Keith Jardine’s Kill Me Again is a Haunting Loop of Guilt and Redemption

Keith Jardine’s Kill Me Again. Photo: Vertical

🎬 Movie Review: Kill Me Again

Writer/Director: Keith Jardine
Starring: Brendan Fehr, Majandra Delfino, Raoul Max Trujillo
Genre: Slasher Horror, Fantasy, Thriller

Synopsis

Charlie, a notorious serial killer known as The Midnight Mangler, finds himself trapped reliving the same violent night over and over. At first, he embraces his grisly urges but as the cycle continues, desperation sets in. Haunted by his actions and unable to escape the endless nightmare, Charlie begins to unravel both mentally and morally. It is available for streaming for free on Amazon Prime and The Roku Channel and for rent/buy on Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies, among others.

Review

Kill Me Again is a gripping psychological horror-thriller that takes the “time loop” concept and twists it into something darkly original. The film follows the Midnight Mangler, a notorious serial killer who becomes trapped reliving the same brutal night again and again and forced to face his own monstrosity with each repetition. It starts off as a regular slasher movie but evolves into a chilling study of guilt, punishment, and the possibility of redemption.

Keith Jardine’s direction is sharp and atmospheric, using shadowy cinematography to mirror the killer’s descent into madness. Even the name of the café, The Killer Café, points to how everything centers around Charlie. Though uncomfortable to watch, Charlie’s initial encounter with Ana shows the depth of his depravity. Each repeated night peels back another layer of his past, revealing brief flashes of humanity beneath the horror. The pacing is relentless yet purposeful, balancing the gore with moments of eerie introspection. Jardine has a small but significant role that comes full circle at the end.

Brendan Fehr delivers a standout performance, menacing yet heartbreakingly human, as the Midnight Mangler. As the loops continue, his torment shifts from physical violence to existential dread. He begins to question his own identity and the meaning of his endless suffering. Towards the end, you can tell he wants to overcome his evil nature, but succumbs every time. The story becomes less about murder and more about moral reckoning.

Stylish, unsettling, and surprisingly introspective, Kill Me Again is a chilling exploration of the cyclical nature of evil and the nightmare of never escaping oneself. There’s plenty of violence and gore to please fans of slasher films, yet the overall message is more of a social commentary.

The Berries Return: Matthew Berry’s Most Personal Album Yet

The Berries announces forthcoming new album. Photo: Ajalena Dewolf Moura, used with permission.

The Berries Announce New Self-Titled Album — Out August 29

A Return to Form for Matthew Berry

The Berries marks a pure return to form, delivering Matthew Berry’s strongest take yet on the hallowed tradition of the guitar-wielding singer-songwriter. The LP masterfully channels the tradition’s iconic sentiments—naked Americana, chemical winds whistling over barley shafts, longing-swollen livers, and pleading romance—while infusing them with a rich melancholy that is distinctly Berry’s. (another side, 2025)

Breaking from the Past

Berry describes the record as an act of survival and rebirth:

“This record came out of a need to break from my old self, to break from a lifestyle that I could no longer bear waking up to everyday. It’s equally fueled by remorse and relief—I can rejoice a bit in having found a renewed purpose, but I had to finally stare down everything that was standing in the way of that sense of dignity first.”

Sound and Structure

Sonically, The Berries draws inspiration from a long lineage of studio-centered pop songcraft—from the comedown genius of Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac to the reverb-drenched expanses of The War on Drugs.

The album unfolds as a series of impressionistic vignettes, each track carving out its own emotional terrain rather than conforming to established genre convention.

Lead Single: Angelus

On standout track and lead single “Angelus,” Berry threads together tender vocal melodies over a sparse progression, slowly building a wall of melancholy. The song resonates with a distinctly Californian desolation—capturing the loneliness of highway overpasses and the apocalyptic brightness of staring out across the Pacific.

Evolution of The Berries

The Berries began as a bedroom project—cosmic Americana and fuzzy guitar heroics that quickly secured Berry a multi-record deal with Run for Cover Records.

