31 minute read
ANOTHER GUITAR GREAT
Honors Us With A Show
Musical ambassador plays the small scene
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Rhythm And Lyricism
Thomas Csorba returns to Chattanooga this Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Woodshop on St. Elmo Avenue. Csorba brings classic Americana into 2020 with a country-tinged folk sound that’s exactly what’s been missing from the modern music scene.
Csorba’s voice is filled with Southern drawl and a handful of gravel, which perfectly complements the music he creates. His music fills you with all the bittersweet feelings that life itself brings, with a lyrical depth that’s on par with the likes of Leonard Cohen and Hank Williams.
People are often surprised to learn the artist behind such deep and meaningful songs is only twenty-two years old but, with lyrical inspirations like Walt Whitman and Mark Twain, it’s really no surprise. In fact, Csorba often gets inspiration from the literature he reads; more recently, he cites award-winning Irish playwright Conor McPherson as an influence.
In the aftermath of the devastating storms in middle Tennessee, Csorba says, “All proceeds from the show are going to help with Tornado Relief in Nashville. Hoping to bring together folks in Chattanooga to help out our Nashville friends.”
Tickets are just $10 at the door, so bring your friends and come see a fantastic performance to help benefit our Tennessee family. — Halley Andrews
PIERRE BENSUSAN, YOU KNOW HIM, OR YOU don’t. If you know him, there’s nothing I can add to the wonder and respect you already feel for the man who is consistently referred to as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists. If this is your first time hearing the name, well, take off your coat, relax, and sit a spell while we get caught up.
By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor
Born in French-Algeria in 1957, Pierre began his formal musical education (on piano) in Paris at the age of seven. Enamored by the folk revival in Western Europe and America, Pierre would go on to teach himself guitar a few years later, sign his first recording deal at seventeen, and release his first album a year later, winning the Grand Prix du Disque at Montreux.
24 • THE PULSE • MARCH 12, 2020 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM His career has been on a perpetually upward trajectory ever since. The list of accolades and awards Pierre has claimed worldwide is expansive, including the title “Best World Music Guitar Player” from Guitar Player magazine and numerous “Album of the Month/Year” designations. In 2013 his album Intuite came in second place as “Best Acoustic Album of All Time” in Spain.
There’s more, much more, but the point is made that Bensusan has, with grace and humor, earned his place as one of the greatest of all time which brings an extra level
Bensusan’s style is variously described as classical, jazz, traditional, folk, even Celtic, but at the end of the day the fairest description is that Bensusan’s style is an amalgam of all of that and more.” “
of excitement to his March 13th performance at Barking Legs Theater here in Chattanooga.
This would be a “get” in L.A., Chicago, or New York. The fact that it is happening here in the Scenic City is astounding and yet increasingly par for the course as our humble mid-sized home continues to gain credibility as a music destination.
To make the point directly, as concerts go, this is a big deal both as an opportunity for music lovers and as a badge of prestige for the city.
The person responsible for booking deserves an enthusiastic pat on the back and the gratitude of everyone who wants to see Chattanooga’s cultural and artistic reputation blossom.
Bensusan’s style is variously described as classical, jazz, traditional, folk, even Celtic, but at the end of the day the fairest description (and I am aware that this borders on cliché) is that Bensusan’s style is an amalgam of all of that and more.
He, like so many others who have achieved a level of mastery, incorporates elements of the various traditions, combining them in a way that is distinctively his. YouTube is rife with examples of his live performances which, in a word, are mesmerizing and Azwan, his latest album and the promotional point of his current tour, is no exception.
On a personal level, he’s one of the nicest, most instantly likable people you’ll ever meet. Generous and supportive of various charitable causes, he is as sublime a person as he is a performer.
Musical ambassador, world treasure, Bensusan is one of the “must not miss” acts of the year. Tickets to Friday night’s performance are still available via the Barking Legs website at barkinglegs.org The show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Don’t be late; you don’t want to miss a note.
