A Heist on the High Seas: Reviewing ‘Maiden Voyage’ by Bradley Harper

‘Maiden Voyage’ is the exciting new historical novel by Bradley Harper. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Paste Creative Book Tours Participant

Book Review: Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper

Three female thieves, a priceless painting, and a Pinkerton agent aboard the Titanic.
What could go wrong?

Synopsis

Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper follows an unlikely trio of thieves, Colette DuVall, Mary Carr, and Samantha “Sam” McMurphy, as they embark on a daring mission to steal a valuable painting by the French master Blondell. Their plan takes them aboard the RMS Titanic on its ill-fated maiden journey.

Colette, a young jewel thief from Canada, finds her resolve wavering when she meets Harry Worth, a young Pinkerton agent hired to safeguard the wealthy passengers. What she doesn’t know is that Harry is the son of infamous criminal Adam Worth. Torn between his sense of duty and his complicated family legacy, Harry begins questioning where he truly belongs, especially after falling for Colette.

As loyalties collide as fiercely as the ship meets the iceberg, all aboard must fight for survival. Amid disaster, they discover that love might be the greatest thief of all.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Review

Maiden Voyage is a brisk, character-driven historical adventure that blends romance, crime, and maritime tragedy into an undeniably compelling read.

A Vivid Criminal Underworld

The novel opens with Mary Carr and the notorious Forty Elephants gang, a real historical group of female thieves. This grounding in true criminal lore adds texture and authenticity, making the early chapters particularly immersive. When Harry discovers what the gang is planning aboard the Titanic, the tension begins to mount, soon followed by the ship’s own looming catastrophe.

A Strong Emotional Core

The narrative delves deeply into Harry’s personal conflict. As the son of a master criminal, he grapples with the weight of his heritage and the moral ambiguity of justice. His connection with Colette is one of the book’s strongest elements: tender without slowing the pace, layered without becoming overly sentimental.

Memorable Characters & Vivid Writing

Harper’s character development shines. One particularly striking description captures the lived-in dignity of a working woman:

“Her red, chapped hands declaring how she made her way in the world, the well-worn but clean clothes presented a defiant dignity the years and work had yet to take from her.”

These small touches make the characters feel real, and when tragedy strikes, you genuinely root for their survival.

History, Heart, and High Stakes

Harper integrates historical detail without overwhelming the story. The author’s notes at the end provide fascinating context on real figures like Mary Carr and the Forty Elephants, enriching the reading experience.

The Titanic disaster is woven into the plot with restraint and emotional weight. Rather than leaning into melodrama, the novel balances suspense with tenderness, exploring themes of identity, family, and survival.

A Fresh Take on Titanic Fiction

Fast-paced, atmospheric, and surprisingly heartfelt, Maiden Voyage offers a fresh twist on stories set aboard the Titanic. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a blend of crime, adventure, and romance will find much to love.

Harper leaves readers with a haunting reminder of the ship’s legacy:

“Beneath the water, the ship plunged 12,000 feet to the ocean floor, full of the wealth of millionaires and the humble possessions of hopeful emigrants; it carried them all away into the frigid darkness. Into legend.”

Get your copy today!
Amazon
Indigo (Canada)
Bookshop.org

About the Author

Bradley Harper is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and pathologist who has conducted more than 200 autopsies and around 20 forensic investigations.

His debut novel, A Knife in the Fog (2018), was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and winner of the 2019 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion for Best Mystery. His second novel, Queen’s Gambit, won the 2020 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense and Book of the Year.
Maiden Voyage is his fourth book.

Author Bradley Harper. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*Thank you to Paste Creative Book Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

This Ordinary Thing is a Timely Film About Quiet Heroes

This Ordinary Thing is Emmy-winning filmmaker Nick Davis’ new documentary. Photo: Series of Dreams, used with permission.

THIS ORDINARY THING

A Film by Nick Davis (You Had To Be There / TIFF 2025)
Executive Producer: Albert M. Tapper (Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy)

Cast (A–Z)

F. Murray Abraham, Jeannie Berlin, Eric Bogosian, Ellen Burstyn, Bill Camp, Carrie Coon, Hope Davis, Stephen Fry, Joanna Gleason, Marcia Gay Harden, Mamie Gummer, Harry Hadden-Paton, Jeremy Irons, Bill Irwin, Louisa Jacobson, Kasia Koleczek, Anna Krippa, Stephen Lang, John Leguizamo, Donal Logue, Kelly Macdonald, Helen Mirren, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O’Hara, David Hyde Pierce, Martha Plimpton, Lily Rabe, Rufus Sewell, J. Smith-Cameron, David Strathairn, Lily Tomlin.

