Side One Track One

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:19:34 +0000

Here you’ll find the latest on Homegrown, an Austin artist-focused show that airs every Sunday at 9pm CST on 101X. Be sure to also follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you’ve got music or comments you’d like to submit, please send an email here.

PLAYLIST FOR 05.31.26:

(NEW) Holy Wave – s33.u.in/HAL
(NEW) The Black Drumset – The Ice Melted, We Had To Swim
(NEW) Shearwater – More And More
Grivo – May
Paper Sister – Run Home
(NEW) Oakwood – Fall Apart
White Denim – Ruby
Voxtrot – Fighting Back
Dorio – My Own Personal Racer
(NEW) Candy Riot – The Start
Lena Luca – Dark Out
Mean Jolene – Private Plane

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Coming soon!

Quickdraw: Feeble Little Horse, Starcleaner Reunion, Downtown Boys, Knitting, Blums

John Laird — Thu, 28 May 2026 22:07:01 +0000

Enjoy.

Feeble Little Horse – Doorway

Feeble Little Horse surprised dropped an album, Bitknot, earlier this week, and it’s very much worth your time. Also, for those in Austin, you should go to their show at the Mohawk on July 21.

Starcleaner Reunion – Weather Instrument

Starcleaner Reunion have signed to Take Care Records and they’ve released this lovely little pop tune to celebrate the occasion. More soon, please.

Downtown Boys – Sirena

As I deal with a variety of annoying things at work, this slap to the senses from Downtown Boys is doing wonders for me. Their new album, Public Luxury, is due out June 26.

Knitting – I Wasn’t Fully Cooked

There’s a haziness to these Knitting singles that I think is really great. Their new album, Souvenir, will be out on June 26.

Blums – Cashout

Blums are set to put out their debut album, Sunk Cost Fantasy, on August 7. I dig the collage-like feel of this single.

Movie Breakdown: Power Ballad

John Laird — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:22:15 +0000

Pre-Screening Stance:

John Carney makes pretty good movies that are really easy to watch, and I suspect that Power Ballad will be more of the same.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I don’t think Power Ballad is going to immediately become anyone’s favorite film, but – as I figured it would be – it’s an enjoyable 90-ish minute ride. The story revolves around Rick (Paul Rudd), a former touring musician and current wedding band frontman, who one evening finds himself in the company of a boy band star by the name of Danny (Nick Jonas). The two seem to immediately become good pals as they spend the night drinking, jamming, and talking, but afterwards things take a turn when Danny spins the core of one of Rick’s unfinished songs into a smash hit. With no acknowledgement of any kind to be had from Danny, Rick enters a tailspin as he frantically tries to prove to his family and friends that the song is actually his. From there, things unfold in a pretty unsurprising manner, but you won’t really care because it’s just such an easily digestible film with a lot of laughs and a very endearing through line. Thankfully, Rudd doesn’t let himself get too silly, which was kind of a relief, and I thought Jonas did a nice job in his role as well. I probably could have done with another 15 minutes or so on the runtime, just to better flesh out a few things and to make a few of the plot points not feel so super convenient, but this isn’t a deal killer at all.

If you’re looking for something breezy, you could do a lot worse than Power Ballad. The film hits theaters in Austin tomorrow, May 29, and then fully opens on June 5.

One Last Thought:

This movie made me realize that I don’t know a single song by the Jonas Brothers. My wife even put a few on and I didn’t recognize any of them, even the tracks with over a billion plays. I think I was just too old when they blew up. Anyhow, despite my lack of JoBros knowledge, I have them accurately ranked as such: Nick, then Frankie (Claim To Fame fans unite!), then Kevin, then Joe.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 25 May 2026 13:51:38 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 05.24.26:

(NEW) Dorio – My Own Personal Racer
Hovvdy – Try Try Try
Blue Ribbon – Gone
Proun – Coloring Pages
(NEW) Grivo – May
Variety – Plover
Paper Sister – Turn Into Me
Shearwater – Daydream Unbeliever
French Film – Crude Charm
Feedr – Monroe
Oakwood – A Tangled Mess
Heavy Meddo – Treadmill Pilgrimage
Lauren Lakis – I Fall Apart
Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol – Peaches

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Friday, May 29 – Get yourself to the 13th Floor for Paper Sister’s EP release party with Variety, French Film, and Feedr. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Kiwi Jr., Westside Cowboy, Ill Peach, Mary In The Junkyard, Sweeping Promises

John Laird — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:48:13 +0000

Enjoy.

