Arts

Arts

TV Review | 'Game of Thrones' returns with drama, surprises

April 15

"Game of Thrones" is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows on television - and for a good reason. The show has the ability to blend fantasy with political drama and intrigue, managing to maintain and develop a large, confusing cast while making relatable, memorable characters. Even if it is hard to remember some of the characters' names, it is easy to remember their motivations. Each aspect of the show is incredibly ornate, from the details of the screenplay to Ramin Djawadi's excellent score to the elaborate hairstyles and costumes. Even more impressive, each season has been successively better than the last, and the fourth season is no exception. The HBO drama has returned after its twisty and devastating third season: Robb Stark (Richard Madden) and his mother Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) were shockingly killed in the season's penultimate episode, "The Red Wedding." Robb was more developed on screen than in the books, making the cruel, violent loss of the King in the North even more tragic. But as the second season so brilliantly moved forward from Ned Stark's (Sean Bean) death, so too has the fourth been able to explore the aftermath of the Red Wedding. This season's opening scene shows Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) melting down Ned's old sword to create a new one for his son and grandson. It is a new era for both Westeros and "Game of Thrones." The first episode of the fourth season is surprisingly light on action, but it is one of the best the show has offered. Written by show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, it is an intense character study that features most of the twenty-plus main characters. One of the most appealing plotlines of this season is that of a new character: Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal). Oberyn, who has the enviable nickname "The Red Viper," hails from the country of Dorne. He has come to King's Landing for the wedding of King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer). Oberyn is swaggering, vengeful and incredibly sensual - an entertaining mix between Inigo Montoya and George Clooney. Pascal is an excellent addition to the cast, and his character brings liveliness to the uptight social politics of King's Landing. This episode also showcases Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), who is still held captive by Joffrey's disfigured former bodyguard Sandor Clegane, The Hound (Rory McCann). What began as a kidnapping has now transformed into a strange partnership, as the two embark on a criminal activity-filled road trip. It's like a twisted Bonnie and Clyde tale, with Arya killing for vengeance and Sandor doing so simply out of hunger or boredom. It's both entertaining and a bit unsettling to see Arya transform into a cold, precise warrior. Her story is contrasted by that of her sister Sansa (Sophie Turner), who is forced to act ladylike in the face of her longtime tormentors and her brother Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), who is exploring his supernatural powers. Each of the remaining Stark children has been crippled, emotionally or physically. The first two episodes of this season see them beginning to find their strength in pain. The author of the books, George R.R. Martin, wrote the second episode. While there is very little fighting, the intrigue and drama surrounding Joffrey and Margaery's wedding is more than enough action. Joffrey is utterly detestable in this episode; once a petulant child, he is now growing into a vicious adult. But Margaery is a wonderful balance to her new husband's cruel entitlement, masking an intelligent mind with a pretty face and good manners. In fact, the entire Tyrell family is delightful to watch, from the scheming matriarch Olenna (Diana Rigg) to the flamboyant, sassy Loras (Finn Jones). Other than the Tyrells and Oberyn, the standout of the decadent wedding reception is Peter Dinklage's Tyrion, who has matured significantly throughout the show. The character has transformed from a bitter drunk to a determined politician intent upon protecting those who he loves. In the second episode, the viewers watch as he attempts to aid his older brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), his lover Shae (Sibel Kekilli) and his young wife Sansa. The relationship between Sansa and Tyrion is a delicate, almost lovely one, in which he tries to atone for his family's unspeakable sins against her. The events of the second episode set a course that will undoubtedly occupy the rest of the season and define its tone. Where the last two seasons of "Game of Thrones" have focused on a war between kings, this one will center on vengeance and the lengths people will go to achieve it. As Oberyn says, "The Lannisters aren't the only ones who pay their debts." This will mean chaos in Westeros, but continued enjoyment for fans as the phenomenal fourth season unfolds.

