Critique experiences, media, products, and more with your detailed evaluations.
Jake Gilmore breaks down some hot new songs. Please go stream “Becoming a Stranger” by Go Public, “Indu” by Greg Freeman, and “Breaking Atoms” by Chuck Strangers featuring billy woods and Zeroh. Support under-appreciated artists!
Three for the Week – July 24 Read More »
The image of love as the touching of souls is borrowed from the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, which Mitchell has acknowledged. What Mitchell does with the borrowing is the interesting part. She does not just quote the idea. She takes the idea and turns it back on the lover. You said love was touching souls, she says. Fine. Then you touched mine. The proof is that I am writing this song. The proof is that part of you is pouring out of me right now, into these very lines.
A Map of Canada: On Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You” Read More »
Lee Pace you are a sexy beast.
The Show That Couldn’t Touch Anyone: On Pushing Daisies Read More »
Curry Barker’s Obsession arrived in American theaters on May 15, 2026, carrying the kind of pre-release expectation that usually crushes small horror films. It came out of TIFF’s Midnight Madness block the previous September with strong word of mouth, sold to Focus Features for a reported fifteen million dollars after being made for about one
The Wish and the Cost: A Critical Look at Obsession Read More »
I keep thinking about that pigeon. In the opening moments of “Common Side Effects,” Marshall Cuso, this wild-haired, perpetually shirtless mushroom enthusiast, kills a pigeon to prove a point to his old high school friend. Not out of cruelty, but to demonstrate something impossible: he brings it back to life with a sprinkle of blue
Fireflies at Dusk-MikeTorreano author is an excitingnovel of drama and events which leaves the reader without patience on reading the oncoming chapters. I strongly recommend reading this novel
Freflies at Dusk Mike Torreano author Read More »
What strikes me most about “Agnes” is how it completely strips away the clever wordplay and quirky character studies that define most of Glass Animals’ work. Instead, we get Dave Bayley at his most vulnerable, processing the suicide of a close friend through music. The result is something rare in modern indie music: genuine, unfiltered
Agnes (Glass Animals) – A Brief Retrospective Read More »
The exhibition, Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary at the Brooklyn Museum is a solo show, but it does not isolate the artist. Or perhaps Catlett’s work itself rejects isolation.
Elizabeth Catlett: A Solo Show but not an Isolated Show Read More »
In the troubled and often flatout bizarre landscape of post-9/11 television, “Homeland” stands out as perhaps one of the most egregious example of how more traditional, if not antiquated, understandings of white feminist narratives can be weaponized to perpetuate and justify islamophobic violence. The series, which ran from 2011 to 2020, masqueraded as a sophisticated
Flash Essay – What The Hell Was “Homeland”? Read More »
This short piece is a response to the Twilight Zone episode “Night of the Meek”.
You Get What You Give Read More »
Suicide and loss of meaning are concepts I was introduced to in Existential Psychology. In the course, we read Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886) by Leo Tolstoy, which was a reflection of Tolstoy’s own life. The novella explores loss of meaning and lack of purpose. Similarly, Tolstoy’s Confession (1882), which we explored in our Twilight
For Whom the Bell Tolls: Meaning and Suicide Read More »
This piece was written for a course exploring the philosophical themes of “The Twilight Zone”.
Death is the Great Equalizer: Practicality’s War on Knowledge Read More »
I am currently in a course exploring the philosophical and psychological themes of “The Twilight Zone”. This piece (this post is excerpts from it) is regarding the episode “Deaths-Head Revisited”.
Deaths-Head Revisited: Guilt and Conscience Read More »
I don’t want to deal with this. Not today. I am going to. Believe me. I am going to. They are not going to win. This is my country too. But in the meantime, here are a couple of recipes that I am using to distract myself this week. — Kardemummabullar So these are traditional
Here Are Some Recipes To Escape The Societal Dread Read More »
The landscape is a myriad of colors. While deep greens engross most of the city, deep warm hues of reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and even lila (purple) appear through the leafy canopies.