Kiwi Jr. – Blowin’ Up

The always hooky Kiwi Jr. have finally announced a new album – Blowin’ Up will be out on August 14. If the rest of the LP sounds as slick and sophisticated as this track, then we’re going to be in for something really great.

Westside Cowboy – Kick Stones (The Boys)

Here’s a really nice driving indie rocker from Westside Cowboy, who are all set to put out their debut album, It Goes On, on August 21.

Ill Peach – Crash Course Dummy

Alt-pop act Ill Peach have just rolled out another great single off their impending album, Eavesdropping. June 26 can’t get here fast enough.

Mary In The Junkyard – New Muscles

This one from Mary In The Junkyard has been a favorite of mine this week – it’s just a clever, cool listen. The band’s debut album, Role Model Hermit, will be out on July 3.

Sweeping Promises – Shooting Shadows

Sweeping Promises have a new album titled You Say I Romanticize that’s due out on August 14. The first single here is a real ripper.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:55:48 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 05.17.26:

(NEW) Hovvdy – Try Try Try
(NEW) Proun – Coloring Pages
Shakey Graves – On My Own
Paper Sister – Marry Me
Feedr – Monroe
Strange Lot – Nobody Seems To Do The Math
(MEW) Shearwater – Daydream Unbeliever
(NEW) Touch Girl Apple Blossom – Heart-Go
(NEW) Blue Ribbon – Gone
(NEW) Grocery Bag – Reason
J’Cuuzi – Asslesschaps.biz
(NEW) CorMae – ADHD

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Friday, May 29 – Get yourself to the 13th Floor for Paper Sister’s EP release party with Variety, French Film, and Feedr. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Criteria, The Mountain Goats, Mono

John Laird — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:57:51 +0000

Enjoy.

Criteria – I Am The End

I was really into Criteria back in the early 2000s, so it was a nice surprise to see that they’re got a new album on the way – Seize! will be out on May 22. Judging by this single, they haven’t lost a step.

The Mountain Goats – Charlie Sheen Reaches Out To The Feds

The ever-prolific Mountain Goats have announced their 24th album – it’s titled Days and it’ll be out on August 7. This driving rocker is a great first single.

Mono – Gerbera

Here’s another post-rock stunner off Mono’s impending album, Snowdrop, which is going to be out on June 12. I need them to announce their next US tour.

Movie Breakdown: Is God Is

John Laird — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:47:43 +0000

Pre-Screening Stance:

I’m really not at all sure what Is God Is is going to be like or what I should expect from it, but it looks cool and I’m excited to check the film out.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Is God Is is one hell of a ride. The twisted story follows twin sisters Racine (Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson) as they seek revenge on their father (Sterling K. Brown), who is responsible for the severe burns that they each received as children when he decided to set their mother (Vivica A. Fox) on fire. Like I said, the plot here is twisted, but despite the heavy subject matter this is not a movie that attempts to saddle you with a big bag of sadness. No, instead writer/director Aleshea Harris has crafted a 90-ish minute firecracker of a film that’s aggressively stylistic, sharp, edgy, and entertaining. It’s also geared up by some rather electric performances, particularly from Young and Johnson, who deftly touch on a wide range of emotions as their characters barrel along on a mission that they’re ill-equipped for. On a similar note, the main vets here are great as well with Fox turning in a noteworthy performance as the twin’s vengeful mother and Brown coming off as utterly unsettling in his role as their father. Just wait until you hear his creepy ass voice!

If you don’t have Is God Is on your radar, you really need to put it there, as it’s one of the best films that I’ve seen so far this year. It lands in theaters this Friday, May 15.

