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By: James Dallimore Loblaws has unleashed its new No Name feature: Beer. The LCBO’s website talks a big game for it stating: “Brewed in Ontario using the highest quality ingredients, this characteristically Canadian-style lager delivers a crisp finish that makes it easy to drink with no aftertaste. Pairs very well with all types of foods; try it with appetizers, pizza, creamy pasta, burgers or grilled steaks.” The shelf price is $10.45 for six bottles at 5% alcohol, $2.05 less than Molson Canadian, and $2.80 less than Miller Genuine Draft, for comparison. So far so good, it’s significantly cheaper than what the average Joe is usually going for, but what about the actual taste? I’m going to cut to the chase and say that this beer is very mediocre. The recommendation of pairing it with pizza, burgers, or steak is pretty pointless as I did try it with homemade pizza and found it far too light to be a proper pairing for any meal. As of writing this, I cannot really remember what it even tastes like, which is bad for what the LCBO claims. However, I think everyone is well aware of the true purpose of this beer. Much like Cool Beer, the sole motivation to drink this beverage is get pretty silly quickly, for the least amount of money. My second experience with this beer came this past weekend when I took the remaining five bottles I had from the one I paired with my pizza to Toronto. As stated earlier, this beer is very light, perfect for downing as fast as your gullet will allow. I reached my friend’s apartment as was immediately told we only had one hour to reach the agreed upon rendezvous with the rest of our crew. Having the young iron liver that I do, I immediately cracked one of my long necks and commenced sipping. After about ten minutes two bottles were already finished. After twenty, the remaining three bottles were gone. Normally, five beers in twenty minutes would have me doubled over a toilet, but not with No Name- wow I think I just came up with their slogan. It’s 5/10 due to the fact that this is not the beer I come home and crack open after a long day of work, nor is it the beer I sip with dinner or on the beach. Its saving grace is that we (alcoholics?) have the distinct pleasure of becoming plastered for significantly less than the competitor. I must salute Loblaws for this. Another great perk is that this (un)forgettable lager is going to be a dollar a beer on government long weekends, see you on May 24! I’m not exactly sure how to cap this off… Drink responsibly? Follow James. Follow Us.

By: Alyssa Keighan Though I used to be an annoying relentless Apple Music stan, those days were easily forgotten once I truly learned about the joys of Spotify. The Spotify interface is sleek, easy to use, and EVEN has a side tab on the computer version where you can see what all of your friends are listening to (this is objectively my personal favourite feature of the app because well…….I’m a creep). But, perhaps the most valuable feature is the curated playlists, whether they be specific to you under the “made for you” tab, or the general playlists that are searchable. Gone are the days of deep-diving and trolling for new music through YouTube in the “Recommended” side-bar, because now Spotify does it for you. And they do it pretty damn well. All boasting under 400,000 followers at the time of writing this, here are 10 objectively phenomenal Spotify playlists that you probably haven’t heard about yet. You’re welcome! 1. undercurrents: 116 243 followers Consisting of all new mellow indie bops, undercurrents is the perfect soundtrack for doing homework, reading, or being generally moody in any setting. Featuring tracks from Cherry Glazerr, girl in red, Ritt Momney (lol) and more, this playlist is full of guitars, lo-fi inspired beats, and beautiful indie gems. Standout Track: say anything, girl in red 2. Surf Rock Sunshine: 143 062 followers The first time I heard Surf Rock Sunshine was at a hostel when I was backpacking Europe. The workers there had the playlist up on a television in the common kitchen. It was a beautiful clear day in London, England, and listening to this playlist first thing in the morning really set the tone for the day ahead. The tracks give off sunny vibes, and I always play it when I need an instant pick-me-up. The guitar riffs and Beach Boys vibe of the songs always makes me feel like I’m on a vacation when I listen. Happy happy happy J Standout Track: Tidal Wave, by Tempesst 3. Beats to think to: 168 778 followers Beats to think to consists of deep techno and deep house, appealing to people who have a love for electronic music. The most recently found playlist on this list; I came across this when I was looking for background noise while I was studying for my midterms. The music on the playlist is melodic and consuming but not overbearing, making for a fantastically versatile playlist. Techno lovers could pre-drink to this, study to this, workout to this…. the possibilities are endless! Standout Track: Abandoned Soul (Recondite Remix), by Jimi Jules 4. 