Release Date

December 5 at Cinema Village (NYC), followed by a national theatrical rollout and VOD release.

A Haunting & Unforgettable Story

THIS ORDINARY THING recounts the extraordinary acts of non-Jewish individuals who helped save Jewish people across Europe during the Holocaust. Blending never-before-seen archival footage with testimonies from more than forty people, the film sheds light on the quiet bravery of individuals who, acting independently and at great personal risk, saved thousands of Jewish strangers from near-certain death. (EG-PR, 2025)

Narrated by an all-star cast, the documentary serves as a timely reminder of the “pockets of goodness” that can rise within a sea of evil: ordinary people choosing compassion over indifference, even when it meant risking everything.

Strikingly, none of the individuals in the film saw themselves as heroes. Their humility lends the project an urgent resonance, prompting viewers to confront a difficult question: What would I have done?

An Ensemble of the World’s Great Actors

The film features some of the most celebrated actors of our time, performing translated excerpts from original transcripts. The cast, including Helen Mirren, F. Murray Abraham, Carrie Coon, Jeremy Irons, Ellen Burstyn, and Stephen Fry, collectively boast:

  • 5 Academy Awards (and 20+ nominations)
  • 60+ Emmy nominations
  • 25+ Tony nominations

Their performances lend gravitas and emotional depth to the powerful firsthand accounts.

Music by Adam Guettel

The score is composed by Tony Award–winner Adam Guettel, known for The Light in the Piazza, Floyd Collins, and numerous other stage and screen works. His music adds an evocative and haunting layer to the film’s emotional landscape.

About Filmmaker Nick Davis

Nick Davis is a filmmaker and writer whose work often explores the intersection of culture, history, and storytelling. His recent documentary, YOU HAD TO BE THERE, which chronicles the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell and its role in shaping the comedy revolution, premiered at TIFF 2025, where it won Second Runner-Up for the Audience Award. The film features Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and other icons of comedy.

Photo: Series of Dreams, used with permission.

‘Love and Death’ is Meg Sheppard’s Most Personal Case Yet

‘Love and Death’ is the latest book in the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Paste Creative Book Tours Participant

“Love and Death” by Vicky Earle

Synopsis

A cheating racehorse trainer is dead, and someone close to Meg is under suspicion. As she digs for the truth, past gang members involved in a murder and a zealous animal rights group bring danger right to her doorstep.

When she is wounded by a gunshot, Meg becomes reluctant to continue the investigation. Does she have the resilience to face the escalating threats while also coping with the likelihood of a devastating personal loss?

Love and Death is Book 6 of 6 in the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series:

  1. What Happened to Frank?
  2. Over Frank’s Dead Body
  3. Pointed Attacks
  4. Playing with Fire
  5. Dying for Money
  6. Love and Death
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Review

Love and Death opens with Meg receiving a troubling call from Neal, her racehorse trainer. Linda, a groom in Neal’s barn, is being questioned by police about her possible role in a hit-and-run that killed fellow trainer Barton Woking. Still reeling from an emotional fight with her partner, William, Meg begins her own search for the truth hoping it will clear Linda’s name and distract her from her personal turmoil.

When Meg learns that a valuable horse has been stolen, her curiosity pulls her deeper into a dangerous web of secrets, gang activity, and the fervor of a militant animal rights group. Each new lead puts her life further at risk.

Vicky Earle delivers a gripping mystery that blends the tension of the horse racing world with Meg’s emotional journey. It’s narrated in Meg’s first person point of view, so readers get deep insights into her thought processes as she tries to solve the case. Her vulnerability and determination make her a relatable, compelling sleuth. Earle’s steady pacing, vivid descriptions, and emotional depth enrich every twist:

“The water seeps through my fleece jacket and splashes over my running shoes as I dash to the truck.”

Earle’s storytelling captures the grit of crime and the grace of perseverance, proving that even in the darkest moments, love and courage endure. Even though it’s part of a series, it does well as a stand alone novel. For readers who crave mysteries with heart, danger, and emotional complexity, Love and Death offers a satisfying, suspense-filled ride. Animal lovers will certainly enjoy it.

