ae a JEN SWANSTON ‘Alpha’ Written by Jeffery Bell Directed by Peter Markle hen X-Files shows its Wren (Monster of the Week) during the teaser, most Philes sit back and prepare to endure a bad episode. While ‘Alpha’ started off a bit slow and hokey, the final story was more interesting then we were first led to believe, and the monster was one of the better monsters that X-Files has come up with. The morphing from man to dog was well done, as was the changing of one dog into another. Once again showing the fact that they are indeed in Los Angeles and ‘names’ can be used, Andrew Robinso, who plays Garak on Deep Space Nine, was on Sunday's episode. He played a cryptozoologist who has brought the killing dog from the wild and has it running free in California. In the end, though, his character is pivotal, but not all that important or interesting—a plot device. Showing the high turnover rate at TenThirteen, ‘Alpha’ was written by Jeffery Bell, who is one of the new writers this season (he also wrote ‘Rain King’). While he seems to understand that there is a spe- cial relationship between Mulder and Scully he doesn’t have a grasp on the overall tone of the show. There are some pretty good one-liners, but more lines fall flat the get a laugh. Time will tell if Bell will stay on as a writer and become one of the “Gods” of X-Files writing. Divinely hip disc Bless this Mess By Divine Right Jim CHILBOYKO The Hip-opening (Eww!) act that many Vancouverites saw last month seem to have, in the first few rows (the second row, to be exact), gained some new converts despite being saddled with the lowly title Special Guests. Good for them. The newest offering from the journeymen rockers from Thornhill, Ontario, Bless This Mess, is evidently their third (second major) release, and with every disc, BDR seem more and more solid. All Hail Discordia was an ambi- tious but slightly demented 16- song set, slightly hampered by single-lyric shout-alongs like High School—We put the high in high school, over and over and over—and sloppy recording techniques. But while Bless This Mess displays more maturity, it is no «less effusive in its attitude. Lyricist Jose Contreras seems still rather taken by life. Indeed, he screams I love being alive in ‘Nothing a Go-go; and displays an almost worrisome happiness throughout most of ~ the record. Their irreverance is Forced newbie: “Very sus- penseful, good effects, smooth shape-shifting. Sort of random the way Mulder decided that [the cryptozoologist] was the shape-shifter. Worth crawling out of bed to see.” Voluntary Newbie: “’Man’s Best Friend’ was better. The puns were great!” Scullyist: “Scully was right. Liked it, decent despite a poor start. Mulder was extremely gullible.” Mulderist: “Too predictable, didn't want ‘him’ to be the shape-shifter. Amusing, though Mulder was a little gullible.” Original (Cynical) Phile: “Didn't like it. In the old days the X-Files had plot, good sto- tyline, dialogue and rain.” Focused Original Phile: “Despite a slow start and an obvious ending, it was pretty solid for the new guy. The dia- logue was really good when it also contagious: Old Soul, wanna get with you from ‘Old Soul’ Bless This Mess does, however, contain several more contemplative, poignant num- bers like ‘Twisted Crystalline’ and the life-affirming ‘I Want Light’ and a little bit of melan- cholia that offsets JC’s stoner- type good vibes. What really moves the record, though, is the band’s expertise in making the songs as tasty as possible. The jangly, rocky guitars and sweet arrangements can be addictive. The momentum the CD achieves is undeniable; it is one of those that one (me) finds hard Neon Ballroom’s lights fizzle LorI ROBINSON Silverchair, Silverchair, what have you done? You went and grew up and changed your style. I was expecting more’ angst, but I guess when you have a place of your own and never have to worry about what you want to be when you grow up or getting the bills paid on time, you really don’t have all that much to be pissed about. Getting back to the CD, the ‘year 2000 anthem’ is reminis- cent of their style in the past and is the best the CD has to offer. The rest of this disk is slow and sounds like nothing Silverchair has done before. Silverchair is trying to change its image from the angst ridden teens of yester- year into the responsible adults the band members have become. Of course, they have the right to change their style of the music—there is only so much you can do when you're screaming at the top of your lungs. However, change is not always the better way to go. The band’s previous songs are what got our attention and most of the songs on this CD are not as captivating as could be hoped. The biggest differ- ence between Ballroom and their last album, Freakshow, is that in the new stuff an orchestra is present, quite a diference from their previous heavy metal mosh pit sound. Hopefully, the next album will have a little more bass, and your ears will ring, like with Freakshow, after you turn the CD off. Neon Ballroom is listenable, but it isn’t an album you can sing along with or really get into, unless you are in a really mellow mood, in which case you will fall asleep, I did. There’s nothing between them. worked, though some lines fell flat.” Fast Forward: ‘Trevor’ Written by Directed by Rob Bowman Sorry about not having the writer, but after two hours of looking through every conceivable site online I couldn't find an author removing from the computer or stereo. Evidently, after the record was finished, Contreras worked for six or so months to get it as 1 Hem 48-6th Street, New Westminster finely-tuned [ESOS EAVES Tel/Fax: (604) 521-6077 as possible. Attn: !! STUDENTS Guess Special offer! what, dude. It} Copies—Self-service 06 cents paid off. * Colour Laser Copies 50% off! Apt stuff | ¢ Colour Laser Transparencies 40% off! for spring. © Cerlox Binding For Presentations 50% off! And, I don’t Typesetting, Resumes/Letters, Fax, Address Labels, hesitate to ullible. She’s a little bit skeptical. Business Cards, Rubber Stamps, Laminating een them....well, File Photo anywhere...maybe aliens wrote it. Next week finds Mulder and Scully trying to track down a convict (guest star Christopher Dahlberg) who made a miracu- lous escape from prison by walking through the walls. The convict seems to be able to walk through glass and metal, among other things. add, excellent driving music for the summer. STUDENT Cass: AiRFaRGS Travel CUTS’ exclusive Student Class™ fares offer: - the best rates with the most flexibility. - confirmed seats on scheduled airlines. - one-way or return, valid up to 1 year. - low fees for date changes. - no advance purchase (subject to availability). THESE AIRFARES SELL OUT QUICKLY- HURRY AND BOOK NOW! 2 TRAVEL CUTS Plugged-in to Student Travel SFU Rm 2280MBC, 659-2850 567 Seymour St, 659-2830 120 West Broadway, 659-2887 Owned and operated by the Canadian Federation of Students. Ali offices registered with the BC Travel Registrar Since 1969 The Other Press April7 1999 Page 9