The Van [Review]

Somewhere on the desert of America, a lonely van is traveling around. Nova-Scotia is the driver, and inside the van are the gifted kids that has been living under her mercy. Cola is the girl that could sense almost all about the human around her, yet constantly keep trying to escape her surroundings by reciting poems inside her mind. But she couldn't stay ignorant anymore when her older "sister", Rosaline, went missing. Cola is accompanied by Scotch, who has the ability to make people unconscious just by a hand touch, and Junebug, a 14 year old who, unlike Scotch, is more than happy to use her ability to scramble people's mind.

The Van is an audio drama produced by the podcast network Whale Bus, which also made the series Looking Back at Tomorrow, and Story Blocks. The voice of Cola is Leslie Gideon, Scotch is voiced by Jeff Ebner, Nova-Scotia is voiced by Dina Laura, and the voice of Junebug is Julia Rose Herman. 

From what I have read, these actors are fairly new, but their job is quite amazing, especially Junebug's and Nova's. The sound editing is passable. Well, almost. There's no problem with the environment/surrounding (sorry, don't know the technical term. don't bash me, o' lord sound editor); we can clearly know when the van is moving and or when the character is outside. But when it comes to narration, it's pretty messy. The audio drama is narrated from Cola's point-of-view, however some of the times there aren't a clear distinction between her narration and the actual dialogue. This then lead to some confusion, like when Scott asked a question and Cola's narration suddenly popped in. This is probably not just a technical stuff, a little bit neater dialogue editing could maybe also help a lot. However, the good thing is, this problem get significantly less worse, particularly near the later episodes.

Now let's talk about the writing, more specifically, the characters. They are definitely not the usual type you would find in audio drama. Not many of them are sympathetic, Junebug is an insufferable girl, and Nova, the only adult, is manipulative, enabling misconduct, and exploiting these children for her own sake. 

They are flawed. 
But they are flawed like a human being. 

All of the characters are written organically. There's no character that only acts as a token. 

Cola seems like the usual introvert-with-inexplicable-power tropes, but as the story goes, we would begin to notice some very troubling issues of her. But the story never blatantly points it out, not because of some oversight in the writing — but because these issues are never her identifier.

Another example is Junebug. She might be a girl with attitude that is enough to tax the patience of a saint, but remember that with her condition, is there anything that could make her knows better? Snatched from a very young age, constantly living on the road, and the only adult she knows never show or teach her any affection. And to add to that, she always been reminded that she is only good for her ability in hurting people. To say the least, her insufferability is the only way for surviving. 

This less than politically correct writing is actually what makes me fall in love with this audio drama. It's not something you find everyday, especially in this medium. For me, the boldness in it is promising something even more in their next seasons, which I hope will be many to come. 

Note:

• The Van could be found in the Whale Bus website, Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and your rolling podcatchers
• recommended if you like: strong and complex characters, simple sci-fi, great voice acting, good world-building, bloody good mystery, The Far Meridian, ArsParadoxica, Still Lives
• seriously caution for: strong words, violence, mention of death, domestic abuse, domestic violence, emotional and psychological abuse, mental illness, eating disorder, child abuse, child exploitation, disturbing voice.

Never Prepared For: How i Died

How i Died — it's stylized like that by the way — is an audio drama that focus on the life of a newly chosen forensic pathologist of Springfield, Jon Spacer. Appropriately enough with his profession, Jon has the ability of talking with the ghost of the cadavers — a gift that either makes his job easier, or worse. To make matters tougher, he has to deal daily with Sheriff Crowley, whose attitude to Jon couldn't be less trusting.

The fictional podcast is made by AudiOhm Media. Vincent Dajani is the writer as well as the voice of dubious Jon Spacer, and Shaina Waring acted as the no-nonsense Sheriff Crowley.

In the beginning, I thought the story is close to a slice-of-life type, like the television serial Pushing Daisies — only with less pie and more emotional baggage. But in the end of episode one, I found out that it is implied the story would be a piece in a bigger story line.

As an addition to the pleasant surprise, the criminal cases depicted in the podcast are actually based on true events, with details on information are changed to protect the victims. It is a nice touch, I think (in a creative sense, of course. crime is bad, kids); some kind of a delve into the premise of the "what-if" or the otherside-ness of a story. Although sometimes, a hundred percent of truth might not be the only purpose of telling and hearing the story.  

At time this first-sound review is made, How i Died is just started. But even though with only two episodes being released, it is an audio drama that absolutely worth more attention. It is well produced, with great voice actors, exemplary sound design and editing, and a clearly nifty writing. It's more than highly recommended, and I'm excited of what comes next from the story idea.

Note:

• How i Died is in the AudiOhm Media website, Apple Podcast, Libsyn, and your existing podcatchers.
• recommended for: great voice acting, non-imposing drama, great horror mystery with enough thrill
• caution for: death, accidents, violence, abuse, mental illness, graphic depiction of crime victims.

