Reviews

Everything is a Remix

Everything is a Remix, for the few of you who still didn't get a chance to see it, is a four-part eye-opening and conversation sparking documentary video series. Produced by Kirby Ferguson, a New York based filmmaker, the series gives us a glimpse into the world of remixing - collecting material, combining and transforming it - as any new creation requires influence. Three of the four parts of the documentary have already been released (with the 3rd episode unveiled today!) and explore everything in music, from the Sugarhill Gang and Chic to Led Zeppelin, in Part 1: The Song Remains the Same, sampling and influences from earlier works in Hollywood hits such as Avatar, Star Wars, and Kill Bill in Part 2: Remix Inc. to Part 3: The Elements of Creativity. A definite 'must-see'!

Grief

Grief is like navigating through Dante's Divine Comedy minus the gore. This cool puzzle platformer sees you exploring the mind of a young girl who is seeking to find some clarity and answers. The game is an interesting take on what goes on in the mind of the young protagonist. It features 20 levels of cool puzzles that will certainly please any gamer. Grief was created by Magnesium Ninja Studios, a Richmond, BC indie game development studio. They've released countless other indie games throughout years and Grief is their most recent one. Check out the game. It won't disappoint.

Friction!: If You Turn Around You’ll See Me

Looking for the perfect background music to spend your quiet, moody mornings to? Give Friction! a try. The group is actually a one-man band composed of Swedish native, Pierre Björklund. The artist sings, writes, records and produces his own music. Currently, he's associated and signed onto Bakery Allstars Inc.; a non-profit organization that aims to release and share music, art or films to anybody who wants it. If You Turn Around You'll See Me is a moody, atmospheric album that's filled with piano laced tracks. It's perfect if you feel like relaxing or maybe reflecting on some of the more serious things in life. The compilation is offered free on Jamendo but you can also purchase the singles on iTunes to support the singer.

General Conflict

General Conflict is the result of a project created by 8 talented students from Utrecht School of the Arts. The game is a simple yet enjoyable fast-paced shooter platform that is perfect if you have several buddies over (currently it can accommodate up to 3 players) and are clearly looking for some fun as well. This great little action platformer is still being upgraded by the team as they get a feel for the response and feedback they receive from gamers. However, that doesn't stop it from being such a fun game to try out though.

The Bridge (2008)

Directed by Sheldon Wong Shwartz, The Bridge is a captivating short film about the race and an ideal, about loyalty and a cause. The story takes us to 1945 Italy where deep inside the enemy territory, the Japanese-American soldier disconnected from his regiment regroups with an Allied American squad. As he joins the unit, however, not everyone is as welcoming given the tensions between Japan and US that followed the attack on Pear Harbor just few years earlier. Yet despite the differences the film sets on a mission to remind all of us that we are all one, we are all the same. In the words of Ronald Regan: the "blood that has soaked into the sands of a beach is all one color".

Weed Hounds: Demo

Weed Hounds is a four piece crew that create beautiful shoegaze, indie alternative, surfer rock music. Led by the sweet-voiced female lead, Laura Catalano; the group creates upbeat cuts that make you want to sit back in a cozy afternoon riding your bike around your neighborhood. She's joined by equally talented bandmates, Nicholas Rice, Patrick Stankard, and Keith Pilson. Containing four upbeat and lively songs, this demo was immediately followed up with the release of a  single as well as a split 7" with the band Dude Japan. This New York four piece is certainly worth watching out for.

Tottenham from Theta Games

When you first see Tottenham, it might look weird but it definitely has solid gameplay and will assure any player a good time. In the game, you play a demolitions expert that has to clear the path so that subway connections can be made from point A to point B. This is the latest release from indie developer, Theta Games. They have several other games up for download on their website, some of the titles include Orange, Composition Piece, and R- Theta II. Tottenham might be the type of game people would look over because of its simple graphics, but it's actually a fun and very cool arcade game to check out.

Cassis Orange – Cassis Orange EP

Cassis Orange is a one woman ectro-pop act by North Carolina native Autumn Ethinger. She lived in Japan for a while hence the name Cassies Orange which is an Japanese alcoholic drink. Cassis Orange EP is hook laden pop sung in a straight forward manner. She uses a plain synth and drum machine that may seem cheesy were it not for her strong vocals and songwriting. There's a certain charm to how it goes together. Casssis Orange is on North Carolina based label Grip Tapes that has quite a few acts worth checking out.

JellyCar

A fun and quirky game, JellyCar has won its fair share of fans. Created by Walaber, the game puts you in control of a jelly car that will go through all the nooks and crannies until it sees the highly elusive stop sign. Thanks to its popularity, succeeding versions of the App has been developed including the latest one by Disney. Of course, the newer versions are available for a price so it's best if you give this free one a try first before shelling out the cash. The game combines beautiful graphics, responsive controls and very addictive gameplay to turn it into a complete winner. Try it out.