Escape Into Life Digest No. 37

James Aldridge, Wreck and Murder

Fiction by Monica Marier: Mr. Peterson’s Tale… A smoky blend of dry darkness and grim humor create a gritty cocktail in this short short story. Peer into the mind’s kitchen and the space beneath the dishwasher and see what you come up with….

Art Review: Sascha Braunig at Foxy Production… for those who can’t make it to major art openings Meredith Rosenberg’s specific and lively reviews provide a fine tour of new installations. Sascha Braunig’s work is well illustrated here, from the painterly sequines, stripes, and dots of her more colorful and tender works to the isolating and phantasmic pieces. The critical discussion her work is currently inspiring is here less important than the atmosphere and straightforwardness of her images that distill portrait effects into shimmering and thought-provoking paintings.

Music Video: Senior Living by Röyksopp… A fascinating international synergy informs the latest music video from Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp. To illustrate the song “Senior Living” from their album Senior, the group utilized a quirky video short created by filmakers Neil Dowling and Nils Clauss.  Irish writer/director Dowling and German cinematographer Clauss are based in Seoul, Korea, and their quirky short film with it’s excellent elderly leads and gorgeous shots of the city combine with the music to create something quite unusual.

The Poetry of Rose Hunter… The strong and diverse voices that emerge from Hunter’s verse create a potent and variable atmosphere, ranging from the direct, to the humorous, to delicate descriptions that bind the reader closely into her vision. The monkey antics of “What We Talk About” quickly introduces Hunter’s distinct style and is quite different in style and mood from the ephemeral distance revealed in “Santa Barbara,” showing her versatility and strong personal style.

Music Review: Build a Rocket Boys! by Elbow… It is always a good idea to revive oneself in the Spring by sprucing up your house and your playlists. EIL contributor Luke Grundy provides a good place to start with his review of Elbow’s newest offering. Having won  the Mercury Music prize, the UK’s highest accolade for alternative music in 2008, the group continues their expansive, plaintive brand of alternative rock, grounded by frontman Guy Garvey with his evocative Lancashire accent. Grundy gives his highest praise to two tracks “Lippy Kids’”and  “Dear Friends,” and he calls the album “perhaps, the best of the year” to date.

Stacy Ericson is an editor and photographer who is interested in imagery both in word and in art.  Her work often reflects her roots in the western states and her abiding interest in other cultures, ancient languages and religion, and visceral passions. She lives and works in Boise, Idaho. and her poetry, fiction, essays, and photos can be found at the old bouquet.