‘Inheritance’ Unpacks Family Ties and Hidden Truths

Emily Moss Wilson’s new film ‘Inheritance.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When it comes to films, dramas contain emotional depth, compelling characters, and exploration of the human experience. They often tackle complex themes such as love, loss, identity, and morality, allowing viewers to connect with the story on a personal level. This emotional resonance is a key reason for their enduring appeal. Whether based on true events or fictional narratives, dramas invite introspection and empathy, offering a mirror to society and the self. Their ability to evolve with cultural shifts while maintaining timeless emotional truths ensures their continued popularity across generations, making them a cornerstone of cinema around the world.

The new drama film Inheritance will be showing in select US theaters from May 6 through May 22 and will be available on digital and on demand on June 3. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

‘Inheritance’…The Past Never Dies

Directed by Emily Moss Wilson
Starring Austin Highsmith Garces (Scream TV Series, Criminal Minds, Dolphin Tale), Rachel Noll James, Wes Brown (True Blood, 90210, Hart of Dixie), Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard, Blindspot Hawaii Five-0)

Estranged sisters Lucy and Paige reluctantly reunite to bury their father, only to find themselves drawn back into the tangled web of their painful past. As old wounds resurface, they discover that they’ve inherited far more than just money.

CINEMA SCREENING TIMES BELOW

LOS ANGELES, CA
May 6th @ 7p.m. – Laemmle Glendale – MORE INFO HERE
*Talkback with actors Michelle Hurd & Austin Highsmith Garces
May 8th @ 7p.m. – Laemmle Santa Monica – MORE INFO HERE
*Talkback with actors Michelle Hurd & Austin Highsmith Garces
May 9th – May 22nd – Laemmle Santa Monica (Various Times – TBA)

WASHINGTON STATE
May 9th – 22nd @ 6:30p.m. daily – Bainbridge Island Cinemas – TICKETS HERE
*Talkbacks on May 13th and 22nd with actor/writer Rachel Noll James and producer Sienna Beckman
May 9th – 15th @ 6p.m. daily – Historic Admiral in West Seattle – TICKETS HERE
May 21st @ 7p.m. – Kingston Firehouse Theater – TICKETS HERE
*Talkback with actor/writer Rachel Noll James and producer Sienna Beckman

NEW ORLEANS, LA
May 18th @ 3p.m. – The Broad Theater – TICKETS HERE
*Talkback with director Emily Moss Wilson, editor Misty Talley, producer Daniel Lewis

Inheritance still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Starmony Is Coming: Slumbering Sun’s Next Chapter in Sound

Slumbering Sun shares Midsommar Night’s Dream single from forthcoming sophomore album *Starmony*. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slumbering Sun is set to rise once more with their much-anticipated new album, Starmony—a sonic voyage that promises to blend celestial ambiance with earth-shaking heaviness. As the band teases fragments of what’s to come, early listeners are already whispering about a bold evolution in their sound. Here’s what I know so far:

Austin band Slumbering Sun shares “Midsommar Night’s Dream,” a new single from their forthcoming sophomore album Starmony. Starmony will be available on limited edition LP and digital on May 6, 2025. Fans can pre-order HERE. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

Slumbering Sun is a powerful new melodic doom entity formed by members of underground mainstays Temptress, Destroyer of Light, and Monte Luna. The resulting sound explores broader melodies and sonics than their other bands, inspired as much by Celtic folk standards as by doom, grunge and shoegaze.

Slumbering Sun makes music for crazy romantics. Keegan Kjeldsen, James Clarke, Kelsey Wilson, Garth Condit, and Kelly “Penny” Turner joined forces in 2022 in order to weave a dreamy kind of doom that would incorporate shoegaze, grunge, and prog. All were friends in the Texas metal scene, assembled from bands in Austin and Dallas, who sought to elevate the love and camaraderie they’d found over the years into an artistic vision.