Kickin’ Up Your Kilts
St. Paddy’s Day is upon us and there’s more to do than you can shake a shillelagh at…
This Saturday, SoundCorps and the Honest Pint present the 7th annual Paddy’s on the Parkway celebration, one of downtown’s favorite parties of the year. Music starts at six and the lineup includes Luke Simmons & The Lovestruck, Magic Tapestry Belly Dance Troupe, Lenox Hills, Fire Cabaret, The Communicators, Behold The Brave, Stringer’s Ridge, WalkOrRow, The Molly Maguires, Slim Pickins, and The 9th Street Stompers.
The 2020 Great Southern Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention, under the expert curation of Matt Downer (one of Chattanooga’s finest musicians and human beings), will also be on Saturday, beginning at noon at historic 901 Lindsay Street.
The next two weekends see the return of another Chattanooga favorite, Rock City’s “Shamrock City” celebration with four days of music, arts, crafts, dancing,
and food. A full lineup is available on the Rock City website, seerockcity.com
Other events this weekend include the West Village Paddy’s celebration, Hi-Fi Clyde’s annual party, and the all-new Irishfest celebration on Station Street including performances from the Chattanooga Highland Pipe Band and the Joey Winslett band.
Then on Tuesday, OddStory Brewing is sponsoring a pub crawl, and The Honest Pint celebrates “Paddy’s Day Proper” with live music starting at noon, including Fractious Cats, Matt Downer the Old Time Traveler, Stringer’s Ridge, Tri-Selkie, the Wolfhounds, and The Molly Maguires. Just remember to drink responsibly. And keep your Uber app updated. — MTM
THURSDAY3.12
26 • THE PULSE • MARCH 12, 2020 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM Bailey Bigger + Meagan Tyler Alford 7 p.m. The Woodshop 5500 St. Elmo Ave. thewoodshop.space Chattanooga Song Circle 7 p.m. Pax Breu Ruim 516 E. Main St (423) 648-4677 Emilee Plum, LOU, Ally Grace Thomas 7 p.m. Heritage House Arts Center 1428 Jenkins Rd. chattanooga.gov Them Dirty Roses 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Toby Hewitt 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Amber Fults 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com New Grass Express 7:30 p.m. The FEED Co. Table and Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Marc Broussard, Jamie McLean Band 7:30 p.m. Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com Ariel 8 p.m. The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Keeping Composure, The Levitical Task, and Wither Without You 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Tyson Leamon 9 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com
FRIDAY3.13
Tyler Martelli 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Callista Clark w/ Rachel McIntyre Smith 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Casey Dean Smith 7 p.m. Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. chattabrew.com Nicholas Edward Williams 7:30 p.m. Gate 11 Distillery 1400 Market St. gate11distillery.com Tre Powell 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Harry Connick Jr. 8 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Stringer’s Ridge 8 p.m. WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Pierre Bensusan Official CD Release Celebration 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Frontier Folk Nebraska w/ Bohannons 8 p.m. The Bicycle Bar 45 E. Main St. (423) 475-6569 Yonder Mountain String Band 8:30 p.m. Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com Maya Trippe 8:30 p.m. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant 2 Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Hit Town 9 p.m. HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Taverns, Shakeys Bad Knee, Charles at Large 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com David Ingle & Friends 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Coathanger Abortion, Koza, Awaken the Ancient 9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 265-8711 Courtney Holder 9 p.m. The Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Larry Fleet 9 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Gino Fanelli w/ Fast Eddie 10 p.m. The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Mind Modes w/ Vibe Emissions and Spinchilla 10 p.m. Stone Cup Café 208 Frazier Ave. stonecupcafe.com Jon Wimpee & The Militia 10 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Rick Stone 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
SATURDAY3.14
Danimal 10:30 a.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Great Southern Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention 2020 Noon 901 Lindsay St. 901lindsay.com Misfit Toyz, Sleazy Sleazy, Oweda, Josiah & the Greater Good 1 p.m. HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Chattanooga Girls Rock 3 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Red Rogues 4 p.m. Gate 11 Distillery 1400 Market St. gate11distillery.com No Big Deal 6 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com St Paddy’s Party on the Parkway 6 p.m. The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. facebook.com/TheHonestPint The Etowah Jacks 6:30 p.m. Slick’s Burgers 309 E. Main St. slicksburgers.com Preston Ruffing 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Jimmy Dormire 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Paul Smith & Sky High Band 8 p.m. Eagles Club 6128 Airways Blvd. foe.com Michael Johnathan 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Drive Train 8 p.m.