1990’s & 2000’s (Hayley Anne McNeil): 74,372 followers Listen. For every cool new song in your playlist, there should be one song from either the 1990’s or 2000’s. It’s the formula for success and a nicely balanced music library, okay? I didn’t make the rules. With over 1000 songs on the playlist, in every mainstream genre, ranging from Boyz II Men to Ashanti to Britney Spears to Ciara to LITERALLY EVERY NOTABLE ARTIST OVER THE TWO DECADES, this playlist KILLS IT and will be sure to satisfy all of your throwback needs on any occasion. Even Hilary Duff and 3OH!3 are on here. C’monnnnnnnn. The only playlist on this list created by someone other than Spotify, Hayley Anne McNeil went off. She really did. Thanks, girl. Standout Track: ALL OF THEM! Go See for Yourself. Seriously. 5. POLLEN: 217,409 followers In the description below the title, Spotify describes POLLEN as a playlist “beyond genre”. True. It’s really hard to pinpoint what this playlist is due to its wide range of artists, many of whom span across a variety of genres. From Men I Trust to Tyler, the Creator to Joji, perhaps what makes this playlist so cohesive are the smooth, alluring voices of the singers on the tracks and the hip-hop elements layered amongst the musical arrangement. The distinctive snare drum present in a lot of popular trap and rap music is also present in a lot of the songs, making it quite an interesting hodgepodge. It’s infectious though, and it works. Check it out for yourself! Standout Track: Want U Back, by Spencer. 6. Bedroom Pop: 331, 940 followers Maybe I’m the only one who thinks that this title is misleading, but I was totally expecting this playlist to be full of dance-in-your-underwear-sing-into-your-hairbrush type of playlists. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a collection of songs with a similar, dreamlike quality about them: synths and soft, cooing voices dominate these tracks. Some songs are mellower than others on the playlist, they are all equally as lovely. Spotify adds songs to Bedroom Pop semi-regularly, but amongst this playlist there are songs really worth adding to your playlist. If you ‘re into music that is reminiscent of 80’s synthpop (just toned down a bit) – this one’s for you. Standout Track: B Cool (featuring Melanie Faye), by Magroove 7. Drifting Apart: 122, 472 followers If you’re looking for a playlist that’ll get you in all the sad feels, this is it. Even if you’re not going through a breakup with a significant other or a friend, these songs are sombre enough for you to indulge in your feelings. Looking beyond the gloomy theme of this playlist, I’ve always thought that some of the best art is produced when you’re feeling down or heartbroken because everyone expresses sorrow differently. The lyrics in a lot of these songs are poetic, and the musical elements are soft, pretty, and nothing short of interesting. Spanning across a number of genres, there will most definitely be a song that resonates with you. Standout Track: im closing my eyes (feat. Shiloh), by potsu 8. You & Me: 372, 769 followers Quite the opposite of Drifting Apart, You & Me takes a much more happy tone and is packed with a bunch of feel-good alt rock tracks that you and your love will wanna sing as loud as you can together! A great mix of songs from 90’s, today, and anytime in between, this playlist is just fun. You & Me perfectly personifies the whole “I’m so in love with you and so happy nothing could ever bring me down” feeling that makes you feel super lame but is also so unbelievably sweet. 9. Lost In The Woods: 162, 636 followers Perhaps the most raw and acoustic playlist amongst the others on this list, the artists really focus on stripping down their music to the bare essentials: guitar, piano, snare, and minimal electronic effects. Coupled with the soft and sweet vocals that are present throughout Lost In The Woods, the whole playlist is reminiscent of an old lullaby someone once sang to you in your childhood. Standout Track: A Message To Myself- The Mahogany Sessions, by Roo Panes 10. Genre Glitch: 292, 448 followers Closing out this list, Genre Glitch is a fun and lively collection of songs, described by Spotify as “Instrumental bliss beyond classification.” Electronic elements dominate this playlist to create an unmistakable and wholly unique eclectic sound. Upon first listen, this may seem like an odd mash-up of instrumental tracks, as it did to myself. But as I worked my way through the playlist, I was reminded of some of my favourite artists, whose songs share similarities with the ones in this playlist. If you dig Flume, Louis The Child, or Whethan, then this playlist is sure to be an easy listen. Come with an open mind and good vibes, and Genre Glitch will leave you smilin’ in return all day. Standout Track: Rosé, by AbJo Honourable mentions who JUST missed the 400K followers mark: -Butter: 421, 164 Followers (Spotify Description: Where jazz melts with hip-hop and soul) -Creamy: 426, 001 Followers (Spotify Description: Melodic future bass, warm vocal drizzle and dreamy dance music) Follow Alyssa. Follow us.

