Here we go again, settling into the new semester, new issues with classes, (new issues of Roux) WELCOME BACK! Remember when you stayed up late at night to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the X-Files, when your parents could still tell you to turn off the TV when you had been playing Resident Evil 4 until 3AM? Your Nokia reminding you that your friends love you and that the house party is going to be at Peter’s place next Friday night When you were playing with your gameboy on the way to your bed from the toilet? The world’s watching Tony Hawk hitting the first 900 or you're playing as his avatar in one of his games The world was supposed to be ending soon and yet we ’ re still waiting for the Mayans to have been right and the world to fall apart and inevitably end, but it’s just society doing its work for now The digital age had not taken over yet, but it was slowly infesting our lives and spreading like the zombie virus from Resident Evil If you wanted to listen to Toxicity by System of a Down you had to go on LimeWire and torrent that bitch, hoping that it will be downloaded and burnt on a CD before it’s bedtime Life was so colorful back then, the music was daring, the fashion was ridiculous, and daily life seemed to be so organically connected in an extraordinary fashion In this colorful mess, you skip on the sidewalk, next to the line of people sleeping in tents in front of the Apple store, thinking of your crush’s smile and how you ’ re gonna ask her out next friday We’ve started wearing our past like a heart patch on our sleeve, thinking that if we hold on close enough nothing will hurt us, living in a future that’s nothing like what we ’ ve been before. Technology was becoming a prevalent part of our lives, but it didn’t feel invasive or as if it was going to replace us. In a way, maybe it was the last time technology still felt human. I hope you got your walkman ready, because we have it all for you in this issue!
Remember how you were thirsting over your favourite boyband? Well then boy do we have the quiz for you to see who your MiCROPLAST!K soulmate is! You wanna charm your crush with a magic spell? STOP RIGHT THERE! We have an article on magic rules that you have to read to understand the repercussions of magic Are you looking for something new to make your day even more enjoyable? We have a bunch of new products in our ad-space to solve problems you never knew you had!
Get our new MiCROPLAST!K Band T, read our carefully calculated horoscope predictions and find out how your semester is going to be, and check out all the new outfits in our fashion lookbook to be the icon you were destined to be! Enjoy the ride, lean back and kick back as we ’ re about to take you through space and time
Written by Nael Nassan and Daniel Schenkels | Designed by Nael Nassan
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
As a water-bearer (but an air sign), you should probably go for a swim this semester! Hey, Aquasud and Coque are free for students after all. How about we hold ourselves back from impulsively buying plenty of trinkets as well? Save some coins in your wallet and stay ambitious wooo!
DOs: walks in nature DONTs: caves, children‘s snot and lice
c h : enoignaMigiuL
Celebrity Mat
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
This is not your semester Just give up You know how they say “time to step up, champ!”? Don’t Whatever plans you had, change them Don’t socialize, it might rub off on people, it’s better to keep your misfortune just to yourself, do not contaminate people’s futures. Unless you ’ re really kind and strong; then, even the stars cannot dictate your destiny. DOs: Prove us wrong DONTs: Give up
Aries (21 March — 19 April)
Just like Aries‘ anger issues, Saturn spins super fucking fast this year, which can only mean one thing… the university will treat you kindly, and work too! You heard correctly This semester, try to eat something other than plain pasta for dinner (some greens, maybe?) You deserve it
DOs: Crime Scene Cleaning, cardboard DON‘Ts: Self-punishment, tampons
CelebrityMatch: LadyGaga(ate)
draagekre
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
You will meet a girl and you will make it awkward.