Doc Holidays Bar and Grill 742 Ashland Terrace docholidaysbarandgrill.com The Daly Special 8 p.m. Bode 730 Chestnut St. bode.co The ExLaws 8 p.m. Mayo’s Bar and Grille 3820 Brainerd Rd. mayosbarandgrill.com Highlander Pipes & Drums 8 p.m. Sing It or Wing It 410 Market St. singitorwingitchattanooga.com Thomas Csorba 8 p.m. The Woodshop 5500 St. Elmo Ave. thewoodshop.space Nicholas Edward Williams 8:30 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Derelict Saints, Field Hockey, Good Grief, Lewis and Clark 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Evan Kennedy 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Midnite Rollercoaster, Ransam, GYPT 9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 265-8711 Mark Andrew 9 p.m. Big River Grille 222 Broad St. bigrivergrille.com The Pearloids, Ancient Ethel, Caramore 9 p.m. The Bicycle Bar 45 E. Main St. (423) 475-6569 The Afternooners w/ Ryder Pierce and Dolphin Group 9 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Gleewood 10 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Rick Stone 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
SUNDAY3.15
Gleewood 11 a.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Carl Pemberton 11 a.m. Westin Chattanooga 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com 9th Street Stompers 11 a.m. STIR 1444 Market St. stirchattanooga.com Jerry Fordham Noon 1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Ben Stephens 1:30 p.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com E.T. 3 p.m. Wanderlinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Celtic Harp: Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson 5 p.m. Southside Studio 1431 Market St. southsidestudio.co Other Brothers 6 p.m. Wanderlinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Mother Legacy 8 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Changers, Brower, Josephine 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
MONDAY3.16
Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Blues Night Open Jam 7 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Chattanooga Slow Session Players, Stringer’s Ridge 7 p.m. Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497
TUESDAY3.17
Soggy Daisies 5 p.m. HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Barron Wilson 5 p.m. River Drifters 1925 Suck Creek Rd. riverdrifterschatt.com Stephen Busie 6 p.m. 1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Nick Williams 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Danimal 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Fiddler Andrew Finn Magill & Square Dance 7 p.m. Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 Gino Fanelli 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com The Red Rogues 7:30 p.m. Gate 11 Distillery 1400 Market St. gate11distillery.com Jeff Bailey 8 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Nordista Freeze, Keem the Cipher 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
WEDNESDAY3.18 David Greenberger-Good Perspective 1:30 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Gino Fanelli 6 p.m. 1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Andrew Duhon 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Dexter Bell 7 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Dustin Concannon 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Blue October 8 p.m. Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com JJ’s Bohemia • 231 E MLK Blvd. 423.266.1400 • jjsbohemia.com JJ’s Bohemia • 231 E MLK Blvd. 423.266.1400 • jjsbohemia.com Friday, March 13 Taverns, Shakeys Bad Knee, Charles at Large, Chainsaw Comedy Saturday, March 14 Derelict Saints, Field Hockey, Good Grief, Lewis and Clark Sunday, March 15 Changers, Brower, Josephine Tuesday, March 17 Drew Morgan Comedy Wednesday, March 18 Open Mic Comedy
Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com
Human Impact Human Impact (Ipecac Records)
Christoph Heemann Perception & Association (Robot Records)
In David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: The Return, Special Agent Dale Cooper traverses time, space, and an abstract dimension to break free from the Black Lodge, where he’s been trapped in limbo for twentyfive years. The twisted and unsettling journey back to Earth concludes in a disarmingly new terrain. When he emerges, all that was once familiar has changed; the whole world is not as it should be.