After releasing their debut, The Ever-Living Fire (2023, #20 debut on Doom Charts), Slumbering Sun played their first show at Stoner Jam during SXSW, embarked on a series of regional tours, and capped off the year with an appearance at Ripple Fest. The band spent all of 2024 making their second effort, Starmony, in between touring the Midwest, and releasing their single “Out of the Blue & Into the Void” — a brilliant mashup of Neil Young’s and Black Sabbath’s classic tracks. With no plans to slow down, the band intends to make more metalheads than ever pound their fists and cry about their exes.

Band members:
James Clarke (Vocals) – of Monte Luna
Keegan Kjeldsen (Guitar) – of Destroyer of Light
Kelsey Wilson (Guitar) – of Temptress
Garth Condit (Bass) – of Monte Luna, Scorpion Child
Penny Turner (Drums) – of Destroyer of Light

SLUMBERING SUN LIVE 2025:
05/02 Austin, TX – Valhalla (album release show)
06/04 El Paso, TX – Rosewood
06/06 Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
06/07 Las Vegas, NV – Dive Bar
06/08 Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewing
06/10 San Francisco, CA – Bottom of The Hill
06/12 Eugene, OR – Sparrow & Serpent
06/13 Portland, OR – High Water Mark – Soundcastle Festival
06/14 Olympia, WA – McCoy’s
06/15 Bellingham, WA – Shakedown
06/17 Moscow, ID – Mikey’s
06/18 Boise, ID – Neurolux
06/19 Salt Lake City, UT – Aces High
06/20 Denver, CO – Squire
06/21 Colorado Springs, CO – What’s Left Records
06/22 Wichita, KS – Kirby’s Beer Store
07/11 Asheville, NC – Doomed and Stoned Festival

Starmony tracklist:

01. Together Forever

02. Keep it Secret

03. Midsommar Night’s Dream

04. The Solar Bear

05. Danse Macabre

06. The Tower

07. Wanderlust

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days

hours minutes seconds

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Starmony release date

Trippy, melodic doom metal. From the moment you hit play, ‘Liminal Bridges’ feels like a transitional track meant to guide you along a wispy, winding trail in a slightly foggy forest while on a quest.” — Metal Sucks

“An ice-cold blend of 90s alternative, doom, and prog that will quench your thirst for captivating melodies, thundering percussion, and grungy riffs! They’ve created an epic mash-up of classic doom and added the soaring vocals and towering instrumentation that took us on the sonic journey from Sabbath to Maiden to Soundgarden.” — CvltNation

“Nothing short of fantastic, and should be blasted at full volume.” — Metal Injection

“Possibly the best doom album I’ve heard this year… Front to back it’s an insanely well done work, with remarkably clear vision.” — Invisible Oranges

Healing Towers: When Therapy Turns to Terror

Healing Towers is available to rent or buy. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Why do we love horror movies so much? Could it be that by tapping into our primal fears, they offer a safe space to explore the unknown and confront anxiety? Moviegoers like the genre’s ability to thrill, shock, and provoke deep emotional responses. From supernatural terrors to psychological thrillers, horror evolves with cultural shifts, reflecting society’s fears and concerns. Its relevance endures because it pushes boundaries, sparks conversation, and allows viewers to experience fear without real danger. Whether through jump scares or creeping dread, horror remains a cathartic experience for many, making it a timeless and ever-popular genre that continues to reinvent itself for each new generation.

Now available on digital and on demand is the new horror movie Healing Towers. It is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

Healing Towers is directed by Shuja Paul and stars Andrew Keegan, William McNamara, and Nikki Leigh.

The only cure is waking up…

A detective’s search for his missing daughter uncovers a horrifying link to a twisted psychiatrist’s dream therapy treatment, where deranged patients are forced to enact their darkest fantasies on innocent victims. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Healing Towers still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychedelic Revival: The Brian Jonestown Massacre Drops a Hypnotic New Single

The new release sets the tone for a massive North American tour this fall. Photo: Joe Eley, used with permission.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre announces a new single, ‘Makes Me Great / Out Of Body,’ on red transparent 10” vinyl, due to be released on April 25th via Anton Newcombe’s record label A Recordings. Fans can pre-save it here. (Magnum PR, 2025)

Following a hugely successful UK and Europe tour earlier this year, the band will return to North America this fall for an extensive run of live shows, including two dates with special guests, Cast, making their first US appearance in nearly 30 years. Tickets on sale now.