CelebrityMatch:
Gemini (21 May – 21 June)
IN: switching between 33 tabs on conspiracy theories at 3 33AM OUT: having one (1) singular personality
New semester, new sucky seminars to be stoked about for about 12 minutes before being bored beyond reason, same old attention span (or lack thereof) You’re bouncing between after-class hangouts, three jobs, and existential crises like a Tamagotchi on its last battery. Try finishing one thing before hyper-fixating on another We believe in you Kinda
Cancer (22 June – 22 July)
IN: medieval armour, Dalmat dates, speaking your mind OUT: Roman Empire
Celebrity Match: StuartPot
Doe-eyed, sensitive and fierce-hearted, my dear Cancerians – this semester, at last, is your time to shine. Stars are clear on that one: they are prophesying you a complete manifestation of your heart’s desires Your favourite canteen dessert will come back in style Watch out for evil step-moms, poisoned apples and suspicious little guys
CelebrityMatch: LanadelRAy
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
MONEYYY MMMM YOU LOVE MONEY, THIS YEAR YOU WILL GET LOTS OF MONEY OOOO U WILL LET YOUR PARTNER DRAIN YOUR WALLET! YOU WILL GET SOOO RICH!
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
Dear Virgos, stop being annoying or you'll get hit by a comet! On a brighter note, Mars in the 9th house brings abundant luck, success, and love great things are coming!! Your totem animal this month is the turtle, a gentle reminder to slow down and take a bit more time especially before you speak. Remember, sometimes silence is golden.
DOs: Sign up for the dance classes on page 24-25
CelebrityMatch: KyokoKirigiri
Libra (23 September — 23 October)
A challenging semester might test your limits! It‘s time to put these perfectionist-ambitions to rest and embrace well, your affinity for pretty things Libras love beauty, no? And they are (apparently) balanced, so keep your poise with career, health and love. Tips for this semester: wear blue eyeshadow, eat big shrimps, adopt a rat (a hamster works too).
Scorpio (24 October – 21 November)
Dear Scorpios, WE KNOW about your horrible sense of humor and that you love to read our magazines Just like the other semesters, you’ll somehow manage to succeed this semester too Your room might be on fire but hang in there, it is fine. Remember, slow down – especially on drugs – and take life easy.
DONTs: Drugs DOs: Me Instead
Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)
Oh look who it is – our favourite delusional Waldo extraordinaire You treat life like a Cyberpunk 2077 side quest, and, honestly? We respect that But wouldn’t it be kinda cute not to disappear off the grid with zero explanation mid-semester? Like, just for the plot? Pls? <3
DOs: shooting your shot in a MySpace mirror selfie typa way DONTs: commitment issues (trust babe, consistency is so hot)
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Goated, is what you are, you shall never forget that, not this month anyway. A cornucopia, a horn or hornette of strengths, stamina, and like your celeb match, thirsty for action Go to the wire, announce your becoming, and tear down all walls You know Or not Snuggling in with a jar of peanut butter’ll do the trick, too
5
Rules PracticalOf Magic
BECAUSE A LITTLE COSMIC INTERVENTION NEVER HURT ANYBODY… UNLESS YOU BREAK RULE #1!
Some comfort 90s movies just stick with you. Practical Magic (1998) is one of those – starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this whimsy-goth tale about two sisters-witches teaches us the importance of embracing one’s power (even if it scares you a little). The Owen sisters prove that magic is not at all about controlling fate, but rather working with it. If you’ve ever whispered a wish into the wind or felt like the moon was looking out for you, you already know what I am talking about.
Consider this your friendly guide to everyday magic –no cauldron required.
1
DON’T MESS WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S ENERGY
THE GOLDEN RULE OF MAGIC #1:
Only ever do magic for yourself. What you do unto others comes back to you threefold – a cosmic law, my sweet. As tempting as it might be to cast a little something-something for your bestie’s love life or to punish that group project slacker, don’t do it. We each walk our own path, and interfering – even with good intentions – is a violent intrusion into the sensitive matter of our destinies. It’s important that people around you be free to follow their way, as one can’t possibly know which hardships are meant for them to persevere, and to learn something extremely important they could use later on.
Be there for your people, but let them work their own magic.
2
WHAT’S DONE IN RHYME WORKS EVERY TIME
Everything that rhymes casts a spell. Not sure if you’ll pass an exam? Want to secure that internship? Here’s a potent template for a spell:
As below, so above [insert your wish as it’s already happening, but with a rhyme] [OR:] As within, so without.... etc!
