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< Back Welcome to Flatch Keeley Brooks Oct 20, 2022 Share They Deserve Some Damn Attention With so many new sitcom titles dropping on TV and streaming platforms these days, it can be a challenge to try and catch them all. And while I do miss many new titles, I was lucky enough not to miss this one, and I’m glad I didn’t because it has become one of my new favorites, and I now find myself waiting for Thursdays just to watch the latest episode. Welcome to Flatch is a mockumentary sitcom directed by Paul Feig ( The Office , Freaks and Geeks ) and written and executive produced by Emmy Award-winner Jenny Bicks ( Sex in the City , Men in Trees ). It’s based on her British version of the show, The Country , and premiered on Fox in March 2022. By May, it was renewed for a second season, which kicked off September 29. When a documentary crew sets out to explore the lives, dreams, and concerns of residents in a small American town, it stumbles upon the tiny Midwestern town of Flatch, Ohio, where they discover many eccentric personalities and find more than worthy subjects in cousins and best friends Kelly Mallet and Lloyd “Shrub” Mallet, who aren’t at all shy about letting the crew in on their lives and local events. Each episode opens much like Letterkenny , with an introduction of the town and population: “Recent studies show that Americans long for a simpler life in small towns. To explore these communities, Fox sent a documentary crew to spend time with the citizens of Flatch, Ohio—population 1,526.” Then, we are introduced to a whole slew of characters to laugh at …or with ... either way. For starters, Stifler from American Pie , also known as Seann William Scott, plays the town minister, who is nothing like Stifler at all. He’s calm, soft-spoken, sincere, naïve … kind of a pushover, if you will, and he’s the one who attempts to guide Kelly and Shrub, who seem to refuse to grow up. And that’s funny. It’s one thing to watch Seann William Scott as Stifler or even as E.L. in Road Trip , but it’s entirely different and funnier to watch him as this humble, pushover minister of a small town. Father Joe, as he’s known, moved to Flatch with his former girlfriend, Cheryl, who is an award-winning journalist and the editor of the local newspaper ... and quite quirky. Other Flatch residents include Kelly’s frenemy Nadine (Taylor Ortega, Succession ), who runs the Flatch Historical Society; Mickey St. Jean (Justin Linville), who relentlessly attempts to become Shrub’s best friend; and no-nonsense favorite Mandy (Krystal Smith), a magnetic force of nature who lives life on her own terms. In the pilot, she asserts with force, “We are an upstandin’ town and we deserve some damn attention. We got two restaurants—one with menus, and last year somebody gave birth to twins, so now we got young people all over the place.” Then we meet Kelly and Shrub, who are a magnificent comedic duo to watch. Both are extremely talented, funny actors who play off of each other’s timing. Chelsea Holmes, often billed as just Holmes, is a hilariously talented American comedian, actor, and writer, and is also a stand-up comic and improvisational actor. She's definitely one to watch; I adore everything about her. Both she and Shrub are townies who spend their days hatching schemes. And speaking of Shrub, played by the charming Sam Straley ( The Kids are Alright , The Dropout ), we learn from him and Kelly in the pilot just how he got his name. “So, his real name is Lloyd,” says Kelly. “Yeah, after my dad,” adds Shrub. “Yeah, his dad drank a lot of Busch beer, so they started calling him Bush …” and then Shrub chimes in, “Yeah, so they started calling me Shrub for, like, a little bush,” and after a brief pause where Kelly looks at Shrub as he’s looking off in the distance, he adds, “But, like, he left when I was a baby.” They both nod their heads and say, “Yeah,” and then Kelly adds, “But he probably still drinks beer.” Essentially, all Kelly and Shrub have are each other. Kelly’s father is around but has a new wife and baby daughter, so Kelly is virtually non-existent to him until he needs something. But Kelly doesn’t let this phase her trying efforts one bit. She defends him and tries to cozy up to him with no shame whatsoever. And the duo's interaction with the camera is priceless. Much like The Office … the looks, the expressions, the faces, the implications. In an interview with Cincinnati Magazine, Straley talks about the characters he and co-star Holmes play. “I’d say they’re kind of a classic duo, almost like husband and wife in a way. They’re partners for life, they’re best friends, and they want the best, but they also see what’s wrong in the other person and get so frustrated with each other sometimes, but we kind of always come together, because we’re each other’s support system.” He continued, “They’re in their early 20s … sort of at the point in their lives where they should have things together, and everyone around them is getting married and they’re still, I think, clinging on to moments in their lives that brought them acceptance. And they’re really excited about this new documentary crew and having ‘the movie people’ around and feeling seen.” When asked about his and Holmes’s individual characters, he added, “Shrub is, I’d say, more of the feminine to Kelly’s masculinity, which I think isn’t seen a lot on TV. Shrub is sort of the sensitive, artistic, detail-oriented control freak, and Kelly is the no-idea-is-a-bad-idea, throw-everything-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks one. And I think their dynamic is very much that they love each other but fight a lot. They cover each other’s gray spots in all the right ways, and they are desperately, desperately trying to find connection and a place where they fit. They’re absolute underdogs, and they’re always looking out for each other.” Underdogs, indeed. Each and every one of ‘em. AND, Jaime Pressly ( My Name is Earl ) has joined season two as realtor and OG Flatch native, Barb Flatch. SHE is nothing short of hysterical and is the perfect addition to this little gem of a sitcom, which I hope has many more seasons to come. So, I recommend adding some Flatch to your weekly musings. Yeah, there might be some cheesy jokes or moments that lag, but if you’re not wound too tight, you just might find yourself giggling at every little thing. Like we do at my house. Welcome to Flatch, everybody! Episodes drop Thursdays on Hulu and air the same night on Fox at 8 PM EST. Previous Next