It’s been over 30 years since Anton Newcombe – frontman, songwriter, composer, studio owner, multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, father, force of nature – and his band The Brian Jonestown Massacre released their first single She Made Me / Evergreen. Released in 1992, as the British music press descended on the US to anoint the next US guitar band as flavor of the month and major labels were on the hunt for the compliant hopefuls to be their latest quick fix, Anton Newcombe had an idea: say no.

As leader of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Newcombe had already established himself as a visionary songwriter, a man to whom making music wasn’t a lifestyle choice or a hipster haircut but the very fabric of existence itself, and he had observed in silent horror as his peers meekly consented to everything – yes to contracts, yes to management, yes to suggestions, yes to this, yes to that, yes, yes, yes. But he was different. Anton Newcombe was going to say no to everything. “I just knew I would be more successful in a certain way by saying no, just being contrary because I figured that if people liked me they were gonna like me anyway,” he says. “Or dislike me. It doesn’t matter.”

Much of this was documented on the controversial documentary ‘Dig!,’ which is still hailed as one of the best rock documentaries ever made, and celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year with the remastered, expanded version “Dig! XX.”

Brian Jonestown Massacre’s shoegazing-tinged debut album Methodrone was released in 1995 and since then numerous band members have joined Newcombe on his sonic escapades, but he has remained the sole constant, the creative mastermind at the centre of one of music’s most fascinating bands. There have been a further 20 albums under the Brian Jonestown Massacre moniker since then, each embarking on their own mind-expanding adventure and exploring the outer realms of rock’n’roll; psychedelic rock, country-blues, snarling rock’n’roll, blissed-out noise-pop and more.

Along the way, Newcombe has established himself as a once-in-a-lifetime talent who saw the direction in which mainstream indie-rock was heading and opted to take the long way round. He’s emerged as a revolutionary force in modern music, an underground hero. There was no other way, this was how it had to be. “My only option with everything in life has always been that you just jump into the fire,” he declared. “It doesn’t matter what it is.”

It’s with that spirit that he’s hopped around the globe, from the West Coast to New York, from Manhattan to Iceland, and then to Berlin, where he’s lived for 15 years and has two flats, one to live in and one that’s been converted into his studio.

Brian Jonestown Massacre released their 20th full-length studio album The Future Is Your Past, in February 2023 on Anton’s record label, A Recordings. In 2022 / 2023, they completed a massive world tour that saw them play 34 dates in North America, 25 dates across Europe and 16 dates in the UK. Towards the end of 2024, they released ‘Don’t Look At Me’ ft. Aimee Nash. It is a delicious slice of hypnotic shoegaze with Nash lyrically casting a spell with the mantra “Do No Harm.”

There is no such thing as a defining statement in Anton Newcombe’s world anymore, just more chapters that contribute to the tale. “Nobody can stop me, I’m not asking somebody, I’m not making the rounds at Warners, saying ‘please put out my record!’ It’s just for me,” he says. He hopes he can be an inspiration to others. “I would love to see more groups, people playing music in the UK and everywhere else because I really enjoy it. That’s the only reason I need. It’s the only reason to do stuff.” That hits to the core of what makes Anton Newcombe and Brian Jonestown Massacre tick. He’ll keep jumping in that fire. That’s how he rolls. Savor it.

PRESS FROM THE BJM’S JAN / FEB UK TOUR

“Brian Jonestown Massacre have a cult following big enough to warrant the publication of an acclaimed memoir by percussionist Joel Gion and big enough that this large UK tour includes a date at Brixton Academy… Newcombe is really adept at coming up with melodies and guitar figures that sound immediately familiar, as if you know them already from a song you can’t quite place – a genuine skill.” – Guardian

“The Brian Jonestown’s ability to create an immersive live experience remains unparalleled and this Brixton gig was a masterclass in psychedelia, intensity, and raw musical craftsmanship.” – Music News