Example:
A SPELL TO PASS PHONETICS WITH PROF. DEROY*
*much requested by our readers
As without, so within, Fortune paves my way to win As below, so above Got 20 in Phonetics now
3
EMBRACE THE PLAYFULNESS
Light some incense, put on a Stevie Nicks shawl, layer up the amulets, turn your dorm bedroom into a mystic temple. Take it seriously, but not too seriously. Approach magic the way kids play make-believe – serious just enough to immerse and focus, but otherwise taking it easy and going with the flow. Act and recite like someone is watching you (they are).
DEVELOP YOUR OWN LANGUAGE OF SYMBOLS
4 5
“Do I need a rose quartz for love? A green candle for money?” Listen, symbols are personal. A spell is only as strong as what it means to you. Maybe love smells like cinnamon to you, or success feels like the weight of a golden ring on your finger. Find objects that resonate with your energy and use them – eat them, drink them, wear them, bury them, burn them. Your magic, your rules.
START A LOCAL COVEN
Everything is more fun when done with friends. Gather your soulmates, no matter if it’s a power duo or a full four-element squad (Water, Fire, Earth, Air – your choice). Get together for candlelit nights, wrapped in black lace, hosting tarot readings and making moon water. Binge-watch The Craft and Practical Magic, dance blasting Type O Negative or Garbage. Call it a coven, a club, a secret society, whatever fits your vibe. The point? Magic is communal. A little ritual bonding never goes out of style.
ALL IN ALL, REMEMBER: THE ART OF MAGIC IS THE ART OF CONNECTION: BETWEEN YOU AND THE UNIVERSE, BETWEEN THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN, BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR CHOSEN PEOPLE.
To All the Forgotten Gadgets, Toys and Knick-Knacks…
Written by the roux team and designed by Alexandra
Nintendo DS
me green and hang me from a tree cause imma leaf the best consol the nintendo is coo es too. Unfortunately nintendon ` t cook like that anymore.
-Dorian
You want to be cool? Well, cut off your blood circulation while wearing way too many Silly Bandz on each arm! From animals to random objects from blue to red everything is possible with Silly Bandz My favourites were the star shaped ones, as well as the animal ones If you have some glow in the dark ones, I want to trade please!! Also, maybe you could help me figure out what this weird shape is? No? I guess we’ll never know
-Alexandra
Silly Bandz
H20:JUST ADD WATER! H20:JUST ADD WATER!
CHILDRENS SHOWS: MUCH BETTER IN THE 2000S CHILDRENS SHOWS: MUCH BETTER IN THE 2000S
Writtenanddesigned by AlexandraIonita
CLEO, EMMA AND RIKKI: ICONIC MERMAIDS AND RELATABLE TEENS?
H2O is a show that marked the early 2000s, as shown by its immense popularity then and today. But how is this show still a staple of TV entertainment that stands the test of time? In my opinion, children’s shows are not made like this anymore. Any newer show feels very “childish”, in the sense that the characters are not as well rounded and the difficulties they face are not relatable or realistic.
Over the release of the show’s seasons, it was nominated for many awards for the positive message it sent to its young viewers. The show presented well thought-out characters with full personalities and relatable personal struggles. The sisterly quarrels between Cleo and Kim, the class difference between Rikki and Zane, the clash between ‘goody two shoes’ Emma and Rikki ‘the rebel’, the Sertori girls losing their mom… So many compelling scenarios are constructed to appeal to the real lives of the audience, and to teach kids that beyond the magic of the mermaids, they are still regular girls that have hopes and struggles, and that no matter what they are bound together by their friendship.
Cleo and her sister Kim annoying each other, despite another, as they really bond mom leaves their dad, the siblings are devastated and find comfort in each other, as family. The plot point of Cleo’s mom leaving the family seemed to be a very abrupt transition from season 1 to season 2. This departure complicated the Sertori family dynamics, offering the viewers a realistic view of kids missing their mom and trying to adjust to their new idea of normal. Cleo struggles with her mom’s departure, feeling depressed and suffocated by the attention of her boyfriend Lewis, as well as showing frustration and disappointment when her dad seems to be moving on. The writers of the show really put forth the raw and complex emotions Cleo is feeling, a true depiction of a teen going through a tough time.
