Midnight by Taylor Swift & Netflix’s twelve-episode anime, Romantic Killer
Midterms are over. It’s time for us to destress with some new music and Netflix series. At least before Finals come around the corner to steamroll me, I’ll be enjoying the calm before the storm.
On My Playlist: Midnight – Taylor Swift
Night is 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the Criminal Code, and when my self-loathing begins. (I’m determined to never forget this fact ever again.) Along with me on the ride is Taylor Swift’s new thirteen-track album Midnight, released on 21 October 2022 at midnight. Midnight features synths producing atmospheric and ethereal vibes, fun audio textures, and poppy soundscapes. Each song tells a story about a “sleepless night scattered throughout [Swift’s] life,” and her lyrics exude confidence and wisdom. Swift’s lyrics are surprisingly relatable to the law school experience:
“Did all the extra credit then got graded on a curve. I think it’s time to teach some lessons.”
– Bejeweled
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
– Mastermind
“And it’s fine to fake it till you make it.”
– Snow on the Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Unfortunately, Swift’s synth sound is not for everyone, and some tracks are sonically more comfortable than others. It’s no surprise my favourite entries, Anti-Hero, Bejeweled, and Mastermind, are the select few that have catchy yet uncluttered synth accompaniments. Here, Swift’s lyrics and vocals are not overshadowed by dissonant and distracting layers of swelling, droning notes. Those tracks may require an acquired taste. However, the more I listen, the more the collection grows on me. I’ve certainly surprised myself, unconsciously humming those melodies on the commute to school.
If you like this album, be sure to check out Swift’s bonus tracks included in her (Midnight 3am Edition), released, of course, three hours later.
On My Watchlist: Romantic Killer on Netflix
In Romantic Killer, a new Netflix anime, Anzu, a highschooler, enters into a questionably enforceable “clickwrap agreement” contract with a mischievous magically levitating potato-shaped wizard named Riri. In episode one, titled “Why Is There So Much Legalese in Magic!?”, her three favourite things, and “basic needs”—chocolate, video games, and her cat Momohiki—are whimsically confiscated. Until she can find love, her life will continue to be mysteriously manipulated against her will, becoming a real-life dating simulator video game. Why is the magic potato doing this? “For love, for the future of Japan, and most importantly for [its] salary!” Anzu has never been romantically interested, preferring video games and staying home over dating and going out, but when a “hot guy” comes into her life, and she no longer has her basic needs, how long can she resist the wizards’ schemes to bring them together?
Romantic Killer is a fun, twelve-episode series, aptly categorized as “goofy” by Netflix. First recommended to me on my homepage, this series has become a new guilty pleasure. It was either this or Dahmer, but I’m too much of a wimp to watch true crime by myself. Now that midterms have ended but the studying continues, each thirty-minute episode delivers comedic scenarios, and dynamic voice acting, perfect for a short study break.
Take Care of Yourself
Whether you are grinding out summaries, catching up on readings, or working hard on assignments, be sure to take a well-deserved break. Go outside and touch some grass, work-out at the gym, or hangout with friends. Whatever it is, remember to do the things you love and pause to admire your hard work.
