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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

“Small Changes” is Michael Kiwanuka’s return to the grounded warmth of childhood memories. Polydor Records | Used with permission

‘Small Changes’ unravels the depth in the details

Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album is a quiet memoir of dedication and mellow maturity
Isabelle Kok
December 12, 2024
Wicked tells the story of the rise (and fall) of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures | Used with permission

‘Wicked’ shines in all of its technicolor glory

The visually stunning and emotional story makes for an exceptional adaptation, despite its lengthy run
Corinna Kuo
December 7, 2024
“The Party Never Ends” is far from a bad album, but is ultimately underwhelming given its importance to Juice WRLD’s legacy and fans. Graphic by Grade A Productions | Used with permission

‘The Party Never Ends’ is a forgettable farewell

Juice WRLD’s final album is a sad reminder that all parties come to an end
Benjamin Zhang, Arts & Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2024
The plot of “Red One” revolves around the kidnapping of winter demigod St. Nick and the attempt to rescue him just in time for Christmas. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures | Used with permission

‘Red One’ makes the naughty list of holiday films with charm

The star-studded movie takes a unique approach but fails to stand out from average Christmas cinema
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury and Benjamin Zhang
November 16, 2024
Created by visual artist collective Sports Banger, the album cover of “Godspeed” depicts a laying-of-hands ceremony, adding to the album’s religious themes. Warner Records | Used with permission

‘Godspeed’ blesses listeners with its revelry

The Blessed Madonna’s first album overflows with life
Jillian Ju
October 26, 2024
Don Toliver’s stage was emblazoned with violet and fuschia lighting as he performed the track “No Pole” from his previous album “Love Sick.” Photo by Sagnik Nag Chowdhury

The ‘PSYCHO’ tour introduces fans to a new era in Don Toliver’s career

Rapper Don Toliver brings both old and new hits to an exciting setlist complementing an even more exciting environment
Samika Bhatkar and Sagnik Nag Chowdhury
October 24, 2024
Coco dances on stage as Clair Clair sings the chorus to their hit song “My Girl” under blue strobe lights. | Photo by Meghna Dixit

Coco and Clair Clair’s ‘Girl’ tour charms audiences with an exciting yet down-to-earth performance

The duo’s high energy balances out the poor audience etiquette and lack of visual effects
Meghna Dixit and Sana Karkhanis
October 19, 2024
Following 2021’s “Optimist” and a series of scattered singles, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” is FINNEAS’ second album. The music video for the title track shows FINNEAS falling down an elevator shaft and getting hit by a car, representing his emotions in a frustrating relationship. Interscope Records | Used with permission

‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’ is a far cry from fulfilling

FINNEAS’ second album is a vulnerable shot in the dark
Jillian Ju
October 16, 2024
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” despite its $200 million budget, turned out to be the worst possible fate for its already tortured characters. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures | Used with permission

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is a double dose of pure delusion

The ‘Joker’ sequel is a pathetic shadow of its former self
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
October 8, 2024
A beautiful sunset was visible as Mitski began her “The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We” concert. Photo by Benjamin Zhang

Mitski’s ‘The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We’ tour saves itself with emotional intimacy

Mitski captures hearts with pure lyricism and vocals in spite of a disappointing atmosphere
Isabelle Kok and Benjamin Zhang
October 7, 2024
The “Requiem” album cover mirrors the dark soundscape of every song with a black and white photo of Keshi centered in a trenchcoat, resembling an otherworldly being. Photo courtesy of Island Records | Used with permission

‘Requiem’ takes on death’s complexity to make listeners feel alive

An expansion of Keshi’s discography provides a mix of soulful and soulless tracks
Dylan Nguyen
September 22, 2024
El Estoque reviews the media released in the summer of 2024 — one of which is the wildly popular album “BRAT” by Charli xcx. | Graphic by Benjamin Zhang

Summer 2024 in review

A brief recap of popular movies and albums released over the summer
Sih Yu (Melody) Lin and Benjamin Zhang
September 15, 2024
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