Golden Gunn’s self-titled release treats listeners to a brilliant balance between natural, Southern acoustic guitar melodies and pulsing synthetics and effects that cross the genre spectrum. Dive Verdict: ????1/2
With a sense of confusion reminiscent of “Inception,” Danny Boyle uses his signature artistic visuals to create a hypnotic world in “Trance.” Simon (James McAvoy), an art auctioneer, finds himself in debt from gambling and seeks help from a group of criminals led by Franck (Vincent Cassel). During an art robbery, he suffers amnesia and can’t remember where he hid the painting. Dive Verdict: ???1/2
Spanning fifteen years and split into three pieces focused on separate characters, “The Place Beyond the Pines,” directed by Derek Cianfrance, comes so close to realizing its epic ambitions. Bolstered by thrilling performances and an engaging story, it only falters in the last act. Dive Verdict: ???1/2
Finally, a biopic that doesn’t overdo it on the history lesson. “42” is a compelling lesson about an American hero who triumphed in the face of discrimination and is one of the best sports movies to come along in years. Dive Verdict: ????
Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale are The Milk Carton Kids, whose gentle acoustic tunes are at once subtle and stunning. Ryan talked to Diversions Editor Allison Hussey about the band’s beginnings and development
In an age of overproduced and oversimplified coming-of-age television shows, one might look forward to a future of quality teenaged series.
Spring has finally sprung, which means sunshine and good times are upon us. Here is a recipe for Grandma Shirley’s famous apple butter, meant to be enjoyed on the best of picnics and study dates in the quad.
Friday, April 12 Mount Moriah record release show Cat’s Cradle, Chapel Hill 8 PM door/ 9 PM show, $10/$12 Local darlings Mount Moriah built on their backwoods brooding with their latest release (and first for Merge Records) Miracle Temple.
After the international success of Psy’s “Gangnam Style” and the impending threat of nuclear attack (by the North), it’s no wonder the world is looking at Korea right now. And utilizing this attention, Spike Lee has taken upon himself to adapt the famous Korean film “Oldboy” and make an American version starring Josh Brolin.
“Jurassic Park” in 3-D reminds audiences of 20 years ago — while taking them back to a prehistoric era. Dive Verdict: ????
Fitz and The Tantrums became known as a ‘70s soul-funk revival band as it exploded onto the scene in 2011. However, with the latest album, More Than Just a Dream, the sextet is bringing back a little more of the ‘80s. Dive Verdict: ???
Houses weaves a tale of longing within its steadily simplistic beats and soft, electronic keyboard, discovering the line between the native and the modified in its second release, A Quiet Darkness. Dive Verdict: ???
Wakin on a Pretty Daze, singer and songwriter Kurt Vile’s sixth full-length album, is a testament to the fact that there is still uncharted territory in the indie rock genre. Dive Verdict: ????1/2
This week, “The Great Gatsby” celebrates its 88th birthday.
Fitz and The Tantrums is ready to make you dance. The group will release a new album, More Than Just a Dream, on May 7 with some fresh ‘80s New Wave pop but plenty of its signature retro soul sound. Staff writer Charlie Shelton spoke to lead singer Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick about life back on the road, and playing at Daryl Hall’s house.
Before I had even applied to UNC, I heard of Lantern. After scrolling through food blogs and watching hours of Food Network at home I stumbled upon it.
Veronica Mars is back, Marshmallows! Alright, so it’s old news that the Veronica Mars movie is happening.
The second annual Phuzz Phest took place in Winston-Salem April 4-6. Diversions went to the Camel City to check out North Carolina’s best bands and to discover some new favorites. After a successful day one, I returned to Phuzz Phest for the evening on Friday, managing to see The Love Language, one of my longtime favorite groups take the stage at The Garage.
Saturday, April 6 On An On Local 506, Chapel Hill Doors: 8:30 pm / Show: 9:00 pm, $8-$10 On An On’s hazy indie pop recalls Local Natives’ rhythmic percussion coupled with the dense textures of Memoryhouse.
The second annual Phuzz Phest took place in Winston-Salem April 4-6. Diversions went to the Camel City to check out some of North Carolina’s best bands and to discover some new favorites. What better way to start off a weekend-long music festival (especially after a terribly stormy drive over) than with the folk country goodness of Mount Moriah? Add in a serene auditorium in an art museum, and you’ve hit the spot.
