What's Inside

OCTOBER 2015

a binghamton media group publication

what’s inside: Making America Great Again The Girl That Cried During Her Brazilian MisterWives Concert Critique Contents 3. Letter from the Editor The Editoral Board

4. On Cecile Emeke EDITORIAL BOARD Zaudita Fender

5. Make America Great... Again? Edison Alulema REGINA BELL DEIRDRE SULLIVAN Publisher & President Editor-In-Chief 6. Flow Paola Diaz JEREMY ISABELLA PAOLA DIAZ 7. The Girl That Cried During Her Brazilian Impact Editor & Layout Photo Editor Deirdre Sullivan

9. Stoner Steve’s Not-So-Sober Schedule GRANT HERSON Anonymous Treasurer

10. I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar SABRINA TENTEROMANO Mycah Hazel LYDIA PEPE Layout 12. Keeping Politics Out of Our Vaginas Deirdre Sullivan The Binghamton University Free Press is a Student Association Chartered student-writ- 14. Train Tails ten and managed newspaper published by Maya Wechsler the Binghamton Media Group for the Bing- IMPACT SECTION hamton University Community.

15. Review: Deerhunter The Editorial Board of the Binghamton Me- Grant Herson dia Group has sole authority for the content 16. Turkuaz: The Funk You’ve Been Waiting For of this paper. All inquiries can be sent to Allie Young [email protected] No part thereof may be reproduced in any 17. Review: The Stanford Prison Experiment form, in whole or in part without the explicit Nolan Cunningham written consent of the Publisher. 18. MisterWives Concert Jeremy Isabella Copyright 2006-2015 Binghamton Media Group 19. Riot Grrl Revisited Deirdre Sullivan We would like to thank our printer, Gary 20. Review: Told Slant Marsden Max Steinbach Want to write, design, or photograph for us? 21. Skeleton Reccomendations email us at [email protected] Larry Burnham

22. Summer Movies Ranked Cover art by Daniel “Dae Woo” Woehr Pat Bartholomew

224. Humans of Binghamton Letter from the Editor

The Binghamton Free Press is under new management!

I joined a lot of clubs when I was a freshman. I had an apprenticeship at WHRW, playing hip hop songs under the guidance of two metalheads. I got a bid at a coed frat. I went to a BU Acres meeting and learned the logistics of being a farmhand before I realized I didn’t have any pairs of shoes I was willing to get dirty. I even went to some GIMs just to get the free pizza. But for all the listservs that I’m on, and for all the meetings I showed up for, the Free Press soon became my first priority.

What kept me coming back was the freedom: we are the only completely free-formatted, student-run publication at Binghamton University. Our mission remains to bring our readers a relevant and informative analysis of art and current events, and to foster the growth of our writers and their individual voices.

I’m happy to announce that we’ve combined both IMPACT magazine and the Free Press newspaper into one publication to make our October 2015 issue. Mycah brings us a thoughtful and informative news article about a ferocious South African coalition called the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit. Maya shares her experiences navigating the NYC subway. Anonymous gets high, goes to class, and writes about it for us. Deirdre bears all in her glimpse of what it’s like being a woman. Grant gives us a tasty review of the new Deerhunter album, Fading Frontier, and Max muses on Told Slant’s album Still Water.

This year we were blessed to have such an enthusiastic, promising swath of fresh e-board members and staff writers. Meeting and working with them has truly been a pleasure. That being said, we hope you enjoy our October 2015 issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

Best, the Editorial Board at Binghamton Media Group 3 Photo by Maya Wechsler On Cecile Emeke by Zaudita Fender

Cecile Emeke is a British film- In regards to typecasting, or as a major component of the maker of Jamaican descent that black actors are predominantly storyline. I’m not saying that beautifully and unapologeti- given stereotypical roles that people don’t identify with these cally captures the black voice. comply with the mainstream characters or that one show can She has a great body of work in definition of blackness. In the fully encompass a diverse group which she showcases the di- video, Vanessa talks about her of people, but it is problematic versity within the Black/African audition for a role during which when there is seldom a positive diaspora. Within that body of the director asks her to put on image of black people on tele- work is a series entitled Strolling, a more African accent, wanting vision. Television should reflect in which she and an individual her to sound more “bush” or the diversity that lies within the stroll along various streets in the more “slave.” Anyone in their black community. UK while said individual shares right mind has to question, what Another issue that was brought his/her opinion on issues such does it mean to sound more up in the video was the angry as race, class, gender, sexuality, slave? I sure have no idea and it black female narrative. Whenev- and the multifaceted nature was quite clear that Vanessa was er a black woman feels strongly of these issues. It allows for a also thoroughly confused. While about something or defends very raw and open discussion not every actor may be asked herself, she is automatically because nothing has to be su- to sound more “bush,” if one labeled as this angry black garcoated, resulting in a rather thoroughly examines the Fall TV female caricature. There is no honest delivery. lineup they will realize that black space for us to be indignant. We The episode of Strolling that I actors are almost always the have to hide our emotions to found most interesting was epi- drug dealers, the baby mommas make other individuals feel less sode 4, when Ms.Emeke takes a or the sassy secretary. Two very threatened. But one has to ques- stroll with Vanessa. In the video, popular shows at the moment tion why the individual feels Vanessa discusses an array of are Empire, which I need to threatened in the first place. I issues, the most intriguing being catch up on because the 23rd personally have had a number the issue of the typecasting of is right around the corner, and of experiences where I am either black actors and actresses and Power, which both have drug defending myself or simply the angry black female. dealing as either the premise vocalizing my opinion and what

