The British crime-thriller comedy is now available for home entertainment. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Just in time for the weekend, there’s another British crime-thriller comedy that is now available for home viewing. If you enjoy this genre of films, here’s some more information on Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire – a gritty dark comedy based on real events that tells the story of South London crime family, The Romans, as infighting, cozzers, and rival firms put everything they have worked for at risk. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)
Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Seraphim Film Productions are delighted to announce the release of Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire. The British comedy crime-thriller, directed and written by Michael Head, is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download.
Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire: London crime boss Mick Roman is deathly ill, and time is running out to find a successor. His only options are an aging consigliere or an impulsive enforcer, and neither are suitable to take the throne. Meanwhile, chaos reigns over the family who are coping with a paranoid ex-soldier, the return of a rebellious niece, and a drug-fueled business meeting in Amsterdam. With deceit, ambition and infighting on the rise, this Roman empire may be about to fall.
Gritty and unhinged in equal measure, Bermondsey Tales boasts a line-up of British stars including BAFTA-Nominee John Hannah, Frank Harper, Alan Ford, Adam Deacon, Vas Blackwood, Linda Robson, and Charlotte Kirk.
Afraid of Tomorrows is due out June 21 via Fiction Records. Photo: Steve Gullick, used with permission.
Starting over is never easy. It takes guts, determination and will power to move out of the shadows of yesterday. But this is precisely what British rock band The Mysterines has done. Their ferocious new album, Afraid of Tomorrows, out on June 7 via Fiction Records, burns the past to the ground and builds something brand new out of the rubble. (Big Hassle, 2024)
Formed in Liverpool, The Mysterines – frontwoman Lia Metcalfe, drummer Paul Crilly, bassist George Favager and guitarist Callum Thompson – has undergone a radical transformation over the past few years. Fresh with new purpose and reinvigorated from songwriting sessions while secluded away in the countryside, the band is about to release the best music of their career. “We can feel the difference with this album,” Metcalfe says. “These songs show how far we’ve come. We’ve grown up a lot.”
Afraid of Tomorrows is the perfect frame for Metcalfe’s extraordinary voice. Like no one else on the British rock scene, she can switch suddenly from a lascivious purr to a hair-raising yowl, the love-child of Courtney Love and Karen O. The most impressive part of the record is how much it demonstrates the band’s colossal ambition.
This week, the band released their whirring new single “The Last Dance,” the third track to be taken from the highly-anticipated new album Afraid of Tomorrows.
Bolstered by a blistering guitar solo and thunderous drum beats, “The Last Dance” details finding solace in something that is not real. Frontwoman Lia’s imagination dances wildly through the track, as it tells the tale of a person who falls in love with a porcelain mannequin and longs to dance with them.
“I suppose it’s an analogy for what loneliness can do to you. Once you’ve exhausted all the dark alleyways of drugs and alcohol, you end up reaching for something to connect to that isn’t real.” – Lia Metcalfe
The Mysterines is set to embark on their biggest headline tour to date this fall across Europe and North America. The band will play a string of exciting shows this summer, including at Crystal Palace Park as special guests to Bloc Party for their huge 20th anniversary show on July 7, and numerous festivals including Riot Fest in Chicago. North American tour dates will go on sale this Friday at 12p.m.ET — complete tour info available online.
UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES September 10 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy September 11- Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit September 13 – Colorado Springs, CO – Vultures September 15 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry September 17 – Toronto, ON – The Cave September 19 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge September 22 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest
The movie adaptation of ‘The Watchers’ is in theaters now. Photo: Amazon
Book to movie adaptations bring beloved characters and intricate plots to life, yet often spark debates among fans about the faithfulness to the source material. Directors face the challenge of condensing rich narratives into a cinematic format, risking either losing nuance or gaining new perspectives. Successful adaptations capture the essence of the book while leveraging the unique power of film to enhance emotion and spectacle. These adaptations continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The most current one is “The Watchers” by A.M. Shine; the movie adaptation, produced by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, is currently out in movie theaters nationwide.