Glimpses from Göttingen Read More »
There is an artful delicacy with which the author, Richard Taylor, brings me as a reader of his book, into his rural world. A place where the priority of caring and the acceptance of an inoculate fate of frailty and mortality are inherent in being alive. I found myself sprawled on my bed, in the mid-afternoon sunlight spilling through the large windows of my pine encased bedroom with my one-eyed cat, reading aloud the typed lines on these aesthetically thought-provoking pages as Debussy played on an LP in another room.
Earth Bones: Poetry Book Review Read More »
With the horror genre as the ideal narrative vehicle, director Jane Schoenbrun brilliantly explores gender dysphoria and its relationship to the dread associated with awareness of one’s own mortality. The protagonist feels it, and you certainly will too.
Dysphoria and Dread: I Saw the TV Glow Review Read More »
Author’s note – I wrote this piece as a satirical homage to a conversation that I had with my brother last night that I found to be particularly comical. The fact that “Porky’s”, a film that I remember watching with him in 1981 with minimal fanfare, was the hill that he wanted to die on
I’m In Need of a Good Porking (a satirical piece) Read More »
To focus on transformation, as this play so clearly does, is to reject the classification and rigid boundaries of any particular form. And here also is where “Orlando” shines, making a comedy from a drama, existing in all times at once while still progressing through time, making the crew’s cleaning materials into stage props, and making the audience into part of the show.
“Orlando” Reflection Read More »
When considering where it fits into performance and critique, it most draws comparisons to Beyonce’s “Lemonade” or even the Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense” before it could be compared to a more “traditional” musical theater adaptation of a musician’s discography (in example “Girl from the North Country”).
“Illinoise” at the Park Avenue Armory Review Read More »
Each image shows the viewer scenes of the American military, and as the description in the MoMA’s gallery dedicated to her work indicates, it is a point of view on the peacetime activities of the armed forces as they move through the world. The tranquility is misleading, but not so much as to hide a further underlying commentary on the repetitive nature of war and how it shapes identity, whether personal or national.
“An-My Le: Between Two Rivers” Exhibition Reflection Read More »
When I stumbled upon one of the previous Inspiration Station’s pick, Frank Ocean’s “Pink + White,” I was quickly intrigued. But I’ll admit, I couldn’t help but chuckle at our Head of Media’s reference to the TV series “Shameless” as the song’s introduction point. As someone with let’s say…a complicated relationship with that show, to
Let’s Shamelessly Talk About Pink+White Read More »
A review of the 2023 film, Fresh Kills
Not The Godmother: Fresh Kills Read More »
“Monk is a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.”
American Fiction: A Tale of Two Films Read More »
A (too passionate) discussion on irony and Road House (1989)
Dare To Be Unironic: Road House Read More »
In the realm of music videos, few capture the intricate dance between nostalgia and foreboding as poignantly as Modest Mouse’s “Ocean Breathes Salty.” Directed with a delicate touch, the video weaves a narrative that feels both intimately personal and universally relatable. It invites viewers into a world where childhood innocence meets the stark reality of
Modest Mouse’s “Ocean Breathes Salty” Read More »
A conversation on the uncertainty of the ending of the 1992 film, A League of Their Own.
Let’s Talk About The Ball: A League of Their Own Read More »
“The Iron Claw” was one of the most highly anticipated biopics, expected to deliver a compelling homage to the Von Erich wrestling dynasty—a family whose triumphs and tragedies have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. However, despite its rich source material, the film falls short of expectations. Director Sean Durkin’s interpretation of this inherently
Iron Claw: The Dark Side of the Movie Theater Read More »
A review of the 2000 Coen brothers film, O Brother Where Art Thou?
O’ Brother Where Art Thou?: A Uniquely Southern Odyssey Read More »
As you sit in a dimly lit room, headphones on, the opening notes of Radical Face’s “Always Gold” envelop you. The acoustic guitar and Ben Cooper’s haunting voice weave a poignant tale of two brothers. “We were tight knit boys,” he sings, each word heavy with emotion. The song’s simplicity, nostalgic lyrics, and powerful chorus resonate deeply, reminding you of enduring love and unbreakable bonds.