< Back Funny, Filthy, and Full of Superpowers Keeley Brooks Feb 17, 2023 Share Extraordinary In an age of urgency and digital content overload, sifting through available titles on different platforms searching for something new to watch can be super frustrating and time consuming. Lucky for you, I’m a bit of a content hooker and am here to kind of help narrow down some of those titles for you by bringing you some of my personal recommendations. This past weekend, while taking a breather from binge-watching MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” I decided to jump over to Hulu and see what’s up with one of their new shows, a comedy series called “Extraordinary.” And I’m glad I did, because I spent the next few hours bingeing season one, giggling, laughing out loud, and falling in love with everything about it. “Extraordinary” is British superhero comedy about a hopeful but desperate girl in her mid-20s adrift in a big ol' confusing world. She’s skating on thin ice at her retail gig, is sexually frustrated, and is anxious about the fact she doesn’t have much to show for her young-adult life thus far. Oh, and it takes place in a world where everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday. Some people can walk through walls (or over them). Other people can fly. Some people wear eye patches because their superpower is getting other people to tell the truth. Others have super-human strength or the ability to shapeshift or move through objects or teleport. There’s even a character known as “the jizz guy” simply because he holds the power to make any living being—even a cat—have an orgasm if he touches them at all, in any way. I’d really love to be able to gift you the scene of the cat having an orgasm because it’s hilarious, but I couldn’t find it online. I can tell you it’s in the beginning of episode two, though! So, everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday, except for our main character Jen; she’s been waiting for six years to find out what hers is. Her life and what that’s like for her is our main storyline, and it’s quite an entertaining one. Jen lives with her BFF Carrie and Carrie’s boyfriend, Kash. Carrie can channel dead people, and Kash can turn back time at least a few minutes, but he uses it to do shit like rewind time to make sure Jen doesn’t see him in a costume that says “SUPER COCK” on it. He also prefers to create a group of vigilantes over getting an actual job. Jen also has a cat named Jizzlord, who is actually a dude unable to figure out how to control when and where he takes on cat form. He’s been stuck in cat form for three years and as a result has forgotten a lot about human life. The show has some pretty big laughs, some moments that are tender and sweet, and it offers up a unique take on the whole superpower thing. Having a superpower isn’t as big a deal in this world, and that sets up an entirely different vibe than most superhero content we’ve seen. The gag is that most people use their powers for dull, often selfish reasons. With an entirely English cast, “Extraordinary” is created by Emma Moran and season one has eight 30-40-minute episodes you can get lost in for a little while. Enjoy, my friends. *Quick side note: I also recommend getting into the “Teen Wolf” series. I have a thing for werewolves, and this one is really great, especially once you get past some of the young-adult stuff, and it boasts a great storyline, some pretty awesome werewolves that are cleverly designed, a good bit of blood and gore, and some super-cool fight scenes. The wolf fights are a-plenty! Plus, Dylan O’Brien of the “Mazerunner” movies is hysterical and absolutely perfect as Scott’s best friend Stiles. He’s a bit different from the Stiles most of us were introduced to in the 80s movie “Teen Wolf,” though. I haven’t seen him surfing on the top of any vans through the middle of town ... yet. Here, he's very smart and funny, especially with piecing things together and helping his cop dad solve different crimes. He’s very analytical. O’Brien also is reminiscent of the very funny Jim Carrey. Not only does he favor him in appearance, but he also favors Carrey in his ability to make people laugh. He adds a touch of levity to every single scene. You can find all six seasons streaming on Hulu and on Paramount Plus. Then, when you finish that, go watch the new "Teen Wolf" movie that released recently; it's streaming on Paramount Plus. You’re welcome. Questions or comments? Email us at the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next

< Back Dead & Breakfast: The Best Undead Movie You’ve Probably Never Seen Keeley Brooks Oct 4, 2022 Share Yum! I love undead/zombie movies. Everything about them—the blood, the gore, the creatures … the fear they bring. I always have, ever since I laid my eyeballs on 28 Days Later in 2004 and nearly had a heart attack in terror. I loved it! After visiting George Romero’s collection, followed by 2004’s Dawn of the Dead and Shaun of the Dead , I was obsessed. And just when I didn’t think my obsession could go any deeper, I stumbled across a nugget of zombie horror/comedy cheese that cemented my devotion to the art, despite the fact it’s also a musical. What? A musical? A horror musical? Hear me out. After stumbling across the DVD—it was 2004—and reading the tagline, “It’s like a bad horror film … only worse!”, I couldn’t resist buying and watching it, even though I’m not much a fan by way of musicals; they’re just not my thing. This musical, though, I’d watch every day of the week and twice on Sundays. It’s that funny. Dead & Breakfast is a 2004 zombie spoof about six friends on a road trip gone very, very wrong. Add in a creepy Texas town, a sinister bed & breakfast (with murder on the menu), and a charming little band between scenes singin’ some good ole’ country folk music to recap what just happened and set up what’s to come, and, well, you’ve got the toe-tapping entertaining makings for one hell of a bloody, funny movie. Oh yeah, there’s also that pesky army of the undead, who can only be stopped, it seems, by Texas chainsaw (“regular” chainsaws won’t work) or decapitation. The best things about it, in my opinion, are its exploitative use of copious amounts of blood and gore, its very well-placed humor, and (sigh) the fact that it’s a damn musical— the best damn musical I’ve ever seen! It’s so intentionally bad, it’s that good. I promise. Rue Morgue Magazine even hailed it as the best independent movie of the year, way back when. So, here’s what’s up: After a night that leaves both the inn’s owner, played by the late David Carradine, and its chef (Diedrich Bader) slashed to pieces, the group of friends finds themselves the main suspects by the local sheriff, who is played by bat-wielding Walking Dead villain, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). And that’s just the beginning. Nearly all of the town’s quirky residents become possessed by an evil spirit unveiled from a modern-day Pandora’s Box. The undead soon surround the friends inside the inn, and the group realizes it’s up to them to save any innocents left in town and bring Lovelock to justice. Rather than attempting simple survival in a world of the undead, those not yet possessed set to their own methods of eradication, Texas style. The result is a hilarious gut-bursting, attention-demanding blood battle between the living and the undead, full of tear-jerkingly funny scenes cut with outstanding musical transitions. Even though at the time critics initially labeled it as the American response to the British Shaun of the Dead (you’ll see this in the trailer), the actual truth is that Dead & Breakfast was made a year prior to and released six months before SOTD . It was also made on a teeny tiny budget, which is extremely impressive and worthy of respect simply for its creatively superfluous use of blood, gore, and makeup, which is nothing short of drenching and delightful. Written and directed by Matthew Leutwyler ( The River Why ), these undead deliver an excruciatingly funny Americanized demeanor that’s less zombie-like and more like a possessed cult of maniacal savages thirsting for souls instead of blood. It is utterly ridiculous. It's also a MUST SEE for horror/effects/undead-zombie fans who are equipped with a sense of humor and strong stomach. eFilmCritic called it “the best gorefest since Cabin Fever .” Boom. In addition to the names listed above, Dead & Breakfast also stars Jeremy Sisto, Erik Palladino, Ever Carradine, Oz Perkins, Bianca Lawson, and Portia de Rossi. Watch the trailer HERE . Previous Next