One Last Thought:

Is Vivica A. Fox underrated? I know she’s starred in some low rent stuff but the woman has steadily been at it a long time (IMDB has her at 260+ credits since 1985) and she’s always shined when the material has been good. I’m thinking the answer here is yes.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:12:58 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 05.10.26:

(NEW) Strange Lot – Nobody Seems To Do The Math
(NEW) Feedr – Monroe
Paper Sister – Turn Into Me
(NEW) Lauren Lakis – I Fall Apart
Gummy Fang – Lovesick Thing
Touch Girl Apple Blossom – The Springtime Reminds Me Of
Oakwood – Fields Behind The House
Grocery Bag – Deadvolt
Emily Wolfe – Lips
Heavy Meddo – Treadmill Pilgrimage
Daily Worker – Anymore
Drakulas – White Off Your Nose
Night Cap – Like That
(NEW) J’Cuuzi – Asslesschaps.biz

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Friday, May 29 – Get yourself to the 13th Floor for Paper Sister’s EP release party with Variety, French Film, and Feedr. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Iceage, Parts & Labor, RIP Magic, Bodega, Cola, Jawdropped, Zzzahara, Artificial Go

John Laird — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:14:40 +0000

Enjoy.

Iceage – The Weak

This rambling rocker from Iceage is a gem. The band will put out their new album, For Love of Grace & the Hereafter, on May 29. Really hoping a US tour gets announced soon.

Parts & Labor – Haunted Limbs

The impending Parts & Labor album, Set Of All Sets, is really shaping up to be a favorite of mine when it lands on July 10. All five singles have just been rad.

RIP Magic – Screwdark

RIP Magic’s 5words is one of my favorite songs of 2026 (so far), so I’m loving that the Sorry-offshoot has not only dropped a new tune but also announced that they’ve signed to Section1. Now hit me with an album, please.

Bodega – Pick Up The Check

The always-hooky Bodega are back with a new tune that’s packing a 90s-leaning alt-rock vibe. It’s a different sound for them, but it works.

Cola – Haveluck Country

Don’t forget that Cola’s anticipated new album, Cost Of Living Adjustment, will arrive tomorrow (May 8). Here’s another noteworthy single from it.

Jawdropped – Monday

Jawdropped just released this power pop standout to celebrate their addition to the Transgressive Records/Canvasback roster. I’m excited to see what the band does next.

Zzzahara – Speedracer

The new album, Distant Lands, from Zzzahara will be here in about a month – it’s due June 5. This earworm of a single is a real head turner.

Artificial Go – Triples Ones

Artificial Go have announced they’ve signed to Carpark Records and their first release for the label will be a 7″ that features this noteworthy slice of art pop. Get yours here.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 04 May 2026 20:15:35 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 05.03.26:

Paper Sister – Marry Me
(NEW) Oakwood – Fields Behind The House
(NEW) Heavy Meddo – Treadmill Pilgrimage
(NEW) Daily Worker – Anymore
(NEW) Emily Wolfe – Lips
Grocery Bag – Deadvolt
The Black Angels – Young Men Dead
(NEW) Drakulas – White Off Your Nose
Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol – Peaches
Good Looks – Vision Boards
Cast Of Thousands – Remember Me
Bayonne – Oxygen

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Friday, May 29 – Get yourself to the 13th Floor for Paper Sister’s EP release party with Variety, French Film, and Feedr. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Death Cab For Cutie, The Bug Club, Ducks Ltd, Knitting, Sparta

John Laird — Fri, 01 May 2026 01:14:10 +0000

Enjoy.

Death Cab For Cutie – Punching The Flowers

This is a really slick rocker from Death Cab For Cutie. By my count, that makes them 2 for 2 on singles off their impending album, I Built You A Tower, which is due out June 8.

The Bug Club – A Good Day For Dying

Here’s The Bug Club with a great one that’s just as clever as it is catchy. Their new album, Every Single Muscle, will be here on May 30. If you’ve missed any of the previous singles, you should give them a spin.

Ducks Ltd – Easy Come Easy Go (Go-Betweens Cover) (Featuring Martin Courtney)

Ducks Ltd recently put out this Go-Betweens cover, which features a bit of help from Real Estate’s Martin Courtney, and it’s just lovely.

Knitting – Here Comes

I appreciate the slacker indie rock vibes that are all over this Knitting single. The band’s impending album is titled Souvenir and it’s due out June 26.