Since then, Berry has explored:

Berryland — country-inflected balladeering
Throne of Ivory — distorted, stadium-sized melodrama
High Flying Man — Californian burnout pop

Now, with The Berries, Berry steps fully into his role as a self-made studio auteur. Written in early 2025 and recorded that summer at engineer Jimmy Dixon’s home studio, the record reflects both urgency and precision, co-produced by Berry and Dixon.

Release Details

The Berries (self-released) will be available in stores and online August 29, 2025. It is available for pre-order/pre-save.

The Berries tracklist:

1 – Sedentary Blues
2 – Vagabond
3 – Angelus
4 – White Peach
5 – Wind Chime
6 – Run You Down
7 – Salt Of The Earth
8 – Lie In The Fire Again
9 – Something Better
10 – Seventh
Album Art/Photo By Ajalena Dewolf Moura

Slow Crush Announces Thirst: A Haunting New Chapter in Shoegaze

Slow Crush reveals ‘While You Dream Vividly’ from their new album Thirst. Photo: Stefaan Temmerman, used with permission.

🎤Slow Crush Announce New Album Thirst, Out August 29 via Pure Noise Records

Slow Crush is back—and more immersive than ever. The Belgian four-piece has announced their upcoming album, Thirst, due out August 29 via their new label, Pure Noise Records. Known for their powerful fusion of rock and shoegaze, Slow Crush further solidifies their place at the forefront of the genre with this emotionally rich and sonically textured release. (another side, 2025)

A Dreamscape of Sound: New Single “While You Dream Vividly”

Last month, the band gave listeners a taste of what’s to come with their latest single, “While You Dream Vividly.” Ethereal and haunting, the track unfolds as a layered journey through longing and surrender.

“We wanted to capture the sensation of being tethered to someone yet drifting weightlessly, lost in the surreal beauty of the moment,” the band shares.

Set to a hypnotic rhythm and draped in melancholic tones, the song draws you into a hazy dreamscape where time fades and only connection remains. Frontwoman Isa Holliday’s evocative lyrics—what she calls “true blue”—echo like a timeless promise, leaving you floating, falling, and forever yearning.

A Gritty Evolution

On Thirst, Slow Crush’s signature gauzy riffs and propulsive rhythms return with even more grit and depth. The band used the downtime between tours to dive deep into their creative process following the success of their acclaimed albums Aurora (2018) and Hush (2021), which collectively sold tens of thousands of physical copies worldwide.

This time, they decamped to The Ranch in Southampton, U.K., teaming up with producer Lewis Johns. With no expectations except transformation, vocalist/bassist Isa Holliday, drummer Frederik Meeuwis, and guitarists Jelle Ronsmans and Nic Placlé pushed their sound into new territory.

Emotional Depth and Vulnerability

Across Thirst’s ten tracks, Slow Crush explores themes of renewal, connection, and emotional intensity. The album is heavier and more vulnerable than ever. Isa reached new emotional depths in the recording booth—some tracks brought her to tears, marking the band’s rawest and most personal work yet. Pre-Order / Pre-Save Thirst.

At its heart, Thirst revolves around what Isa calls:

“The romance of being with a loved one.”

Whether navigating the ache of distance or savoring the fleeting perfection of reunion, Thirst captures that delicate tension—of being tethered to someone while drifting together through something dreamlike and beautiful.

Upcoming Fall Tour

To celebrate the release of Thirst, Slow Crush will embark on a headlining Fall tour beginning in early September. The run kicks off on the East Coast and includes stops across both coasts, the Midwest, and more.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now.

Thirst tracklist:

1 – Thirst
2 – Covet
3 – Cherry
4 – Leap
5 – Hollow
6 – Haven
7 – While You Dream Vividly
8 – Bloodmoon
9 – Ógilt
10 – Hlýtt

Stay tuned for more from Slow Crush as Thirst approaches. This one promises to be their most transcendent chapter yet.