Indian Noir Podcast [Review]

In an ancient society with complex social and cultural problems, noir genre has more than a natural place in Indian story telling. This podcast would perfectly prove my point. 

Indian Noir Podcast is a semi-anthology audio drama with currently two sets of stories: His Night Begins and Fear. His Night Begins is a disturbing avenge story of a hit man, set in the midst of a sex-trafficking industry. While Fear is heavier on the horror side, the story of an Indian demon and a tale involving a tired software engineer and his inevitable fight with his past.

  

Episodes on each story are fairly short, most of it are only under 10 minutes and the longest are barely 20 minutes. The episode release is scheduled weekly, but in the beginning, earlier episodes for different stories was a little bit dispersed. Therefore, for new listeners that want to catch up, I highly recommend a custom playlist for a better listening experience. 

Indian Noir is one man show, with the creator Nikesh Murali multi-tasking as the main narrator, as well as voicing every other characters on the story. And dear lord...he is impeccable. He is the scornful man, laden with guilt and devoid of hope, and a couple minutes later, he is the 14 year old girl chained and trapped, he is the hitman's mistress, he is the ex-wife, the corrupt police, the crook, the mad priest.

There to be said, Indian Noir is really not an easy story to listen. I binged the entire His Story Begins in one day, and oh how I wish I didn't do it, I need hours of cat videos therapy after that. It is dark, gritty, and the depiction of violence and abuse can be something that is not all people could handle. For me personally, as a woman living in a country that has similar socio-cultural issue, it is a really tough story to listen. 

Still, I have to say that it is an amazing experience. 

It is hard not to get sucked into this podcast when you have someone like Nikesh Murali as your storyteller. He proves that sometimes you don't really need a high-tech sound engineering to be an immersive podcast.


Note:

• Indian Noir Podcast could be found in their official website, Apple Podcast, Audioboom, and your usual buddy podcatcher.
• Caution for: boy this be a lot... rape, kidnapping, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, hotdamnsomany violence, very strong language, sexual contents, drugging, incest, torture, hostage situation, presence of weapons, guns and explosions, alcoholism, drugs addiction, depression, divorce, religion issue, corrupt police, stressful situations, adulthood crisis, suicidal thoughts, blood, body horror

Still Lives [Review]

"the future is now!"

Still Lives is a post-apocalyptic one-time drama series made by Studio Knox. It sets in an isolated farm, where five nameless survivors are living a relatively normal life, until one day, a sixth survivor comes knocking one night.

The podcast is very well acted, some part of audio design might be sounded a bit off, but it's nothing you can't forget a second later. The writing is good, there is no plot drag even in the middle of the series.

Dystopian story, especially post-apocalyptic is so easily fall into territory of either being too dark or too explanatory. Still Lives survived (heh) from this. Unlike some audio drama, I was not overwhelmed with details about scientific backstory in the first episode. It's just life as (almost) usual.

Strongest underlying theme of post apocalyptic stories is hope. The fact that the survivors are using labels as their go-to name mirrored the hesitancy of any attachment, fear of they might become more than just five strangers with a common basic motivation. There's no need to talk about the time-before or the time-that-might-be, surviving doesn't need a what-if. Yet when the sixth survivor came knocking on their door, the possibility of hope became something that rattles the cage of these survivors. It probably won't be a good thing, but it sure does become a proof that there is something more beyond their boundaries.

Note:

• Still Lives could be found in their official website, iTunes, tapeable, Libsyn, and or any podcatchers of your choice
• recommended if you like dystopia, post-apocalyptic story, strong acting
• caution for mild language, presence of gun, stressful situations, the usual post-apocalyptic package: death, illness, war and trauma; and the usual dystopia package: abandon-all-hope-ye-who-want-to-live.

[insert] generic "I'm Back!" title

It's been almost a year, and honestly I thought this blog is going to be another entry on my "dead blogs" list — as well as I thought podcast is going to be another entry on my "used to be hobby" list. 

But maybe it won't? I sure do hope it won't.

Things have been not very good a couple of months. The usual adulthood came kicking in, and some not so usual, like deaths and depressions. 

It became too much, it even made me entirely stopped listening to podcast for months.
(Sorry, podcasters.)

But apparently, podcasts, and mostly audio drama, still have that healing function for me. Won't solve all my problems, of course, but still become a rock for me. 

Thank you people.

And even better! lately there has been so. friggin. a lot. of new great audio dramas. The themes and ideas are getting more diverse, and audio designs are getting better, even the newbies. 

I'm getting excited for the first time in months!

I'm so back! 

The Diarist [Review]

Set in 1950 New York City, Andrea Davies started her life as the new secretary and personal assistant for Richard Hayes, the head of a large advertising firm in the City. Andrea got it all, the look, the manner, the wealth, all just in the right amount to find a future husband and a secure life, just like any other girl wants. Everything worked out as it should be for a lady of a class, until Andrea find herself being pulled closer into Mr. Hayes' personal life, and all the mysteries that entrail him.. 