< Back Book Review: Brothers by Alex Van Halen Nick Cline Oct 25, 2024 Share Brothers is a Compelling Story about Rock Royalty Brothers is the newly released memoir by Alex Van Halen . Most of you would know Alex from his hand in creating the legendary Van Halen . He is hands down one of the most underrated and perfectly rated drummers of the 80s (or maybe all-time). There is so much depth to the story and creation of the legendary brotherly duo Alex Van Halen and Eddie Van Halen . This is more than an excellent book for Eddie and Van Halen fans. It is also a great book for anyone wanting to glimpse the wild animal in the music business, the struggle and achievements of an immigrant family, and a story of a bond that defined music history. Released October 22, 2024 The story starts with a beautiful introduction that tells the overall sentiment and dedication of the book. Eddie Van Halen died four years ago this year, and the effects of his legacy will never know its bounds. Alex understands that the world sees his brother as a mythical creature and lives with the guilt of his younger brother's death. He introduces the book, claiming that he failed as an older brother because he was meant to die first. He makes light in his darkness by admitting that Ed, like always, was quick to burst in front of the line. The book, which delves into themes of family, music, and the human experience, is a compelling read for anyone interested in these topics. This sentiment is the first insight into the humanity of the two brothers. It's a reminder that artists, including the Van Halen brothers, start as everyday people. They fight tooth and nail to become the people we idolize in music. Their journey from nothing to everything they ever wanted is a testament to the transformative power of music. But it also shows the struggle of losing purpose in the world that initially gave them their purpose, a feeling many of us can relate to. Every word in the book will give you a new outlook on how everything can change in your life. It can all change in an instant. It makes you understand that no one is ready for their dreams and changed lives even though people have prepared and worked for it their whole lives. Living your dream, your truth, is much different than the constant days of preparation, dreaming, working, and killing yourself for the life you crave. But the Van Halen brothers' story is a testament to the fact that it's all worth it in the end, inspiring you to keep pushing forward. The Van Halen brothers' story is a testament to the transformative power of music. Alex vividly recounts their unconventional upbringing, a journey that took two outcast kids from Amsterdam to the United States in pursuit of a life they could only dream of. The beauty and darkness of the music industry are palpable in every chapter, as you witness the hardships and sacrifices required to become a musical icon. It's a journey that turns you from an unknown into a revered entity, a transformation that is both fascinating and inspiring. This is more of a tale of triumph and legacy than a run-of-the-mill memoir. It captures the bond that Alex and Eddie had, described as a bond very few people experience in this life and any other. The Van Halen legacy is not just a legacy of virtuoso musicians, but it is a legacy of sentiment, hard work, brotherly bond, family, strife, and everything in between. 'Brothers' captures all of that because Alex is unapologetically himself throughout the whole work, which grips the reader from the first line till the end of the last page. Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen were everyday people with dreams. They found their dream. They fought for it, and they got everything they wanted. This is a book I highly recommend reading for fans of Van Halen , anyone in the music industry, striving artists of any class and caliber, and anyone who's dealt with the challenges of feeling like an outcast. The Van Halen brothers' story is a powerful reminder that even when you feel like you don't belong, you can still achieve your dreams. It's a story of triumph over adversity, and it's a must-read for anyone who's faced the ups and downs of life. To buy a copy for yourself: Amazon: https://a.co/d/hPnmIHd www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next

< Back Blood Machines: Book Review Shaun Corley Dec 13, 2023 Share “Blood Machines is a highly creative vampire novel that subverts tropes and cliches, using the creatures to explore the concept of a surveillance state. Depending on whom you talk to, the vampire is either a potent metaphor or is derivative and “done to death”. A quick look around the pop culture landscape shows compelling evidence for both sides of the argument. On one end are classic books of the genre, such as Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” or Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend”, which do not glorify vampires but instead show them for the fearsome creatures they are. On the other end we have works, such as " Twilight" or " The Vampire Academy" , that play up the more sexual aspects of vampire mythology and add a layer of luster to the undead. And then there is the novel “Blood Machines”, which uses the blood-lusting creatures to explore the concept of a surveillance state . While also the subject of numerous films, vampires have made their way to television as well in shows like True Blood and What We Do in the Shadows . They even star in video games, such as the mega-popular “Castlevania” series and “Vampire: The Masquerade”, a popular role-playing game centered around vampire clans. Those who argue that vampires are still relevant point to the creature as a potent allegory for issues of class and sexuality; Anne Rice’s seminal “Interview with the Vampire” touched on these themes, as did Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Stoker’s original novel. Commentators who believe the vampire to be cliche use the shallow and superficial nature of works like " Twilight" as evidence for their argument. They believe that these works strip the vampire of its literary power, instead focusing solely on the sexuality element at the expense of other themes. While the two sides continue to debate with no satisfactory answer in sight, J.K. Gravier has slipped under everyone’s radar with the excellent “Blood Machines” . This novel, which deftly mixes the police procedural genre with elements of vampire lore, imparts new symbolic importance to the creatures . “Blood Machines” is set in an alternate America, where vampires have begun entering mainstream society. The vampires of “Blood Machines” are not sexy, they do not turn into bats, and a bite from one will not convert their victim. Gravier does not dwell on the nature of the vampires too much, instead opting to focus on world building and exploring the ramifications of such creatures in the real world. “Blood Machines” follows Allison Drew, a vampire (or “sanguinarian” as they are called throughout) working for the federal government. As part of their efforts to assimilate into the larger world, they have created the Vampire Bureau of Investigations. This agency, working closely with the FBI, polices vampires. Drew is sent to Detroit to investigate a series of murders where the victim's blood was drained. There she uncovers a massive conspiracy, stretching all the way to the highest echelons of the VBI … and the FBI. At every turn, Gravier subverts vampire tropes and cliches . As mentioned