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Letters from the Earth is an alternative outfit. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee” single.

“‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ illuminates the life of a typical employee. Also, it examines the true value of work in the west. The song’s surrealist music video finds a somber employee attending her own absurd retirement party. Where, Foster, portraying the titular Frank Ghilardi, presents his melancholic address.” – Letters from the Earth

‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ tells an interesting tale in the form of a farewell speech. Also, the speech is delivered from a fictional company head to an unnamed subordinate.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, it possesses charming instrumentation which was produced and mixed by Ben Hirschfield (Against Me!, The Story So Far, and Elder Brother).

“It’s okay to cry. You’ve made it alive through forty years here at Ghilardi. Don’t be afraid of your life turning gray. There’ll be no more files to be sorted. No people to wave you on at the gate. No phone calls to take, no lunches to make, no more coming home to dinners alone.” – lyrics

Letters from the Earth consists of Matt Foster (vocals, guitar), Ben Hirschfield (guitar, keys, synth), Cameron MacBain (drums), and Morgan Foster (bass).

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/letters-from-the-earth-frank-ghilardi/
  
Super Metroid
Super Metroid
Action/Adventure
An enormous jump in quality from the NES version to this (6 more)
An even larger variety of enemies and bosses
The worlds are no longef as redundant and really feel as if they're individual biomes
An even better soundtrack
The absolutely beautiful dark tone of the game
An even bigger variety of weapons and upgrades to collect
While still extremely difficult, the game did lighten up drastically
Still extremely difficult (0 more)
While still keeping with the horrendously difficult nature of Metroid games, Super Metroid tones it down enough to not be overwhelming. The game is actually a masterpiece from the dark tone to the music to the no longer redundant but vibrant biomes and more. Samus has more weapons and more abilities giving you better control and ability to explore the upgraded world. The villains are epic in scale and some of the boss battles are absolutely epic. Even the mini bosses give you fight you won't soon forget. Going from Metroid to Super Metroid is like going from McDonald's to gourmet. Sure the Mickey D's is good, but the alternative is fucking gourmet!
  
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Paige (277 KP) rated Smashbomb in Apps

Jun 30, 2022  
Smashbomb
Smashbomb
Entertainment, Lifestyle, Social Networking
10
8.9 (123 Ratings)
App Rating
Ability to submit individual reviews. (3 more)
Earn 'Badges.'
Community.
Giveaways.
Smashbomb.
Smashbomb is highly recommended ✔️

Unlike typical Forums and Review Apps with different sub categories, with Smashbomb you are able submit your individual reviews, and read reviews submitted by others, all in one place. Personally, I think that this is imperative as I have found myself exploring alternative genres of books, movies and music that I otherwise would not have without the reviews submitted by yourselves.

The Community here on Smashbomb is not comparable to general Communites that are prevalent throughout Social Media and Apps. Here, we value each others opinions, and we are grateful for those opinions and differentiating genres that then allow ourselves to expand our current genre taste.

Smashbomb also provide giveaways. I myself was fortunate enough to be picked as a winner for a giveaway which was a Funko Pop. I won this giveaway an approximate two years ago, and that same Funko Pop is on my shelf watching as I write this review.

Join, and stay as a member of our Community.
  
Could - Single by HOAX
Could - Single by HOAX
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
HOAX is an indie pop-rock outfit from Queens, New York. Not too long ago, they released a groovy alternative-rock tune, entitled, “Could”.

“We could be right or we could be wrong, together. When Daffodil Skies, they bloom in the darkest weather. Make up a lie. Tell yourself you’re fine like your mother and father did before. Eat yourself alive. You open up but the words are all tongue-tied.” – lyrics

‘Could’ tells an interesting tale of a young guy who knows that his relationship with his significant other is in survival mode.

Apparently, late one night, his mind is occupied with stimulating thoughts, which question the life that he’s living. While pondering, he realizes that he and his partner are wasting their time on mindless entertainment.

Later, he admits that behind their broken smiles, they struggle to find a reason behind their need to survive.

