Review: Manchester Orchestra – A Black Mile to the Surface

Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile to the Surface

This first impression was originally posted as a live blog for supporters in our forums on June 9th, 2016. First impressions are meant to be quick, fun, initial impressions on an album or release as I listen to it for the first time. It’s a running commentary written while listening to an album — not a review. More like a diary of thoughts. This post has been lightly edited for structure and flow.

Why hello there.

Ever since the album showed up in my inbox, this has been probably the most requested “first listen” blog yet. I was waiting until the embargo ended to talk and write about this one in more detail, and with the announcement and single release today … I figured I might as well just kick this one out right now! The album is out in about a month and a half, so it’s not super early, and this will also allow me to come back to this thread in the next month and add new thoughts as I continue to listen and grow with this album.

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Riot Fest Announces “The Riot Feast”

Riot Fest

Riot Fest have announced they’re opening up a pop-up restaurant called “Riot Feast” for three months in Chicago:

We’re about to find out. We’ve joined forces with the team behind the immensely popular Saved By The Max pop-up diner to open The Riot Feast, a limited-time restaurant and bar in Chicago with Riot Fest-inspired family-style American bites in a turn-of-the-century carnival environment. Located at (1941 W. North Ave, Chicago), The Riot Feast opens on July 8th for a three-month run.

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Grosses Analysis: Brendon Urie Gives ‘Kinky Boots’ a Lift

Playbill is reporting that Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco has contributed to a nice uptick in sales for the Kinky Boots musical:

As expected, Kinky Boots’ capacity has increased above 90 percent, while its gross potential has hovered around there as well as Panic! fans catch the lead singer’s Broadway debut. The last time the musical had made over $1 million in a non-holiday week was Wayne Brady’s final set of performances as Lola in the week ending March 27, 2016.