earlier, Gravier’s vampires lack many of the creature’s traditional powers, such as the ability to turn to mist or the ability to “charm” someone. These vampires can come out during the day, although it requires sunscreen and special clothing. Gravier even downplays the very word “vampire”, as some prefer to label themselves “sanguinarians”. Gravier also dispenses with a great deal of vampire lore, stripping it down to its bare essence and injecting it with new life. Playing around with these tropes allows Gravier to discuss issues of surveillance and the police state . Allison Drew learns that both the VBI and the FBI have plans to implement a tracking system for vampires, one that would allow various agencies to keep tabs on them. The novel does not make it clear if this surveillance program would carry over to humans, but the implication is there. In “Blood Machines”, vampires also become a metaphor for race and class . Allison and her vampire friends existed on the margins for centuries, only making gains within the past 100 years. Their march into the mainstream has been slow, and they are still greeted with suspicion and fear. It is not a stretch to see Drew and her fellow vampires as stand-ins for any oppressed and marginalized groups. “Blood Machines” also explores the nature of the police state, and the relationship between law enforcement and the people they are pledged to serve. It does not glorify the police work Allison does. Her colleagues are corrupt, and the novel heavily implies this corruption goes all the way up the ladder. “Blood Machines” contains themes of the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of the surveillance state , which resonate loudly in today’s world. Numerous novels, television shows, and movies have centered themselves around these issues, some of them with nothing really new to say. With “Blood Machines”, J.K. Gravier takes vampires—which are often dismissed as “overexposed”—and uses them to talk about these very themes. The end result is a highly creative vampire novel that subverts tropes left and right. “Blood Machines” is currently available for your reading pleasure. To learn more about J.K Gravier and “Blood Machines”, visit any of the below listed links and be sure to leave a solid review. The book is worth it, especially if you’re a vampire fan. J.K. Gravier | Author Info “Blood Machines” | Amazon “Blood Machines” | Barnes & Noble “Blood Machines” on Audible Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. A big, important Screen Rant writer, Shaun has many leather-bound books, which are far outnumbered by comics and the smell of rich mahogany. Previous Next

< Back Endure the Affliction: Music to Empower Mind, Body, and Soul Je'an-Paul Keller Jul 31, 2023 Share Lafayette’s progressive metal and metalcore band delivers heavy sounds with spicy lyrics Coming up August 19, 2023, Louisiana’s own metal core/progressive metal band Endure the Affliction are set to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in Lafayette, Louisiana. They are the second in our installment of interviews with all the acts on the bill. These guys are the new face of progressive metal/metalcore in the area and if you’re not familiar with them yet, you soon will be. Endure the Affliction is a well-orchestrated mixture of progressive metal and metalcore that embodies melodic metal and embraces their Louisiana roots. This five-piece group of talented musicians formed the band in 2018 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and currently consists of Deion Lanthier on guitar and vocals, Ryan Tyler on lead vocals, Brett Dronet on guitar, Joshua Domingue on bass, and Kyle Roberts on drums. credit: Chad Besse A sound reminiscent of true, deep southern darkness metalcore, Endure the Affliction belts out a powerful and passionate message that will shake your soul to its very core. They have been through different member line-ups and many personal hardships through the years, but those experiences taught them how to endure all of the afflictions the world throws at them. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, their lyrics are about overcoming hardships in life such as suicide, racism, and drug addiction, just to name a few. Their music video for the song "Identity" demonstrates the battles inside we all struggle with on a daily basis. The powerful riffs of the dueling guitars and soaring vocals are so intense, they’ll have you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Their listeners have told them they are a gateway into the wonderful world of metalcore, and I, for one, could not agree more. Their EPs “Origins” and “Evolve” are full of so much energy, they’ll leave you feeling motivated to conquer all roadblocks that you face. Exactly the type of music one wants to hear on any given day. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with vocalist and guitarist Deion Lanthier, where he told me some great stories about the band’s history and took the time to explain the band’s overall message, which is focused on healing and feeling uplifted. These albums will empower your mind, body, and soul for the greater good. Check out our conversation below, then go listen to their music. You won’t regret it! Deion Lanthier - Photo credit Chad Besse MaM : Who or what has inspired your sound? Deion : Well, it’s kind of hard to say. We’ve been through a few original members. Originally, the idea was to be like a cross between hard rock and metalcore, but it ended up not being that because we all have different influences. Originally, with the original singer being … an older guy, he was more influenced by the classical heavy metal, where the rest of us are more influenced by metalcore-type of stuff—maybe a little bit of Djent—but we really don’t try to sound like anybody too much. We just kind of do our thing. Whatever we write, if we like it, then we just roll with it. Everything’s always middle, of course, but we just gotta roll with it. We all have a bunch of different influences. MaM : Primarily what was your main influence? Deion : The biggest influence for me, personally, … would probably be All That Remains, because that was the first metalcore band I heard. They definitely had a lasting impact on me and a big influence on the way that I write music. MaM : How did you form? And how did you meet the other members of the band? Deion : Well, it was me and the original drummer that started the band together, but it was weird. I didn't know the guy but I saw him on Facebook, and I mistook him for someone that I went to school with. I was like, ‘Hey, man! I didn't know you played drums,’ and I guess he got confused too, because he was talking to me like he knew me. So, we didn't find out until a few messages later [that] we don't actually know each other. Then I said, ‘Hey, you want to start a band together?’ I was looking for a second project at the time. I was actually in one project at that time that wasn't really making too much progress. So, that's how we got started. credit: Chad Besse MaM : I take it everybody catches on pretty quickly and everybody gets into the groove? Deion : Oh, yeah, absolutely. We all have really good chemistry, and everybody is very, like I said, very talented. Everybody brings their own unique influence, and everybody's great songwriters. That's the most important part, right? MaM : So you all contribute to it. It's kind of like the band Queen, where everybody just puts in their own influences and brings everything to the table, huh? Deion : Oh, yeah, absolutely. Generally the process would be for me or the other guitarist, but we come up with the melodies on guitar first, and then the drummer puts the drums to it. Then, bass and vocals [have to] get written next and need to get written simultaneously. But, it's very guitar driven, usually. Once we have the bass line down, everybody just kind of makes suggestions, and we go from there. So, it's definitely all-five-members-in type of thing. MaM : Most definitely! What influences you to make music? Deion : OH, MAN! Just the love of it! But, aside from the generic answer? (laughs) I've been through a lot of things in life at an early age and music was really what helped me get through it all. Aside from the normal teenage angst, you know, I’ve been through some pretty dark stuff that I feel like if I wouldn't have had music, I wouldn't have been able to deal with it properly, maybe? Music helped me put my emotions into context. I think it helped me learn to manage my emotions and things like that … work my way through things. I want to be able to do that same thing for other people. That is what drives me to keep doing it. credit: Chad Besse MaM : Oh yeah, definitely. I noticed overcoming hardships is the driving force behind your music and in your message. What hardships do you think the listeners overall relate to the most? Deion: We've been told any time we talk about suicide, that's a pretty heavy topic for people, as well as the drug addiction songs that they really connect with—even the more generic songs, like one of our older ones called “Rise.” It's just about rising above a hard situation. Everybody really connected with that one. Even though it's a very broad message, they seem to like it a lot, and that’s something they say they don't get from metal a whole lot. So they're very surprised by it. They all kind of latch onto it. We take pride in that, and that's why we stick to it--even with the vocal exchange. The lyrics may be a little different, but the message is still the same. People seem to really like that positive message. Even though we talk about the darker side of things, we always try to lyrically make it to where you can come out of this bad situation, and you can get through it. MaM : Can you tell me more about the lyrics for “Identity”? Deion : Well it's both general and specific, because it's basically my life. I was a little selfish when I wrote it, but it's relatable because it's true. It's a little bit of racial-identity type of stuff but at the same time suicide attempts and drug addiction. I've been through all of that stuff. But, with the racial thing, I'm mixed, so I've had to deal with stupid stuff from both sides. I had an identity crisis growing up, and that's why it's called, “Identity.” It took me a long time to work that out … realizing that I didn't need to be that way for anyone else in particular. I needed to be who I wanted to be, regardless of what anybody else thought. Also political leanings and stuff like that. You can't let other people influence the type of person that you should be. You have to decide that for yourself. So that's pretty much what that song is about. It's a little all over the place but cohesive at the same time. I try to fit a little bit of everything in there. MaM : I totally identify with that one the most. Can I get a little background info on your band name? Deion : Endure the Affliction refers to the human condition—existence itself and the fact that you have no choice but to just endure it. You work your way through problems. You go through life. You figure it out, and that's just it. It's a simple message. It's just a fancy word. Fancy words to relay a simple message. MaM : Do you use any specific pedals to achieve y'all’s sound? Deion : Yeah, I use a Line 6 Helix. I have an EVH over an orange cab, but I plug my Line 6 Helix into that. Most people just use the Line 6 Helix by itself, but I don't do that. The other guitarist has a smaller version of that called the Line 6 POD GO. He uses that for all of his pedal stuff. We're the only two. The bassist uses a straight clean bass tone. He doesn't do any crazy stuff. MaM : You have 99 monthly followers on Spotify and it's growing. Do you think they relate to the overcoming hardships in the lyrics? Do you think that's what draws them in? Deion : I believe so. We talk to our fans, you know. We're not the rock-star diva type. We don't have a huge fan base, but when they come, they come. They show up, and we talk to them. They all say that that's the main thing they like about the music: The lyrics are relatable. They love that we're not black metal. Basically, we’re out there singing about stuff they can't relate to. I think, also, the draw is because we're so melodic for a metal band. A lot of our fans are people that don't listen to metal, believe it or not. We're kind of a gateway band locally. MaM : Any future plans and aspirations for the band? Deion : YES! We would like to tour. We plan on trying to do a little miniature tour at some point, maybe one or two weeks. Nothing fancy, but definitely that. We hope to release our third EP by October. We [have] a couple more songs to get written and recorded, then we'll be good to go. Nothing too big, besides RAD Fest, obviously. For more on Endure the Affliction, you can check them out at any of the below-listed links. For more on RAD Fest, click here . Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enduretheaffliction.la/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enduretheaffliction.la/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EndureTheAffliction Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YkC97oMGPhF8ivqYFXHHo Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/endure-the-affliction/1471728402 Bandcamp: https://enduretheaffliction.bandcamp.com/ Je’an Paul Keller is a member of the 501st Legion and a huge sci-fi nerd. He’s also a HUGE music lover and is very passionate about drawing, sketching, painting, and making cosplays and movie-accurate costumes. Previous Next

< Back Dead Pit Ezekiel Kincaid Dec 8, 2022 Share The Underrated 80s Horror Movie You've Probably Forgotten About The year is 1990. Ten-year-old me is browsing the horror section one Friday night at Dixie Video, knowing good and well my parents aren't going to allow me to rent what I really want to watch. While perusing said shelves, I come across a video that makes me feel like Ralphie in A Christmas Story the first time he held his Red Rider BB gun. Dead Pit . On the cover, a zombie resembling Frankenstein crawls out of a pit, surrounded by a bunch of hands reaching out of the same hole. Behind him stalks more of the living dead. As you can see above, the color scheme is black and neon green. What made this case even more fascinating was that when you’d press the zombie, his eyes lit up! I was sold. Ten-year-old me had to see this movie! Ten-year-old me asked my parents. Ten-year-old me was told "no" because it was R rated. I had to wait a few years, but I finally got around to watching Dead Pit . As an adolescent, I remember liking the movie, but as time went on, the movie drifted into obscurity in my mind. Until a few years ago, when I was browsing Amazon Prime to find an 80s horror movie to pass the time. Lo and behold, what appeared! The memories surrounding this movie came flooding back. I was lost in nostalgia, wondering how in the world I could have forgotten about a movie like this. One euphoric memory after another tingled my soul. When the sensation ended, I went to my