Arts - The Spectrum

ARTS

Motorpsycho’s atmospheric ‘Here Be Monsters’ is sophisticated but sleepy

By Luke Heuskin | Mar. 3, 2016

Conceived in the late ’80s as a grunge band, Norwegian rock outfit Motorpsycho has covered a lot of ground in the past 25 years. With a career spanning more than 20 albums, Motorpsycho moved through an alternative phase in the ’90s and explored psychedelic rock in the 2000s. Their latest studio album, “Here Be Monsters,” continues their recent string of psychedelic progressive or ‘prog’ rock albums starting with 2010’s “Heavy Metal Fruit.”

"Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice" is one of the most anticipated films of the year and hits theaters March 25.

ARTS

The Spectrum’s March movie guide

By Luke Heuskin | Mar. 3, 2016

From animated movies, political thrillers, experimental films and superhero flicks, this March promises to deliver on many fronts.

The Oscars, despite being the award show’s 3rd lowest TV rating since its inception, was still ripe with controversy this weekend. From Chris Rock’s inflammatory monologue to Leonardo DiCaprio’s first Oscar win, the award show had quite a few memorable moments.

ARTS

Oscar winners and presenters use platform to discuss larger issues

By MAX KALNITZ | Mar. 2, 2016

From host Chris Rock’s opening monologue about the lack of black nominees, all the way to “Spotlight” producer Michael Sugar’s plea for the Vatican to end child sexual abuse during the final acceptance speech of the night, Sunday’s Oscars left people talking about more than just Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning Best Actor or “Mad Max” taking home six awards.

The Zodiaque Dance Company’s spring semester performance was held last week and weekend. The dancers exhibited a number of diverse styles and forms throughout the show, representing the culmination of a semester-long effort.

ARTS

Zodiaque Dance Company takes audience on dance voyage

By FRANCESCA HARVEY | Mar. 2, 2016

Zodiaque’s choreography is rooted in modern dance, though dances performed numbers containing hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater and ballet styles. The company’s focus on diversity brought out many different styles and genres of dance.

ARTS

‘Leviathan Wakes’ review: Break on through the doorway to our future

By Corey Klino | Mar. 2, 2016

The overarching plot highlights a girl named Julie Mao working for the Outer Planets Alliance. She stumbles onto something she probably wishes she hadn’t on board a high-tech stealth ship. This prologue chapter from Mao’s perspective lays out the foundations of a mystery that remains just out of the readers reach until the last page is read.

Beastie Boys are a classic group; they're just one group of many on this playlist.

ARTS

Spring Break playlist

By KENNETH KASHIF THOMAS | Feb. 28, 2016

Whether you’re going to find yourself on a sunny beach or in a concrete jungle this spring break, these songs will help you get hyped for spring break.

Kesha has gone through a long battle with Dr. Luke

ARTS

#FreeKesha: The history of Kesha’s tumultuous relationship with Dr. Luke

By MAX KALNITZ | Feb. 28, 2016

Pop star Kesha sat in a courtroom on Feb. 19 with tears streaming down her face after a New York Supreme Court judge ruled against releasing her from her contract with producer Lukasz Gottwald, known as Dr. Luke, and Sony.

ARTS

The grapevine: Spring break edition

By BRIAN WINDSCHITL | Feb. 28, 2016

If you aren’t one of the lucky ones going to the beach during the break, do the next best thing and go drink some beer at a grungy local dive and listen to some good music.

Kanye West's seventh album, The Life of Pablo, gives fans more insight into West than perhaps ever before.

ARTS

The Life of Pablo review: ‘This is album of the life’

By BRIAN WINDSCHITL | Feb. 25, 2016

The Life of Pablo, West’s seventh studio album and follow-up to 2013’s brash, in-your-face Yeezus, is the closest the listener will get truly being inside Kanye West’s head.

The Oscars air Sunday. Will this be the year Leonardo DiCaprio wins an Oscar?

ARTS

UB students weigh in on the Oscars

By EVAN GRISLEY | Feb. 24, 2016

It’s almost here: The night movie buffs and DiCaprio fans have been waiting for. This Sunday marks the 88th Academy Awards and for the past month, the media has been trying to answer the question, “Who is going to win?” “The Revenant” is up for best picture, DiCaprio is up for Best Actor and Brie Larson is in the running for Best Actress. Many UB students believe that Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in “The Revenant” should be the winner. “He deserves it after making all those great films.