Samson Rockwood Reviews Some Music Read More »
From the very first frame, Lanthimos’ masterful exploration of the “sins of the father” theme grips the audience, transcending a simple cautionary tale to delve deep into the intricate tapestry of guilt, responsibility, and the far-reaching ripple effects of our actions. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” unfolds with a haunting precision, revealing Steven’s past
The Killing of a Sacred Deer: a Film Review Read More »
Open our hearts to the wild mysteries of freedom. Let go of this captivity held tight in our fists. Let go of land waiting to be reclaimed by its tribes. Restore a natural balance to these special places. Let go and allow our river to truly truly be wild and free.
There’s something undeniably captivating about movie trailers. I know, it might seem odd to profess a love for what essentially amounts to a two-minute advertisement, but hear me out. In the same way that a well-crafted *Fruit Loops* commercial can make you crave a bowl of colorful cereal, a skillfully edited trailer can pique your
Reviewing the “Soft & Quiet” Trailer Read More »
She lay trembling on the cold stone floor of her dark cell. Mold and sewage, thick in the air but, the stench had long ceased to bring her discomfort. Her body was riddled with open sores in tender places, where the pain would be escalated. Chosen specifically to create as much pain as possible, so
Alright get this: a die-hard Sopranos fan, born and raised in the heart of Jersey, counting down the days until The Many Saints of Newark hit the screens, right? I’m talking about yours truly. See, I’ve been living and breathing these characters for years, and the thought of diving into their backstories had me more
The Many Clowns of Newark Read More »
Spoilers ahead for M*A*S*H and How I Met Your Mother You’ve been following a TV show for years, eagerly awaiting the resolution of your favorite characters’ stories. The series finale airs, and it’s a masterpiece – tying up loose ends, delivering emotional payoffs, and leaving you satisfied with the conclusion of a story you’ve invested
The Lost Art of the TV Finale Read More »
Picture this: America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, caught in a maelstrom of cultural and political upheaval. From the corridors of power to the cornfields of the heartland, it seems the very soul of our nation is being torn asunder by the forces of division and discord. And what,
Why Did We Have to Kill the Rock Opera? Read More »
I wasn’t doing to bad when it happened, I was on the verge of a breakthrough and then I lost you, I found myself tripping over my hallelujah of a new beginning A new way of living, but how do I live when I lost you your heart beat that stayed true and true. Your
Tripping over my hallelujah Read More »
In his latest review, Jake Gilmore ponders The Olive Branch Review’s recent trend of featuring actors’ musical endeavors as Songs of the Month. While he finds Michael Cera’s “Clay Pigeons” charming and clever, Gilmore suggests that the publication should focus more on up-and-coming musicians. He passionately recommends Rachel Chinouriri’s “My Blood” as a brilliant example of raw, unapologetic artistry. Nevertheless, Gilmore commends The Olive Branch Review for its new “Song Recommendation” feature, which allows readers to discover and celebrate diverse musical voices.
Clay Pigeons and My Blood: The Official/Unofficial May Song Review Read More »
Cat would do anything to protect her girlfriend, Brie. Anything.
I Would Do Anything. Read More »
The Heart has Many Rivers A Texas Prelude In the deep cool waters formed by the taming of the Trinity River, a tumultuous body that now nestles up against the towering concrete face of a dam, there swims a striped bass. He darts, hydrodynamic, sliding through shadows, metallic and swift, chasing down silverside
The Heart has Many Rivers Read More »
But there is no shelter for me. I am the shelter.
The Bird and The Tree Read More »
Do birds have eyebrows? Unfortunately, my breadth of expertise does not include, to any extent, ornithology.
The Song I Heard From The Birds Outside My Window Read More »
Anthony Villacosta delves into “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” exploring its narrative rebellion and aesthetic defiance against a backdrop of cultural homogenization. Through vivid analysis, Villacosta reveals how Wes Anderson’s film is a manifesto for beauty, complexity, and the enduring power of storytelling in challenging the status quo. A must-read for cinephiles and rebels alike.