4 I say is trivialized because the be viewed as belligerent beings, created a platform in which angry black label gets attached. forced into being someone they blackness can be openly and This is a problem because in are not. freely discussed without the order to avoid that stereotype, Vanessa’s episode is just one need for respectability politics black women have to over- example of what makes Ceci- and without the need to ap- compensate in the presence of le Emeke both refreshing and pease a mainstream audience. others out of fear that they will necessary. She has successfully Make America Great...Again? by Edison Alulema

You’ve had your fun watching very willing to go to bed with Forbes, also has little need to be the Donald Trump highlights the highest bidder. With this in subservient to the needs and during the GOP debate, but it’s mind, the campaigns from this wants of big business. In certain time to start thinking about year’s elections are reminiscent ways, he also supported certain the next four or possibly eight of broke college students look- leftist ideas such as a single-pay- years after Obama’s presidency. ing for sugar daddies. With this er healthcare system. Unfortu- There are two major parties and filter in place, Donald Trump nately, Trump’s stance has dra- a bunch of other smaller, hope- and Bernie Sanders stand as matically changed for the worse. lessly optimistic parties, so you two figures free from the power Trump’s words have reverber- have a lot of options. of influence. However, the only ated throughout the homes of One of the clearest ways to clear candidate that stands out many conservative Americans, find out what politicians are all is Mr. Bernie Sanders. Looking Ku Klux Klan meeting halls, and about is to check out their paper at his list of campaign donors the clubs of neo-Nazi motorcy- trail. Not their possible shady is truly humbling. With contri- cle gangs. It is becoming very late night transactions, I mean butions from labor unions and apparent that many individuals where their campaign money is other minority groups, Sanders feel right at home with his sexist, coming from. In the very same hails as champion of the people. homophobic, Islamophobic, and way an escort can be bought Trump, as the 134th richest xenophobic remarks. If you are for the night, a politician can be man in the world according to comfortable with an America 5 that harbors growing anti-Islam- minority and disadvantaged election. If you’ve ever watched ic sentiment, is free of “Mex- groups in mind, we need a can- the movie, Can Mr. Smith Go to icans” (any migrant of color), didate that can fully represent Washington, you will see the and fans that happily gobble up the diversity of our nation. The uncanny similarity that Sanders his diarrhea of the mouth, feel last thing we need is a slouch has to that young, naïve but free to vote for him. In that way, that will go to bed with any well-meaning man that pledged he can certainly make America interest group that is willing his allegiance to the United great again. Under him, segre- to finance their campaign, and States of America. If and when gation might be re-instituted, or by this, I point to almost every we feel that Mr. Sanders fails to perhaps another Trail of Tears. single candidate that will be fully represent the diversity of With the United States’ growing on the ballot this upcoming our great nation, rest assured --

Flow by Paola Diaz

Flow arts integrate dance and pens, sticks, flags, juggling fruit, up and down. Electrons flow free flowing body movements tossing and turning objects. rhythmically, circling around to create expression with the Why do we possess this tenden- their opposing charge, creating use of props. To name a few: cy to “flow” with such random a harmonic balance. Orbiting hula hoops, poi, staff, gloves, objects? Perhaps it has to do like planets, moons, cycling like flow wands, batons, and the with us being rhythmic be- seasons, list goes on. A dance, exercise, ings, existing in a rhythmic and trends, the processes of life and a way to let loose and jam out, cyclical universe. As a hooper, death. Our human composi- this form of art allows for beau- I think about this all the time. I tion of mostly water; the sym- tiful and endless tricks lavished remind myself that my flow toy metrical fluctuation of a wave, with physical, mental, and of choice is a circle. A circle, the rippling through time. Neural spiritual benefits, creativity and most basic and fundamental oscillations communicate within oneness. shape, the shape of all things ourselves and the exterior that Once the act of flowing be- that make up the universe to is our world. Energy circulates. comes almost instinctive, nat- the smallest scale. Cells, atoms In respect to nature, things are urally and without thought, within molecules, our own random. And throughout the flow-ers can get into the habit chemical, physical, biological universe they flow! The circle of of flowing with whatever props composition. Round. Our DNA life. are readily available; brooms, dances, curving up and down, The patterns that these flow 6 toys make are captivating, patterns, and the conditions of quick resource to experience the becoming so attractive and the environment. The relations art. #ShowMeYourTrails, #Stop- appealing to the eyes that many and interconnectedness of it all DropandFlow, #FlowArtsFriday. times it becomes hard to look is baffling. The countless websites for away. The patterns remind us of Flow arts have progressive- buying, selling, and trading flow our own geometric nature. The ly been growing. People can toys make it easier to access the trails demonstrate the shapes become hooked when they right prop. There’s even a Hula our bodies naturally create; with are open and willing to try and Hoop Club right here on the symmetry and balance, we are experiment with the art. A flow Binghamton campus, a small- the Vitruvian humans that Da community has grown. We see er flow community within the Vinci saw. The patterns become this in parks, concerts, shows, greater global movement (hula- even more visually stimulating camps, workshops, retreats. In [email protected] for with reflective, LED or fire props, festival culture the art is cele- more info). Although there are as well as through the use of brated and flow artists are con- basic moves within the flow arts multiple props or embracement gratulated. Places like Burning when learning, the artist always of partner flowing, multiple Man, Nevada thrive with the art has the freedom to take it in any people partaking and perform- of fire spinning of all sorts. Social direction they want, the elastici- ing in the art together. Flowing media has helped link flow-ers ty to move and bend and play in becomes a meditative practice, from around the world in groups any way. There are no rules, just to feel the wholeness of the such as “Infinite Circles Com- the trust and guidance of one’s body, to understand the space munity,” a page where hoopers own body. Everyone has their and positionality of ourselves, share videos and other aspects own flow. the interaction with the prop, related to their hoop journeys. the physics of naturally abiding The use of hashtags becomes a