Sparta – Everything You Say

These Sparta singles continue to hit the spot – I really think it’s some of their best stuff since their debut, Wiretap Scars, way back in 2002. The new album, Cut A Silhouette, will be here on May 29.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:01:51 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 04.26.26:

(NEW) Bayonne – Oxygen
Lena Luca – Dark Out
Shakey Graves – On My Own
Touch Girl Apple Blossom – I’m Lucky I Found You
(NEW) Paper Sister – Marry Me
Lauren Lakis – Heaven Felt Too High
Team Trust – Wuggis
Emily Wolfe – Crave Me
CorMae – Mindst8
Big Bill – The Open Door
White Denim – Ruby
(NEW) Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol – Peaches
HaHa Lauhging – Oh Well
Kind Keith – You Might Let Someone In

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Thursday, April 30 – Join us at the Mohawk for a show with Big Bill, CorMae, and Team Trust. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Morn, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Facs, Chimers, Telehealth

John Laird — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:20:55 +0000

Enjoy.

Morn – The Standard Model

This new post-punk track from Morn is a real blast of energy, which I’m so in need of with this week seemingly intent on dragging on forever. By the way, you can pre-order the band’s new 7″ here.

Man/Woman/Chainsaw – Nosedive

Cannonball is the name of Man/Woman/Chainsaw’s debut album, and it’ll be out on August 7. There’s an early 2000s feel to this single (and its video) that’s really working for me.

Facs – Parallel Lives / Chimers – Red Chair

Facs and Chimers teamed up for a split 7″ and each band’s contribution to it is rad. Give both tracks a listen and then grab the record here.

Telehealth – Donor Country (A Good Cause)

Here’s a really fun one from Telehealth, who are all set to put out their debut album, Green World Image, on May 15.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:26:15 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 04.19.26:

(NEW) Emily Wolfe – Crave Me
Grocery Bag – Deadvolt
Club Coma – You Can’t Take My Spirit
HaHa Lauhging – Oh Well
Alex Riegelman – I Forgot Myself
Big Bill – Cameras
(NEW) CorMae – Mindst8
(NEW) Touch Girl Apple Blossom – I’m Lucky I Found You
Mean Jolene – Private Plane
(NEW) Shakey Graves – On My Own
Proun – Miracles
(NEW) Kind Keith – You Might Let Someone In
(NEW) Lena Luca – Dark Out
(NEW) Lauren Lakis – Heaven Felt Too High

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Thursday, April 30 – Join us at the Mohawk for a show with Big Bill, CorMae, and Team Trust. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Broken Social Scene, Cola, Parts & Labor

John Laird — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:48:08 +0000

Enjoy.

Broken Social Scene – The Call

This new Broken Social Scene track is slick and I really like the way it moves. The band is set to release an album titled Remember the Humans on May 8. Also, for those in Austin, they’re playing the Moody Amphitheater on June 8.

Cola – Skywriter’s Sigh

Here’s a clever and very easy to like gem from Cola, who have a new album, Cost Of Living Adjustment, that’ll be out on May 8.

Parts & Labor – Endless Cycles: Parts 1-4

I can’t say I ever thought we’d see another Parts & Labor album, but they actually have one on the way – it’s their first in 15 years, it’s titled Set Of All Sets, and it’s due out July 10. And because they’ve prepared a massive 79-minute LP, they’ve released four rippers along with this news.

By the way, if you prefer to check out these singles on their own and not stitched together, they’re up separately at Spotify.

Movie Breakdown: The Christophers

John Laird — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:30:09 +0000

Pre-Screening Stance:

Steven Soderbergh has been on a roll as of late – both Black Bag and Presence were really slick – and now here he is with The Christophers, which features an immense combo of actors in Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel. I think it’s going to be great.

Post-Screening Ramble:

The Christophers is a wonderful little art film. The story follows a talented artist, Lori (Michaela Coel), who is approached by a pair of sneaky siblings with an offer – take a job as an assistant to their famous painter of a father, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), and use the opportunity to seize some of his unfinished works. Then, once the paintings are in hand, she’s to forge their completion with the goal to sell them after Julian dies. Naturally, things don’t go quite as planned, as the old man is a lot more tuned in than his kids think and he quickly figures out their scheme. What Julian doesn’t see coming though is finding himself so challenged and intrigued by Lori, and what follows is a back and forth that explores art, legacy, money, and more. Some of it is funny, some of it is sad, but it’s all sharp and tightly written. It’s also driven by stellar performances from McKellen and Coel, who embody their characters with such fervor that they pull you right in and hold your attention tight. Honestly, if there’s anything to fret about here, it’s really just that the movie is only a smidge over 90 minutes long – I could have spent hours with those two characters.

I really liked The Christophers and hope you’ll find some time to give it a go. The film hits theaters this Friday, April 17.

