What to Watch: A Ghost Story

This drama by David Lowery tells the story of a couple, played by Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, who plans to start a life together in their newly bought house until a tragic accident takes the man’s life.

Affleck’s character comes back and haunts his home in a form of a traditional white sheet ghost.

The story is a contemplative piece on life that constantly poses the question of “what would you do” by having the man’s ghost watching his wife moves on without being able to interfere.

There is a ghost in the movie, but the flick is not scary in a traditional horror film sense. Rather, it is the feeling of sadness and the complete inability to change anything for the better are perhaps the scariest elements in this ghost story.

Due to the meditative nature of the movie, it can be quite slow in certain parts. However, the pacing for the movie is consistent throughout, making it easier to watch in one sitting.

What to Listen to: Melodrama

When Lorde first emerged in 2013 with her debut album Pure Heroine, she set a high expectation for herself with her genre-defying lyrics.

Pure Heroine was praised by both critics and listeners alike. The then 16-year-old artist went on to win her first Grammy for the featured song Royals.

With success coming at an early age, Lorde had a lot to live up to. Fast forward to 2017, and she has just managed to exceed that bar with her sophomore album Melodrama.

This record has a lot more instrumental elements to it, compared to the electro pop vibe of Pure Heroine. With tracks like Liability or Writer in the Dark, consisting mainly of soft piano in the background, that help to highlight the one-in-a-million voice of Lorde as she express her feelings through the beautifully written lyrics.

Similar to Pure Heroine, Melodrama is, in essence, a collection of memories and feelings.  Lorde takes what she experiences, and puts it on top of melodies that range from the upbeats of Supercut to the ballad of Liability.

Every individual song is packed with fresh sounds and filled with emotions.

Lorde is growing up into adulthood, and with her she brings the music she sings. It is rather appropriate for us to listen to Lorde as we grow up and go through the struggles that are seen in the process of maturity.

What make Lorde stands out from the saturated music genre that is pop are perhaps her unique voice, her flexbilty as an artist and the genuine emotions that she pours into every song.

There is more of Lorde to be heard, as she slowly becomes “the future of music,” just as David Bowie had believed.