#from its various movements and shapes as reflections on the surface. But also... a sweet thing. Anyway

[abyssalpriest]

Damnit lev lmfao. I was thinking about Shiva wearing corpse ash being resonant for other reasons, something about his relationship with the Bright Skinned Ones and death and whatever. No, no. More fucking importantly: Oh I wonder why Shiva is known for. you know. wearing bodies. his appearance is a mass of bodies joined together. yeah

[jjonyangdan]

A short and fluffy friends to lovers scenario with keonhee Pls 💖

[ oneus / lee keonhee ] ; fluff | friends to lovers + college au | 1.7k words

↪ he takes you out on a picnic day in the spring and it leads to the unexpected disclosure of hidden feelings for one another.

↪ a/n: thank you for requesting! i hope this meet your expectations? 💚

“This is probably one of the best ideas you’ve come up with yet.”

Spread out on the grassy floor is a snowy-white blanket pinned down by a straw basket and the bottoms of two individuals to prevent it from being dragged away by the currents of the calm wind. Strewn before them are various food items ranging from simple snacks, fruit and sandwiches as well as small cartons of different flavoured milk in order to quench their throats. They sit underneath a towering, blossoming cherry-blossom tree that every so often sprinkles them with its petals as the sunlight slants through its gaps as if asking if it could join the activity as well.

“Huh? What do you mean by that?” Keonhee responds, bemused, before following with an offended scoff. There’s a halfhearted grumble in his tone as he shoots you a look of playful disbelief. He sorts out the placement of the items before him and adds, “My ideas are always the best, just like this one, so I have no idea what you’re going on about. I think I should be given more credit, don’t you think?” Pride douses his voice, satisfied hums vibrating past his curved lips and floating in the air.

“Mhm. Definitely. That’s why I complimented you before,” you return with a smile dancing on your lips before bending forward to pick up a chocolate-chip cookie.  Tearing it open from its plastic wrap, you instantly sink your teeth into its dough and break out into an even wider grin as its flavour pervades your senses. “Thank you, Keonhee. And you even included my favourites here! You’re seriously the best~” As you send adulations his way, you also throw your arms around his lean stature, draping your limbs over his shoulders and resting your weight affectionately on him.

“Yah, (Name), you’re heavy!” he whines, but nonetheless doesn’t move to peel you away from him. “And of course. This is all for you.” The last part is uttered in a soft whisper that escapes your ears.

There’s a soft smile decorating his features at the sight of you nestled against him, one that’s loving but with a frail edge to it that you’re unable to detect with your eyes closed and your head buried into his side. However you can hear him mumble, content phrases about how well everything was panning out, as you sense his movement and listen to the rustle of clothing that is probably him reaching out for a snack himself to nibble on.

Your chest is tickled by a lightness, eyes peeking open to see that he has his head is incredibly near yours. Time seems to freeze for you in that moment, as you shakily pursue his movements with your eyes. It seems his intention is to share a bite of the cookie you’re holding in your other hand that’s hanging between you both. Red brushes your cheeks and you struggle to formulate a collected reaction.

“Y-yah! You’re getting crumbs on me, Keonhee!” you complain, peeling yourself away from him. You allow him to take custody of what remains of the treat, dusting your attire down to rid yourself of the miniscule particles. “You could have just asked if you wanted some or just reached out for another one.” You ruffle your hair as if it’d help cool the heat warming your cheeks. “It’s not even that far, your long limbs could easily reach it!”

“Well, it’s difficult when you’re holding me down like that,” he just as defensively counters with a dash of childishness to his voice. Even so there’s a smile prominent in his voice as he softly adds, “and plus, you looked comfortable. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

As much you want to retaliate with: ‘and you think just suddenly placing your head near mine like that where I can practically feel your breath fanning my cheeks and inhale your faint cologne wouldn’t agitate me in any shape or form?!’, you restrain the urge to do so and deeply exhale. He most likely wouldn’t even understand where you were coming from. These types of interactions were common between you, even if it did make your heart want to burst out of its cage. And you sometimes can’t help but wonder, did he at least remotely feel the same as you? You couldn’t be the only one, right?

Keonhee reaches past you for a drink, fingers curling around a carton and piercing a straw into the designated slot as he takes a long, peaceful sip. You watch him doing so, a faraway look glossing your eyes as you drown in the deep sea of your thoughts. He takes notice, staring back at you curiously. “Do you want some?” His question is faintly muffled by the straw he’s chewing on before he offers the drink to you with a tilt to his head, misinterpreting your stance.

Snapping out of your trance, you sigh before mumbling the standard phrase of gratitude before accepting the carton. As the sweetness of the beverage contacts your papillae on your tongue, you realise something and your (e/c) hues blink quizzically. You steal a glance at him and then back at the drink, repeating this back and forth a couple of times. This eventually catches his attention, as he helps himself to another biscuit.

“What’s wrong? You’re all jittery.”

“I...”

“Hm?”

“Y-your lips…”

“My what?”

Your cheeks still burn as your mind keeps framing the particular scene in your memory. An indirect kiss—yours and Keonhee’s lips sharing the same straw. Usually you’re not one to fret over such details, but ever since you’ve been aware of him everything within you has changed. You’re more sensitive to every little thing he does and it’s annoying, but also joyous—very bittersweet.

“You look like a tomato right now!” he points out.

“Tell me something I don’t know…” you mutter in response, fanning yourself.

He tilts his head. “...Are you perhaps thinking about us sharing the same straw?” Your face grows hotter at his guess and he notices, knowing for certain he’s hit the bullseye. “Really? I never thought you’d be the type to worry about stuff like this,” he remarks. His lips soon tug up into a teasing smirk as he raises a brow at you. “We’ve always shared drinks and food together. Why be bashful about it now?”

You’re quick to defend yourself, an exasperated look crossing your features, “it’s called being in love, Keonhee! Everything to do with that person starts to—” A pause of silence falls between you like a curtain. Your expression freezes in horror, mouth agape. Did you just? No way. You didn’t just inadvertently confess to him, did you?

“Starts to what?” His playful grin widens as he shifts closer to you. “You’re in love with me?”

“I-I…” you stammer, thoughts muddled in your head and impairing your ability to articulate anything.

He giggles, looking at you fondly. “You’re cute.”

“What did you say…?” You blink, staring up at him. As your heart skips in your chest, you feel a sensation caressing your hand and look down to see he has covered it with his larger one.

“Do you remember that I told you I also had something to tell you today?” he dodges your question with one of his own. He has the softest eyes and most tender smile right now, and all of it is on display for your eyes to appreciate.

“H-huh? Yeah, I do.” You nod, briefly recalling the conversation you had on the phone with him. He had called you to see if you were available to join him on a day to the local park where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, located near your college campus. In addition to wanting to show you the fully bloomed flowers, he had stated he also needed to tell you something important but wouldn’t offer any hints despite your pleas. “Why so suddenly?”

“I like you.” It’s blunt and void of any doubt. He’s very much serious, his eyes peering deeply into your own as his cheeks are painted a shade of shyness and his lips are curled into a soft smile.

“You what…?” All you can manage to respond with is a dumbfounded expression. You take a moment to question your ears, brain and sanity. Did you hear him correctly? Your ears weren’t deceiving you, right? He really did just tell you he liked you back?

“You’re seriously making me repeat myself?” he whines, bashful, but is nevertheless smiling as he reiterates his confession though he knows you must’ve heard him already. “I like you, (Name). Please go out with me.”

“For how long...?”

“A while now. I just struggled to find the right moment.”

“I... I still can’t believe it…”

“Huh? Why not?”

“I don’t know… it’s just…” you trail off, unable to explain your thoughts.

Then there’s a sensation tickling your forehead. It takes a minute to register, but you’re definitely sure he blessed your head with a brief yet sweet kiss.

“How’s that? Can you believe it now?” he asks, smiling endearingly at you.

“Mhm. Maybe a kiss on the lips would do the trick,” you suggest, a mischievous glint in your eye as the confidence within you crawls to the surface.

“Ooo. How assertive of you.” He laughs gently and leans in closer, hand hovering near your shoulder. “You haven’t given me an answer though,” he pouts and sends you a puppy-like stare, “I might grant you your wish depending on what you say~”

You roll your eyes, but smile giddily at him. “I like you as well, Keonhee. A lot. I’d love to go out with you.” Drawing closer, the distance between you is further diminished, your faces are inches apart. “Can I have that kiss now?”

“I didn’t know you could be so needy,” he teases, a whisper against your mouth. “But you’re still cute like this.”

Slowly he closes the remaining space, lips moving smoothly against yours as your eyes flutter shut. His hand behind you grips your shoulder tenderly, his other hand that remains atop yours  drawing soothing circles on the back of your palm. As you both pull away from the sweet connection, he rests his forehead against yours, your eyes reflecting the same attraction you both hold for each other. You can feel the smiles that blooms on your features and underneath the warm weather and pink petals, share another kiss as you mark the beginning of the development of your relationship amid the season of awakening.

[crapitskizaru]

Side Effects May Include: Devil Fruits Edition

🦖 Could I request some HCs on how devil fruits would affect the user’s sex lives? :o this is so vague but it’s so interesting to consider that I wanted to hear your opinions, haha

Warning: in-depth analysis of all the naturalistic filth that comes along in the topic of a human body and sexual encounters + freakishly long-ass post that includes most of the currently known devil fruits 

Logia Types

Hie Hie no Mi (Kuzan) 

❄️ since he’s such a chilly guy ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°), he’d certainly use his abilities to cool down the temperature of his body during any sexual encounter - Kuzan doesn’t really like all the heat and sweat that is produced during the steamy see what I did here? hilarious times in between him and his current lover 

❄️ if his partner’s vagina is sore because of reasons varying from physical injuries to hardcore love-making, he’s the perfect guy to come up with a quick solution - a chilly, smooth dildo of his own making to ease out the pain pretty much torpedoes the problem 

Goro Goro no Mi (Enel)

⚡️ this one’s a little tricky; since he can transform himself into pure electricity, he’d have to keep that in mind at all times, especially when reaching his climax - so that he wouldn’t electrocute his lover from too much excitement 

⚡️ if he’s an extreme sucker for kinkplays, he could use the tiniest bit of his powers to either stimulate his partner or punish them for disobedience of any kind, provided they’re into it as well 

⚡️ given that Enel can also use his skills to listen to the electrical sound waves in the air, he’d have an incredibly detailed perception of how his lover reacts to particular sex positions, angles of his thrusts and so on i honestly don’t know what to do with this information 

Gasu Gasu no Mi (Caesar)

☁️ sex in the air?????

Magu Magu no Mi (Sakazuki)

🐶 this shit only serves him an inability to get too caught up in the moment, unless he wants this particular person to get burned alive during sex 

🐶 so besides the obvious flaws, the only advantage I can think of is being able to serve as a human heater to his partner during particularly cold nights if only he would ever actually cuddle someone

Mera Mera no Mi (Acey & Saboo)

🔥 just as with Akainu, these bois will instantly heat up even their coldest partners - a lot of warmth and a lot of sweat-producing usually accompanies them during love-making sessions 

🔥 might include the annoying issue of holes being burned right through their clothing whenever they get too fiery with the act - as well as the possibility of unintentionally starting a fire in the room 

Moku Moku no Mi (Smoker)

🚬 I can easily imagine him using the ability of producing as much smoke as he fancies to blind his lover for maximized kinky submission experience 

🚬 also, using the great speed with which all the smoke allows him to move in order to intensify the frequency of his thrusts - could it get any better?

Numa Numa no Mi (Caribou) 

🛸 used for stabilizing his partner’s legs/waist/arms so that he can devote all of his attention towards pleasuring both of them, without having to worry about occupying his hands to hold them 

🛸 also available for kinky use - all of that bondage gear could be replaced with those muddy serpents of his just perfect 

🛸 provided he’s got a rather powerful dominance/daddy kink, Caribou could also create the bottomless swamps to trap his partner and make them beg for his cock 

Pika Pika no Mi (Borsalino) 

💥 reflecting himself into various positions to gain dominance? Heating his partner up? Providing enough room lighting? Sex at the speed of light? What?

Suna Suna no Mi (Crocodaddy) 

🐊 trapping his lover in piles of quicksand for further teasing seems like a good enough idea to me - also, since he can crumble things to dust in literal seconds, stripping his partner down is never as quick as when it comes to this man 

🐊 the ability to absorb any liquid makes cleaning up his cum from the drenched sheets a rather easy job that’s quite handy actually 

Yami Yami no Mi (Blackbeard) 

👺 the only use of this shit that I can think of is, again, blinding his partner and surrounding them with pure darkness, leaving them all hot and bothered in anticipation for his traitorous cock 

👺 could also serve as a technique of pulling a person towards himself, like he did with Ace, but that’s just too scary to me, idk 

Yuki Yuki no Mi (Monet)

💨 compressing her snow to different bondage gear, as well as cooling her partner down at particularly humid times - although I think it’d be hard for her to control the powers while being in a highly aroused state 

Paramecia Types

Ato Ato no Mi (Jora) 

🎨 courting her crushes with abstract art paintings, thank u very much 

Awa Awa no Mi (Kalifa) 

🛁 unlimited lube supplies

🛁 now that’s what I’m talking about 

🛁 I can assure you, this woman would go all out with those bubbly powers - using it to turn her various kinks into reality 

🛁 used for draining her partner’s energy to gain as much dominance over them as possible; also to clean up from all the bodily fluids that cover them after each round of sex 

🛁 could come in handy to relax her partner and bring them floods of pleasure, often to the point of overstimulation 

Baku Baku no Mi (Wapol) 

🏰 no, I can’t do this 

Bane Bane no Mi (Bell)

🛎 boing-boinging into his lover during sex??????

Bara Bara no Mi (Buggy D. Clown)

🤡 oh, this one’s good 

🤡 this fruit allows him to use more dildos and plugs with his fingers than he could count on one hand - mainly because he’s got two im so funny 

🤡 thrusting inside his partner and giving oral at the exact same time, because why not; the only requirement would be that his lover can’t get too grossed out by all of this dirty shit 

Bari Bari no Mi (Bartolomeo)

💫 being able to make love to his partner against the barriers that he creates/creating surfaces to fuck on in places that no one sane enough would ever consider as suitable ones for having sex 

Bata Bata no Mi (Galette) 

😈 imagine how much fun this woman has in bed - being able to control and restrict anyone’s movements with those buttery thingies, she doesn’t even have to try much to be the dominant one in between the sheets

😈 also, consider this: butter-flavoured lube and unlimited + unbreakable flavoured condoms 

Beri Beri no Mi (Very Good)

🍇 berry/sphere-shaped dildos??? incredible

Beta Beta no Mi (Trebol)

💧 if his partner has a vagina, he could control their discharge, as in the amount and its texture - what for, I have no idea 

💧 he’d also be able to restrict his lover’s movements, as well as come up with new positions, since he can attach himself to any surface 

💧 other use may be as a lube? although that’s pretty disgusting 

Bisu Bisu no Mi (Cracker) 

🍪 do you find yourself daydreaming about sweets when close to climaxing? Are you experiencing unexpected, overwhelming cravings during sex? Constantly hungry? Or simply bored with orgasms? Fear not! This man will supply you with floods of biscuits to munch on so that both of you will be pleasured 

🍪 moving cookie dildos??

Doru Doru no Mi (Mr.3)

🕯 various bondage constructions made with wax? 

Fuku Fuku no Mi (Kin’emon)

👙 imagine how many sets of lingerie this man would create for his partner to wear - a literal dream come true when it comes to this pervert 

Fuwa Fuwa no Mi (Shiki)

🦁 advanced sex positions in the air/rotating his lover according to the man’s whims 

Giro Giro no Mi (Violet) 

🌹 this woman would bring her lover as much pleasure as possible while also making their deepest kinks and desires come true 

🌹 she’s also able to read which positions are the most enjoyable for her partner and what they secretly think of her sex skills kinda scary if you ask me 

Gura Gura no Mi (Whitebeard) 

🌎 what may be possible when it comes to this fruit is creating the tiniest vibrations in order to stimulate different areas of a human body and bringing powerful orgasms, although that’s just too good to be true 

Hana Hana no Mi (Robin-chwan) 

🌷 giving oral and being able to grope her partner, both at the same time, seems like a pretty good use of this devil fruit 

🌷 slight possibility of sprouting as many pair of legs as she fancies and ability to take theoretically unlimited partners at the same time? 

Horu Horu no Mi (Ivankov) 

👅 starting the love-making session while having a dick and ending it with a vagina? Why not? 

👅 imagine how much Ivankov could arouse their partner by increasing their levels of dopamine/serotonin/testosterone/estrogen, according to their desires

Hoya Hoya no Mi (Charlotte Daifuku) 

🏺 gains +1 spectator, if he’s an exhibitionist ;)

Kage Kage no Mi (Gekko Moria) 

🕳 could have multiple partners, exclusively at his service?

Kilo Kilo no Mi (Miss Valentine) 

🎀 would totally be able to pin her lover to the bed, preventing them from flipping on top of her - what an easy way to gain dominance, although she’d have to be extra careful not to crush them well

Kobu Kobu no Mi (Bello Betty<3)

🌌 her partner receives almost overwhelming waves of encouragement, whether in order to praise them or to push them to keep going - this woman certainly doesn’t take sex lightly 

🌌 is able to turn even the most insecure lovers into confident sex-animals in the matter of seconds 

Kuri Kuri no Mi (Charlotte Opera) 

🍦 moisture! Lube! Food kink! Quick snack! Fluffy surface! Whatever you want!

