Category Archives: Trance

Calvin Harris and Sam Smith have released a video for their new collaboration Desire.

The pair's latest link-up, which dropped last month, now comes with visuals featuring Smith singing in a car wearing racing overalls, with drag racers zooming around.

It's the third collaboration between Harris and Smith following Promises in 2018 and Im Not Here To Make Friends from Smiths 2023 album, Gloria.

Desire debuted in the UK Top 20 charts last month and peaked at number 12. It's garnered 18 million streams globally.

The track follows Harris' Number One hit with Ellie Goulding, Miracle, which found the Scottish DJ exploring his love of '90s trance.

Released in March, the single marked the first collaborative track between the two in almost a decade, having first collaborated on I Need Your Love in 2012 before releasing another joint track, Outside, in 2014.

Harris is currently in the final weeks of a summer residency at Ushuaa Ibiza.

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Calvin Harris and Sam Smith share video for new collaborative ... - DJ Mag

Were stoked to be premiering an absolute earworm today. Only A Matter Of Time is from Gold-Coast duo Wandering Bird, and will be released on all digital platforms tomorrow.

The track is a captivating blend of pop and indie rock. It is deftly constructed, from the opening guitars to the trance-like repetition of the Only a matter of line, meshed with an edgy rhythm section that builds the mood to a crescendo. This is intoxicating indie rock, with a generous helping of electronica coupled with some tantalising drum machines.

About the track, the band writes:

The song is about fate and the whole process around it. It was at a time in life where I was hopeful of my future, but realised I had to reach for it myself. At the same time I have a weird installed belief in pre-determinism, so I was viewing it from a if fate allows it perspective. Its a lot of musing on autonomy in our own lives and how we all have this thing of looking forward into the future. I like writing about time, I think its the most innate thing we all experience. I also used some religious symbolism mixed with personal symbolism to create a sort of prayer without the faith. That goes under the more worldly experience lyric in the chorus at the end, blurring the lines between the personal and omniscient.

Fans of Mancunian legends New Order and local heroes Underground Lovers should find plenty to love in Only A Matter Of Time. Give this one a couple of listens and youll be singing the chorus for days.

The duo is comprised of Jack Holt (vocals, guitars, bass and synthesizers) and Kyle Thompson (drums and percussion). Theyve released a handful of tracks since their debut in 2021, including Candidate, Rain & Snow and Oh Well.

You can pre-save Only A Matter Of Time HERE, and in the meantime, enjoy exclusive premiere.

You can give Wandering Blind a follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Probably riding my bike, taking photos and/or at a gig. Insta: @bruce_a_baker

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Exclusive Single Premiere: Wandering Blind "Only A Matter Of Time ... - the AU review

The Debut Three-Day Event Welcomed Over 66,000 Attendees Across Parc del Forum and Jardins de Joan Brossa from August 11-13

Over the past weekend, on August 11-13, the city of Barcelona became the epicenter of electronic music and entertainment with the first edition of the Brunch Electronik Festival. The event took place at the iconic Parc del Forum, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience that merged the best of electronic music with a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

For three consecutive days, thousands of electronic music enthusiasts gathered to enjoy an incredible lineup of internationally renowned artists. From high-energy sets by emerging DJs to captivating performances by established artists, the Brunch Electronik Festival offered a diverse range of musical styles that kept the crowd dancing and enjoying to the fullest.

The festivals highlight came on Sunday, August 13th, when the Jardins de Joan Brossa hosted the epic closing of the event. Attendees were treated to a unique and immersive performance that left an indelible mark in the memory of all those present.

The Brunch Electronik Festival proved to be a resounding success in its first edition in Barcelona, attracting over 66,000 people throughout the entire weekend.

The blend of high-quality electronic music, impressive stages, and an atmosphere full of enthusiasm and camaraderie created an exceptional experience for all who attended. One of the standout elements of this edition was the strategically arranged five stages, each featuring a different style of electronic music: GrooviK, HarmoniK, RhythmiK presented by Resident Advisor, EuphoriK by Estrella Damm the festivals official partner and IconiK.

These stages hosted top-tier artists who showcased their talent and passion for electronic music, offering sets that ranged from techno and house to drum and bass and trance. This diversity of stages and musical styles allowed attendees to immerse themselves in a unique and enriching musical experience.

