issue 11// vol 48 ‘Light the Way’ preview » A performance about climate change activism. Illustration by Athena Little he Rw AA CO Craig Allan Business Manager A cross much of the western world, no issue may be more prevalent on the minds of the asses than climate change. With the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) putting pressure on world leaders to work towards reducing emissions by a significant amount, the world is starting to demand action on this emerging cataclysmic threat. While the average person may not be able to attend the COP26 summit in Scotland, they can still see people bringing attention to the climate crisis here at Douglas College. This can be seen from the upcoming Douglas College theatre production called Light the Way. Light the Way consists of seven short plays regarding the effects climate change will have on the scientific, political, and everyday spectrums of life. Directed by Deborah Neville, the play is connected to the Climate Change Theatre Action 2021: Envisioning a Global Green New Deal. This organization supports the use of theatre as a way of expressing the message of climate action in congruence with the COP biannual conferences. For Douglas College’s production, there will also be two shows in which an interview segment follows the play with speakers from the David Suzuki Foundation who will talk with the crew and audience about how to create a sustainable Canada and protect the natural environment of the country. Some of the short plays include “Bedtime Story for my (Future) Daughter” by Caity- Shae Violette, “My Apology” by Keith Barker, and “Lifeday” by Jessica Huang. These plays were among 50 selected from around the world to showcase the dire circumstances of the planet and the need for sustainability worldwide. The plays will be occurring in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre from November 17 to 20. Buy tickets at eventbite.com. Talkback performances will occur on the night shows for the 18 and 19. Shows range from $10.51 to $21.00. There will be no late entry. CC ‘Light the Way’ consists of seven short plays regarding the effects climate change will have on the scientific, political, and everyday spectrums of life. A country band that reimagines their genre's future > ‘The Future’ album features a variety of song choices and themes that make it stand out among other country music Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist A s someone not well-versed in country usic, I was immediately taken aback by Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats—American country artists who dared to mix and match genres to approach storytelling in disarming yet satisfying ways. Their newest album The Future was released November 5 and Rateliff wrote it based on his self-reflection during the lockdown. The band presents a multi- faceted palette of themes and surprises that take their music in new directions. The album completely immersed me into the most unconventional country rock I’ve ever heard. Each song is emotionally contemplative, which makes them perfect to soothe your mind or provide exciting beats during your road trip. With his diverse soundscapes, Rateliff balances his raw and gruff vocals with humble stories to reflect his grit as an artist. The album also has incredible musical fusions of country rock with folk, R&B, and other unexpected genres. Every track feels different from the next with its own distinctive identity, and that enables the tracklist to keep you guessing by how unpredictable it is at every turn. At one point, you're drawn into “Something Ain't Right”, a country track with indie rock feels, then suddenly brought to the jazzier song, “Love Me Till ’'m Gone.” The band’s bold creative choices instill wholesome moods while redefining country rock. Rateliff and his band also provide encouraging themes for those that need it most. For instance, the track “What If I’ mixes funky R&B arrangements and heart-wrenching country vocals with inspiring lyrics like “When only half of the cards are shown/Maybe as time goes on together, we'll learn how to grow.’ The song explores the strength to keep moving forward despite feeling doubts, fears, and uncertainties in our lives. Even mental health is a theme in the album through the track “I’m On Your Side”. Subdued drum beats, Rateliff’s fierce vocals, and upbeat saxophone blares are balanced with the song’s repeated lyrics “But if you ain't alright, just remember/I’m on your side.” This soundscape evokes the need to support your loved ones throughout their journeys towards emotional well-being. The song constantly reminds us to tell those we care about that you're always going to be there to lift them up. Eclectic albums featuring new sounds are certainly nothing new in the current music trends of today. Regardless, this collection still feels different because it’s Cover of 'The Future' by Nathaniel Rateliff your travels and times when you feel low. With its themes, lyricism, and thrilling diversity of sounds, the album is accessible for new listeners getting into country music for the very first time. Fans not every day you hear country-rockers do more experimental repertoires. Rateliff and The Night Sweats’ new country album The Future provides excellent genre-mixing tracks ideal for of the genre will especially find something refreshing to add to their musical adventures. So, get listening because this band is not one to miss.