March 2023 | MendoWerks

‘Tetris’ Delivers a Surprisingly Fun Origin Story (Review)

31Mar

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Features, Film, Reviews

‘Tetris’ Delivers a Surprisingly Fun Origin Story (Review)

With 'Tetris,' Scottish director Jon S. Baird ('Filth') takes on the origin story of one of the most addictive video games ever created. Is it the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Of course not. But it is a surprisingly fun film with a standout performance from Taron Egerton who plays Henk Rogers, the man who helped spread a small Russian-created game around the world. The movie begins with a flat-footed batch of exposition to lay out the story, but it finds its way as we go along. The game Henk designed and is exhibiting at the Consumer Electronics Show is a dud, but after playing Tetris at another CES booth, he sees his ticket to success. His plan slowly begins to take hold from there. All he has to do is buy the global distribution rights from the game's creator, Alexe...

INTERVIEW: Tarah Who? Releases “Fresh Meat Rockstars”

30Mar

By SimonNo Comments

Features, Interviews, Music

INTERVIEW: Tarah Who? Releases “Fresh Meat Rockstars”

Tarah Who?'s new single and music video "Fresh Meat Rockstars" is available now everywhere you listen to music. The driving rock track addresses the relationship between bands and the attitude some musicians have towards one another. Tarah G. Carpenter, the band's lead vocalist, and guitarist collaborate with guitarist Jason Orme, who plays the guitar. Carpenter explains that despite different backgrounds and experience levels, all musicians can learn from each other. The music video for "Fresh Meat Rockstars" is a compilation of footage from the band's tour, giving viewers a glimpse of the energy behind the scenes. The song was produced by Carpenter, Orme, and Norm Block and recorded and mixed by Block. We had a chance to catch up with Carpenter to get more insight into her...

Jukebox The Ghost Cheers Deluxe: New Tracks and Piano Interpretations

29Mar

By SimonNo Comments

Features, Music

Jukebox The Ghost Cheers Deluxe: New Tracks and Piano Interpretations

Jukebox the Ghost is set to release a deluxe version of their 2022 studio album Cheers. The piano pop trio is known for its catchy and clever pop songs with theatrical undertones. The deluxe version features four new piano interpretations and two new tracks and is set for release on April 7 via BMG. "We wanted to add tracks to the deluxe version that felt like they were already part of the album,” says Jukebox The Ghost. "Costume," in particular, is "a natural fit for the deluxe because it's got the mix of old Jukebox The Ghost energy and modern production and taste.” The self-produced sixth studio album is a toast to surviving and thriving in the face of hard times. You'll find memorable choruses, cheerful melodies, and Freddie Mercury-esque vocals woven throughout. The album s...

A Not-so-New Voice in Wave: A Chat with BerserkerCrux on “The Blood” & More

28Mar

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Interviews, Music

A Not-so-New Voice in Wave: A Chat with BerserkerCrux on “The Blood” & More

"Wave is a dynamic community full of inspiration... Wave is a Movement. Wave is going somewhere." -BerserkerCrux Please note: sections of this article have been edited and/or removed at the request of UFO.wave Collective, with interviewee's knowledge & consent (10/29/2023). A not-so-new voice in wave music, BerserkerCrux, just put out his first track, "The Blood". In this article, you will find an interview with the artist in which we discuss the decision BC made to 'finally' release music, as well as the process behind this release, his plans for 2023, and more-- Read on! Introducing... BerserkerCrux: View this post on Instagram A post shared by UFO.WAVE Collective LLC (@ufowavecollective) Check out BerserkerCrux's debut, "The...

Don’t Miss Polyphia’s Ambitious World Tour This Fall

27Mar

By SimonNo Comments

Events, Features, Music

Don’t Miss Polyphia’s Ambitious World Tour This Fall

Photo by: Alana Ann Lopez Polyphia has just announced a massive extension to their Remember That You Will Die World Tour. The second leg of the tour kicks off in Oklahoma City on September 30th. DOMi and JD Beck will be joining as support through October 28th. From there, midwxst will join from November 1st to November 3rd. Tickets are available now while they last. According to guitarist Tim Henson, "This fall tour is our most ambitious outing yet. Everything from the setlist to the stage design, the light show, the supporting acts, and the merchandise; everything has been meticulously planned and curated to bring about the absolute best show possible for our fans. It truly feels like we are growing into the band that we were destined to be." Polyphia's 4th Studio Album Poly...