The Girl That Cried During Her Brazilian

by Deirdre Sullivan

It seemed like a good idea at would just make things easier ness when she said “You just the time. Circumstances natu- to… maintain. The idea was first have to do it. It’s really not THAT rally pushed me to do this; I was brought to my attention with a bad”. She assuaged my concerns about to embark on a lengthy friend over conversation and a by referencing a particular wax- trip to Europe, it was the peak glass of red wine. Her animated ing company, European Wax, of summer; I figured that it disposition suggested assured- that has an exclusive patent-

7 ed kind of royal blue wax that not willing to do something to witch; cackling as she poured would appeal to sensitive folks appease some bourgeois male the concoction onto my skin. like myself. The color blue has capitalist agenda. Do young Lying down on the table with a strong emotional pull for me. girls think that this is something the essence of my sex engulfed Soon I found myself reading a they will have to do one day like in this patented blue sea of wax, web article published by Cosmo some habitual rite of passage?”. she stripped off the wax, piece entitled “10 Things You Need to I walked into the waiting room by piece, after it cooled. With Know Before You Get Your First the following week, looked at each pull, tears flew to my ears Brazilian”. This should have been the composed faces of the wom- and I cried out in agony “my read as a sign from the feminine en who would go in before me, beautiful vagina!”. At first she deity of genitalia saying “DO and realized how much easier laughed, but it soon dawned on NOT DO THIS!!”. Yet, I somehow my life would be if I didn’t have her that I was an atypical patient managed to convince myself to question everything all the having an atypical experience. that this would be a good expe- time. A few drawn out minutes She would later remark that rience, and I booked an appoint- passed by, until a woman with I was the only client she ever ment for the next week. It was a jet black hair and level of badass had, after years of working in done deal in my mind, but there unknown to me said my name. I the business, that actually cried. was still something lurking in took a deep breath and followed The woman dared to show me my conscious that had nothing her down a narrow hallway with the remnants of what was once to do with my questionable pain deep mahogany flooring and under the blue wax, (what once tolerance. a series crimson red-painted was mine), after it was all over Outside of my already doors, convinced that I was en- as some form of consolation for neurotic temperament that tering the gateway to hell. my both painful and emotional lends to indecisiveness, part of Clearly I don’t know how experience. After cleanup, she my apprehension towards wax- to play it cool (especially when went to offer me a coupon for ing comes from an illegitimate it comes to vaginas), consider- next time, but then stopped belief that partaking in hair ing the first thing she said to herself saying “I don’t think removal would somehow make me was “it’s going to be okay” there will be a next time”. She me a “bad” feminist. Navigating and continued to coax me as if was right. I tipped the woman this world as a feminist is hard I were some five year old with and walked out of European enough, and I look to my hair a deep-seeded needle phobia Wax into the driver’s seat of my down under as a shield against getting their yearly influenza friend’s car (she came for moral a society that desperately wants vaccination. As I stripped down support). She burst into laughter my body to look like a hairless to my half-birthday suit she when I told her I cried and pro- cat. Questions flooded my mind; gave me a run-down of what ceeded to call me an asshole. I “Am I removing part of my wom- was about to happen to my na- said that is true; an asshole I may anhood? Are my actions reflect- ked flesh. She begun to stir the be, but mine is hairless. ing the consequences of step- hot wax mixture with a ladle and ping into the male gaze? The I am fairly certain I witnessed male gaze is powerful, and I was her transform into the figure a

8 Stoner Steve’s Not-So-Sober Schedule by Anonymous Recently I decided to attend a look you up and down as you that confidence wasn’t exactly full day of my classes (just one, interrupt a class in session. Third, well placed. My biggest anxiet- by the way) completely stoned. control your giggling. In the ies stemmed mainly from the While this may not be my proud- end, it will only draw attention paranoia that everyone present est moment or something to to your person and, once that somehow knew I wasn’t the tell my mom about when she floodgate’s been opened, the absolute definition of sober – calls me at the end of this week, waters never cease to flow vio- coherent, yes; but sober? Not it is, nonetheless, something I lently outward. quite. can now knock off my Bucket Once you have those three I might not be the most objec- List. Regardless, my job here is down, it’s pretty much a game tive source, but I definitely feel to present to you the unadulter- of killing time and censoring positively towards the implica- ated facts of my experience. So, your more abstract thoughts. tion of a certain amount of both without further ado, here they For example, throughout my dis- recreational as well as medicinal are: cussion, I had many fine points I marijuana, especially in the I began the day as I usually do, felt compelled to share, such as cases of those who suffer from waking up at a totally decent the fact that Mary Rowlandson anxiety and other mental dis- time, but instead clearing an was probably a stuck-up bitch orders. In my honest opinion, it entire bowl pack by myself and or that Cabeza de Vaca sounds relaxes the user and even stimu- then smoking some more with a more like something you’d lates appetite without having to buddy. By the time we finished order at a restaurant instead of sacrifice the better part of one’s up, it was time to head to my a Spanish explorer, but I didn’t motor skills. My final valediction first class, a discussion session offer to share anything of that on the matter remains: if you’re with a class body of about 20. rather extreme nature. gonna go to class high, at least Now, keep in mind: this isn’t Something interesting to note do it the right way. my first bull at the rodeo. And if is that I did feel more confi- you’re planning on following in dent in my answers, even if my footsteps, I recommend ade- quate preparation beforehand: Firstly, pack some snacks. The immediate side effect of Mary Jane’s allure is an intense, both- ersome hunger; and you don’t want to be stuck in the same place for more than an hour with a loud, growling stomach. Second, plan out a solid block of time for your, uh, rituals. Noth- ing’s worse than already feeling like everyone’s eyes are on you and actually having every pair 9 I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar by Mycah Hazel

