Krysta Fauria, Author at The Rapid City Post

Music Review: Joyce Manor delivers nostalgia, polished and punk, in ‘I Used to Go to This Bar’

January 26, 2026

California pop-punk stalwarts Joyce Manor’s seventh album embraces their signature millennial nostalgia with a sound reminiscent of the early 2000s. “I Used to Go to This Bar” is full of short, polished tracks that transport listeners back to their teen angst days, writes The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria. Despite not pushing boundaries, Joyce Manor has cemented a loyal fanbase. Their new album echoes the sounds of bands like Yellowcard and Sum 41. Fans of the band will likely find it an enjoyable listen.

Faith-based entertainment sees a revival in Hollywood. Defining what it is can be a challenge

December 17, 2025

Faith-based films are gaining traction in Hollywood, with recent successes sparking renewed interest. Angel Studios’ animated biblical film “David” has already exceeded $14 million in pre-sale tickets. “The Chosen,” a popular drama about Jesus, has grossed over $116 million domestically since Fathom Entertainment began releasing it theatrically in 2023. Studios are recognizing the box-office potential of faith-based content, with Lionsgate set to release the sequel to “I Can Only Imagine’ in February. This trend reflects a growing demand for spiritual storytelling, something many say Hollywood has long ignored. But defining what counts as faith-based entertainment can be challenging.

A person lights a candle during service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner)

Converts are finding Eastern Orthodoxy online. The church wants to help them commune face-to-face

December 12, 2025

Eastern Orthodoxy in the U.S. is experiencing a surge in converts, partly due to online content. The Very Rev. Andreas Blom encourages new members to engage in-person once they join Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. Some Orthodox content creators, like Jonathan Pageau, emphasize the importance of in-person community even as they take advantage of digital tools. There has been a focus on recent male converts who find Orthodoxy through content online about masculinity. While the internet has expanded Orthodoxy’s reach, church leaders are addressing challenges like extremism and the need for experienced spiritual guidance.

Nicolas Cage’s ‘The Carpenter’s Son’ turns an apocryphal text about Jesus’ youth into a horror film

November 13, 2025

Filmmaker Lotfy Nathan has turned the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas into a supernatural thriller called “The Carpenter’s Son,” starring Nicolas Cage. The film hitting theaters Friday explores stories about Jesus’ childhood that didn’t make it into the New Testament. These tales were popular among early Christians and depict a young Jesus with supernatural powers but lacking a moral compass. Nathan was raised Coptic Orthodox and was inspired by the novelty of this untold origin story. While the film draws from the ancient text, Nathan added elements to create a compelling narrative. Cage sees the film as more of a family drama than horror.

Following meteoric success — and some criticism — ‘Nobody Wants This’ evolves in Season 2

October 22, 2025

Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” became a surprise hit last year, topping charts and drawing millions of viewers. The romantic comedy follows a rabbi and an agnostic podcast host navigating their relationship. Star and executive producer Kristen Bell says the show resonated with audiences. However, it faced criticism for antisemitic tropes. Rabbi Elan Babchuck initially criticized the portrayal of Judaism but later appreciated the representation. Creator Erin Foster thinks Season 2 will address these concerns by exploring more character depth. But she maintains those arcs were already planned, not a response to the criticism. The second season releases Thursday.

Music Review: Geese’s ‘Getting Killed’ is the inventive Brooklyn band’s most accessible album yet

September 23, 2025

Geese’s third studio album, “Getting Killed,” showcases a shift from their previous lo-fi post-punk style to a more accessible sound. The intense opening track contrasts with the rest of the album’s easy-listening vibe, writes The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria. The album moves away from the alt-country concept of their last album. Tracks like “Cobra” and “Islands of Men” highlight soulful elements and unique structures. While the lyrics are often irreverent, Cameron Winter’s distinctive voice adds depth. Fans of Geese’s earlier work might feel ambivalent about the band’s trajectory, but it broadens their appeal.

From ‘Faust’ to ‘Him’: Why Hollywood can’t quit the devil’s deal

September 18, 2025

F.W. Murnau’s 1926 film “Faust” is hailed as one of the greatest silent films ever made. Its core plot element of a deal with the devil has become a lasting cinematic trope. A new Jordan Peele-produced horror film, “Him” is the latest example and hits theaters Friday. It tells the story of a football player who must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice. The Faustian theme spans genres, from horror to comedy to neo-noir dramas. The enduring appeal lies in its exploration of desires like youth and power and can be adapted to fit any culture’s priorities, making it a timeless Hollywood narrative.