“Everyone leaves at the same time, and it’s as if the air has been sucked out of the stark room… I close my eyes, but I won’t be able to sleep – there are too many thoughts and questions spinning in my head.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy today!
Amazon (USA)
Indigo (Canada)
Waterstones (UK)

About the Author

Vicky Earle, a recipient of a Canada Book Award, served as CEO of the Ontario SPCA for seven years. Her experiences owning and breeding thoroughbred race horses as well as her love for country life, inspired the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series, known for its fast-paced, action-packed plots set amid racing and rural living.

Animals have always been central to Vicky’s life, and she couldn’t imagine writing a book without them.

She currently lives on a small horse farm near Uxbridge, Ontario, with her husband.

Author Vicky Earle. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*Thank you to Paste Creative Book Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Holiday Cheer Takes Center Stage with La Cantera’s Tree Lighting & Jingle Bell Roll

La Cantera Resort & Spa kicks off the holidays with annual tree lighting and roller skating rink. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Holiday Magic Arrives at La Cantera: Annual Tree Lighting & “Jingle Bell Roll” Grand Opening

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa will kick off the holiday season in spectacular fashion with its beloved Annual Tree Lighting, followed immediately by the grand opening of “Jingle Bell Roll,” a retro-inspired, LED-lit roller-skating rink built right over the resort’s shimmering Topaz infinity pool. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2025)

A Holiday Tradition: Annual Tree Lighting

The Annual Tree Lighting celebration sets the tone for a festive season ahead. Guests can enjoy:

  • Meeting friendly reindeer
  • Cookie decorating
  • Warm, creamy hot chocolate
  • Live holiday music
  • Dancing beneath the glow of the sparkling holiday tree

It’s the perfect way for families and friends to welcome the season together.

Introducing: Jingle Bell Roll

The new Jingle Bell Roll invites guests to lace up their skates and glide into the holidays with a high-energy skating experience unlike anything else in San Antonio. The activation features:

  • Dazzling LED lights
  • Festive music
  • Seasonal treats
  • A vibrant, nostalgic roller-rink atmosphere

This limited-time experience is designed for guests of all ages, local families, resort visitors, and holiday-loving adventurers.

Throughout the season, skaters can also enjoy:

  • Themed skate nights
  • Family-friendly skate sessions
  • Photo ops with Santa Claus
  • Holiday treats and concessions
  • Custom group packages for corporate events, including private rink access, catering, and branded photo options

Holiday Cove: A Winter Retreat

For guests seeking a more elevated seasonal escape, the resort’s Holiday Cove transforms the Topaz cabanas into a warm winter oasis. Expect:

  • Cozy group seating
  • Festive holiday décor
  • Curated seasonal treats

Reservations are encouraged and available online.

December Themed Skate Nights

To make the season even more memorable, “Jingle Bell Roll” will offer unique themed evenings throughout December:

• Family Holiday Jams — Wednesdays (Nov. 26–Dec. 24)

Kid-friendly holiday music, festive character appearances, and fun PJ-themed sessions perfect for younger skaters and families.

• Date Night Roll — Thursdays (Nov. 27–Dec. 25)

A romantic evening under the stars, complete with ambient lighting, smooth tunes, and a cozy, elegant atmosphere.

• Adult Roller Skate — Saturday Nights (Nov. 22–Dec. 27)

Sophisticated lighting, curated playlists, and a relaxed social vibe create a perfect grown-up night out.

• Teen Roll — Sunday Evenings (Nov. 23–Dec. 28)

High energy, bold lighting, and Instagram-worthy photo ops for teens ready to roll with friends.

Skates are available to rent on-site.

Event Dates

  • Annual Tree Lighting: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Jingle Bell Roll: November 21 – December 28, 2025

Location

Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Plaza San Saba & Topaz Pool
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256

Gran Moreno Ignites with New Single ‘Temple of Fire’ Ahead of Debut Album El Sol

Gran Moreno is Ricardo (guitarist and vocals) and Christian (drums). Photo: Tico Mendoza, used with permission.

Gran Moreno Unleashes New Single “Temple of Fire” Ahead of Debut Album El Sol

This week, Austin duo Gran Moreno released their newest single, “Temple of Fire,” now available on all major streaming platforms. The track originally premiered via The Obelisk, offering an early glimpse into the band’s evolving sonic universe. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

A New Force in Psychedelic Rock

Gran Moreno is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling voices in the new wave of psychedelic rock. Their sound, rooted in analog warmth, expansive textures, and hypnotic grooves, creates an immersive experience that blurs the line between distortion and introspection. With heavy rhythms, emotionally charged melodies, and atmospheric layers, their music feels like a sonic mirage: shifting, evocative, and deeply felt.

