an emotive tune, which reminds me of Cold War Kids, an alternative Californian band. The solo acoustic guitar supports Erlich’s organic and unrefined voice, but would perhaps benefit from a softer touch, or the accompaniment of a piano or harmonica to create a smoother sound.
Most of my influences aren’t really musical ones, but life experiences that just bring out the music in me. – Eyal Erlich
His unlayered sound is honest and shows off Erlich’s talent for songwriting. I think his style of music would be perfect for live performances, and may benefit from a more climactic chorus in the recording studio to create a more punchy tune.
Hailing from Tennessee, The Darkest Hearts is a hard rock band recently nominated for the Nashville Industry Music Award for Best Alternative Rock Band. They are drawing attention world-wide for their unique combination of rock, pop and punk genres, featuring striking guitars and rich, theatrical vocals.
Their song Mississippi Devil is scheduled to be released October 6 of this year. Itechoes characteristics of the likes of grunge band Nickelback with strong, melodic pop rock vocals against almost heavy metal instrumentals.
The deep bass that the band’s song sports creates the heavy atmosphere intertwined with punk and gothic undertones. This dark imagery combined with the complexities of the song’s alternative genre reminds me of Evanescence’s early work in album Fallen. I love the punchy drums; it’s the strong heartbeat of Mississippi Devil.
If you enjoy punk and dark, punk rock bands, you’ll love The Darkest Hearts!
Check them out on their website, Facebook and Twitter!
Aussie rockers, Smoking Martha, are releasing their debut album In Deep.
After listening to their single Say You’re Mine, I would say that Smoking Martha is a traditional punk rock band, which is so refreshing considering the rock bands of today are becoming more and more plastic and glossy.
The melodic vocals remind me of Hayley Williams of Paramore; very strong and powerful with pop undertones. Whereas, almost in contrast, the heavy guitar echoes early Evanescence and Queens of the Stone Age.
Style-wise, I got nostalgic flashbacks to Gwen Stefani in No Doubt, as I watched the lead-singer in the Say You’re Mine music video. Nevertheless, the classic punk attire reminds me of the old days when punk rockers were raw and genuine. Smoking Martha would be a wicked band to see live, for sure!
Director: Clint Eastwood Writers: Paul Haggis (Based on F.X. Toole’s story) Released: December, 2004 Starring: Clint Eastwood Hilary Swank Morgan Freeman
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I have heard references to this movie within multiple movies (Pitch Perfect in particular), but had never bothered watching it. From the outside, I figured it’s just a violent, shallow and dark tale of a female boxer. So I never showed much interest before I was leant the movie, so I thought I should give it a go.
Nevertheless, after watching Million Dollar Baby, I realised that my assumption was correct. It is certainly dark and violent.
However, the story is far more engaging and more emotionally satisfying than I thought it would be. I had assumed it would be like a Bourne action film, but instead of the endless bullets and guns and shooting, it would endless hits, punches and toothless, bloody grins. Thankfully this film held more substance though.
I should have known that if Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood are in it, then it would be a decent film.
Despite Maggie’s (Hilary Swank) jarring Southern accent, I enjoyed watching a female protagonist being as successful as a typical male protagonist would be. It was also refreshing to see a strong woman retain her femininity within the male-dominated sport of boxing.
It was gruesome at times, particularly the part where Maggie gets her nose broken. (Very realistic though.) Then it’s deeply philosophical at other times. It’s a great underdog movie.
That is until the ending…
Her final round was hard-hitting (no pun intended). It only took one second for a dirty swing from a dodgy competitor to result in such permanent damage. I found this scene quite moving actually; how in a split second, a decision can massively change a person’s fate.
Disappointingly, the conclusion is far from what I hoped. Was it really necessary to build our main character up that high, only to let her fall so devastatingly? Bit grim. Bit depressing.
Windows by Greye is a country-pop song, which echoes early Taylor Swift and Ashley Simpson.
With squeaky-clean, youthful and energetic female vocals – not dissimilar to the likes of Paramore’s lead vocalist – Greye certainly has a distinctive, almost acoustic folk, sound at times.
With vivid lyrical imagery, I could actually imagine this song featuring on The Hunger Games:
“…and shoot that arrow, who know if it’ll be there tomorrow.”
At more than five and a half minutes in duration, Windows is quite a marathon song. Nevertheless, this song has plenty of emotional suspense and instrumental build-up that keeps you listening.
With clear talent on the band’s behalf, I’m sure this song could easily find its way on to an easy-listening or country tunes radio station, if it hasn’t already. Certainly a harmless, sweet, harmonious and youthful group of musicians.
Greye will be hitting the road on July 15, 2017 for a tour of the Eastern United States in support of Windows. Information and dates can be found at here.
Dedicated to the US military and America’s uniformed first responders, Till I See You Again could certainly be a moving song for many.
Till I see You Again is a recognisable and loyal echo of the 1980’s R&B/soul music sound, that I’m sure listeners of this era will enjoy. Bunny Sigler includes melancholy backing vocals, chiming harps and sharp drums to create the sounds of a distinct genre and generation since past.
With heart-wrenching vocals and a solemn electronic keyboard, this soulful song will have you reminiscing in feelings of soft nostalgia from the first note. In one listen, you can hear the passion and commitment that the vocalist is putting into his performance of smooth jazz.
From Texas to Boston, this one-man band is making his way in the music industry with his unique genre-blended songs. Danny Baxley has independently released a single called Ithaca.
“…everything on my EP or anything I’ve done since November is all me.” –Danny Baxley
The song starts with a rhythmic guitar, echoing the artist’s rock band background. As the vocals come in so does the synth and electronic instruments, which took me by surprise somewhat. With instruments that remind me of Owl City’s Fireflies song, Baxley’s intriguing hybrid of genres is certainly a twist on fundamental electronica and rock.
“I’ve always attempted to blend genres – sometimes [they’re successful]…”
Baxley’s vocals are blunt and occasionally stray from the desired melody, yet they seem to ground the song rather than allow the listener to lose themselves in the electronic tones.
Certainly an interesting and unique sound that might very well make a permanent home for itself in the indie corner of the music industry.
I am a huge Kate Bush fan, but Cloudbusting has to be my favourite song.
NZ Film Freak 