Mane Mane no Mi (Bon Clay) 

🦄 ever wished it was your crush instead of ą random hook-up? Problem solved indefinitely~

Mato Mato no Mi (Vander Decken)

🐍 he could try aiming dildos at his partner from afar? Why did I even think of this?

Memo Memo no Mi (Charlotte Pudding) 

🎞 rewatching her and her partner’s favorite sex moments whenever she wants, almost like a portable(?), realistic porn movie

🎞 being able to erase all of the sexual encounters during which she either didn’t enjoy herself enough or performed badly and doesn’t want her lover to remember it terrifying 

Mero Mero no Mi (Hancock) 

🎇 keeps perverts at distance 

Mochi Mochi no Mi (Charlotte Katakuri) 

🍩 food kink

🍩 is able to restrain his lover’s movements so that they have to plead for his cock - good method whenever Mochi’s in a dominant mood~ 

🍩 food kink

🍩 it also allows him to create as much mochi as he desires in order to either lick it off of his partner’s body or make them lick him clean 

Nagi Nagi no Mi (Rosie)

🍰 his lover can be as loud as they want - screams, pleads, moans and groans of pleasure - nothing will be audible outside of his sphere, which comes in handy when he just wants to have a quickie and Doffy’s in the room next to them 

Netsu Netsu no Mi (Charlotte Oven) 

🌡 hot dick 

Nikyu Nikyu no Mi (Bartholomew Kuma)

🐾 useful when you never want to see your partner again 

Ope Ope no Mi (Trafalgar the Fucking Law) 

⛄️ now that’s the kinkiest shit 

⛄️ just visualize all of the fucked up poses and positions he could slice his partner into, and then multiply it by Law’s level of sadism - great 

⛄️ this man’s totally able to make his partner watch from afar as he plays and fucks their body the way he likes 

⛄️ could he slice his dick off and use it as a dildo though?

Ori Ori no Mi (Hina)

⛓ brings hardcore bondage to a completely new level (:

Pero Pero no Mi (Charlotte Perospero) 

🍭 what else if not creating lickable, candy dildos - and just like Mochi, he loves to lick his own candy from his lover’s body 

🍭 also various candy creations to restrain his lover with

Wara Wara no Mi (Basil Hawkins) 

🃏 cute little voodoo dolls to cuddle!

Ito Ito no Mi (Donquixote Doflamingo)

🍨 imagine how incredibly kinky this man can get with his powers 

🍨 holding his partner in the air with those strings? Leaving small cuts all over their body, if they agree to that, edging and marking?

🍨 also using it as bondage gear and maximalyzing his Daddy authority/dom position, since his partner can’t even wriggle so that they won’t get cut 

Bastard Bastard no Mi (Eustass Kid)

🔥 manipulating the restricting bondage gear/handcuffs/jewelry of his partner’s according to his whims and wishes 

🔥 also knife play mastered to perfection?

Zoan Types

🦖 every furry’s heaven, thank u 

[ladydwarfbadari]

A Woman, A Dwarf, and A Bear Walk Into A Swamp...

[luvneedsnosyt]

My Favorite Albums of 2018

Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2018

You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2018 here.

My Previous monthly lists from 2018: January , February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

My list last year for my top Albums of 2017 can be found here.

*Indicated someone I saw live in 2018

Honorable Mention:

Alan Walker - Different World Genre: Electronic / Dance

Different World is life in a digital universe. On the surface the mechanical synth-based melodies might come off as a bit too artificial, but if you dispel the notion computers can’t be a musical instrument you can see there’s a heartbeat under the churning gears. In the context of the album all the tracks really work together harmoniously, a pretty amazing feat considering these songs were recorded and released over the span of three years. There is a intentional, common vernacular across the tracks that melds it together quite nicely. Despite the plasticity on top, this debut album is artificial intelligence exuding relatable emotion and infectious energy. I don’t know what’s more human than that.

Proof: Lonely (w/ Steve Aoki Feat. ISÁK & Omar Nior) / Darkside (Feat. Au/Ra & Tomine Harket)

Alina Baraz - The Color Of You Genre: alt-R&B / Soul

The soothing and sultry voice of Alina Baraz can seriously sing to me the phone book and I would rock back and forth in a happy place. The world was first introduced to Alina Baraz when she teamed with Danish producer Galimatias for their euphoric, synth-pop joint EP Urban Flora. For her first solo project Baraz goes for a bit more of a stipped down sound which allows her soulful vocals to shine as they whisk you away. This enduring and intimate album shows the future is bright for the singer and her low lit music.

Proof: Fallin / I Don’t Even Know Why Though // Bonus: Feels Right

Chloe x Halle - The Kids Are Alright Genre: alt-R&B

Sisters Chloe & Halle’s talents caught the attention of none other than Beyoncé who scooped them up for her label and now their unique and unpredictable form of R&B is catching the attention of the masses. The sisters broke out on the scene with 2016’s Sugar Symphony EP, followed up by the YouTube released mixtape The Two of Us. This debut album has been in the works since before that original EP was released and with most of the production handled by them is a true culmination of their hard work to get to this point. The hard work is already paying dividends with two GRAMMY nominations including “Best New Artist”.

Proof: Everywhere / Galaxy

CHVRCHES - Love Is Dead Genre: Synth-Pop

On their third album, Love Is Dead, for the first time Scottish band CHVRCHES used outside producers on a record. The result is a bit more expansive of a sound for the group then before. The moments of emotion and energy seem a bit more unhinged (in a good way). Lauren also adjusted her writing techniques from a metaphor heavy style that would allude to subjects to a much more straightforward vocabulary addressing things head on. It’s still the same identifiable vernacular of the band CHVRCHES but with a few new art pieces up on the walls.

Proof: Never Say Die / Miracle

Don Diablo - FUTURE Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Dance

Ten years after his debut, Dutch producer shows by he’s been a sought after producer for nearing twenty years. FUTURE shows how the producer has been able to craft entertaining and contagious pop melodies that resonate ohh so well.

Proof: Take Her Place (Feat. A R I Z O N A) / Found You (Feat. Bully Songs)

J.I.D. - DiCaprio 2 Genre: Hip Hop

J. Cole signee J.I.D. Didn’t waste time following up his 2017 debut album The Never Story. The Atlanta rapper already had a following established from independently released mixtapes and EPs before last year. The Never Story exposed to a wider audience this newcomer has got some lyrical skills and a silky, smooth flow, DiCapro 2 (a sequel to his 2015 DiCaprio EP) only exacerbates the exposure to his talent even more.

Proof: 151 Rum / Tiiied (Feat. 6LACK & Ella Mai)

JMSN - Velvet Genre: R&B / Soul / Funk

The shape shifting R&B of Michigan singer JMSN has been one of my favorites since his 2012 revelation of a debut †Priscilla† (which topped my 2012 albums list). His first album and EP were very much in the hazy low lit alt-R&B sound similar to The Weeknd and How To Dress Well. JMSN then molded his sound to a more straightforward form of R&B for an album. Again, not being complacent, his two following albums transformed again this time to sound like a jazz assemble backing a soul singer. Well, JMSN takes another left turn with Velvet incorporating some sultry funk. With dripping base lines and bouncing synth keys this is JMSN’s most vibrant sound yet.

Proof: Levy / Drama

Kylie Minogue - Golden Genre: Synth-Pop / Country

I am admittedly not a big country fan, and some more die hard country listeners my roll their eyes at me calling this album country. Kylie Minogue is going on 30 years in the industry and mostly been a danceable, synth-pop artist. For her fortieth album Golden, Kylie went to Nashville and incorporated country and bluegrass music tendencies into her sound; something that could be a disastrous ambition. I guess you don’t just luck into making music for three decades, because this interesting mixture is pulled off beautifully. Golden is an effective and innovative mash up of electronic music, synth-pop and country in a surprisingly delicious cocktail.

Proof: Stop Me From Falling / Every Little Part of Me

Logic - YSIV Genre: Hip Hop

With one of the most lethal flows in the game, Logic dropped off two projects in 2018. First was the follow up of his Bobby Tarantino Mixtape. The second was his fourth LP, but this time reviving his Young Senatra persona from mixtapes earlier in his career (the last one came out in 2013). YSIV or as it stands for “Young Sinatra 4” is another verbal assault by the talented rapper and one of his most confident records to date. The robust use of skits and interludes has always been a gripe of mine with Logic albums, and gladly they are noticeably absent here. No matter what persona he dons, Logic has some of the most ferocious lyrical prowess in the industry and he loves to show it off.

Proof: The Return / 1000 Miles & Running (Feat. Wale & John Lindahl)

MNEK - Language Genre: R&B / Electronic

Before this debut album was released British singer/producer/songwriter MNEK already had multiple GRAMMY nominations from his songwriting and production work with artists including Kylie Minogue, MØ, Madonna, Zara Larsson, Julia Michaels, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé and a whole slew of others. With the success of his stellar 2015 EP Small Talk he became a sought after commodity in the industry. For his debut album MNEK wanted to make a statement of who the man behind the boards and pen is. Language is an exhilarating listen front to back and an exciting mixture of intersecting genres.

Proof: Tongue / Colour (Feat. Hailee Steinfield)

SOB X RBE - GANGIN / GANGIN II Genre: Hip Hop

It’s been a busy year for the new hip hop foursome from Vallejo. They dropped their self titled Mixtape in 2017 to catch the attention of Kendrick who put a song by them on the Black Panther soundtrack. Striking while the iron was hot, the group released their debut album in February and their Sophomore album (or an extension of their debut) only a few months later in September. Growing up the Bay Area the group is obviously influenced heavily by the Hyphy movement. You can hear elements of influences from E-40, Keak da Sneak, The Team and others in that Hyphy sound; but with a contemporary twist.

Proof: Anti Social / Can’t // North Vallejo / Made It

Superorganism - Superorganism Genre: Indie Pop

Eight member group from various countries formed the band Superorganism in 2017. Together they would send tracks through Facebook and WhatsApp and each member would add some layers on to it. The concoction is a dense, multifaceted form of unique pop music. The various layers of instruments, synths, and samples intertwine to create a mesh of melodies that bounce along gracefully despite their mass.

Proof: Everybody Wants To Be Famous / Reflections on the Sun

Tove Stryke - Sway Genre: Synth-Pop

This short and sweet album by The Swedish singer is her strongest to date. There’s a subtle growing of confidence I can see from this album to its predecessor 2015’s Kiddo. Despite its short run time, Sway makes quite an enjoyable impression.

Proof: Sway / Mistakes

Typhoon - Offerings Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

American rock band Typhoon follow up 2013’s White Lighter with their fourth album here. Offerings is a moving and powerful affair. Most of the tracks start off mellow and sweet with moments of crashing guitars and unfiltered emotion bursting out.

Proof: Rorschach / Darker

VanJess - Silk Canvas Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul

The sisters of first generation Nigerian immigrants started singing covers on YouTube before first getting signed way back in 2011. Their debut was worth the weight, Silk Canvas is some infectious forward thinking R&B with subtle nostalgia baked in. You can see influences from the likes of Rihanna, SWV, TLC and others.

Proof: Touch The Floor (Feat. Masego) / Best Believe

Bonus:

Major Lazer - Major Lazer Essentials Genre: Electronic / Dance

Since their debut album Major Lazer has been one of my favorites. Now three albums, multiple EPs and a couple mixtapes later, Diplo has announced a new album in 2019 (10 years after their debut) will be the end of the project for the immediate future as he pursues his other many projects. With this announcement Diplo released this compilation album of greatest hits and a handful of new tracks. My first thought when I gave my original spin through this collection was “damn, Major Lazer just had some gd hits!” Listening in one place to the standout tracks from 2009 to now is an exhilarating and entertaining experience centered around diversity and overflowing passion.

Proof: Blow That Smoke (Feat. Tove Lo) / Know No Better (Feat. Travis Scott, Camila Camila & Quavo) / Watch Out For This (Feat. Busy Signal, The Flexican & FS Green) / Tied Up (Feat. Mr Eazi, RAYE & Jake Gosling)

The List:

Last One Out: NoMBe - They Might’ve Even Loved Me Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock / R&B

German born singer NoMBe is here to seduce you and I say you should let him. They Might’ve Even Loved Me is a steamy collection of rock songs about love, sex and navigating through life. NoMBe’s vocals are subdued and sly enacting a sense of mystery. The backdrops are built on groovy bass lines and plucky guitar riffs meant to get your foot tapping and hips slowly moving. I can see obvious influences from The Killers, Kings of Leon and Prince. Deeper down I also see hints of Blood Orange, Twin Shadow and D’Angelo.

Proof: Young Hearts / Freak Like Me / Jump Right In / Sex

35. Rejjie Snow - Dear Anne Genre: Hip Hop

Hip Hop is usually about being forceful and having to reach out and grab what society has built roadblocks for you to attain. Irish rapper Rejjie Snow is the opposite of that. His subtle, jazzy production is minimalist and doesn’t directly ask for your attention. This allows the mellow, but skilled flow of Rejjie to take the lead. I wouldn’t label Rejjie’s rapping as slow, but it moves at a comfortable and steady pace and doesn’t need to be unnecessarily sped up. With the vibe being so well established, the listener can now comfortably hang onto every lyric which are well written in matters of love and maturing in life we all can identify with.

Proof: Spaceships (Feat. Ebenezer) / Egyptian Luvr (Feat. Aminé & Dana Williams) / Charlie Brown (Feat. Anna of the North) / Annie (Feat. Jesse Boykins III)

34. Kelela - TAKE ME A_PART THE REMIXES Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Kelela’s debut album Take Me Apart was one of my favorite albums last year. Her sound that was a mixture of Aaliyah, late 80s Janet Jackson laid over production that would fit on a Massive Attack album was such an enjoyable smooth and sultry listen. Her strong vision of her projects as a whole make for a cohesive listen. That strong vision carries over to this robust remix compilation that is not your average remix album. The diverse range of producers offering remixes make for a dynamic listen that teleport you to various new environments throughout. Kelela was part of the process curating this album with each of the producers, even recording some new vocals here and there if needed. It’s that devotion to her craft that makes me confident Kelela will be a long time.

Proof: KAYTRANADA_WAITIN_115 BPM / LSDXOXO_TRUTH OR DARE_123 BPM / NÍDIA_BLUE LIGHT_123 BPM / BADSISTA_BETTER_125 BPM (Feat. Linn da Quebrada)

33. Whethan* - Life of a Wallflower, Pt. 1 Genre: Electronic / Future Bass / Dance

The most impressive skill in electronic’s wonderkid Whethan’s arsenal is his ability to construct a diverse range of sounds within a genre that usually leads to being in niches. Since he first debuted in 2015 at the age of 16, Whethan had been a producer chameleon making tracks that don’t sounds like the last two or three or anything he released before had. Before this debut album was released he already got to work with the likes of Flux Pavilion, Charli XCX, Elohim, Ashe, MAX & Dua Lipa so his clout is rapidly growing in the industry. That’s from his ability to mold and morph melodies to his will. With apparently another album set to be released on 2019, the young Chicago producer is riding this accent with no end point in sight.

Proof: Radar (Feat. HONNE) / Top Shelf (Feat. Bipolar Sunshine) / Superlove (Feat. Oh Wonder) / Be Like You (Feat. Broods) // Bonus: High (Feat. Dua Lipa)

32. Kali Uchis - Isolation Genre: R&B / Soul

The soulful, vintage sound of Colombian-American Kali Uchis has an appealing and comforting nostalgia while also feeling contemporary and innovative. You can see her influences of 1960s Soul and doo-wop music as well as traditional Colombian music as the vertebrae of her stripped-back sound but also see how she’s molding it to her will to fit in 2018. Her tender voice can bounce along a track so gracefully in her unique melodies creating a dynamic experience despite a minimalist pallet.

Proof: Just A Stranger (Feat. Steve Lacy) / Tyrant (Feat. Jorja Smith) / Dead To Me / After The Storm (Feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)

31. Mother Mother - Dance and Cry Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

Canadian Rock band Mother Mother’s sound is an exciting coalesce of Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire and My Chemical Romance. Dance and Cry is a touching record of heartbreak and the hope afterwords. I admittedly haven’t listened to an entire project from Mother Mother before this, their seventh album, so I can’t really offer much history or how their sound may have evolved. However, this was a pleasant surprise when I first took it for a spin that kept surprising me every listen after, so I will personally be paying more attention to the band after.

Proof: Dance and Cry / Get Up / So Down / It’s Alright

30. Vince Staples - FM! Genre: Hip Hop

Long Beach rapper Vince Staples marches to the beat of his own drum with a IDGAF attitude. Seventeen months after releasing my personal favorite album of 2017, Vince is back with a new project; I’m not sure what to call it. Is FM! an album, a mixtape, just a recorded radio show? The thing is Vince could really care less about those questions, he just makes what he wants to. Put together as one radio show where the tracks abruptly end, there’s hosts playing stupid games with callers, quick commercial breaks for other rapper’s projects, the project comes out as an odd but accurate snapshot of 2018. With a run time under 30 minutes this album is like a shot of adrenaline and ends before any lethargic coming down. Staples verses are as strong as ever with the same bouncy beats we’ve known him to find to spit over with his normal laid back vigor.

Proof: Outside! / Relay / FUN! (Feat./ E-40) / No Bleedin (Feat. Kamaiyah)

29. St. Lucia - Hyperion Genre: Synth-Pop

South African frontman and main showrunner of the New York band St. Lucia returns with his lush and decadent pop music meant to overload your senses. St. Lucia has vaulted to the top of my personal bands list since their debut 2013’s When The Night; which led to me seeing them live 4 times in less than 24 months. Hyperion has a little less “pop” for me then it’s two predecessors, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a joyous piece of tropical, electro-Pop. There’s even a few new wrinkles, like some George Michael inspired Gospel infusion on “Paradise Is Waiting” or the hints of 80′s rock in the margins of “Walking Away”.

