Culture Corner

The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for music, movies and more

Song: “Purgatory Silverstar” by Djo (2025)

If you’ve ever craved a track that somehow sounds like four different songs in one, then this one’s for you. “Purgatory Silverstar” by Djo, also known as Joe Keery, comes from the deluxe version of his 2025 album, “The Crux.” In this track, Djo encapsulates the emotions following the end of a romantic relationship, particularly the limbo or “purgatory” that follows. He places himself on this metaphorical spaceship, “Purgatory Silverstar,” describing the feeling of falling off course and searching for his original trajectory. By the middle of the song, he accepts his path, saying “salutations to the old world.” This acceptance is quickly followed by an understanding of the isolation that comes with it: “Only me, myself and radio, deep space, dead weight, body-breaking loneliness.” The song then ends with the repetition of “I took it for granted, all that you do […] so, for the rest of my life, I’ll pay my dues,” highlighting his regrets and appreciation for his ex-partner. While I’ve never been through a breakup (and hope I never do), this song hits home for the grieving process in any relationship, romantic or platonic — all necessary for personal growth.

Book: “Earthlings” by Sayaka Murata (2018)

As a way to connect with my Japanese culture, I took up reading Japanese literature a few years ago and found Sayaka Murata. Murata’s stories are bizarre and unsettling in the best ways, leaving you thinking, “What the hell did I just read?” “Earthlings” is no different. The novel follows Natsuki, a girl who believes she’s an alien from the planet Popinpobopia, as she tries to conform to a society she feels she does not fit into. Her childhood begins with trauma, and she finds solace in her hedgehog toy, Piyyut, another alien from Popinpobopia that serves as her companion and guide. While trying to uphold the expectations of society, Natsuki eventually runs away and attempts to search for the answers to the universe. Natsuki’s story critiques the modern societal expectations to get married and become “baby factories,” regardless of one’s true desires. The progression of Natsuki’s story is definitely not something you’ll expect and the ending will likely leave you like it did me — stunned and uncomfortable, yet still captivated.

Album: “Notes on a Conditional Form” by The 1975 (2020)

I’ll be real, when I first listened to this album, I didn’t like it very much. But if you’re anything like me, it takes a few listens to really enjoy and understand an album. The 1975 have been a longstanding favorite of mine (although Matty Healy can be considered problematic). As someone that typically listens to music for the sound and doesn’t frequently look into the lyrics (unless I really like the song), every The 1975 album makes me introspective. Like many of their other albums, “Notes on a Conditional Form” focuses on the effects of modernity, and, more specifically, the environmental crisis and anxieties of youth in a technologically advanced world. Compared to their other albums, this one features a new mix of electronica, pop-rock, funk, folk and R&B instrumentals while still staying true to their sound. “Notes on a Conditional Form” is a staple for long car rides or flights, prompting you to think about yourself and your place in the world (if that’s your vibe).

TV Show: “High Potential” by Drew Goddard (2024 - present)

I’m always in need of a new Shonda Rhimes-esque drama series, and “High Potential” filled that void. “High Potential” follows Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson), a single mom of three kids who has high intellectual potential and an aptitude for solving crime. Gillory begins as a cleaner for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), where an unexpected instance of knocking over a case file leads her to solving a complex mystery and sending detectives in a completely different direction. After aiding in solving the case, she becomes a consultant for the LAPD Major Crimes Division, utilizing her out-of-the-box thinking and curiosity to solve various cases. Of course, relationships, teetering on the edge of platonic and romantic, begin to form amongst Gillory and her team. If you’re one that likes to take on true crime shows as a puzzle for you to solve, look no further than “High Potential” as your next binge watch.

Written By: Jenny Dye — arts@theaggie.org