“A night of hypnotic grooves, kaleidoscopic guitars, and the kind of immersive psychedelia that only they can provide… The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s live show is not just a performance – it’s an experience. At the O2 Institute Birmingham, they proved once again why they remain one of the most compelling acts in modern psychedelic rock. Newcombe’s vision, combined with the band’s tight musicianship, created a night of sonic transcendence that few in attendance will soon forget.” – RockShot

Justice, Grief, and Espionage: The Amateur Brings Robert Littell’s Spy Thriller to Life

The movie adaptation of ‘The Amateur’ starring Rami Malek is now in theaters. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Spy thrillers are filled with high-stakes tension and secret missions. These stories blend action, suspense, and intelligence, keeping readers on edge as they navigate conspiracies and betrayals. The best part are the fast-paced plots and complex characters who often operate in moral gray zones. The movie adaptations elevate these elements by vividly portraying exotic locations, pulse-pounding chases, and charismatic spies. Through dynamic visuals and compelling performances, films bring the intricacies of espionage to life, allowing audiences to experience the thrill firsthand and deepening their connection to the characters and the dangerous worlds they inhabit.

The latest to be adapted into the big screen is “The Amateur” by Robert Littell and is now in theaters everywhere. It is a remake of the 1981 movie of the same name but they differ in their approach to the story’s themes and how they depict the protagonist’s transformation. The new version, starring Malek, is a more modern, action-packed spy thriller, while the 1981 film, starring John Savage, is a more grounded revenge thriller.

Robert Littell was born, raised, and educated in New York. A former Newsweek editor specializing in Soviet Affairs, he left journalism in 1970 to write fiction full time. He has been writing about the Soviet Union and Russians since his first novel, the espionage classic “The Defection of A.J. Lewinter.” He is the author of 18 novels, including the critically acclaimed “The Debriefing,” “The Sisters,” “The Once and Future Spy,” the New York Times bestselling “The Company, and Legends.” (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“The Amateur” – Charlie Heller is an ace cryptographer for the CIA, a quiet man in a quiet back-office job. But when his fiancée, Sarah Diamond, is murdered by terrorists at the American Embassy in West Germany and the Company refuses to pursue her killers, Heller takes matters into his own hands.

Tracking down Sarah’s killers behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia, Heller becomes both the hunter and the hunted—an amateur facing off against the world’s deadliest assassins and spies. But nothing will stop him from getting revenge.

Expertly plotted with shocking twists and pulse-pounding suspense, “The Amateur” is a sleek and stunning novel that belongs on the shelves of every espionage fan.

My thoughts:
The Amateur, directed by James Hawes, is a modern espionage thriller that explores the themes of grief, revenge, and institutional betrayal. Rami Malek stars as Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer whose life is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack.

Frustrated by the agency’s inaction, Heller embarks on a global quest for justice, utilizing his analytical skills to navigate the dangerous world of espionage. Laurence Fishburne delivers a compelling performance as Heller’s mentor, adding depth to the narrative.

While the film boasts a strong cast and high production values, some critics note that it struggles with pacing and relies on familiar genre elements. Nevertheless, The Amateur offers a thought-provoking take on the spy genre, highlighting the personal costs of vengeance and the complexities of moral ambiguity. He realizes that he can’t pull the trigger when it comes down to it, so he takes care of business his way. And he’s awesome at it. I’m a big fan of Rami Malek, so that’s a big plus for me and I always enjoy spy movies similar to Jason Bourne and Mission Impossible. It’s entertaining and full of action and suspense without gratuitous violence, gore, or sex. Since I haven’t read the book, I can’t comment on how the movie measures up to it, but I’ll definitely add it to my TBR list.

Raw, Real, and Relentless: De’Wayne Delivers with ‘highway robbery’

De’Wayne ushers in a new era with electric single ‘highway robbery,’ out now via Fearless Records. Photo: Shai Lev, used with permission.

Los Angeles, CA – Houston-born and Los Angeles-based rock star De’Wayne is ushering in a new era of music with the electric single “highway robbery.” Accompanied by a striking music video that brings the song’s rebellious spirit to life, De’Wayne is setting the stage for a bold new chapter. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

This song is a high-energy anthem that captures De’Wayne in his purest form, blending shimmery guitars, soulful funk-infused vocals, and irresistible, two-step-ready drums. Produced in collaboration with Dylan Bauld (flor) the track channels influence from Ohio Players to Nina Simone to Bruce Springsteen while remaining unapologetically modern and true to himself.

