BRAVE RIVAL Announce New Single And Music Video ‘Heart Attack’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 20, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
photo by Blackham Images

Life’s Machine is the stunning debut album from Portsmouth-based five-piece rock, blues, and soul band BRAVE RIVAL featuring the hypnotic lead vocals of Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine.

Released Friday 6 May 2022, the album can be pre-ordered from www.braverival.com/music.

The band’s second single taken from the debut album is entitled Heart Attack, and it will be released Friday 22 April 2022. Heart Attack is available to pre-save HERE.

Watch the official music video for Heart Attack below.

“Heart Attack is a raucous rock belter that came from our guitarist’s crunchy guitar riff,” says BR’s co-lead singer Lindsey Bonnick. “It was one of the first songs we wrote when our guitarist Ed Clarke joined the band. For the bridge we took inspiration from Pink Floyd to make it atmospheric with the heart beats and vocal harmonies. Johnny Henderson’s Hammond adds to the huge sound.”

Brave Rival, who were recently nominated for “Emerging Blues Artist Of The Year” at the UK Blues Awards 2022, recorded the debut album in the picturesque Surrey countryside at The Mayfair Studio. The band enlisted the talents of record producer and engineer Tarrant Shepherd, an up-and-coming maestro of the control room who cut his teeth with Brit Award-winning producer Greg Haver and award-winning multi-platinum producer and engineer Clint Murphy. 

For Tarrant, this was his first professional album under his own stewardship, and he left nothing on the table. This team was a match made in heaven, and one that was a long time in the making.

Originally scheduled for a spring 2020 recording session, Life’s Machine was unceremoniously put on hold due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. A situation which stung all the harder for Brave Rival as the first lockdown occurred mere weeks after a successful Kickstarter campaign raised the funding to record.

Undeterred by the social distancing measures which forced the band to stay at home, Brave Rival took to technology to continue writing songs (many of which feature on Life’s Machine). 

“We didn’t want to just give up and hide away,” says co-lead vocalist Chloe Josephine. “We wanted to keep the momentum going and keep ourselves from going crazy whilst stuck at home. We would have regular Zoom calls as a band to work on song ideas. Our guitarist, Ed, came up with a guitar riff that he would record at home, then our bassist, Billy Dedman, or our drummer, Donna Peters, would record their parts at home and the song would grow organically.”

The additional year ended up being time well spent as it allowed the band to fine tune their craft, writing upwards of 50 songs, ultimately allowing them to select the best stand out songs for the 12-track album.

“It was important for us to ensure every song deserved to be on the album,” states the band’s bass guitarist Billy Dedman. “We wanted each song to be a true representation of us and our sound. This demanded the best performances from each of us and the best production. Joining forces with Tarrant really was the greatest decision we made as it allowed us to achieve both of those goals”

For their debut album, Brave Rival also collaborated with some incredible musicians to bring their songs to life. On Hammond organ and keyboards, they brought in the amazing Jonny Henderson (Ian Siegal, Matt Schofield, Elles Bailey).

“I was absolutely blown away by what Jonny brought to certain tracks,” says co-lead vocalist Lindsey Bonnick. “We let him do his thing with songs such as Heart Attack, Guilty Love and Without You, I just couldn’t imagine them now without his signature flair!”

For the title track of the album, Life’s Machine, the band required a bit of melancholy drama and found it in the form of a grand piano at 13 Sound Studios, Somerset. “Ian Shepherd was entrusted with adding his emotive playing and style to the title track as well as the album closer, Long Time Coming. The extra layers on top really made the songs come alive for us” enthused the band’s guitarist Ed Clarke. 

And finally, to round out the album, Brave Rival turned to the abundance of talent on the Portsmouth blues and soul scene. Chloe and Lindsey, together with six beautiful soul and gospel singers, created the Bravian Choir. Their parts were performed and recorded at St Mary’s Church in Portsmouth and the results were epic. “The sustain and natural reverb in the church was insane. I had goose bumps whilst watching them sing,” recalls Brave Rivals drummer Donna Peters, “After hearing the songs with the choir mixed in, I started tearing up! It made the songs so beautiful.”