By: Dakota Arsenault For fans of laid back jazz influenced hip-hop like Chance the Rapper, The Internet, NoName and others will love what Vancouver based group Schwey is doing. They burst onto the scene last year with their single “Can’t Stop (The Groove)” and are back with their debut self titled album from 604 Records full of bangers for your ears. Schwey is a band created out of necessity by Jacob Schwinghammer and Isaiah Dobbs. In its formative years, underground DIY venues were the only option for underage people to have a good time – the band crafted their soulful sound in the diverse yet unified underground scene, having to compete with the high energy of punk bands and clarity of rappers and DJs. Band members have come and gone, but the musicality has never faltered. In pursuit of the most electrifying show possible, the band throws all confines of genre out the window: funk influences meld with with modern pop, and R&B fuses with swaggering hip-hop and surging indie rock. Dobbs’ playful, velvet-voiced hooks provide the focal point for ear worm dance tracks, while Schwinghammer adds sonic richness with his jazz-trained keys. The band says of the record: “We are so so so infinitely happy that this 6 year work in progress album is coming to the ears of the people. Showcasing the power of love, friendship, and the benefits of groove.” Make sure you listen to Schwey, wherever you get your music from! Follow Schwey on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter.

By: Gemma Mastroianni “Sheena Doesn’t Mind,” the latest single from his one-man garage-rock experiment Kyle Duke and the Brown Bag Boys is moody, alternative, and captivating. If you’re a Nirvana or Ramones fan, this is perfect for you. The consistent riff throughout the track is both catchy and intriguing, and the tone in which the song progresses draws you right into the dark mood of the track. Although Duke is often compared to Mac Demarco, he stems away from this comparison in this new single. This new aesthetic is not only exciting to see him take on a new sound, but also impressive to see that he can pull off another sound while still incorporating what he originally had perpetuated. In the first couple of years as a live band, they often played house and basement shows throughout Brooklyn and NYC. The band would often close out these shows with a cover of “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” by the Ramones. “Sheena Doesn’t Mind” is a sequel of this story that was introduced by The Ramones. Duke plays every instrument, while also being the one who mixed and mastered the track. He calls it a DIY ode to the tragic, loner punk incorporating psychedelic and power-pop. With the release of “Sheena Doesn’t Mind,” Duke will also be embarking on a tour of the US Northeast and Midwest with fellow NYC psych rock band. Upright Man. 3.14 New Haven, CT 3.21 Columbus, OH 3.15 Brooklyn, NY 3.22 Cincinnati, OH 3.16 Winchester, VA 3.23 Dayton, OH 3.17 Philadelphia, PA Follow Kyle Duke. Follow Us.

By: Alena Blanes Correct me if I’m wrong, but pretty sure this daylight savings time nonsense is a good indicator the snow, wind and ice are heading out. If that’s the case, then I’m definitely diggin’ that. Here are a few other things I’ve been into lately: 1. Black Key’s – Lo/Hi After a five year hiatus, I was over the moon to hear the Nashville duo back again with a new psych-rock hit. I’ve been a massive fan of these two since 2010, so after the Turn Blue album dropped in 2014, I was worried they were gone for good. Luckily, Dan and Patrick seem to be picking up right where they left off. If I’m not mistaken, we’ve got some female backup singers on board. I’m here for it. 2. Oregano Oil Since starting university, it seems every semester my schedule gets even more hectic. I’ve always been one of those people who tries to pile the most onto my plate thinking I can handle it- until I get sick. I’m currently bringing you this week’s list as I sulk in my heavily-diffused room. Seriously, I’ve been inhaling the aroma of oregano like it’s my day job. For when I’m really feeling dangerous, I take shots of the stuff too. Here’s hoping I heal up soon. 3. Vegan Yogurt – Daiya I’ve been practicing a vegan lifestyle for nearly five years now (I’m a nice vegan though, I promise). Prior to that I’ve always been super sensitive to dairy. Yogurt was a weakness for me–hard core.When I first went vegan, the dairy-free yogurt scene was pretty pathetic. You either had what tasted like coconut Jell-O or some flavourless fermented soy goop. Thanks to Daiya, those days are over. From what I remember, it’s got the same consistency AND taste of my former favourite back in the day. Now if only I could find a way to make a pack of them last the whole week. Such is life, I suppose. 4. Shampoo Bars I like to think that people know me for my hair. What used to plague me in a middle school of straight-haired goddesses is now my favourite physical trait. For all my curly or wavy-haired babes out there, you know the struggle of finding the perfect products. Well sis lemme tell ya, it’s even harder with thin hair. Since the fall, I’ve been all in with shampoo bars. They’re plastic-free, travel-friendly, and last an eternity. Not to mention they take up way less space than those bulky salon bottles. Right now, I’m using Soak n Float by Lush, but I’m open for suggestions. 5. Consuming Less Unpopular opinion: I’ve really been enjoying consuming less overall. As a student, I’m sure we can all relate to the rent, groceries, textbooks and tuition equation. How many times have you checked your bank statement to realize you spent $200 online shopping or $70 at the bar? It hurts. Working part-time doesn’t give me much leeway with disposable income either. That said, since cutting my consumption (clothing, drinking, eating out) almost by 75%, I’ve been able to rack up a pretty nice savings account. I even funded a trip to LA in February solely based on smart spending habits. Not to mention, I feel lighter not having so much STUFF. Marie Kondo would be so proud. Follow Alena. Follow Us.