Proof: A Brighter Love / Paradise is Waiting / Walking Away / China Shop

28. Joji - BALLADS 1 Genre: alt-R&B

Japanese singer Joji has come a long way from making a silly internet meme to this surprising debut album. Originally known for starting the “Harlem Shake” meme on his YouTune channel; forever making the actual dance from the 90’s forgotten. Sometime a couple years ago he decided to take music as a serious venture. There was some aspects I liked of his 2017 debut EP In Tongues but overall there was something not quite clicking for me. The seemed to be too much focus on the air underwater vibe and not enough on the song crafting. Well that seemed to be ironed out here with a beautiful debut album that has some heart wrenching moments. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” was one of my favorite songs of 2018, and shows the once YouTube jokester can really dig deep and pull out raw emotion on a song.

Proof: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK / TEST DRIVE / WANTED U / NO FUN // Bonus: SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK (Loud Luxury Remix)

27. ayokay - In The Shape Of A Dream Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Future Bass

Los Angeles based (Detroit born) DJ ayokay drops off his debut LP of sunkissed Electronic music. ayokay is not afraid to deal with some sadness in his songs, but they maintain a danceable vibe, emulating the mask we all wear in public over our emotions. Who’s ready to cry in the club with me?

Proof: Sleepless Nights (Feat. Nightly) / Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend (Feat. Katie Pearlman) / Stay With Me (Feat. Jeremy Zucker) / Half Past You (Feat. Future Jr.)

26. Tash Sultana - Flow State Genre: Indie Pop / R&B / Soul

Step into the lush and picturesque world created by the Australian multi-instrumentalists that is Tash Sultana. Sultana is a solo jam band as all fifteen instruments on the record are played by Tash, who utilizes looping programs to build these vast microcosms of sound. With the sultry vocals the sound is like Erykah Badu mixed with Aaliyah mixed with The Roots. The smooth vibes and dense backdrops take over on Flow State, a record that’s meant to get lost in.

Proof: Big Smoke / Cigarettes / Salvation / Mystik

25. Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul

Janelle Monáe is on quite a multimedia run right now and I don’t think it will slow down anytime soon. The singer/actor hasn’t technically won an EGOT award yet, but I see her flirting with the achievement soon. Already in two Oscar for Best Picture nominated movies “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” (the latter winning), the accomplished singer shows we are only seeing the beginning of her talents. The “G” in the EGOT might not be far off with probably her most comprehensive and impressive album to date Dirty Computer gaining some GRAMMY nominations: including Album of the Year. Dirty Computer is also my personal favorite project from Janelle. She describes it as finding her true authentic self and expressing that more effectively to the world and I can very much see that. She also worked on this album with the late genius Prince before his passing and you can very much see his influences throughout. There’s the airy dancing synths emulating a bit of the later Prince from Art Official Age on “Crazy, Classic, Life”. “Make Me Feel” is dripping with funk similar to something off of 1999. Album closer “Americans” utilizes a empowering soulful keyboard riff that could be taken straight from any of the albums with The Revolution. Despite the heavy influence, Janelle doesn’t use it as a crutch but as a tool to take her sound to a new level. She never loses her strong sense of self though the project, I feel we are finally peeling some of the protective exoskeleton that is Janelle Monáe and learning more about the beautiful and inspirational person beneath.

Proof: Crazy, Classic, Life / Make Me Feel / Like That / Americans

24. Alison Wonderland - Awake / Awake (The Remixes) Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop

We all are just trying to find our “Happy Place”. Hopefully the therapeutic burst of emotion that is Awake can help Australian DJ Alison Wonderland (real name Alexandra) find her own. With her sophomore album,  I feel Alexandra has really found her voice and that’s with the keen ability to be able to personify the struggles of relationships, self doubt and mental illness for her fans. Usually, emotion within Electronic music is viewed with a level of plasticity to it. There should be no doubt in the genuine passion in Alexandra’s form of electronic music. She may think her admirers should “find someone that’s easier” but I prefer the emotional depth and honesty.

Proof: No / Easy / Church / Awake // Okay (Blush Remix) / No (Paces Remix) / Awake (KRANE Remix) / Easy (Kill Paris Remix)

23. Charli XCX - Pop 2 [Mixtape] Genre: Synth-Pop

Technically released in 2017, but late enough it didn’t make my list last year and got pushed to 2018, Charli returned with her second mixtape in nine months and, for me, my favorite project of hers since her debut album; possibly of her career. Pop 2 is a futuristic electro-pop record where genres are fluid and expression is currency. The thing I feel Charli has sort of unlocked on this project from her past is an ability to really convey emotion through this mechanical pallet she builds her music with. She’s always had a level of passion within her music but outside of a youthful lust and an empowering “fuck everything” the rest of the emotions expressed always felt they were being viewed behind a protective sheet of plexiglass. Songs like “Backseat”, “Lucky” “Tears” and the sneakily genius “Track 10” really show an ability to bring more emotional depth in her songs. Whether it’s in mixtape form (Charli expresses she feels more freedom with mixtapes) or official LPs Charli is showing a growth and maturity in her craft that has me excited for what she may bring in the future.

Proof: Backseat (Feat. Carley Rae Jepson) / Out Of My Head (Feat. Tove Lo & ALMA)  / Unlock It (Feat. Kim Petras & Jay Park) / Track 10

22. Madeaux - Burn Genre: Electronic / Dance

I suggest a good stretch, being well hydrated and grabbing a towel before pressing play on this exhilarating whirlwind of melody calisthenics. The official debut LP from the American producer takes the listener of a dark, immersive experience in a world of non-stop kinetic energy and organized chaos. To all the critiques of Electronic music that say it all sounds the same I kindly point them to this album because there isn’t another producer making house music quite like this out there. Burn is a thrilling, fast-paced ride that doesn’t allow much space for the listener to take a breath until it’s finished. I suggest having a post-workout recovery shake handy for after.

Proof: Like A Model (Feat. Poter Elvinger & WILLS) / Run with It (Feat. Tommy Lee Sparta) / Lights Low (Feat. OG Maco, ALGORY & JRich ENT) / Sweat (Feat. Class Actress & Black Atlass)

21. Twin Shadow* - Caer Genre: Alternative / Indie Pop / R&B

Twin Shadow is an artist who has a recognizable, identifiable sound, yet every album of his also sounds different then the other. His debut, 2010s Forget is a disorienting, hazy dream. A unique mixture of R&B, Alternative music covered in haunting synths and distortions; all with an 80’s nostalgia. 2012’s Confess continues the foggy 80’s vernacular but with a more neon light piercing through. The pounding drums and scratchy guitar riffs are more attention grabbing, and the vocals more pronounced. 2015’s Eclipse was a bit of a statement piece. A whole project of stadium anthems meant to be shouted with vigor and emotion. Caer takes a step back on the arena filler to a more resemble the subtle tone of his debut. Except, the 80’s nostalgia isn’t such a driving factor. This is the project by Twin Shadow that sounds the most like the year it was created in, yet still sounds like any other beautiful Twin Shadow record. A natural progression by the versatile artist.

Proof: Saturdays (Feat. HAIM) / Sympathy (Feat. Rainsford) / When You’re Wrong / Too Many Colors

20. Santigold - I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions [Mixtape] Genre: Indie Pop / Dancehall

Impossible to be confined in one box, Santigold continues her genre hoping she’s made a career of. I Don’t Want is a dancehall inspired mixtape she worked on for the majority during a two week session with the main producer Dre Skull. By stripping the album moniker, there’s a looser and improvised feeling to the project that lends itself well to the culture it is inspired by. You feel Santigold’s admiration for the Afro-Caribbean influenced sound which makes the joy expressed on the album transparently genuine and infectious.

Proof: Run the Road / I Don’t Want / Why Me / Don’t Blame Me (Feat. Shenseea)

19. Matoma - One In a Million Genre: Electronic / House / Dance

Norwegian producer Matoma wants to cast a wide net with his sophomore album here. Both musically and audience-wise. One In A Million is an eclectic electronic music album that not only crosses sub-genres but crosses oceans with its worldly inspirations. From Synth-pop, to trap, to Tropical House, to Reggaeton, Matoma clearly wants to show off his range and diverse interests. One of the best songs of the year was the gospel inspired “Sunday Morning”. I dare anyone to know breakout in uncontrollable dancing when the bellowing hook of that song comes in.

Proof: Sunday Morning (Feat. Josie Dunne) / Lights Go Down (Feat. James Newman) / False Alarm (Feat. Becky Hill) / Heartbeats (Feat. Nina Nesbitt) // Bonus: Sunday Morning [Zookëper Remix] Feat. Josie Dunne

18. RÜFÜS DU SOL - SOLACE Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic

When lead singer Tyrone croons for someone to take him to a new place on “New Sky” I can’t help but think “dude we already are somewhere new”. Because that’s exactly what the Australian trio’s atmospheric music does, whisks me away on a magic carpet of melodic keyboards, floating synths, pulsating drums and haunting vocal samples. Their previous album, Bloom was a breakthrough for them and their unassuming electronic music to a more worldwide audience. SOLACE takes an even more self-effacing and introspective approach, but should only help them continue to gain admirers.

Proof: New Sky / Lost in My Mind / No Place / Underwater

17. Nao - Saturn Genre: alt-R&B / Neo-Soul

The delicate voice of Nao returns with her smooth and tender sophomore album. Nao’s debut album For All We Know was one of my top five albums of 2016. Saturn picks up right where it’s predecessor left off but with a slight pumping of the breaks. Saturn take a bit more of a traditional R&B approach but in the same pallet Nao has been working on her whole career. The subtle infusion of electronic music still is present building an enthralling drama across the album. The slower tempo leads to a slightly more intimate feeling on this album then before. In the early 2000s R&B was sent to the margins a bit but with 2012’s House Of Balloons and channel.ORANGE being the inflection point R&B has been growing again in the mainstream. Artists like London’s Nao are in the forefront of R&B’s ascent.

Proof: Another Lifetime / Make It Out Alive (Feat. SiR) / Curiosity / Drive and Disconnect

16. Said The Sky - Wide-Eyed Genre: Electronic / Future Bass

American producer Said The Sky drops his first ever full length project that was a long time coming. For those familiar with his early work there is quite a progression from his more dubstep beginnings to this more melodic vernacular. Being a trained pianist Said The Sky’s backing usually starts with a piano riff. Early on this piano riff was used more as a contrasting element; a calming and tender character to then get smacked around by the boisterous and raucous dubstep. Now the piano is utilized more for it’s rhythm as the backbone of the track; a strong complimentary piece rather then contrasting. This is an evolution I personally feel for the better here leading to a sophisticated and potent electronic album, brooding with a surprising amount of emotion and introspection.

Proof: Show & Tell (Feat. Claire Ridgely) / All I Got (w/ Kwesi) / Over Getting Over You (Feat. Matthew Koma) / Superstar (w/ Dabin Feat. Linn)

15. My Brightest Diamond - A Million and One Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic / Indie Pop

Multi-Instrumentalist My Brightest Diamond has been a shapeshifter her entire career and that continues here with her fifth album. Starting out as a classically trained violinist and then self teaching herself more and more instruments and incorporating new genres in her sound every new project. For A Million and One she takes on Electronic/Dance music in a subtle and euphoric way. Most of the tracks are mid to slower tempo with free flowing synths and and 808 kicks. More dynamic moments are strategically planted throughout like the slow building “Champagne” or the explosive “Supernova”. A Million and One is an subtle, spectacle piece of electro-pop, that straps the listener in and shots them into the stars.

Proof: It’s Me On The Dance Floor / Champagne / Supernova / White Noise

14. Meg Myers* - Take Me To The Disco Genre: Alternative / Rock

I don’t really know how I happened upon Meg Myers music back in 2012, before her debut EP even was released, but I sure am grateful I did. Following the path of her career from that 2012 EP Daughter In The Choir to now has been quite rewarding. Every year new music has been released by Meg the project always is one of my favorites for the year, but Take Me To The Disco is finally her letting all the outside pressure and expectations go and just rocking the fuck out. Switching labels and making music separate from her long time producer Doctor Rosen Rosen, Meg had a newly found freedom on this record which led to a ride full of high, lows and moments of raw unfiltered emotion. Part of Meg’s unique skill when crafting a song is her ability to go from a soft, raspy and unassuming tone to a passion filled roar in seconds. The music knew when to follow suit as well with the main enclosures being acoustical and warm environments with alcoves of thunderous drums and crashing guitars. Whether it’s tranquil moment of vulnerability or impacting pockets of intensity and fierceness, Meg has a newly discovered level of confidence and power.

Proof: Numb / Tear Me To Pieces / Jealous Sea / Done

13. MØ - Forever Neverland Genre: Synth-Pop

For some, the ascension of MØ may have seemed pretty sudden. The mega success that was Major Lazer & DJ Snake’s “Lean On” featuring the Danish singer came a bit out of nowhere to some. I smuggly could say I predicted such an explosion since my introduction or her on Avicii’s “Dear Boy” followed up closely by her 2013 debut EP Bikini Daze. MØ didn’t feel a need to rush things despite the iron being hot as shit and took her time following up her 2014 full length album No Mythologies To Follow. Instead she dropped stellar one-off singles “Kamikaze” “Final Song” “Drum” and “Nights With You” before finally releasing last years EP When I Was Young. Forever Neverland continues on the maturity in her music desolated on her EP of last year. The hooks are still catchy as shit, her sound still has an ability to make you want to get up and move, but there is a further depth in her songs. MØ’s voice always was expressive and emotive but there was also a glossy surface layer that seems to have been stripped away over the years. She now has the confidence to let her voice scratch and wain a bit when a line carries more emotional weight. 

Proof: Way Down / I Want You / Beautiful Wreck / Red Wine (Feat. Empress Of)

12. Elohim - Elohim Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Dance

The mysterious Elohim has became a go-to collaborator for electronic music projects over the last few years. From Louis The Child, Oliver, Ekali, The Glitch Mob and others, Elohim’s name would pop up; usually on the album’s best track. Her soft and delicate voice always worked great as a juxtaposition to the often kinetic backgrounds. In her solo music, she is her own producer and she shows she is more than just a featured artist but also a contemporary to the other Electronic producers. Elohim is a diverse and incredibly dynamic piece, which surprises the listener with unexpected vocal samples or instrument riffs used in sophisticated ways. Whether is a mariachi horn, trumpet, violin, guitar, or just odd vocal cadences looped, Elohim has developed creative and unique techniques in her production that make a familiar yet singular sound.

Proof: The Wave / Sleepy Eyes (w/ Whethan) / Fuck Your Money / Half Love // Bonus: Eclipse / Connect (w/ Skrillex)

11. Fakear - All Glow Genre: Electronic / Future Bass

French producer Fakear is a newer discovery for me but boy and I glad I found his atmospheric electronic music. Fakear will be quickly compared to ODESZA and the similarities in their sounds are definitely apparent. However, the French DJ’s harmonious music has a bit more of an airy bounce, with some Tropical House infusion. The electronic genre is having a bit of a moment right now yet Fakear is still relatively not well know in the States. I don’t really see that lasting too long though as more find his music.

Proof: Something Wonderful (Feat. Ana Zimmer) / Lost In Time (Feat. Polo & Pan, Noraa & Clement Bazin) / Sacred Feminine (Feat. Ibrahim Maslouf) / Vision (Feat. Claire Laffut)

10. Pusha-T - DAYTONA Genre: Hip Hop

The Clipse debut album Lord Willin’ came out my freshman year of high school and was a very important album for me. Label issues unfortunately led to more mixtapes than albums released by the brother duo before Malice left the group. Luckily Pusha would eventually find himself on Kanye’s record label as his new home. His first two albums released on the record label were both good, but there must be something in the Wyoming air during the recording of this stellar album. As the first of five Kanye West produced albums released during the “Wyoming Sessions” no one really knew what to expect. Kanye’s erratic behavior leading up to the release left a lot of people side eyeing the whole group of projects. Then about 36 seconds into the opening track “If You Know You Know” when after a fiery verse from Pusha, the industrial beat drops, everyone gets an unexpected slap in the face. This is still one of the best producers in the world and we have one of the best lyricists rapping heat over this production. DAYTONA is quite the 20 minute tornado of an album. A focused and concise offering that does what it needs to do and leaves efficiently. Unfortunately, the rest of the “Wyoming Sessions” albums will be a bit of a mixed bag and Kanye’s erratic behavior on continues causing concern for his mental well being. DAYTONA shines bright as the most cohesive and sturdy of those albums with “If You Know You Know” being the best song to come from the whole session. With GRAMMY nominations and ending up at the top of many writers “Year End Lists” it’s time Pusha finally gets his shine Lord WIllin’ seemed to promise, only 16 years later.

