Category: new releases

‘Suitcase Blues’: Shelby Means Hits the Road with Her Solo Debut

Shelby Means gets help from her all-star friends for a heartfelt road song, “Suitcase Blues.” It’s the latest single from the Maya de Vitry-produced self-titled solo debut. Photo: Hunter McRae, used with permission.

Shelby Means Packs Up the “Suitcase Blues” and Heads Down a New Road

“I had driven out of Nashville hundreds of times as a touring musician, but this time I was packed up and moving to a different city,” says songwriter, singer, and bassist Shelby Means.

Known for her dynamic work with world-class string bands like Della Mae and the GRAMMY-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Means is now stepping into the spotlight with her debut solo album, Shelby Means. The bittersweet memory of leaving Nashville is captured in her latest single “Suitcase Blues.” (IV-PR, 2025)

Backed by an all-star lineup—Billy Strings on harmony vocals, along with Bryan Sutton, Michael Cleveland, Ron Block, and Sam Bush—the track offers a poignant twist on the classic road song.

“Bryan, Michael, Ron, and Sam brought incredible life and depth to the recording,” Means shares. “Already a very strong collaboration with the band, I was honored that Billy Strings agreed to sing harmony. His voice and energy mixing with mine and the sentiment of the song paint a vivid picture of chasing down a dream on the open road.”

Musically, “Suitcase Blues” rolls forward on a moody chord progression, its trepidation mirrored in the interplay of fiddle and banjo, with tasteful flourishes on guitar and a brief, emotive mandolin solo. The lyrics tell a story many touring musicians know all too well:

“I don’t know when I’ll be back
I gotta go with Cackalack Jack
It’s a lonesome road that I choose
Packing up my suitcase blues”

🎧 Listen now: Stream or purchase “Suitcase Blues.”
📀 Explore more music: Check out previously released singles — “Farm Girl,” “Streets of Boulder,” and “Million Reasons.”
🛒 Pre-order the full album: Shelby Means arrives May 30. Pre-order now.
💾 Want to pre-save on Spotify? Click here.

🎶 Catch Shelby Means on Tour

May 23 – WMOT Finally Friday @ 3rd and Lindsley – Nashville, TN
June 4 – The Ramkat & Gas Hill Drinking Room – Winston Salem, NC
June 6 – Midwood Guitar Studio – Charlotte, NC
June 7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🌟 Album Release Show
June 25 – The 5 Spot – Nashville, TN 🌟 Album Release Show
July 4 – Soundcheck Summer Music Series – Pinedale, WY
July 6 – Hot House West – Salt Lake City, UT
July 13 – Means House Concert – Laramie, WY
July 17 – Big View House Concerts – Westcliffe, CO
July 18 – Music on the Green – Telluride, CO 🎤 with Maya de Vitry
July 25 – RockyGrass – Lyons, CO 🎤 with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
August 22 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🎤 with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
October 18 – Henderson Bluegrass – Henderson, NV
October 20 – WoodSongs – Lexington, KY
October 22 – Red Barn Radio – Lexington, KY

📍 See all tour dates online.

🌾 About Shelby Means

Shelby Means was born in the bluegrass of Kentucky and raised on the high plains of Wyoming. With nearly two decades of experience across bluegrass, folk, rock, Americana, and country, she’s one of the most respected upright bassists in the roots music world.

During her years in Nashville, she was a core member of the GRAMMY-nominated Della Mae, bringing her magnetic presence and deep rhythmic pocket to stages across the globe. She’s since toured nearly 30 countries as a musical diplomat and collaborated with some of the genre’s finest artists.

Now based in Charleston, SC, Means also performs with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, earning her first GRAMMY with the group’s 2023 release, City of Gold. Her accolades include multiple IBMA awards for her work with both Della Mae and Golden Highway.

With her upcoming solo debut, Means opens a new chapter—blending tradition with individuality, heartache with hope, and musicianship with soul.

From NPR to the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride, Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, and beyond, Shelby Means is forging a path that’s both grounded and boundless.

Shelby Means album cover. Courtesy photo,used with permission.

J. Horton’s ‘A Hard Place’ Brings Monsters, Mayhem, and a DIY Roadshow Spirit

, J. Horton’s star-studded monster opus A Hard Place comes to VOD on May 27, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Hard Place Hits Digital May 27: J. Horton’s Genre-Bending Thriller Comes Home

Following a successful theatrical run, J. Horton’s apocalyptic crime thriller arrives on Digital VOD just in time for summer.

