Latest news with #Adonis
The National
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The National
How Lebanese band Adonis found space to retreat and rebuild on new album Wedyan
What's the difference between silence and quiet in times of conflict? For Lebanese band Adonis, it came down to agency – the ability to choose how, and when, to express themselves. Released last month and recorded during the 2024 Israel invasion of Lebanon – the veteran group, known for their ebullient sound and emotionally precise lyrics, has delivered a set of songs intentionally detached from the immediate context of the conflict. In doing so, it becomes a statement of resilience – that their art is guided by creative intent, not shaped by the surrounding disorder. And, crucially, that making music became a means of emotional preservation in times of chaos. 'We were devastated during the war, of course,' singer and keyboardist Anthony Khoury tells The National. 'But the music was elsewhere. It didn't sit with us in that very dark place. We needed to protect something. Maybe it was our joy, our creativity.. maybe even our sanity.' It's no wonder Wedyan – meaning 'valleys' – is Adonis's most insular album to date. Across 12 tracks, we follow a character who slowly but intently shies away from society into a life of solitude and contemplation. The lyrics don't frame this as a form of defeat, but as a healthy response to turmoil – a way to protect one's inner state when the world outside feels overwhelming. The lyrics drift between musings and fragments, reflecting on identity, exile and life itself. Some are drawn from personal moments, including Khoury's newborn nephew and a tribute to his late grandmother. Intriguingly, the turn inward isn't always mirrored in the music. While the arrangements are more languid, the four-piece stretch out with light-footed shifts into electronica – like on Khod Sa'at – and chirpy RnB vocals on Yeskerni. Even Nancy, the album's most upbeat track, is anchored by a laid-back funk groove. That marriage of emotional introspection and expansive musical approach, Khoury explains, comes from the band writing the songs separately. Khoury was living between Paris and Amman, while the rest of the group – Joelle Khoury (guitar), Nicola Hakim (drums) and Gio Fikany (bass) – remained in different parts of Lebanon. 'For the first time, we weren't really immersed in the Lebanese context,' Khoury says. 'It definitely felt like we were writing from the outside. That physical distance, I think, gave us the space to reflect without the same kind of pressure. We weren't reacting, were just processing.' He adds the time apart, about 15 years into Adonis's career, was also liberating – a chance to recalibrate, both creatively and emotionally. Khoury says the step back wasn't a difficult one – just necessary. A moment to take stock, acknowledge what they were feeling and prepare for the often gruelling process of recording new material. 'Like the character in the album, we were isolated – and we longed for that isolation. You reach a point where you just want to protect something. For us, it was the ability to create without being swallowed by everything happening around us. That's why this album feels different. It had to be.' Indeed, the album stands out for the distinct sonic flavours it employs to channel the various states of mind of its protagonist. The aching melancholy of Ma'rafha – meaning I Don't Know Her – melds a sparse piano motif with minimal electronic beats, as Khoury reflects on the quiet devastation of a breakup. Not the rupture itself, but the self-protective urge to erase everything attached to it. 'Even if they asked me, 'Who's the beautiful one?'' he sings in the refrain. 'I'd tell them: I don't know her, I don't know her.' While in Kel Ma Tsame'n i (Whenever You Say), the resigned character's exile from his troubles results in the clarity he needs, and a quiet sense of resolve emerges in his decision to stay away from unwanted opinions: 'Every time you tell me lines from movies, from friends who wanted to give you their opinion about me". In Abtal (Heroes), Adonis emerges from lyrical detachment to directly engage with the present moment. Over ebbing beats, the band pays tribute to the unsung heroes of Lebanon — ordinary individuals offering shelter, comfort and their professional skills in times of crisis. Khoury says he witnessed this during the aerial bombardment of Beirut by Israeli forces, a situation that left many villages cut off from one another, with civilians and neighbours stepping in to fill the initial absence of official support. "In Lebanon, the conflict created a rupture between different parts of the same city – some areas were being bombarded, while others weren't directly affected. What happens in that kind of environment is that you start noticing how people respond socially. Usually, you're too consumed by the tragedy itself to really observe. But this time, I saw people – civilians – stepping up in quiet ways," he recalls. "I was in Beirut during that phase, in an area that wasn't directly targeted. But the entire neighbourhood was mobilised to support those that were. I'm talking about doctors, journalists, teachers – even pilots who continued operating flights despite bombings near the airport. Abtal is dedicated to them. With the band recently completing a headline set at the Bred Abu Dhabi festival and returning soon for a solo concert at Dubai Opera on July 3, Khoury says Wedyan has left Adonis not only rejuvenated, but with a renewed sense of direction. It also served as a reminder of how creativity can be a grounding force during uncertain times. 'I wasn't raised or trained to be a musician. I had a different path in life,' he says. 'But what I've found through music, and what I think I'll keep finding for a very long time, is meaning. I feel like I have a place and a voice. 'I'm aware that our kind of work is the least essential when it comes to keeping a society functioning. And sometimes in Lebanon, we're in first-degree survival mode, more often than we'd like to be. But I have immense hope. Hope in my country, in our region and in the goodness of people. And with that hope, I think there will be less and less to lose and much more to gain.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Belle prepares for final fight in Bye Bye, Earth season 2 episode 9: Full recap, global timings and streaming details
Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 9 is set to air in Japan on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:30 PM JST. Viewers outside Japan can also watch the episode on May 30 with release times adjusted to local time zones. The episode is expected to continue Belle's confrontation with the god, now in a world that closely resembles Earth. She will likely question it directly, but answers may remain vague. How episode 8 ended The previous episode, 'Hymn: Erehwon', saw Belle regaining her arms and Runding through chanting. She successfully destroyed Rusty Nail and impaled Adonis. Meanwhile, Mist explored a tunnel connecting the castle and catacombs. During a large-scale attack by the Army of Insatiable Emptiness, Gaff refused to follow divine orders to kill Sherry and instead allied with Guinness. Kitty was gravely injured in battle. In a key twist, Adonis infected a machine with his powers but was absorbed by a being that looked like a younger Belle. Sherry's song helped liberate the minds of the people. Belle later awoke in a modern city. Climax and closure ahead Episode 9 is likely to bring closure to major arcs. Belle is expected to realize that there are others like her in this new world. This revelation may strengthen her resolve and lead to the defeat of the god. A final exchange with Adonis is anticipated before Schwert Land's collapse. The season is expected to conclude with Belle choosing to live on in honor of those who fought beside her. Where to watch In Japan, Episode 9 will be available on streaming platforms including Anime Store, ABEMA, and Amazon Prime Video. Internationally, Crunchyroll will stream the episode with dubs in English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and German.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 9: Belle Learns Of Others Like Her—Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
In ' Hymn: Erehwon,' Belle's chant restores her arms and Runding, allowing her to destroy Rusty Nail and impale Adonis. Mist investigates a new tunnel between the castle and catacombs. The Army of Insatiable Emptiness attacks, but Gaff rejects the god's command to kill Sherry and unites with Guinness. Adonis infects the machine with his power, but gets absorbed into a being that looks like Belle's younger self. Sherry's song begins, freeing the people's minds, while Kitty is severely wounded while fighting. Belle clashes with the merged form and awakens in a modern city, similar to Earth. Expected plot in Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 9 Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 9 should continue Belle's battle with the god in the real world. She will likely confront it with direct questions, though most replies may remain cryptic. A critical moment will involve her learning that beings like her exist in this world. Encouraged by the answer, she will probably defeat the god. A final conversation with Adonis will likely occur before Schwert Land collapses. The episode is expected to end with Belle vowing to honor their sacrifice in her new life. Release date and where to stream Titled 'Reason: Moonwork,' Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 9 is going to be airing in Japan on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:30 pm JST. Viewers in other regions can expect it to be available on May 30 as well, with release times adjusted to local time zones. In Japan, the episode will also stream on platforms like the Anime Store, ABEMA, and Amazon Prime Video. Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 9 will stream internationally on Crunchyroll, which has confirmed dubs in English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and German. For more updates from the second season of the Bye Bye, Earth anime, keep an eye on Pinkvilla.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod
There's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing ZARA JANJUA Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod THIS week, two magazine covers hit the shelves like a kettlebell landing on your foot. On Men's Health, a newly chiselled 50-year-old Ben Shephard, recreating his topless shoot from 13 years ago. Advertisement 5 Ben Shephard sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century Credit: David Venni / Men's Health UK', 5 Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face Credit: Mark Cant / Women's Health UK Over on Women's Health, Davina McCall, 56, swinging from gym rings with all the energy of a human protein shake — just months after brain surgery. Two aspirational bodies. Two inspirational mindsets. Both clearly proud of what their bodies can still do. And fair enough — they look phenomenal. Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face and bounced straight into a plank. Advertisement She's lycra'd to the nines, flinging herself at a Pilates ball like it owes her money. It's not about showing off — it's a message: 'I'm still here, and I'm stronger than ever.' There's an empire behind that body, and it's built on resilience, dumbbells, and endorphins. Then there's daytime telly's answer to a protein shake, Ben Shephard, who sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century. He says he did it for himself — to prove he still could. And that's great. Genuinely. But also . . . Ben? Mate? It's your birthday, not the Olympics. Have a flapjack and sit down. Because here's the twist: turns out women might not actually be that a*sed. Advertisement A few weeks ago, singer Olly Murs revealed his 12-week transformation from relatable dad bod to gym-honed Adonis. And while the lads cheered him on, the women were thirstier for the 'before' pics. Yes, really. Beaming Davina McCall reveals she's got all clear from brain tumour after life-saving surgery The soft, smiley, snuggly version. Not the Marvel audition tape. So, what do women want? Do we dream of abs you could grate cheese on, or quietly yearn for a body that looks like it's seen a roast dinner? Let's be honest: abs are impressive. They say: 'I have discipline, control, and a complicated relationship with carbs.' But dad bods say: 'I'll split a sausage roll with you and probably bring you a cuppa after.' Advertisement The dad bod isn't about being unfit — it's about being unbothered. It is someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously. And