In the wake of dentist Walter stained combat boots are “Many people don’t know that Palmer’s return to his Minnesota commonly appropriated to male a woman can do this job,” twen- practice -- less than two months soldiers. In the South African ty-two year old Winnie said in after his killing of the popular region of Balule, however, an interview with Julia Gunther, Zimbabwean lion, Cecil, reached camouflage and combat boots whose recent photo series on news sources in America -- it collide with coils and cornrows the Black Mambas, part of her is important to question the to uniform the female-led Black collective work entitled “Proud degree to which individuals are Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit. Women of Africa,” has given the able to utilize wildlife reserves Founded in 2013, the unit serves coalition much acclaim. around the globe as grounds as an investigatory force, scout- Together, these women work as for illegal hunting. In one South ing the region for poachers, who an unarmed coalition seeking African region, however, a coali- kill or capture game illegally. to protect the “big five”: lions, tion is ensuring both the protec- The unit has since expanded its leopards, buffalo, elephants, and tion of wildlife and the preserva- surveillance from the western rhinos -- the most sought after tion of South African culture. portion of Balule to the entire animals in legal trophy hunting. Camouflage pants and dirt- Balule region. “We will show them that we can

10 do it. We are proud of it. When ture. This is not right,” summa- is important to not kill animals.” our children grow up, they will rizes twenty-six year old Lukie, The Black Mamba Anti-Poach- know the big five and love and in a point that is important in ing Unit has been rightfully respect this nature.” Winnie is understanding both the mission awarded for its actions. This one of the staggering twen- of the Black Mambas and what past summer at South Africa’s ty-three women that make up separates the group from other Rhino Conservation Awards, the twenty-five member unit. conservationist units. founded by the South African The Mambas are particularly When the Mambas are not Department of Environmental protective of the rhino, whose patrolling the reserve, they are Affairs and the Game Rangers poaching is stimulated by the teaching students about the Association of Africa, the Black demand for the rhino horn, animals they protect. Through Mambas won first prize for “Best a status symbol in countries its Bushbabies Environmental Rhino Conservation Practitioner.” such as Vietnam and China. The Education Awareness program, Additionally, on September 7, Western rhino has already been the Black Mamba unit educates 2015, they were granted the declared extinct by the Interna- the public on wildlife preser- “Champions of the Earth Award” tional Union for Conservation vation. They remind the public -- the top environmental award of Nature in 2011, the primary that the preservation of wildlife granted by the United Nations. cause of extinction identified as is not just an ethical matter but Since their founding, snaring poaching. Using VHS and GPS an ethnic one, in that respect incidents have been reduced by transmitters, the Black Mambas for nature is important to the a whopping seventy-six percent are able to keep track of the rhi- South African heritage. “I would and several arrests of detected nos in the region and assure that like to apply for a job at Kru- poachers have been made. Mambas are in those respective ger National Park so I can help Regardless of their commercial areas in order to keep an eye out people understand nature,” says respect, however, the Black for poachers. twenty-seven year old Belinda, Mambas are still in need of uni- “Poaching is very bad. It is who hopes to use her position form, food, and mechanics. Links important that animals live. The as a Black Mamba to gain expe- to donation pages, fundraisers, next generation must know the rience to further her career in and merchandise (coming soon) rhinos and elephants in life. If conservation. “On my off days, are located on the unit’s web- poaching is allowed they will I teach the children in my com- site: www.blackmambas.org. only see these animals in a pic- munity to understand nature; it