Photos and Review by Nick Power Following 15 years of being together as a band, and releasing six albums, Born of Osiris is still going strong. Supporting their latest album, The Simulation, Born of Osiris played The Opera House in Toronto on March 10th, 2019 with Chelsea Grin’s support. To start things off, Chelsea Grin came out with a bang playing, Playing with Fire, with the entire crowd immediately getting right into it. As soon as they played their first note, the crowd was jumping around, moshing and crowd surfing. That energy didn’t stop for the entire set. Anyone who crowd surfed got greeted by Chelsea Grin’s lead vocalist, Tom Barber with a nice handshake. This energy kept its pace until the second last song they played, Hostage, which is when the crowd really picked up the pace, with practically the entire crowd rushing to the front screaming the lyrics alongside Tom, which brought big smiles to the band’s faces. Chelsea Grin played an incredible set and is a band that puts an immense amount of energy into their shows, which really helps the crowd a lot more engaged into the set. Before Born of Osiris took the stage, they warmed up the crowd by playing System of a Down’s, Chop Suey, which everyone on the crowd proceeded to sing along, showing their energy and readiness for Born of Osiris’ to take the stage. After waiting patiently, and very clearly ready for the headliner to take the stage, Born of Osiris finally started their show off by playing, The Accursed, off of their latest album, with the crowd roaring through it. Born of Osiris came out explosive and clearly very glad to be playing Toronto, with full smiles and an electric energy. They followed this performance with two older songs, Empires Erased and Divergency, which the crowd seemed more familiar with, which is where the crowd really got surfing. Throughout their performance you could tell that Born of Osiris is very connected as a group. The members are always within a close proximity of eachother, making faces and laughing with each other, displaying that they love what they are doing and enjoy doing it together. This energy they express to each other is also projected to the crowd with the singer high fiving people that had crowd surfed up and the vocalist, Ronnie Canizaro, being almost always at the front of the stage really close to the crowd. I think the best point of the set was when they pulled out the song, Bow Down, which is off of their first album, which was remastered last year, The New Reign. This is when the whole crowd was jumping along, singing the words, even the people in the balcony were dancing and singing along to this classic Born of Osiris tune. Coming to the end of their set, the crowd was insistent on one more song, which they gave to the crowd by coming back out and playing the song everyone had been waiting to hear, Machine. This was the perfect song to close a set with, with everyone knowing the lyrics, having a giant mosh pit and bodies flying everywhere. This was truly an amazing show. Kudos to Born of Osiris for still bringing this much energy to their set, even after 16 years of doing this. Born of Osiris Chelsea Grin Follow Nick. Follow Us.