In addition to the commitment to music and fun, the Brunch Electronik Festival also demonstrates a commitment to the environment. The festival strives to minimize its waste as much as possible, with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint and becoming a zero-waste and 100% circular event.

During the event, the B! HUB space was established, featuring the participation of Ghost Diving, Syra Coffee, Syra Lab, and Unico initiatives that share this ecological vision and work together to promote more sustainable and responsible practices.

The organization is proud to announce that due to the overwhelming success of this inaugural edition, the planning for the second edition of the Brunch Electronik Festival in August 2024 is already underway. The organizers are committed to exceeding expectations and delivering an even more spectacular experience next year, with surprises and novelties that will undoubtedly excite electronic music enthusiasts.

The Brunch Electronik Festival has established itself as a must-attend event on the electronic music calendar in Barcelona and looks forward to continuing to be a benchmark for music and entertainment lovers in the years to come.

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Brunch Electronik Festival Celebrates Electrifying First 3-Day Edition ... - Rave Jungle

Residents in the City of Stirling have raised concerns over pedestrian safety along the revered West Coast Drive. In response, the Council was considering reducing the speed limit and installing 5 raised pedestrian crossings.

That was until an observant citizen pointed out to the Council that the real danger on West Coast Drive was the toey tradies in dual cabs being distracted by the many beautiful sights along the coast, especially in the summertime. A resident told The Times,

Yeah, it aint speed thats the issue here. Its the tradies knocking off from working on some richos house and falling into a bikini trance along the drive. Thats how an unsuspecting pedestrian might get hit. Erroneously believing a Ranger driver is paying attention

A trial was conducted by road safety experts who said the use of blinkers was highly unorthodox but helped reduce the number of rear-enders and near misses of pedestrians crossing the road. Adding,

Look, they have been on a building site all day with other blokes. They get a bit hot under the collar and beach babes are their kryptonite. The use of blinkers helped keep their eye on the prize as it were 10 cold pints waiting for them at the OBH

We spoke to a bikini babe who realised her stunning figure had been involved in a 3 car pile-up last summer. Adding,

This guy was looking at me like hed never seen a woman before. Nothing could break his gaze. Especially as I was debuting new European style bottoms. I saw him go right into the arse of another tradie who was rubbernecking so hard hed slammed into a tradie. Who was trying to pull over to ask me if Id heard him honking and if Id like to get a drink

The association of tradesmen however have declared the measures to be discriminatory. Adding,

You think little Johnny Pencildick isnt copping a look? Stuck behind his office all day. Just because we drive weapons of mass destruction doesnt mean were the only ones being reptiles on the road. Blinkers for all or blinkers for none

We hope the rich residents along the drive have some peace of mind now.

Documenting the Human Zoo is thirsty work, so if you enjoyed what you read how about buying Belle a beer, ay?

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West Coast Drive Safety Concerns Solved By Chucking Blinkers On ... - The Bell Tower Times

The birth of electronic music brought with it various unique genres.

Of these new styles, trance music is a notable one worthy of discussion.

Trance is specifically composed to manipulate its listeners into experiencing a hypnotic state reminiscent of a psychedelic trip.

The music started to gain popularity in the late 80s and early 90s, parallel to the birth of techno and house music.

Though trance can be categorized as one style of electronic music, it has distinct qualities that set it apart from its electronic siblings.

This article looks to take a more in-depth look into the funky world of trance lets take a trip with us.

Trance music is a part of the electronic music genre. It was born from the new-age British music scene, German techno, and hardcore music scenes in the 1990s.

Now, trance is considered a music genre on its own, often taking influences from other music genres, including techno, house, pop, chill, tech music, ambient tones, and even classical music.

A trance can be described as a state of hypnotism and blurred consciousness.

It can be triggered by spiritual meditation, the use of psychedelic drugs, some breathing techniques, or even occur almost randomly.

Trance music mimics this state by building up tension through a series of build-up beats and release layers.

This musics primary goal is to create tension and make people lose their consciousness in a trance state.

Modern trance music is often combined with other genres such as electro and progressive house.

Modern trance tracks may also include harsh bass lines and drum beats while still keeping their roots of melody breakdown and longer transitions.

Trance music is defined by its tempo, around 135-150 BPM, along with repeating melody and a musical form that builds tension through the so-called peaks and drops elements.

