American Horror Story: Hotel - The Hotel of Horrors [Review]

If you’re on the lookout for something disturbing, bizarre and a little bit gaga, then American Horror Story: Hotel has got you covered. In its fifth season of delectable horror anthologies, American Horror Story comes straight to you from the minds of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who have enlisted some big name stars for the latest creepy addition.

That brings us to Hotel, an even darker and more depraved series that centres on the Hotel Cortez, a lavish, art-deco inspired abode that is home to quite the eerie occupants, including a ghostly drug-addict named Sally (Sarah Paulson), a mysterious Addiction Demon, and of course, two bloodthirsty haemophiliacs with a penchant for wild sex parties: The Countess (Lady Gaga) and Donovan (Matt Bomer).

It sounds like something out of a nightmare; and that’s because it is, but Hotel is also a vision of aesthetic beauty. Adorned with lavish retro furniture and draped in vintage hues, Hotel is a slice of pure imagination and takes great care to film its stars in the more exquisite of ways, complete with interesting camera angles and breath-taking close-ups. Undoubtedly, one of the characters who benefits from this is Gaga’s Countess, as she saunters around the hotel like a decadent muse admiring the fading beauty of her hotel, and its occupants. While some may not enjoy Gaga’s feature or be sceptical of her appearance, she actually performs rather well, assimilating perfectly into this bizarre series, creating some of the most memorable scenes. The Countess’ partner, Bomer’s Donovan is also an intriguing fellow, a drug addict who perished on the grounds of the hotel, he was brought back by Countess Elizabeth and has spent the last 20 years being her partner in visceral crime. The storyline is captivating and the two play out the steamy tension well, especially with the addition of new toy-boy Tristan (Finn Wittrock).

To read the full review, with more about the show, its disturbing contents and other key characters and themes, look here. 

What does everyone else think about Hotel so far? You loving it/hating it? Let me know in the comments below and go check out the full review. Promise its something to die for (OK, it's not really, but I'm trying to follow the deadly theme, guys). 

Melissa x 

Selena Gomez - Revival [Album Review]

Selena Gomez, photoshoot for Revival. 

You need only glance at the deluxe cover art of Revival to see the more mature image Selena Gomez is presenting, alluding to the progression from disappointing pop-filler solo album Stars Dance to the vibrant and vivid Revival. Aptly named, the album exhibits a new sound from the singer whilst maintaining her signature tone, showcasing her self-described ‘revival’ from the lands of apathetic pop.

Aiming to appear more philosophical and emotional, the singer talks about being “awakened lately” whilst “the chains around me are finally breaking”. It’s clear that this album is an important step in her progression to well-rounded pop artist, and the mix of electric dance beats and sultry R&B echo the exploratory nature of the album, while showing that Gomez is trying to move on from the cutesy Disney pop image she once was known for.

You can read the full review over on Concrete. 

It was interesting to hear Gomez's new album, and if you'd like to read more you can do so at the above link, where I give my verdict on tracks like 'Kill Em With Kindness', 'Good For You', 'Same Old Love', 'Sober', 'Nobody' and 'Cologne'. 

I have also wrote a number of articles over the last few months for the website, so if you'd like to read a bit more of my work, you can do, if you wish. 

Also, how amazing is Selena looking on these latest promo shoots? Get it girl. 

Melissa x 

Doctor Foster (BBC ONE) [Review]

BBC ONE

BBC One is known for producing intriguing British dramas; you need look no further than gritty crime series, Luther, or complex literary detective drama, Sherlock. So it comes as no surprise that we are now introduced to new affair-ridden drama, Doctor Foster, which makes reference to the English nursery rhyme of the same name.