11 Keeping Politics Out of Our Vaginas: an Ode to Planned Parenthood by Deirdre Sullivan

Summer 2015 ushered Parenthood, a national organiza- argument. For example, one clip in a wave of progressive legal tion that provides reproductive discusses a price range in rela- and social reform. We witnessed services as well as maternal and tion to fetal tissue, with Nucato- the Supreme Court decision child services. The Center for la referencing something elusive that guaranteed equal mar- Medical Progress (an arguably and unclear costing between riage rights to LBGTQ citizens, a fraudulent name) garnered $30-$100 “per specimen”. The strengthening of the Affordable national attention after they video purposefully eliminates Care Act, and the removal of released a secretly recorded and the context that would enlight- some public Confederate flags in edited video showing Deborah ens us to the fact that Planned many southern states following Nucatola, the senior director of Parenthood donates fetal issue the racially motivated murders medical services at Planned Par- to biotech companies for the in Charleston, South Carolina. enthood, discussing the meth- purpose of medical research, However, amid this awakening ods in which she procures fetal particularly with diseases like to a greater social consciousness tissue following abortions. As HIV/AIDS. The price range that was an insidious effort put forth you watch the clips, it is obvious Nucatola references is over ship- by a conservative anti-choice that the anti-choice group delib- ping costs that are necessary for group, the Center for Medical erately cuts important context these biotech companies to pay Progress, to defund Planned out in order to strengthen their in order to make sure that the 12 fetal tissue remains preserved with their partners, have abor- and in tact, so that it can be tions to prevent an unplanned studied effectively. Unfortunate- pregnancy from reaching full ly, this kind of investigation was term, and treating and pre- not done by many conservative venting cancer and STDs from figures and groups before they spreading further or onto oth- publically detested Planned ers. Defunding Planned Parent- Parenthood and cultivated a hood will not only weaken the mass protest against the organi- rights of females to bodily au- zation based on false pretences. tonomy, but prolong or prevent What was essentially a sting patients from being diagnosed operation against the health with STDs and various forms of service provider, the Center for cancer. It will make unprotected Medical Progress has managed sex a more frequent occurrence to produce a witch hunt of sorts which will undoubtedly lead to against clinics across the coun- unwanted pregnancies; forcing try. Prominent republicans have women to seek out abortions used this opportunity to emerge from other services that will into the political arena as some likely not be as safe or confi- kind of champion of morality dential.This is why voting in and to appeal to the masses. midterm elections is important, Planned Parenthood, on the folks. When Republicans gain other hand, has had to deal with a hold of Congress, action can increasing hostility and gov- be made against organizations ernment investigation (which, like Planned Parenthood, who naturally, found no incidence strive to help the general public of malpractice); all because of without profit, on false notions bogus claims. that masquerade as legitimate. Why is this worth talking about? The controversy itself centers around the age-old abortion issue, but conserva- tives have been reluctant to mention how Planned Parent- hood services largely reflect cancer and STD screenings, with abortion only amounting to 3% of their total services provided. More importantly, these services are completely confidential. This confidentiality allows individuals to feel comfortable enough to receive contraceptive methods so that they can have safe sex

13 Train Trails by Maya Wechsler

For people who have never sophomore year. At Canal Street very loudly, “That’s okay, just taken the subway, trains prob- in Manhattan an older man stop reading my mind!” ably seem scary, confusing, would get on the train, wearing The entire train car, now overwhelming, and vaguely a brown coat, green pants, and a having realized that this guy was pee-scented. These people general attitude of craziness. As off, backed away a bit. All ex- are completely right. Living the train went over the bridge cept for a man who was already in Brooklyn means taking the towards Brooklyn, an overhead not having a good day and just trains everywhere; and, contrary announcement would warn wanted a seat on the train. He to popular belief, you never people to keep their belongings sat next to the crazy man, who learn to love the subway. The in sight at all times. This would, began touching his face and subway is, for the most part, a without fail, every day, prompt hair. Man #2 told him to stop. gross place. However, as unsan- this man to begin his extreme- Man #1 continued. After a little itary as trains may be, they have ly loud, extremely articulate while, Man #2 stood up and also (at least in my life) been a anti-government speech. Every announced to everyone on the great source of entertainment. single day, it was the same. I train that “if this man touches A popular train show is never actually got to hear how me again, I’m going to punch called ‘Showtime’- it consists of it ended, because my stop was him in his fucking face.” Man a group of young boys, aged twenty minutes later, with him #1 looked at him, and slowly, from thirteen to about nineteen, still going strong. deliberately, stepped on his foot. blasting a speaker in the middle I have, luckily, been The ensuing fight required five of the train (the more crowded extremely close to some very extremely burly men to separate the better), shouting, “WHAT memorable train fights. My fa- the two and, after about ten TIME IS IT?? SHOWTIME!!” vorite was during my junior year, minutes of similar shenanigans, Showtime begins with on my way to school, at approx- bodily throw the crazy man off some break dancing and grad- imately 7:30 AM on the Q train. the train car onto the platform uates to pole dancing and hat A man got on the train, exuding of 7th Avenue. flipping. Whether or not they bad vibes. You could smell it on Having taken the train leave with any money, they him, literally and figuratively. He since eighth grade, these stories always succeed in making every sat down, not causing trouble. are only the tip of the iceberg. person over thirty fear for their A little while later, a woman and Over the years I’ve accumulated lives. her young daughter got on the some really excellent examples I got to see a particular train. The young girl’s bookbag of the MTA in action. Tune in spectacle every day on my way brushed the man and the moth- next month for more. home from school during my er apologized- and he replied,