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Arts

Concert Review | Mutual Benefit sticks to gorgeous, stripped-down set

April 15

Mutual Benefit's sound is quixotic. The indie outfit, created by bandleader Jordan Lee, is adventurous and daring, two attributes which their music — a unique mix of folk, atmospheric pop, experimental nu-wave and Americana — reflects. What might seem like an overwhelming amalgamation of styles ends up blending beautifully — this skill has earned them recognition from music blogs and top critics alike. Thus, Mutual Benefit's performance at Tufts on April 11, given alongside fellow indie band Creaturos, was a special treat. The group played to a room of about 30 students eager to hear the latest work by one of indie music's finest. Their set was simple and modest: old analog televisions with static-filled screens balanced atop boxes that were placed in front of a background of multicolored Christmas lights. The set gave the illusion that the band was playing for friends in a parent’s basement — and with their nostalgic and easygoing vibe, the soft sounds and lilting rhythms of their pieces certainly reflected that sense. While twangy notes from the violin played up the folksy Americana side of the band's sound, steady percussion and guitars simultaneously reminded fans how Mutual Benefit has been influenced by groups like Washed Out and Arcade Fire. It was easiest to hear Mutual Benefit's intoxicating blend of woodsy folk and exotic orchestral splendor on mellow songs like "Strong River" (2013) and "Golden Wake" (2013). In these performances, Jake Falby powerfully lead the way on his electric violin, creating sounds that felt uncharted and limitless. Lee, the band's founder and lead singer, maintained an entrancing presence to match this music. The band's multi-instrumentalist performer played keyboards for the duration of the show while he also crooned out melodies and softly spoke between pieces. His tone was subdued, much like the calm pieces he was introducing, but he was still charming enough to joke with the audience, inserting some sly boyish charm along the way. Despite his endearing interludes, Lee also made sure to let the music speak for itself. The joy of a Mutual Benefit concert is not that it produces an overwhelming desire to start a mosh pit, but rather the sense of calm it emanates. This tranquility was likely produced by Falby's flawless bow strokes on his violin, tones that resembled soundtracks from Tai Chi classes at mountain yoga retreats. The whole concert was moving and spiritual — a far cry from the sensory overload of a high-intensity pop concert. In fact, nothing about Mutual Benefit's music feels overloaded; it is raw but still full-bodied, textured and layered. The combination of bass, guitar, drums, keyboard, vocals and violin could have been cacophonous, yet Mutual Benefit made it sound like a symphony. Their music was intelligently composed and delivered. "Strong Swimmer" (2013) was likely their most powerful performance of the night, with its chimes and slow ascension of violin sounding reminiscent of fellow indie band Fleet Foxes. The percussion rhythms and instrumental notes were evocative of traditional Eastern music, yet Lee's haunting and insistent voice gave the music a unique flavor. After about an hour, Mutual Benefit thanked their audience for a lovely show and began disassembling their set to make room for Creaturos. If the quality and musicality of their work is any indication of things to come, then Mutual Benefit will undoubtedly soon be playing on much bigger stages and to much bigger crowds.