A Conceptual Debut: El Sol and La Luna

At the heart of Gran Moreno’s artistry is a dedication to storytelling through sound. Their upcoming debut album is a conceptual, two-part experience:

  • Side A: El Sol — urgency, energy, and clarity
  • Side B: La Luna — shadow, mystery, and reflection

The first release, El Sol, captures the band at full intensity, offering a vivid and unfiltered introduction to their creative identity.

A Live Experience That Transcends the Stage

Gran Moreno’s live performances elevate their music into a full-body encounter. Blending sonic power with rich visual elements, their shows draw audiences into a shared trance, one that feels both deeply personal and profoundly communal. Their fierce independence and bold creativity continue to shape a musical world entirely their own.

Release Info

El Sol will be available on LP and digital download on January 17, 2026.
Pre-orders are available HERE.

El Sol tracklist:

  1. Las Montañas
  2. Aztlan
  3. Huracan
  4. Temple of Fire
  5. La Mentira
  6. Oaxaca – Please Don’t Cry
  7. Hikuri
  8. California Blues
1768654696

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

El Sol release date

Magik Theatre Brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to Life

Magik Theatre’s A Charlie Brown Christmas opens with its Party in the Park. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre Presents A Charlie Brown Christmas — A Heartwarming Holiday Tradition

San Antonio, TX – Magik Theatre is kicking off the holiday season with a festive family favorite: a charming stage adaptation of the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. Sponsored by Whataburger and Valero, the production runs November 22–December 24 and invites audiences of all ages to rediscover the joy, simplicity, and spirit of the holidays. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

This faithful retelling follows Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas. Surrounded by decorations and seasonal cheer, he still senses something missing. With help from Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang, he takes on directing the school Christmas play hoping it will bring clarity and connection. Featuring Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score and Charles M. Schulz’s gentle humor, the production is perfect for both longtime fans and children experiencing the Peanuts magic for the first time.

Special Events & Add-On Experiences

Story Time at Hemisfair – Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.

Join Magik Theatre staff for a special outdoor story time featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. The first 20 children receive a free book, plus enjoy a themed craft and playtime at Yanaguana Garden.

Opening Night Party in the Park – Saturday, Nov. 22

Party: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Show: 5 p.m.
Celebrate opening night with a free holiday party at Hemisfair Park featuring a live DJ, themed craft, hot chocolate from Paleteria SA, Peanuts photo ops, and pictures with Santa inside the theatre (BYOC). The party is open to all; the performance is ticketed.

Singalong Performance – Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Sing along to holiday favorites including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “O Christmas Tree,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” Guests receive lyric booklets, and Bird Bakery is providing complimentary cupcakes.

Backstage Experience Add-On (After Every Show Except Special Events)

For $20 per person, enjoy an onstage meet-and-greet, photo opportunities with the cast, a guided 15-minute tour, and a special treat.
Note: Not accessible for mobility devices. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Field Trips & Mini Camps

Student Matinees

Magik’s beloved field trips include a weekday performance plus TEKS-aligned learning. A December 5 performance includes live audio description for vision-impaired students. Educators can reserve field trips online.

Fall & Winter Mini Camps

Perfect for 1st–5th graders during school breaks.

  • Fall Camp: Nov. 24–26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – $145
  • Winter Camp: Dec. 23–24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – $50/day

Each camp features storytelling, puppetry, games, and a live performance.

Special Performances

Pay What You Wish + Live Audio Description – Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.

A donation-based, accessible performance sponsored by H-E-B. Live audio description (via headset) is provided by Vibrant Works. Tickets available only at the door on the day of the performance.

Educator Appreciation Day – Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m.

Educators and school staff receive one free ticket with ID. Additional tickets are 20% off.

ASL Interpreted Performance – Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

Featuring interpretation by Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s leading ASL interpreter.

Sensory-Friendly Performance – Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.

Ideal for guests on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, offering a relaxed, judgment-free environment.

Military & First Responders Day – Saturday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.

Service members with valid military ID can purchase $5 discounted tickets.

Ticket Information

Single Tickets

  • $30 – Adults
  • $25 – Children (2–17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students
  • Free – Children under 2 (unless using a seat)

Purchase online, by phone at (210) 227-2751, or in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S. Alamo). Group rates are available for parties of 10+.

A Charlie Brown Christmas cast. Photo: Mewborne Photography, used with permission.