One of the most common trance music characteristics is a climax followed by a soft beat release leaving an atmospheric melody to hang for a while. The beats are gradually built up again.

Trance tracks are usually long to facilitate the multiple series of peaks and drops so the musics goals can be achieved.

Trance music is mostly instrumental, though ethereal female vocals are sometimes used. Male vocals are sometimes incorporated, though rare.

The tempo of trance music is usually faster than house music.

It incorporates kick drums and other percussion elements on the downbeat and open hi-hats and snare rolls on the upbeat.

The tension is built through frequency and volume.

Trance tracks often use a central melody or hook as part of its main theme and are repeated throughout the entire track.

On each breakdown, a simplified form of the lead motif is introduced to give the listener a sneak peek of the climax.

In the climax, the main melody is revealed and mixed with the first part of the track.

Our brains are easily manipulated by the things we listen to.

Trance musics effectiveness relies on this principle. Its repetitive melody sends signals and creates a pattern in the brain.

This can calm its listeners or make them feel trippy. When you reach this state, your brain releases dopamine, also known as the happiness hormone.

Dopamine is also known as the rewarding hormone, so your brain may ask for more.

This is precisely why some people can get addicted to trance music and crave its trip on a daily basis.

Before you get your pitchforks out and start calling it the demons music, you should understand that trance music is neither harmful nor damaging.

In fact, it can be a useful soother to those struggling with panic attacks or anxiety.

The repeated melody in its tracks calms the brain and is proven to slow down your heart rate.

Every time we enter a discussion of who invented a specific music genre, the answer is never straightforward.

Music is a product of long developments and experiments. For instance, before the term trance music gains popularity, similar sounds with repetitive melodies have long existed.

These sounds were referred to as acid house or atmospheric house in those days.

It gained popularity in clubhouses where psychedelics like magic shrooms (psilocybin mushrooms) are often used.

A quick Google search inquiring as to the inventor of trance music would yield a range of answers because it is not that simple.

For example, you might find Klaus Schulze mentioned a German musician who experimented with minimalist music with repetitive sounds.

His 1988 album En=Trance is also solid evidence. However, some argue that Sven Vath is the true trailblazer for creating early trance tracks.

On the other side of the globe, fans of Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima claim otherwise, stating that these trance music artists have been developing trance soundtracks for video games for far longer.

Regardless of which person actually invented trance music, it is a general understanding that the genre was born in Germany and later spread through other European countries.

Detroit techno may have inspired German trance music artists and later added atmospheric ambiance and repetitive patterns to create the trance genre we all know and love today.

After trance music gained popularity, various sub-genres of music started appearing. Some of the known sub-genres of trance music are listed below:

Also known as the first wave of trance, these tracks are characterized by the use of the Roland TB-303 bass machine as the lead synthesizer.

The tracks are characterized by the emphasis on the melody and repetitive chords.

It also uses less percussion and more techno.

The tracks are highly melodic, often featuring soothing piano riffs.

Also known as dance core, it is a hybrid of dream trance, progressive trance, hard trance, and Eurodance music.

It is a fusion of electronic music and anthem trance. The main characteristic of these tracks is the cold and dark feeling with a grandiose synthesized melody.

Futurepop also incorporates vocals and lyrics on its tracks.

Named after Goa, India, the tracks feature a complex melodic form.

It takes influences from Indian classical music and instruments.

Hardstyle tracks are characterized by a mix of gabber, hardcore kick bass sounds, and spontaneous rhythmic changes.

Hard trance is aggressive but produced at a slower tempo.

Also known as Ibiza trance or Balearic beat, the tracks are influenced by various relaxed music genres such as the Ibiza chill-out style.

The tracks are more melodic and mellow and often feature seaside elements.

It is a new genre that can be described as a more minimalistic trance.

The tracks have more breakdowns than regular trance but with fewer acid sounds.

The chord progression is the main feature of the tracks.

Developed from Goa trance with a lot of spontaneous sounds and samples.

Darkpsy does not feature any vocals, but it is common to use speech samples from movies or other genre elements.

Also known as melodic psytrance, it involves futuristic melodies, electric guitar, and vocals. It is considered a more radio-friendly trance.

A fusion between techno and trance. Use mostly consistent bassline, drums, percussion, and ambient pad.