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Arts

Concert Review | Mutual Benefit sticks to gorgeous, stripped-down set

April 15

Mutual Benefit's sound is quixotic. The indie outfit, created by bandleader Jordan Lee, is adventurous and daring, two attributes which their music - a unique mix of folk, atmospheric pop, experimental nu-wave and Americana - reflects. What might seem like an overwhelming amalgamation of styles ends up blending beautifully - this skill has earned them recognition from music blogs and top critics alike. Thus, Mutual Benefit's performance at Tufts on April 11, given alongside fellow indie band Creaturos, was a special treat. The group played to a room of about 30 students eager to hear the latest work by one of indie music's finest. Their set was simple and modest: old analog televisions with static-filled screens balanced atop boxes that were placed in front of a background of multicolored Christmas lights. The set gave the illusion that the band was playing for friends in a parent's basement - and with their nostalgic and easygoing vibe, the soft sounds and lilting rhythms of their pieces certainly reflected that sense. While twangy notes from the violin played up the folksy Americana side of the band's sound, steady percussion and guitars simultaneously reminded fans how Mutual Benefit has been influenced by groups like Washed Out and Arcade Fire. It was easiest to hear Mutual Benefit's intoxicating blend of woodsy folk and exotic orchestral splendor on mellow songs like "Strong River" (2013) and "Golden Wake" (2013). In these performances, Jake Falby powerfully lead the way on his electric violin, creating sounds that felt uncharted and limitless. Lee, the band's founder and lead singer, maintained an entrancing presence to match this music. The band's multi-instrumentalist performer played keyboards for the duration of the show while he also crooned out melodies and softly spoke between pieces. His tone was subdued, much like the calm pieces he was introducing, but he was still charming enough to joke with the audience, inserting some sly boyish charm along the way. Despite his endearing interludes, Lee also made sure to let the music speak for itself. The joy of a Mutual Benefit concert is not that it produces an overwhelming desire to start a mosh pit, but rather the sense of calm it emanates. This tranquility was likely produced by Falby's flawless bow strokes on his violin, tones that resembled soundtracks from Tai Chi classes at mountain yoga retreats. The whole concert was moving and spiritual - a far cry from the sensory overload of a high-intensity pop concert. In fact, nothing about Mutual Benefit's music feels overloaded; it is raw but still full-bodied, textured and layered. The combination of bass, guitar, drums, keyboard, vocals and violin could have been cacophonous, yet Mutual Benefit made it sound like a symphony. Their music was intelligently composed and delivered. "Strong Swimmer" (2013) was likely their most powerful performance of the night, with its chimes and slow ascension of violin sounding reminiscent of fellow indie band Fleet Foxes. The percussion rhythms and instrumental notes were evocative of traditional Eastern music, yet Lee's haunting and insistent voice gave the music a unique flavor. After about an hour, Mutual Benefit thanked their audience for a lovely show and began disassembling their set to make room for Creaturos. If the quality and musicality of their work is any indication of things to come, then Mutual Benefit will undoubtedly soon be playing on much bigger stages and to much bigger crowds.

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Arts

Concert Review | Raunchy, exciting 'Bangerz' tour hits Boston

April 14

Miley Cyrus' "Bangerz" tour kicked off in Vancouver on Valentine's Day and, on April 2, Cyrus finally made her way down to TD Garden in Boston. The controversial singer's fourth tour has generally received praise and approval - and her Boston show certainly did not disappoint.

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Arts

Restaurant Review | Mexican restaurant provides simple, unexpected menu

April 14

Near the end of Elm Street, on the very edge of Porter Square, a bright orange and green storefront announces the local Mexican restaurant, Aguacate Verde. The small eatery is instantly inviting - the door remains propped open in mild weather, allowing the sizzling sounds and enticing flavors emanating from the tiny kitchen to greet visitors as they approach. Once inside, the sun-soaked tables, each topped with a bottle of hot sauce, encourage patrons to stay, take a rest and order one - or several - of the restaurant's excellent dishes.

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Arts

Restaurant Review | Mexican restaurant provides simple, unexpected menu

April 14

Near the end of Elm Street, on the very edge of Porter Square, a bright orange and green storefront announces the local Mexican restaurant, Aguacate Verde. The small eatery is instantly inviting — the door remains propped open in mild weather, allowing the sizzling sounds and enticing flavors emanating from the tiny kitchen to greet visitors as they approach. Once inside, the sun-soaked tables, each topped with a bottle of hot sauce, encourage patrons to stay, take a rest and order one — or several — of the restaurant's excellent dishes.