After months on the road, filmmaker J. Horton is bringing his latest film, A Hard Place, to audiences across North America via Digital VOD on May 27, 2025. Viewers will be able to rent or own the film on major platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video. Pre-order on Apple TV. (Justin Cook PR, 2025)

From Indie Roadshow to Digital Release

The A Hard Place road show began on January 12 at Englewood Cinema, just outside Dayton, Ohio. From there, the film made its way through theaters and drive-ins across the country, especially in the Midwest. With many sold-out screenings and in-person Q&As with Horton, the film built momentum as it connected directly with audiences.

Theatrical and drive-in showings will continue at independent cinemas through May, leading up to the digital release.

A Cast of Genre Icons

A Hard Place brings together an impressive ensemble of horror and cult film veterans, including:

  • Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2)
  • Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies)
  • Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6, The Beast Inside)
  • Rachel Amanda Bryant (Craving)
  • Kevin Caliber (Future Man)
  • Ashley Undercuffler (Craving, 16 Bits)
  • Bai Ling (The Crow)

Horton on the Roadshow Experience

Ahead of the film’s wider release, Horton shared his thoughts on the journey:

“A Hard Place has been by far the most ambitious project I’ve ever made. This movie would not exist if not for the talent, generosity, and just general good personalities of ALL of the cast and crew, as well as our cinema partners.

In true Roger Corman style, we hit the road with A Hard Place, traveling with the film to theaters and drive-ins across the country. It’s been a complete joy to see the movie with multiple audiences — something a lot of independent movies don’t get the opportunity to do.”

What’s A Hard Place About?

After a botched job leaves a trail of bodies behind, a gang of desperate criminals seeks refuge in a remote desert hideout. But their plans fall apart fast when they discover the area is home to something far worse than the law — an ancient war between monstrous predators of day and night.

As tensions rise and the body count climbs, the crew must decide if survival is worth trusting each other — or the creatures hunting them.

Runtime: 88 minutes
Country: USA

A Hard Place still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Commoner’s ‘Change of Heart’: A Raw and Reflective Breakthrough

Commoner’s new EP is available now. Photo: Yeshua Flores, used with permission.

Commoner Announces New EP Change of Heart via New Morality Zine

Tucson-based alternative rock band Commoner has announced the release of their new EP, Change of Heart, out now via New Morality Zine. The title track “Change of Heart” delivers a hard-hitting, emotionally raw experience, digging deep into themes of fractured relationships and shifting personal dynamics. The accompanying music video reflects this narrative visually, using fragmented edits of the band’s performance to emphasize the feeling of instability and change. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

A Dynamic, Emotional Sound

Change of Heart blends elements of emo, alternative, and post-hardcore, showcasing Commoner’s ability to strike a balance between cathartic intensity and stripped-back vulnerability. The band’s sound is raw, dynamic, and highly personal—each track moving seamlessly between heavy, driving moments and quiet emotional reflections.

“The process of recording this EP was truly healing for me,” says lead singer Romin Mattison. “We had been sitting on these songs for a while and getting a little stir crazy with listening to them over and over again. It was really awesome to hear the final product and be able to listen back to the memories in real time.”

Produced in collaboration with Zach Tuch (Touche Amore, Knocked Loose, Zulu), the EP leans into what makes Commoner’s sound so compelling: emotive vocals, tight instrumentation, and a gritty, aggressive edge that commands attention. The release features five tracks, each delivering a distinct emotional and sonic punch.

Meet the Band

Commoner is made up of:

  • Romin Mattison – Vocals
  • Matthew Bryant – Bass
  • Jeremy Buck – Guitar
  • Beto Marroquin – Guitar
  • Tyler Casillo – Drums

Together, they create music that invites listeners to lose themselves in the noise, drawing inspiration from early 2000s and 2010s influences like Citizen, Movements, Incubus, and Fuel. Their high-energy performances bring their emotional songwriting to life on stage, leaving a lasting impact on their growing fanbase.

About Commoner

Formed in Tucson, Arizona, Commoner blends emo, alternative, and post-hardcore into a style that feels raw and cathartic. What started as a solo project by Romin Mattison with the track Japanese Apartments eventually evolved into a full band when Matthew Bryant joined on bass. The lineup was completed with the addition of Jeremy Buck, Beto Marroquin, and Tyler Casillo, solidifying the band’s identity and collaborative sound.

In 2023 and 2024, the band released two singles as part of their Winter Promo series—“Misery Mistaken” and “Whatever’s Left is Yours”—exploring themes of abandonment, neglect, and healing. These tracks laid the groundwork for Change of Heart, both in tone and depth.

With plans to tour and keep evolving their sound, Commoner is just getting started—and Change of Heart marks a powerful new chapter in their journey.