With all the elements recorded and mixed, it was time to turn their sights on mastering. Brave Rival knew they wanted someone with the right kind of energy and found it with Katie Tavini (Ash, We Are Scientists, Nahli). “What attracted us to Katie, was her impressive work ethic and back catalogue for such a young age but equally, Brave Rival is all about female empowerment, therefore, it was important for us to work with other female professionals in a male dominated industry” remarked Chloe. “We are so happy to have found Katie, her final touches to our album completely blew us all away!”

ALBUM TRACKLISTING

1. Heart Attack (4:11)
2. Guilty Love (3:36)
3. Without You (4:34)
4. Run And Hide (3:50)
5. Come Down (5:58)
6. What’s Your Name Again? (4:50)
7. Secrets (4:54)
8. Long Time Coming (5:33)
9. Thin Ice (3:40)
10. Fool Of You (4:12)
11. Break Me (6:07)
12. Life’s Machine (6:13)

All songs written and performed by Chloe Josephine, Lindsey Bonnick, Donna Peters,
Billy Dedman and Ed Clarke
Recorded at The Mayfair Studio, Churt, Surrey
Piano recorded at 13 Sound Studios in Kewstoke, North Somerset
Tarrant Shepherd – Producer, Engineer, Mixer
Rupert Peters – Assistant Engineer

BAND LINE-UP
Chloe Josephine – Vocals
Lindsey Bonnick – Vocals
Donna Peters – Drums, Percussion
Billy Dedman – Bass
Ed Clarke – Guitars

ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS

Jonny Henderson – Hammond, Keyboards
Ian Shepherd – Piano
Amba Tremain – Bravian Choir
Leonie Tremain – Bravian Choir
Bradley Jago Jackson – Bravian Choir
Marlene Hill – Bravian Choir
Olivia Haggarty – Bravian Choir
Faye Carpenter – Bravian Choir

ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK 

Heart Attack
Blues-Rock that will get your heart pumping, pulse racing and your chest pounding. A ‘turn-it-up-in-your-car’ track with a Floyd inspired middle 8. Intrigued?

Guilty Love
Ultimate earworm, reminiscent of an eighties rock classic. A celebration of leaving a relationship that just isn’t right for you.

Without You
This is a sentimental song that explores the journey of loss and the longing for a loved one. It’s a song with beautiful harmonies, rocking guitars and driving rhythms with plenty of light and shade.

Run And Hide
Adrenaline fuelled, high energy and catchy as hell. A great song to run to, especially from someone you don’t like. Soak in the incredible drumming featured in this banger!

Come Down
The lyrics to this epic tune were written in the bath after a gig about the inevitable post show blues. Expect an exceptional blues solo, spectacular vocals by Chloe Josephine and breath-taking moments from the Brave Rival ‘engine room’ – Donna Peters and Billy Dedman.

What’s Your Name Again?
Slide guitar? Check. Heavy riff? Check. Filthy theme? Check. … Turn it up!

Secrets
A gut punching rock anthem full of fury. Chanting encouraged for those who have ever been lied to and cheated on – ‘three years, I’ve wasted!’

Long Time Coming
A song you will feel you already know and love. Close and intimate heartfelt vocals that build to an outstanding masterpiece with our Bravian choir allowing Lindsey Bonnick to “take it home.” It’s a song about the longing and aching for home and family.

Thin Ice
Industrial percussive sounds really take this song up a gear. With such a catchy, heavy riff, two-part fiery vocals, and a chant you’ll be singing along to at the end, this song is hard to forget.

Fool of You
Aretha inspired gospel intro leading to a funky groove with a dollop of soul and a splash of rock to make this number what it is. Listen out for the sexy bassline driving this song forward.

Break Me
The story is told from the perspective of two women entangled in a love triangle. A unique slow blues rock tune featuring one of the best solos you’ll hear and a gospel choir that takes it to another level. Fun Fact, the Bravian Choir was hand-picked by the band and recorded at St Marys Church, Portsmouth.

