| OCR Text |
Show A&E WSUSIGNPOST.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015 7 Blaha brothers release dark tracks EMILEE ATKINSON columnist Minneapolis duo known as Shadow in the Cracks described their music on their Facebook page as “Antarctic sheets of noise and melody celebrating the hopelessness of survival using a kick drum, Indian bells, guitars and vocals.” Their self-titled album was released earlier in November, offering listeners an urban-psych experience. Brothers Jim and Mike Blaha are part of the band The Blind Shake, but Shadow in the Cracks is their side project. According to online music source Noisey, the album plays like the “psyched-out, sleep-deprived flipside to the melodic scuzz they’ve become known for.” According to Jim, the album is meant to be dark, which is shown most in the lead track “Timeless.” “It’s a reference to the darker parts of the dark,” Jim told Noisey. The dark sound in the album is something listeners can explore. The brothers’ baritone guitars, kick drum and bells add a slow and dark vibe that make listening to this project an interesting experience. The first track “Timeless” gets the album off to a great start as the brothers intended, and listeners are slowly introduced to elements the duo frequently use. Each element is given an equal opportunity to shine, not overusing anything. One would think bells don’t have their place in music like this, but they really do add to the aesthetic. Another notable tune on the album is “Lonely Time.” This song has an excellent rhythm that will make you want to put the song on repeat. “Lonely Time” has a western feel to it, making listeners feel like they’re a cowboy riding into the sunset. KWCR ALBUM Following “Lonely Time” is “Elephant Seal.” While this song gets off to a great start, it ends up becoming tedious. The slow beat at the beginning differs from most of the other tracks, but because the song is over six minutes, listeners may end up changing the song before it’s over. One of the last songs and the group’s namesake, “Shadow in the Cracks,” was probably the best track of the album. It combines all of the unique elements the duo offers while throwing in a delightfully heavy bass line. The song is slow, and listeners get the full effect of the darkness the brothers set out to create. This album gets three out of five stars. There isn’t much to complain about, but there isn’t a huge “wow” factor either. However, the Blaha brothers put together an interesting album that combines unique elements that are definitely worth a listen. If you are a fan of Shadow in the Cracks, you’ll want to look up Spacemen 3, The Blind Shake and Brian Jonestown Massacre. Follow Emilee on Twitter @Signpost_Emilee Dance theater re-imagines holiday classic By LAUREN PORTER a&e reporter In true Odyssey Dance Theatre fashion, the classic “The Nutcracker” has been revamped, entering the digital realm with the modernized production, “The ReduxNut-Cracker.” The best part is that it’s coming to WSU. “The ReduxNut-Cracker,” scheduled to appear at WSU’s Browning Center on Dec. 4 and 5, breathes fresh air into a holiday classic. Odyssey Dance Theatre’s founder and artistic director, Derryl Yeager, created this updated version of “The Nutcracker.” “[I] decided to tackle a classic and put a modern spin on it,” Yeager said. He said that he wanted a production that audiences today could relate to better than the 1860 Christmas party of the original production. Yeager also chose the word “redux,” which means “brought back, revived” for the title of this modernized production. “I wanted to capture the idea that it was a new version,” Yeager said. “So, if you say ‘ReduxNut,’ there’s a ring to it, and then after a short pause, say ‘Cracker’— it kind of sticks with you.” WSU sophomore Justine Cherry, offers her view on modernizing dance classics like “The Nutcracker.” “It’s about time they did this,” Cherry said. “Ballet isn’t the genre to be in anymore because it’s not as popular.” Cherry danced for 15 years starting at the early age of three. She said that ballet was her least favorite genre to perform, especially due to its difficulty. She also says that even though she can appreciate ballet, other genres add much-needed variety to the stage. There are some students who make it a tradition to see the older version of “The Nutcracker.” WSU junior Courtnee Goodwin, said that she has seen the traditional version of “The Nutcracker” for the past three years but that she would be willing to experience something new. “I wouldn’t put forth judgement until I’ve seen it,” Goodwin said. “But it sounds like a cool idea.” “The ReduxNut-Cracker” is in its third year, and some of its popularity, aside from the hip-hop dancing mice, may come from the moral lesson that has been inserted into the program. Yeager said that he designed this production around Clara, played by a native of Ogden Amber Williams, having several experiences in the digital world after she’s been absorbed into it through her cell phone. In the finale, other characters in the produc- tion all surround and overwhelm Clara. “She throws down the phone, and the parents come in, and she realizes that they are what are important,” Yeager said. Yeager says this ending is quite different from the “they came, they danced, they went home” plot line of the original “The Nutcracker.” “We’ve actually created a moral to the story,” Yeager said. Goodwin said that she always felt like the traditional ending to “The Nutcracker” always left her hanging, so she likes the lesson added into this modern version. “Family is more important than Facebook,” Goodwin said. Goodwin said that she, like many others, checks her phone a lot, but people need to know when and where it’s appropriate. “I think wrapping [the production] with a lesson is a great idea,” Goodwin said. Between the updated music, the various dance styles and the heart-warming moral, it seems as if there is something for everyone this Christmas in “The ReduxNut-Cracker.” For more information about the show or for ticket information, visit odysseydance.com Follow Lauren on Twitter @LaurenPorter87 SOURCE: ERIC CHRISTENSEN Hip-hop dancing mice are just one example of how Odyssey Dance Theatre has reinvented this classic production. WILDCAT VILLAGE Wildcat village is the place to live for convenience to classes and social events on campus. Plus, there is lots of parking! 3 new facilities provide the latest amenities in on campus living. Made to order restaurant, convenience store, gym, volleyball court, outdoor fire-pit, meeting hall, printer station and much more. For more information: Stop by the Stewart Wasatch Hall housing office Visit us at www.weber.edu/housing Call 801-626-7275 |