By: Alex Rodobolski Score: 7/10 Liverpool’s Her’s made their Canadian debut at The Drake Underground on March 5th. The duo was met with a deservingly warm welcome from fans that had likely been dying to see this band since their first album was released. Her’s’ first full-length release only dates back to 2017, so the pair are still a relatively young band. This youthful quality definitely shines through when they’re on stage. The show felt like we’d been invited to hang out with our good friends while they mess around and jam with their band. In a lot of ways, this was a really fun experience. The care-free feeling being portrayed on stage allowed the audience to let loose and bop along with Her’s. On the other, unfortunate hand, it’s pretty evident that the duo doesn’t have as much experience under their belt as other, more established acts. For the first few songs, their back-and-forth banter was endearing, and showed that Her’s are just really good friends who make fantastic music together. About halfway through the set, it started to feel like there was a running inside joke between the pair that I wasn’t a part of. Awkward stage banter aside, Her’s executed a musical performance that was far from uncomfortable. They were familiar with the music, familiar with each other, and it felt like they were familiar with the audience. Opening the show with dreamy indie-pop banger Marcel got everybody grooving to the iconic Her’s sound. Cool With You set the mood for all of the loved-up people who brought a date to the show, begging them to get closer to each other. What Once Was, based on crowd reaction, was the song that everybody was most excited for. Plenty of oohs, aahs, and cheers of, “Yessss,” rang out as the opening chords to the broken-hearted crooner started playing. Overall, the show was fun, and an excellent Canadian debut for the pair. Give them a few years to keep playing together and Her’s are guaranteed to be a must-see act. Their songs are executed well, their set list has the perfect pacing, and they have a carefree aura about them that makes everybody feel welcome. Follow Alex. Follow us.

By: James Dallimore The winter is wrapping up soon and I am far beyond done with it. Just a few more weeks and were all free. Here are some things that have been helping me get through: 1.) Healthy Home Cooking I can’t believe there are adults reading this that continue to binge on Junior Chickens when there are cheaper, tastier, and healthier options. Here’s a recipe packed full of protein, healthy carbs, and fiber. Tastes better than McD’s, I promise. Sautee onions in a medium sized saucepan followed by adding some minced garlic (easier than cloves). Pour in two cups of cold water, then one cup of brown rice, and one cup of rinsed green lentils. Add salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 40 minutes. When complete steam (or boil) 1-2 cups of frozen broccoli for about 5-7 minutes. Serve on top of your lentils and rice with the spice of your choice. Enjoi. 2.) Toronto Sports The snow starting to melt means fanatics like myself get to enjoy basketball, baseball, and hockey all at the same time. In case you didn’t know, #TheLeafsAreActuallyGood and have a legit shot at the Cup this year. How do I know? They have number thirty-four, number sixteen, and number ninety-one. If you know, you know. The Raptors are in the same boat, boasting the third best offense in the NBA this year and starring defensive studs like Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam at the other end. And while the Blue Jays are nowhere near World Series contention, Vlad Jr. Enough Said. 3. Castile Soap I really hate the way most body wash smell. I just want a clean, fresh scent of something that I can actually pronounce. Only a few drops of this concentrated to all hell soap with leave you spotless. Castile soap comes in various scents including peppermint (my favourite), lavender, rose, and unscented for babies. Approximately seventeen dollars at your local Loblaws and it will last you months. This stuff is a worthy investment if you’re looking to be clean and not smell like the perfume aisle. 4.) Animals as Leaders – Self -Titled You bet your ass I’m hyped for May 18. This will be my first time seeing AAL in concert and my expectations are reasonably high. It is yet to be confirmed, but the online media outlets like Metal Injection believe they will be playing their self-titled debut front to back. If you like progressive metal without the harsh vocals, intense dual-shredding guitars with relentless, intricate pounding on the drums, this trio will blow your mind. I’m prepared. 5.) Life Ambitions I left university. I never liked school to begin with so I wasn’t going to stick around when it was costing me money. I’m at a point in my life where I want: to learn the ins and outs of being a guitar tech, get my DZ license, go on a cross-country road trip, and buy a house. I’m ready to replace the pickups on my Ibanez, I’m studying the Ontario Airbrake Handbook, just bought a car, and putting away half my earnings for the future. I’m feeling pretty motivated lately. Follow James. Follow us.