Life’s Machine
Written during the Covid-19 global pandemic, it’s a heart wrenching, spine tingling and goose bump inducing rock ballad summing up how it feels to lose someone you love during such a gruelling time. One of two songs to feature a grand piano on the album, Life’s Machine takes the listener on a journey through delicate verses and mournful choruses all building to an epic crescendo. The song ends with the sounds of ghost-like spirits with the cycle of life complete.

BRAVE RIVAL – 2022 TOUR DATES
Tickets: WWW.BRAVERIVAL.COM/TOUR

07/05/2022 – Lincoln Rock & Blues Festival 2022
08/05/2022 – Bilston Rock & Blues 2022, Robin2
19/05/2022 – Bannermans Bar – Edinburgh
20/05/2022 – Parish Hall – Sedgefield
11/06/2022 – Brave Rival Album Launch, Echo Hotel Music Club, Hook
16/06/2022 – Tring Blues Club
21/06/2022 – Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
26/06/2022 – Cleethorpes Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival 2022
07/07/2022 – Bullfrog Blues Club, Southsea, Portsmouth
14/07/2022 – The Beaverwood, Chislehurst
31/07/2022 – Uckfield Blues and Roots Festival 2022
05/08/2022 – Jolly Sailor – Southsea
16/09/2022 – Cheese and Grain – Frome (supporting Laurence Jones)
07/10/2022 – The 1865 – Southampton (Supporting Laurence Jones)
05/11/2022 – Coolham Music Club (Supporting Catfish)
11/11/2022 – Hallelujah Festival – Hartlepool
13/11/2022 – The Musician – Leicester
15/11/2022 – The 100 Club – London (Supporting Corky Laing)
16/11/2022 – The Bullingdon – Oxford (Supporting Corky Laing)
19/11/2022 – Parish Hall – Sedgefield (Supporting Corky Laing)
20/11/2022 – Whitby Blues Festival – Whitby

LAST TEMPTATION Release New Album “Fuel For My Soul” on May 20th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 20, 2022
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LAST TEMPTATION will release their new album ‘Fuel For My Soul’ on 20th May, on Crusader Records.

Fuel for my Soul is a great step forward compared to Last Temptation’s first album. Recorded in a week, the band took their time to rehearse the new songs, and had over 40 demos. Eventually, the band narrowed down the tracks to a list of 11 songs they wanted to have on the record.

Fuel for my Soul has a very different production style compared to the last album. They recorded live all the rhythm tracks, bass, drums and guitars, and it’s more eclectic as far as the songs go. Last Temptation still maintain the Ozzy/Black Sabbath influences, but add a grungy twist as well as a 80’s vibe with big choruses.

The band aso pushed lead singer Peter Scheithauer with melodies in some lead parts. “That’s really not what I like but it felt right. I must admit, sound-wise, it’s live again but with better mixing and mastering. We are excited to play these songs live.”

Track By Track: 
ASHES AND FIRE
‘Ashes and Fire’ is the fear of being left behind in this world. We want to leave an imprint in this world at all costs. In the end we will all be like our ancestors – totally forgotten.
BELIEVE
Everyone knows it, but they turn a blind eye to the inevitable – our self-destruction. ‘I Believe’ is about the denial of our society that makes us believe everything is preventable.
STRONGER THAN FATE
‘Stronger than Fate’ is about egos, and how they are often very big. This prevents us from seeing the reality of things. We are still in denial and we are convinced that we are stronger than destiny – big mistake.
I DON’T WANNA BE YOUR GOD
‘Don’t Wanna Be Your God’ has a very simple view. It shows God resigning because he is tired of seeing men behaving like idiots.
FUEL FOR MY SOUL
‘Fuel for my Soul’ shows that music and art brings everyone together. Whether you’re stupid or cool, you’re rich or poor or black or white. This is true spirituality, where religions divide and arts unite. It is the fuel of our souls.
CAROUSEL OF HELL
‘Carrousel of Hell’ is a song that speaks of this world, and how it is ruled by fear. Everyone blames the others for all problems, without ever questioning themselves.
FREE, STRONG AND LOUD
This track speaks of freedom, without expecting anything from others. ‘Free, Strong and Loud’ shows people living things to the fullest, as every second counts.
IN THE MIRROR
‘In the Mirror’ is the bitter observation of our lives. We spent time complaining and pushing back opportunities. At the end, we regret that we didn’t do the things that are now too late to do. It is a one-on-one conversation between ourselves and death.
MAIN ATTRACTION
Once again, humanity tries to reassure itself about its life. ‘Main Attraction’ touches on the idea that sometimes we have the impression of doing things well, with the end being quite the opposite. It’s already too late to change anything.
THE ANSWER
‘The Answer’ is about the big question that everyone is asking: why are we on earth? What is our goal? The answer will surely not come from us, but from within.
GOING CRAZY
‘Going Crazy’ is a track about the need to be afraid of fear, as it has always haunted humanity. The fear of death, failures and refusals, when you start to think about it, it can sometimes drive us insane.