In the case of Emma, her life seems to be going quite well, she is rich, well liked and a brilliant student. However, quitting the swimming team hit her very hard. She had friends, a community, and a refuge in the swimming team, which all progressively withered away throughout season 1. So much after her mermaid transformation that it is not mentioned again in season 2.
In season 2, she tells Ash (her love interest) that she has gotten over the sadness of quitting the swimming team, fully moving on from what was such a big part of her for her entire life before she became a mermaid. Her major character development comes when her personality clashes with Rikki’s. During the 2 seasons, their very distinct personalities make them opposites.
Rikki is the rebel that parties and breaks the rules, while Emma is the rule-following girl. Emma sees how popular Rikki is for her rebellious vibe, and when she tries to emulate that wild appearance, she causes a lot of trouble, which she feels very bad for, and thus realises that being herself is best, and that there is no need to change to be liked. Rikki’s biggest development comes in the form of her learning to ask for help and show her true self to her friends. She comes from a poorer background, and it seems she feels ashamed of it, especially in front of her rich boyfriend Zane. But over time, she learns that her friends are there for her no matter what. They don’t care that she doesn’t live in fancy houses like them, her friends accept her and love her unconditionally.
The three girls have such beautiful storylines that show compassion, growth, friendship, all wrapped up in the magical fantasy of the mermaid abilities and the mesmerizing Mako Island with all its full moon shenanigans, playful dolphins, intimidating sharks and plenty of mystery.
q TRUE SOULMATE?
which MiCROPLAST!K member is your
Find out where exactly you fall on the spectrum of your most beloved boyband. Who has the most potential to become your ideal musiciansweetheart... and who doesn’t? go!
IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY! YOU’RE INVITING A BUNCH OF PEOPLE…
OF COURSE!!!
YOU LIKE YOUR MEN BABYGIRLIFIED.
HELL, NO!
POETRY, PROSE, BOOKS… YOU DEVOUR THEM LIKE (VEGAN) STEAK!
I CAN BARELY READ THIS QUIZ...
YOU SEE A WILD LEOPARD APPROACHING…
YOU GET IIIIT.
I GOT DYSLEXIA READING THIS!
Overjoyed with your result? Let us hear it! Tell us who you got - shoot us an email or a quick message/ comment on our Instagram (roux.magazine) or Tiktok (roux_uni_lu)!
ABSOLUTELY.
YOU THINK NERDS HAVE A CERTAIN JE NE SAIS QUOI…
HEREEEE, KITTY, KITTY!
I HAVE ALLERGIES... NO!!!
YOU HAVE A COMMANDING PRESENCE THAT SOME MIGHT FIND INTIMIDATING.
YOU HOST A BANGING PARTY AT YOUR HOUSE WITH A SPECIAL PLAYLIST, CAREFULLY CURATED BY YOU, BLASTING FROM YOUR FRESHLY-BOUGHT BOOMBOX. A PERSON GRABS THE AUX AND PUTS ON AN ATROCIOUS SONG – DO YOU CHOOSE VIOLENCE?
NAH... NEVER!
MURDER!
Miller & Dorian Sousa Calvo
CURIOUS AND OPEN TO NEW THINGS, YOU DON’T MIND MUSIC IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE… THE VIBE IS WHERE IT’S AT!
DAMN STRAIGHT!
YOU’RE A BIG TALKER! MEANING: A MOSTLY NON-VERBAL LAD IS A PERFECT FIT FOR YOU, RIGHT?
Cedric l’amour
Cedric’s sensitive soul is destined to steal your heart. And if his dreamy eyes and wavy hair don’t make you swoon, surely the 50th’s rendition of Wonderwall will do the job (he cries every single time).
JORGE MIGUEL
Make sure to pack a bikini, because Jorge will take you to the beach… also a dictionary because Jorge no habla inglés.
I’M QUITE HUNGRY!