The Diarist is an audio drama podcast created by Donna Barrow-Green. Staying true to its time and place setting, it is one in the neo noir-thriller genre. As we follow the scenes of the rolling plot, the story is narrated by the main character, Andrea Davies, who put herself as the diarist who are reading her past tales to us, the readers. 

Andrea Davies is implied to be placed in one of the usual female trope in noir story, the "good woman" type—a usual 1950s Hollywood's ideal depiction of what a lady should be. A bright eyed, and somewhat naive, kind-hearted woman with a strong moral compass. 

However, Andrea, and us, find herself steering away from this cliché, after she got into too deep with her own feeling to Richard Hayes. 

The voice acting held one of strongest point in this podcast. Beth Ricketson is amazing as Andrea Davies, the timid girl that is surrounded by shark, and my favorite is Corrine Elena, as Margaret Hayes, the questionably disturbed wife of Richard. Sound engineering is quite good, to say, the smooth difference between outdoor and indoor surroundings is probably one of the best I've ever heard. However, in some episodes, it seems like there's a technical glitch when the actors' voices suddenly sounded like it's cut out and recorded in a different time, and kinda like being rammed in the final edit. It is a noticeable flaw, but it's not something of a hindrance for the entire story.

The Diarist is the podcast that keep you aching for answers on practically everything, not just the plot of next episode, but also the motives of each character and the consequences of their action. The writing is amazingly concise, as we switched back and forth between being the listeners while Andrea contemplates her choices and in the third point of view, helplessly watching Andrea stumbles in her own desperate desires. 

Note: 

• The Diarist could be found in their official website, their feed, iTunes, and as always, any podcatcher of your choice.
• recommended if you like: neo-noir genre, psychological thriller, mystery, dark romance.
• This podcast may be not suitable for all listeners, so caution for: archaic gender roles, overtly imposing mother, mental health issues, restraint situation, potential gaslighting, exploitation, dominance, violence, sexual situations, being too in love.. 

Adulting | The Guardian Original Audio Drama [Review]

the podcast's actual casts

Adulting is an original, first, The Guardian-produced audio drama. It's a part of The Guardian new feature series called The New Normal, and was sponsored by Lloyd Bank—which is still not as odd as General Electric producing the LifeAfter.

The story told of five best friends who are meeting again in a wedding after ten years leaving the university. Things were not going good back then, and apparently some things still are. 

Adulting is told in six short episodes, easy to finish in one hour or so. And coming from big brands, you can tell that the cast are quite the big names. If you're loyal to Game of Thrones and Doctor Who, you'd be familiar with Joe Dempsie (Daniel), Hannah Murray (Becky) and Pearl Mackie (Charlotte). If you're more of a Misfits type, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Theo) must be your guy. The last name though, Kathryn Wilder (Ashley), is mostly known for her role as Ophelia in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art production, not the film).

I've had some past issue with short episodes in audio drama, although of course, it's still better than that long episodes with all filler, no thriller type of story—but (too) short episodes tend to focused on the plot development, yet neglecting the needed time phase for the listener to connect with the characters and their reaction in the developing story.

This was what I kinda feel after finished Adulting. The story is fast, but when the expectation was high in the mid episodes, the ending turned out pretty anti-climatic. 

There's some moments when Adulting seem to be more than a romance drama, life at university in this era could be disheartening, financial problems, family problems, or something as simple as holding on to your dream. Sadly, these moments are no more than just a side view in the old drama that the best friends been re-living.

I'm not saying Adulting is awful. Yes, I'm a bit disappointed, but it is still an enjoyable story; and with a great voice actors and interesting writing (the time-jumping plot and various narrator are really good), it's a nice drama. It's a light one, and I actually have been searching for some kind of break from horror sci-fi psychologically exhausting stories—in podcast and in real life; so this podcast came in a perfect time.

It's not as memorable as I expected to be, The Guardian was one of my earliest and main source when trying to understand the podcast world, so I a bit naively thought of a more complex idea from them.

But like I said, it's not bad, and for the sake of sound engineering and voice actors alone, Adulting is still a worth listening.

Note:

• Adulting could be found in iTunes, as part of feed in The Guardian UK: Culture podcast; or in The Guardian's website 
• read the writer and creator, Eddie Robson, interview in the Blogtor Who 
• genre: performing arts, drama, mystery, social and cultural issue
• recommended if you like: some quick listening, light drama, great talents in voice acting, well-structured mystery
• caution for: relationship tension between old friends, when real life finally kicks you in your thirty-something head, discussion on financial and family situations

The Lovecraft Covenant [Review]

I LIKE IT WHEN I'M WRONG!