14 The Arts and Media section of

Review: Deerhunter- Fading Frontier by Grant Herson You would think that it would leaves changing, skies open- take a lot to really rattle some- ing up, and waves of cool one who has endured so much blue and orange hitting you. already. Bradford Cox has Lyrically this is Deerhunter’s battled with Marfan syndrome, most poppy and optimistic loneliness, sexual confusion, release to date. When you and abandonment issues his combine the lyrics with the whole life, but after being guitar work’s dreamy sound- struck by a car in December scapes, a lot these songs of 2014, he is back with a new sound like little epiphanies. Deerhunter album and a new You can definitely hear lease on life. Fading Frontier Bradford Cox’s new lease and is the band’s seventh studio value of his time on earth in album, due out October 16. songs like “Living My Life” It has been almost two years and above all optimistic record. and “Carrion” which makes since Deerhunter released their Fading Frontier starts off with this album a rather personal noisy nocturnal album Mono- “All the Same,” which features listen. mania. Although I have recently hazy guitar work and vocal The overall length of the album turned around on Monomania hooks that were notably absent and the length of individual and feel that it is a welcome part from Monomania, and from songs is one area that I think of their discography, the album there, continues to just suck the album comes up short, even left many fans wanting more in you in: if there’s one thing the though I feel that these songs the vein of Microcastle or Hal- album has working in its favor, will definitely be expanded cyon Digest. For those worried it is the flow. Each song seems upon and fleshed out more in a that Deerhunter was going to to trickle into the next indistin- live setting. The vast majority of continue in the same direction guishable at times. The album is songs have such colorful land- of noise, garage rock heavy di- full of little soundscapes, most scapes that I wish they would rection of Monomania, have no notably on songs like “Breaker,” drone on a little longer, maybe fear because Fading Frontier is a “Snakeskin,” and “Ad Astra,” that in the same vein as some of their far more lush, dreamy, colorful, seem to conjure up images of earlier work like Cryptograms or 15 Weird Era Cont. Another area where I think the and company prove yet again There are definitely some stand- album fumbles is that it comes that they are one of today’s out moments that expose Deer- off as too soft or fluffy at times. most consistent and quality hunter playing with their sound. If you were to show this al- bands. Fading Frontier is sonical- This can be seen at the end of bum to someone who had no ly bright, vivid, and warm. Lyr- “Leather Wood,” “Snakeskin” idea who Deerhunter was and ically the album is surprisingly and “Ad Astra.” I just wish they showed them Monomania or upbeat and poppy. While Fading brought noisy jam and ambient even Microcastle they probably Frontier does not necessarily sessions more to songs like “All would probably come to the reach the heights of albums like the Same,” “Duplex Planet” and conclusion that they were dif- Microcastle or Halycon Digest, “Carrion,” which are still some of ferent bands. While I do like the it is still a much-welcome part my favorite tracks off the album, dreamy and colorful nature of of their discography and only but probably could have been the album I think I would have makes me more excited for the contenders for some of my fa- enjoyed a bit more bite to it. next Lotus Plaza or Atlas Sound vorite Deerhunter songs ever. All that being said, Bradford Cox album to drop.

Turkuaz: The Funk You’ve Been Waiting for by Allie Young

If you need a funky, soulful, and creates music you can’t help the quality of their performance. unique addition to your music li- but dance to. The group ro- Turkuaz executes upbeat and brary, then Brooklyn’s nine-piece tates vocalists, featuring Dave layered music with precision groove band Turkuaz could be Brandwein on zealous tracks that allows an audience to give just what you’re looking for. like “Monkey Fingers” and in to their infectious energy. Turkuaz modernly interprets art- “The Rules”, and Josh Schwartz During my senior year of high ists like The Talking Heads and on slow-groove tracks like school, I was lucky enough to Stevie Wonder to form a sound “Pickin’ Up (Where You Left participate in a workshop with unlike any other’s. Off)”. Though the lead vocals Turkuaz. With as much enthusi- The group fills a room are always accompanied by the asm as if they were back at the (quite literally) with guitar, bass, female duo Sammi Garett and Brooklyn Bowl, the band gra- trumpet, keyboard, tenor sax, Shira Elias, their eased yet pow- ciously performed in our small, bari sax, drums, and a tasteful erful voices are also featured as farm-town school auditorium. dose of tambourine. Between solos. They were eager to give advice, a gamut of instruments and Each time I have seen tell stories, and quite simply, four strong vocalists, this band them live, I’m overwhelmed by jam out. That same weekend, 16 Turkuaz played a gig at Ithaca’s good people. Digitonium, be sure to check out restaurant and bar, The Haunt. The power funk band is Turkuaz Live at Southpaw for Recognizing me from their expected to release their newest a taste of their remarkable live workshop, several members of album, Digitonium on October energy. Turkuaz is making rev- the band made sure to find me 2, 2015. Only one single has olutionary contributions to the after the show. Turkuaz is not been released, but it provides a genre of funk, and if we’re lucky, only comprised of incredibly tal- promising outlook for the rest of this is just the beginning. ented musicians, but admirably the album. If you can’t wait for The Stanford Prison Experiment by Nolan Cunningham

In 1971, Stanford Uni- eponymous experiment. While periment snowballs out of con- versity professor of psychology it is difficult for test subjects and trol, its implications on authori- Philip Zimbardo conducted one viewers alike to take the exper- ty, abuse, and human behavior of the most profound and dis- imental role-playing seriously are impossible to ignore. How- turbing human experiments in at the start, it is the actors’ body ever tense the experiment may the history of psychology. In his language and Alvarez’s atten- get, the film is not without faux experiment, Zimbardo created tion to detail that capture the pas. While The Stanford Prison a realistic prison simulation in uncertainty and anxiety that Experiment is wrought with which male, college student spiral into a trying madness fast- tension and intense psycholog- volunteers role-played as either er than anyone, even Zimbardo ical curiosity throughout, the prisoners or guards to test the himself, would have expected. climax of the film is anything but hypothesis that inherent per- Rebellion, conflict, and inadver- climactic. In fact, it hardly feels sonality traits are the cause of tent psychological torture ensue like a climax at all. Although the abusive behavior in prisons. In to reveal the nature of the pris- pacing is unsettlingly unusual, The Stanford Prison Experiment, oner-guard dynamic, simulta- it is important to keep in mind director Kyle Patrick Alvarez re- neously revealing an underlying that this is a true story told as counts this disturbing historical philosophical commentary on it actually happened. This may reality, testing not only the san- choice, free will, and humanity. not make for an ideal pace, but ity of the experiment’s subjects, The experiment tantalizingly it serves to preserve its realism. but we the viewers as well. The draws on only to reveal that its Throughout the film, reality is first moments of the film fly by metaphysical breadth encap- questioned and insanity looms and we are immediately thrown sulates the experimenters as heavily in the halls of the prison. into the claustrophobic bowels well, manipulating the minds of Tim Talbott’s screenplay and of the interim prison used in the everyone involved. While the ex- Kyle Patrick Alvarez’s directorial 17 precision garnered two awards ment. In the words of Conse- believable that it’s easy to forget at the 2015 Sundance Film Fes- quence of Sound’s Justin Gerber, we’re watching a movie.” tival for its disturbingly realistic The Stanford Prison Experiment portrayal of the 1971 experi- is “so disturbing, intense, and MisterWives Concert Critique by Jeremy Isabella