ABOUT LAST TEMPTATION
The first important step has been mastered effortlessly; now Last Temptation are going the whole hog. Following their successful album debut and enthusiastic reviews in countless music rags, shows with bands such as Dream Theater, plus festivals such as Hellfest, the band surrounding guitarist Peter Scheithauer (Killing Machine, Belladonna, Temple of Brutality) and vocalist Butcho Vukovic (Watcha) is all set to embark on the second stage of its career.
 
Talking of the new line-up: In bassist Julien Rimaire (Los Dissidentes Del Sucio Motel) and drummer Vince Brisach (Mitch Ryder), along with Scheithauer and Vukovic, the band have a whole new rhythm section supporting them. While Last Temptation’s self-titled debut still boasted a number of international guests, such as Bob Daisley, Vinny Appice, Stet Howland, James Lomenzo, Don Airey and Rudy Sarzo, the band now consists exclusively of European musicians. “This step was necessary to make Last Temptation more flexible when it comes to the organizational side,” explains Scheithauer. “The new line-up makes it so much easier to rehearse spontaneously, play gigs at short notice and prepare album productions.” 

No doubt about it: Last Temptation have grown into an even tighter unit, musically as well as logistically, and are positively bursting with enthusiasm.   

COUCH RIFFS Recreate 10-Minute Epic ‘Starship Trooper’ by YES With All-Star Cast of 17 Musicians To Benefit Roadie Relief

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 20, 2022
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While the pandemic has undoubtedly affected everyone’s life in one way or another, the unseen victims that have been hit the hardest are the road crews and behind-the-scenes production pros that the live music industry relies on to function. The roadies! The hard-working people that make sure the show goes on, make sure the show goes on time, and make sure your favorite artists look, sound, and perform at their best! These people had their entire industry flipped upside down essentially overnight and while the touring machine is back up and running for many, the livelihoods of legions of roadies still hang in the balance of tour uncertainty, canceled gigs, and re-scheduling mayhem still stemming from the early days of the pandemic. These people – who generally never quite get their due respect in the best of times – still need our help! Roadie Relief has sought to ease the financial woes of touring and production professionals since the beginning of the pandemic through a Gofundme and those efforts continue today. Many touring pros are unable to claim unemployment as their expert level trade skills are not recognized by the government, or they operate as contracted workers in order to jump from tour-to-tour and do not qualify. 

In an effort to bring both awareness and sorely needed funds to the Roadie Relief campaign, COUCH RIFFS and Mike Squires [Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Harvey Danger, Ugly Kid Joe] have put together a quarantine performance video of the prog mega-classic “Starship Trooper” by Yes. The performance brings together an unbelievable cast of notable players who donated their time and skills, including Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, Vince Neil), Kirk Douglas (The Roots), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Richard Fortus (Guns n’ Roses), Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters), Brandon Yeagley (Crobot), Greg Gilmore (Mother Love Bone), Kurt Bloch (The Fastbacks), Janet Weiss (Quasi/Sleater Kinney), Jeff Pilson (Dokken/Foreigner), Loren Gold (The Who), Tony Reed (MOS Generator), Per Wiberg (Candlemass/Opeth), Amanda Hardy (Bexley), Ty Bailey (Katy Perry), and of course Mike Squires and was edited and mixed by Don Gunn. 

