#349: THE VVITCH

2015

Directed by Robert Eggers

Supernatural Horror, Psychological Horror

The VVitch has taken the Horror community by storm and for good reason. I've not bought a Blu-Ray on the day of release for a while now, but after hearing all the glowing reviews, I was excited to see it. Well after one viewing I was completely impressed, I could have easily watched it again right away if I had time. This is my kind of Horror film because it thinks outside the box. If I was to compare it to the recent The Conjuring films (which I also really liked), both have supernatural elements, are set in periods from the past yet their impact hit me in completely different ways. The Conjuring relies more on jump scares and periods of silence that suddenly explode into loud frightening moments that catch you off guard. The Conjuring films have some unbearably tense moments where I felt like I couldn't look at the screen. The VVitch was different though, I never was so scared that I had to look away, and it doesn't really push the jump scares so much. What it does really well is just builds up a very creepy atmosphere.

In a rare move for a Horror film, The VVitch gives away its antagonist almost immediately (well, within the first 10 minutes) which took me by shock, as films in the supernatural genre tend to like to build up the suspense and make the big reveal at the end of the film. I thought it was a bold move after seeing that scene, I was completely hooked. The pacing of the film is excellent and there are practically no wasted moments in the film. The expanse of the surrounding forest is used to beautiful effect, and throughout the film it feels like something is lurking and watching in the trees in the background. The film has a low key but effective plot that keeps you guessing right 'til the end. In particular I loved the creepy, vocal soundtrack that sounded like witches chanting in a ritual. Also this has to be the finest performance from a goat in a film since Island of Death! The whole film is like seeing your favourite Black Metal albums come to life! The VVitch is a supremely enjoyable Horror flick, and whilst it doesn't do anything particularly new, it will manage to creep you out effortlessly, in a similar way to The Babadook before it, or perhaps creepy classics like The Wicker Man or Don't Look Now. 8/10. 

#304: STATION TO STATION

2015

Directed by Doug Aitken

Documentary, Music Film

Station to Station is a unique documentary film that includes 62 films into one, with each short film lasting just 1 minute in length. Each of these 62 films was made on (or near) a train travelling across the whole of America. Many of the segments feature musicians and artists performing on (or near) the train. There are some very recognisable faces including Thurston Moore, Jackson Browne, Cat Power, Savages, Dan Deacon and more. If you are into your music you will probably find something to enjoy from some of these segments, but because they each run at a minute long, that enjoyment might not last. Considering it is a film about a train, there is actually not a lot to do with trains or travel in this film. Whilst the concept of Station to Station is admirable, I didn't really understand the point of it. Why did they need to get a bunch of bands performing on a train travelling across America for the purposes of a documentary? I'm not sure, other than that it's pretty cool. Imagine if more train journeys were punctuated with Thurston Moore jamming "Schizophrenia" on his guitar?! Station to Station is very well filmed, but with 62 films coming together it is a highly mixed bag that is never going to enthral its audience all of the time, and when it does, you end up wishing it was more than just for a minute long. For a film about a train travelling across the whole of America, Station to Station sure is directionless. 5/10.

#294: SIDEBURN - EVIL OR DIVINE

2015.

Stoner Metal, Hard Rock.

Metalville Records.

"Evil or Divine" is the latest album by Swedish Heavy Metal band Sideburn released on the Metalville label. Sideburn have quite a retro sound that I would say is Stoner Metal with classic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock influences thrown in. It is easy to hear bits of Sabbath, Dio and Maiden in the riffs and vocals. Each of the seven tracks on "Evil or Divine" are driven by Sideburn's knack for playing irresistibly catchy lead riffs. From the moment you put on the record, the opening riff of "Masters and Slaves" hooks you in. A crunchy and meaty slowed down riff, followed by psychedelic reverb tinged vocals. 

The first two tracks are definitely the heaviest, but after that the album becomes more chilled out, although still with plenty of fantastic riffs. "When Darkness Calls" is pure Zeppelin territory with a Bluesy motif running through it, whilst my favourite track "The Day the Sun Died", is darker and gloomier. There are little bits of cheesiness throughout the record, but in acceptable doses. "Evil Ways" is pure classic rock radio sounding, whilst closing track "Presence" leans towards being an epic ballad. Sideburn aren't afraid to put in big choruses, but these are well balanced alongside their psychedelic sounding Stoner riffs.

If you prefer your Stoner Metal to Smack you in the face and crush you to death like Sleep or Electric Wizard, this might not be the album for you. But if you like the more relaxed and chilled side of the genre then I would recommend it. "Evil or Divine" isn't far from the likes of Kyuss' "And the Circus Leaves Town" or The Sword's "High Country". 7/10.