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Somewhere between the dreamscape and reality is The Waltz of the Moonshine Blind, a haunting and moving double album produced and performed by Matthew Bannister, working under the moniker The Beautiful Fear.

The Waltz of the Moonshine Blind is filled with atmosphere and is heavily emotional as Bannister unravels his mindset, dealing with his struggles of addiction and fighting off his inner demons. The music itself echoes his emotions perfectly, ranging from dark and ominous to cautiously optimistic.

“The Arndale Whale” is a cornucopia of sonic flourishes and embellishments, including acoustic guitars and rising synths, embracing an element of shoegazing that characterizes much of the album. Many of the songs here bob back and forth between hypnotic melodies and soothing swells. It’s hard not to think of Pink Floyd when listening to this, especially as most of the songs on the first half of the album transition seamlessly into one another, sometimes with undecipherable words and dissonant instrumentation.

Bannister tries to see the beauty in his struggle, hence the moniker he uses here, and there are instances of him finding it (“God Loves Delay”) and others where he thinks he does but ultimately can’t shake the ugliness that holds him back (“Still Life”). But he tries his hardest to hold on, as he sings in the latter, “There’s still some hope.”

The Waltz of the Moonshine Blind is moody and might be a hard listen for some, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a rewarding and ear-opening dive into someone’s mind that is fragile and honest.

For more, visit: http://www.thebeautifulfear.com/

Worcester’s own SUMiT is going to make waves in the hip hop world with his newest 6-song EP Stimulus, a tightly produced and lean collection of songs that makes its mark in a short amount of time.

SUMiT hits it hard from jump with the opening “Radical,” a head-spinning vocal delivery showcase backed by an adrenaline-pumping beat that sets the tone for the rest of the EP. A woman’s voice welcomes us at the beginning of the track and at the end advises us to “remember to breath.” That’s good advice.

It’s clear the SUMiT has a talent for delivering his lyrics in break-neck speed before coming to a quick stop and slowing them down to grab your attention, such as in “What You Think,” when he hit the brakes for the chorus after laying lines like, “The grace of a felon/I fell out of heaven/Been having a hell of a time/Ages 7 to 9.”

The single, “Game 7,” featuring Sean Kingston, is a breezy track with an old school hip-hop feel, complete with a beat punctuated with horns. Produced by YoungKio, the beat maker behind Lil Nas X’s Grammy-winning hit “Old Town Road,” SUMiT’s “Game 7” is the standout of Stimulus. It will definitely get your head bopping and coming back for more.

SUMiT’s best flow comes on the last track, “Fire Me Up,” when he says, “Fire me up for disaster/I’m coming for capital punishment/Mad at the government/Die or be fucking adapting /I ain’t democrat or republican.”

Recorded at Phoenix Down Recording in Somerville, Stimulus is a good example of a local talent that has the potential to expand his horizons if he keeps creating songs like the ones here.

You’re Invited

The 2020 UMass Memorial Health Care Virtual Winter Ball

Friday, December 4, 2020 at 6:30pm

Our 12th Annual Winter Ball is our first-ever virtual gala and we want to “see” you there to help us Unmask Our Champions!

We’re bringing all the energy and excitement our community has come to expect on our big night. So stay in, stay safe, and log on to catch every compelling moment. The program includes:

• Powerful stories of dedicated health care workers throughout our community

• Our renowned auction—with Auctioneer John Terrio on hand!

• An opportunity to support front line caregivers through this year’s Fund-A-Need—the UMass

Memorial Emergency Assistance Support for

Employees (EASE) Fund

• Our mobile auction, featuring a catalog packed with must-have items

We all need our caregivers now more than ever. And they need you!