A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. His stories have won the Word Hut and Bookers Corner prizes and he is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, “The Watchers,” has received critical acclaim. It is a horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland. (Amazon, 2024)
“The Watchers” – You can’t see them. But they can see you.
This forest isn’t charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina’s is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn’t reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?
The British crime thriller/comedy will be available for digital download. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intricate plots, suspense, and morally ambiguous characters. These movies explore the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and redemption. Sometimes the line between hero and villain is razor-thin, making every twist a gripping journey into the depths of the human psyche. Mix in some comedy for tension relief, and you have a winning combination.
In today’s movie news, there’s a new crime thriller/comedy coming out soon that will be available in the UK for digital download.
Fugitive Films and Pink Flamingo Media Group have confirmed that the upcoming movie A Gangster’s Kiss will be released in the UK this summer. Directed by Ray Burdis, the British Crime/Comedy will be available for digital download starting June 24, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)
A Gangster’s Kiss – For as long as Jack can remember, he and Danny have been friends, and Danny has always gotten Jack into trouble. He’s had a few brushes with the law and blows up half a high street before deciding to turn to acting. Everything is going well until Jack lands his first feature film role and Danny agrees to shadow ‘the family.’ Jack soon realizes he is way over his head with deadly and hilarious consequences.
A Gangster’s Kiss stars Charlie Clapham, John Hannah, Patsy Kensit, Sadie Frost, Michelle Collins, Martin Kemp, Vas Blackwood, Perry Benson, Sophie Rankin, Michael Head, Ray Burdis, Daniel O’Reilly, David Schaal, and Lady Colin Campbell.
A Gangster’s Kiss. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Jim Lauderdale’s new album My Favorite Place will be released June 21, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Jim Lauderdaleis the Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and performer known as one of Americana’s most steadfast champions. Put him in a room with a killer band and a near-as-can-be-perfect country tune, and one would be hard-pressed to find a better combination in all of current-day music. Luckily, that’s exactly what happened when Mr. Americana took to the studio to record “I’m A Lucky Loser.” Flanked by Chris Scruggs and Kenny Vaughn on electric guitars, Wes L’angolis on acoustic, Will Van Horn on pedal steel, Micah Hulshcer on piano, Pat Bubert on drums, and equally stellar touring band members Jay Weaver, Frank Rische, and Lillie Mae Rische, Lauderdale took to Nashville’s famed Blackbird Studios to track the lilting, cheeky ode to luck, both good and bad. (IV-PR, 2024)
“I’m A Lucky Loser” is the latest single from Lauderdale’s upcoming LP, My Favorite Place—out June 21. Continuing a string of stellar releases with his touring band, The Game Changers—Craig Smith (Guitar), Frank Rische (Guitar), Jay Weaver (Bass), Dave Racine (Drums), and the extraordinary Lillie Mae Rische (Vocals)—along with some of Music City’s favorite ringers like the cast of “I’m A Lucky Loser,” My Favorite Place is pure Jim Lauderdale country; his legendary voice carrying a new batch of stories, all framed by pure pedal steel, fiddle, and the tightest rhythm section this side of the Grand Ole Opry.
To hear the new single live, fans can check out Lauderdale’s recent performance and interview on RFD-TV here.Fans can stream or purchase “I’m A Lucky Loser” at this link, hear Lauderdale’s previously released singles, “You’ve Got A Shine,” and “Mrs. Green” at their respective links, and pre-order or pre-save My Favorite Place, ahead of its June 21 release right here.
My Favorite Place tracklist: My Favorite Pace Mrs. Green The Lightning Tree You’ll Be Gone By Then Sweethearts Remember Don’t You Treat ‘Em That Way Baby Steps I’m A Lucky Loser We Ought To Celebrate You’ve Got A Shine What’s Important After All
Catch Jim Lauderdale on tour. A full list of Lauderdale’s tour dates can be found below or online.