(only in the case of doubting new podcast, though)

The Lovecraft Covenant popped up in my Who To Follow list in Twitter. I shrugged it off at first, I'm not a fan of H.P Lovecraft, I think I read one of his book, but it was pushed somewhere in the dusty corner of my brain. But a review mentioned that being a Lovecraftian is not a must to enjoy the story, so I decided to give it a try, even though still with a whole bucket of salt.
 

And I'm glad to say that my doubt was a mistake. 

The Lovecraft Covenant told a story of New England, where it had been stalked with a gory serial killer. Further investigation then showed a surprising connection between the serial killer works and the horror literature of H.P Lovecraft. The story were told from the point of view of an FBI Agent, Dolores Nayle, also alongside her team, and an investigative journalist, Jack Danforth.

And the review was right. You don't have to know H.P Lovecraft stories to get hooked to the podcast. (But, at least, just try to google Cthulhu, okay?)

My main pet peeves with most of new podcast is when they try to dump all the details (of the story, the plot, the characters, even the background setting) as many as possible in the first episode. It's crowding my ears and made my brain shut down and ignore the whole episode, whole podcast even.
But The Lovecraft Covenant pass this test (imagine my sigh of relief). 

The early introduction to the story and the characters went really smooth. No tonnes of characters, and a simple plot: serial killer, FBI agents, typical journalist.

Of course it also helps that the actors' voices were distinctive enough. The voices could easily switch and you'd still keep track on whose is who. I'd say that the voice talents were quite good. Well, some of it was a bit dodgy, but not really awful.

Sound engineering was not bad. The podcast didn't contain a lot of elaborate sound effect like in a space or fantasy podcast, so there wasn't any need to try to describe weird sounds. However though, the sound levels were a bit unstable, particularly in some of the conversation and also when it compared with the loud opening track.

The writings, I need to say no more, was pretty good. The story was concise and the jokes were spot on. It's only a six less-than-half-an-hour episodes podcast, but the fast pace wasn't overwhelming enough that it made you feel like watching the last episode of detective show. Then again, as the usual trouble with one-time podcast, the story sometimes felt kinda rushed, and for me, it left some tiny plot holes.

The Lovecraft Covenant was already over. But unlike EOS 10 (!!) or The Hyacinth Disaster that made you craving for more, this podcast ended neatly and the story was completed in a...pretty round circle.

But if you're like me, three or so hours of pods won't satisfy you, thus worry not, Haunted Jukebox Entertainment and Robert F. Mason, the brain behind this podcast, are on their way to make another podcast, The Allosauriad and Prince of Hell; one about Americans trapped in Dinosaur era, and the other about Prince Vlad III Dracula―no vampire included.

So the conclusion is, The Lovecraft Covenant: Highly Recommended!

⋯

Note:

• The Lovecraft Covenant Official Website
• The Lovecraft Covenant episodes in iTunes and Audioboom
• genre: performing arts, fantasy, mystery, thriller, sci-fi
• recommended if you like: dark monstrous entity that live under our feet, Prime Suspect serial, true crime stories, and a bit of The X-Files. 
• caution for: gory details of murder and violence

 

Never Prepared For: We Fix Space Junk

We Fix Space Junk is a weekly sci-fi female-led podcast created by Beth Crane, for the Battle Bird Productions, an independent podcast company based in London. It told the story of Kilner the smuggler, and her life while working the dubious odd jobs from the equally dubious company of Automnicon. Then, due to some "situation", a former socialite turned reluctant fugitive, Samantha Trapp, ended up as her companion through out the adventure crossing the galaxy.

This audio drama pod is a character-driven one, and although each episode told a different story, it's not really an anthology. As for the plot, I can't say much because it still new, but so far so good, no over-exposition or dumping too many details, yet enough hints here and there to keep listeners super excited.

Being a slice of life podcast, there isn't much elaborated sound effects on it, but it's more than enough to tell each scenes perfectly. About the acting, it's pretty solid, I fell in love instantly to the character Kilner, voiced by the creator Beth Crane, and she's definitely the fictional character I'd like to hang out with—no matter how the atmosphere of the planet is. Rebecca Evans, which voices Samantha Trapp, greatly managed to provide an interesting balance to the logical and laid back personality of Kilner. And of course, because there would be no such thing as too much Sassy A.I: DACHSHUND a.k.a DAX, voiced perfectly by Jack Carmichael.

I have been listening to this podcast for almost a month now, and I love their light dark humour as well as their light-hearted story, but to be honest, it was their latest episode, An Unsubtle Utopia, that really hooked me. The bittersweet story was delightfully written, and really made me think that this audio drama is perhaps more than the usual adventure comedy sci-fi. Also, the tone kinda reminded me to Kino no Tabi—much less depressing, but that kind of tale that made you stop and ponder.