Proof: If You Know You Know / The Games We Play / Come Back Baby / Santeria / Infrared

9. The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative / Synth-Pop

Through their first two albums, The 1975 was a band I enjoyed, but also wanted to enjoy more then I actually did. Their 2013 self titled debut album was an entertaining and engaging soiree of synth-pop and alternative music as a new aged love child of The Killers and My Chemical Romance. There was a definite growth and increased dexterity in their second album, 2016’s I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, as the same influences are present but with a sprinkling of seduction and soul. What always took me out of their projects though was their abundance of influences often working against them. The projects missed a level of connectivity I desire. I appreciated the daring nature of the band to explore but some of those swings didn't feel fleshed out enough to connect completely in the context of the albums. When I first heard one of my favorite songs of 2018 “Love It If We Made It”, I thought something seemed different. It seems the band has finally discovered the missing ingredient; or maybe found the excess ingredient(s) to leave out. A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships is a masterful mixture of experiences and influences with a message really cemented in 2018. The experimentations are a bit more radical, but very strategic and only help build up the motif of the whole album. You can still hear the underlying emo-rockers heartbeat from their debut but this time ran through a Bon Iver inspired auto-tune. The themes of how technology can dictate our lives for better or worse give the whole album a context for any listener to identify with. Songs like “Settle Down” and “Somebody Else” from their first two albums were still in 2018 go-to songs for me; the talent was always there. Seeing the band develop and evolve to make this elaborate project is quite the feat to be respected and admired.

Proof: Give Yourself A Try / Love It If We Made It / I Like America & America Likes Me / Sincerity Is Scary / It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)

8. 3LAU - Ultraviolet / Ultraviolet (Remixed) Genre: Electronic / Progressive House / Dance

It’s been a long time coming for American DJ 3LAU (Justin David Blau) to finally release this blistering debut. First winning a remix competition for a Tiësto song in 2011, 3LAU made a name for himself over the years as a remix and mashup DJ; intermittently dropping one-off singles here and there. Ultraviolet shows the wait was well worth it. Being a multi-instrumentalist, 3LAU developed his own manipulation techniques of his instrument riffs and vocal samples creating lush melodic environments within his music. The result is a picturesque form of house music that can easily whisk you away in it’s vast, sparkling habitats.

Proof: Touch (Feat. Carly Paige) / Fire (w/ Said The Sky Feat. NÉONHÈART) / Walk Away (Feat. Luna Aura) / Star Crossed / You Want More (Feat. MAX) // Touch [Zeds Dead Remix] (Feat. Carly Paige) / On My Own [3LAU Electro Remix] (Feat. Nevve) / Star Crossed [3LAU DnB Remix] / Walk Away [Hibell Remix] (Feat. Luna Aura) / Fire [Paris Biohm Remix] (w/ Said The Sky Feat. NÉONHÈART)

7. Lykke Li - so sad so sexy Genre: Pop / R&B

Since her debut album in 2008, the vulnerable music of Lykke Li has been a staple in my headphones. I have enjoyed her delicate voice, always ripped with so much emotion matching the impacting lyrics dealing with love and heartbreak. Li’s previous album, I Never Learn was an onslaught of slow and gorgeous, stadium-pop ballads meant to be felt while singing along with at the top of your lungs. The listless themes are continued but this time the album’s expression is more with a glossy, sexy R&B persona; a change I personally am really feeling. With hints of The Weeknd and Rihanna as influences so sad so sexy is Lykke Li’s most sensual sound, one that suits her unique voice and songwriting well.

Proof: hard rain / deep end / sex money feelings die / so sad so sexy / better alone

6. Her - Her Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock/ Soul

Starring an upcoming tragedy in the face, the smooth French duo didn’t waiver or turn to negativity. Instead they focused on life and love. With one of the duo diagnosed with a terminal cancer, together Victor and the ill Simon carefully plotted out their debut album. They released two EPs the previous two years with standout tracks including “Five Minutes”, “Quite Like” and “Swim” which served as a strong introduction to the world, but Simons unavoidable death at age 27 was in August of last year. With the careful pre-planning Victor was able to finish the debut album in his best friend’s memory. Her is a sultry and warm affair. Simon’s bouncy guitar playing, Victors ominous key tones with both of their soft yet confident vocals create a free flowing and sexy sound that is very gracious and admiring of its female muse. Every song has an understatedness to it while it subtly exudes its passion. It’s unknown if Victor will carry on with Her without his best friend, but I am glad they were able to add this exclamation point to Simon’s life.

Proof: Five Minutes / Blossom Roses / Neighborhood / Wanna Be You / Swim (Feat. ZéFire)

5. Bishop Briggs* - Church Of Scars Genre: R&B / Soul / Pop

London born, with Scottish heritage, Bishop Briggs bursts on the scene with this debut album like a strategic boxer. Starting every song with subtle body blows to connect with a potent haymaker every chorus. Her main weapon is a dominant voice that every chorus she lets loose to acts as an imposing yet engaging flex of emotion and power. Born Sarah McLaughlin, Briggs took the name of her parents Scotland hometown as her stage name to not be confused with the well known Canadian singer whose music you hear on sad commercials about puppies. McLaughlin moved around in her childhood from London to Tokyo to Hong Kong to LA and has picked up an amalgamation of influences to use at her disposal in her music. One of the biggest musical influence apparent is her cerebral use of gospel music. Utilized as a form of strength and command at every hard hitting chorus drop which gives room for her tremendous voice to punch your ear drums like a boxing bag.

Proof: Tempt My Trouble / White Flag / River / Hallowed Ground / The Fire

4. DJDS - Big Wave More Fire Genre: Synth-Pop / R&B / Electronic

Timing can be a fickle thing. Sometimes by the slimmest of margins it can go against you, or go in your favor. DJDS’s career seems to be capitalizing on some impeccable timing that is all going in their favor at the moment. First, back in 2016, while finishing up their sophomore album, the LA producing duo were invited to work on Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo album; eventually earning them a GRAMMY nomination. This monster co-sign would help open doors they never had open in their previous years making music. In the two years they spent making this album they collaborated with people that eventually would break out on their own including Empress Of, Amber Mark, Marco McKinnis and Khalid. Those two years are summed up in this fascinating piece of genre blending music. There are moments of bouncy hip hop, sinuous Synth-Pop, Soulful R&B, scenic Indie Pop and fist pumping electronic dance.  Big Wave More Fire at times is as infectious as any other pop album and at times can be a bit artistically challenging to the listener, yet never loses its strong sense of place.

Proof: Trees On Fire (Feat. Amber Mark & Marco McKinnis) / Why Don’t You Come On (Feat. Empress Of & Khalid) / I Get By (Feat. Amber Mark & Vory) / Pick Me Up (Feat. Kelly Zutrau, Vic Mensa & Vory) / Falling (Kelly Zutrau & Marco McKinnis)

3. Kasbo* - Places We Don’t Know Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Future Bass

ODESZA is building quite a roster on their Foreign Family Collective label including the 23 year old Swedish producer Kasbo. With his debut album here, Kasbo shows he’s more than deserving of being part of this collective with this sonic display of dexterity in melody. Places We Don’t Know is an an album that knows it’s comfort zone and is confident enough to never deviate while also avoiding diluting itself. The glossy electronic textiles that stitch the album together track to track build a cohesiveness that makes it a front to back enjoyable experience; without any drop in quality filler. More exploration in the sound may be desired in future releases to avoid sounding stale, but in terms of a debut this pleasant project introduces him nicely.

Proof: Your Tempo / Aldrig Mer (Feat. TENDER) / Roots (Feat. Amanda Fondell) / Over You (Feat. Frida Sundemo) / Bleed It Out (Feat. Nea)

2. Jacob Banks* - Village Genre: R&B / Soul

The initial and most jarring entity you feel when you enter the universe that is Jacob Banks’ music is the gravitational pull that is his empowered voice. The British singer’s raspy and authoritative vocals can relay both a confident strength and introspective vulnerability in one tone. You are able to personally feel the emotion behind every note that leads to a compelling listen no matter how many times before you’ve heard the song playing.

Banks backs up his mighty voice with equally potent and diverse backings. Some of the songs come equipped with thunderous bass lines and percussions with light keys tap dancing among the turmoil. Some take a more straightforward approach with light and jazzy horns and funky grooves. Then some songs have transparent backdrops that almost go away completely, stripped down to a bare pallet for Jacob to command.

Whatever the situation Banks’ vocal prowess prevails. I predict the accent to continue and at a more exponential pace as more become familiar with the impressive singer.

Proof: Chainsmoking / Love Ain’t Enough / Prosecco / Be Good To Me (Feat. Seinabo Sey) / Unknown (To You)

1 Kendrick Lamar & Top Dawg Entertainment - Black Panther The Album - Music From And Inspired By [Motion Picture Soundtrack] Genre: Hip Hop / R&B

It’s probably getting pretty anticlimactic having Kendrick 1st or 2nd on my lists every year. But for the fourth year in a row Kendrick finds himself here again. Black Panther was one of 2018’s greatest cinematic achievements and smartly they looked to Kendrick to make a vivid and dynamic soundtrack to match.

Kendrick shows he has his finger on the pulse for Hip Hop and R&B in 2018 enlisting some of today’s best including The Weeknd, Vince Staples, Anderson .Paak, Travis Scott and of course members of his TDE crew ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, SZA and others. He grabs some of today’s best up and comers with Khalid, Jorja Smith and SOB X RBE. Surprises us with a couple unexpected James Blake features. And finds some new international artists not very well known in Saudi, Babes Wodumo and an absolute fire verse from Yungen Blakrok.

I cannot express how perfect of a curated Soundtrack this is. The music is diverse enough to cast a wide net but also has an underlying and unifying vernacular throughout to make one cohesive project. The production is rooted in African sounds with poly-rhythmic percussion and themes inspired by African ancestry as well as themes incorporated from the movie itself. Kendrick may or may not have been physically there during most of these recordings but you can feel his direction and influence throughout. His impact is not overpowering or controlling either but rather a supportive and inspiring collaborator that keeps the various ships steered in the correct converging direction. When a o-k but also phoned-in verse by Future is really the album’s low point, you know you’ve done something right.

Most may point to the crowd pleasing (and for good reason) songs like “All The Stars” with SZA and “Pray For Me” with The Weeknd as their album highlights but mine is the sneaky vigorous Vince Staples and Yung Blakrok featured “Opps”, that has quite the bite with it’s bark.

My admiration for Lamar is well documents on this blog. He really is controlling the way progressive and impacting hip hop can grow. Drake may have the numbers, but Kendrick is the more commanding artistic virtuoso making music in 2018. Kendrick knows it damn well and uses T’Calla as a metaphor for his spot on the throne of Hip Hop in the album opener: “Because the king don’t cry, king don’t die, king don’t lie, king give heart, king get by, king don’t fall. Kingdom come, when I come, you know why…”

Proof: Kendrick Lamar & SZA - All The Stars / ScHoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, Saudi & Kendrick Lamar - X / Khalid & Swae Lee - The Ways / Vince Staples, Yugen Blakrok & Kendrick Lamar - Opps / Jorja Smith - I Am / Ab-Soul, Anderson .Paak & James Blake - Bloody Waters / Zacari & Babes Wodumo - Redemption / The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar - Pray For Me

Others:

Good:

Above & Beyond - Common Ground, Action Bronson - White Bronco, Albin Lee Meldau - About You, Alessia Cara - The Pains of Growing, Allan Rayman - Harry Hand-On, alt-J - Reduxer, Ambrose Akinmusire - Origami Harvest, Aminé - ONEPOINTFIVE [Mixtape], Amnesia Scanner - Another Life, anaïs - before zero, Anderson East - Encore, Anderson .Paak - Oxnard, Ann Marie - Tripolar, Anne-Marie - Speak Your Mind, Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz - Mona Lisa, Apollo Brown & Locksmith - No Question, Aquilo - ii, Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Baseu Hotel & Casino, Ariana Grande - Sweetener, A$AP Rocky - TESTING, Atmosphere - Mi Vida Loca, Audio Push - Cloud 909, August Greene - August Greene, Ava Luna - Moon 2, Bad Gyal - Worldwide Angel, Bas - Milky Way, Bazzi - COSMIC, Bea Miller - Aurora, Beach House - 7, Beacon - Gravity Pairs, Bebe Rexha - Expectations, Bekon - Get With The Times, Belly - IMMIGRANT, Big Red Machine - Big Red Machine, Birdman & Jacquees - Lost at Sea 2, Bishop Nehru - Elevators: Act I & II, Bishop Nehru - Emperor’s Nehru Groove [Mixtape], Black Atlass - Pain & Pleasure, The Black Eyed Peas - MASTERS OF THE SUN VOL. 1, Black Milk - FEVER, Black Thought & Salaam Remi - Streams of Thought Vol. 2, The Blaze - DANCEHALL, 6LACK - East Atlanta Love Letter, Blood Orange - Negro Swan, Blu & Nottz - Gods in the Spirit, Titans In The Flesh, B.o.B. - NAGA, Bob Moses - Battle Lines, Bobby V - Electrik, Boogie wit da Hoodie - International Artist, BØRNS - Blue Madonna, Boy Pablo - Soy Pablo, The Breeders - All Nerve, Brez - The Grl., BROCKHAMPTON - iridescence, BROCKHAMPTION - Saturation III, Buddy - Harlan & Alondra, Bun B - Return if the Trill, Camila Cabello - Camila, Camp Cope - How To Socialize & Make Friends, Capital Cities - Solarize, Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy, THE CARTERS (Jay-Z & Beyoncé) - EVERYTHING IS LOVE, Cardi B - Invasion Of Privacy, Cat Power - Wanderer, City Girls - Girl Code, City Girls - PERIOD, Chance The Rapper & Jeremih - Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama Re-Wrapped [Mixtape], Chanti Darling - RNB, Vol. 1, Charlie Puth - Voicenotes, Chelsea Jade - Personal Best, Choker - Honeybloom, Chromeo - Head Over Heels, Chris Dave and the Drumhedz - Chris Dave and the Drumhedz, Christina Aguilera - Liberation, Christine and the Queens - Chris, Chrome Sparks - Chrome Sparks, Claptone - Fantast, Clean Bandit - What Is Love?, Cloud Nothings - Last Building Burning, CloZee - EVasion, Col3trane - BOOT, Courtney Barnett - Tell Me How You Really Feel, Cozz - Effected, Craig David - The Time Is Now, Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Fetti, Cut Chemist - Die Cut, Cypress Hill - Elephants on Acid, CZARFACE & MF Doom - CZARFACE Meets Metal Face, Dashboard Confessional - Crooked Shadows, Dave East - P2, David Guetta - 7, Death Cab for Cutie - Thank You for Today, The Decemberists - I’ll Be Your Girl, Denzel Curry - TA13OO, Dillon Francis - WUT WUT, The Diplomats - Diplomatic Ties, Dirty Projectors - Limp Lit Prose, DJ Critical Hype - The DAMN. Chronic [Mixtape], DJ ESCO - Kolorblind, DJ Luke Nasty - Cruise Control, DJ Koze - Knock Knock, DJ Mustard & RJmrLA - The Ghetto, Django Django - Marble Skies, Dr. Octagon - Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation, Domo Genesis & Evidence - Aren’t You Glad You’re U [Mixtape], Drake - Scorpion, Durand Jones & The Indications - Durand Jones & The Indications, Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs, E^ST - Life Ain’t Always Roses, EDEN - virtigo, Eligh - Last House on the Block, Elephante - Glass Mansion, Elephante - Glass Mansion Remixes, Ella Mai - Ella Mai, Elley Duhé - DRAGON MENTALITY, Emily Warren - Quiet Your Mind, Eric Bellinger - Eazy Call, Estelle - Lovers Rock, Everything Is Recorded - Everything Is Recorded, Evidence - Weather or Not, Excision - Apex, Exitmusic - The Recognitions, E-40 & B-Legit - Connected and Respected, E-40 - Gift Of Gab, Family of the Year - Goodbye Sunshine, Hello Nighttime, Father John Misty - God’s Favorite Customer, Fat Tony & J.KELR - Full Circle, Felix Jaehn - I, FELIX SANDMAN - EMOTIONS, Fischerspooner - Sir, First Aid Kit - Ruins, Flatbush Zombies - Vacation In Hell, Florence + The Machine - High As Hope, Francis & The Lights - Just For Us, Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending, Freddie Gibbs - Freddie, Fre$h - frēsh•ism, Future & Juice WRLD - Future & Juice WRLD Present… WRLD ON DRUGS, G-Eazy - The Beautiful & Damned, Getter - Visceral, Ghostface Killah - The Lost Tapes, The Glitch Mob - See Without Eyes, The Go! Team - SEMICIRCLE, The Good, The Bad & The Queen - Merrie Land, Gorgon City - Escape, Gorillaz - The Now Now, Greta Van Fleet - Anthem of the Peaceful Army, GRIP - PORCH, Gunplay - ACTIVE, Half Waif - Lavender, Hinds - I Don’t Run, Hollie Cook - Vessel of Love, HONNE - Love Me / Love Me Not, How To Dress Well - The Anteroom, Hovvdy - Cranberry, Hybrid - Light of the Fearless, Ice Cube - Everything Corrupt, IDK - IDK & Friends :), Illa J - John Yancey, Illenium - Awake (Remixes), I’m With Her - See You Around, Imagine Dragons - Origins, The Internet - Hive Mind, Interpol - Marauderm, J. Cole - KOD, Jackie Hill Perry - Crescendo, Jacquees - 4275, Jacques Greene - mixtape [Mixtape], Jade Novah - All Blue, Jaden Smith - The Sunset Tapes: A Cool Tape Story [Mixtape], Jain - Souldier, James Bay - Electric Light, Janine - 99, Janine The Machine - High Places, Jauz - The Wise and The Wicked, Jay Park - Ask Bout Me, Jay Rock - Redemption, Jean Deaux - Krash, Jedi Mind Tricks - The Bridge and the Abyss, Jeff Tweedy - WARM, Jericho Jackson - Khrysis & Elzhi are Jericho Jackson, Jess Glynne - Always In Between, Jessie Reyez - Being Human In Public, Jim Jones - Wasted Talent, Joey Purp - QUARTERTHING, Jonas Blue - Blue, Jorja Smith - Lost & Found, Juice WRLD - Goodbye & Good Riddance, Jungle - For Ever, Justin Timberlake - Man of The Woods, Justine Skye - ULTRAVIOLET, Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour, Kalin White - Why You Still There?, Kamasi Washington - Heaven and Earth, Kanye West - ye, Kash Doll - Brat Mail [Mixtape], Kayzo - OVERLOAD, Keith Sweat - Playing For Keeps, Kevin Gate - Luca Brasi 3, Keys N Krates - Cura, K.Flay - Everywhere is Somewhere, KIDS SEE GHOSTS (Kanye West & Kid Cudi) - KIDS SEE GHOSTS, Kimbra - Primal Heart, King Tuff - The Other, Kirk Knight - IIWII, The Knocks - New York Narcotics, Kodaline - Politics of Living, Kodie Shane - Young HeartThrob, Kooley High - Never Come Down, The Kooks - Let’s Go Sunshine, KR - In Due Time, Kygo - Kids In Love (Remixes), KYLE - Light of Mine, Lacrae & Zaytoven - Let The Trap Say Amen, Lake Street Drive - Free Yourself Up, Lane 8 - Little By Little, LANY - Malibu Nights, LAUREL - DOGVIOLET, Lauv - I met you when I was 18. (the playlist), Leikeli47 - Acrylic, Lenny Kravitz - Raise Vibration, Leon Bridges - Good Thing, Let’s Eat Grandma - I’m All Ears, Lily Allen - No Shame, Lil Peep - Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2, Lil Wayne - The Carter V, Lissie - Castles, Little Mix - LM5, Lo Moon - Lo Moon, Logic - Bobby Tarantino II [Mixtape], Loyd - Tru LP, LP - Heart to Mouth, Lucy Dacus - Historian, Lupe Fiasco - DRAGOS WAVE, Lyrics Born - Quite A Life, Mac Miller - Swimming, MAJOR. - Even More, Major Lazer - Afrobeats [DJ Mix], Mariah Carey - Caution, Mario - Dancing Shadows, Marion Hill - Unusual, Marsha Ambrosius - Nyla, Marshmello - Joytime II, Masego - Lady Lady, Masta Ace & Marco Polo - A Breukelen Story, Matthew Dear - Bunny, Mayorkum - The Mayor of Lagos, Medasin - Irene, Meek Mill - Championship, Melody’s Echo Chamber - Bon Voyage, Meshell Ndegeocello - Ventriloquism, Method Man - Meth Lab 2: The Lithium, Metric - Art of Doubt, MGMT - Little Dark Age, Mick Jenkins - Pieces of a Man, The Midnight - Kid, Migos - Culture II, MihTy - MIH-TY, Mike Shinoda - Post Traumatic, Mike WiLL Made-It - Creed II: The Album (Music Inspired by the Motion Picture), Mikky Ekko - FAME, Mimicking Birds - Layers Of Us, Mirah - Understanding, Mitski - Be The Cowboy, Miyah Folick - Premenitions, Moon Taxi - Let The Record Play, Morgan Saint - ALIEN, Mr Eazi - Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 - Lagos to London, Mulatto - Mulatto, Mumford & Sons - Delta, Murs - A Strange Journey Into The Unimaginable, Muse - Simulation Theory, Myá - T.K.O. (The Knock Out), The Naked and Famous - A Still Heart, Nas - NASIR, Natalie Prass - The Future and the Past, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Tearing at the Seams, Nef The Pharaoh - The Big Chang Theory, The Neighbourhood - The Neighbourhood, Ne-Yo - GOOD MAN, N.E.R.D. - NO_ONE EVER REALLY DIES, Nick Grant - Dreamin’ Out Loud [Mixtape], Nicki Minaj - Queen, NIKI - Zephyr, Nile Rodgers & CHIC - It’s About Time, Nipsey Hussle - Victory Lap, NJOMZA - Vacation, nobigdyl. - SOLAR, Noname - Room 25, N.O.R.E. - 5E, Now, Now - Saved, NR - Before It’s Too Late, ODIE - Analogue, Onra - Nobody Has To Know, Ookay - WOW! COOL ALBUM!, Pac Div - 1st Baptist, Pale Waves - My Mind Makes Noises, Passenger - Runaway, Parliament - Medicaid Fraud Dogg, Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!, Paul McCartney - Egypt Station, Paul Simon - In the Blue Light, Penelope Trappes - Penelope Two, A Perfect Circle - Eat the Elephant, Peter Bjorn and John - Darker Days, Phonte - No News Is Good News, Phony Ppl - mō’zā-ik, Phora - Love Is Hell, P-LO - PRIME, pluko - sixteen, Poo Bear - Poo Bear Presents: Birthday Music, Popcaan - Forever, Poppy - Am I A Girl?, Porches - The House, Post Malone - beerbongs & bentleys, Preme - Light of Day, Prince - Piano & a Microphone 1983, Princess Nokia - A Girl Cried Red [Mixtape], Prolifgate - Somewhere Else, PRyhme - PRhyme 2, Quavo - Quavo Huncho, Ralph - A Good Girl, RAY BLK - Empress, Rhye - Blood, Reason - There You Have It, R3HAB - The Wave, Rezz - Certain Kind of Magic, Rich Brian - Amen, Rita Ora - Phoenix, RL Grime - NOVA, RL Grimes - NOVA (The Remixes, Vol. 1),  RL Grimes - NOVA (The Remixes, Vol. 2), Robyn - Honey, Rome Fortune - Beautiful Pimp 3, ROOSEVELT - Young Romance, Royce Da 5’9” - Book of Ryan, R+R=NOW - Collagically Speaking, Russ - ZOO, Ryan Beatty - Boy In Jeans, Saba - CARE FOR ME, Sabrina Calaudio - No Rain, No Flowers, St. Beauty - Running To The Sun, SAINt JHN - Collection One, San Holo - album1, Sango - In The Comfort Of, Sean Paul - Mad Love: The Prequel, Shamir - Revelation, Sheppard - Watch The Sky, Shopping - The Official Body, Sidney Gish - No Dogs Allowed, Sigala - Brighter Days, Simian Mobile Disco - Murmurations, SiR - November, SKYGGE - Hello World, Skyzoo - In Celebration of Us, Slushii - DREAM, Smashing Pumpkins - SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT, VOL. 1 / NO PAST. NO FUTURE., Smino - NOIR, Snail Mail - Lush, S’natra - Subject To Change, Snoop Dogg - Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love, Snow Patrol - Wildness, Soccer Mommy - Clean, Sofi Tukker - Treehouse, Son Lux - Brighter Wounds, SOPHIE - OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES, Starchild & The New Romantic - Language, Stefflon Don - SECURE [Mixtape], Steve Angello - Human, Steve Aoki - Neon Future III, Steve Hauschildt - Dissolvi, Stonie Blue - Blood Y Moi [Mix], Stro - Nice 2 Meet You, Again, Styles P - Dime Bag, Styles P - G-Host, Summer Walker - Last Day of Summer, Summerella - First Day of Summer, Surpentwithfeet - soil, Swearin’ - Fall Into The Sun, Swizz Beatz - POISON, Tamia - Passion Like Fire, Tammy Rivera - Fate, Teyana Taylor - K.T.S.E., Thatshymn - Pacific Standard Time, Thunderpussy - Thunderpussy, T.I. - DIME TRAP, Tinashe - Joyride, The Ting Tings - The Black Light, Tirzah - Devotion, Tokyo Jetz - Bonafide, Tokyo Police Club - TCP, Tom Misch - Geography, Tommy Genesis - Tommy Genesis, Toni Braxton - Sex & Cigarettes, Toni Romiti - Tomboy, Tory Lanez - LoVE me NOw, Tory Lanez - MEMORIES DON’T DIE, Towkio - WWW., Tracey Thorn - Record, Traci Braxton - On Earth, Travis Scott - ASTROWORLD, Trevor Jackson - Rough Drafts, Pt. 1, Trevor Powers - Mulberry Violence, Trey Songz - 11 [Mixtape], Trey Songz - 28 [Mixtape], TroyBoi - V!BEZ, Vol. 2, Troye Sivan - Bloom, Tunde Olaniran - Stranger, tune-yards - i can feel you creep into my private life, Two Feet - A 20 Something Fuck, Tyga - Kyoto, Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food, Until The Ribbon Breaks - Until The Ribbon Breaks, Usher & Zaytoven - “A”, UZ - The Rebirth, The Vamps - Day & Night (Day Edition), Vance Joy - Nation Of Two, Various Artists - Fifty Shades Freed [Motion Picture Soundtrack], Various Artists - Ninjawerks, Vol. 1, Various Artists - Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From & Inspired by the Motion Picture), Various Artist - Uncle Drew [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Vicktor Taiwò - First Movement, Victoria Monet - Life After Love, Pt. 1, Victor Oladipo - V.O., Wild Nothing - Indigo, What So Not - Not All The Beautiful Things, Wet - Still Run, Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers 2, The Wombats - Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life, WSTRN - DOU3LE 3AK, Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick - Serial Killers: Day of the Dead, Years & Years - Palo Santo, Yellow Claw - New Blood, YG - STAY DANGEROUS, Yhung T.O. - Trust Issues, Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar, Young The Giant - Mirror Master, Youngr - This Is Not An Album, ZAYN - Icarus Fall, Ziggy Marley - Rebellion Rises, Zion I - Ritual Mystik, Zion I & DJ Fresh - The Tonight Show [Mixtape], ZHU - Ringo’s Desert, Z-Ro - Sadism, 5 Seconds of Summer - Youngblood, 88GLAM - 88GLAM2, 88rising - Head in the Clouds 

Meh:

Ace Hood - Trust The Process II: Undefeated, Amen Dunes - Freedom, Animal Collective - Tangerine Reef, AWALNATION - Here Comes The Runts, BANDGANG - In Too Deep, Benny - Different, Caitlyn Smith - Starfire, Carnage - Battered Bruised & Bloody, The Chainsmokers - Sick Boy, cupcakKe - Eden, cupcakKe - Ephorize, Curren$y - Parking Lot Music, Curren$y & Harry Fraud - The Marina, Daughters - You Won’t Get What You Want, Dave East - Karma 2, Dave Matthews Band - Come Tomorrow, DJ Critical Hype - More 9th (Drake & 9th Wonder Mash Up), DOM KENNEDY - Volume Two, Don Toliver - Donny Womback, Eminem - Kamaze, Fetty Wap - For My Fans, Fetty Wap - Bruce Wayne, Frankie Cosmos - Vessels, Future - BEASTMODE 2, G Herbo & Southside - Swervo, Ganja White Night - The Origins, Helena Hauff - Qualm, Hop Along - Bark Your Head Off, Dog, HUNCHO JACK (Travis Scott & Quavo) - HUNCHO JACK, Jack Huncho, Jean Grae & Quelle Chris - Everything’s Fine, Jeezy - Pressure, Keith Ape - BORN AGAIN, Kevin George - Hopeless Romantic, Larry June - Very Peaceful, Lil Durk - Just Cause Y’all Waited, Lil Pete - 4EverFocused, Lucis - Nude, MadeinTYO - Sincerely, Tokyo, Metro Boomin - NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES, Matt and Kim - Almost Everyday, MGMT - Little Dark Age (Matthew Dear Album Remixes), MIKE - Black Soup [Mixtape], Mr Twin Sister - Salt, Nightmares On Wax - Shape the Future, OSHUN - Bittersweet, Vol. 1, Owl City - Cinematic, Palm - Rock Island, Prof - Pookie Baby, Raury - The Woods, Rae Sremmurd - SR3MM, Red Cafe - Less Talk More Hustle, Reese LAFLARE - Reese LAFLARE, Rich The Kid - The World Is Yours, Rico Nasty - Nasty, SHIRT - Pure Beauty, Shy Boys - Bell House, Slim Thug - The World Is Yours, Slum Village - The Lost Scrolls, Vol. 2 [Mixtape], Social Club Misfits - Into The Night, Steve Perry - Traces, Takeoff - The Last Rocket, Too $hort - The Sex Tape Playlist, Trae Tha Truth - Hometown Hero, Various Artists - Future Presents: SUPERFLY (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Various Artists - 9th Wonder Presents: Jamla is the Squad II, We The King’s - Six, Westside Gunn - Supreme Blientele, Wifisfuneral - Ethernet, Yves Tumor - Safe In the Hands of Love, Zaytoven - Trapholizay, 03 Greedo - God Level, 24hrs - HOUSES ON THE HILL

Bad:

Eminem - Revival, Jack White - Boarding House Reach, Kay! & Kenny Beats - 777, Lil Baby - Harder Then Ever, Quintin Miller - Q.M., Sheck Wes - MUDBOY, Starlito - At WAR With Myself Too, Trouble & Mike WiLL Made-It - Edgewood [Mixtape]

[royallyanxious]

Horizons - Chapter 12 (Final Chapter)

I dedicate the last chapter of this story to my wonderful beta @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms2 who has been supporting me and my ideas for half of a year. I also dedicate this chapter to my artist @magical-octopus who has created wonderful art to this fic. Without you guys I wouldn’t finish this story. Thank you.

Masterpost

word count: 4979

AO3 LINK

Previous Chapter

At first Lo was really cautious around the loud and sharp-tongued Joan. They somehow reminded Lo of Patton, but rude and much less charming. However, after learning each others coming out stories and sharing the struggles they had with their identities, Lo had proudly declared Joan part of their little group by inviting them into the workshop.

“This is absolutely incredible what you’re doing here!” exclaimed Joan, leaning over a bubbling plasma in the jar. “Is this thing alive?” they asked, poking the thick glass.

“It’s hard to call it ‘alive’, it just has an ability to move because of various chemical reactions that constantly occur within the plasma.” explained Lo patiently. “You could easily make it in your own house. But be careful, despite of how it looks, it is extremely frigid.”

It was clear that Lo was happy that they finally could show their workshop to someone else. It’s been over a year since they had a regular customer. Not that Lo really craved for clients, it’s just they, as every scientist and inventor, had a big thirst of showing their pieces of work  to the world. Lo watched Joan roam around the room with proud smile on their face. For the rest of the crew it was part of the daily life, but for Joan, everything was new. And they were really smart with their questions, what made Lo even happier.

Behind the door Roman and Virgil were having a quiet but pretty vivid conversation regardless an unknown subject. Lo was slowly starting to get used to them constantly arguing. All of their disagreements, no matter how important, were conducted with fiery passion but always ended with mutual agreement, compromise and words of respect for the other side. The couple wasn’t really shy about their feelings for each other. Especially Roman, though it was quite easy to predict. At the same time Virgil was willing to give Roman literally anything the other could have dreamt of. Together they made the sappiest couple Lo had ever seen.

Lo glanced at Patton standing few steps away from them. Their gazes crossed and Lo felt the blush creep on their face. They tried to hide it by adjusting the glasses, but basing on Patton’s reaction - with poor effect. Few days ago, after long conversation, they decided to keep their feelings hidden from their friends for now. Though they weren’t afraid of being outed, they just came to conclusion that they need time to decide how this relationship could actually work and if they were ready for this.

Slowly rocking back and forth, Lo hummed to themselves. To think that their life had took such a weird and twisted direction and that so much had changed over past year...

“Hey. What’s that?” Joan pulled Lo out of the maze of their thoughts.

“Hm?” asked Lo absently, directing their steps to Joan who was pointing at something on the shelf.

“This dark glue, what is it for? It has Patton’s name on it.” asked Joan innocently.

Lo’s eyes widened. It was one of the treatment oils for Patton. They’ve never needed to hide it, since they had no guests and they also never told Joan that Patton in fact had an artificial body. Lo felt Patton’s presence behind their back and glanced over their shoulder, trying to seek help. They had no idea what to do and they didn’t want to tell anything that would harm Patton.

Patton didn’t hesitate even for a second, gracefully passing Lo by, and taking the bottle out of Joan’s hands. He sent them a bright smile.

“It has my name on it because it’s for me. It’s like a medicine, you know…” he explained, taking the cork out of the bottle. The room filled with the heavy scent of thick, oily liquid.

“Bet it doesn’t taste any good.” said Joan, moving a step back. “What kind of herb is that?”

“Oh, well…” Patton laughed quietly. “You see, that’s no herb. It’s exactly what it looks like. An oil.” Putting the bottle right under Joan’s nose.

“Ugh. Definitely doesn’t taste good.” they said when Patton took the bottle away and put the cork back into its place. “What is it for?” asked Joan again exactly when Patton turned around to put the oil back on the shelf.

Lo saw every little move of his body. They saw something akin to a shrug, they saw a shiver going down Patton’s spine, they saw how his body stiffened for a moment. But when Patton faced them again, he was smiling. His eyes shaped like a little crescents.

“Thanks to that little baby, I’m not rusty inside.” declared Patton with the brightest smile as though he was informing them that the weather was going to be sunny and warm for the next week.

There was a moment of silence between them before Joan burst into laughter.

“You should have seen yourself, Patton!” they kept giggling cheerfully, while Lo and Patton exchanged confused looks. “You should have heard! Patton! You almost sounded as though you could really get rusty inside!” They finished when they finally calmed down.

“But I was completely serious, Joan.” said Patton seriously, and Lo looked at him with surprise in their eyes. They were almost sure that Patton would try to hide that aspect of his being. “Don’t seem so shocked, Lo. There’s no point in hiding this.” pointed Patton as if he was reading in Lo’s mind. “The truth, Joan, is that I’m one of Lo’s marvelous creations. See?” He asked, and without a warning, unbuttoned his shirt revealing a silver, almost smooth surface. He had never asked anyone to cover it with more human-like colour. That part of him, the one close to the heart had to remain the way it was.