there's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing. He's not trying to impress, which is exactly why he does. That body says: 'I'm here, I'm comfy, and I can carry all the shopping in one go.' Dreamy. It's not about what the body looks like — it's about what it means. Confidence. Security. Cuddles. That'll do nicely. So lads, if you're carrying a bit of belly — congratulations. You might just be someone's fantasy. You're built for Sunday mornings, big spoons and emergency hobnob runs. And honestly? That's a vibe. Advertisement It also makes you wonder, what do men want? Despite what a thousand lads' mags tried to drill into us, most blokes don't want to date a Peloton. Curves are in. In a 'you look like a real human' kind of way. We all want different things — and those things can shift with the weather. Sometimes we want someone ripped but most of the time, we're just after someone warm, kind and capable of making toast without a fuss. So, what do women really want? A six-pack? A squish pack? Something in between? Depends on the woman. Depends on the week. Depends on whether you washed the dishes and took the bins out because that's really what we want your body to do. Without being asked. Diddy peers turn backs 5 Diddy is the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show Credit: AFP Advertisement SEAN 'P Diddy' Combs used to be the pied piper of platinum parties – now he's the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show that makes Succession look like Bluey. As details spill – claims of sex- trafficking, racketeering and 'freak-offs' – the silence from his A-list acolytes is deafening. Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Ye, Usher, Britney . . . suddenly it's 'new phone, who dis?' Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's injuries appear to paint a picture of coercive control that's anything but consensual. Hollywood's collective amnesia? About as convincing as the SNP's Covid WhatsApps – deleted, delayed, denied. Advertisement Sussex series going strong 5 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle loved up on Instagram SEVEN years ago, Prince Harry looked at Meghan Markle like she had just invented kindness. Now, they look at each other like two people who have survived a national psychodrama, Oprah, and a podcast contract. As the Sussexes mark their seventh wedding anniversary, it's less fairy tale, more prestige limited series – with public opinion swinging harder than a Montecito mood board. Let's recap. Season One: Royal Wedding – the glossy pilot that launched a thousand hot takes. Advertisement Season Two: Megxit – a departure arc worthy of Succession. Season Three gave us The Oprah Interview – or as the Palace might call it, The Crown: Live. Season Four? Californian Rebranding. Season Five: Spotify and Archetypes (cancelled, like most of our goodwill). Season Six: Litigation-palooza. Advertisement Now we're in Season Seven: Mutual Love Bombs on Instagram. Meghan, in a post for Archewell, gushed about 'her love story'. Harry gazed adoringly at her in a wedding throwback, confirming either enduring love or a very competent PR team. Say what you like, but they've turned royal exile into a brand proposition with better global recognition than half the actual royals. And credit where it's due: most celebrity marriages don't last seven years, let alone seven years of exile. So, good luck to the Sussexes – still together, still trending, and still managing to make their private life astonishingly public. Advertisement Brekkie telly's shrinking morsels 5 Lorraine's daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes Credit: Getty ITV has taken an axe to the morning schedule and Lorraine Kelly has found herself on the wrong end of the chop. Her daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes and will now be on air for just 30 weeks a year. Likewise, the Loose Women gang, right, will have less airtime in future. It's hard not to take these shake-ups personally in the world of TV. Advertisement Bosses call it 'streamlining', or break the news that they've chosen to 'go in a different direction'. But it's all just estate-agent speak to soften the blow when you fall out of favour with the channel head or audiences. This is not so much a breakfast show as a brekkie nibble – just time to compliment a guest's dress and awkwardly read a sponsored link. GMB has been extended by half an hour to run until 9.30am and it's only a matter of time before This Morning is reduced to a WhatsApp voice note.
Pink Villa
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 8: Belle Will Finally Defeat Adonis! Check Out The Recap, Release Date And More
In 'Mania: Nowhere,' Adonis tries to convert Sherry into a zombie, though she repels him with a song. Belle arrives, destroys the zombies, and confronts Adonis while Kitty teleports Sherry away. Sian and Dram trap Belle, and Sian fights Adonis. Sherry stops Gaff's forces at the lake, declaring the god false. Adonis and Sian find the god's heart and realize Belle descends from the true gods. Belle escapes the miasma, mourns Sian's death, and resumes fighting. Adonis breaks Runding entirely, but Belle begins chanting a spell. Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 8 will likely continue Belle and Adonis' battle, revealing the purpose of Belle's chant. She may manifest a new weapon or use an alternative power to counter Adonis. Her new strength will likely overwhelm him, bringing the battle to its climax. Belle may spare Adonis in order to question him about Dram's earlier actions. Adonis' exact narrative role should be clarified during this confrontation. The episode will likely conclude with his defeat and a sorrowful farewell. Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 8, titled 'Sacred Song: EREHWON,' will be airing in Japan on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:30 pm JST. It will premiere on the WOWOW satellite channel and later on BS Nippon TV. Japanese viewers can also stream Bye Bye, Earth Season 2 Episode 8 via services like d-anime Store, ABEMA, and Amazon Prime Video. For international fans, the episode will be accessible on Crunchyroll, featuring dubbed versions in English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and German. For more updates from the second season of the Bye Bye, Earth anime, keep an eye on Pinkvilla.