One Last Thought:

James Corden is in this movie and it’s the only role I’ve ever seen him in where I didn’t immediately want to figure out a way to eject him off the screen. I’d call for him to keep on trucking in the same lane but maybe it’s best that we just cherish this and not tempt fate by asking for more.

Movie Breakdown: Mother Mary

John Laird — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:55:23 +0000

Pre-Screening Stance:

Everything about Mother Mary, from writer/director David Lowery (The Green Knight, A Ghost Story) to Anne Hathaway as a pop star to the Charlie XCX & FKA Twigs-penned soundtrack, feels right up my alley. So yeah, I can’t wait to see this very A24-looking movie from … A24.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I really liked Mother Mary, but it’s definitely one of those films that opts for a vibe over anything else. So, in other words, if you want a movie that fully explores its characters or follows an obvious narrative or delivers a clearly defined ending, then you may not be down for the ride that writer/director David Lowery offers up here. As for the story, it pretty much solely involves pop superstar Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway) and her former designer/friend/something Sam (Michaela Coel) as they work to conjure up a garment for the former to wear at what could be her last performance ever. The two, who clearly have a history that extends beyond simply being colleagues, seem equally aghast and delighted to be together again, and Hathaway and Coel make the most of this setup with a supercharged chemistry that causes the duo’s fallout from years and years ago seem as fresh as ever. Apart from the two leads steadily picking each other apart, you also get a dash of Mother Mary’s music, all of which is great (so much so in fact that I’ve already pre-ordered the soundtrack on vinyl). Additionally, there’s a chunk of this movie that involves a ghost (or a spirit, or a curse, or something) and, if I had to guess, this is where some folks will get tripped up as it shifts the film over to a rather surreal track. Personally, I dug the creepy flowing fabric creature and the implied meaning of its existence, but I can see how it may not work for others.

Mother Mary isn’t for everyone, but those who are down to go with the flow (even when things get weird and heady) will find a lot to like. The movie hits theaters this Friday, April 17.

One Last Thought:

This film made me a very big fan of Michaela Coel, and I’m very excited to see her opposite Ian McKellen in Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers (I actually have a press screening of it this week). I also can’t wait to see what she does with her remake of Bloodsport.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:00:34 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 04.12.26:

(NEW) Grocery Bag – Deadvolt
CorMae – Vacay
Big Bill – The Money Store
White Denim – Ruby
(NEW) Alex Riegelman – I Forgot Myself
(NEW) Mean Jolene – Private Plane
(NEW) Club Coma – You Can’t Take My Spirit
(NEW) Proun – Miracles
Oakwood – A Tangled Mess
Alexalone – Curse
Grivo – Impose
Hex Boyfriend – Her Man
Voxtrot – Change

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Thursday, April 30 – Join us at the Mohawk for a show with Big Bill, CorMae, and Team Trust. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Iceage, Royel Otis, Anne Hathaway, Aldous Harding, Mono

John Laird — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:59:40 +0000

Enjoy.

Iceage – Ember

Well look at that, Iceage have finally announced a new album – it’s their first in a few years and it’s titled For Love Of Grace & The Hereafter (due May 29). As for this single, it’s great, especially the line “I love you in an ominous way.”

Royel Otis – Sweet Hallelujah

Here’s Royel Otis with a new one-off single that’s a bit of a slow burn but still an earworm (as the band is prone to crafting).

Anne Hathaway – My Mouth Is Lonely For You

I saw Mother Mary (review coming next week) a few days ago and really dug the soundtrack. Anne Hathaway sounds great on this FKA Twigs-penned number.

Aldous Harding – Venus In The Zinnia

This is really charming (and surprisingly accessible) new track from Aldous Harding, who is set to put out an album titled Train On The Island on May 8.

Mono – Winter Daphne

My forever post-rock favs Mono have announced their 13th album! It’s titled Snowdrop and it’ll be out on June 12. The first single here is a stunner.

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:35:37 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 04.05.26:

(NEW) White Denim – Ruby
Quinn Decker – You Be Yours, I’ll Be Mine
Grocery Bag – Watching TV
CorMae – Send It
Big Bill – The Open Door
(NEW) Hex Boyfriend – Her Man
(NEW) Oakwood – A Tangled Mess
(NEW) Grivo – Impose
(NEW) Alexalone – Curse
Paper Sister – Turn Into Me
Day Friend – Wrinkled Vultures
Walkabouts – Stay Out

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Thursday, April 30 – Join us at the Mohawk for a show with Big Bill, CorMae, and Team Trust. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Dry Cleaning, Slift, Sparta

John Laird — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:02:50 +0000

Enjoy.