“The title was inspired by a heartfelt connection with my partner. She didn’t literally steal my heart—but I left the door wide open for it. I wrote this song as a poem first, and it evolved into this rock’n’roll soul influence. It feels good to be locked in!” – De’Wayne

Following the release of his 2024 EP I Want You More Than Anybody Wants You, De’Wayne has solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with. Constantly pushing boundaries, he is redefining Black rock music one song at a time.

With “highway robbery,” he establishes himself as a fearless trailblazer in rock, fusing genres with raw authenticity. De’Wayne is on a mission to show the world that neither people nor music should be confined to one box.

Shedding any and all creative inhibitions, De’Wayne plays rock ‘n’ roll spiked with funk, R&B, alternative, and magic. Accessing the duality of humanity, he harnesses the divine feminine through musicality manifested loud with no shortage of soul, sex, sweat, and style.

Emerging in 2017, the Houston-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer has amassed tens of millions of streams across Stains [2021], My Favorite Blue Jeans [2022], and I Want You More Than Anybody Wants You EP [2024].

In the wake of the latter, UPSET placed him on its cover and urged, “it’s time to sit up and pay attention” to De’Wayne. KERRANG! went as far as to christen him “one of the most electrifying new performers in the alt. world today.” He has established himself as the rare force of nature equally comfortable on a track with either Chase Atlantic and Masego, IDKHOW, Waterparks, grandson, WILLOW, Good Charlotte, and Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine.

Beyond headlining packed shows on multiple continents, De’Wayne and his band have ignited festival stages at Gov Ball, Lollapalooza, Reading & Leeds, Bonnaroo, and BottleRock.

His music may have brought him close to the divine feminine in the past, but he finally learned how to open his eyes and gently embrace it—which is exactly what he does on his new music. Inspired by Lenny Kravitz, Parliament Funkadelic, Marvin Gaye, Ohio Players, Bill Withers, Nina Simone, Prince, Brandon Flowers, and Bruce Springsteen, he levels up as a proud black man, a son, a friend, a leader, an artist, and lover.

Alternative Rock Band Downward Unveils Surprise Album

Downward’s new album Downward (LP2) is available now. Photo: Downward/Audiotree

The Oklahoma-based alternative rock band Downward recently unveiled a surprise LP, Downward (LP2). It’s available to stream and can be purchased through New Morality Zine. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

Formed in 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Downward began as a collaborative project among friends aiming to blend their diverse musical tastes. The band is made up of Drew Richardson on Guitar/Vocals, Tollie Pugh on Drums, Hunter Senft on Guitar, and Severin Olsen on Bass.

Downward’s first self-titled debut LP came out in 2018, laying the foundation for their evolving sound—balancing ethereal melodies with crushing heaviness. They followed up in May 2020 with 2 Songs, a two-track 7″ that further explored the interplay between light and heavy sonic textures. Their 2022 EP, The Brass Tax, marked a significant step forward. Incorporating bold sonic experimentation, the EP saw the band incorporating near pop-like sensibilities while maintaining their signature weight and atmosphere. In 2023, Downward teamed up with Texas-based band Trauma Ray for the release of Split, further expanding their sound while moving beyond their slowcore influences.

In their sophomore self-titled album, Downward (LP2), the band has fully stepped beyond the confines of any singular scene, delivering a rock record that feels undeniably modern. Having refined their signature balance of airy melancholy and crushing weight, LP2 sees Downward embracing a newfound sense of expansiveness. While the influence of post-hardcore and alternative remains, this album is a bold statement of evolution—one that showcases a band no longer bound by expectations. It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention.

Standouts on the album include the self-reflecting track “Perfect Food,” which blends abstract imagery with emotional vulnerability. The song speaks to a complex relationship where connection and distance intertwine, exploring the push and pull of desire and resistance.

