“Cube 2 – Hypercube”
DVD release April 15
While not nearly as intriguing or symbolic as its predecessor and underground cult hit “Cube,” the straight-to-video “Cube 2: Hypercube” brings similar horror, shock, confusion and special effects to the small screen.
Most science fiction sequels are by design letdowns (barring such treats as “Aliens” or “Empire Strikes Back”) so it’s not much surprise “Cube 2” isn’t nearly as bizarre or motivating as the original.
The cast includes Kari Matchett (“Men with Brooms”), Neil Crone (“Pushing Tin”) and Matthew Ferguson who all do generally decent jobs, apart from their occasional hard-to-watch over-the-top moments of amateurism.
But the best performance is given by Wyn Davies, best remembered from his role as Det. Nick Knight in “Forever Knight” who portrays the edgy Simon, a knife-wielding guy with dangerous tendencies toward violence.
The DVD also includes oodles of extras, including the trailer, deleted scenes, a making-of documentary and an interview with director Andrzej Sekula, best known for his work as director of photography on “Pulp Fiction.”
Overall, “Hypercube” is worth blowing an hour and a half of your day on, especially if you’re into mystery or horror films and particularly if you enjoyed the original film. – Jeska Dzwigalski
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots – The Flaming Lips
Rocking between a euphoric and deflated sound with no defined style, The Flaming Lips’ newest CD Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots lands with a crash, burn and smile.
The Oklahoma-based bands’ latest effort includes songs imaginatively titled “Yoshi Battles the Pink Robots” (parts 1 and 2), “Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell” and “Are You a Hypnotist??”
Unfortunately these songs and their super creative lyrics may leave many listeners wondering whether the group is trying to convey a deeper meaning , or just mashed a few words together.
The Lips seem to have the vocal and instrumental talent, clearly defining a style and lyrics that at least tempt the audience would be a good start. Unfortunately, they sound like a bad Coldplay on a really cold day. But then again, being compared to Coldplay isn’t so bad.
Final Chord: The Flaming Lips failed to ignite the flame. – Tiffany Drahot
The Beginning Stages of….The Polyphonic Spree – The Polyphonic Spree
Originally released almost a year ago, the Polyphonic Spree’s debut album entitled The Beginning Stages of…the Polyphonic Spree has been re-released, and its voice is ready to be heard.
With close to 30 bandmates, Spree is led by frontman Tim Delaughter, formerly of the band Tripping Daisy. When Tripping Daisy fell through, Delaughter headed for Texas where he regrouped with his friends to develop a style and sound that’s unique and practically ingenious.
Recorded in only three days, the entire CD is filled with inspiring pop-rock tunes and a captivating ensemble of sounds from stings, horns, drums, keyboards, a theremin and even car tailpipes.
Overall, the music on The Beginning Stages of…the Polyphonic Spree is rich in flavor and diversity and both the beats and the melodies are well-constructed.
Also, there is a dream-like quality to this band and their music. Perhaps it’s the saintly white robes the musicians have adopted for their garb. Or maybe it’s the 10-piece choir’s vocal harmonies that climb and shout so triumphantly at the listener. Whatever it is, this band has started off on a good foot, showing signs of future artistic masterpieces.
They have been compared to Oasis, the Strokes and even the Beatles. The Polyphonic Spree are none of the above but they definitely deserve a piece of your time. – Doug McCann