Dry Cleaning – Sliced By A Fingernail

Earlier this year Dry Cleaning put out an excellent album titled Secret Love, and now they’ve delivered a rad bonus single to remind you that they’re about to go on tour. On a related note, why isn’t there a stop in Austin? There should be.

Slift – A Storm Of Wings

Slift will put out a new album titled Fantasia on June 5. Be sure to really crank the volume when you hit play on this psych rock giant.

Sparta – Crater

This is really nice slice of alt-rock from Sparta, a band that I’ll always have a soft spot for. Their new album, Cut A Silhouette, will be out on May 29. For those in Austin, you can see them open up for Jimmy Eat World at the Moody Amp on September 9.

Movie Breakdown: The Drama

John Laird — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:23:12 +0000

Pre-Screening Stance:

The marketing for The Drama has been selling a film that seemingly harbors the twist of all twists. Frankly, I have my doubts that it manages to be that all that wild, but that’s OK because I’m more than happy to watch a movie from director Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario, Sick Of Myself) that stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I liked The Drama. It’s a well made, well acted film that’s dark, funny, and loaded with a lot of food for thought. I, however, wouldn’t say that it reinvents the rom com or anything like that, nor does it deliver a truly shocking twist. This isn’t to say the reveal, which actually happens fairly early in the movie, isn’t interesting, because it is, and there’s a good ride that comes out of the way it aggressively permeates the lives of Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) as the couple barrel towards their wedding, but it never really reaches a point that feels provocative enough to warrant any hubbub over it. Marketing hooks aside, I do think the film effectively explores what a person should or should not actually know about their partner/family/friends, and it does so in a way that’ll have you laughing and squirming in your seat. And honestly, even if the subject matter doesn’t quite land for you, you’ll at least have a good time watching Zendaya and Pattinson effortlessly play off one another.

The Drama hits theaters this Friday, April 3. I don’t know if it’s one you need to catch in a theater, but I will say that I think it’s an interesting experience to see what people laugh at in a movie that reps such a black core.

One Last Thought:

Alana Haim is so unlikable in this movie that it made me find her even more agitating than I usually do, which I didn’t even think was possible. What great work!

101X Homegrown

John Laird — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:38:42 +0000

PLAYLIST FOR 03.29.26:

Lauren Lakis – There
(NEW) Walkabouts – Stay Out
Stella And The Very Messed – Big Familiar
Stalefish – 1000 Books A Day
Tear Dungeon – Banananana
CorMae – Satisfactory Life Survivor
Big Bill – The Money Store
Almost Heaven – Baby Teeth
Hikes – To Belong
Living Set – Spring Cleaning
The Dialtones – Naming No Names
HAHA Laughing – Oh Well

*Please note that this podcast will only be available for 30 days.

HOMEGROWN LIVE PRESENTS:

Thursday, April 30 – Join us at the Mohawk for a show with Big Bill, CorMae, and Team Trust. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Quickdraw: Pulp, The Bug Club, Telescreens, Ill Peach, Gelli Haha

John Laird — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:56:48 +0000

Enjoy.

Pulp – Marrying For Love / Cold Call On The Hotline

Pulp continues to stay busy, which is a very good thing for all us. Here you’ll find a pair of stellar b-sides off a new 12″ that’s out now via Rough Trade.

The Bug Club – Yours (If You Want Me)

This is a wonderfully endearing number from my favs The Bug Club. Their new album, Every Single Muscle, will be out on May 29.

Telescreens – Baby I Know You Well

Telescreens have a new album titled Why The Lights Flicker that’s going to be released on June 12. This single is infectious.

Ill Peach – Molly’s Not A Friend

I’m really liking the 80s feel of this new one from Ill Peach. This is the second single the band has put out this year – there still hasn’t been an album announcement, but I assume one is coming soon.

Gelli Haha – Klouds Will Carry Me To Sleep

Here’s a joyful blast from “maximalist art-pop” artist Gelli Haha. By the way, if you’re in Austin, you can see them at Antone’s on May 10.