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Arts

TV Review | 'Turn' offers engaging new colonial spy drama

April 14

AMC's new drama "Turn" is a creative new take on the American Revolution and the heated conflicts — both on and off the battlefield — that defined it. Set in Long Island in 1776, the show focuses on one man, Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a poor farmer trying to keep his family afloat and to deal with the British soldiers whom he is forced to quarter in his home. The long and short of Abraham's character is this: he is a good man and a bad farmer. As he struggles to make ends meet and take care of his wife Mary (Meegan Warner) and one-year-old son Tomas, he is also embroiled in a moral struggle. The corrupt commanders of the Loyalist army force him to question whom he sides with in this fight — a question that likely will have difficult familial implications. His father Richard (Kevin McNally) is a steadfast Loyalist who supports the British army that resides in Setauket, and he makes his family do the same.

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Arts

Concert Review | Raunchy, exciting 'Bangerz' tour hits Boston

April 14

Miley Cyrus' "Bangerz" tour kicked off in Vancouver on Valentine's Day and, on April 2, Cyrus finally made her way down to TD Garden in Boston. The controversial singer's fourth tour has generally received praise and approval — and her Boston show certainly did not disappoint.

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Arts

TV Review | 'Turn' offers engaging new colonial spy drama

April 14

AMC's new drama "Turn" is a creative new take on the American Revolution and the heated conflicts - both on and off the battlefield - that defined it. Set in Long Island in 1776, the show focuses on one man, Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a poor farmer trying to keep his family afloat and to deal with the British soldiers whom he is forced to quarter in his home. The long and short of Abraham's character is this: he is a good man and a bad farmer. As he struggles to make ends meet and take care of his wife Mary (Meegan Warner) and one-year-old son Tomas, he is also embroiled in a moral struggle. The corrupt commanders of the Loyalist army force him to question whom he sides with in this fight - a question that likely will have difficult familial implications. His father Richard (Kevin McNally) is a steadfast Loyalist who supports the British army that resides in Setauket, and he makes his family do the same.

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Arts

‘Noah’ branches outside typical blockbuster

April 10

Even for those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, the story of Noah’s Ark is a well-known tale, one that conjures up happy images of pairs of animals peacefully walking aboard a giant ark, shepherded by an old man with a flowing white beard. So while it seems like it was only a matter of time before Hollywood decided to remake this Biblical tale, it came as a surprise to many when it was announced that Darren Aronofsky would be helming a film adaptation with a $125 million budget. After all, this is the same director whose black and white feature debut “Pi” (1998) depicted a mathematician going insane over a number -- so he’s not exactly the most obvious choice to direct a big budget Biblical epic. While some may have worried that the auteur was going mainstream with this latest film, “Noah” still retains Aronofsky’s unique imprint, making it a delightfully strange interpretation that -- though far from perfect -- is an engaging, thought-provoking film.

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Arts

'Noah' branches outside typical blockbuster

April 10

Even for those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, the story of Noah's Ark is a well-known tale, one that conjures up happy images of pairs of animals peacefully walking aboard a giant ark, shepherded by an old man with a flowing white beard. So while it seems like it was only a matter of time before Hollywood decided to remake this Biblical tale, it came as a surprise to many when it was announced that Darren Aronofsky would be helming a film adaptation with a $125 million budget. After all, this is the same director whose black and white feature debut "Pi" (1998) depicted a mathematician going insane over a number -- so he's not exactly the most obvious choice to direct a big budget Biblical epic. While some may have worried that the auteur was going mainstream with this latest film, "Noah" still retains Aronofsky's unique imprint, making it a delightfully strange interpretation that -- though far from perfect -- is an engaging, thought-provoking film.

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Arts

Todd Terje dominates indie dance music with debut album

April 10

Though Todd Terje is by no means a household name to the average music listener, he is possibly the greatest Nu-disco producer in history. Following his breakout hit “Eurodans” in 2005, Terje has risen to the top of the indie dance world with tracks like “Ragysh” (2011), “Snooze 4 Love” (2011) and possibly his most popular song “Inspector Norse” (2012).