Lynch’s beautifully perplexing vision makes a ready comparison with Human Impact’s self-titled debut LP. From the crackle of electricity and brooding ambiance that clears the way for the album’s opening number “November” to the paranoid grind of “E605”, Unsane singer and guitarist Chris Spencer leads an expansive amalgamation of some key noise rock and post-industrial musical luminaries.
Flanked by Swans’ rhythm section—drummer Phil Puleo and bassist Christopher Pravdica—and Cop Shoot Cop’s keyboard player Jim Coleman, Human Impact sharpens the intensity of the group’s collective resume while revealing a fresh new chapter for everyone involved. The same is true of producer Martin Bisi. Bisi, who has worked with all the abovementioned acts, as well as Sonic Youth, Foetus, Rhys Chatham, and more, has long played a role in hammering in the rusty nail scrape of New York City’s darkest outsider dirges.
The result of this collaboration is a scathing and melodic hell ride across scorched earth. In songs like “Respirator”, “Protester”, and “This Dead Sea”, Spencer’s voice leaves plenty of room for listeners to absorb the history, creativity, and chemistry that’s on display here.
“E605” illustrates the subtle, though no less confrontational, nuances of Spencer’s voice when he’s not screaming fullthrottle a la Unsane. However, the measured approach with which he tackles these songs sacrifices nothing in terms of style.
The album’s dissonant, driving arrangements allow for space and interplay between instruments. Pravdica’s bass and Puleo’s rhythms barrel along in a glorious rush. The mass of disembodied voices swelling in “Consequences” create a chilling backbone for an album that is as muscular as it is creepy and cathartic— despite its apocalyptic imagery.
Drop a needle on “Time and Again”, the A-side of Christoph Heemann’s latest album, Perception & Association, and prepare to experience the slow build up to full sensory engagement, teeming with quiet power. A motorik bead of sound— tapes and electronic manipulation that melded together between 2012 and 2018—drifts in as a subtly pulsating drone. It comes on softly at first. So much so that the staccato grind of a ceiling fan wobbling overhead, the faint hiss of traffic outside, or a cat leisurely walking along the floorboards compete with the subdued oscillations that grow slightly louder with each revolution on the turntable. Heemann’s slow hand guides the sound with eternal patience.
Change, however, is never fully imperceptible. The natural human sway of Heemann’s moving pitch is plain as day, moving faster, then slower, gaining intensity in an ebb and flow of meditative ease and subconscious anxiety. The result of this tension is the gradual formation of rich auditory hallucinations.
Sometimes it’s just a perceived texture. During other moments, the music can induce a dreamlike state. Soon it’s clear that the sounds of the natural world intruding upon the record aren’t coming from the natural world at all. A new pulsating rhythm reveals itself, like a distant moon orbiting a much larger body in space.
Heemann is a master of sculpting these inward journeys that have been dubbed “cinema for the ear.” From his mid-‘80s time as one-half of German duo Hirsche nicht aufs Sofa (H.N.A.S.) to ‘90s collaborations with Japanese noise artist Merzbow, and with guitarist Jim O’Rourke and the Legendary Pink Dots in Mimir, Heemann revels in expanding upon the subtle nuances of sound, time, and their relation in space.
On the B-side, “The Trains” invokes the same synesthetic drift as “Time and Again”, with a more tumultuous presence. It’s impressive to see just how much Heemann stirs up using very few moving parts. His style is akin to minimalism, but the composed nature and determination of these two works places them in a universe of their own.