Patton watched Joan’s movements. He knew what they were doing. Though Joan didn’t spend much time with the group, Patton felt that he could trust them. He just felt it. And he also felt the mixture of amazement and disbelief in their heart. It wasn’t negative emotion though.

“Do you want to check yourself what’s inside?” asked Patton smiling lightly.

Joan shook their head firmly.

“I don’t need any proof.” They declared. Patton started buttoning his shirt again. “Besides, it doesn’t really matter. You’re cool dude, Patton. And I’m not a person who judges by the cover.”

Something about these words made Patton feel so ordinary and he was surprised at how good this felt. That’s right. He wasn’t a machine. He was just Patton. Cool dude, Patton. It sounded wonderful.

Curiously, driven by an inner force, Patton looked at Lo. They were beaming, causing Patton’s smile (if it was possible) to become even wider.

Finally, they left the workshop and, stumbling into Virgil and Roman making out in the hallway (apparently it was the perfect finale of their fight), they arrived to the kitchen where Patton almost instantly started making tea.

“Someone open the door, Remy is waiting outside.” said Patton casually and indeed few minutes later the barber walked inside the room, followed by Roman and Virgil.

Patton took a fresh tray of cookies out of the cupboard. Lo had no idea when Patton made them. The sweet taste made them share their concerns out loud.

“Patton’s like a fairy godmother! He has his ways!” chuckled Roman.

“You know what they say, through the stomach to the heart.” added Joan, winking at Lo.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” mumbled Lo burying their head between the shoulders, in order to make themselves look smaller.

“Oh you don’t? I’m pretty sure you do.” snickered Joan. “Isn’t that right, Patton?”

The glass which Patton was cleaning for Remy jittered, but the man himself didn’t say anything, shaking his head only. It was hard to tell if it was denial or just a poor attempt to avoid the subject.

“Wait, wait, wait! What are you saying?” gasped Remy. He looked between Patton and Lo. “Guuurl! I mean… guuurl!” he whistled.

“What are you imply- Oooohh…” Virgil’s eyes widened. “Well, that for sure explains a lot.”

Patton laughed lightly as Roman without a word said, started clapping loudly.

“Follow your dreams, Pat!” he said finally.

“Well, this is it of trying to keep this quiet, I suppose.” Lo coughed awkwardly. “All I wanted to ask for is that you shouldn’t treat us differently just because we are in…” they stopped to take a deep breath. “Just because we are in a romantic relationship.”

Clearly holding back his tears, Patton leaned over and hugged Lo from behind tightly. The couple earned a soft ‘aw’ from Virgil.

“I never thought I would see this pal in a relationship, to be honest.” said Remy, nodding. He was visibly delighted with such a turn of events.

“What was that supposed to mean?” Lo frowned, resting their elbows on the table.

“You have a terrible personality, that’s what!” snorted Remy, crossing his arms on the chest. His silver wrist was reflecting the daylight, making it look like it was made of white gold.

Virgil turned his head away trying to hide the smile. Remy and Lo arguing always put him in a good mood, for some reason.

His eyes travelled around the room. He felt happy here, in this old kitchen, surrounded by people who didn’t judge him by his social status and about whose status he didn’t care at all. He was thinking of his father, whom he hadn’t seen in weeks. What would he say if he saw Virgil sitting here? Maybe it was a little bit of a cruel thing that he wanted to do to himself, but he wanted his father to see him. Just to have the last proof that this man wasn’t a good person nor a decent father. A confirmation of something Virgil had been suspecting for years… If he had that last, final proof he could just start over. Somewhere, maybe far away from here.

“Virgil? Oi, Virge, honey?” Roman nagged his ribs. Virgil shook his head, sending Roman a confused look. “You appear to be troubled with something…” he added, voice a little bit more quiet, discreet. The rest of the table was still playfully arguing with each other.

“It’s alright. Just some… stuff on my mind.” he smiled wanting to calm Roman down.

Even if the latter was unconvinced he decided to give up the subject for now, since it clearly was uncomfortable for Virgil.

“Oh! By the by! You have no idea what a little bitch told me!” recalled Remy.

“I think you meant ‘little bird’.” Patton shook his head.

“I said what i said.” Remy clicked his tongue.

“Nice one.” pointed Joan, leaning back on their chair.

“Anyway, little bitch has told me that today is a certain gala…” Remy started slyly. “The exact same event Lo and I took part in some time ago…”

Patton gasped loudly and suddenly the whole room fell silent. Even Joan who wasn’t introduced into the subject could clearly feel that it was some big deal.

“Let’s go there.” said Patton finally. His voice was calmer than the ocean after the storm.

“But Patton, do you-” Lo stopped in the middle of the sentence not sure what they wanted to say. They wanted to say something. It felt appropriate to say something but they had no words.

“I really want to go. Last gala was a turning point in the life of most people in this room. It affected us all.” cleared Patton, getting up. “It’s only fair for me and Roman to go and see this event ourselves. Of course, if the rest of you don’t wanna go, I will understand.”

“True. I am where I am thanks to that gala. I want to see it with my own eyes.” agreed Roman and took Patton’s hand in his. “I will gladly accompany you, friend.”

“If Roman’s going so am I.” said Virgil, sighing.

“And I’m gonna tag along whether you like it or not.” Joan raised their hand.

Lo looked around and sighed.

“I suppose, I’m going too… Now?”

“It’s impolite to be late to the party.” smiled Remy, already standing in the doors.

~~~

Going outside was a whole new experience for Patton. His eyes were shining whenever something new appeared on the line of horizon. The way down the street was filling Patton with incredible amount of joy. He kept pointing how different the world was from the things he had read in the books. Occasionally, he was also frowning and shyly stated that he remembered some aspects from the time he was still small, round and nameless.

All the time he was tightly gripping Lo’s arm (sometimes digging his fingers a little bit too hard), as if he didn’t want the wind to take him up in the air, as if he was looking for an anchor. And Lo was happy to serve this purpose. Patton’s eyes were filled with an awe and that was the most wonderful reward anyway.

“Everything smells so nice.” whispered Patton dreamingly. Remy and Lo exchange confused looks. For them the air smelled like dirt, mud and pollution.

“One day we will take you outside the city. The air is much purer there…” said Roman, recalling the memories from his past. “It smells like freedom and joy. It is truly no match with the vapors we breathe in here. The fresh air makes you feel like you could do everything!”

Joan’s lips quirked up. They saw the look in Roman’s eyes that they remembered from the time they lived together. His hazelnut orbs were radiating with foggy dreams with a pinch of adventure. Only one thing was new, was it sadness or maturity… Joan couldn’t state which one was that, for sure.

It was Sunday and the streets were quite busy and crowded. They probably wouldn’t drag so much attention if Virgil, looking like his elegant, expensive, high-quality self wasn’t there with them. And he knew that. He knew that way too well. He saw that in the eyes of the merchants and passerbys. And he was ashamed because he knew that the others were too absorbed to see that.

That’s why he made sure to be left behind by accident. He felt in his bones that they wouldn’t notice and that his silent person was almost unnecessary. The last thing he wanted was to ruin Patton’s first trip and drag too much attention. They would simply rejoin at the gala. Virgil was good at disappearing. Even his own father didn’t remember him for most of the time. Who knows- maybe he had already wiped the memory of his son out of his memory?

He slowed down his steps, letting the crowd slip between him and the rest of the group. He had no problem making his way through. Lower social classes were just as prejudiced as higher classes. Another proof that in fact everyone was the same. Virgil sighed, watching Roman’s back and his curly, soft hair disappearing in the sea of people, and turned into narrow alley. He knew the way. And if he didn’t, he would find it.

And so Virgil was strolling, through the blissfully empty area filled with nothing more than old, rusty shacks and homeless cats. Everything smelt like fish, which shouldn’t be surprising considering the fact that it was the harbour district, but this fact came to his realization for the first time in months.

Suddenly, through coated with clouds sky, peaked the sun. Its warm rays poured on the streets of the city. Virgil smiled, instantly deciding to turn into yet another, more light street when a person stood in his way. The sun was lighting this man from behind. Honey-like rays were warming up the color of his hair, making it look like liquid golden copper.

Roman looked utterly beautiful and enchanting.

The expression on his face did not.

“You thought you’d run away from me?” He asked, arms crossed on the chest.

“It’s not that… It’s just…” Virgil blushed. “God, I just didn’t fit into the scenery…”

“You mean you’re too good for us after all?” Roman’s eyes hardened.

“Shit, no.” Virgil shook his head. Anxiety raising up in his stomach. Of course that he would say it in a wrong way. Of course that he made a mistake even though he wanted to do something good. “I just bought too much attention on you. I didn’t want to ruin anything…”

For a moment, Roman’s eyes remained sharp as knives before the serious look softened. It might have been the longest moment in Virgil’s life.

“No one cares if you drag attention, Virgil.” said Roman finally taking a step closer. In the sun, he appeared like an angel. “You are part of the group. In fact, you helped to bring us together. Besides, weren’t you the one who said that we are all equal?” he asked with a wink.

Virgil exhaled loudly. It felt as though a great bourden was taken from his heart. His lips melted into a delicate, shy smile.

“That I said for sure.”

“Wonderful.” grinned Roman taking Virgil’s hand and pressing a butterfly kiss on his knuckles. “Now, we should probably go. The rest promised to wait for us in front of the entrance. They were worried too, you know?”

The smile on Virgil’s face widened, though his eyes shined with disbelief. He shook his head.

Somehow covering the same way with Roman was much more pleasant. The nasty scent in the air suddenly didn’t bother Virgil anymore and the cats seemed almost majestic. Soon they entered a big square. A hangar was situated on the opposite side. It wasn’t hard to notice a small group of people standing in front of the main door. Joan waved to Roman.

“Took you long enough to find him, Roman.” snorted Remy with fake annoyance.

“Oh, please Remy. We had more time to explore this incredible place!” giggled Patton.

“Yes, that was pure delight.” agreed Lo, even though all of them knew that they said that only because of Patton.

“Sorry about that.” mumbled Virgil, looking at the ground.

“Oh, don’t sweat it, honey.” smiled Roman, and Virgil growled.

“I thought that we agreed on the pet names.”

“I couldn’t miss an opportunity to embarrass you in the fellowship.”

“Hey, ladies. Keep the flirting in the bedroom.” Remy snapped his fingers and pointed at the door. Lo and Patton were already coming inside.

The hall was just as Lo remembered it. Cold, metallic and a little bit rusty. It felt like nothing had changed since the last time they were there. They looked at Patton beside them.

Everything had changed.

It felt weird that this time- they weren’t there in the role of a scientist slash inventor. Just a simple visitor. Visitor with their friends. They thought that probably somewhere in the crowd, there were the people who kicked them out of the event last time. Maybe even that bastard Josh. This thought made them a little bit tense.

Meanwhile Patton and Joan looked like they entered a playground. They kept running around the whole building, nagging the people (that was mostly Patton) and asking many questions (mostly Joan). Lo once again scanned the space. It seemed to be safe for now.

Remy visibly kept his distance close to Lo. They weren’t sure why, but also didn’t mind. They never minded Remy’s company and if they could bring some sort of comfort just by their presence, they would gladly allow that. With surprise, Lo thought that maybe a year ago, they wouldn’t have thought about Remy this way. They would still do that sure but they just wouldn’t dwell into these warm feelings. Lo changed and they knew that.

The next few events rolled like an avalanche.

Firstly, Virgil gasped and Roman cried because Virgil dug his long fingers into Roman’s arm.

Secondly, some man yelled “YOU”.

Thirdly, Patton, on his way to Virgil, accidentally stumbled into a table and some invention fell down causing a loud clash.

Lo turned around, worry filling his eyes. Everyone in the hall of the hangar fell silent.

“You!” repeated the man, pointing at Virgil. His face was distorter with anger, while Virgil’s one showed pure horror.

It wasn’t hard to notice the resemblance between these two. Even though they weren’t exactly the same, their eyes were shaped in a similar way, not to mention general face features. Even their aura was similar.

“What are you doing here?” growled Virgil, trying to keep himself calm. Roman squeezed his shoulder from behind.

“I’m trying to achieve something in which you failed. Boy.” Replied the man, the last word being spilled with venom and hate.

“Suddenly just a ‘boy’?” Virgil laughed. “Well, I should have expected that, father.” He said the last sentence a little bit louder, dragging attention of most people nearby. Their curious eyes were piercing Virgil and his father. And for once Virgil didn’t feel fear.

“I knew I’ve heard that voice already.” whispered Roman quietly.

In front of them was standing no one other than Coenraad van Dijk, tha same man who led to Roman’s parents death. Rage filled Roman’s veins. His knuckles turned white. He wanted to stand in front of Virgil and protect him from all the bad that could come from Virgil’s father. And then kick this creature into the sea. He wanted revenge. But there are battles one should fight alone. Some battles just weren’t his own. No one could win this fight better than Virgil. All Roman could do was loyally standing beside. He knew that Virgil would fight in his own name too. He looked around himself, Lo, Patton, Remy and even Joan were already standing by his side. Roman smiled. “You’re not alone, Virgil.” he said out loud.. “And, say just one thing and I will fight this man till the last drop of my blood.” he added.

“Look at you, Virgil.” Coenraad said through clenched teeth, apparently Roman’s words didn’t reach his ears. “You surround yourself with the most pathetic bunch in the world. Didn’t I raise you well? You could live in the luxuries till the end of your life!”

“Enough.” stated Virgil quietly but without a result.

“Instead you chose living with human garbage. Do you think I haven’t heard about your financial problems? Oh, I have. I just choose not to do anything about it. You shouldn’t have failed me. You should have-”

“I said enough!” repeated Virgil, taking few steps forward. He glanced over his shoulder. “Each of them is ten times better than you!” He turned to face his friends. “Do you see this person in an apron? That’s the genius of our times! The man beside them-” Virgil pointed at Patton. “Yes, the one with glasses. This is the miracle, true scientific miracle. So much more of a human than you. Remy over there? One of the most honest and helpful people I know. Joan… Well, I haven’t known them for long, but I know from a trusted source that they’ve been through a lot and look! They are still standing! And finally,” Virgil’s voice softened. “Do you see the man with a soft halo instead of hair? Whose eyes are the most treasured thing on the world? This man over there is a survivor that escaped you. The one who had been so strong, even though world and you tried to break him. The one who absolutely won me the moment I saw him. Roman del Rey himself.”

Virgil turned back to Coenraad, whose eyes were wide with shock for a moment. Virgil couldn’t tell what was behind that surprise: was it the fact that Virgil had finally stood for himself or the fact that Roman was alive and well. Probably a mixture of both. He watched Coenraad’s eyes travel to Roman’s face, looking for a resemblance to his parents. An anger and embarrassment flashed through his face, when Coenraad’s eyes narrowed and his lips parted to say something. He was however cut off by Virgil, who wasn’t gonna let his father interrupt him ever again. Who wasn’t gonna let his father disgrace Roman any more.

“With these people having my back, I can say that I don’t need you in my life.” he said and without a warning punched his father right in his face. And then again.

Blood was covering Virgil’s knuckles and he was panting heavily. The moment passed, seeing his father resting his hand on his knee, the other trying to stop the nosebleed, broke something in him. He let his handkerchief fall down. Coenraad grabbed it quickly and it hit Virgil how pathetic his father looked. The humiliation was visible in his posture, eyes and could be felt in the air. And suddenly Virgil’s didn’t pity him anymore. Because he realized that the eyes of the audience were the worst punishment his father could get.

“My mercy is the last thing you deserve. Not to mention Roman’s forgiveness.” Virgil said calmly. “This is the last time you’re gonna see me. Don’t look for me. You wouldn’t be able to find me anyway since, I assume, you’ve been blinded by your fortune and ego, since a long time ago.”

He didn’t feel any shade of guilt when he passed his father by. The rest of the group followed his footsteps.

Roman kept his head high. He was hurting. He was hurting that his parents’ murderer was still alive. But he knew that he couldn’t kill him. Neither now, nor ever. He was better than that. However, he did smile when Joan spat at Coenraad’s feet.

In the entrance, a man stopped the group. More precisely- he stopped Lo and Patton. Lo blinked. Round face… notebook made out of leather… something was similar about that guy. It took him a moment to recognise him-  the head of the jury.

“I’m sorry, Mister…” The man started, ignoring Lo’s quiet denial. “I would be interested in buying your magnificent invention.” He pointed at Patton. “You can be rich! Because it is truly  wonderful! It looks just like a normal person!”

Lo blinked few times, trying to proceed man’s words. Patton beside him shifted on his spot.

“But sir,” said Lo finally. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Patton is a normal person. Therefore he is not for sale.” They said calmly. “Now if you excuse us, we have a business to attend. Something more worthy of our presence.” Their hand found its way to Patton’s.  They were about to walk away when Lo stopped for one last time and looking straight at the male in front of them said: “And it’s not a ‘mister’. Please respect that.”

Patton shot Lo a bright smile and squeezed their hand. He could feel pride vibrating through Lo’s body. For the first time in their life, they stood for their right to be addressed the way they wanted in public.

The door closed behind them. Even though it was raining, the sun was peeking behind clouds. Lo looked at the sky and their lips spread in a wide grin. The rainbow was running bright and colorful across the sky.

From the building, the group could hear the angry screams of Coenraad van Dijk.

~~~

Epilogue

They were standing on the front part of the deck.  Gentle wind caressed their faces and hair. The view was wonderful. Sky was clear as they were drifting through the middle of the sea, towards the unknown. It was a warm evening and so where the feelings in their hearts.