The Forgotten Resistance Fighter Behind ‘The Name on the Wall’

‘The Name on the Wall’ is the new novel by Hervé Le Tellier. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: The Name on the Wall by Hervé Le Tellier

New York Times bestselling author Hervé Le Tellier, best known for The Anomaly, returns with a moving and deeply human story in The Name on the Wall: A Novel. Beautifully translated by Adriana Hunter, this poignant work of historical fiction unearths and honors the brief but powerful life of a young French Resistance fighter during World War II. (Other Press, 2025)

Blending autofiction with historical investigation, Le Tellier begins with a simple but haunting discovery: a name scrawled on the façade of his new home. That name belonged to André Chaix, a maquisard killed at just twenty years old in August 1944.

Through deft and careful storytelling, Le Tellier pieces together fragments of history to create a vivid, emotionally grounded narrative. He avoids sentimental clichés while illuminating the courage of an ordinary young man who took up arms, one among many, during one of the world’s darkest eras. Central to this story is André’s powerful love for Simone, whose presence adds depth and tenderness to the tale.

Arriving at a moment when fascist currents are rising again worldwide, The Name on the Wall resonates as both remembrance and warning. It gives voice to the ideals for which Chaix died and poses timeless questions about belonging, sacrifice, and our human desire to be part of something greater than ourselves.

About the Author

Hervé Le Tellier is a writer, journalist, mathematician, food critic, and teacher. He has been a member of the Oulipo group since 1992 and one of the “papous” of the famous France Culture radio show. He has published numerous books of stories, essays, memoir, and novels, including the Goncourt Prize–winning The Anomaly, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide, All Happy Families, Electrico W, and Enough About Love.

About the translator

Adriana Hunter studied French and Drama at the University of London. She has translated more than ninety books, including Marc Petitjean’s The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris and Hervé Le Tellier’s The Anomaly and Eléctrico W, winner of the French-American Foundation’s 2013 Translation Prize in Fiction. She lives in Kent, England.

All Saints Day Is the Must-Watch Dark Comedy of the Season

All Saints Day will be available on digital and on demand. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.

🎬 New Release Spotlight: ALL SAINTS DAY

Some family reunions are more sobering than others…

Mark your calendars: ALL SAINTS DAY arrives on digital and on demand December 2. This darkly funny, emotionally layered story blends dark comedy with family drama in a tight, compelling 99-minute feature. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

About the Film

When Ronan realizes his oldest brother, Kier, is drinking himself toward disaster, he launches a desperate intervention. But doing so means calling in reinforcements: their estranged priest brother and long-lost sister.

What follows is a chaotic, heartfelt, and unexpectedly humorous Irish family reunion, where old wounds and buried secrets collide in ways no one is prepared for.

The Creative Team

Written by Julianne Homokay
Homokay is a multi-talented screenwriter, playwright, performer, director, and musician. With an MFA in Playwriting from UNLV, her work spans numerous full-length plays and musicals.

ALL SAINTS DAY is adapted from her original stage play All Saints in the Old Colony, a 2015 Eugene O’Neill Theater Center semi-finalist that premiered at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis in 2018.

Directed by Matt Aaron Krinsky
Krinsky, director, producer, and writer, brings extensive experience across film, theater, and live events. ALL SAINTS DAY marks his feature film directorial debut, introducing his grounded, character-driven approach to the big screen.

Starring

  • Don Swayze (Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t!, On Swift Horses, True Blood)
  • Lenny Clarke (NBC’s Extended Family, Halloween Kills)
  • Jeff Berg (NCIS, Battlefield I)

Twang’s Pickle Gift Box Brings Big Flavor for National Pickle Day

Twang launches Pickle Gift Box for National Pickle Day, November 14. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Celebrate National Pickle Day with Twang’s Ultimate Pickle Gift Box 🥒

Pickles are having a major moment. According to GrubHub, pickle orders surged 89% in 2023, and pickle-flavored products are popping up everywhere, from Flamin’ Hot® Dill Pickle Cheetos to Jimmy John’s Picklewich. Whether you’re a long-time pickle enthusiast or a recent convert to the briny craze, there’s no denying that America is deep in its dill era. (Twang, 2025)

Pickles and Twang: A Perfect Pair

For Twang, the San Antonio–based salts and seasonings company, pickles aren’t just a passing trend, they’re part of their flavor DNA. Known for bold blends that bring zest to any snack or drink, Twang has long celebrated the tangy, salty joy that pickles bring.