pantry, grabbed a jar of peanut butter, and commenced watching. And boy, was I glad I did! What's the movie about? Released in 1989, like most 80's horror, the plot is kind of silly. The psychotic Dr. Ramzi was walled up alive in a nuthouse. He had been caught performing experiments that involved one-part formaldehyde and one-part lobotomies. When he was done extracting the brains from his victims, he tossed the bodies into the pit. As his captors bricked him in and sealed him up, the crazy doctor swears he will get revenge on them. Jump ahead twenty years. Enter Jane Doe. She's admitted to the asylum for a bad case of amnesia. It just so happens that Jane Doe has some serious psychic powers. So powerful is she, that she awakens Dr. Ramzi from his sleep. Once awakened, Ramzi and Doe seem to share a psychic bond. Ramzi uses this bond to draw power from her to raise all his victims from the pit. Ramzi then sends out his zombie horde for revenge. This movie has some creative kills and descent 80s gore. There's also all the cheese that we've come to adore about 80s horror. My favorite (terribly cheesy) scene has to do with holy water and a water tower. Also, the zombies are somewhat intelligent, and they move fast. Overall, I enjoyed digging up this forgotten jewel of my childhood. If you're a fan of 80s horror, this is a must-see for you. Check it out now on Amazon while you still can! I’m an avid VHS collector and I’ve since been able to acquire a copy of Dead Pit (see pic below). The tape still works like a charm and the cover is in okay shape. The only down side is that the zombie eyes don’t light up. I’ve been trying to track down a copy with working LEDs, but I’ve had no luck. So, if any readers out there know where I can get a copy, hit me up! Until next time, keep it creepy, you bunch of freaks. Questions or comments? Send an email to the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next

What the hell did I just watch? Jan 25, 2024 Masked Mutilator Masked Mutilator combines horror and wrestling, making for the ultimate B-movie experience. Read More Nov 28, 2023 Death Toilet: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Death Toilet is a fun concept but is ultimately just a horrendous amalgamation of cheap cinematic techniques and really bad storytelling. Read More Sep 25, 2023 Dear God No!: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Dear God No! nails it and takes us back to the days of true grindhouse and 70’s exploitation. Read More Aug 28, 2023 Nude Nuns with Big Guns: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Nude Nuns with Big Guns accurately captures the grindhouse feel but is riddled with lazy filmmaking Read More Aug 14, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Sharktopus vs Whalewolf Sharktopus vs Whalewolf has its moments but is ultimately a flop Read More Aug 2, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Alien Shark An entertaining movie with poor effects and multiple random plots Read More Jul 26, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: The Howling: New Moon Rising A werewolf movie so bad, you have to see it to believe it Read More Jul 10, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Nekrotronic Nekrotronic is a fantastic sci-fi/horror mashup that fans of B movies will love Read More Mar 17, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: The Suckling Review This B-horror movie is so bad, it's B-movie gold Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

< Back Exploring Escapism: Hawthorne Oachs’ New Single is a Compelling Tale of Freedom Nicole Brice Jun 17, 2024 Share Runaway Bunny is an epic tale of strength and resilience. It’s rare and special when an artist’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I can honestly say that it's been a while since I've been genuinely moved by a piece of music. However, last year, a young artist, musician, and actress captured my attention with her soul-stirring song, ' A Single Flower , ' and I have been a massive fan of hers ever since. Credit: Artist website At just 15 years old, Hawthorne Oachs is a free spirit unafraid to explore the depths of the human experience. Her advocacy for mental health is a testament to her courage and empathy, and her willingness to be raw and vulnerable in her music is truly inspiring. Her transparent, honest, and authentic lyrics have the power to make you think and cry, creating a unique and powerful dynamic in music. With wisdom exuding that of an old soul, Hawthorne’s latest song, released on June 6, 2024, “ Runaway Bunny ”, begins with an 80’s new wave synth vibe that transports you into a dreamlike sequence with angelic and haunting vocals. As the song progresses, the intensity builds, and at 1:48, when the twinkling synths come in, it builds even further until it ends so abruptly that you want more. This is, without a doubt, my favorite song from Hawthorne Oachs yet, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future. Add this to your list of songs to check out NOW! I recommend going down that rabbit hole if you have never experienced Hawthorne’s music. This is only the beginning for this remarkable young artist. Click the picture to experience "Runaway Bunny". Hawthorne Oachs can be found on: Website : https://www.hawthorneoachs.com Linktree : https://linktr.ee/hawthorneoachs Spotify : Hawthorne Oachs | Spotify YouTube : https://youtu.be/Cnrd0bbJ9fE?si=MJEYDUrrhLcBruOP Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next

< Back Dark Miles Releases Debut Single, "Your Heart is an Empty Street" Erica Machen Jan 26, 2024 Share “Your Heart is an Empty Street” is a soul-stirring narrative unveiling a poignant expedition through pain on a journey of transformation and resilience. Music at its core is meant to transcend the boundaries of emotion and storytelling, and that’s exactly what the debut single from Portugal-based Dark Miles accomplishes. “Your Heart is an Empty Street” is a soul-stirring narrative set against a backdrop of sonic exploration unveiling a poignant expedition through pain on a journey of transformation and resilience. Accompanied by a gripping music video, “Your Heart is an Empty Street” gives the listener a glimpse of what’s to come in Miles’ upcoming debut album, "10 Miles into the Dark", which is slated for release in the coming months. Dark Miles is the solo project of Pete Miles, formerly Pedro Lima of MOSH. With “10 Miles into the Dark”, he has found an artistic shift. Influenced by the heavier spectrum of rock, Miles pays homage to iconic synth pop/rock sounds of the 80s and 90s, like Depeche Mode, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop, and echoes with references to grunge, goth rock, dark wave, and obscure avant-garde death metal. Miles skillfully employs these elements to complement the emotions found in his lyrics, and his deep and powerful vocals create an immersive auditory landscape mirroring the narrative. Credit: Photo provided by artist "Your Heart is an Empty Street" is full of lyrics expressing a harrowing journey towards self-liberation. Miles sings, "And there I go / to that empty street / with my open heart / as the others sleep," and paints a picture of solitude and vulnerability with a cold, damp floor. As the lyrics unfold, there's a sense of empowerment in facing turmoil head-on. The reoccurrence of not being alone and hearing a voice through the darkness signifies resilience in the face of adversity, and the fear and bleakness evoke feelings of strength that resonate with listeners on