It was Roman’s idea, actually. Being clear that they wouldn’t find peace in the place they used to call home, Roman suggested moving to the country from his memories.

Joan offered help.

Remy decided to tag along, he said that his life would be boring without that mess.

Logan said that he needed inspiration anyway.

Patton didn’t even question the idea.

Virgil had nothing to miss for anymore.

Golden rays were reflecting in the water, making it look as though they were sailing through the ocean of gold and diamonds. And Logan thought that this was inspiration. Not the dark box he used to live at. He looked to the back at Patton. His fluffy, brown hair was ruffled by the wind. That was his other inspiration. He knew that only now, at peace with himself, he could start over. His machines stayed at home. Maybe someone would find them useful someday.

With the corner of his eye, Patton caught the sight of Logan staring. He smiled and his smile was somehow brighter than the sun. Logan mirrored the smile. It was genuine. Patton looked back at the sea. For a moment, he thought he saw something under the unclear water. Maybe it was past or maybe a jellyfish. He would never know. He looked back at Logan. His smile widened.

Virgil couldn’t say that he wasn’t nervous. He went against everything he was taught from the youngest age. He thought of his mother, watching over him from the sky. Hopefully she was still rooting for him. He unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Chilly wind touched his skin but he didn’t shiver.

Roman was leaning over the balustrade. Even though he spent those last couple of years living in the harbor, he had forgotten how the sea really smelt like. He took a deep breath in, a soft smile decorating his lips. Thinking about all the changes that were about to come, he closed his eyes. Everything would be different from now on, but he was sure that it was just the natural course of events. The first cogwheel was already on the route, there was no way to stop it. Roman opened his eyes.

They were sailing towards their new horizons.

The end.

If you liked this fic and appreciate 6 months of my hard work you can consider supporting me on KO-FI.

[gaming2day]

SnowRunner review - review

The engaged simulation games narrow range development usually focus only on the thought of simulation whether to fly or other wild driving, but noted in recent attempts to tug out the simulation games this narrow nature and supply them with wider breathing, game SnowRunner.

I expected it to be an easy game, but I used to be surprised at what proportion fun there's in it and it might be a promising step towards the longer term of those games. History has no place during a small world...

There is no story in any way during this game and it's an excellent read signal for lovers of history games, it's the last word simulation game that searching for a loving and own audience for this sort of game.

The game world focuses on three main environments, and every environment is split into four areas that the player can unlock from each section by completing the specified missions then move seamlessly between them.

You can simply say that the range is extremely clear and delightful between the three environments, but you'll notice its narrowness between the various sections of every environment, it's very similar within the general theme and therefore the difference within the distribution of bridges, challenges, etc..

The truth is told during this regard... the sport is difficult and most players will spend tons of  time within the first small area before going bent the remainder of the areas and traveling during a different environment, so this is often not an enormous downside and you'll not notice it while playing for the pressures and challenges that await you, but rather after spending tons of your time you'll hope that there is something new try within the game sort of a desert area or something like that!

It should be noted that the developer is curious about a full-time cycle within the game world, during the sport you will see the sunrise, daylight, sunset and night, and you will, of course, be ready to speed up the time so that it doesn't constitute an enormous obstacle ahead of you or to settle on the optimal time to require pictures. A pleasant drive may be a key point!

Because it is a tough game, you wonder why? the solution is straightforward after trying it for a couple of minutes, as this is often not a simulation game to maneuver easily from one place to a different and crazy speed and what follows, but this game reflects the familiar racing games and provides you a fresh and refreshing experience that's applying realistic physical laws to the movement of the truck, its speed, and driving.

The idea of the sport revolves around one thing, which is selecting the proper truck and believe a logical strategy for the route you would like to try to, then transport the specified materials and transport them to the required area, you will find some various activities among the aspects of this essence, like finding a replacement car to drive or pull a truck stuck within the mud or water et al. Or achieve challenges like climbing on a plateau, access to watchtowers to get rid of the fog from the map, and therefore the look for development tools of the truck that are always distributed in specific locations on each map and more.

The best which will be said about the sport is that it's creative in getting you into its atmosphere despite its difficulty, it'll attract you to return and keep trying to beat obstacles and navigate the game's activities and its many trucks.

Of course, this does not apply to all or any players, if difficult games that need patience don't interest you, then I do not think these words of praise are feasible, or rather they're in your interest. you would like to travel back and check out to succeed again, so don't expect a simple experience and buy the sport during this regard.

The most obvious difficulties during this game are the obstacles planted throughout the map, you've got torrential water, dense mud, and snow, and sometimes will simply stop moving for obstacles simpler than that, also as determine the quantity of fuel which will be consumed while traveling the map and therefore the ability to face up to damage.

On the opposite hand, you've got some assistance to endure these obstacles, the foremost important of which may be a tool to carry things and drag the cart thereto or the other way around, and therefore the way repeatedly this easy tool has saved me from an inevitable situation and the risk of coming back from zero ... additionally to the likelihood of a broad development of every truck to extend the strength and effectiveness of this tool and its types and lots of others, and indeed it's been very useful and not vainly, and eventually, there's a plus in small trucks AWD To activate all-wheel drive of the whole truck while driving and switch from traditional traction easily, and maybe no got to explain the sweetness and importance of this feature ...

You can also add several aesthetic touches to the truck to form it more distinctive, and what interests me is that the interactive effect of a number of these additions (for example, you'll add lights over the truck, and within the dark of night it'll start to lighten itself up! It's isolated from the lights of the car itself) and its diversity for every pickup and its particular design.

The best which will be said about the sport is that it's creative in getting you into its atmosphere despite its difficulty, it'll attract you to return and keep trying to beat obstacles and navigate the game's activities and its many trucks. I also mention other features of lovely driving inside the truck through a camera that shows its shape from the within and at the wheel especially among the straightforward options for the camera, and therefore the developer says that you simply can choose the manual driving of the truck rather than automatic driving to vary the speed, etc.. But I've searched and that I haven't found such settings within the game (could have intended the likelihood of interacting with the gearbox because the transition between strong pulse and movie or normal or backward movement, all this is often done manually during the game).

Despite the various positives that I even have mentioned for the sport, there are disadvantages that, unfortunately, are difficult to ignore, that it's excessively difficult to drive on normal roads, which seems illogical and a touch lazy in developing the gameplay and making it one altogether cases, of course, this doesn't mean that driving isn't harder more clearly and noticeably in difficult areas, but it's not logical to strangely control the truck on a natural road suitable for all cars.

Also, it's strange that it's impossible to satisfy the conditions required for the mission flexibly if you're asked to iron first then the wood can't carry one before the opposite, but rather you've got to respect the stages of the mission when the sport gets more professional you will find how around it, for instance by connecting your truck to a transport vehicle and providing it with the required materials next to What's onboard your truck itself, but really, why is it complicated?

I would have liked the driver's personality to possess more interaction while driving or a minimum of feeling his presence (maybe ignoring him is a component of this simulation experience) Unfortunately the movements he makes while driving are fake and there's no kinetic effect on them with the car, what I mean is that he will pretend to lift the installed brakes but when he looks at his hands, he drives him within the air inside the car, and therefore the most undesirable thing is that there's no effect of movement with the gearbox and control of the car.

The game supports online multiplayer mode with friends and the other player within the world, and therefore the idea is just to hitch his world or let him into your world to figure together to accomplish missions and support those that fall under a hopeless quagmire out of it. In fact, despite the simplicity of this cooperative phase, it's very fun and provides fun and entertaining situations among players and has been carefully designed and balanced. There's a tax audit...

Speaking of game graphics, you'll find two main parts in simulation games like these, the surface world and therefore the truck itself, and in fact, the developer paid more attention to the truck than to the entire details of the surface world...

The design of the truck is wonderful and realistic inside and out and has all the small details that cause you to happy, except for the remainder of the sports world it's quite nice and satisfying for a game like this and especially, you'll enjoy the sunshine and sun reflections and therefore, the beautiful effects of adjusting the day and night and the brightness of the sun, there's little question that the developer has also taken care of the planning Mud, snow and water added a couple of touches and little details to seem sort of a simulation experience integrated with realism and quality, but has somewhat neglected his eye in designing trees, grass, and buildings around you.

The mirrors that received the most important slap from the developer, chose for her a random and really ugly design, with none nice reflection or maybe benefit while driving from inside the car, but rather not seeks an integral aesthetic appearance.

Bad choice for music

For this to be a very integrated experience, you would like to listen to the sounds of engines, rows, and truck brakes, all with high precision and quality. showrunner.

The thing that bothered me once I was playing is that the choice of bad and stressful music, it is often an equivalent even when it changes and never suits the sports environment and atmosphere...

Technical errors

From my duty to feel the presence of an enormous technical error within the game, a stop of labor completely often once I open the map quickly then return to play, and a few players complained about overlapping the models together sometimes.

I was also exposed to a weird technical problem that's the entire disappearance of the driving force when the car overturns for a weird and incomprehensible reason.

If you wish this game I like to recommend you wait until a replacement update of the sport will solve these current problems.

Conclusion

This game offers a superb and delightful simulation experience filled with challenging challenges and slightly variegated environments, during which you will find an outsized amount of huge and little trucks, many customization features and a fun collective mode with many activities within its world, of course, the character of the content isn't far away from the simulation of the truck driving challenge, freight, etc. But from now of view is a superb and fast acquisition for fans of those games if they will ignore the negatives like annoying music and a few worlds and await the technical problems to be addressed

[angrycollectordaze-me-blog]

Paper代写：The light and shadow effect of coloured glaze art

下面为大家整理一篇优秀的paper代写范文- The light and shadow effect of coloured glaze art，供大家参考学习，这篇论文讨论了琉璃艺术的光影效果。琉璃是冷峻坚硬的材料，由于透明和折光而有流光溢彩的表象。琉璃材质本身的透明性这种特性，使得光影能在我们后期再创作中，发挥出举足轻重的作用，原本看似黯淡的琉璃作品，由于其透明的特性，在光影的作用下原本单一呆板的色调，在光的捉弄下，竟变得如此让人神往，光影和琉璃能迸射出色彩流动的美感，作品在不同美学元素配置下，因光影而呈现出璀璨色彩。

Coloured glaze is the carrier of light, light is the rhythm of coloured glaze, light, like notes on the thickness of coloured glaze playing rhythmic music. In a specific environment, the surrounding light and color, shape together to participate in the performance of glass works of art, kaleidoscopic, gorgeous, is the light achievements of glass, gave him unlimited performance space. Max Lucia, professor of psychology at the university of basu in Germany, once said when talking about the use of lighting: rather than using color to create atmosphere, it is better to use different degrees of lighting, the effect will be more ideal. The combination of coloured glaze material and light and shadow makes coloured glaze art stand out in the multifarious art field.

Coloured glaze is cold and hard material, as a result of transparent and refractive and have the appearance of time excessive color. Coloured glaze is heavy solid solid, and as a result of transparent and seem to have if do not have. Coloured glaze has the industrial society character with regular machinery already, also have natural and guileless, sweet and lovely style and features. Give priority to with transparent qualitative feeling is the glamour of coloured glaze, it makes coloured glaze having rich expression space. The transparent of coloured glaze has each different, have complete transparent, translucent, almost opaque even: have coloured transparent with colorless transparent: have very pure transparent, also have the transparent that fills bubble impurity. The transparency of coloured glaze is very characteristic, which is the unique and valuable quality that other materials cannot match. The pure and immaculate transparent visual effect not only conveys the clean, delicate and crystal aesthetic feeling, but also conveys the same personality with the purity, magnanimity and selflessness. Transparent qualitative character can make a person daydream is myriad, can undertake any analogy and imagination, also constituted the emotional appeal that other material cannot imitate and feeling. Just because of the transparency of the coloured glaze material itself characteristic, makes light can in our later creation, play a decisive role, that seemed dark coloured glaze work, due to its characteristics of transparent, under the action of light and shadow, the original single dull tone, under the light of, unexpectedly become so fascination, light and coloured glaze can flow burst out colour aesthetic feeling, works under the different aesthetic element configuration, presents the bright color with light and shadow.

As artistic creation materials, coloured glaze is very special, it may be said that hard when such as drilling, soft when like water. It does not have a fixed melting point, but has a wide, gradual plastic forming area, which brings a lot of possibilities for the formation of glass, greatly enriched the modeling language and light and shadow color show. From 400 ℃ to 1000 ℃, the state of the coloured glaze by softening to conglutination, by extension, to melt flow, forming area, this is a very wide area is a good color fusion. Using its semisolid, it can be pinched, pulled, wrapped, wound, cut, pressed and bent. Use its solid state, but grind, cut, cut, drill, carve etc., formed different colour to flow area, form feeling and artistic feeling union are more close, administrative levels and space come to the fore.

Traditional glass melting mainly relies on artificial experience. Modern glass manufacturing temperature control technology has been very mature. In particular, the "glass studio movement" of low-temperature fused glass technology developed in the 1960s in Europe and America has very accurate control of the melting temperature of coloured glaze. Glass materials in the solidification, melting process is also reversible. It can undergo repeated molding process of solidification after softening and softening after solidification. Thus, the various characteristics in the process of soft music, melting, solidification and condensation provide artists with rich creative language, and create various shapes and dreamlike colors of glass art.

In the combination of light and shadow, the work will produce changes in the light and shade interface and the shadow hierarchy, and give the visual sense of three-dimensional. If the spectral composition, light flux, light intensity, projection position and direction of the source are changed, various changes of tone, light and shade, intensity and shade, virtual and real, and contour interface will be produced, which is an important means to apply light and shadow together to render the artistic atmosphere. So many works do not use eyes reflect the characteristics of its permeability, but in the form of a backlight foil a coloured glaze material in the liquid and the modelling of semi-solid state characteristic, make works for the silhouette effect, compared with the straight by light irradiation to the work itself is more hazy feeling, mystery, more to strengthen the work form aesthetic feeling.

Another characteristic of the beautiful material of coloured glaze is light, specifically refraction and reflection. Light is of great significance to the art of coloured glaze. Had light, coloured glaze had a soul. Without light, there is no color. Color is closely related to light. Color in vision cannot be separated from light. The use of light in painting is very important. Light can show the stereoscopic sense, contour, depth and space of objects. Light may adorn a portrait to make it young or old, beautiful or ugly; When describing the environment, light can make the environment warm, comfortable or cold and simple, or make the environment larger or smaller. Light can emphasize key points and highlight the main characters. The use of roundness in ballet is an example. In western painting, the use of light and shadow is the most important. From the beginning of drawing, under the effect of light and shadow on the body and color changes.

Under the participation of light, the quantity and texture of colored glaze sometimes make people have a psychedelic feeling. It is an important and unique artistic language of colored glaze art to skillfully use the variability of light and shadow, or contrast, or foil, or simple, or illusory. Different light intensity and color, can obtain a variety of visual space effect and artistic atmosphere: sometimes bright and gorgeous, sometimes dark and depressing; Sometimes warm and comfortable, sometimes fidgety; Sometimes joyous, sometimes ghastly; Sometimes warm warm, sometimes cold cold; Sometimes rich romantic sentiment, produce mysterious feeling to wait a moment sometimes, the glamour of illumination it may be said is capricious. Color is ever-changing under the influence of light, and they are expressed by subjective images, which increases the imagination for the creation. Instead of deliberately expressing light and shadow, light and shadow are used to express the emotion of creation, and it is completely feasible to use reason and emotion.

Transparent and the material of the dense smooth jade-like embellish makes coloured glaze has very good light transmission, can light transmission, refraction, reflection, absorption and other reactions. After the precise calculation of cutting and polishing, there are rules such as diamond stone surface glass body, can be refracted out of the dazzling light. After sintering the natural condensation of the surface has a round and glossy beauty. Different thickness and color glass works in the light transmission of color concentration changes, more beautiful. After the re-creation of cold cutting, more fully show the light transmission, refraction, reflection of the glass material characteristics.

In short, light and shadow itself is a kind of special art. When the sun shines through the treetops, a patch of light falls on the ground, and the wind changes the density and density, the artistic charm is hard to express in words. Be like the shadow of the bamboo on white wall below moonlight and the shadow of the droplight that swaying in wind and rain, it is a kind of taste however. The light and shadow of nature is arranged by the sun and moonlight, while the light and shadow art of coloured glaze is created by designers. The form of light can be from the sharp point of the small needle to the boundless form, we should use a variety of lighting devices, in the appropriate place, to create a vivid effect of light and shadow to set off the work.

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[watchilove]

Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain

At the beginning of SIHH 2019, I published the press release of the Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain. The 39.6mm size, the first watch in such a small print for the independent brand, raised a series of difficulties overcome by the experienced watchmakers in years. The Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain has a bigger version, in 41.6mm, with a diamond set. This is a philosophical review, praising the quality of Greubel Forsey.

Diamond Set Balancier Contemporain

Since 2004, when Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey teamed up and launched Greubel Forsey, the world is a better place. Creativity and excellence are words that fairly describe the brand’s approach of fine watchmaking. The independent duo creates pieces in the highest echelon of high-end watchmaking. Witness to that stay the numerous prizes the brand received. The brand creates under 100 pieces per year, but push further and further the limits of quality, innovation and creativity.

Every Greubel Forsey watch is an art piece. The Balancier Contemporain makes no exception. So pushed by the brand’s quest of perfection, I started a quest on my own – finding perfection and the flows. To make things difficult, I selected the diamond set piece.