Encore Consignment Boutique
Professional, Personable and Passionate
What do you think it takes to be considered the best? Hard work? Dedication? Passion? If you ask Sherry Gravitt, it takes all of these and more. A keen sense of style, a sharp eye for details, super-human levels of organization and endless amounts of research, which is something that a person like me is required to do in order to be hip to the lingo of the modern fashionista.
To be honest, I learned more about the fashion business than I ever believed possible, walking in and chatting with the super friendly staff.
Located at the corner of Hixson Pike and Dorchester Road, right across the street from Tremont Tavern, this fashion outfitter has made a name for itself for over 20 years, by dressing the women of Chattanooga in the hottest fashion trends.
Owner Sherry Shipley Gravitt is a lady of razor-sharp wit, distinction and refinement. She walks me around her unconventional boutique with beaming pride. Every article and stitch on the racks and shelves are meticulously inventoried and organized by type, size, color, brand and seasonal relevance.
Designer handbags with upscale brands are suspended, neatly, in full presentation, and the gloss of highquality boots gleam from the shelves. "All our items are three years old or less, in perfect condition, although we do take some older premier designer bags. Since we have to be very particular about what we take, all items are well-vetted, so that we offer nothing but the best for our clients," Sherry said.
The top designers are found here... Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Fendi and Gucci to Lilly Pulitzer and Tory Burch. Encore Consignment Boutique carries not just clothing and handbags, but offers rare and unique accessories as well.
You can find a wide variety of pieces from David Yurman, Tiffany and John Hardy, as well as unique pieces from local artisans and, even, from Nepal. These colorful, exotic wonders stole my attention, with their alluring beauty, as if they were spirited away from the Himalayas and brought to Chattanooga by way of Indiana Jones. If you fancy the haunting glow of turquoise, Encore definitely has a feast for the eyes with some pretty awesome pieces.
"We don't just sell clothes. We dress people and take pride in our clients looking and feeling good," Sherry said.
Sherry has been in the fashion industry since she was sixteen. It was at her first job, a boutique called The Vogue on Brainerd Road, where she was bitten by the fashion bug. Although she pursued a career in advertising, she always found her way back into the industry.
With all the buzz and kinetic flurry that comes with managing a boutique consignment store, she takes her careful time with the intake of consignment items.
Consignment items are taken by appointment only, and the Encore team carefully inspects everything from strap to seam. They guarantee that all designer items are one hundred percent authentic.
The heart and soul of Encore is the combination of life-long passion for fashion and a love for taking care of people. Sherry and her staff's dedication to the time and research that goes into keeping up-to-date with the latest trends is what sets her store apart from others. Staying on top of what's hot and trendy every year, season to season, is a monumental feat that Sherry and staff guarantee with iron-clad resolve.
They are currently working hard to get the Spring line on the racks at the same time as the major department stores, yet what you will find at Encore won't be found at the mall. You will find the unique, the trendy, the stylish and sleek...all the great, in-demand designers and all at reasonable prices. If you require a seasonal update to that basic wardrobe or desire to dress-to-impress and haven't a clue where to start, Encore has a Fashion Forward stylist to take care of your needs.
Encore Consignment Boutique may have everything you need to be the best-dressed on either side of the Chickamauga or Tennessee River, with a personable and professional team, ready and able to deck you out in some of the finest designer clothing, without the need to jet off to New York or Los Angeles. Check them out at encoreconsignmentonline.com. — Brandon Watson
Filmmakers With A Cult Following
Returning sci-fi on the big screen generates more love for the craft
WE’RE A LITTLE MORE THAN A MONTH AWAY FROM the best annual event in the Scenic City: The Chattanooga Film Festival. I’ve been singing the praises of the CFF since its inception. There’s not another local event like it. In fact, there’s not another festival like it in the region. You’re not going to find better films, better workshops, or better people anywhere in the Southeast.