Rebellion in Technicolor Read More »
Double Header Baby!!! I’m rewatching The Wire and writing about it. I thought I was going to be writing about this more consistently but school really got in the way of things. I really do like this show but oh boy does it get heavy sometimes. Talk about needing brain bleach after this one. Comment some brain bleach options for me!! Please!!
Rewatching The Wire – S1e3 Read More »
In “Chateau (Feel Alright),” Jake Gilmore crafts an immersive sonic realm, blending tender vocal whispers with soaring psychedelia. His music, a lush garden of dreamy guitars and warm synths, invites deep introspection and emotional journeying. Gilmore emerges as a visionary, weaving narratives that transcend mere songwriting, offering a transcendent experience that blurs the lines between dreams and reality.
Reviewing the April Song of the Month Read More »
I leave dirty footprints as I mount the steps. My gown’s train makes a shush-shush noise as it drags across the porch. The knob turns easily. I open the door, comforted by the familiar creak, and step inside. The foyer is dark, the hallway beyond lit only by a few candles burning dimly in their sconces. I trail my hand along the wall for purchase as I make my way upstairs to our bedroom. The grandfather clock in the parlor chimes midnight as I reach the threshold. I think I hear a muffled giggle, a low murmur, but my ears must be playing tricks. I smile and step inside, ready to embrace my lover.
Wayne Zooblo has just completed his first mission. Enroute back he encounters a strange purple nebula. What ensures is a strange stay in an even stranger place.
The church had always been her safe place. With its hard wooden pulpits with their picked-at splinters that the bored churchgoer works at, and the common man agonizes over when they nick him. Colored light cascaded through the stained glass windows warming the pews to a comfortable temperature in the chilly early morning but was avoided by all but the chronically cold on the hotter days. Something had changed in the past few months, however; the pews had more splinters that always seemed to find her legs no matter how she searched for them before sitting. The doors always hit her when she left and the candles never lit fast enough for the other patrons waiting in line. Their scowls followed her back down the aisle to her seat in the back, as she was now never early enough to get her usual seat up front.
Even a Worm will Turn Read More »
In the shadowed silence of the moon’s desolate plains, where the line between the ink-black sky and the stark, gray surface blurs into a monochrome infinity, there existed a realm untouched by the warmth of the sun or the whispers of the wind. It was here, amid the desolation of this lunar landscape, that Michael
Whispers in the Lunar Dust Read More »
Thomas Haberman sat on the edge of the bed in a rotting motel room. He stared past the wall towards the life he had left behind. The room was damp and his bare feet buried in the shag carpeting was a constant reminder of that. Tom knew exactly how he got there and he had … Continue reading Edit My Review
In the Solitude of Travel Read More »
Arnaud Chien collapsed on the floor of the bathroom stall. The hot tear burned around the edges of his eyes as he felt the hot iron rod twist deeper and deeper into his abdomen. He tried his best to breath but each inhale was irrupted but abrupt gasps. This was the third time this had […]
In “Navigating the Unfulfilled Roads of ‘Drive Away Dolls,'” R. Joseph Acosta delves into Ethan Coen’s latest film, highlighting its pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and insincere arthouse aesthetics. Despite a promising cast and premise, Acosta finds the film feels like a first draft, with a rushed conclusion that leaves much to be desired in this road trip comedy.
Navigating the Unfulfilled Roads of ‘Drive Away Dolls Read More »
“Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan is a spellbinding track that merges pop with ethereal tones, showcasing Roan’s unique voice and storytelling prowess. With its vivid imagery and emotional depth, the song navigates themes of love, identity, and liberation. Roan’s artistry shines, making “Red Wine Supernova” a standout piece that bridges musical traditions and captures the essence of contemporary pop with a deeply personal touch.
Reviewing the Song of the Month: Red Wine Supernova Read More »
I’ve watched “The Sopranos” a lot. You won’t find me saying that I’ve seen it too much but some would say it’s getting pretty close. Let’s talk about it. Spoilers ahead for a 25 year old show. “The Sopranos,” renowned for its intricate character studies and psychological depth, masterfully uses Christopher Moltisanti’s journey to critique
Can’t Find What Doesn’t Exist – Christopher Moltisanti’s Elusive Arc Read More »
My review of the first episode of HBOs “The Wire”
The Wire: S1e1 – my review Read More »
The song “Oogum Boogum” by Brenton Wood is a vibrant and infectious track that captures the essence of the late 1960s soul and pop scene with an irresistible charm. Released in 1967, this song immediately sets itself apart with its catchy chorus, playful lyrics, and Wood’s distinctive vocal style, which is both smooth and expressive.