“‘Perfect Food’ is one of the last couple of songs we wrote for the album, and in the grand scheme of the record, it might be the most ‘business as usual’ song for us. In the back of my head I knew we needed a song like this in the tracklist somewhere. We played through it a couple of times, and I just got hit with this “Oh yeah, I’m definitely in the right band” feeling. It really changed my mood and gave me a bit of confidence when we went in to record.”- Drew Richardson, Downward guitarist and vocalist

Kendal Osborne and the band recorded the new album, and they tapped into collaborators including Dave Collis and Sean Hallock from Slow Mass (IL). LP2 was mixed and mastered by Corey Coffman from Gleemer (CO). It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention, boasting a total of ten tracks.

Downward (LP2) tracklist:

Request Made
Wind Up
Absolute Value
Line
Darkscreen
Ibex
Out of Luck
Perfect Food
The Waltz
Rival

Downward’s dedication to their craft has cultivated a devoted following, with multiple vinyl pressings selling out and thousands of listeners engaging with their music online. Their commitment to authenticity and quality continues to set them apart, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling forces in modern alternative music.

Justice, Lies, and Mystery: The Interrogation of Anna Goode

The gripping crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intense narratives, suspenseful twists, and morally complex characters. These films often explore the darker sides of human nature, weaving intricate plots filled with deception, mystery, and high-stakes action. Viewers are drawn to the adrenaline rush of solving crimes alongside detectives or navigating the minds of criminals. The unpredictability and psychological depth keep audiences on edge, making each moment gripping. From classic noir to modern psychological thrillers, crime films provide an escape into a world of danger and intrigue, where justice is uncertain and the line between good and evil is often blurred.

The new crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

The Interrogation of Anna Goode – While questioning a murder suspect, FBI Agent John Savage inexplicably finds himself on the opposite side of the table. Now framed for the crime, he must go to extreme lengths to reveal the shocking truth.

Written & directed by DC Hamilton
Starring Max Adler, Neil Hopkins, Brinna Kelly

The Interrogation of Anna Goode movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Breaking Down ‘Workhorse’: Isabel Pless’ Most Honest and Heartfelt Album Yet

Isabel Pless makes the mundane feel massive on debut album *Workhorse.* Photo: Patrick McCormack, used with permission.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless is a self-proclaimed “word girl.” Born and raised in Vermont, Isabel began writing songs at age 12 following in the footsteps of musical inspirations such as Joni Mitchell, The Chicks, and Alanis Morissette. Her songs are personal, playful and smart — she often calls into question the contradictions and challenges of what it means to be a young woman. (Big Hassle, 2025)

In 2020, she started posting clips of her original songs on TikTok and has since amassed an audience of 117k followers. Isabel’s 2023 EP Bad Luck Letting You Go has accumulated over 1.4 million streams across streaming platforms and featured on Spotify playlists such as New Music Friday and All New Indie, and Apple playlists like Acoustic Chill and New in Singer-Songwriter.

Over the past year, she’s recorded an Audiotree session, toured with Donovan Woods and Henry Jamison, and played headline shows across the US and in London. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and an ability to write relatable yet hyper-specific songs, Isabel is redefining what it means to be a singer-songwriter in the age of social media.

Isabel Pless makes everyday life feel monumental with the release of her debut album Workhorse. The ten-song project spans mellow folk to headbanging pop, but her writing consistently honors each tone and notion. Isabel is your older sister reminding you of your self-worth, she is your best friend crying in your passenger seat about a breakup, and she is you wondering when things will finally start going your way.

Produced and co-written by Ariza, each song offers a new sound and a different perspective from the last: Workhorse’s charm stems from its range. There are no right or wrong emotions, and Isabel feels them all with humor to spare. And she invites you to feel them all alongside her.

“‘Workhorse’ is the debut album I’ve been dreaming about since I started writing songs in middle school and that makes me feel incredibly fulfilled,” shares Pless. “Creating these songs helped give me perspective on my life. I feel simultaneously nervous and hopeful that now this album will make its way into other people’s lives.”