Professor Yuki Numata has been involved in a community outreach program called Buffalo String Works that attempts to give underprivileged children a way to learn music.

ARTS

Buffalo String Works provides music lessons to refugee and immigrant children

By GABRIELA DIAZ | Feb. 24, 2016

Music students of all ages know that music is not just memorizing notes from Vivaldi and practicing the proper technique.

Colorism is a topic not often touched on. The premier of Black Girls was an attempt to draw attention to colorism as a part of Black History month. Pena Iyekegbe was one of the students who spoke at the premier.

ARTS

‘Dark Girls’ screening highlights colorism

By Delmarie Lewis | Feb. 24, 2016

Zena Iyekegbe said she didn’t know she was dark-skinned growing up. “Until someone came up to me and said, ‘You’re as dark as a chalkboard,’” Iyekegbe, a human services and nursing major, said.

Max Hershenow performs at MS MR's concert in the CFA Saturday night. The show, which had capacity for more than 1,700 students, only brought in 204 students.

ARTS

MS MR concert draws in just 204 UB students

By KENNETH KASHIF THOMAS | Feb. 21, 2016

Only 204 students attended the Student Association’s most recent concert for indie-rock duo MS MR.

DJ Khaled is well-known for his early 2000s rap hits. But nowadays, he is best known for his hugely popular Snapchat persona. He has millions of followers on the app and his catchphrases have become apart of pop culture.

ARTS

The Snapchat king DJ Khaled is about to take it to a whole new level

By MAX KALNITZ | Feb. 21, 2016

Do more than 2 million people tune in to watch you eat breakfast? What about you sitting in your hot tub? If you’re DJ Khaled, the answer is yes.

ARTS

Low attendance and indoor venue doesn't stop UB students from enjoying MS MR show

By EVAN GRISLEY | Feb. 21, 2016

Indie rock duo MS MR played at the Mainstage Theater in the CFA on Saturday night. Up-and-coming Rochester band Oh Manitou performed as the opening act. The show was hosted and funded by the Student Association.

ARTS

'Zoolander No. 2' is an absurd tribute to original

By EVAN GRISLEY | Feb. 18, 2016

Just when it seemed that Derek and Hansel couldn’t get any more ridiculous, “Zoolander No. 2” proved otherwise. “Zoolander” fans have been anticipating a sequel since last March, when stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson made an appearance at Paris Fashion Week to announce the follow-up to the 2001 comedy, which debuted in theaters Feb. 12.

ARTS

Another Young Thug album no one can understand

By ALEXANDER BLUM | Feb. 18, 2016

While songs featuring dark, moody beats with empty bars and a boring sound are popular, Young Thug keeps recycling material with only slight alterations. Listening to this mixtape is like watching the same scene over and over, with director trying to pass off the same scenes with dialogue and delivery changed slightly.

ARTS

Q&A with spring concert artist MS MR

By BRIAN WINDSCHITL | Feb. 18, 2016

The Spectrum had a chance to speak with Plapinger and Hershenow about the duo’s roots, music-making process and how they visualize their performances.

The UB Glee Club is making it a priority to highlight the distinct individual talents of their club members.

ARTS

UB Glee sets a new tone

By KENNETH KASHIF THOMAS | Feb. 17, 2016

Starting only eight years ago, the UB Glee is in a transitionary stage. Last year, with a brand new executive board, the club made many important decisions regarding events, trips and overall policy. The club focused on making its event schedule more manageable. While UB Glee traditionally held two events per semester, the club has decided to cut down to one per year, to take place before finals week, according to Events Coordinator Nabil Faisullah

ARTS

The grapevine: Pussy Riot and Cannibal Corpse highlight this week in music coming from Buffalo

By BRIAN WINDSCHITL | Feb. 17, 2016

This week, the Queen City is bringing its best selections from the hardcore scene. From revolutionaries Pussy Riot to punk rockers The Queers, there is a show in Buffalo for every rebellious soul. Get free from the oppression of the man, save yourself and go see a punk rock concert.