A broad term of trance with a full set of lyrics. The tracks can feature real singers or samples from other traditional pop music.

One of the most popular styles of trance inspired the birth of progressive trance and acid trance.

A blend of different music styles such as jazz, funk, and electronic but has the iconic trance repetitive pattern.

Trance music has its fair share of hardcore fans, so it is definitely not a dead genre. But compared to other musical genres, trance music cannot be considered a mainstream music genre anymore.

The number of people listening to trance music is extremely limited and segmented. There are a lot of explanations for this phenomenon.

The repetitive melody can be monotonous for some people, making them hesitant to give it a second try.

Meanwhile, more modern trance music that combines different elements and samples has a tough time sticking to people compared to other easy-for-the-ears electronic music.

From all of these phenomena, we can say that trance music is not for everyone.

Some people may try to listen to trance music, but the tracks will not make it to their regular playlist.

If you are an artist who wants to try to produce trance music, you can go ahead and produce your trance tracks.

There is still a chunk of listeners ready to enjoy your tracks.

But if you are looking for a major breakdown and huge popularity, you may want to try another genre.

Trance and techno are both electronic dance music (EDM) genres, but they have distinct differences in terms of sound, production style, and overall feel. Techno is characterized by a repetitive, hypnotic beat and a focus on rhythm and percussion. Trance, on the other hand, is characterized by a more uplifting, emotional sound, with a focus on melody and harmony.

Trance music has been shown to have an impact on the brain through its ability to alter brainwaves. The repetitive and hypnotic nature of trance music can induce a trance-like state, causing brainwaves to slow down and become more synchronized. This can result in a state of relaxation, increased focus and creativity, and altered perceptions of time and space.

Check out the additional resources we have on Trance Music:

Trance music is something we all know but rarely listen to. It is a part of the electronic music scene that has its own listeners, but it is not considered popular or mainstream music.

There is nothing wrong with it, though. Not every type of music is made for everyone or meant to be part of the mainstream.

This does not have to be a terrible thing either; the exclusiveness of trance music is preferable for many of its fans.

That being said, trance is a must-listen for those craving a new and different type of musical experience.

Nates first ever major EDM event was Hard Summer in 2016. After hearing Porter Robinson close out the festival, hes been attending live shows on a consistent basis. His favorite EDM genres are currently trance, drum and bass, and house.

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What is Trance Music? (18 Different Types of Trance Music) - DITM

Fahadh Faasil to team up with Anwar Rasheed again after Trance for a film helmed by Romancham director? | Exclusive  Ottplay

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Fahadh Faasil to team up with Anwar Rasheed again after Trance for a film helmed by Romancham director? | Exclusive - Ottplay

ARTY announces Alpha 9 debut album New Horizons coming in January Alpha 9, the trance alter ego of progressive house legend Arty, has announced that he will be releasing his debut album in January and it will be titled New Horizons. The announcement came during his performance over the weekend in Los Angeles at Above and Beyonds ABGT 500 celebration with the words, New Horizons, January 13, 2023, displayed across the massive video screen confirming the title and release date.

ALPHA 9. NEW HORIZONS. JANUARY 13, 2023@Anjunabeats pic.twitter.com/N9BRoJOf5m

ARTY (@artymusic) October 16, 2022

While fans will have to wait a few months to hear the full album, Alpha 9 has already shared the first single from it, a musical collaboration with Brazilian producer Scorz and singer/songwriter Tom Bailey titled Calling. Teaming up with Scorz seemed ideal for Alpha 9, as the producers stock in the industry just keeps growing every since Armin van Buuren picked his debut track,Come To Life, as his Track Of The Year in 2020. While his productions have seen support in live sets from industry heavyweights like Tiesto, Hardwell, Robin Shulz, Nicky Romero and many more, this is his first time teaming up with Alpha 9, and listening toCalling, its clear the two producers styles meshed well for the single.

With the official album announcement and release date now out in the universe, fans should expect Alpha 9 to be more visible on social media once again as he promotes the upcoming release. While no official timeline for future singles, or full track listing has been announced yet, more information should be available soon for the Anjunabeats release. Discussing the impending album release, Alpha 9 certainly seemed confident in the direction of the project when he stated,This is a new chapter. Im very confident in the direction Im taking this project. This new album is a journey through the beginning of ALPHA 9s artistry to now. Getting to announce it in Los Angeles to 20,000 fans at Group Therapy 500 is certainly an impressive way to start an album cycle.