If you haven’t forgotten already, peared to be a painter’s cos- talking about. The same princi- an up-and-coming young pop tume. The crowd certainly was ple of “the louder the better” has band headlined a concert on feeding off her energy -- she already taken a toll on recorded our campus at the start of the was undeniable. The rest of the music -- look up the “Loudness semester for the “Shindig at the band performed well too, but I War” -- and it’s starting to ruin Fountain.” MisterWives, a six- still found it impossible to fully certain concerts. It seems like piece from New York City, are enjoy the show for one glaring bands that are too loud often strikingly similar to the band reason. I’m going to sound like have no idea how loud they are. that played last year’s ‘Shindig,’ a grumpy old man for saying The guitarist will bob his head Rubblebucket. Both acts boast a this, but it must be said: that and make a face while he plays powerful brass section and each show was way too fucking loud. a nice riff, but he doesn’t realize has an incredibly energetic I know I’m not the only one who we can’t hear him as he’s being maverick female lead vocalist. thought that way either; I saw drowned out by the rest of his The strongsuit of MisterWives’ people in the crowd struggling band. That’s what bums me out live show has got to be their to talk to their friends during the the most, is that I thought this frontwoman, Mandy Lee, who show. This has become a grow- band was actually pretty good pranced around the stage with ing problem with live perfor- and I would willingly see them swagger, wearing what ap- mances that no one seems to be in a different setting, but they

18 were so loud they just sounded distance myself from the expe- because of how much I love like one massive wall of (main- rience to enjoy it more. This isn’t music. We need to turn down ly low-end) sound with little a matter of taste or opinion, this the volume to save our ears and sonic space between the instru- is a public health concern. I love continue to enjoy great music. ments. “Just wear earplugs or listening to music and I want This is a discussion we need to move to the back of the crowd,” to keep doing so for as long start now before we can no lon- some will say. Maybe I will, but as possible; I started writing ger hear each other speak. I shouldn’t have to remove or album reviews in this magazine

Riot Grrrl Revisited: Revolution Girl Style Now by Deirdre Sullivan

In a time where women artists of the band and a are often chastised for not iden- co-founder of the tifying as feminist, it is difficult third-wave feminist to imagine an era where the Riot Grrrl move- confluence of feminism and pop ment, has taken on culture was at once rare and the role since 2012 frowned upon. In the summer of of spearheading a 1991, a group of women living career-spanning re- in Olympia, Washington joined issue series of Bikini forces out of shared experiences Kill material under of sexism and discrimination the band’s own and sought to channel their record label “Bikini feminist beliefs into an accessi- Kill Records”. The ble art form. A little band named re-release will be Bikini Kill was born, and the rest available Septem- is history. The band recently ber 22nd for pur- revisited their riot grrrl roots, chase and includes unearthing old but largely un- three unreleased known material into a re-release tracks “Just Once”, of their first collective body “Playground”, and of work, “Revolution Girl Style “Ocean Song”, that with the initial music produced Now”. The initial demo tape echo the band’s roots in the Pa- by their contemporaries, Mud- was released in 1991, recorded cific Northwest and their link to honey and Nirvana. A limited by members Kathleen Hanna, the grunge scene that defined edition reproduction of the Kathi Wilcox, Tobi Vail, and Billy 90s alternative music. More original cassette with the same Karren, the day after a house doomy than Bikini Kill’s most bright red artwork is available party with the equipment still iconic hits such as “Double Dare along with options for vinyl and in place from the night before. Ya” and “Rebel Girl”, the new CD purchase. It’s awesome, and I Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer tracks have more in common think y’all should give it a listen. 19 Now, after nearly 25 years, Bikini ideals set forth by the original that girls constitute a revolution- Kill’s anthemic verses of revo- riot grrrls years ago, as Kathleen ary soul force that can, and will, lution still cultivate a following once said, “because I believe change the world for real”. of feminists who believe in the with my holeheartmindbody Review: Told Slant-Still Water by Max Steinbach