But just how dramatic can a series whose name conjures up images of puddles and old men, due to its notable attachment to a children’s rhyme, be? Apparently, pretty darn dramatic. The doctor (no, not that one) is Gemma Foster, portrayed by Suranne Jones, a partner and resident doctor of a local surgery. The series centres rather cleverly around the dissolution of her marriage, as it quickly emerges that her husband, Simon (Bertie Carvel), has been outrageously unfaithful, choosing to have an affair with a young woman named Kate Parks (Jodie Comer). This puts a strain on the family dynamic, as Jones struggles to cope with her child, Tom Foster (Tom Taylor) and her colleagues, particularly Ros (Thusitha Jayasundera). Of course, nothing is ever severed simply and Doctor Foster quickly realises that she may lose more than she bargained for in this war of woes.

Again, a little excerpt from the full review, which you can read here: 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/doctor-foster-review/

The BBC are really stepping it up with their dramas, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with next. 

Melissa. 

Autumn Jackets: The ins and outs of Autumnal Outerwear

photo source: Tumblr; autumnd4y

With the blistering autumn winds creeping in and the cold crisp mornings becoming an ever more prominent feature, now is the perfect time to stock up on some new jackets. If you’re stuck for inspiration for your new autumn wardrobe, or if you’re struggling to part with that old hoodie you've had since high school, then never fear, we have some solutions for you.

Capes

Pinterest; forest-reverie.tumblr

Easy to slip on, comfortable, cosy, and available in a variety of colours and styles (tartan can look particularly season appropriate), the cape could be your answer to your jacket conundrum. Capes look best paired with slim-line jeans or with bare legs (if you’re brave enough!) and boots for that autumnal look. Beware though. Your arms may get chilly (perhaps wear with a long sleeve), it can be difficult to balance an over the shoulder bag and if you get a size too big you can look like you have stepped out in a duvet.

Blazer

fashionabletalk.com

If it’s just a little bit chilly, a blazer could be your way to go. The great thing about blazers is that they can be structured, fitted and even casual, like the boyfriend fit. Blazers can instantly make an outfit look smarter, so are a great choice if you want to create a more stylish edge to your outfit, whilst remaining comfortable and elegant. Pair with a turtle-neck jumper or top, a sheer shirt or blouse and you’re good to go. The only downside is depending on the fabric it can be quite impractical to wear. Unless you layer with another jacket on top, or multiple layers underneath, you may struggle to keep warm.

This is just an excerpt from a complete article I wrote for Concrete, you can read the full piece (including my favourite Autumn jacket) here: 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/autumn-jackets-the-ins-and-outs-of-autumnal-outerwear/

I've been so bad at posting recently, but I'm hoping things will pick up. I've just been writing so much stuff for other sites that it's sort of taken over my life! Hope you enjoy this article. :) 

Melissa. 

Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon [Album Review]

When the self-described “gangsta Nancy Sinatra”, Lana Del Rey, announced her fourth studio album (and third major-label record) there was a mix of trepidation and excitement from fans and critics alike. Her moody and melodic Ultraviolence left some audiences crying out for a venture similar to Born to Die or the Paradise edition. And thus, Honeymoon was born, a completely new creation devised by Del Rey and in collaboration with long-time producers Rick Nowels and Kieron Menzies.
It would be unjust to say that Honeymoon is entirely indicative of the Born to Die or Paradise eras, but it certainly has the same breezy overtones and similar musical composition. This makes for compelling listening, but the album possesses a distinctive sense of timelessness that previous records did not. Every beat is orchestrated masterfully, every note hit in a most haunting manner. Honeymoon is clearly an album that has been constructed with the upmost care, precision and passion.

The above is a little snippet from an article I wrote about Lana Del Rey's Honeymoon album, and if you'd like to read the full review then you can check it out here (I really appreciate it): 

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/album-review-lana-del-rey-honeymoon/

The review was super fun to write, and it's always exciting to see what artists have to offer in the form of new music. Let me know if there's any albums you think I should check out as I'm always on the look out for new stuff. Also, sorry for the lack of posts recently, I've been super busy with Uni stuff lately (I know, I know).