June 13 – The Colonial Theatre – Phoenixville, PA ^ June 14 – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA ^ June 15 – Godfrey Daniels – Bethlehem, PA June 22 – Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN June 27 – ROMP – Owensboro, KY * July 30 – Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival – Parson, WV August 31st – Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival – Brunswick, ME * September 13 – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – Bristol, TN September 27 – IBMA Bluegrass Live – Raleigh NC September 28 – IBMA Bluegrass Live – Raleigh NC October 10 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA ! October 13 – CaveFest – Pelham, TN
^ With Los Lobos * With The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys ! With Lillie Mae
The Girl In The Trunk stars Katharina Sporrer and Caspar Phillipson. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Thriller movies captivate audiences with heart-pounding suspense, intricate plots, and unexpected twists. They explore the darkest corners of human psyche with themes of danger, deception, and moral ambiguity. From psychological thrillers that dig into the depths of the mind to action-packed thrillers with adrenaline-fueled sequences, the genre offers a diverse array of experiences. They are some of the most popular movies because they immerse audiences in a world where nothing is as it seems, leaving them exhilarated and enthralled.
With that said, if you’re in the mood for a claustrophobic thriller, there’s a new movie available now for digital release in the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)
The Girl In The Trunk Strap in, and let this enigmatic new thriller take you for a ride. Starring Caspar Phillipson (Jackie, Blonde) and Katharina Sporrer (Genius), and written and directed by Jonas Kvist Jensen, this tight tense thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat.
A woman finds herself kidnapped and entrapped in the enclosed space of a speeding car’s trunk, wearing her wedding dress, and with her phone as the only available tool. The situation deteriorates gradually as a failed escape attempt costs the life of an innocent bystander.
With the clock ticking towards a slow death from heat exhaustion in the Texas desert, a psychotic kidnapper at the wheel, Amanda is forced to make her own luck in the end. A dangerous game of questions and deadly consequences – to be played over the phone with the mysterious kidnapper – seems the only way to maybe discover his true identity, getting help or simply fighting her painful way towards a fleeting chance of escape.
Lord Buffalo’s new album Holus Bolus will be released July 12, 2024. Photo: Metal Injection
Austin heavy psychedelic-Americana band Lord Buffalorecently released a new single from their forthcoming album Holus Bolus. CvltNation shares “I Wait on The Door Slab” single HERE. Also now streaming on Bandcamp and all DSPs HERE. (US/THEM Group, 2024)
Metal Injection previously launched the title track and official video for “Holus Bolus” HERE.
Lord Buffalo is Daniel Pruitt (guitar, bass, piano, vocals, melodica), Garrett Hellman (guitar, sub-bass, piano, synths), Patrick Patterson (violin), and Yamal Said (drums, percussion).
Lord Buffalo is heavy in the way that ghosts are heavy… in the way that billowing dust is heavy.
That is to say, the Austin, TX Psych-Americana band’s music impacts hard, though it seems impossible to touch. Their sound flows through us, it doesn’t invite the Pavlovian response of typical heavy rock music
Perhaps it’s fitting then that their new album Holus Bolus takes its name from an antiquated term meaning “all at once.” It materializes instantly from the first notes of the opening title track, like a dark grey haze drawing listeners in with the band’s deft juxtapositions of droning violin, guitars, drums and vocals. It draws equally from Morricone and Badalementi as from Sabbath and Swans.
While the quartet trudges the same murky waters as dark emotive brethren David Eugene Edwards/Woven Hand, Chelsea Wolfe, Emma Ruth Rundle, Earth/Dylan Carlson, Echo & The Bunnymen, and Nick Cave, their creative interplay of Middle Eastern influence with a distinctly Western feel takes listeners in entirely new directions as the album envelops them. Holus Bolus was recorded by Danny Reisch and Max Lorenzen at Good Danny’s in Lockhart, TX. Mixed by Danny Reisch. Mastered by Max Lorenzen.
“While the making of this record feels a bit like a sleep-deprived hallucination to me. Listening to it now, I find it strangely hopeful — there’s a kind of release that you hit in exhaustion. I think the record knew what it was after, even if we didn’t. It felt very much like the record just appeared one day, holus bolus.” – Daniel Pruitt
Holus Bolus will be available worldwide on vinyl, CD, and digital via Blues Funeral Recordings on July 12,2024. Pre-order HERE.