By: Ryley Chorowiec Those who smoke the legal ganja understand that you need the perfect soundtrack to accompany your experience. If you have the time to chillax, popping on an album from start to finish with the perfect strain can be an amazing experience. Here are the experiences I recommend: 2001- Dr Dre Dre’s second studio album is undoubtedly considered to be one of the best hip hop albums of all time. Packed with twenty two tracks and guest appearances from the likes of Eminem, Snoop, and Mary J blige, this record is sure to have you passing around that sticky icky. Fav tracks- “Still Dre” “The Watcher” Strain pairing- Sour Diesel Currents- Tame Impala One of my personal favourite records of all time, the third studio album by Australian rocker Kevin Parker sees him take a slight departure from his original psychedelic rock sounds, into a pop-dance- oriented direction. With Parker’s exquisite production skills and exemplary songwriting, this album is nearly flawless from start to finish and provides a perfect soundtrack for your day dream state. Favourite Tracks- “Let it Happen” “Love/Paranoia” Strain pairing- Blue Dream Masseduction- St Vincent Annie Clark’s 5th album as St Vincent sees her return with a hyper sexual alt pop powerhouse in Masseduction. The album solidify’s Annie as one of today’s most influential artist, being hailed by many as “The female Bowie.” This record is surely a sexy one, perfect for that half baked love making session you’re craving. Fav songs- “Los Ageless” “Masseduction” Strain Pairing- Girl Scout Cookies Portishead- Dummy Beth Gibbon’s vocals throughout Portishead’s debut album are simply impeccable, and lead in the attack of a simply beautiful and blissful comedown soundtrack. With comforting sounds and dark and edgy lyrics, this record, with a little help from whats left in your stash, takes your mind on a deep excursion into the parts of your brain you may not want to enter in the first place. Not for the faint of heart. Fav Songs- “Roads” “Sour Times” Strain Pairing- White Widow Funkadelic- Maggot Brain This is a record that truly speaks for itself. Kicking off with a near ten minute soul churning guitar solo, this album quickly reveals it cannot be contained to the genre of funk. The album is truly a masterpiece stretching across several genres, and a one of a kind soul warming experience. George Clinton leads the group in creation of one of the most memorable records of all time. Fav Songs- “Maggot Brain” “Hit it and Quit it’ Strain Pairing- Super Silver Haze Trans Europe Express- Kraftwerk The 1977 release by German electronic group Kraftwerk made their presence known in the experimental pop world. Considered to be one of the most influential and revolutionary pop groups of all time, Kraftwerk certainly did not disappoint with their release of “Trans Europe Express.” The band takes listeners on a darkly atmospheric adventure, with the album based upon and simulating a runaway continental train. With its dark atmospheric tones and concise production, this is probably the best pop record of the 1970’s. Fav songs- “Show Room Dummies” “Europe Endless” Strain pairing-Golden Goat Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots- The Flaming Lips Wayne Coyne truly outdoes himself with this record. A follow up to the band’s prior heavy hitting release “The soft Bulletin,” Yoshimi battles the pink robots is A beautifully done concept album. The record shows Coyne and the rest of the flaming lips,(Who are no strangers to story telling) engage in a heroic tale of a karate fighter named Yoshimi, and her quarrel with the pink robots. The album constantly ponders questions regarding love and life itself, and truly has endless depth when it comes to your stoned soul searching. Favourite songs- “Fight test” “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots part 1” Strain pairing- Space Queen Darkside of the Moon-Pink Floyd A record which needs little explanation. The ninth album by one of the best avant garde rock bands of all time, has few weak spots. There’s a reason your dad still likes this album- It’s because he used to trip acid to it. Do yourself a favour- smoke up, and ask your dad about this one. Fav tracks “Time” “Great Gig in the Sky” Strain Pairing:Northern Lights 10,000 days- Tool Tools 4th album, “10 000 Days” sees the quartet continue to be one of the most innovative metal bands of all time. The band, led by Maynard’s chilling operatic style vocals simply do not let up with this 2006 release. Danny Carey’s impeccable percussion skills, Adam Jones near god-like guitar playing, and David chancellor’s flawless bass grooves result in a truly mesmerizing instrumental soundtrack. The record, complete with a sitar and a 9 minute track describing an alien abduction, can be quite overwhelming depending how many cookies you’ve eaten. Fav Track -“Rosetta Stoned” “Jambi” Strain Pairing: God’s Green Crack Cardi B -Invasion of Privacy Last, but certainly not least. The debut album by the queen of 2018 has solidified her status as the baddest woman in the game, and gained her a few grammies along with it. Cardi’s “Invasion of Privacy” Spits the truths regarding her tough rise to fame, while still gloating about her social status, which no other female rapper can seem to catch up to. With some serious east coast style beats, and Cardi speaking whatever comes to her mind, this is truly one of the most savage records of the year- and one I’m currently rolling up a blunt to. Fav Tracks- “10 Bad” “Bodak Yellow” Strain Pairing- Purple Kush Follow Ryley. Follow us.