‘Could’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation scented with an indie-alternative fragrance.

“‘Could’ is the first snapshot of many narratives told in the forms of songs on the album that opens up a begrudging conversation everyone must eventually come to have with oneself. Questions that highlight the essence of BEING, which if not asked in a timely manner, might result in years and years passing by. Until you finally look backward through a telescope of regret.” – Michael Raj & Frantz Cesar

‘Could’ is an episode in a series of stories exploring the human condition of Being. The likable tune is the first single from HOAX’s upcoming debut album, entitled, “b?”, which took two years to make.

Also, the LP follows the narratives of thirteen different characters, thrown together in the aftermath of an otherworldly series of events.

The intertwined stories are centered around the abstract concepts of: “BEING”. An evident obsession of both the characters in the story and the band members themselves.

The dichotomy of BEING vs. DOING is highlighted through careful lyrical content on the album.

HOAX is the musical brainchild of Michael Raj and Frantz Cesar. They view themselves as “the beautiful sound of sadness”, a description coined by a close friend.

Their modern vintage sound draws from a wide range of influences such as ‘60s pop, ‘70s Motown, and alternative R&B music.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/hoax-could/
  
Seven Dollar Paycheck by Arms Akimbo
Seven Dollar Paycheck by Arms Akimbo
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Arms Akimbo is a four-piece indie-rock band. Not too long ago, they released a heartfelt alternative tune, entitled, “Pitchfork”.

“I feel like the song is a letter to my band and my loved ones back home. I wanted to tell the people in my life that even though it’s not the easiest path that we’re on, it’s the right path and we’re not going to give up. We don’t play music because we want to. We play music because we have to. And, as we say in the song, ‘if we’re patient then we’ll make it eventually’.”

‘Pitchfork’ tells an interesting tale of a young musician who is out on the road, on tour in west New Mexico, very far away from a special woman who has his heart.

Apparently, it was hard for him to goodbye to her, and shortly after his departure, he felt that he had let her down. Her emotional wellbeing made him question if she will still want him when he returns home.

While on tour, he thinks about her text message which states how he always let love slip away. Deep down, he wishes she’s wrong about that statement.

Later, things aren’t the same and a tad bit quiet when they talk on the phone. Also, the thoughts of losing her and not fulfilling his musical goals scares him. But he remains patient and hopes that everything works out in his favor.

“I wrote ‘Pitchfork’ on a non-stop drive back to LA from Austin, Texas, after SXSW 2018. Facing the existential dread that comes with finishing a tour, I couldn’t help but think about the way that being a musician connects you with so many people while simultaneously being extremely isolating. Music is our form of communication to reach people who might be feeling the same way that we are and we use that to build a community. But functioning as a musician means being on the road and being away from the people that you care about. This dichotomy can be tough to balance.”

Arms Akimbo’s consists of Peter Schrupp (vocals, guitar), Chris Kalil (guitar, vocals), Matthew Sutton (drums), and Colin Boppell (bass).

They labeled their single ‘Pitchfork’ in reference to the lyrics at the end of the song.

The likable tune encourages those in the music industry to never give up. Also, it narrates the existential dread which comes with finishing a tour.

“The song was written in two parts, with the first section functioning almost like a tour diary, a vignette of our life on the road. The second part is more of a personal plea to my loved ones to stick by me on this journey. It’s also my attempt to explain why I have to play music and why it’s so deeply instilled into who I am.”

‘Pitchfork’ contains a relatable storyline, warm vocal tones, and summery instrumentation flavored with melodic guitars.

The song is featured on Arms Akimbo’s latest EP, entitled, “Seven Dollar Paycheck”.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/arms-akimbo-pitchfork/
  
Angus (1995)
Angus (1995)
1995 | Comedy, Drama, Family
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Bowl cutted fun for all
Any film that starts a marching band version of Am I Wrong by Love Spit Love is enjoyable in my world. We are introduced to Angus Bethune, pronounced Buffon for comedic effect, his best friend a young sophisticated sex robot sent back through time The Sherminator Troy and their high school dramas. As with all of this type of movie we have a bane of their life and bully boy played here by James Van Der Beek but you may know me as Dawson from the Creek. There is sa running joke of Angus breaking his bully's nose through the years as Angus who despite being bowl cutted and awkward is awell built unit who actually plays football.