Artist: Lord Buffalo Album: Holus Bolus Label: Blues Funeral Recordings Release Date: July 12, 2024
Courtesy album photo, used with permission
Holus Bolus
Slow Drug
Passing Joy
Malpaisano
I Wait on the Door Slab
Cracks in the Vermeer
Rowing in Eden
“Known for their atmospheric spin on folk-rock, at times sounding like the Anthology of American Folk Music beamed from outer space.” — NPR Music
“A dusky, moody, roots-quaking disc of tension and release.” — Austin Chronicle
“Lord Buffalo masterfully mixes straightforward, stoner-tinged rock with more violin-driven post-rock tones into one beautifully captivating sound that everyone should be familiar with.” — Metal Injection
‘Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio’ is the new children’s book by Lucille Newton Cascos about a father and son opossum. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books are magical portals to worlds where imagination knows no bounds. From the whimsical tales of talking animals to fantastical adventures in far-off lands, these books ignite curiosity and foster creativity. Vibrant illustrations breathe life into characters, captivating young minds and sparking endless wonder. Through stories of friendship, bravery, and discovery, children learn valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of imagination. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of bedtime stories or the thrill of exploring new realms, children’s books serve as timeless companions on the journey of growing up, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.
Brownsville native Lucille Newton Cascos has a new children’s book that centers around a young opossum named Tikito titled “Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio: Father and Son’s Life Lessons of a Brownsville Native Opossum Who Dared to Dream.” I attended a book signing she had on Friday at Surge Mobile Physical Therapy in Olmito. Lucille took the time to sign copies of the book and take pictures with guests and children. There was a costumed opossum greeting visitors and entertaining the children and guests were treated to fruit, cheese, and other snacks. The atmosphere was celebratory and cheerful as those in attendance were excited to have a book all about a common sight in the valley, an opossum. The author is looking forward to more book signings in area schools and libraries and confirmed that there could be more books in the future as a series.
The book is recommended for older children and is both entertaining and educational. It has colorful illustrations and plenty of reading comprehension words to help young readers improve their language skills. The glossary of vocabulary terms in the back comes in handy in case there’s a word or two they need to look up. The story is poignant and inspiring and explores the themes of family, culture, and the importance of being true to yourself. Thank you, Lucille, for shining a light on this often misunderstood marsupial. Congratulations – it was a pleasure meeting you.
“Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio” aims to make learning fun and engaging for children around the world, introducing them to animals, cultures, and the Spanish language. By combining these elements, Lucille hopes to inspire a sense of discovery and foster curiosity and a love for learning in young readers.
Tiko and his rascally son, Tikito, live in the alleyways of Brownsville, Texas, where they escape the assault and dangers of the outside world. Having lived among humans, Tiko tries to shield his young son against the treachery around them, ultimately sharing the life lessons Tikito will need to survive. (Amazon, 2024)
For Kids Ages 7-9, 10-12. Grades 2-8 Educational, 70+ Target Reading Comprehension Words
“As the seasons changed, Tikito always remembered one thing that stuck in his head from all of his father’s wisdom: even within a short time, everyone can leave a lasting impact and create a legacy worth remembering.”
With Tikito and author Lucille Newton CascosAuthor Lucille Cascos with TikitoSnacks for guests
Chilling British horror movie is set for release this summer in the UK. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In today’s movie news: after debuting in film festivals, The Moor will be released in the UK this summer. It has received critical acclaim and hopefully it will have a wider release coming soon. Check out the trailer below, it looks haunting and dark. My kind of movie.
Bulldog Film Distribution is delighted to confirm that the acclaimed British horror, The Moor will be heading to UK Cinemas from June 14 and on UK Digital HD from July 1, 2024. (Strike Media, Ltd, 2024)
The Moor stars Sophia La Porta, David Edward-Robertson, Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips as well as the late British acting legend, Bernard Hill.