SNAILS, MUSHROOMS, LIVER: YUCK! YOU‘RE A PICKY EATER, TOTES!
YOU’RE ADVENTUROUS AND FUNNY: LOUD MUSIC, PRANKS, ARSON, CLUBS AND ROCK’N’ROLL… YOU NAME IT.
BOBBIE TRILLIONZ
Get ready to wild out at the skatepark, because Bobbie is about to whip out his trick book. Normally we’d say “break a leg!”, but he might beat you to it.
Be prepared for an unforgettable night (or nights) cause Vladimir never sleeps. We hope you like doing sport cause he probably lost his driving licence and you will have to ride back home on a bike.
VLADIMIR TIMBERLAKE
SOFI:
For me, fashion is a great place to explore ambiguity and androgyny. Whenever my mood calls for it, I whip out something that is somewhat inspired by streetwear; especially that of the early 2000s!
bottoms:
In my book, you can never go wrong with a biiiiig pair of pants. These are HUMONGOUS on me, but that makes them so perfect to recapture that delicious, loose and extremely oversized look we’re going for. I got these as a gift from Gracie from Animal Crossing!
shoes:
Just your reliable, daily sneakers should do!
KRISTINA:
My choice is inspired by y2k female horror game protagonists, Sucker Punch (2011) and Live Through This (1994) album by Hole. You can rock this outfit both for the 9-5 office job AND for demon slaying combat – I’m a real city girl who appreciates multifunctionality.
headaccessoire, bag and earrings: Thrifted treasures: These chunky, fun earrings, a headband and this small but practical bag round up the fit perfectly and save it from looking a tad bit too boring.
bonus top 1 and 2:
If I feel like fully committing to the masc/androgynous look, I prefer combining the big bottoms with equally big shirts. Usually those including your fav artists will do the job. I found these while breaking into the storage room in the student residence I previously lived in!
top:
This thing is SO tight but SO perfect to contrast the huge bottoms. The graphic print gives off a bit of a skater-vibe. On a confident day, you don’t need to bother putting on a bra underneath, as the display of nipples serve as the perfect accessory. As such, it is very much inspired by characters like Maya and Toni from Girlfriends (2000).
turquoise lace twin set: found on an estate sale at the haunted house in Esch-sur-Alzette
mesh tights paired with knee-high stockings: a little bit of that manic pixie dreamgirl je ne sais quoi…
combat boots: don’t they just go so good with everything?
Y2K
Chic: ROUX essentials
a vest: to look like a cool bad boy rock star (Jonas Brothers I’m looking at you)
Skirts should be all denim. Life’s short, take denim.
ALEX
MARGARYTA
Every outfit should have something imperfect. A velvet jumpsuit – with this, you can survive anything: the apocalypse and even more. In this outfit, the only imperfect thing is the apocalypse...
A bedazzled shirt, a corduroy vest, denim skirt… and UGGS?? Seems random, but was actually the key to looking cool in the year 2006.
a tight shirt: must include a random rhinestoned word to channel Paris Hilton’s essence
and of course, UGGs, as always: no matter the weather, that’s how cool kids roll.
velvet; burgundy; floor-length: if a vampire and a pop star had a fashion baby in 2002, this is what it would wear
I WANT TO GIFT YOU THE SUN
Dear Caladrii,
How strongly I wish to take you back in time… to rainy London in 2003, when the Scandinavian artist Olafur Eliasson brought the sun and sky into the Tate Modern gallery.
And even though it was so many years ago (which isn’t true, but let’s pretend we’re there), this installation has undoubtedly made history. “The Weather Project” attracted hundreds of visitors who came to see a sun that had been tamed—a sun often missing, not only in London but also in Luxembourg. A sun that, when approached, does not burn your wings. A sky that has its limits. But wait—how did he do it?
Patience, my friend. In “The Weather Project,” Eliasson used a semicircular screen, a mirrored ceiling, and artificial mist to create the illusion of the sun. The ceiling mirrors doubled the space, while around 200 lamps emitted a soft, warm light resembling a sunset. Eliasson was inspired by London’s ever-changing weather, as well as by casual conversations about global warming he overheard. These discussions had a profound impact on him, making him raise the climate change and humannature relations in his work.
