Playing ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Is Catharsis for Resisting Authoritarianism
In its cathartic gameplay, Monster Hunter Wilds shows that even the world’s grandest predators can fall when their weaknesses are understood and exploited.
Igor Bannikov
I have 12+ years of experience in music journalism as a writer and
showrunner of music YouTube shows. During my career, I have worked
with Esquire, Maxim, FHM, Elle Girl, Northern Transmissions, and other
outlets. I specialize in folk, indie, and all kinds of guitar music, as well as
pop music and R&B. Additionally, I focus on up-and-coming musicians and
new music trends.
‘Avowed’ Conveys the Weight of Words In Our Times
Avowed is a charming, old-fashioned fantasy RPG reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls series that teaches players to be mindful of their words.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s Success Lies in Its Meme-Worthiness
Arguably 2025’s best RPG video game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II‘s success stems largely from its humorous meme appeal.
Sharon Van Etten Remains Her Genuine Self on New Album
In the afterlife, through a fresh gothic sound, and even in her new band, Sharon Van Etten stays true to herself and who she might have become.
The 24 Best Video Games of 2024
PopMatters’ 24 Best Video Games of 2024 highlight achievements in game design and the risks creators take to lure gamers into the magic circle.
‘Silent Hill 2 Remake’ Is a Dark Gem in the Horror Game Renaissance
Humble Polish game developer Bloober Team was near death until they created the dark gem in the horror game renaissance, Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Laura Marling Never Misses and Doesn’t on ‘Patterns in Repeat’
Laura Marling’s eighth record, Patterns in Repeat, is a full bingo card of simplicity and sophistication—a win-win for her, listeners, and critics all around.
Kelly Lee Owens trades Brat Summer for Dreamstate Autumn
DJ, singer, and producer Kelly Lee Owens takes the opposite path from Charli XCX, yet meets her at the crossroads of pop and electronic music on Dreamstate.
Alex Winston Doesn’t Let Major Labels Spoil Her Comeback on Bingo!
Over 12 years from her debut to sophomore outing Bingo!, Alex Winston successfully evolved from a big-budget pop star to an independent newcomer.
Maya Hawke Gently Kicks Open Another Door With Her Foot
Stranger Things‘ Maya Hawke admits on Chaos Angel she “was born with my foot in the door” and delivers one of the best LPs in the history of singing Hollywooders.
Dua Lipa Sets a Major Breakthrough for Indie and Pop Music
With the help of Kevin Parker and Danny L. Harle, Dua Lipa’s new album Radical Optimism sounds like Tame Impala meets PC Music and goes to headline Glastonbury.
Taylor Swift Overcomes Breakup on ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
Taylor Swift advances the Midnights synth-based and diaristic formula, embracing increasingly sophisticated and minimalistic sonics on The Tortured Poets Department.