Change of Heart tracklist:

1.Test Your Luck

2.Change of Heart

3.Parting Gift B-Sides (Vinyl Only)

4.Misery Mistaken

5.Whatever’s Left Is Yours

Cults, Curses, and Creatures: ‘First Moon’ Revives Werewolf Horror

‘First Moon’ stars Lauren Esposito, Julian Curtis, and Shannon Ryan. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Why Werewolf Movies Still Howl at the Moon

Werewolf movies have captivated audiences for decades with their potent blend of horror, folklore, and human emotion. From classics like The Wolf Man (1941) to modern cult favorites like Ginger Snaps and An American Werewolf in London, these films explore themes of transformation, inner conflict, and the beast within.

What makes werewolf stories so enduring? The genre taps into our primal fears and fascination with the supernatural. The werewolf is often both victim and monster—a symbol of identity struggles, rage, and loss of control. This duality, paired with suspenseful storytelling and visceral special effects, keeps the genre fresh and alive in horror cinema.

New Release: First Moon: Fear The Monster Within

A new chapter in werewolf horror has arrived—First Moon is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Starring The Conjuring 2‘s Lauren Esposito and featuring creature design by Emmy Award-winning SFX artist Thomas E. Surprenant (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Halloween H20, The Grinch), First Moon offers a chilling, cult-inspired twist on werewolf lore.

Written & Directed by: Peter McLeod
Starring: Lauren Esposito, Julian Curtis, Shannon Ryan

Plot:
A young waitress is abducted by a religious cult determined to “cure” her of a werewolf virus—by any means necessary. With her first full moon fast approaching, she must escape before it’s too late.

First Moon still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Alone in a World of Wounds’: Steve Von Till’s Meditative Ode to Nature and Loss

Steve Von Till releases new single/video from Alone in a World of Wounds. Photo: Bobby Cochran, used with permission.

Steve Von Till’s Alone in a World of Wounds: A Haunting Tapestry of Loss, Nature, and Reflection

Ploughing a different furrow from his work with post-metal pioneers Neurosis, Steve Von Till’s latest solo album, Alone in a World of Wounds, is a sweeping, gothic-tinged collection of Americana infused with ambient textures and world-weary vocal melodies. It’s a deeply introspective journey—both sonically and thematically. It will be released on May 16 via Neurot Recordings. (another/side, 2025)

A Cinematic Opening

The album opens with “The Corpse Road,” a track that unfolds in a haze of mauve-toned drone textures, immediately immersing listeners in a creaking, dust-laden wilderness. Von Till sings of being placed in the “solitude of our inner spaces,” his voice framed by the mournful resonance of French horn and beautifully subtle cello arrangements by Brent Arnold. The track is accompanied by a haunting visual, directed by Josh Graham.

Rooted in Atmosphere and Intuition

Initially inspired by the harmonic resonance of piano and synths, Alone in a World of Wounds follows the reflective ambience of 2021’s No Wilderness Deep Enough. This new album sees Von Till opening up his voice like never before, with songs that emerged from intuitive improvisations—raw, emotional, and unguarded.

Music, Poetry, and Purpose

Outside of music, Von Till is also a published poet. His 2021 collection, “Harvestman,” draws from a deep well of personal and philosophical writing. His lyrics and prose often reflect on humanity’s place in the cosmos, touching on themes of longing, loss, and the vastness of existence. In this album, a profound connection to—and disconnection from—nature serves as the thematic core.

The title Alone in a World of Wounds is inspired by a quote from environmental philosopher Aldo Leopold’s 1949 book A Sand County Almanac:

“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.”

Life Beyond the Music

Von Till’s commitment to the natural world goes beyond his art. He has been an elementary school teacher for over two decades and serves on the board of directors for the Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing youth suicides among the Blackfeet Nation in Montana.

A Sonic and Visual Aesthetic

While Alone in a World of Wounds may seem far removed from the aggressive tones of Neurosis, the raw spirit of punk and DIY ethos remain essential to Von Till’s process. His search for deeper connection, his willingness to live with sorrow, and his instinctive approach to creativity all ground this project in authenticity.

Recorded largely at his barn studio in Idaho and mixed by Randall Dunn at Circular Ruin in Brooklyn, the album also features artwork by Spokane-based alternative process photographer Brian Deemy. Working in colloidal wet plate tintype, Deemy’s visuals perfectly complement Von Till’s ancient-yet-modern aesthetic—a haunting tribute to our bond with the more-than-human world.

Steve Von Till Live Dates:

May 30 – June 1: Prepare the Ground Festival – Toronto, CAN
July 25 – 27: Fire in the Mountains Festival – Blackfeet Nation, MT

Alone in a World of Wounds tracklist:
1 – The Corpse Road
2 – Watch Them Fade
3 – Horizons Undone
4 – Distance
5 – Calling Down the Darkness
6 – The Dawning of the Day (Insomnia)
7 – Old Bent Pine
8 – River of No Return

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‘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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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

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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.