By: Alyssa Keighan And, just like that: February is gone and we’re going headfirst into the third month of 2019 already! Or, maybe “body first” because with Mercury going into retrograde on March 5th, our head is going to feel like its way, way up in the clouds. But – don’t let this scare you! Float away, recharge, and give in to your daydreams and desires, because later in the month when the sun makes its way into Aries (on the same day as a full moon, no doubt) you’re going to get that surge of motivation you need that will bring you right back down to earth to go full kick-ass mode. With such an intense month ahead of us, it’s only fair that we have an appropriate soundtrack that’ll get us through Mercury Retrograde, the New Moon on the 6th, and the transition into #AriesSzn. Keep scrolling to see what the stars have in store for you this month, as well as a song which’ll become a staple in your soundtrack. Aries As we approach #AriesSzn at the end of March, you’re going to be focused on spoiling yourself and getting what you want – when you want it. This is completely okay and even if you’re not used to doing it, let your mind wander to think about some things that you really desire because they’re closer than you think. These desires don’t’ necessarily have to be material either – there are no limits! The stars are going to be in your corner this month, and as the sun shifts into Aries on the 20th you will reap the benefits that you’ve sowed. Album for You: Thank You, Next, Ariana Grande (2019) Song from the Album: 7 Rings Because what else is going to capture the Aries energy more accurately? This whole album is an independent-i-don’t-need-anyone-but-me bop. Don’t knock it ‘till ya try it. Taurus For you, this month is all about reconnection and stepping out of your comfort zone! Mercury will be in your house of friendship as it slips into retrograde, bringing back old friends and acquaintances. Have you been thinking about reconnecting with someone you miss? Now is the time! Don’t be afraid to shake up your routine a little, it’ll most definitely be worth it. Album for You: Delta Song from the Album: The Wild Speaking of reconnecting, why don’t you reconnect with a band you used to love, too? Coming off of a 3-year hiatus, Mumford & Sons newest album is teeming with imagery about growth and renewal in life, all while presenting it with their classic, banjo-centered lush sound you know and love. They’re baaaack! Gemini New moons are representative of a fresh start or new beginnings. The new moon on the 6th is in your career house, so March will be a month of hard work (and a little bit of stress) as you begin to lay the foundation for a new project. Not to fear though, because by the end of the month as we shift into Aries and Mercury goes direct once again, your workload will lighten as you begin to see payoff from your project, and you’ll start to feel a little bit more ~relaxed~ Album for You: The Plan, DaniLeigh Song from the Album: The Plan This trap inspired R&B album gives off serious bad bitch vibes, and DaniLeigh unapologetically sings your mantra for this month, Gemini: “No one can fuck with my bread”. This album will last you long past March. Thank u, NEXT. Cancer Motivation is tough this month for you, Cancer. Perhaps you have the winter blues and are dreaming about being somewhere sunny, far away with a drink in your hand. Because of these warm-weathered fantasies, it’ll be a little bit difficult for you to get things done at the beginning of the month. However, when the sun moves into Aries on the 20th, you’ll snap back into reality and get. shit. done. So dream away, because balance is a good thing….right? Album for You: Petit Biscuit, “Petit Biscuit” – Self Titled EP (2016). Song from the Album: Sunset Lover The album is a perfect compliment to your consistent, tropical daydreams, and Sunset Lover will make you feel like you’re on a beach even if you’re in the middle of a snowstorm with no jacket. Happy beaching! Leo In March, you will be making great progress in your work and personal life as you hone in on your natural, competitive edge. As a trailblazer and a leader, take advantage of the full moon in Libra on March 20th and expect to have productive, exciting, and perhaps heated conversations. Your communication abilities will be at its peak this day – and who knows – little surprises, gifts, and exciting news could be coming your way! Helllll yeah. Album for You: When I Get Home, Solange (2019) Song from the Album: Binz Leo’s aren’t afraid to shake things up a bit, so why not listen to Solange’s new album this month? Her voice is soft and smooth, but somehow assertive as she blends elements of pop and jazz with contemporary R&B. This fusion makes the listening experience wholly unique, and is something that trendsetting Leo’s will love. Virgo You seem a little bit bored, virgo. Time to try and shake things up a bit – which you will. Venus represents what we love, value, and take pleasure in, and with the planet being in the area of your chart that deals with daily routines, Venus will balance you out this month. Adventure is (finally) ahead! The new moon on March 6th will cause you to think deeply about how far you’ve come in 2019, and inspire you to dream even bigger for the rest of the year. Give in to your thoughts, as these dreams will lead to some really cool