a profound level. The music video for "Your Heart is an Empty Street" is equally as impactful. As it unfolds into a cinematic thriller, it weaves a narrative that captures the essence of personal liberation after a tumultuous journey through physical and psychological abuse. As the video begins, the main character, portrayed with unruly dark hair and visible injuries, embarks on a road trip, where we see flashes of pills on a car seat that suggest a turbulent past. The anguished look she wears on her face hints at the scars left behind. Set against a sea of red and black, the visuals work to intensify the emotional depth fueling Dark Miles' sound. Combined with an auditory experience, “Your Heart is an Empty Street” likens to the moment when stitches are removed, and the relief of pain intertwines with the echoes of agony. The connection surpasses surface level and illuminates the darkest corners of the soul. As the video concludes, the driver appears exasperated as though she’s just experienced a metaphorical death. Credit: Photo provided by artist "Your Heart is an Empty Street" successfully establishes itself in the vein of alternative/synth pop rock, and its fusion of poignant lyrics, haunting visuals, and retro sounds surely set the stage for an album that promises to be a cathartic journey through the soul. As the anticipation builds for "10 Miles into the Dark," Dark Miles emerges as a force to be reckoned with, as he continues crafting narratives that transcends the boundaries of time and genre. “Your Heart is an Empty Street” is currently available on all streaming platforms. And stay tuned for the release of “10 Miles into the Dark”! For more information on Dark Miles, visit him online at any of the below-listed links: Facebook @DarkMilesBand Instagram @DarkMilesBand YouTube @DarkMilesBand Bandcamp @MusicDarkMiles *cover photo provided by artist Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. Got something for her? Reach out to erica.mixedaltmag@gmail.com . Previous Next

< Back Death Toilet: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Ezekiel Kincaid Share Nov 28, 2023 Death Toilet is a fun concept but is ultimately just a horrendous amalgamation of cheap cinematic techniques and really bad storytelling. Rating: 1.5 out 5 toilet bowl stains Like many of the people who read these reviews, my sense of humor never graduated elementary school. As such, you can imagine my delight when I came across a movie called Death Toilet (2018) on Tubi. And speaking of Tubi, allow me to note that it is one of the best free streaming services for horrible movies. Take Death Toilet , for example. Any streaming service offering this movie obviously has no real standard … and I’m more than okay with that. It makes my job so much easier. I’ll start off by saying this: There are crappy movies, and then there is Death Toilet (see what I did there?). This film is on a level of awfulness all on its own. And if that’s not bad enough, the filmmaker thought it was a good idea to make four more of these movies. I’m not kidding. Now, I warn you, my faithful readers, this movie is bad. Like, really bad . It is so bad, I don’t know if there is a word in the English language to express this type of horrendous amalgamation of cheap cinematic techniques. The acting is worse than an elementary church musical; the special effects look like they came from the quarter machine at a grocery store; the props look like they came from Dollar General; and the script sounds like it was a class project for a bunch of third graders. That's me being nice. Death Toilet is directed by Evan Jacobs ( Insect, The Toll Collector ) and written by Mike Hartsfield. Hartsfield plays the main character in all the Toilet movies and is the one who came up with this original plot. So, from the get-go, at least it has that going for it. Death Toilet focuses on Brett Baxter (Hartsfield), a Vietnam vet. who comes home to take care of his dead brother’s affairs. Brett soon discovers the toilet in his brother’s house is not normal, and believes it might have something to do with his death. And Brett is right. Death Toilet opens with Brett’s brother getting stabbed in the crotch by the demon-possessed toilet and, goodness gracious, the crappy special effects start here. I’m certain the fake blood is nothing more than chocolate syrup because there’s a quick scene in the movie where viewers can clearly see a bottle of syrup sitting on the bathroom sink—a glaring accident that should've been caught during filming and if not then, at least in post-production. When the demon manifests in the toilet, a knife blade comes out of the seat. I have to say, this was pretty cool, but what ruined the effect for me was the dime-store-looking eyes floating around in the toilet bowl, and then the water turning red with a little food dye to indicate blood. After Brett moves in, it doesn’t take long for the toilet to start acting up. When he begins hearing laughing sounds coming from the bowl, Brett calls a plumber, but he can’t find anything wrong with it. As the film (and I use that word loosely) progresses, Brett suspects the toilet is possessed or haunted. So, what do you do if you think you have a haunted or possessed crapper in your house? Call a priest, of course! The man sent for the job is—and I kid you not—Father Dingleberry (Isaac Golub, who has directed a few music videos, and sadly passed away this past April). At first, our illustrious priest thinks this is all a joke. Then, the demon manifests in the toilet, and a less-than-lackluster battle between good and evil ensues. I won’t give away the ending, just in case any of you readers decide to subject yourself to it. All in all, Death Toilet was a huge letdown for me. With a runtime of around 54 minutes, I can honestly say it was still too long. About ten minutes into the movie, I was seriously questioning my life choices. About fifteen minutes in, I was debating turning it off. By twenty minutes, I was wondering if I could make it through to the end. Then, I thought about you. My readers. How could I let you down? It was time for me, the one who prides himself on being able to endure such trash, to pony up. So, I did. I made it through Death Toilet in its entirety. All for you, folks. My tolerance has now leveled up in a big way, and I am proud of myself. Where most would have faltered and turned it off (like my fiancé did, who was watching it with me over video chat), I endured. Don’t ever say Zeke didn’t do anything for you! In my mind, what needs to happen with these movies is this: A studio with a bigger budget should snatch this up. The idea is great and would be an epic B movie with better acting and better special effects. Someone out there, please do this, because I'd love to see a remake done right! I can’t believe I am suggesting this, but if any of y’all want me to watch the rest of the Death Toilet "franchise" and review it, I will. All you need to do is send us an email with "For Zeke!" as the subject and I'll get it. And I’m sure, like other choices I’ve made in life, I’ll end up regretting it, but hey, this is what I do and I love it. Where to watch: Tubi. If you actually want to pay for it: YouTube Premium and Google Play. Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to watch it, write about, and talk about it, whether that be in his own horror novels or in reviews. His experience as a pastor and paranormal investigator brings everything he writes to life. Reach him through MixedAlternativeMag@gmail.com . Previous Next