Image Credit: ARTY (Press) / Provided by Armada PR

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ARTY announces Alpha 9 debut album 'New Horizons' coming in January - We Rave You

It takes a village to put together a show, especially when you have one as grand as BTS'Yet To Come in Busan concert.

Across two hours, the globally renowned pop group put on a memorable spectacle of fiery performances, sparkly outfits, and tear-jerking numbers that still have us in a trance. But while BTS were front and centre, there's an entire team behind them that worked just as hard to put on a show worth remembering.

From the impressive live band that amplified the members' vocal prowess to the choreographers that gifted us with that jaw-dropping performance of 'Run BTS', here are some of the creatives that worked behind the scenes of BTS'Yet To Come in Busanconcert.

BTS are known to set the stage on fire with their powerful movements and incredible synchronisation, but fueling those flames is an entire team of incredibly talented dancers and choreographers.Helmed byBIGHIT MUSIC's resident performance directors Yoon Seongeun, Lee ByungEun,andKim Minsung,Yet To Come in Busanwas a mesmerising show that had you in awe the whole way through.

And yes, these were also the same people, with the additional talents of choreographersRiehata andSienna Lalau,behind thatunforgettable live performance of 'Run BTS'. You might also recognize Sienna and her work on BTS' Permission To Dance in Las Vegas concerts, where she was joined by her dance crewThe Lab, as well as her iconic choreography for 'ON'.

Backing BTS the whole night as they took over the stage was none other than Ten Agency, who were also the group's backup dancers in the music video and several performances for 'Permission To Dance' and Permission To Dance in Seoul concert.

A live band adds so much to a concert, it breathes new life into performances we've seen time and time again and in the case of Yet To Come in Busan, it brought out whole new energy to songs we so dearly love. BTS has a knack for putting together a stunning lineup for their backing band (just check out Ghost from theirTiny Deskperformance) and it's no different time around.

Led by music directors Asaf RodehandJonathan Linavand held together by sound engineer Jung Wooyeong (all of whom also worked on j-hope's historic HOBIPALOOZA set), BTS' Yet To Come in Busan live band comprised Kenji Chanon guitar,Matt Hineson bass,Pierre Jamersonon keys,andAl Cleveland IIIon drums. These are also the guys you see laughing behind BTS when they're running and teasing each other on stage.

A BTS show is like a puzzle piece, with every part coming together so perfectly. So, it's no question that the'Butter'act also has a styling team that brilliantly completes the entire production.

ForYet To Come in Busan, BTS were covered in jewellery byConnie Woo's OOING. The members' hairstyles were created by HANSOM and her team(who regularly works with the members, from their visit to the US Presidential Whitehouse to theirProof live showcase).

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Meet the creatives behind the scenes of BTS' 'Yet To Come in Busan' concert live band, choreographers, and more - Bandwagon

AlessoandSick Individuals' new single is a soundtrack for losing yourself in the neon lights.

Cooking up a raver's weekend anthem, the combined forces of Alesso and Sick Individuals have unleashed "We Go Out," a collab that doubles as a weekend rallying cry. Both enjoy their well-deserved reputations as dance-pop dynamos, but with "We Go Out," they show they've got the chops to take over the club dancefloor.

The track bursts out the gate with a blast of metallic pluck synths, setting a vigorously rhythmic pace as voluminous trance chords sound off in the background. Following the initial adrenaline rush, the track slows to a crawling pace, coaxing listeners to lean in asAlesso and Sick Individualsembark on an epic build sequence.

"We go out dancing together, we gotta rave all night," the robotic lyrics recite in near hypnotic fashion. Though it's a departure lyrically from the radio-ready hits these producers have typically rolled out as of late, the quirky flow and simple refrain is likely to stick with listeners even after their late night partying is all but a faded memory.

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Take a listen to "We Go Out" below.

Facebook: facebook.com/AlessoOfficialTwitter: twitter.com/AlessoInstagram: instagram.com/alessoSpotify: spoti.fi/3kHFy5c

Facebook: facebook.com/sickindividualsofficialTwitter: twitter.com/sickindividualsInstagram: instagram.com/sickindividualsSpotify: spoti.fi/3CFewpr

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Alesso and Sick Individuals' "We Go Out" Is a Weekend Rallying Cry - EDM.com

In Catherine Chidgeys latest novel The Axemans Carnival, the story is told by a compelling magpie called Tama. We called upon writer Marty Smith to nudge her magpie, Pecky, to review Tamas work.