By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor
Every year, it’s a struggle for funding. Every year, festival director Chris Dortch has to fight for sponsors and dollars. And every year, as if by magic, the festival happens. And it’s happening once again this year on April 16th through 19th.
One of my favorite things about the film festival is the relationships built with filmmakers. Some of the strongest working directors in the world bring their films to the festival, year after year. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead are such filmmakers. This year, the pair are bringing their new film
Synchronic to the festival. The film stars Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie as New Orleans paramedics who encounter a series of deaths linked to a designer drug. For those familiar with Benson and Moorhead, the film promises to be yet another deep dive into strange and otherworldly sci-fi. For those who haven’t seen one of their films, The Endless (shown at last year’s CFF) is currently streaming on Netflix.
Some of the best in sci-fi and horror asks the simple question: “what if?” Questions are what drives the story of The Endless, both internally and externally. Aaron (Aaron Moorhead) and Justin (Justin Benson) are former
30 • THE PULSE • MARCH 12, 2020 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM members of what they call a “UFO Death Cult”. They were adopted into the cult as children after their mother was killed in a car accident.
Growing up in the cult (known as Camp Arcadia), their basic needs were accounted for however Aaron, the older of the two boys, soon began to feel something was off. He eventually convinced Justin to leave with him and the two became something of a sensation, drawing unwelcome attention to the group and making headlines around the world.
Their lives afterwards were largely mundane. They work together cleaning apartments and other menial jobs, and Justin begins to long for the security of the cult. Aaron admits that finding friends and stable work has been a struggle, but he attributes this to their former lives in the cult.
When Justin receives a package from the camp, announcing their ascension, he begs Aaron to return once more. Aaron is understandably concerned about visiting the camp again, what with “ascension” usually being code for suicide. Justin, however, feels like they’re simply leaving. He convinces his brother to return to Camp Arcadia for one day.
The major question this film asks is this: What if the cult isn’t really a cult? What if their beliefs are based on something real?
The film starts with a quote by H.P. Lovecraft and there is certainly something Lovecraftian about The Endless. Time plays tricks on the people at Camp Arcadia and there does appear to be something, somewhere, that is directing the actions of the group. What it is exactly is never explained.
This is one of the film’s strengths—it doesn’t need heavy special effects or giant CGI monsters to unsettle. Often, the scariest part of a story is what isn’t seen. In another nod to Lovecraft, what we do see is difficult to process or understand. The indescribable is just that. Moreover, the film is competent and well-acted, with a good amount of humor to alleviate the tension of being entrapped in a secretive cult.
The fact Benson and Moorhead have a new film with more star power is a testament to the filmmakers. Their films have always had interesting ideas and excellent execution, but adding to that a few well-known actors can only increase their renown and hopefully help fund future projects. The pair appear to have no shortage of great films in them.