The week before I what I want to be,” on began my freshman the track “I Am Not,” is year of college I a rally cry of sorts for would stay up late Felix and all those who every night watching are still discovering movies. When the themselves and where movie was over, I’d they belong in this usually just sit on my confusing world. couch for a half-hour Although released in or more, thinking 2011, Still Water didn’t about how fast life is gain attention until moving and feeling 2014, when Told Slant totally overwhelmed was signed by Broken about everything. World Media. The That’s the feeling band’s lo-fi production I get when I listen and adorable lack of to Still Water, the overt self-awareness first LP from Brook- sets them apart from lyn-based lo-fi/bed- their “emo revival” room-punk band, label-mates. With their with relationships and concerns Told Slant.Frontman/drummer, layered electric guitar melodies for the future. Felix Walworth sings with deli- and lo-fi production, Told Slant Still Water also deals with gen- cate immediacy, as if they could bares more similarities to early der-identity, a very relevant break down in tears at any Modest Mouse or indie-fave theme in a scene where queer moment. Sometimes though, Alex G. musicians are becoming increas- they crack, belting lines like If you’re in the right mood, Still ingly visible. On the track “Lack,” “But who’s gonna kiss your un- Water is an especially cathartic Felix laments their gender-dys- dressed chest when I’m gone?” listen. It’s free on Told Slant’s phoria and the struggles that with a tone of legitimate des- bandcamp page, so check it come with navigating social peration that makes you want to out. It’s best listened to in a dark situations while also figuring give them a hug and tell them room by yourself, or on the long out who you are (“I don’t want everything will be okay. These walk to Science 3 with the snow to be a boy/ and you don’t want intimate and revealing lyrics blowing in your face. provide the album with a type to be a girl/ I hate the way your of emotional power that keeps friends make me feel I was not you invested in Felix’s struggles myself”). The refrain, “I am not 20 SKELETON RECOMMENDATIONS: by Larry Burnham

Political Leaders Past & Present If you liked LBJ during his democratic regime, you might also like Bernie Sanders, up-and-coming candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential campaign. Much like how LBJ started a war on poverty and instilled various different programs to help aid those impover- ished, Bernie holds similar ideals and plans to raise minimum wage, close the wage gap and shatter the glass ceiling, incorporate community-based programs, and many, many more ideas once elected. All in all, if you’re a screamin’ liberal like this writer, Bernie’s your guy.

Colors If you liked the vibrancy and power of the color red, then you might also like the color magenta. Coming from the red color family, magenta is getting much of what you already asked for with red: both colors make bold statements and command the attention of those who happen to rest their eyes on the colors’ liveliness. However, when it comes to red, you are beheaded on the spot, unable to plead innocence, whereas magenta offers you mercy, comfort, even. If these colors were your relatives at Thanksgiving, red would be your drunken uncle ranting on about the shit luck the Mets have had lately, whereas magenta would be your kind aunt who sneaks you some wine and a crisp ten-dollar bill under the table. Those matters of opinion aside, consider magenta the next time you have to buy something.

Alcoholic Beverages If you liked the dull sting of beer as it crawls its way down your in- testines, then you might also like rum. Despite what a Budweiser commercial might have you believe, the majority of educated folk do not, in fact, enjoy drinking beer. While it is a great way to tally-mark and tiptoe your way into drunkenness, it is neither swift nor savory. However, if you are intending to broaden your alcoholic experiences, I would suggest rum as the next viable candidate. It’s a good midway point between the teeth-grinding slosh of beer and the nail-biting scorch of whiskey, all while maintaining a general dullness and a con- juring of images of old-timey pirates and the brief period of time we thought it was cool not to wash daily. If you are planning on making the switch, rum is paired best with a dark soda, like coke or root beer, and, oddly enough, potato chips (just trust me on this one).

21 Summer Movies Ranked by Pat Bartholomew

Over the course of the summer, I only saw nine films. Surprisingly, this is the biggest number of movies that I saw during the summer in a long time. So, in honor of this personal achievement, I’ve decided to rank the nine films that I saw this summer from my favorite to my least favorite.

1. Inside Out As the only movie that I saw twice in theaters, it featured great animation, great writing and great voice work from everyone involved. This movie will make you laugh, cry and think. It’s my favorite of the year so far and Pixar’s best since “Toy Story

2. Mad Max: Fury Road With amazing practical special effects, music, direction and performances by Tom Hardy, Charl- ize Theron, Nicolaus Hoult and Hugh Keays-By- rne as the villain, it makes the movie a definite must-see even if you hadn’t seen the other Mad Max films.

3. Ant-Man I went in with low expectations, mainly due to my loyalty to Edgar Wright, but this film surprised me with its’ writing, performances, action sequences and the inside jokes. This film surprised me immensely, making it my favorite Marvel movie of the year.

22 4. Straight Outta Compton I’m not all that into rap music, but I really enjoyed this movie for the most part, which included strong performances by O’Shea Jackson, Jr. as his father Ice Cube, Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E and an underrated performance by Paul Giamatti as their manag- er. The only major problem for me was that it focuses too much on Ice Cube’s departure from N.W.A. and his comeback.

5. Avengers: Age of Ultron When watching the first Avengers, I had a fun time. While watching the sequel, I was having a good time, but depressed at times. Everyone brings their best to the movie, and the jokes are better, but it’s not nearly as fun as the first movie.

6. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation I’m not the biggest fan of this franchise, but this film helps when you actually see it on the big screen, it featured some great performances by almost everyone involved, with great action sequences, good humor, but with an under- whelming villain, it makes this entry my favorite entry so far.

7. Jurassic World Despite some plot holes and clichés throughout, the film is definitely fun to watch over again for the effects and the performances from the leads.

8. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. It’s hard to review this movie because I had never heard of the show it was based on, and I may have fallen asleep during the film. It looked great and Henry Cavill was surprisingly good in this film, everyone else is either laughable or underused.

23 Humans of Binghamton

I like to yo-yo and play the harmonica. I like to make choo- choo train sounds. I like to see things in real time. Not through a lens because you’re not seeing it on first impact. It’s filtered. You don’t get to experience it for what it is, and for each individual it is what it is.

Photo by Paola Diaz 24-Victoria Valvis