The video will include a donation link and as well as 5 unique opportunities for Roadie Relief supporters to record/film themselves and receive audio and video versions of the complete “Starship Trooper” performance with them professionally mixed into the track alongside these heavyweights of the music industry! Think of it as a video version of the rock ‘n’ roll fantasy camp concept! 

These 5 guest participant spots for donors will be filled via buy-ins who will be able to choose which of 4 sections of the prog opus they want to perform on. Participants may choose any instrument or voice from one of the 4 sections. These participating donors will receive a stereo mix of the song, minus the part that they are going to perform on. Participants will then need to record and film themselves (you’ll need an audio interface, DAW, and a camera phone to participate) and submit their performance back to Couch Riffs, who will then edit in the winners’ footage to the video. These folks will receive a video and audio version of “Starship Trooper” featuring themselves performing alongside this team of world-class musicians!

Buy-ins are $1000 each and will remain open until 5 slots are filled or June 30, whichever comes first.

The Starship Trooper video will be released on April 20th (4/20), which will coincide with the release of buy-in spots. Participating donors will be delivered instructions and assets to create their performances with and once they have returned them to Couch Riffs, the final audio and video will be delivered back to them as schedules allow, and as soon as possible.

GOD FORBID To Reissue “Gone Forever” On Limited-Edition Splatter Vinyl

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 20, 2022
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Seminal New Wave of American Heavy Metal act GOD FORBID have announced a vinyl reissue of their 2004 breakthrough album, “Gone Forever.” Pre-orders for the upcoming limited-edition splatter vinyl release by M-Theory Audio – scheduled to hit streets on June 10, 2022 – are now available at www.smarturl.com/godforbid The group has also announced a special reunion performance. GOD FORBID’s first live show in nine years will happen during the weekend of September 8th-11th at Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 on the grounds of Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA.

Says GOD FORBID vocalist Byron Davis, “I think it’s amazing that an album that changed our lives created so long ago gets a fresh new look for today’s world.”
 
“Although Gone Forever has previously been released on vinyl, the original run was limited and hard-to-find,” adds guitarist Doc Coyle. “I am pleased to have God Forbid’s breakthrough album released properly at a time when vinyl is being embraced by collectors and in conjunction with God Forbid’s reunion show announcement. This one is for the real GF fans.“

GOD FORBID was a major player within the New Wave of American Heavy Metal scene of the early 2000’s. The group followed the original February 2004 release of “Gone Forever” with an appearance on the Second Stage of Ozzfest 2004, alongside bands such as Slipknot, Atreyu, and Every Time I Die. The group would go on to log more miles on the road touring alongside legacy acts such as Slayer and Anthrax, as well as scene contemporaries such as Machine Head, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, and Hatebreed.
 
M-Theory Audio’s upcoming vinyl reissue of “Gone Forever” will be limited to 500 copies of bird shit splatter vinyl. This new edition of the album will feature freshly expanded artwork from designer Tom Bejgrowicz (Misfits, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys) and new personal liner notes from bassist John Outcalt, rare photos and memorabilia. This reissue of “Gone Forever” will also feature the bonus track “Allegiance,” recorded during this time period.

GOD FORBID signed with Century Media Records shortly after the release of their 2000 self-released debut, “Reject The Sickness.” The upcoming vinyl reissue of “Gone Forever” is a continuation of the band’s celebration of their history, which began last year with M-Theory Audio’s Record Store Day vinyl reissue of their 2001 Century Media debut, “Determination.”  A small amount of blue/white haze vinyl copies of “Determination” remain available for purchase at https://m-theoryaudio.com/product/733259.
 
GOD FORBID would go on to release three additional full-length albums after “Gone Forever” – 2005’s “IV: Constitution of Treason,” 2009’s “Earthsblood,” and 2012’s “Equilibrium.” The band also remained consistent presences on the road throughout the next decade, sharing stages with other influential acts of the era such as Five Finger Death Punch, Meshuggah, and Children of Bodom. GOD FORBID formally disbanded in 2013, but guitarist Doc Coyle has remained a prominent member of the heavy metal community in the years since through his involvement in the band, Bad Wolves.