We need more filmmakers who are interested in making original films rather than franchise films. Still, if they do manage to make more success, there’s no doubt Disney will snatch them up to make another Star Wars. At least for now, the Chattanooga Film Festival will bring us their films.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I suspect your fantasy life will be especially potent in the coming weeks. Your imagination will have an enhanced power to generate visions that could eventually manifest as actual events and situations. On the one hand, that could be dicey, because you can’t afford to overindulge in fearful speculations and worried agitation. On the other hand, that could be dramatically empowering, because your good new ideas and budding dreams may start generating practical possibilities rather quickly.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Giacomo Puccini’s famous opera Tosca premiered in 1900. It featured a heroine named Tosca. In 1914, Puccini’s favorite Tosca, a soprano singer named Maria Jeritza, was performing in a production at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. As she got ready to sing an aria entitled “I Live for Art,” she stumbled and fell. Rather than struggle awkwardly to rise, she pretended that this was all quite natural—called for in the script. She sang the entire piece while lying on the floor. Puccini loved it! Ever since then, most of the singers who have played the role of Tosca have sung “I Live for Art” while prone. I suggest you regard this as an inspirational teaching. What lucky accidents could you make into permanent additions or enhancements?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus poet Gary Snyder said, “Threefourths of philosophy and literature is the talk of people trying to convince themselves that they really like the cage they were tricked into entering.” Personally, I think that many of us, not just philosophers and writers, do the same thing. Are you one of us? Your first assignment during the next four weeks will be to explore whether you do indeed tend to convince yourself that you like the cage you were tricked into entering. Your second assignment: If you find that you are in a cage, do everything you can to stop liking it. Third assignment: Use all your ingenuity, call on all the favors you’re owed, and conjure up the necessary magic so that you can flee the cage.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Your body is not a temple,” declared author and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. “It’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” I half-agree with him. I’m deeply devoted to regarding the body as an amusement park. It should be a source of endless fun and enjoyment. We have the right—indeed, I’d say a duty—to wield our bodies in ways that immerse us in the mysteries and miracles of pleasure. But here’s where I disagree with Bourdain: I believe the body is also a temple that deserves our reverence and respect and protective tenderness. Your assignment in the coming weeks, Gemini, is to raise your commitment to treating your body as both an amusement park and a holy temple.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Early in his career, Cancerian painter JeanBaptiste-Camille Corot (1796–1875) sold only a few paintings. But eventually his luck improved. Once he was financially successful, he became very generous. He wielded his influence to get jobs for other artists, and mentored many artists, as well. Sometimes he added a few dabs of paint to the finished works of younger, struggling painters, then signed the canvases with his own name so that the works could more easily be sold. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to adopt your own version of Corot’s approach toward those around you who could benefit from your help and support. (P.S. It’s in your selfish interest to do so, although the reasons why may not be clear for a while.)
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Composer Brian Eno has testified that African music underlies and influences much of his work. He exults in the freedom and unpredictability it encourages. Why? Here’s one reason: In African songs, there are often multiple rhythms. And they’re not locked together; they float freely in relationship to each other. Eno says this is different from Western music, whose salient quality is that all the rhythmic elements are contained “in little boxes”—locked into a tyrannically mechanical clockwork pattern. According to my reading of the astrological omens, dear Leo, the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to experiment with Eno’s insight. How? Escape mechanical clockwork patterns and activate the “multiple, free-floating rhythm” metaphor in everything you do.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Are you interested in enhancing your mastery of togetherness? Are you open to my suggestion that you should seek out practical education about the arts of intimacy? Would you be willing to meditate on how you might bring additional creativity and flair into your close alliances? If you answered yes to those questions, the next six weeks will provide you with ample opportunities to dive in to all that fun work. “Collaboration” and “cooperation” will be words of power for you. “Synergy and symbiosis” should be your tender battle cry.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): As you come to the climax of your Season of Good Gaffes and Lucky Bloopers, I’ll remind you of folk singer Pete Seeger’s definition of a “productive mistake.” He said it had these five qualities: “1. made in the service of mission and vision; 2. acknowledged as a mistake; 3. learned from; 4. considered valuable; 5. shared for the benefit of all.” Let’s hope, Libra, that your recent twists and turns fit at least some of these descriptions!