It seems like the artist invites people to feel their bond with the solar system while realizing their own insignificance— mere specks compared to something so vast. In the rush of life, people often place themselves and their cities on a pedestal, but this installation offers a chance to step down from it, as if it encourages viewers to reflect on their perception of the material world surrounding them.
The visitors unknowingly became part of the installation themselves. Many laid down on the floor to gaze at the sun. Some stayed for hours, some only for a few minutes, their accidental choreography translating the fleeting presence of humans before the eternal Sun. The image of people lying beneath the glowing light became an essential part of the exhibition, showcasing the interaction between the audience and the artwork, human and something bigger. “The Weather Project” embodies a form of installation art that moves beyond traditional concepts, focusing on experience and emotion.The artist managed to unite science and nature, becoming a creator.
But can we, humans really be so small and insignificant in a world, where one can create their sun inside the gallery, as Eliasson has done?
Can we say that art grants people the remarkable power to shape their own world?
Can we say that the artist, by crafting his own sun and gifting it to others, has placed himself in the role of Prometheus?
Or perhaps this work simply reveals a fundamental human longing—to seek warmth and protection, to turn towards the sun like any living creature…
written by Margaryta Aleksandrova designed by Kristina Shatokhina
Y2K was wild. Albums hit different back then. Raw, loud, and unapologetic. Toxicity by System of a Down? A punch to the face. White Pony by Deftones? Hauntingly beautiful. These records didn’t just play; they shook things up. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a tribute to the chaos, the emotion, the sheer brilliance of an era that knew no bounds. So put your seatbelt on and get ready for what's next.
DEFTONES - WHITE PONY
Ahhh Deftones... Now trending on Instagram and TikTok as the "divorced dad's or goth girl's favorite band". Their music is a remedy for all the broken hearts, the sad loners and troubled minds navigating darker emotional landscapes. More seriously, White Pony is that genius child everyone's parents compare others to, as it sets the bar so high in every aspect that all other albums inevitably suffer by comparison. Seeking heavy guitar riffing? They've got excellent dissonant ones. Craving distinctive, emotive vocals? All the choruses fulfill your desires. Looking for majestic moments? Then you've got the bridge of the sumptuous Knife Prty. I have to stop here because that bridge has no right to be such a perfect minute of music. If this part plays at my funeral and I don't wake up, then you can be certain I'm really dead. The whole album creates an anxious, atmospheric, and very cold feeling, sometimes slightly unhinged, Chino's voice might be the biggest hurdle on first listen – definitely an acquired taste. Overall, White Pony is truly a beautiful album that's deeply moving and easily connects with your emotions. With more production effort than previous albums, including wobbly synths in the background of Digital Bath or electronic drums on Teenager, it's essential listening if you haven't already experienced it.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN - TOXICITY
*Guitar Chunk* … *Chunk* x14 *Chunk**Chunk**Chunk**Chunk* "They're tryna build a prison"; this is the first thing you would hear from System of a Down's debut album released in September 2001. My first contact with this album was through my father, who bought it knowing not much except the magnificent Chop Suey!. To our surprise, when we played the CD in the car he simply remarked, "Wow they have energy." And indeed, their energy is undeniable. The album flows perfectly, from the Nu-metal composition with extremely catchy riffs, leads and arpeggios, to the impeccable mix and production by Rick Rubin, complemented by Serj's stunning vocal performance as he masterfully alternates between screaming and singing. While criticizing aspects of American politics and society, they maintain a quirky lyrical sensibility that adds humor, especially since the instrumental backdrop rarely ventures into melancholy. Amid that mess of fat riffs, we have some near angelic moments like the bridge on Deer Dance, the ending of Chop Suey! and Psycho, and in general both Toxicity and Aerials. When I revisited this album for the review, as I hadn't listened to it in a while, I realized how great it truly is, leaving me hoping for a SOAD reunion album (though I'm totally delusional - this will never happen).
