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Jezzine, Lebanon

July 2014

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From the inside of a small church.

Jezzine, Lebanon

July 2014

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Here are some more photos from my trip to Lebanon. They were taken in the mountains in the south of Lebanon in a town called Jezzine. Hope you enjoy!

-Natalie 

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Architecture in Downtown Beirut.

July 2014

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Exploring The American University of Beirut.

wearing: lolita crop top American Apparel / denim shorts American Apparel / shoes Birkenstock Arizona / backpack Nasty Gal

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Architecture in Downtown Beirut.

July 2014

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Fettuccine Crepe at a dessert shop in Beirut.

July 2014

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Cafe in Downtown Beirut.

July 2014

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A Street in Downtown Beirut.

July 2014

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In July I went to Beirut, Lebanon to visit family, as I hadn't visited in 10 years. It was a beautiful experience, seeing a different culture and seeing the way people live in another part of the world. I highly recommend traveling to everyone, it really opens up your perspective on the world. Even if it's just taking a little road-trip outside your hometown to a place you've never been, seeing new places is so amazing. The photo above was taken in downtown Beirut. My cousin showed me around, and we spent the day exploring the city: going to coffee shops, a photography store, eating delicious crepes, walking by small vendors cooking Lebanese foods, people watching, shopping, eating sushi, driving by the coast, and just taking in the culture of the city.

-Natalie

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Cherry Glazerr

Burgerama 3

The Observatory OC

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Throwing it back to Cherry Glazerr at Burgerama 3!

Clementine Creevy (vocals and guitar)

Hannah Uribe (drums)

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Let's say the almighty rock gods allowed for Marc Bolan and David Bowie to somehow reproduce and they raised a sweet, adventurous son in England and taught him how to play guitar and rock facial glitter with fringed jackets and he grew up to front his own groovy band. Then you would have James Bagshaw, lead singer and guitarist of new English psychedelic group Temples. Debut album Sun Structures was released on Fat Possum Records in February of this year, treating listeners to 12 entrancing tracks that balance Beatles Revolver with Tame Impala's Lonerism. I know, I know- these are the first two bands most listeners will automatically compare Temples to, but hey, the similarities are glaring, and these two bands are ones knew groups dabbling in the psych genre should want to be likened to!  Of course, there is definitely enough individual Temples flare to separate them from Beatles and Tame Impala's more wildly acid trip sounds, with an emphasis on guitar riffs paired with church hymnal vocals. When seeing them last night at the Constellation Room, the one word that can sum them up perfectly is Zen. Every member came off as so calm, so other-worldly. As if the music was fusing through them and flowing out effortlessly in order to captivate the entire audience. They remained un-phased at the more passionate fans' yelling in between songs, and stayed in this space age place up on stage, entirely immersed in the sounds they created.  Temples reintroduce all of the best sounds of the late 60s and early 70s to a new generation, all the while modernizing it and adding their own style! Check out Sun Structures on Spotify or on iTunes!

Photo by Savannah: James Bagshaw, Constellation Room 4/17/14

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Temples keep life groovy at the Constellation Room, 4/17/14 photo by Savannah

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If you’re in need of melodic, energetic, mildly aggressive tunes played by pretty boys in leather jackets, then Drowners is the band for you!

Hailing from New York City, with front man Matt Hitt originally from Wales, Drowners encapsulate all of the aesthetic and joy that is the Big Apple. Juxtaposing the fast guitar riffs and banging drum fills are Hitt’s deeply insightful lyircs, manipulating language and representing it in a very British fashion. He sings of lovers long lost, nights of Manhattan antics, and the trial and error cycle that is the quest for love. His lyrics are accessible, yet simultaneously creative in their way of making these everyday tales seem like stories you’ve never heard before.

The simplicity in the sonic construction then can highlight how provocative and deep the lyrics truly are; listen closely and you can hear sadness towards rejection, insecurities and fear about new relationships, and poignant observations on ordinarily prosaic social situations.

Drowners really do seem to have it all- revitalizing the alt-punk genre for the new decade. Listen to their debut self-titled album on Spotify or download it on iTunes!

Photo by Savannah: Matt Hitt, Constellation Room, 4/17/14

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Drowners' guitarist Jack Ridley makes all the girls scream at the Constellation Room 4/17/14 Photo by Savannah

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Matt Hitt of Drowners coming at you! Constellation Room 4/17/14, photo by Savannah