‘RED’ by Jet Jurgensmeyer: A Country Anthem That Bleeds Unity

‘RED’ cover art. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎶Jet Jurgensmeyer Releases Powerful New Music Video for “RED”

Nashville, TN – Rising country artist Jet Jurgensmeyer has officially dropped the music video for his latest single, “RED,” now available on all major streaming platforms. (Aristo PR, 2025)

🎥A Visual Tribute to Heart, Hard Work, and Heritage

Filmed at the scenic Galloway Farms in Franklin, Tennessee, the video showcases Jurgensmeyer immersed in rural Americana—waving the American flag, working the land, and reflecting on shared values. Directed by the Riker Brothers, the film pairs sweeping drone shots and raw, grounded imagery with the song’s soul-stirring message: “At the end of the day, we all bleed red.”

“Filming this music video was an absolute blast,” says Jurgensmeyer. “I felt right at home working on the farm, and I think this video really captures the heart of what we wrote the song about. It’s a freedom anthem for everyone.”

The Story Behind “RED”

Written by Jurgensmeyer, Ericca Latza, and Kayleigh Clark, the idea for “RED” was sparked during Jet’s drive to their first-ever writing session together. He pitched a concept centered around the color red—a symbol of both unity and struggle.

The song evolved into a powerful anthem celebrating the shared human experience, touching on themes of hard work, love, pride, and identity. From red dirt on blue-collar boots to the stripes on the American flag, “RED” reminds us that, despite our differences, we all bleed the same.

Produced by Jurgensmeyer and Dan Frizsell at Farmland (Berry Hill) in Nashville, the track is a bold statement wrapped in an authentic country sound.

Building Momentum with “Going Next”

“RED” follows the release of Jet’s emotionally charged single “Going Next”—a heartfelt reflection on relationships and perseverance, co-written with Andrew Rizzuto. The acoustic-driven ballad paints a tender portrait of love through uncertainty, vulnerability, and the promise of what’s to come.

From THE RIDE: phase 2

Both singles are featured on Jurgensmeyer’s 2024 album, THE RIDE: phase 2, released in July. The 11-track collection blends country, rock, and pop, delivering fan favorites like “Good Days,” “Coffee Bar,” and “Falling Too.” Each song showcases Jet’s evolving songwriting, diving into themes of love, growth, and emotional resilience.

Available now on all streaming platforms, THE RIDE: phase 2 cements Jurgensmeyer as one of country music’s most promising new voices.

More Than Music: A Career in Entertainment

Beyond his musical talents, Jet Jurgensmeyer is a seasoned actor and voice artist, with standout roles in hit series like Last Man Standing, Adventures in Babysitting, and TOTS (as the voice of Pip the Penguin). He’s also appeared in acclaimed projects such as Ozark, American Sniper, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI.

His voice work spans beloved shows like Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, and Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie. In every project, Jurgensmeyer brings heartfelt authenticity and vibrant energy.

Giving Back

Outside of the spotlight, Jurgensmeyer is also known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, showing a commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the stage.

Stream “RED” and watch the official video today – a heartfelt anthem from an artist who’s just getting started.

Mixtape Memories: Jacob Duarte’s Deluxe Edition Hits Hard and Haunting

Nihilistic Easyrider (Jacob Duarte of Narrow Head) announces debut album via Run For Cover. Photo: Derek Rathburn, used with permission.

🎤Nihilistic Easyrider’s DELUXE EDITION: A Mixtape of Memories, Melodies, and Melancholy

Nihilistic Easyrider is the brainchild of Narrow Head frontman Jacob Duarte—but make no mistake, this isn’t a solo endeavor in disguise. DELUXE EDITION is a genre-blurring mixtape: a collection of songs written across various phases of Duarte’s career. The album pulls from a colorful palette of styles—Y2K-era emo, pop punk anthems, Soviet fuzz-drenched alt rock, and shimmering pop reminiscent of Evan Dando. (another side, 2025)

The debut is brought to life by an ensemble that includes Narrow Head drummer Carson Wilcox, producer and former tour-mate Graham Hunt, and features from Momma’s Allegra Weingarten and Ella Friedman. Even with its eclectic range, DELUXE EDITION remains rooted in Duarte’s signature approach to songwriting—melodic, moody, and full of hooks.