GODSPEED YOU!
BLACK
EMPEROR
LIFT YOUR SKINNY FISTS LIKE ANTENNAS TO HEAVEN
I discovered GY!BE in 2019 when I noticed their F#A# album contained only 3 songs, each around twenty minutes long. Fortunately, I came back to this album after a few months and started actually enjoying it. LYSFLATH is an album I discovered shortly after revisiting F#A# , as we were entering lockdown. The lengthy instrumentations, occasionally sparkled with spoken word passages or atmospheric drones, create something truly beautiful. Each composition divides into connected movements, forming progressive, evolving pieces in constant transformati One thing I can attribute to GY!BE that many other post-rock bands lack, is their masterful control of tem The BPM fluctuates and evolves, creating moving crescendos that intensify until reaching the climax. These climaxes must have rewired my brain. They're so delightful, both when they begin and especially when they continue as if they'll never end.
I questioned whether this album deserved its place in this list.
First, if we're sticking to the Y2K theme, I would lean more toward as many people prefer that album to , and it was released in 2000 instead of 2002. But where to begin? is a concept album that tells the love story between the protagonist and Sofia, a story with more downs than highs. Their relationship is marked by profound emotional challenges, including the heartbreaking experience of miscarriage in the devastating , which captures the overwhelming grief and helplessness following such a loss. The album also explores darker, introspective moments, such as in the deeply melancholic yet moving , which delves into the protagonist's inner struggles and dark thoughts, painting a hauntingly beautiful picture of the emotional crises accompanying love and loss. The songs are even more powerful considering parts of this album are autobiographical, adding greater emotional weight. Like any progressive rock album, it features unconventional elements with unusual time signatures, unique song structures, and overall compositional complexity. What impresses me is how it remains melodic and somehow catchy while being progressive. It's incredibly passionatethere's so much emotion throughout, and where it could be corny or cringeworthy, it comes across as elegant and pure. Prepare some tissues because we're definitely crying in this one.
Remedy Lane
Remedy Lane
PAIN OF SALVATION - REMEDY LANE
The Perfect Element Pt.1,
BOHREN & DER CLUB OF GORE - SUNSET MISSION
Dark jazz... Such an overlooked genre that unfortunately doesn't offer much music but sounds incredible. What might appeal to many cinephiles is its similarity to the Twin Peaks soundtrack. But dark jazz is even slower, more viscous, moodier, more mysterious and somber. This album is a whiskey and a cigar in a jazz club. It speaks the languages of melancholia and tension. It's an ode to late-night taxi drives through illuminated cities or obscure villages with stone houses and sparse street lighting. I can't get enough of the slow-ride spang-a-lang pattern. That deep, suave saxophone drenched in reverb leaves me speechless. This album has nothing particularly complex to discuss except that it hits the right notes at the right moment – it's a delicacy for the ears. I'll leave you with this: Dead End Angels – 2min10.
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - CALIFORNICATION
Saying I like Californication is an understatement. I live Californication, I drink Californication, I eat Californication, I party Californication, I sleep Californication This album is one of a kind. After the mixed reception of their previous album One Hot Minute and the comeback of their main guitarist John Frusciante after his drug addiction episode, they reunited with Rick Rubin to create something magical. I don't care if I'm glazing them more than a glazed Dunkin' donut, this album represents the best we can achieve with simplicity and good ideas. It's very minimalist in its production approach, with a powerful mix – a consequence of the infamous loudness war. This is evident from the first track Around the World, which starts with a short, energetic and powerful build-up to the verse. The whole album sounds cohesive, thanks to the fact that they reunited to record everything together. I hope more musicians take this approach seriously because it gives albums complete cohesion and makes them sound unified. I won't elaborate further on such a popular album, but I would recommend it for sunny days when you're in a forest, at the beach, or hiking with friends – this music connects souls. So many anthems fill this opus, so many songs to jump to, cry to, or whatever you want – they're simply timeless. If you've never listened to this album, give it a spin; you won't be disappointed.
written by Stefan Capitanescu designed by Sherley De Deurwaerder