Synopsis Claire was just a child when her best friend was abducted and murdered. Twenty-five years later, the killer has served his time and is due to be released. Claire is approached by Bill, the dead boy’s father, who has a plan to keep the killer behind bars. With the help of psychic Eleanor, he takes them deep into the haunted moor which he believes is his son’s final resting place. They find more than just the ghosts of dead children out there – something else, something dark and evil, stirs beneath their feet.
Run Time: 119 Mins
Chris Cronin’s feature-length directorial debut was widely praised following its World Premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, screening in the prestigious ‘First Blood’ strand. In Total Film’s FrightFest Awards 2023, the film was nominated for Best Director, Best Film and Won Best Scare.
“My aim with this story was to create an original horror film set in my home county of Yorkshire. Instead of delving into the fictional murders themselves, I focused on the aftermath and how something so terrible affects lives and relationships. What happens when so much grief and guilt are left unresolved? As a genre filmmaker I wanted to explore those important questions through tension and suspense. Genre lets us take a look at very human and painful situations and make them larger than life, forcing us to re-examine them. Thankfully, most of us don’t know what it’s like to experience a tragedy as great as Bill and Claire’s, but through the medium of horror we can elevate how awful it would be, making the audience really feel it.” – Director Chris Cronin
flor doesn’t care much what you think of them on their new single ‘Kick It.’ Courtesy single artwork, used with permission.
First Hood River, Oregon’s, now the world’s alt-pop darlings, flor, released their newest single this month – “Kick It.”A fuzzed out, knobs dialed all the way up type of track, “Kick It” tells judgmental onlookers to shove it and be on their way. A more confident, provocative take from flor, the band continues showing their vast songwriting range as they explore the joy of their newfound creative independence. (Big Hassle Media, 2024)
flor finds light in the promise of a new day. The Hood River, OR trio—Zach Grace (vocals, guitar), Dylan Bauld (bass), and Kyle Hill (drums)—excavate unshakable melodies from jubilant synths, buoyant beats, and lush guitars as they relay a coming-of-age story all their own.
The story began as high school kids playing in a garage. The band quietly generated hundreds of millions of streams in the wake of their 2016 debut come out. you’re hiding. In 2019, ley lines only accelerated their momentum buoyed by tracks including “white noise,” “slow motion,” and “dancing around.” Critical acclaim followed from NYLON, Billboard, Paste, and Ones To Watch who hailed the album as “an exhilarating balancing act.”
They concluded a successful headline tour at the top of 2020 only to face the harsh reality of the Global Pandemic with the rest of us. Once it became safe enough to do so, the musicians congregated back in Los Angeles at Dylan’s studio for a series of writing sessions. This time around, they built the bulk of the songs face-to-face together inspired by favorite records from the likes of MGMT, Phoenix, The Killers, and M83. The result was their 2022 third full-length album, Future Shine which won over the praise of Rolling Stone, AltPress, and many others.
After taking some time to evaluate who they want to be creatively, flor is now back and more refreshed than they’ve ever been. The end of last year saw the release of “Same Color as the Sun” as the band joined The Maine for a massive North American tour.
Last month, flor starred in The Noise’sfirst episode of their new video series titled Something Loud. Filmed in Los Angeles – with the help from Betawave Media – flor performed their singles “Every Night,” “Warm Blood Pt 2,” “No More Time,” and “Gotta Do Something” to showcase what “loud” means to them.
Regularly releasing new singles to keep their fanbase fed, the last few months have seen flor unveil “Same Color as the Sun,” “Warm Blood Pt 2” and “Nosedive.” “Same Color as the Sun” quickly gained traction at Triple A radio and continues to chart higher week after week. “Warm Blood Pt 2” also arrived with an official video. With the song’s precursor dating back to their 2016 debut album come out. you’re hiding, part two wasn’t initially created as a follow up. But as the band began writing with the intent of creating something as rapturous as the original, things started to fall in place.
The end of 2023 also saw flor join their friends in The Maine for a massive North American tour, selling out almost every single date. Over the coming months, flor will continue to ride their current wave of inspiration with more new music on the way.
SA Examiner 