More information on GOD FORBID’s upcoming vinyl reissue of “Gone Forever” will be revealed in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio and at https://www.facebook.com/officialgodforbid.

GOD FORBID in 2004 was:
Byron Davis – vocals
Doc Coyle – guitars/vocals
Dallas Coyle – guitars/vocals
John Outcalt – bass
Corey Pierce – drums

RIOT ACT Release New Video for ‘Closer To The Flame’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 20, 2022
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RIOT ACT, the band led by former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura release a new video, the title track of their debut album “Closer To The Flame“.

The song is an up-tempo hard-hitting rocker that will be sure to please fans of early Riot tunes such as “Swords & Tequila” and “Road Racin‘”

Closer To The Flame – the album, is available now via Global Rock Records, released April 15th as a 2CD set:

Cd 1 featuring the debut studio album, Cd 2 features 12 re-recorded Riot classics, available from music retailers everywhere, including with a limited edition signed card when purchased direct from www.globalrockrecords.com

THE LUCID Release Official Music Video for Single ‘Hair’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 20, 2022
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photo credit: Kevin Williams

Ecclectic hard rock band THE LUCID, featuring vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, bassist David Ellefson, guitarist/actor Drew Fortier, and drummer Mike Heller have continued to celebrate the release of their debut self titled album with the official music video for “Hair”, directed by and starring award winning horror icon Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, SiREN, Creepshow).

The Lucid guitarist Drew Fortier states,
“It was fascinating to watch Hannah unleash her remarkable creativity for this music video. We are all thrilled and moved by what she was able to accomplish visually with this song. It was an exciting, dark, twisted, collaboration showcasing the band’s irreverence perfectly. We think everyone is going to get such a big kick out of it.”

Director Hannah Fierman states,
“The Lucid gave me artistic freedom to do whatever I wanted with the music video but they also had some fantastic ideas of their own once we began brainstorming. We decided on mostly black & white neo noir early on in the process. My background in horror is apparent but works with the energy of the song. It was truly a blast creating this video with such fun and talented artists.”

The Lucid have also announced their live debut via seven intimate shows this May.

They are as follows:

May 20 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
May 21 – New Bedford, MA – The Vault
May 22 – Waterford, CT – The Jameson Pub
May 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
May 26 – West Dundee, IL – Rochaus
May 27 – Westland, MI – The Token Lounge
May 28 – Akron, OH – Empire Concert Club

Tickets are on sale right now at: https://bnds.us/run1ip
Exclusive V.I.P. dinners with the band are also available at: lucidofficial.com

The Lucid are a four piece hard rock band featuring vocalist Vinnie Dombroski
(Sponge), guitarist Drew Fortier, Grammy Award winning bassist David Ellefson, and drummer Mike Heller (Malignancy, Raven, Fear Factory). The band formed in early 2020 initiated by demos from Fortier and Heller which caught the attention of frequent Fortier collaborator David Ellefson who joined the fold along with Sponge frontman Vinnie Dombroski to complete the lineup. The Lucid’s debut self-titled album, was released October 15 and features 9 heavy hitting and emotionally charged tracks showcasing this eclectic quartet’s unique sonic approach.

Hannah Fierman is an award winning actor, director, and singer known for her show stealing breakout performance in V/H/S (2012), a hit horror anthology that spawned a 2016 spinoff, SiREN, which was centered around her acclaimed character, Lily, from the original film. Fierman went on to garner multiple awards and accolades for her performance in the critically acclaimed Hold Me, released in 2016. Apart from her iconic film roles, Fierman has also appeared in multiple Television shows including Creepshow, The Vampire Diaries, Dynasty, and Toast of London. In addition to The Lucid’s music video for “Hair”, Fierman has also directed a segment for the upcoming Dead By Midnight Y2Kill as well as her upcoming feature film directorial debut, Dark Circles, which is due out later this year.