My human is reading to me on the steps in the sun, because she loves me.

But its not no, sliding into trance, Tama, cold change coming in from the South, a whiff of offal pit floating on the wind. Sky drawing down dark and grim over Marnies farm.

Little bird I still am, and I oh, I couldnt drift, Tama, ear and eye all around for danger, scaredy-bird, distressed right from the start. You are right not to trust him. I can see it coming.

Oh, oh, tight in my throat.

Poor baby Tama in the blank-wall-angle house, flying blind, bashing into corners.

Oh, fluttery-scared at the dead birds in the freezer, I shriek Alarm! and lift up when he lifts the thing

Bang on! with the sound of the skid and slide across the slippy lid, I think, Just right! as I thud-pound down to crouch in beside you, dusty behind the cylinder. Tama-too-small to see slippery surfaces in humans. Glass and mirrors.

True-clear the sounds down the valley when she takes you back, songs of low-nothing birds, dogs on their chains, and the quad bike, (I was lost from a farm) my heart clutching like claws.

Too-small Tama, to be left out on your own reeking of humans.

Too-sad Tama, perched far below the rest of the birds, keeping a sight-line to the yolk-yellow house.

Do you think your father doesnt see?

Glee! delight! when your fathers eyes light up blood-red in the sun. Ha, pierce human eyes! Drink their blood! Wind them up, Tama, it thrills them to believe we carry a drop of devils blood glowing ruby on our tongues. Enchantment! Raking up embers of spells, by the pricking of my thumbs, a prick of blood, the dark shadow drifting.

Messages we bring.

Keep to your kind, Tama. Like to like. When your birds turn their backs on you one by one, tainted Tama, oh, unease, unease my heart grows small and hides.

Things do not go well for birds who go to humans of their own accord. (This is not true, says my human, those are other birds from far away.)

There you go building your nest, oh Tama gone-alone, winding the stems of the-way-of-the-wild through the solid blocks of the-way-of-the-house.

Criss cross, leaving air.

The strand, Tama, of Marnies hair that you weave as lining, in and out, the ties of Marnies fertilised egg and its broken yolk, dead mothers and living mothers and babies and death by did you have to be so rough? Does the male have to be so cruel?

One for sorrow.

The pattern is set. Naked dead women all over TV, powerless women all over the net. Wring your neck, run you down, your father is watching, watching. You hear his messages. Wilful Tama. You bet your pretty neck he knows who it is in your scrambled-egg house. You bet your pretty neck is an alarm, Tama, oh Tama, in the smashed-yellow house, your eye swivelling, my neck feathers pricking.

The Secretary, what does she know of the air and the bird? We see small and we hear. Saying you dont understand what you say. Your voice is true, true. Messages you bring.

OF COURSE you mean what you say when you over-excite and shriek out your splats of shit. You stack up those words on purpose, I cackle and chortle but shut up, shut up

SHUT UP!

Helpless dead women all over TV, naked dead women all caught in the net.

All caught up, Tama, nothing good can come. Stuffing the soft centre of your nest, right round the bed and Marnie. Money Marnie, money Marnie. Arent you her little boy?

The whole world watching your tricks, vain Tama. Showing off. Puffed yourself up to fly on the air in a Superman cape, and you thought to tag onto the flock? Oho. Your sister followed every trick your father taught, she could take the sting from the wasp, but would she listen? Missed the twisty sting of a human trick, down, down she goes.

Tama! When humans take birds, something always gets caught in the cross.

Criss cross. Leave some room for air.

The inter-connected-net. Stick-you-to-the-net trap. Marnie got stuck right in, eh? Just like the trap your sister sits in. Lured to it bit by bit like the bits of bacon that banged her into a trap. Delicious cherries. There she sits while the world flies by, deceiving herself.

Just like Marnie.

Robs not the only jealous one, you, with your strutting and prancing, your tricks and your jokes. Your revenge of restless, reckless prattle. Riding on a witchs tongue, Tama. Blue-black at her white waist. Stench of offal pit on the air.