An Emotional Companion to Narrow Head’s Depth

In both lyric and sound, DELUXE EDITION shares Narrow Head’s penchant for navigating the emotional wreckage of modern life. The themes—romantic failures, mental unraveling, and existential burnout—are now filtered through the lens of mundane reality. Hunt’s textured production brings Duarte’s inner world to life with buzzing synths, barroom piano bursts, rattling acoustics, and early-aughts-styled sonic quirks.

The Lead Single: “Getaway Plan”

Written during a 2021 stay in Florida, the album’s opener, “Getaway Plan,” launches straight into jubilant pop-rock territory. Duarte strings together irresistible hooks before unleashing a Smashing Pumpkins-style climax of arena-ready guitar theatrics. The song’s lyrics tell a tale of failed midnight meetups and the naïve hope of suburban escape—summed up with the bittersweet charm of a red Solo Cup on a front lawn.

The track arrives with a playful video directed by Nate Kahn, starring Matt Berry (The Berries), who “signs” Duarte to Run For Cover Records for a fictional one quadrillion dollars.

From the Road to the Studio

Fresh off a relentless touring cycle behind Narrow Head’s 2023 album Moments of Clarity—featuring dates with Interpol, Snail Mail, Senses Fail, and others—DELUXE EDITION feels like a welcome retreat. It captures a rawer, more off-the-cuff studio vibe while also looping in some of Duarte’s tour comrades for cameos.

“Narrow Head and this project are equally big parts of me, and I need to do them both,” Duarte explains. “But I always know if a riff is going to become a Narrow Head song or a Nihilistic Easyrider song the moment I first write it. In a funny way, these Nihilistic Easyrider songs are closer to the music I always wanted to make growing up — they’ve got that real ’90s and 2000s emo feel that I grew up loving and wanting to channel.”

🎶On Tour This Fall

Nihilistic Easyrider hits the road this fall for a North American headlining tour kicking off in Houston and Austin, with stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Washington D.C., and more. Support comes from On Being an Angel.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss it.

Check below for full dates and locations.

Nihilistic Easyrider Live Dates:
Tickets Here | Hi Re Poster Here
Sep 12: Houston, TX – Secret Group
Sep 13: Austin, TX – Mohawk (Inside)
Sep 16: Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Sep 17: Bloomington, IN – The Bishop
Sep 18: Detroit, MI – Parts & Labor
Sep 19: Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s
Sep 20: Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
Sep 22: Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye
Sep 23: New York, NY – Night Club 101
Sep 24: Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA
Sep 25: Washington, DC – DC9
Sep 26: Raleigh, NC – Kings
Sep 27: Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5

DELUXE EDITION Tracklist:
1 – Getaway Plan
2 – Weekend Forever
3 – Facedown
4 – Drive All Night
5 – Don’t Get Scared Now
6 – Well Kept Secret
7 – Sanitorium
8 – Smiles and Cries
9 – Everything Is So F*cked Up
10 – Howie On The Brain
11 – Waiting On Someone
12 – The Way It Crumbles

Local Spotlight: How Harlingen Community Theatre Breathes New Life into ‘Godspell’

*Gospell* is now playing at the Harlingen Community Theatre.

This year the Harlingen Community Theatre is celebrating its 50th Season and its current production is Godspell. Godspell, the beloved musical with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak, has charmed audiences since its debut in 1971 with its joyful energy, imaginative staging, and heartfelt message. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, the show reimagines biblical parables with a modern twist, blending pop-rock music, imaginative characters, and a vibrant, communal spirit. Its universal message of love, compassion, and forgiveness—values that transcend religion and remain deeply relevant today.

Locally, it opened on Thursday April 10 and features a talented cast that brings this classic musical to life. Over the years, Godspell has retained its appeal through its adaptability and emotional sincerity. Each production is encouraged to reflect the times, making it ever-fresh for new generations and this one is no exception. There are a couple of added scenes and dialogue to add relevance to modern times and the cast is encouraged to bring their own flavor to the scenes.