The plot follows that tradition of a dance/prom on the horizon and the cool good looking kids are planning some hijinx only for good to win and everyone learns life lessons. Angus has a falling out with his best friend Troy and is all alone before he overcomes his own unsecurities and can move on from high school politics. If you like mid/late 90s alternative music this soundtrack will knock you socks off and transport you back in time.
  
Seasons by American Authors
Seasons by American Authors
2019 | Alternative
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
American Authors is a four-piece alternative outfit based in Brooklyn, New York. Not too long ago, they released a heartfelt music video for their “Before I Go” single.

“I hope I find peace of mind in all of my woes. I hope the rain, it brings a light To my broken soul. And I hope I lose myself in the city but find my home. I hope I live my life before I go.” – lyrics

‘Before I Go’ tells an interesting tale of a young guy who doesn’t know where his life is going.

Apparently, he’s afraid of what’s to come, and even though he keeps on keeping on, he wonders if he has done all that he can.

Later, he admits that he wants to live life to the fullest before he goes to the Great Beyond.

‘Before I Go’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and cinematic instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.

Also, the stunning audiovisual was filmed last October during Matt Sanchez’s wedding.

“The biggest thing is the change American Authors went through to get here. We had to go through all of these experiences and moments of experimentation to reach this body of work, which is the most genuine and pure thing we’ve ever done. It encompasses every season of our music: the ups, the downs, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We let go of where we started, fell into the place of writing from the heart, and captured what came out naturally.” – Zac Barnett

American Authors consists of Zac Barnett (vocals), James Adam Shelley (guitar, banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums).

So far, they have impressively generated over 1 billion global streams on a string of alternately striking and soaring smashes.

Their ‘Before I Go’ single is featured on their latest album, entitled, “Seasons”, which has amassed close to 30M streams online via Spotify.

“I want people to see a different side of American Authors. I hope they realize there’s a message of hope. But it’s transmitted in a new and more exciting way for our band. Growing up, listening to my favorite artists helped me through so many hard times. It was the best therapy. I’ve seen fans take that away from our music in the past, and I hope they continue to do so. That’s the ultimate goal for us.” – Zac Barnett

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/american-authors-before-i-go/
  
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Johnny Marr recommended 154 by Wire in Music (curated)

 
154 by Wire
154 by Wire
1979 | Punk
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"I think there is an argument to be made for Wire being one of the greatest ever bands to come out of the UK. They have become a band to namedrop over the last 20 years and rightly so. In 1977 or 1978, me and my mates were wagging school and listening to whatever new records were out at the time, and that would be invariably punk records. A couple of my friends were into The Stranglers, which never really did it for me. I was listening to The Only Ones and Generation X and things like that. When [punk compilation] The Roxy London WC2 came out you had to have it and spend your hard-earned pocket money on it, but it was a disappointing, shouty affair. It was badly recorded with a number of bands who didn't do much for me. However, it had 'Lowdown' by Wire on it and the song stood out by a million miles. There was brains and originality behind the song. When 154 came out it was so startling as it was so ahead of its time. Well, it was of the time but broke away from the norm, which was very much still rooted in an aggressive rock & roll heartland. Wire really stretched sounds and included keyboards on their records, which at the time was a very brave move. I am trying my hardest not to use the word 'arty' but in this case, they owned that word. I had left school at that time and moved away from my parents and was living on my own. That period was key for me as a person and Wire's approach to guitar was just something I couldn't ignore. It was a real pointer away from the blues-based guitar playing which dominated pop music - including punk - since rock music had started. As a young guitar player, discovering 154 showed me a world that was an alternative way of looking at the instrument. It has stuck with me all the way through my career."

