Verve Blogs
Review: “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” kills with charm
Patrick Hughes’ “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” is an action-packed, comedic take on a world-class bodyguard protecting a world-class hitman. Without its incredible leads, the film would take a nasty dive into mediocrity. Thanks to Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” succeeds in what it sets out to do. The film follows its two […]
Review: ‘Lion’ lives up to its name
Known by many for its presence at the Oscars, Garth Davis’ film “Lion,” an adaptation of Saroo Brierly’s autobiography “A Long Way Home,” tells the incredible true story of a young Indian boy estranged from his family by hundreds of miles. Nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor, “Lion” is critically acclaimed, […]
Morgan’s Mix: PROF, Soulcrate and more perform at That Sounds Decent
All kinds of music fans made their way to the parking lot of 8th and Railroad for That Sounds Decent, a music festival hosted by local rap group Soulcrate, Saturday night in Sioux Falls. Even Mayor Mike Huether is a Soulcrate fan – he declared Aug. 26 to be Soulcrate Day in honor of Soulcrate’s […]
Morgan’s Mix: Q&A with NE-HI’s Jason Balla
NE-HI is a band from Chicago comprised of Jason Balla (guitar), Mikey Wells (guitar), James Weir (bass) and Alex Otake (drums). The band stopped at Total Drag Records on Easter night on their tour promoting their full-length album “Offers.” It was their second time at Total Drag; their first was during a tour with fellow […]
Column: VLP open mic night showcases USD talent
One of the perks of going to a university with a flourishing English department is having the opportunity to check out a variety of poetry readings and open mic performances. The most recent event on March 30 closed out the Vermillion Literary Project (VLP) Writer’s Festival, a day of workshops led by award-winning writers and […]
Morgan’s Mix: STRFKR and Psychic Twin are out-of-this-world
A set list, a wad of confetti, a bass pick and a lasting feeling of euphoria. These are just a few things that my friends and I took home from the STRFKR concert with Psychic Twin at Icon Lounge on Saturday night. STRFKR hails from Portland, Oregon and started with Joshua Hodges (vocals, keyboards, guitar, […]
Column: Fine arts department deserves more recognition
I’ve loved creative writing since I was young. Everything about it: creating characters, fixing a plot, writing for hours at a time. Everything that had to do with being creative, I could find in writing. But, pursuing that as a career, despite it being my dream and initial major, seemed impossible for me. I’ve had […]
Confetti, toilet paper and ‘good vibes’ abundant at The Varsity Saturday night
“Everybody vibe out right now!” This demand from Tenenbaums guitarist Brandon Phrommany was the theme of the evening at The Varsity Pub in downtown Vermillion Saturday night. The night featured bands from Sioux Falls, including Lemmons, Meriwether Raindelay, Androgynous Squash and Tenenbaums. Lemmons, which was originally a solo act by Jacob Lemme, kicked off the […]
Morgan’s Mix: Public Access TV’s first album is a good one
“They say the kids don’t like rock and roll anymore / may be the end of an era,” sings Public Access TV frontman John Eatherly on “End of an Era,” from the band’s debut album “Never Enough,” which was released Sept. 30. The irony of this line is that there is an underground scene of […]
Morgan’s Mix: Wilco’s ‘Schmilco’ is a good album for autumn
It’s the right time of year for Chicago-based alternative rock band Wilco to release their 10th studio album, “Schmilco.” Their latest studio effort is low key and nostalgic, just right for fall. This album might come as a surprise for a few reasons. First is the fact that Wilco has been together since legendary frontman guitarist […]