Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
John Carpenter ‘Halloween Kills’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Review: John Carpenter and family reconvene for soundtrack to David Gordon Green’s follow-up to 2018 reboot of slasher classic. John Carpenter may not be in the filmmaking business anymore, but he’s keeping busy with his composing duties. Earlier this year he released Lost Themes III: Alive After […]
Perturbator ‘Lustful Sacraments’ Review: darkwave progenitor crafts ominous hook-laden soundscapes. “It’s an album about bad habits, dissatisfaction, and addiction. An overall look at how we, as a species, lean towards self-destruction.” So says James Kent, aka synthwave artist Perturbator, regarding his new release Lustful Sacraments, an album that sees a further maturation and musical evolution […]
John Carpenter ‘Lost Themes III: Alive After Death Review’: Carpenter and family continue winning streak on fifth collaboration. Filmmaker John Carpenter had become somewhat of a creative hermit in the 21st century: minus two theatrical films and some TV work, he was more inclined to indulge his passions for video gaming, the L.A. Lakers, and […]
Confrontational ‘Under Cover of Darkness’ Review: Italian synthwave artist honors his 80s influences on inventive covers album. CONFRONTATIONAL (aka Italian musician Massimo Usai) have been at the forefront of the synthwave scene, a musical subgenre that has seen the revival of film-inspired electronic music indebted to soundtracks by the likes of John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream […]
SLIS’s 18 Best Albums of 2018: celebrating the best in rock, metal, alternative, electronica and alternative hip-hop amidst a chaotic year. We’re just a few weeks away from saying goodbye to 2018. It was a year that rattled nerves, tested our mettle, and raised questions about where we’re heading. Luckily we had a great soundtrack […]
John Carpenter ‘Halloween’ 2018 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Review: filmmaker/composer adds new layers to his signature horror theme (and score) for director David Gordon Greene’s sequel. ★★★★★ Sure, the upcoming Halloween film is directed by David Gordon Green, but the influence of director/composer John Carpenter is felt throughout this direct sequel to his 1978 horror classic. Not […]
Episode 17: Fantastic Fest 2018 Recap: ‘Halloween’, ‘Suspiria,’ and Much More: a recap of all that was amazing, strange and meh at this year’s genre film festival at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. On this week’s podcast, co-host Dave Dierksen and I recap the wide arrange of great (and not so great) films at […]
Zola Jesus ‘Okovi: Additions’ Review: Goth songstress releases companion piece to 2017’s Okovi, featuring unreleased tracks and remixes . [rating=4] Last year saw Zola Jesus (Nika Roza Danilova) release Okovi, a return to her dark, synth driven roots, after 2014’s more pop-driven Taiga. It was widely well received by critics and fans, showcasing her powerful vocals […]
The SLIS 2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Blu-ray and DVD Box Sets: the best superhero, sci-fi, horror, action and TV series Blu-ray gifts of the year. Welcome back to part 2 of the SLIS 2017 Holiday Gift Guide (click here to see part 1: Music Box Sets)! Well 2017 was a year I guess. And that’s […]
The SLIS 2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Music Box Sets–exploring the best deluxe editions, CD Box Sets and Vinyl reissues in alternative, classic rock, soundtracks and more. Well it’s that time again: to stuff yourself with turkey first, and then get prepared for your holiday shopping for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond. And if you’re […]