The We Fix Space Junk has only been going for four episodes, so I still could not see what kind of genre they would really go—although they do listed as comedy. From their post-credit scenes though, things are getting interesting. I'd sense some bigger plot, perhaps a backstory too, about Samantha and also the Automnicon. 

And just like some unexpected journey, I'd love to see where their story would flourish into. 

Note: 

• We Fix Space Junk is currently on Libsyn, iTunes, Sticher, Spotify, their website, as well as your usual podcatchers. I also suggest you to check out their Twitter and Facebook accounts, for updates and some "message" from Automnicon.
• recommended for: light-hearted space adventure, dark humour, slice of life story, strong female character, Sassy A.I character, awesome cyborg, dubious capitalistic company, bit of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy tone.
• caution for: claustrophobic scene, violence, stressful situation, family situation, financial debt situation.

Never Prepared For: Joseph

Joseph is a new series made by Ear Epic, an audio drama production company founded by Mark Brooks, and seeing the website, I think it's a fairly new one. 

I came pass this audio drama from Matt Durkin's tweet. And since I haven't got any new pod subscription for the last 2 weeks (no thanks to adulting), I decided to give this a try. It's still only a pilot episode, with two story parts combined into one episode, titled The Requisition of Opus & Joseph's Hunt.

And it's....

GOOD BLEEPITY BLEEP! 

It's INSANE.

When listening to this, I jump numerous time, and I have to hold myself from cursing aloud, and I definitely put my derp-with-headphone face, and I got goosebumps, and I got in so much awe, I even abandoned my muffin!

I've come on one of those podcasts that claim as 'movie for your ears'. Some are fine. But this one is.. practically raised the bar for sound engineering in audio drama production. 

Okay, I'm not really a good reviewer, especially when it comes to sound tech. But listening to Joseph, I feel like sitting in a theater, practically engulfed in the sounds coming from everywhere, without any distraction. You could easily differentiate all the characters' voice, and not just because of good acting--which this one has--but also a great sound mixing where you can tell each character's physical positions. Also also, without an over exposition, you can know what exactly going on the situations.
 

The story, well, it's not much to say from just one episodes. But I can tell it's going to be apocalyptic sci-fi dystopia, with a hint of humor, and probably a lot of emotional drama. So far we got the main characters of Opus and Sarah, a couple that forced to leave everything they have; and Joseph, a charming-bastard type of bounty hunter that adventuring with Vivi, his loyal bike bot.

What is these character's connection? Enemy? Friend? Relative?
and what is happening the world they're living on?

I have some idea going on in my head, but I don't want to lead you on.
So, we still have to wait for next episodes (probably not so patiently though). Meanwhile, you could visit the website (http://earepic.com/joseph/) for a bit material, checking the cast and crews info, or for great artwork, like the picture above. Although, I kinda advise you to see it after you listen to the first episode, just to maximize the raw sensation when enjoying the podcast.

I cannot recommend more of this new audio drama. Even if sci-fi is not your type of story, the sound engineering alone worth all the time on your ear and in your head.

Note:

• Joseph is on iTunes, Libsyn, Ear Epic website, and any other podcatchers. 
• recommended for: amazing adventure for your ears, drama, light comedy, sci-fi, dystopia, robot apocalyptic, and (assumingly) a bit of Star Wars/Firefly touches
• caution for: violence, stressful situation, separated family, loud noise, explosive, guns,
  future probability of when technology finally triumph over humanity, abandoned muffin

It Makes A Sound [Review]

It Makes A Sound is a nine-episode fiction podcast from Night Vale Presents. Created, written, and acted by Jacquelyn Landgraf; co-directed with Anya Safir. It told a story from Deirdre Gardner and a finding of a cassette tape in her attic, and from that, she'd like to take you on the journey to rekindle on everything about Wim Faros, the sound of a generation, and the local musician that was--according to Deirdre at least--the best genius ever lived.

Anyway, a bit warning, there gonna be a (hidden) light spoiler ahead. Because, well, it's kinda hard to write my feeling about this podcast without sounding spoiler-ish/like leading you on.

So, coming from network of Night Vale Presents, the sound engineering level is of course really on the top-notch. No question about that. In this podcast, Deirdre Gardner is an amateur podcaster (mentioned as radio show), and the quality of the podcast does sounds amateur (professionally amateur), I very much enjoy listening the background sounds when Deirdre shuffling stuffs in her attic to make amateur sound effect, like chime or music box.  

The acting ability of Jacquelyn Landgraf as Deirdre is also amazing. Her voice is one of the rarest that could get me hooked just by the sound of it. The other supporting characters are also great, quite solid. But beside their acting talents, the most strikingly awesome is the original songs--brought by the cast themselves--in this podcast. I definitely would say it's the best podcast's soundtrack I ever listened.

As for the story.. well, it took a while to really get the feel of it.
My main mistake was to try to label the podcast to specific genre. Is it only about music? mystery? drama? comedy? or even dystopian sci-fi?? I really can't get my head around it.  