Opening with the self-titled track “Isabel,” this song arose out of a moment of need. Pless’ lyrics dictate an inner monologue that rails at people-pleasing and gives grace to imperfection. Winding our way to another standout track like “The Bite,” there’s more of a dark, spell-like energy. This essence mirrors a shift in lyrical and compositional tone from Pless’s previous works, making the song a sonic tug of war between anger and anxiety.

By the time the listener reaches “Blonde,” Pless is her most witty and candid self. A raging, headbanging, pop-romp, Pless is backed by an entourage of electric guitars and a hefty choir of vocals, that allows the track to maintain its drama right up until the final acoustic down-chorus. Reaching the capstone of the album’s honesty with its closing, title track, she is in a self-inflicted battle with complacency. Leaving the body of work open ended, the final line “I’m worried this is the best version of me” feels hollow but not defeated.

The official video for ‘I Joined a Cult’ examines the pattern of falling into toxic friendships and relationships, a balance of confusion and remorse. In the video Pless has a sense of childlike wonder as she tries to recruit more people into her circle, constantly seeking out connection.

Workhorse tracklist
“Isabel”
“Nobody’s Funeral”
“The Bite”
“I Don’t Feel Pretty”
“I’ll See Him in Hell”
“Shirley Temples”
“Blonde”
“(Transition) Company”
“I Joined a Cult”
“Workhorse”

There’s A Whole World Out There: Arm’s Length’s Journey Through Love and Loss

Arm’s Length announces the release of their sophomore album *There’s A Whole World Out There*. Photo: Pure Noise Records

March 12, 2025 – Arm’s Length’s highly anticipated sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There will be released on May 16 via Pure Noise Records and is available for pre-order here. The first single and music video for “Funny Face” is out now. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

The band has announced a special headline run of album release shows taking place in major cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Philadelphia, and New York City. Tickets are available online. Shows will kick off on June 8 and support comes from Charmer and Wakelee.

The album release shows will follow the band’s spring headline tour taking place in May which feature support from Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes.

Arm’s Length Live Dates

Spring headliner
with Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes

May 2 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
May 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe at Old National Centre
May 4 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium
May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
May 7 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
May 8 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
May 10 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall
May 12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
May 14 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
May 15 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
May 16 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
May 17 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
May 18 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
May 21 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
May 22 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony
May 23 – Amityville, NY – Amityville Music Hall
May 24 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
May 25 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City

Album Release Show Dates
w/Charmer and Wakelee

June 9 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
June 10 – Cleveland, OH – The Roxy
June 11 – Toronto, ON – AXIS
June 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Ukie Club
June 14 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

Building on the emotional rawness and introspection of their debut, Never Before Seen, Never Again Found, There’s A Whole World Out There finds the band pushing their boundaries, offering a deeper exploration of personal trauma, love, loss, and the resilience that emerges from navigating life’s darkest moments. Their debut album marked them as an indie band to watch, conjuring praise from writers at SPIN, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Exclaim!, and Loudwire, among others.

Produced once again by Anton DeLost, who worked with the band on their previous releases, There’s A Whole World Out There marks a significant evolution for Arm’s Length. While Steinberg wrote the bulk of the material solo, the full band—guitarist Jeremy White, bassist Ben Greenblatt, and drummer Jeff White—helped bring these songs to life in the studio, with additional contributions from Bonnie Brooksbank (strings) and Alex Scalzo-Brown (piano).

Steinberg’s personal struggles, which he openly addressed in his songwriting, are central to the album’s creation. He confesses that during the period leading up to the writing of this record, he was “the most mentally ill” he had ever been. Yet, it was precisely through confronting these intense experiences that the album came to life with such urgency and honesty. “The songs aren’t written for anyone else at all,” he says, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered emotion that drives the record’s sound and lyrics.

There’s A Whole World Out There tracklist:

The World
Fatal Flaw
Funny Face
The Weight
Palinopsia
The Wound
You Ominously End
Early Onset
Genetic Lottery
Attic
Halley
Morning Person

Arm’s Length pull no punches on There’s A Whole World Out There. From the moment “The World” starts proceedings, the album unfolds with the dual torment and exhilaration of what it means to be alive—but with the knowledge and understanding that everything is also always lost.

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