Grooving Across Time Read More »
Diving deep with a razor-sharp wit, this review unravels the complex tapestry of today’s television landscape, critiquing its creative barrenness amidst a sea of streaming platforms. It lambasts the industry’s profit chase, highlights the writer’s strike’s impact, and calls for a rebirth of storytelling integrity. A must-read for those yearning for a clever take on why TV’s golden age feels like a distant memory.
Pissing into the Abyss: Reviewing a Featured Post Read More »
“Prove It To You” by Brittany Howard is a masterful blend of soul, rock, and blues, showcasing her unparalleled vocal prowess and deep emotional honesty. Drawing comparisons to legends like Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, Howard’s song is both a continuation and an evolution of her artistry. With poignant lyrics and a sophisticated arrangement, it’s a testament to her place among contemporary music’s most impactful voices.
Reviewing the Song of the Month: Feb. 2024 Read More »
In “Harmony Across Generations,” a young adult delves into the timeless appeal of Cat Stevens’ “Father and Son,” exploring the song’s profound narrative on familial bonds and personal growth. Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, the piece navigates the emotional complexities of the father-son dynamic, highlighting the song’s role as both a musical masterpiece and a conduit for understanding and empathy between generations. This review not only celebrates Stevens’ folk classic but also uncovers its enduring relevance in the journey of self-discovery and familial relationships.
“Harmony Across Generations: A Personal Reflection on Cat Stevens’ ‘Father and Son'” Read More »
Allston Alexander delves into the current state of the television industry, highlighting a unique and unsettling quietness that pervades the landscape. He notes that, contrary to a lack of content, there is a vast array of options available for viewers. However, what’s missing is the buzz and excitement in cultural conversations that previously surrounded new TV shows. Alexander recalls times when discussions about television were lively and engaging, a stark contrast to the current subdued environment.
Living with Silent Screens Read More »
R. Joseph Acosta delves into the profound impact of Vittorio De Sica’s ‘Bicycle Thieves’ on cinematic storytelling. It highlights De Sica’s innovative technique of delaying character and object introductions, creating suspense and deepening audience engagement. The film’s opening and closing sequences are examined as reflections of the human condition, emphasizing the themes of struggle, vulnerability, and resilience. This review celebrates ‘Bicycle Thieves’ as a cornerstone of neorealism, shaping modern filmmaking with its authentic portrayal of life and societal challenges.
Bicycle Thieves: A Retrospective Read More »
Allston Alexander examines nostalgia’s impact on media, cautioning that while it offers comfort, it can stifle creativity and innovation, particularly in film, TV, and music industries.
The Rose Tinted Mirage of Nostalgia Read More »
Allston Alexander critiques “The Godfather” for its narrative neglect of Mrs. Corleone, arguing that her sidelined role diminishes the film’s portrayal of Italian-American culture and reflects broader issues of gender representation in cinema.
Shadows in the Godfather Saga: Exploring the Ignored Story of Mama Corleone Read More »
As described on its Instagram page (@nativerochester), Native is “casual upscale dining in the heart of Rochester, NY”. I came in hungry but with no expectations at all, and I found the experience to be a pleasant piece of evidence validating my strong belief that people are really missing out on some cool things by writing off the downtown area.
Defending Downtown Rochester, NY: The First Part Read More »
Since I’ve already eaten an impressive number of Wegmans bagels in the last month, it’s time to widen my horizons and discover the greater Rochester food culture. Fresh off of three years in Portland, Maine, a notoriously foodie city, I have had a sense that the mission to locate new favorite restaurants might be an uphill battle, but I will not be deterred.
Reviewing the Rochester Food Scene: Day One Read More »
You must be logged in to post a comment.