[highlight for spoiler]
Most of it was caused because I'm trying hard to formulate Deirdre. At first, her over-the-top adoration and worship to some local kid musician sounded completely ridiculous, laden by inane metaphors, awkward to almost everybody. She's basically the type of person everyone would laugh at while also feeling pity for her. 

...but is she? 

I kinda understand her feeling. Rare moments touch people in different way. And trying so hard to remember the details, and your old feeling when that happened, while no one around you feel the same--or even barely care about how important it is for you, it can be frustrating and heartbreaking. It can make you questioned about your own reality. And in the end, is finding out the 'real fact' is the better? what define 'reality' anyway? is it delusional to trust yourself and your own feeling about your own reality?

On third episode, I then finally realized my stupidity and stop wracking my brain on it, deciding to just go along with the story's flows. Because just like a sound, this story have so many layers and many facets, every of it could be the right ones. And just like a sound, although it's not heard anymore, doesn't mean it's lost forever.

 

Note:

• It Makes A Sound is on Libsyn RSS, iTunes, Spotify, and any other catchers of the pods
• also check Deirdre's website on www.itmakesasound.rocks for good bits around this show.
• recommended for: drama mystery, slow pace mystery, light stories, throwback Thursday, beautiful voice talents, great sound engineering, even greater soundtrack 
• caution for: light swearing, reminiscence, parent with Alzheimer's syndrome

Sight Unseen [Review]

Sight Unseen tells the story of Amanda Houston, a teenage girl who practically owns the world. A model and a surfing champion, Amanda enjoyed the life of a beautiful and popular girl, alongside her athlete boyfriend and her tight clique of best friends. But everything changed in just one night, when a car accident not only took all her best friends away, but also her sight and her modelling career. Not only Amanda has to deal with the trauma, but stranger things started to happen to her after the incident–an uncontrollable weird psychic power, and a strange voice in her head that claimed to be her guardian.

Sight Unseen is a part of Wondery, the famous network that also brought us Terms, Hollywood & Crime, Dirty John, and also Secret, Crimes & Audiotape (which was actually this podcast's house, before it decided to move into an independent feed); so it's practically easy to not doubt about the qualities of the sound engineering of this podcast. It's almost perfect, the only word I could use for a podcast that can even 'depict' voices inside the heads. 

The acting, well, it's not bad. I love how easily distinguished the voices are. And for podcast with fast jumping scenes and numerous characters like this, it really is a value added. But, I sort of wish the pace of the story is not this fast..

The story's lead, Amanda, is the character that clearly does not need any sympathy whatsoever from us. She's talented, beautiful, popular, loved and adored by almost everyone. Perfect, you could say that. Then an accident robbed all of this from her. And not just that, she's also burden with the guilt that she might be the one that actually cause the accident that kill all of her best friends.
So, will Amanda's helplessness and misfortune made her a more sympathetic and relatable character?

That's actually the one I wish to find out.
But the plot moves so fast, making far too little to none room for the characters to develop or even make a strong stand in the story. Even though there's average of 40 minutes on each episode, but the opening recap and post-episode discussion almost cut the total time into half. And not just that, as the story develops, it moved its center from Amanda and added another side stories–mostly on how other people that are close in Amanda's life deal with her changes.

The pace, and the numerous side stories then dangerously could created predictable one-dimensional characters on the podcast. Which is something that I really don't want to see, because I really enjoy this podcast.

But, I guess Sight Unseen did chose to be a plot-driven podcast. It is inevitable, actually–and perhaps not really a bad thing. With the theme of super teen with psychic power, I guessed it's only natural for the creator to make more room for mysteries and actions. Something that, according to the interviews, would be more explored in the next season.

It may be not much of a drama, but Sight Unseen is one of the podcast that is very engaging, to say the least. Definitely recommended.

Note:

• Sight Unseen in Wondery website, Stitcher, and iTunes
• recommended for: light mystery, fast pace drama, young adult turned super teen stories, great voice talents, equally great sound design.
• caution for: swear words (not for toddlers level)

The Behemoth [Review]

The Behemoth told a story when a creature suddenly emerged from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It's indescribable, and no one knew the origin of it. The creature, which the media named The Behemoth, barely done anything or hurt anyone, but walk slowly across the state. The world just watched the creature, as well as fifteen years old Madyson, whom is our main narrator of the podcast.

Like a classic alien story, it depicted how humankind, million years old as we are, is still inept when dealing with the unknown. Maddie, with her detached parents, and she herself already resigned to her unacknowledged existence, was only too understand of the creature's situation. She then form a strange connection with The Behemoth, when she joined him in its journey through the forest, and they ended up, in a way, protecting each other.