I Said I Wouldn’t, But I Actually Bought a Cassette Tape: on ‘Terminals’ by Druid & Jok.

26Mar

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music, Reviews

I Said I Wouldn’t, But I Actually Bought a Cassette Tape: on ‘Terminals’ by Druid & Jok.

Ya'll, I can't believe it, but I actually bought a cassette tape. On Bandcamp Friday. In March 2023. This makes no sense to me, especially since I've definitely gone on one too many rants that sound a little bit like this: "I can't do this anymore, I already did the cassette thing, and the CD thing, and now the oh-so-occasional vinyl thing--and now cassette is coming back, and I--I just can't keep doing this." Then along came Terminals, the new EP by Druid & Jok, out via Decaying Spheres at the beginning of the month... And it was getting a physical release. On cassette, of course. Ugh. The tape came in the mail the other day. and it hit me: I caved. I bought a cassette tape. I'm part of "the problem" now. And, as anticipated, I have absolutely no way of playing...

Nothing More Teams Up With Lacey Sturm On “Best Times”

26Mar

By SimonNo Comments

Features, Music

Nothing More Teams Up With Lacey Sturm On “Best Times”

Powerhouse rock band Nothing More has collaborated with Lacey Sturm, singer/songwriter from Flyleaf, on their latest single. The result of their collaboration is a new version of "Best Times." The track is featured on their 2022 album, Spirits. Photo Credit: Jody Domingue The accompanying music video was directed by Michael Lombardi. He's known for his work with bands like The Retaliators, Papa Roach, and The HU. The video provides an inside look at a couple's relationship and how life's best times can often pass us by without us even realizing it. The video serves as a reminder to appreciate those moments as they occur. "This song is a really special one," says Nothing More frontman Jonny Hawkins. "It's definitely one of the most positive feel-good songs we've ever written and...

Nick Neutronz Gives Us Some Perspective in “The Changes”

25Mar

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Nick Neutronz Gives Us Some Perspective in “The Changes”

In case you missed it, Nick Neutronz is 'back on his bullshit', as the kids say. He released "The Changes" earlier this month, and quite frankly, it changed me. Nick Neutronz is someone we all really need to keep a better eye on--because when Nick puts out new music, we can never know what to expect. In the best possible way. Let's look at some examples from 2022: in December, he put out this dark, moody, lights-down-low-at-the-club type banger of a collab with lonewulf, "Pyrex". Yet, in June, Nick dropped this little high-tempo, all-encompassing, like-an-emotional-plea-but-could-still-probably-end-up-on-the-radio track called "Surrender". But, let's not forget how he started the year off, either--with "Hikikomori". Alessio Anesi of FUXWITHIT describes that song best: it's...

As ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Hits Theaters, Catch Up On The Series

24Mar

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Features, Film

As ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Hits Theaters, Catch Up On The Series

If there is one thing that 'John Wick: Chapter 4' proves, it's that you can't keep a good assassin down. As Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski head back to the theaters this weekend, you may be looking to catch up on the series. Or, if you're like me, you are trying to figure out how to watch most of the films for the first time so you can go enjoy the new movie on the big screen. Confession: I saw the first film back in 2015 when it hit home video. I enjoyed it, but for whatever reason never bothered to watch the rest of the movies. Until, that is, this week! I figured it was time for a crash course and it is honestly pretty fun to get watch these in quick succession. How to Watch the John Wick series In advance of the new film hitting theaters, Peacock ponied up...

Superbloom Announces Buzzworthy New EP ‘Life’s A Blur’

23Mar

By SimonNo Comments

Features, Music

Superbloom Announces Buzzworthy New EP ‘Life’s A Blur’

Brooklyn-based alternative rock band Superbloom is set to release its new EP Life's A Blur on June 8th. The quartet consists of Dave Hoon (vocals/guitars), Tim Choate (guitars), Brian DiMeglio (bass), and Matteo Dix (drums). Album art by: Patrick Turk The forthcoming EP is a conscious progression from their 2021 debut album Pollen. The songs on Life's A Blur have a noticeably harder edge. Listeners will discover a band that is reaching greater depths of sound through dynamic, varied songs and interludes. The EP retains Superbloom's signature hooks, dreamy tones, and infectious bouncy rhythms as their progression as songwriters is on display. Superbloom In The Studio Life's A Blur was produced by Superbloom, recorded by Brian DiMeglio at Brooklyn Recording Paradise, and mixed/m...