Music Review: King Princess scoffs at heartbreak on ‘Girl Violence’

September 9, 2025

King Princess showcases a return to their playful and irreverent style in “Girl Violence.” Their third album contrasts with their previous record, “Hold On Baby,” by embracing a more upbeat tone despite themes of heartbreak and longing. Sonic and lyrical contrast exists throughout “Girl Violence,” writes The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria. Songs like “Jaime” and “Girls” combine tenderness with taunts and declarations of violence. The album’s upbeat energy is evident in tracks like “Cry Cry Cry,” featuring punchy drums and bright guitar. King Princess’ recorded pop songs are generally more restrained than when she plays live, but the musician occasionally betrays their virtuosic skill.

Music Review: Cult hero Alex G’s ‘Headlights’ is an introspective meditation on fame

July 14, 2025

Influential indie rock Alex G’s major label debut album is called “Headlights.” Releasing Friday, the album is an introspective meditation on fame, The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria writes in her review. Known for his lo-fi tracks and collaborations with Frank Ocean and Halsey, Alex G’s “Headlights” is a step toward more robust production and instrumentation. Think dreamy synths and reverb-soaked riffs. If there is a central message to “Headlights,” it appears on the song “Bounce Boy.” There, he sings with pitched-up vocals, one of his signature effects, about saying goodbye to a former life. For better or for worse, there is no turning back.

Sean Baker reflects on becoming a ‘weird spokesperson’ for theatergoing

June 20, 2025

Sean Baker used his acceptance speech for best director at this year’s Academy Awards to make a pitch for seeing movies in cinemas. The independent filmmaker says he has become an unlikely spokesperson for theatergoing. Baker is teaming up with Pluto TV for “Free Movie Weekend” in cities across the country to offer complimentary tickets to select theaters. He says the success of “Anora” has made him think about how he wants his next project to be different from his previous work. He also thinks adding another category to the Oscars might help reward movies that perform at the box office.

Sharon Van Etten poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

For Sharon Van Etten, making her latest album was both spiritual and psychological

June 9, 2025

Sharon Van Etten’s bandmates had one stipulation when she told them her idea for the name of her seventh album. They didn’t mind her calling it “Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory,” as long as they didn’t have to talk about their respective attachment styles. Van Etten’s process for the album was unlike anything she has done as a solo artist. That’s because she wrote the songs with her band from the ground up. Van Etten says that collaborative process made her reflect on the familial dynamics that exist within a band as she gears up for their fall tour announced Monday.

Music Review: Miley Cyrus’ ‘Something Beautiful’ is a return to form. ‘Hannah Montana’ fans, rejoice

May 27, 2025

For longtime Miley Cyrus fans, the singer’s ninth studio album is bound to live up to its name. It truly is “Something Beautiful.” In her review, The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria says Cyrus’ new album is an eclectic tapestry of pop, rock, electronic, disco and even funk. She says the record is also a return to form for the 32-year-old singer, whose pop reputation has always been in tension with her interest in other genres. But she also demonstrates, through her electronic songs in particular, how her sound has evolved and expanded over time.

Music Review: Virtuosic guitarist Ty Segall finds a new sweet spot on his laid-back ‘Possession’

May 27, 2025

Much of Ty Segall’s prolific career has been characterized by a sludgy intensity. But his 16th LP, “Possession,” crystalizes a new, less-aggressive era for the indie rocker, The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria writes in her review. His signature psychedelic sound and distorted guitar solos are still there. But the songs are also restrained and refined. He trades in his additive synths for strings and horns, all while maintaining his singular garage-psych. Fauria says that on “Possession” Segall seems to have found a kind of sweet spot that balances force with restraint in this new phase of his discography.

Sparks has been making music for more than half a century. They see no reason to retire

May 22, 2025

They’ve spent more than half a century together as bandmates and put out dozens of records. But the brothers behind the art-pop band Sparks have no intention of retiring anytime soon. The band’s sound has been ever-evolving since its inception. Ron and Russell Mael see resisting any impulse to remain the same as a central priority. The pair spoke with The Associated Press ahead of the release of their 28th studio album, “Mad!,” on Friday. They say they have no plans to retire and find it meaningful that younger generations are finding their music.