The writing is, of course, great. Because anyone who could fill my heart with warm goo just in less with three hours time and making such steady story pace out of 8-minutes individual episodes, is a great writer. Simple as that. There's one thing that stuck in my mind though; the size of Max. At the beginning, he was described as tall as a house, then his feet is as big as a bridge's column, hand with size of a car, and an antler that at least as tall as a 15 years old girl?? I don't if my ears/brain wronged me, or it's just a matter of perspective or figure of speech–but it's a loophole that kinda nags.

The actress, Lizbeth Liu, is also really good. I usually have several doubt when faced with teen stories; because, well, being already in the ancient age, teenage nowadays (ohgodIcan'tbelieveIfinallyusethephrase) pretty much sound like spoiled brat who talk like they have a serious case of loose jaw because of bubble gum over-chewing. So imagine my sigh of relief when finding out how 'normal' Madyson sounds. The acting not over the top, and the good news is, even though she practically narrated the whole story, it doesn't sound like a robotic script reader.

The soundscape design of this podcast is quite good. You would still hear several sound effects in background, just a few and not too loud, enough too build the visual image of Maddie's story setting, but not too much to take the attention away from the narration. All in all, we are still inside Maddie's head, listening to her stories as well as her feelings.

It's easy to say that this podcast raise the theme on individual struggle on socially imposed values. I don't want to lead anything to anyone, but from the first episode alone this podcast instantly reminded me of the movie Colossal. It's clear to see why: a girl, a creature, and the link between them, not to mention the metaphors of it. However though, later on, the difference between Maddie and Gloria–character from the movie–would be clearly seen. This would be a bit spoiler-y for both: Gloria's monster was her own manifestation, who hurting herself but also trampling and causing pain to other people; while Maddie's, it's her dealing with outside life and finally decided to create changes for herself.

Huh. Let me think that again, probably rather than Colossal, this podcast is closer to the film A Monster Calls. It kinda have the same tone, albeit not as dark. It won't really gave you emotional turmoil or deep anguish, but you can feel how Madyson really feel helpless about her loneliness, and Max, despite his complete silence and unknown plan, managed to create a sense of purpose that somehow could heal Madyson. This podcast would make you stop and think, not feeling sad or pity–but just hoping the best for Maddie, and maybe, for all us silent loner too.

•••

Note:

• The Behemoth could also be found in the same feed as all Rick Coste's other eleven audio drama podcasts (ohgodIthinkI'mhavinganeargasmalready), one of it called Izzy, which actually is a sequel to The Behemoth. Search for Modern Audio Drama in the usual pod-catchers, or download the exclusive Modern Audio Drama application in Apple Store.
  
• The Behemoth on Rick Coste's official website
• The Behemoth on Stitcher and iTunes
• recommended for: light yet nutritious binge, heartfelt simple young adult story  
• genre: drama, fantasy, mystery
• caution for: not much, the content is safe enough for all age levels.

Boom: A Serial Drama Podcast [Review]

Boom: A Serial Drama Podcast is made by Faith McQuinn of Observer Picture. This podcast tells a story of Porter, a computer technician who have to deal with the murder that he witness himself, of his own best friend and love of his life, Genevieve. And not only dealing with his grief and scars, he also only face the fact that he became the suspect of the tragedy.

The first thing I realized was that the pace of this audio drama is really fast. We find out the incident straight in the first episode, and most of the characters also showed up in third of the entire season. It also should be noted that the duration of the episodes are fairly short, almost not even 15 minutes.

So, with that short of time, are the details behind the mystery behind Gen's murder revealed soon? Surprisingly–and kinda weirdly–no. Apparently, I'm a bit mislead by the summary of the podcast, Boom is more of drama rather than investigative mystery.

The story focused mainly to Porter and how he handle the loss and trauma of losing his love and surviving a bomb blast. He has to face that alone, while his friends, family, and therapist are trying to help him.

To be honest, Porter is a many things for me. For most, he is an annoying brat. Screaming and shooting dagger to any hands that honestly try to help him, even his nurse. But then again, we heard him alone when his painful scars keeps re-opened with nightmares about Gen.
Porter is the proof that grief is relative. People handle it differently, and sometimes, spewing poison is a way of coping with it. The actor behind the character (Garrett DeLozier) is amazing enough to made me realize this.

I am actually really okay with character-driven, instead of plot-driven, podcast. Boom's writing is....adequately good in handling it. See, this podcast is trying to put the entire characters development and emotion in a too short of a time. This lead into where though we listen the character's struggle with his emotion, but we're not given any time to let our emotion to be put into his position. Plus, new main character and major development are also introduced just in half the way of episodes–in one and half hour total. Of course, the real story happens in more than a year time, but we doesn't really feel that time span, one moment we listen Porter getting cold sweat nightmare, and just in couple minutes he's happily hiking with his best friends and (spoiler alert) proposing his new girlfriend.