< Back Reviews on the Real: Doctor Nez’s ‘High Desert Lows’ Nicole Brice Nov 22, 2024 Share ‘High Desert Lows’ is an EP full of songs that speak of truth. One thing I love about discovering new music is that you never know what you’ll find when you hit that play button. Case in point, the newest EP from Doctor Nez , aka Kenny Charters, a desert rock musician originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who now resides in Colorado. I had no clue what to expect upon listening to his newest EP for the first time, but I was pleasantly surprised and impressed once I sat down to consume all 27 minutes of his unique blend of desert rock . Photo provided by artist Doctor Nez's music, with its crisp, clean vocals, resonates with the human experience. His lyrics, which touch on truth, sorrow, focus, and determination, are a reflection of life’s ups and downs. His music is not just good rock with some twists and turns, but a mirror to our own life experiences and struggles. Doctor Nez, who has released two EPs of original material since early 2024, is a musician who is not just honing his craft but also making a significant impact. His music is a testament to his dedication and passion, inspiring others to strive for their best. His latest release, High Desert Lows , was released on November 15, 2024. It is a solid EP full of tunes sure to pique your interest. We break down the tracks for you below. Mark the Grave “Dead inside yet somehow breathing” – powerful opening lyrics for an opus of a song. Heavy guitars with a steady groove – this song pulls you in because of the powerful words. I had to turn it up and repeat it several times to truly take in all the lyrics. It's a solid rock tune. If You Know the Deal It's a head-nodding tune full of fuzz with a classic rock sound that starts loud but then tones down its vibe with softer lyrics full of introspection. As the chorus kicks in, this tune kicks it up a notch. Great track. Left All Alone It has an interesting vibe with the opening – I can’t exactly describe it. It's a very cool and laid-back tune that progresses into a heavy chorus. Among the Pages Tranquility is the word that pops into my head when I hear this instrumental tune. The guitar parts have a tranquil aura. It’s a bit softer than some of the other tunes on this EP, but I can hear the blues influence. In the Shadow of a Mountain It's another softer track that begins with a very ethereal sound. The crackling in the background makes me think I’m sitting around a campfire with an acoustic guitar. The vocals are soothing. I closed my eyes to listen to this one because I wanted to truly be immersed in it. It's a beautiful track. High Desert Lows It is an enjoyable track full of alt-grunge sensibilities. The vocals on this track soar. Left All Alone (radio cut) An altered version of the original track made radio-friendly. Photo provided by artist After I finished listening to High Desert Lows , I still had a few unanswered questions, so I reached out to Doctor Nez for more clarification. Check out our conversation below. MaM : What message would you like people to take away from your music? Your lyrics are potent and inspiring. Doctor Nez : My biggest goal is for listeners to extrapolate their own meanings from my music, but I can certainly give an idea of this EP's mood. ‘High Desert Lows’ is a labor of hate -- it is about places and situations where I was absolutely miserable and would never want to be again. That being said, I hope that every listener can relate at least one song to their own struggles and know they are not alone in feeling this way...they're not the first, and surely not the last. I hope people can bury themselves in at least one song, tunnel through, and come out the other side knowing that whatever they battled to relate to this, that by continuing, they've already won. You can find a similar message at the end of the 'Mark the Grave' music video on YouTube. MaM : Do you have a favorite track on this EP, and if so, which one? Doctor Nez : I have two. From a production standpoint, it's absolutely ‘ Mark the Grave .’ I think it's currently my "gold standard" for the minimum level of quality for future releases. The whole EP was written, recorded, and mixed by myself in my un-sound-treated basement, so I feel exceptionally proud that I was able to make something so (in my opinion) top-notch. From a music/songwriting perspective, it's ‘ High Desert Lows .' Sometimes, I almost forget that it's me; I really feel like I nailed the mood with the lyrics on that one, to the point that it didn't even need a true second verse. It'll also be tough to out-write that riff. MaM : I am in LOVE with the track, ' Among the Pages .' What was the inspiration behind it, and how did it come about? Doctor Nez : ‘ Among the Pages ’ is a funny one. Every record I make is likely to have a weird, atmospheric instrumental because that's one of the things I do in my free time. I'm the game master for a long-running Dungeons and Dragons campaign (which my wife, For the Love of Chuck, streams on Twitch ), and I decided early on in the game to make my own music for the game. ‘ Among the Pages ’ started as the background music for a huge, imposing magical archive belonging to a God. Over time, I felt it pulled the same emotional strings for me as some of the low moments while writing 'High Desert Lows', and I knew it had to be the sound that led into ‘ In the Shadow of a Mountain .’ MaM : Do you have any plans to tour in 2025? Doctor Nez : I'd love to play some shows in 2025. I'm doing everything myself right now, and it's very important to me that I find a few musicians who like the music enough to really get into it in a live setting. Economics is a big hurdle, too; I won't bring someone in to play my music if I can't pay them. I already have a prospective bassist interested, but rounding up a drummer and second guitarist could be challenging (Colorado Springs area players, DM me). MaM : Who do you cite as your ultimate vocal influence ? Doctor Nez : Gosh, that's a tough one. I don't sound like any of these guys, but my top 4 influences when it comes to stylistic choices are Ville Valo (HIM), Sahaj Ticotin (Ra), Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), and Tom Templar (Green Lung). If you want to add a little desert rock to your playlist, start with High Desert Lows by Doctor Nez . Guaranteed you’ll like it. For more information about Doctor Nez: Apple Music : music.apple.com Doctor Nez on Apple Music Listen to music by Doctor Nez on Apple Music. Spotify : Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/doctor_nez/ YouTube : www.youtube.com Doctor Nez Doctor Nez provides a punchy, riff-driven hybrid of Alternative and Desert Rock with honest lyrics about the struggles of modern life, drawing influences from a wide range of sounds, such as Alice In Chains, HIM, Witchcraft, Vertical Horizon, Red Fang, Green Lung, Church of the Cosmic Skull, and Black Sabbath. From paranoia to substance dependence, loneliness to uncertainty, suicidal ideation to survivors' grief, Doctor Nez retells haunting stories from firsthand and secondhand accounts, all wrapped up in a package of gritty, overdriven guitar tones and unapologetically disheveled vocals. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/doctornezmusic www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Do you have something you'd like us to review? Send us an e-mail at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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