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Arts

Not By Bread Alone' provides sensory delight

April 9

It is not often that a performance can successfully create a close rapport between the audience and the cast members, but this is exactly what "Not by Bread Alone," a live performance piece brought to Boston by ArtsEmerson and performed by members of the Nalaga'at Theater Ensemble, achieves. The theater was buzzing long after the curtain dropped, and viewers, trying to make sense of what had just happened, congregated around the actors. Everyone wanted to talk with the performers, but they were limited to handshakes and hugs of appreciation due to one simple fact: the entire cast of "Not by Bread Alone" is deaf-blind.

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Arts

Tufts music scene displays variety, talent

April 9

As the birthplace of successful musical acts like Guster and Timeflies, Tufts has for years maintained a competitive and burgeoning music scene among its student body. In fact, the university draws musical students from all disciplines — as countless YouTube application supplement videos can attest to. With engineers who can shred any Jimi Hendrix lick to social justice advocates who share a love for Bob Dylan and slapping the bass, the current music scene on the Hill reflects a wide-array of backgrounds, styles and aspirations.At Battle of the Bands, an annual event for serious on-campus music groups, Shark Saddle, Not So Gentlemen, Waldo and Thoroughfare and Telly, rocked the stage. Each band brings a unique flavor to Tufts' musical landscape. Indeed, for many of these groups — some of which were formed during orientation events or in residence halls — their identities are intimately tied to the Tufts experience. This connection is what makes these groups feel homegrown and universal. The Daily had the opportunity to sit down with a few of these bands and discuss who they are and what they hope for the future. Not So GentelmenIn the misty mountains of New Hampshire during Tufts Wilderness Orientation in 2012, sophomores Max Leonhardt and Avram Ellner bonded over their love of music. After heading back to the Hill for orientation, Leonhardt met talented drummer junior Henry Butler. Observing that Ellner and Butler had similar styles and were both eager for a new pal to jam with, Leonhardt decided to introduce the two musicians. Ironically, Leonhardt — who brought the band together and is now its bassist — didn't play an instrument in the early days of this trio's friendship."I didn't pick up a bass until Not So Gentlemen [formed]," Leonhardt said. "We started hanging out more, and I decided to go out and buy a bass guitar to join in on the fun."Frequent hangouts transformed into informal jam sessions, which then moved to practice rooms in the Granoff Music Center and thus, Not So Gentlemen was formed. The band's style, however, is much more elusive than its history. Leonhardt, Ellner and Butler each have unique musical influences and intuitions. Though they do share a few favorites, including Jimi Hendrix and Parliament Funkadelic, the three band members have different preferences and musical heroes."Henry loves the Red Hot Chili Peppers and [funk in general]," Leonhardt said. "Avram is a straight up metal-head — he loves Metallica and Black Sabbath. I have a thing for the more psychedelic jams, but also Johnny Cash and, of course, [Dylan]."This fusion has made for an interesting sound. Playing what the band has dubbed "blunken" — a fusion of blues and funk — Not So Gentlemen has a decidedly vintage and laid-back tone."We're just rocking and rolling with it," said Leonhardt. "We're having so much fun playing and jamming with other bands."Not So Gentlemen, a relatively young band on campus, has garnered a fairly substantial following. Placing second at Battle of the Bands, Not So Gentlemen will be performing at the upcoming Tuftonia's Day. However, even with its success and growing fan base, the end of this year means an indefinite hiatus for the group, as Leonhardt will be taking a year off to pursue a teaching position in Wisconsin. Ellner and Butler plan to continue making music together and collaborate with Leonhardt remotely."We don't like to look ahead," said Leonhardt. "We love playing here. We want to play as many shows as we can before the year [is] out, and we plan to keep playing and jamming next year." Shark SaddlePerhaps the most temporally impressive band on the list, Shark Saddle, a seven-piece ska-reggae and soul fusion group, is comprised of all freshmen. The band's members — Aidan Scrimgeour and Jackson Clawson on keyboards, Greg Warns on guitar, Michael Seltzer on saxophone, Ben Averill on trumpet, Dan Callahan on drums and Rohan Joshi on bass — all met through their freshman-year housing."Five of us lived on the same side on the same floor of Houston," said Warns. "The group kind of organically grew from there."Many of the band members came to Tufts looking to play music, but didn't want to join a class or club to do so. And like Not So Gentleman, the members of Shark Saddle come from diverse musical backgrounds. While some of the Shark Saddle musicians boast jazz chops and more classical repertoires, the band's sound remains vibrant and energetic.Despite their unique sound, it is a bit of a mystery how seven freshmen could so successfully gain a following in such a short period of time. During Battle of the Bands, many in the crowd were donning Shark Saddle tanks and dancing animatedly to their tunes."It's all about reckless and shameless self-promotion," Scrimgeour said. "As a band, your goal is to play as much as you can and get the word out that you're here."Utilizing social media platforms and word of mouth recommendations, Shark Saddle has certainly made a name for themselves. However, with success come challenges. With so many members, including five engineers, even organizing practices can pose logistical difficulties. They hope that their housing arrangements for sophomore year — with five members living together in a suite — will help facilitate more practice, song-writing and musical growth. 12