Introducing the Pickle Gift Box

In honor of National Pickle Day (November 14), Twang is launching the Pickle Gift Box, a limited-edition collection packed with pickle-inspired goodies:

  • 🥒 1 Clear Green Fanny Pack
  • 🐶 1 Pickle Dog Keychain
  • ✨ 1 Twang Glitter Sticker
  • 🍸 1 Pickle Drink Rimmer
  • 🧂 1 Pickle Fiesta-Sized Flavored Salt Jar
  • 🌶️ 1 Hot Pickle Snack-Sized Flavored Salt Shaker
  • 🍺 1 Pickle Beer Salt Bottle
  • 🍈 1 Cucumber Chile Lime Beer Salt Bottle

Retailing for $50.00, the gift box is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves all things tangy, crunchy, and crave-worthy.

A Dill-Lightful Deal

From November 1–14, Twang is offering 10% off all pickle products, including the Pickle Gift Box. Use code PICKLEDAY at checkout to claim your discount. (One-time purchases only; offer can’t be combined with other discounts.)

So whether you’re seasoning your snacks, rimming your cocktail glass, or just living your best pickle-loving life, Twang’s got your flavor fix this National Pickle Day.

Between The Waves is Home Front’s Anthem for Resilience and Renewal

L-R Clint Frazier, Graeme MacKinnon. Photo By Lyle Bell, used with permission.

Home Front Shares Final Single “Between The Waves” Ahead of Watch It Die Release

This week, Home Front shared their final single, “Between The Waves,” from their upcoming album Watch It Die, out this Friday November 14 via La Vida Es Un Mus. Pre-Order/Pre-Save. (another side, 2025)

A Lifetime of DIY Spirit

For decades, Graeme MacKinnon and Clint Frazier have been deeply embedded in grassroots music-making, community building, and the unpredictable ebbs and flows of DIY punk.

Formed in 2020, Home Front channels their lifetime of experience into a project that feels nostalgic and forward-looking; a sound that moves between the textured sounds of Tangerine Dream and the pounding urgency of an anthem for survival.

Music That Grows Through Change

Home Front’s music holds onto a rare kind of passion, the kind that guides you, like a climbing vine wrapping around both triumphs and losses. Their lyrics and influences are specific yet universal, personal yet accessible.

The new record’s production, guided by a close-knit team of longtime collaborators, reflects their DIY ethos. Recorded in home studios in their hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Watch It Die is a testament to making something powerful out of humble circumstances.

Honest, Danceable, and Deeply Human

Watch It Die is built simply: 12 songs of danceable, hummable, and rousing honesty. The emotion of this LP solidifies these musical notions into meaningful art.

“For us, ultimately, this is music that comes out of loss and heartbreak and failure,” says the band. “You can get rowdy, you can get emotional, you can do whatever you want—but maybe, with all of that freedom, we take a second to reflect on all our fallen brothers and sisters and friends who may have slipped away.”

Finding Light in the Bleak

Rather than asking why or how we got here, Watch It Die offers a step forward, a dose of optimism and self-ownership in dark times. It reminds us that solitude doesn’t have to equal despair, and that wisdom can replace nostalgia as a form of grace.

This album doesn’t shy away from the world’s ills, it owns them, transforming pain into purpose.

Tour Dates

Home Front kick off their West Coast tour next week, including stops in:

  • San Francisco
  • Sacramento
  • Los Angeles’ Palladium (supporting Cock Sparrer on November 22 & 23)
  • Plus a release show just announced at Knuckleheads on November 22.

Home Front Live Dates:

Nov 20: Sacramento, CA – The Starlet Room
Nov 21: San Francisco, CA – Thee Parkside
Nov 22: Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium # (SOLD OUT)
Nov 22: Los Angeles, CA – Knucklehead (Release Show)
Nov 23: Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium !
Dec 13: Winnipeg, MB – The Handsome Daughter + (SOLD OUT)
Dec 19: Calgary, AB – Palomino * 
Dec 20: Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room ^
Feb 6-8: Hague, NL – Grauzone
# w/ Cock Sparrer, Dillinger Four, Castillo
! w/ Cock Sparrer, Dillinger Four, Generacion Suicida
+ Record Release Show w/ Imploders, Pure Impact
* Record Release Show w/ CloseTalkers, Puppet Wipes, Poltergeist
^ Record Release Show w/ Languid, Real Sickies

Watch It Die tracklist:
01 – Watch It Die
02 – New Madness
03 – Light Sleeper
04 – Between The Waves
05 – Eulogy
06 – The Vanishing
07 – For The Children (F*ck All)
08 – Kiss The Sky
09 – Always This Way
10 – Dancing With Anxiety
11 – Young Offender
12 – Empire