Yet, thankfully, Boom is not a one time podcast like Steal The Stars or LifeAfter. The season one has ended, but they will be back in March 2018. So, I dare say–without spoiling anything, that the fast story jump would just be a preparation for the actual mystery and drama to be revealed next. And I will most definitely hanging on to this podcast.

The other reason I love this podcast is the voice talents behind it. Not only the character Porter, but all of the characters in it, no matter how small they are, are portrayed nicely. Not over the top, and most definitely not a flat script-reader. The sound engineering is also good, they could portrayed nicely the various surroundings, and astonishingly, as well as the flashback, voice-inside-your-head, and the nightmares scenes.

So, though I'm a bit annoyed by its short episodes, but I still can't wait to listen what this podcast will bring next.

Oh, extra thought, this audio drama, even though it's short, is a heavy ones to binge into. Not because the intricate details, but all the emotions in it. We're dealing with some depiction of post traumatic stress in here, also a bit turbulent relationship with family members and close friends, so I just think it could be too unsettling for some people to listen to. Please be wise, okay?     

Other than that, enjoy.

Note:

• Observer Picture official website
• Boom on Stitcher and iTunes
• genre: performing arts, drama, mystery
• recommended if you like: podcast with short episodes, amazing acting, and heavily character-driven story like The Bright Sessions. 
• caution for: traumatic and stressful situation, description of bomb incident, kidnapping situation, mental and emotional abuse, discussion of sex.

The Hyacinth Disaster [Review]

simple and daunting..

If I have to sum up my review of this podcast in one sentence, it would be:
The Hyacinth Disaster is the podcast that is most cruel to its character.

And yes, that is a compliment. …sort of.

The Hyacinth Disaster tells a story of well, miners in space. Here’s some summary from David E. Carlson’s (the creator) website:

AD 2151

150 million resource-rich asteroids populate the void between colonized Mars and Jupiter; many more orbit in the gas giant’s vast Lagrange regions.

A dozen supercorporations compete beyond the reach of civilized law, all but warring for the incalculable resources. Beneath them, a thousand contract mining crews struggle to prosper despite the best efforts of their employers.

Due to some corporate rivalry, one of the mining vessel, the MRS Corvus has been abducted, and ransom has been placed upon their crews’ safety. The Halaesus Mining Company apparently didn’t think that much of their employees, and decided to put the Corvus status as vanished by accident.
So the crew of MRS Hyacinth decided to take the matter in their own hand. They rushed to survey a Jovian asteroid, hoping it to be worthy enough to pay the ransom of their friends in MRS Corvus.

As the narration stated in the first episode, the story told was based from the records found in the Hyacinth’s black box. …and the title of the podcast is Hyacinth Disaster. So yes, put that together and you pretty much would know where it headed to.

But, there’s no amount of preparation enough for this emotional turmoil.

The Hyacinth Disaster was written beautifully, and meticulously. Even with barely an exposition, you would understand what is the character’s position in the story. And have I say meticulously? The writer is nuts. Yes.

Not only they managed to build the world, but with all the amazing details that there was more than one moment where I doubt myself if this really a fiction…

Even though the podcast has ended (for now, I think?), there are some backstories, and true history that inspired the pod, which the creator sometimes posted in their official Twitter account. If that doesn’t convince you enough, check out the Database section in David E. Carlson’s official website.
It's insane.

The voice and the acting, well, I can say they are definitely one of the best I ever heard in any podcast. It’s not over the top, it does not sound like scripted, and they managed to put the characters into perspective even with so minimal of exposition. (click here for the names).

The Hyacinth Disaster also has an almost perfect sound engineering. Just almost, because I have to admit, in several first episodes, some of the blasting sound effects were a little bit too realistic, I have to give my headphone sound level some extra caution. But then again, it’s mining. Of course it will be..hard.

The Hyacinth Disaster are consisted of seven half-hour episodes, and it still is. From what I gather in the creator’s website, they aren’t…hammering away for the next story (okay, bad pun, sorry). But there’s still an open probability.

I found The Hyacinth Disaster in the late days of 2017, and mate..how I am glad I finished the year with this story.

Like I said, it’s an emotional turmoil, of gritty survival among life and friendship, but it surely was an amazing journey to go through. I do have some desperation for more story. With that abundance of details, and an entire world has been build, it just feel kinda a waste to leave it that way. But I hope for the best for David E. Carlson and his crews. With that talents, I’m pretty sure they will, if not already, go far.

Check this trailer (more like a prelude, actually) if you want some snip to The Hyacinth Disaster:

Note:

• link to The Hyacinth Disaster episodes in David E. Carlson’s website 
• link to The Hyacinth Disaster in Stitcher 
• genre: sci-fi, drama, mystery, thriller
• recommended if you like: strong characterization, crews' banter and jokes about pop-culture like in Wolf 359, emotional drama like The Bright Session and The Bridge, or basically the whole world of Firefly
• caution for: strong words, exposure to repeated loud sound