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Arts

Top Ten | Hosts to replace David Letterman

April 9

With news that David Letterman will step down from his post as the host of "Late Show With David Letterman" (1993-present), rumors about potential successors have been flying around. We in the Daily Arts Department have our own opinions on who could best fill the long-time host's shoes.

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Arts

Concert Review | Lake Street Dive encapsulates longstanding sound at recent concert

April 9

Anyone who has had the slightest taste of Lake Street Dive's music, even if it is just a few seconds of their famous cover of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" (1969), would probably acknowledge that the group has talent. And, indeed, the decade-old band, which originated in Boston, has certainly climbed their way up the music scene, booking spots this past year with stints on the likes of "Late Show with David Letterman" (1993-present) and "The Colbert Report" (2005-present). Known for their indie jazz sound, skilled upright bassist, gratuitous trumpet solos and, finally, for lead singer Rachel Price's powerfully smooth and miraculously controlled voice, the band's recent media attention is certainly merited.

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Arts

Concert Review | Lake Street Dive encapsulates longstanding sound at recent concert

April 9

Anyone who has had the slightest taste of Lake Street Dive's music, even if it is just a few seconds of their famous cover of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" (1969), would probably acknowledge that the group has talent. And, indeed, the decade-old band, which originated in Boston, has certainly climbed their way up the music scene, booking spots this past year with stints on the likes of "Late Show with David Letterman" (1993-present) and "The Colbert Report" (2005-present). Known for their indie jazz sound, skilled upright bassist, gratuitous trumpet solos and, finally, for lead singer Rachel Price's powerfully smooth and miraculously controlled voice, the band's recent media attention is certainly merited.

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Arts

Resurrection' drowns potential in feel-good emotion

April 8

It's a novel television premise: there are no ghosts, no spells, no eerie fingerprints of the paranormal. Instead, "Resurrection," ABC's new mystery-drama, forgoes conventional back-from-the-dead options, to center on an innocent little boy. Whether this decision is the right one, though, will depend on the length of time it takes for audiences to tire of pulled heartstrings and teary eyes over raw suspense.

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Arts

Davis Square's Snappy Ramen finds its groove

April 8

Originally known as Snappy Sushi, one of Davis Square's claims to Japanese cuisine revamped their menu and blossomed into a new restaurant: Snappy Ramen. Located on 420 Highland Street, Snappy Ramen is practically unavoidable for anybody who has either walked farther than the Joey stop in Davis Square or frequented the Bank of America not twenty yards away from the establishment.

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Arts

Mac DeMarco finds successful formula

April 7

Somewhere between fun-loving prankster and tortured artist, between class clown and rock star, is Mac DeMarco. The young multi-instrumentalist released "Salad Days" last week, and this impressive sophomore effort is certain to be played on repeat on both bright beaches and in dark, smoky bars in the coming months.

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