Seven for a secret never to be told.

Tears at the graveside. Priest chanting spell at the offal hole, Dust to dust. Watch out for ashiness. The beautiful box of the beautiful body (did you see the Crown Jewels? Stole a shiny diamond the size of an egg, talk about the pot calling the kettle black.)

Joy-screech of glee, Oh! Enchantment! when you tease and scream at the internet team on the Greeting card shoot. Bunch of cunts. I gobble down every reckless wicked language string, oh joy sounds, go on, go on Oh, AHA! HA! I shrieked with delight, splat! Take that!

Shouldnt shit in your own nest, Tama. Youve fouled up the way-of-the-home with sticky-beak visitors. Nothing good can come, its turning very Grimm. Needles and wickedness. Beside myself, I shriek out, Kidnap! Murder! Nevermore!

Woe, and all that, if they werent so stupid. (Mmm snappity-snap, tasted her blood).

Youre easily trapped, Tama. Too big for your boots. They lead you so easily in, all the cages clanging shut. Did you listen?

The dark shape of your father passing over.

Thirteen beware, its the devil himself.

The dog, Help, digging frantically for something that isnt there.

Dark threads of mothers. Ange-Im-just-down-the-road. Twisty, twisty Ange.

Have you seen the muscles on the man? Thats their mother, Barbara. Live currents.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

The shears buzz and hum, heat builds and the rain never comes.

Frayed with tension like the cable on the wool press, my heart scraping and thuddy.

Thirsty, he is. The fires are building. Drive a man to fever pitch, the farm running down. The magpies in the pines, watching the broken-egg house.

Old Quardle-do knew a thing or two.

Uh-huh, I think, the pattern is set. The woman always aborts the escape. We cant afford to lose any, said Rob. Weve had enough abortions.

Sick-stinking carnival, feral and stabbery jostle-needling. You bet your pretty neck.

All the Kings horses and all the Kings men

couldnt put Humpty together again.

Shut up shut up shut up will you never shut up

the air thick with the singing of the blade, sharpening, sharpening, sparks spitting out into the tinder-dry air.

I fluff my feathers out, shrink into myself, my head right in my chest and I stare. My horror right down to my pin-pricks.

Oh, Tama.

BONUS CONTENT

Tama the magpie insisted on having the last word and so offered us exclusive rights to publish his Summer playlist:With long hot days just around the corner, when you can spread yourself out on the ground and let the heat burrow in between every feather and lie there in a sun trance so your owners panic when they find you and think youre dead, its time to think about a summer soundtrack. Here are a few of my favourites.

1 Adele, Water Under the Bridge, because she just gets heartbreak. Unlike me, she cant sing two notes at once, but she gives it a good try and you have to admire her for that.

2 Milli Vanilli, Baby Dont Forget My Number. Its hard to choose my favourite song by this iconic duo Rob and Fab could do unbelievable things with their voices, and in terms of style its hard to go past an oversized sports jacket teamed with a sassy bike short (unkempt youth of today, take note). If I have to narrow it down to a single track, though, this one really showcases MVs incredible vocal resourcefulness. (Should I get braids?)

3 Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball. I too would like to smash things up while dressed in mens underwear.

4 Waltzing Matilda, in recognition of my Australian lineage. Im not sure what a billabong is, but I cant stop saying it. Billabong. Billabong. Billabong. Billabong.

5 Joni Mitchell, Both Sides Now. A pretty song that made a lot of older women cry when Mitchell butchered it this year at a folk festival. My menopausal secretary blubbed through the whole sorry YouTube clip. Unlike Joni Mitchell, I have an eye on each side of my head, so I really can see things from both sides.

6 Bruce Springsteen, Im On Fire. Haunting and atmospheric, its two-and-a-half moody minutes about a paedophile who experiences spontaneous human combustion.

7 David Hasselhoffs cover of Head On by the Jesus and Mary Chain, liked tens of times online. The Hoff is huge in Germany, like me, and this version of the song features excellent diction teamed with a thrust and peppiness entirely lacking in the original effort.

The Axemans Carnival by Catherine Chidgey (THWUP, $35) can be ordered from Unity Books Auckland and Wellington.

Continued here:

Pecky the magpie reviews The Axeman's Carnival by Catherine Chidgey - The Spinoff