The Balancier Contemporain caseband and lugs are fitted with 160 baguette-cut diamonds in a total of 6.21ct

You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy. So shine bright…

My personal feeling over the Greubel Forsey cases is that they were just made to accustom the fabulous movements, keeping the same level of extraordinary, of course. Just remember the GMT Earth. But the cases are always exceptional finished. Exceptional enough not to have the impression that is a detail left behind. Elegant and simple enough not to shadow the movement.

The bezel is set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, in total 3.06ct. The crown is fitted with 12 baguette-cut diamonds – 0.31ct

So what happens when you add diamonds to a Greubel Forsey case? It will manage to reduce the spark, to overshadow the movement? My feeling – never. I feel, with the Balancier Contemporain in my hands, that the inner beauty is just better highlighted. Did the diamonds version make the pure metal Greubel Forsey piece boring or dull? Never!

Is just a momentary lapse of reason? No! Watches, like any other object these days, are for the right people. There will always be the right people to wish and to buy the right watches. And thank all deities for that. Because we all benefit from this. Without crazy people to wish for crazy things, we all would still be staying in caves, running from the thunders.

The finesse of the invisible diamond set.

The 41.6mm white gold case of the Balancier Contemporain is architectural. The variable shape lugs bring a touch of charm to the diamond set case. In the picture above can be easily observed the raised bezel with high domed synthetic sapphire crystal. The entire exterior package of this watch is sublime. The case invites you to observe its sinuous lines, invisible setting and its remarkable beauty.

The Balancier Contemporain displays hours and minutes, small seconds and the 72-hours power reserve on a sector.

“Here’s looking at you, kid.”

I am starting the next chapter with the words of Rick Blaine from Casablanca. What I have in mind are the dial and the movement – the one and same entity in this case. The truest and visible proof of Greubel Forsey ingenuity and expertise can be seen on the front of the Balancier Contemporain.

A view to the in-house variable-inertia with 6 gold mean-time screws balance wheel. Measuring 12.60 mm in diameter, the balance wheel is large by today’s norms but natural for a Greubel Forsey piece.

The multi-depth architecture and the noteworthy finishes are revealed effortlessly directly from the dial. Multi-level in gold and mother-of-pearl with a large visual opening for the balance wheel. Overall, polished bevels are visible in various angles and sizes.

The signature flat black polished steel balance wheel bridge with hand-polished bevelling and countersinks and straight-grained flanks.

All the dials elements are in contrast with the Nickel silver, frosted and spotted mainplate. The mainplate has perfect straight-grained flanks and was enriched with a nickel-palladium treatment for a spectacular appearance.

Note the mirror polish reflecting the movement’s elements, the polished bevelling and the multitude of present details.

Small seconds sub-dial is placed discretely between 8 and 9 o’clock. Manufactured in gold and mother-of-pearl, the indication suffers from a subtle polished bevel.

The power-reserve in gold is engraved and black lacquered. The hand was matt lapped.

The staggering 72 hours power reserve is expressed on a large area of the dial. The implementation uses an unusually long hand. The register is engraved and lacquered: the Arabic numeral on the exterior frosted surface and the indexes on a sunk brushed surface.

The mother of pearl time dial is opened to reveal entirely the large balance wheel.

Unfortunately, the picture above does not serve the beauty of the time display. In reality, the mother of pearl is gorgeous. Observable are the above average finishes of the gold minutes’ rail track: a chamfered and polished side on which other details of the movement are reflected.

The caseback’s raised polished engraving “Balancier” and “Greubel Forsey” on a hand-punched background complete the theme of the mainplate’s back. Note the elegant gold security screws used to fix the caseback.

The art behind the visible

The other face of the watch is an art piece that lies hidden from the eyes of strangers. Under a transparent back with high domed synthetic sapphire crystal, similar to the one on the top, it is visible the mainplate filled with engravings. A signature key of many Greubel Forsey timepieces.

A central gold plate with “GF” logo and engraved with the individual number rules the centre of the movement’s back.

Greubel Forsey gold buckle on a rubber strap

The Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain can be manufactured in white gold or in 18k 5N red gold. The watch can be assorted with an Alligator or rubber strap featuring a white gold or 18k 5N red pin buckle adorned with a hand-engraved with the GF logo.

Le bon Dieu est dans le détail

“The good God is in the detail” – is generally attributed to Gustave Flaubert, the author of Madame Bovary. The level of details and finishes preceed even the brand’s innovations. There is no doubt that this independent brand is one of the greatest contemporary watchmaking entity. I love their watches for the technical beauty. The finishes are just the cherry on the top. Something sweet and tasty that is just a sample of the entire cake.

I am not a diamond guy… I say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But I would wear it? – Yes, definitively!

Greubel Forsey Diamond Set Balancier Contemporain is handsome on the wrist. Ravishing – I will rather say…

Returning to the main title: “in search of perfection”, the question remains. Is this a perfect watch? The answer is no, by far. There are so many things that can be improved (maybe in the future). But I dare you, can you find something better than this? I will also answer this question: something different, yes. But better?

Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain Technical Specifications

Movement

Movement dimensions • Diameter: 32.40 mm • Thickness: 9.20 mm

Sketch by Stephen Forsey

Number of parts • Movement: 255 parts

Number of jewels • 33 • Olived-domed jewels in gold chatons

Chronometric power reserve • 72 hours

Barrels • Two series-coupled fast rotating barrels (1 turn in 3.2 hours), one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension • Barrel with relief engraving “Greubel Forsey”

Balance wheel • In-house variable-inertia with 6 gold mean-time screws (12.60 mm diameter) • Stop balance activated by the crown

Frequency • 21’600 vibrations/hour

Balance spring • Phillips terminal curve • Geneva-style stud

Main plates • Nickel silver, frosted and spotted, straight-grained flanks, nickel-palladium treatment

Bridges • Nickel silver, frosted and spotted with polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks, nickel-palladium treatment • Flat black polished steel balance wheel bridge, hand-polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks • Flat black polished gold plate on the movement side with relief engraved text, polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks with apparent gold chatons • Central gold plate, “GF” engraved with the individual number

Gearing • Involute circle profile

Displays • Hours and minutes • Small seconds • 72-hours power reserve on a sector

Exterior

Case • In white gold or in 18k 5N red gold with a high domed synthetic sapphire crystal • Bezel and caseband, invisibly set with baguette-cut diamonds • Three-dimensional, variable geometry-shaped lugs, invisibly set with baguette-cut diamonds • Transparent back with high domed synthetic sapphire crystal • Raised polished engraving “Balancier” and “Greubel Forsey” on a hand-punched background • Gold security screws • Hand-engraved individual number

Case dimensions • Diameter: 41.60 mm • Height: 12.25 mm Water resistance of the case • Water-resistant 3 atm – 30 m – 100 ft (standard NIHS 92-20/SN ISO 22810:2010)

Sketch by Stephen Forsey

Crown • In white gold or in 18k 5N red gold with engraved and black lacquered GF logo, invisibly set with baguette-cut diamonds

Dial • Multi-level in gold and mother-of-pearl with a visual opening for the balance wheel, polished bevel • Small seconds in gold and mother-of-pearl, polished bevels • Power-reserve in gold, engraved and black lacquered, hand matt lapped

Hands • Hours, minutes, small seconds and power-reserve in polished gold, hand-polished countersinks

Strap and clasp • Alligator or rubber • White gold or 18k 5N red pin buckle, hand-engraved with the GF logo

IF / D-E quality diamonds and carats • 232 baguette-cut diamonds / 9.58 ct total • Caseband and lugs: 160 baguette-cut diamonds / 6.21 ct • Bezel: 60 baguette-cut diamonds / 3.06 ct • Crown: 12 baguette-cut diamonds / 0.31 ct

For more information, please visit the Greubel Forsey Website.

Greubel Forsey Diamond Set Balancier Contemporain is handsome on the wrist. Ravishing – I will rather say…

The bezel is set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, in total 3.06ct. The crown is fitted with 12 baguette-cut diamonds – 0.31ct

The finesse of the invisible diamond set.

The mother of pearl time dial is opened to reveal entirely the large balance wheel.

The power-reserve in gold is engraved and black lacquered. The hand was matt lapped.

Note the mirror polish reflecting the movement’s elements, the polished bevelling and the multitude of present details.

The Balancier Contemporain displays hours and minutes, small seconds and the 72-hours power reserve on a sector

Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain

Raised polished engraving “Balancier” and “Greubel Forsey” on a hand-punched background

Greubel Forsey gold buckle on a rubber strap

Review: In search of perfection – an iced Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain At the beginning of SIHH 2019, I published the press release of the Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain.

[czugwrite]

Particles and Waves: The Light of the Giving Keys

Published article for The Yellow Co.’s monthly member magazine. 

(Photo credit: The Yellow Co.)

For many years, scientists believed that light was a wave. It bounced and behaved with the personality of a singular ocean wave, and was independently characterized as such. But then, with closer observation, we noticed that sometimes, light surprised us. Sometimes it came and went, danced and disappeared. We had to realize there was more going on. As we learned, we saw light is also a teeming cloud of tiny particles. And a wave. We realized that, in fact, light moves and behaves as two very different things -- simultaneously. And the more we studied the brilliance of light, seemingly simple to access and appreciate, the more of a miracle it became.

For some, from afar, the GIving Keys is just light: “Creating employment for people transitioning out of homelessness.”  Bright, beautiful, and easy to comprehend. It’s a key on a string. A powerful wave of do-gooders.  Another lovely social enterprise shining truth, goodness and hope into the darkness of our world. And to say this of the Giving Keys is by no means an underestimation. What began as a creative side-venture from the mind of Caitlyn Crosby, the merch table of key necklaces quickly grew into a booming company with over 70 employees, with products carried in hundreds of upscale department stores. And along with all the cultural success, the Giving Keys has also assisted dozens of individuals in moving beyond homelessness, by providing them steady employment.

But what happens when you zoom in? When you examine that light on a smaller scale? You see it’s more than just a big, wave-like movement. It’s also many tiny particles, and demonstrates a rich, deep, miraculous complexity. Every day, The Giving Keys generates light, but it does so by bringing together very different groups of people, from different backgrounds, and putting them side by side in a daily working environment. And together, they illuminate lives by eliminating homelessness.

One sunny morning in Los Angeles, I was privileged enough to witness some of this happen.  I got to meet with several sweet souls at the Giving Keys headquarters, in order to better understand this magical mashup of diverse working professionals.

And like the duality of light, what I encountered there was miraculous.

(Photo credit: The Giving Keys)

An air of openness and strength greeted me at the door of their large, organized warehouse. Its worn, practical surfaces were accented with clean, monochrome design. Textured farmhouse tables and black communal desks rested side by side. It was a charming sensory overload, from the zesty ‘80s playlist, to the chiming of necklace chains, to the fingers tap-tapping away -- some upon keyboards, some upon actual keys. It had the energy of something like Santa’s workshop, if he were a millennial jewelry maker. It was that magical.

Even more than the aesthetics and the music, however, what really caught my attention were the people. Looking around the room, before I said a word to anyone, I could sense their culture of creativity and kindness. At first glance, their unity made everyone appear similar, like one a harmonious force of production. Particles and waves.

But as I stepped back and truly considered the people I was looking at, I was able to realize just how different they all were -- in every way! They were a rainbow of color, a spectrum of ages, a hodge-podge of human beings. Like the jewelry they were making, the place sparkled with stark diversity.

Wide-eyed and in love, I fought to stifle my glee as I shook hands with two glowing Giving Keys employees, Ashley and Pa. Ashley, fair and dainty, reminded me of a most sincere cheerleading captain, with her bright smile and pretty pin-stripe dress. Pa rocked a colorful baseball cap and Giving Keys choker, and  towered over her like a sequoia.  We settled into the company’s lovely refurbished Airstream, and enjoyed a discussion about their experiences related to our theme, “Come Together.”

Sitting side by side, Pa and Ashley couldn’t have been more profoundly different. And yet, their joy was the same. This is some of our conversation.

Ashley, who works in marketing, discovered the Giving Keys while hunting for a unique gift for a friend. Intrigued by the company’s message on the packaging, her passion for non-profit work led her to pursue a position there. Pa, now a production associate, found his way to the Giving Keys while on his journey out of homelessness. He left his home in West Africa, worked his way through the program at LA’s Union Rescue mission, and eventually became eligible for a job interview. This summer, both Ashley and Pa hit their one-year mark with the Giving Keys.

As the two sat, laughed and chatted together, the heart of the company beat loudly before me. I realized these were more than just two individuals employed by the same company. They were colleagues, authentic and caring -- true examples of two different people, working together for good.

Pa shared a bit of his story first. explaining how his work at the Giving Keys has shaped him so far.  “No matter where I came from, all the types of stuff I been through, they accept me for who I am. And I am very grateful for that.” He paused, almost reflective. “ I thank God, and I pray for this place every day. The Giving Keys, they help change lives.”

The gratefulness that Pa recounted also stirred Ashley to affirm the community element at their office. “But when we talk about who’s serving who, it’s literally a question,” she entreated with passion. “It’s not whether one population is serving another -- there is no line like that that exists here, it’s very much an all-together community, with all of us learning from one another. “

Particles and waves. We explored this idea further, unlikely individuals coming together to help sell and make key necklaces, of all things. I asked them about the challenges of working in an environment where they may be hesitant or afraid at first  to connect with someone so unlike them.

“I’m not really open; if I don’t know you, I close up, “ Pa laughed. A totally normal human reaction, and probably the reason why most people struggle to form new acquaintances -- even in a working environment where people are more externally similar!

“It’s not necessarily we want to run from people who are different from us, but how do I  relate to someone who is so different from me?,” Ashley sincerely posited. “What do I say to that person? How do you communicate on an equal level without sounding weird or awkward, or not cool?”

“Or offending them!” Paul laughed again.

He went on to reveal how opening up to people finally occurs for him. “Once I start talking, and knowing who [someone is],  I just want to embrace them and say, hey, like, you came from a dark, dark, dark time in life, like...” He searched for words. “I thought I had the biggest problems before I came here. But working with people who come from different sorts of backgrounds, experiences in life, from all types of problems -- [they’re] just like mine. Maybe little different, but they have beat them, overcome them, and they landed right here, next to me.”

Pensive and appreciative, Pa went on. “It’s like God was just telling me something all along, and I wasn’t listening. Then he put me in a place where I could see it all and feel it all. It’s weird.”

Ashley nodded. “We all look at our own pasts, and not all of us have experienced homelessness, but we have experienced rough things. I think at the end of the day, even though everyone comes from such a unique past and unique differences, we’re all excited to have a sense of belonging somewhere, and a sense of value to what we’re doing on a day to day...It would be a worse case scenario if we had to split our production warehouse and our admin into different buildings.”

She explained a little more about the environment of the warehouse, how it is working alongside various experience levels and personalities. “Having that kind of diversity in experience allows us to move at a quick pace, and have innovative ideas...It can make it challenging, but there’s such a culture here about accepting who we are in the present and not who we are in the past. Because in this present moment, we all want to be together. What any of us did in our past or the paths we came from [is] just part of our story, but not part of our existence.”

Pa echoed her sentiment. “We just have fun in here, and do the best we can. To change our lives, and change other people’s lives with what we do. I love what we do.”

Listening to the two of them share, my curiosity bubbled over, wondering how other other companies or organizations might be able to implement this beautiful model of the Giving Keys. “It can be a challenge at first,” Ashley noted. “But if your leadership team is behind it, and makes it a priority to work and continue to figure it out,  having that vision can be enough to create a space where it can feel more open and connected and more community oriented.”

Later, I had a chance to meet with Tina, a transitioning employee who currently works in customer service. She’s a tender, loving soul with dancing eyes. Her warmth was disarming.

She told me a story about coming to Los Angeles with no money and no plan. “I had a pretty good idea that I was gonna end up homeless when I got here...But [I thought], whatever it takes to get on my feet, I’m doing it on my own. I was scared, but I stuck it out.” She later discovered Chrysalis, the organization that partners with the Giving Keys to assist and prepare homeless individuals for job interviews and upward movement. “I worked their program for a couple of months, and finally got an interview at the Giving Keys.”

Tina worked in production for some time, even earning a promotion, before applying for her current customer service role.  “I had never done that kind of work, but they saw that I had it in me to learn the skill. They gave me that opportunity and I’m doin’ it, and doin’ it well!” She laughed goodnaturedly, and, again, I couldn’t help but note her infectious joy.

I asked if the Giving Keys’ diverse environment ever felt like a challenge for her. “I don’t see [working here] as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to get to know people from different backgrounds. It’s an opportunity for me to learn. My department that I work in, I’m old enough to be all of their mothers. But they’re so cool... [My kids] are not here in LA with me, so the opportunity for me to bond with that age here at the GIving Keys is a mothering experience.”

“You don’t have that fear of being judged or treated  differently for expressing your individual view. It’s taken in, respected, and you’re moving on. You think it’d be awkward, but it’s not. Everything is very welcoming, and very comfortable here,” she added.

We sat for a few more moments outside, and a light summer breeze drifted between us. It had only been a day, and even I myself, a writer and an outsider, felt at home there.

As I was leaving, I caught one last glimpse of Ashley and Pa. I noticed the white key around her neck read ‘TRUST’ and the small silver one around his, ‘DREAM.’ Walking back to my car, I reflected on these words.

The light created by the Giving Keys transcends all people, colors, ages, and backgrounds. The simple key on a chain can pair with any outfit, dressed up or down, male, female, or anything in between. The different people working there, with their colorful backgrounds, weave a tapestry of diversity there that is beautiful and unique. But even after listening to all of their stories, I was still so mystified by this duality of people and cultures at the company. Particles and waves.

Maybe that’s the thing about light. The more you study it, the more it’s a mystery. And that’s ok.