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Would you consider making one more push, Scorpio? Can I coax you to continue your half-confusing, halfrewarding quest? Are you willing to wander even further out into the frontier and take yet another smart risk and try one additional experiment? I hope so. You may not yet be fully convinced of the value of these forays outside of your comfort zone, but I suspect you will ultimately be glad that you have chosen what’s interesting over what’s convenient. P.S. In the coming weeks, you could permanently expand your reservoir of courage.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A traditional astrologer might say that you Sagittarians typically spend less time at home than any other sign of the zodiac. Some of you folks even rebel against the idea that having a stable home is a health-giving essential. You may feel that you can’t be totally free unless you always have your next jaunt or journey planned, or unless you always have a homeaway-from-home to escape to. I understand and appreciate these quirks about your tribe, but am also committed to coaxing you to boost your homebody quotient. Now would be a perfect time to do that. You’re more open than usual to the joy and power of cultivating a nurturing home.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The more crooked the path, the faster you’ll get to where you’re going. Every apparent detour will in fact be at least a semi-valuable shortcut. Any obstacle that seems to block your way will inspire you to get smarter and more resourceful, thereby activating lucky breaks that bring unexpected grace. So don’t waste even a minute cursing outbreaks of inconvenience, my dear, because those outbreaks will ultimately save you time and make life easier. (P.S.: During the coming weeks, conventional wisdom will be even more irrelevant than it usually is.)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When I was a young adult, I was unskilled and indigent. Many restaurants exploited my feeble prowess at washing pots and pans and dishes, but the meager wage they paid me barely kept me fed and housed. You will perhaps understand why, now that I’m grown up, I am averse to cleaning pots and pans and dishes, including my own. That’s why I pay a helper to do that job. Is there an equivalent theme in your own life? An onerous task or grueling responsibility that oppressed you or still oppresses you? Now is a good time to find a way to declare your independence from it.
“Dangerous Curves”—every capital letter in the theme has curves.
ACROSS 1 School that won 10 NCAA basketball championships in 12 years 5 Planetarium projections 10 Section of music that’s repeated 14 Thing on stage 15 Banned practice? 16 Earth Day subj. 17 *Bowlful on the specials list 19 “Trapped in the Drive-___” (Weird Al song) 20 Beaker’s spot 21 Goose formations 23 Nursery schooler 24 “Grown-up” cereal ingredient 27 *Italian veal dish 29 “Deep Space Nine” constable 30 Tap takeover unit 33 Hypnotic state 34 Mess up 36 Aragon-born artist 39 “So help me!” 40 *”I Am the Walrus” refrain 43 Even so
45 24-karat, gold-wise 46 Tabby tooth 49 Believer of sorts 51 It takes night deposits 53 Arthur of “Maude” and “The Golden Girls” 54 *Department of Labor training program 57 Seemingly bottomless pit 59 Gold, to Cortez 60 Christmastime 61 Addr. on a business card 62 Accumulation 64 *Bands like AKB48 and Babymetal (but not BTS--that’s a different letter) 69 Cop on a bust 70 “... to fetch ___ of water” 71 1952 Winter Olympics city 72 Laundromat lather 73 Mary Poppins, for example 74 Late infomercial pitchman Billy DOWN 1 “What can Brown do for you?” company 2 ___-Magnon man 3 Actor Diamond Phillips 4 iPad Pro maker 5 Ticket souvenir 6 Blues guitarist ___ Mahal 7 From the beginning, in Latin 8 Rakish sorts 9 Most in need of a massage 10 Terrier treater 11 1991 U2 album featuring the song “One” 12 Fez’s country 13 Demoted (like a former planet) 18 Nightfall 22 Kevin who played Hercules on TV 24 Driving visibility problem 25 “___ believe ...” 26 Wave rider’s accessory 28 ___ Pigs Invasion (1961 event) 31 Quail ___ omelet 32 Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand 35 B vitamin acid 37 TTYL part 38 “Slumdog Millionaire” city 41 Kaitlin of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” 42 Hot tub nozzle 43 Capital of Newfoundland and Labrador 44 “Walden” writer 47 “Duck Hunt” platform 48 Oxygen, for one 50 One fooled by a wooden horse 52 Ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny 55 Pig blamed for causing American kids to affect British accents 56 Alfred P. ___ Foundation (NPR benefactor) 58 Result in flowers 61 Unpleasant, as a situation 63 Laptops or desktops, e.g. 65 Alley figure 66 Home of Rome and Moscow 67 What the P in TP doesn’t stand for 68 Oceanic distress signal