ideas you’ll wanna implement down the road. Cool. Album for You: Swimming, Mac Miller (2018) Song from the Album: Wings Swimming, the last album from the late Mac Miller, is full of reflective and pensive lyrics that resonate more like poetry than a typical rap song. A wonderful fusion of elements from rap and jazz, its representative of the shakeup that the overthinking Virgo needs Libra In March, it’s time for the Libra to bring out their creative side! The new moon on the 6th urges you to embrace your creative desires. Literally anything: go to a concert, learn how to play an instrument, paint! Let this month be a fresh start for you, Libra. Make changes to your life that are a little bit selfish: think of you (and only you) for a change. You’ll thank yourself for the investment down the road. Album for You: Flume, Flume (2012) Song from the Album: Warm Thoughts Is this an album that will inspire you to be creative or an album that will inspire you to smoke some weed? Doesn’t matter. Just listen to “Warm Thoughts” and everything else will fall into place…probably. Scorpio This month, Scorpio, you may lack a little bit of motivation. Mars, the planet of action, is opposite of your sign. Even though you’re extremely busy, you may feel a little bit like the energy you are putting into various aspects of your life, such as work and friends, is fruitless and you aren’t getting anywhere. Just be patient, because once the sun moves into Aries, you will get the resurgence of energy and motivation that you need. Keep pushin’ dude. Album for You: Assume Form, James Blake (2019) Song from the Album: Barefoot in the Park (feat. ROSALÌA) James Blake combines gentle R&B vocals with electronic and rhythmic elements to create a sound that is wholly unique and haunting. This month, Scorpio, find solace in his newest album. Its calming, but there’s an indescribable edge to it – and is what you never knew you needed. Sagittarius The combination of Mercury going into retrograde on the 5th and then a new moon a day later leaves for you an unspeakable need for change: something new! Classic to sags confident, luminous nature, your open-mindedness will being to you a chance to start something new as the universe pushes unto you a fresh start. If you were ever thinking about being bold, now is the time to do it. A fresh slate is yours. Embrace the retrograde! Album for You: The Orchard, Ra Ra Riot (2010) Song from the Album: Boy Let this album be your ray of surf-rock sunshine and don’t let anyone convince you of anything different. Accurately reflecting the sunny personality of a Sagittarius, this is the only album you need in a month of fresh beginnings. Pro-Tip: Listen to “Boy” whenever you feel like dancing uncontrollably to a sweet guitar riff. Ur welcome. Capricorn Capricorn, in March you’ll shift your focus onto your friends and put more effort in reminding them that they’re loved and appreciated by spending quality time with them doing….whatever! This works out well for you in return, as you definitely feel the love right back from them. Focus on indulging in the people that matter to you, like friends and loved ones, rather than work right now. You will feel a lot more fulfilled. Promise! Album for You: THE SATURATION II, BROCKHAMPTON (2017) Song from the Album: GUMMY Since Capricorn is busy having fun and spending quality time with friends this month, its only fair to keep the party going by paying homage to boy band extraordinaire, BROCKHAMPTON. A group of dudes who are unbelievably talented and love each other like brothers? Plus fun beats and overall great music from the SATURATION trilogy? Yes. Yessss. Aquarius As winter starts to fade and summer looms on the horizon, your attention is beginning to wander and you seem to be in need of a slight break. Instead of daydreaming about a trip, actually arrange to go on one! When the sun moves into Aries on the 20th is the perfect time to do so, as your communication skills will be bolstered. Text some friends to start planning the getaway you all need. Album for You: Little By Little, Lane 8 (2018) Song from the Album: Little by Little This melodic, eclectic album is perfect for eccentric Aquarius! It will serve as the inspiration you need to plan the perfect getaway. Also, this album just has good vibes all around. Nobody ever said you needed to STOP daydreaming while you plan, right? Pisces As you revel in your birthday month, Pisces, there will be a shift in your outlook on the world. Perhaps you have been, at times, afraid to speak up for what you want? As the sun shifts into Aries on the 20th, you will suddenly feel like you will be able to narrow your focus, and you’ll be able to articulate your desires more clearly! Just take the leap of faith and begin your game plan – you won’t regret it. Trust. Album for You: FM! Vince Staples, 2018 Song from the Album: FUN! An album on the shorter side in terms of length, but it doesn’t leave you feeling lacking. Rather than the album this time Pisces, note the artist, Vince Staples, who is often outspoken about various topics such as social issues, people in the entertainment industry, and growing up in Long Beach, California. Take a cue from him: he’s one funny dude who isn’t afraid to speak up. For bonus content, peep his interview at Coachella, or his guest appearance on Hot Ones. Follow Alyssa. Follow us.