Stephen Rodriguez is a natural in the role of Jesus and David Laughlin’s portrayal of Judas is haunting and poignant. The show’s upbeat songs like ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Prepare Ye’ resonate across eras, reminding audiences of the enduring power of kindness and connection in an often divided world. Highlights include when Jesus defends the woman accused of adultery by challenging those accusing her that if any one them is without sin, to cast the first stone. He does this by playing a card game with them in which they are each given a card that has the word ‘SIN’ on it. Another is in Act Two, the emotional ‘Beautiful City’ by Jesus, which turns the tide of the show and sets the stage for the heartbreaking finale. The catchy musical numbers, humor, and humanity makes it a must-see production.

In today’s society—marked by social unrest, isolation, and a longing for meaning—Godspell serves as both a celebration and a call to action. Its themes of community, inclusion, and moral courage strike a powerful chord. Whether experienced as a nostalgic favorite or a first-time discovery, Godspell continues to inspire reflection and hope, proving that its message is not just timely, but timeless.

There are still two chances to catch this unforgettable production: Saturday and Sunday at 2:30p.m. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and are available online and in person an hour before showtime.

Cast:
Jesus – Stephen Rodriguez
John the Baptist/Judas – David Laughlin

Vendors and Customers:
Xochitl Carmona, Alyssa Christiansen, David Dillon, Beth Ensign, Kathy Eunice, Justin Evans, Vicky Fultz, Amy Gonzalez, Ariel S. Gonzalez, Jorge Gonzalez, Stephanie Jackson, Trinity Minson, Carmen Montalvo, Ian Montalvo, Damian Moseley

Harlingen Community Theatre
1209 Fair Park Blvd
Harlingen, TX

Harlingen Community Theatre

Twists, Turns, and Terrors: ‘The Damned’ is the Newest Nordic Thriller Masterpiece

*The Damned*, the new chilling Nordic thriller, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on January 10, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychological thrillers explore complex human emotions, fears, and motivations, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These films go into the minds of characters, creating an atmosphere of tension, suspense, and unpredictability. The appeal lies in the psychological manipulation, where viewers become immersed in a web of deception, unreliable narrators, and mind games. The genre stimulates intellectual engagement, as it challenges perceptions and provokes deep thought about human nature. Audiences are drawn to the psychological complexity and emotional intensity, seeking both excitement and the thrill of solving mysteries within the narrative.

Vertical has announced that Thordur Palsson’s ominous and chilling thriller The Damned will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th January 2025. (Strike Media, 2024)

Starring Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London), The Damned is a tense psychological horror film that follows 19th-century widow, Eva. She is tasked with making an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost during the middle of an especially cruel winter.

With provisions running low, Eva and her close-knit community must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked crew and prioritizing their own survival. Facing the consequences of their decision and tormented by guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices.

Following its premiere in November, the Cork International Film Festival 2024 awarded an Honourable Mention to The Damned commenting ‘The Damned is a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.’

Inspired by the Westfjords of Iceland in the 1800s, The Damned takes place in an unforgiving, almost unlivable setting, yet one that is steeped in immense beauty and turbulent folklore.

For director Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders), himself a native Icelander, it was this folklore and mythology that led him to develop the idea that would later become The Damned. Growing up in Iceland, family members would often share gruesome tales of ghosts, demons and evil spirits.

‘Every Icelander has heard all kinds of different variations of the truth – all elements of our history that have been passed down. One of these stories was about a ship that sank off the shores of Iceland, with all survivors being killed by the natives. Having known of this, I started to write a story relating to it and kept fleshing it out, adding darker elements.’ – Thordur Palsson

Rooted in the depths of Norse Mythology, The Damned features haunting performances from Rory McCann (Game of Thrones), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), Turlough Convery (Belfast), Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy), Francis Magee (The Tourist), and Mícheál Óg Lane (Calvary).

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