Source
  
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Maddi Zoe (6 KP) rated MANIA by Fall Out Boy in Music

Feb 8, 2018  
MANIA by Fall Out Boy
MANIA by Fall Out Boy
2018 | Indie, Pop, Punk
feet-tapping tunes (1 more)
light and dark
some songs are a bit samey (0 more)
Fresh new sound, still Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy return with their seventh studio album titled 'Mania', which continues to explore their heavy alternative rock sound.

Mania is very similar in sound to Fall Out Boy's previous album from 2015 'American Beauty/American Psycho'. It's a far cry from where they first began with hits such as 'Sugar We're Goin' Down' and 'Dance, Dance'. Although it was classic rock hits such as 'I Don't Care' that brought them out into the spotlight in the first place. But you can clearly see the evolution of their music through each and every album.

They started to turn to heavier rock in their stand out album, 'Save Rock and Roll' in 2013, and continued to explore this style through to their 2015 album. Mania follows again follows this same successful recipe. But it's still fresh, with Pete Wentz describing it as a 'palette cleanse'.

You can tell that Fall Out Boy are passionate about their music. It's taken two years to get this album to a point where they felt happy with the finished product. Patrick Stump and the band started writing the new album during their 2016 tour, and it was originally scheduled for release in September last year. The release was delayed because they felt it was 'too rushed' and they didn't want to give fans something they felt was 'sub-par'.

The lyrics are, as usual, clever and intricate. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into writing all of these songs. Some songs do again hint towards religion, such as 'Church' and 'Heaven's Gate'. This is becoming a common theme for the band, yet they maintain their heavy ego pop musicality. Fans of the band may also know it is common for the lyrics to sometimes reference other artists or the music industry in general. Anyone with a keen ear will notice the Britney Spears references in 'Young and Menace'.

Stump's voice. It is outstanding. This new album is no different. It is something that makes Fall Out Boy stand out among other bands. It is so crucial, especially in recent years, and Fall Out Boy continue to distance themselves away from bog-standard guitar solos. More often than not they have a bridge that is different to the rest of the song. This gives them more time to show off Stump's incredible and unique voice.

While the album is heavier than the majority of their music, some tracks such as 'Hold Me Tight or Don't', which are a bit lighter, and hint back to their 'old style'. Yet they continue to remain completely fresh. Whilst tracks such as 'Young and Menace' and 'Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea' almost have a dubstep/dance vibe to them.

All ten tracks on the new album are completely different from one another other. There is something for everyone. It is combines the 'old' Fall Out Boy which we first fell in love with and the 'newer, even fresher' Fall Out Boy. It is yet again, another outstanding album from the band.
  
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Adam Green recommended track This Springtime by Turner Cody in 60 Seasons by Turner Cody in Music (curated)

 
60 Seasons by Turner Cody
60 Seasons by Turner Cody
2007 | Metal, Pop, Rock
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

This Springtime by Turner Cody

(0 Ratings)

Track

"He's also an anti folk artist and a friend. He's super underrated. For me there could be an alternative universe where Turner Cody is considered to be like Neil Young or Townes Van Zandt. He totally deserves that. His catalogue is as good as theirs, people need to wake up and hear it. This album is a good starting point to explore Turner's work. It's from the period of his life where he almost began to become the young Arthur Rimbaud. It's a very literary folk record, and he's also the most romantic anti folk songwriter. A lot of anti folk uses humour and satire, but Turner's stuff has always been deeply romantic without being particularly funny which sent him apart from the more punky stuff that went straight for your throat. He's a romantic, mystic poet who makes music. The title track actually paints New York City as an anthropological creature that's going through the processes of change. He really taps into corruption and decline and the surrounding elements that led into the financial crash, Occupy Wall Street, Brexit and Donald Trump. I feel like Turner understood these things were going to happen. If you listen to this record and his next one, Who Went West, it's all about what's happening now, yet he was just a 19-year-old who felt what would come. The lyrics are all prophetic in n that way, he understood what would happen in the world."

Source