I was on the 6:45 p.m. shuttle to Marlboro Market as doors opened at the House of Blues, listening to Duster’s setlist as we crossed the Charles River. Before long, I’d made it to the front door, my 19-year-old hands complete with two Sharpie X’s as I made it through security. Having never covered a concert for press reasons before, I wasn’t aware that I couldn’t bring my professional (and rented) camera inside the venue, but security workers kindly allowed me to store it in the coat check for $5 instead of kicking me out of the building. Grateful, I took a long glance around the lobby –– my first time in the House of Blues felt more familiar than I’d expected; with charming rock paraphernalia posted around every corner, I found myself reminded of venues like Whisky a Go Go and The Wiltern back in Los Angeles (my hometown). Duster’s opener, Dirty Art Club, could be heard through the large double doors leading into the auditorium.

As I walked in, Dirty Art Club played relaxed electronica at a DJ Booth set up on stage, a projector screen displaying abstract visuals behind the booth. The crowd gathered on the floor, talking amongst themselves and waiting for the band to come out. I took my spot in the merch line and observed the audience; I saw a lot of people around my age, a lot of tall lanky dudes (as a shorter person, I take note of this when choosing where to stand in a crowd) and well-dressed alternative-esque women. Conversely, I also saw a lot of men who seemed to be the same age as the band members themselves; lifelong fans of the band ever since their first albums came out in the late 1990s. These 30-40 year-olds mainly hung by the bars and periphery of the hall, while the younger generations carefully staked out their spots on the floor. 

About a half-hour after I arrived, Dirty Art Club exited the stage as the audience cheered. Anxious and still waiting in the merch line, I watched to see if the band would be coming out. The band emerged as I checked out, guitars pounding the opening of their first song, “The Twins / Romantica.” The crowd stood and swayed, entranced by the members on stage, nodding their heads along to the melancholy rhythms. A dreamy distorted guitar riff ended the song as the audience roared. A brief pause elapsed before the next song; I moved down further along the floor and situated myself as the lights changed colors. Metalheads and indie listeners alike faced the music, possessed and entranced. As Duster moved through the setlist, I migrated to different points in the crowd. 

Having attended a Beabadoobee concert a few weeks ago, I noted the differences between their crowds: fewer phones blocked the stage at this show as people seemed to be enjoying the moment, but the crowd at the Beabadoobee concert definitely had more energy. Duster’s music isn’t exactly the type to scream out along a crowd; it’s unhurried, more pensive, and the type of slowcore that invites a sort of dreamy trance to come over everyone all at once. Propped behind the lighting booth, I watched the operator adjust some switches and cover the hall in orange hues as the band played once more. As “Me and the Birds” began, suddenly the crowd was the most animated they’d been all night, cheering and taking out their phones with smiles before the song’s rhythm settled in. 

As Duster played their second-to-last song of the evening, I caught someone waving around a cat stuffed animal, referencing the cat featured front-and-center on Duster’s self-titled album cover, known colloquially as the “Cat Album.” Warmth radiated off the stage as the sweet song “Constellations” closed out the show. Maybe it was the sentimentality of seeing everyone in the crowd prepare to depart the concert hall and re-enter the world, but I suddenly felt an urgent need to acquire a stuffed Duster cat of my own. I rushed back to the merch stand before exiting and there it was: ridiculously overpriced and equally ridiculous looking, I ended my night by making a “wise” financial decision and purchasing a $25 Duster cat. Though the concert wasn’t exactly the type of heart-racing rush that typically comes to mind when I think of a night out in Boston, it was a joy to experience in-person the music, audience and atmosphere. To anyone debating their plans for upcoming weekends, I implore you to check online for any cheap concert tickets –– you never know what you may find!

Contact the editors responsible for this article: Ivy Buck, Anabelle Meyers

“Brat and it’s completely different” demands a listener’s attention from the very first track. Charli’s not afraid to get messy — flooding her remixed tracks with experimental production, unexpected features and erratic energy. Where the original album flirted with pop conventions, the remixes dive headfirst into sonic chaos. The various collaborators –– including Robyn, BB trickz and Addison Rae –– all bring their own twists, turning Charli’s songs into high-octane club anthems, rave-ready bangers or eerie, stripped-down ballads. While it could have been a risky move, I believe the features elevate the album, as each person aids in creating a fresh collection of standout tracks.

The collection of “Brat” remixes thrives in its extremes. Tracks like “Club classics featuring bb trickz” present relentless beats and distorted vocals, while others like the reimagined “I Might Say Something Stupid” slow things down, replacing bratty synths with haunting piano and echoey choirs. The result is a  record that moves between moments of pure exhilaration and reflective melancholy, never letting you settle into one mood for too long. I even found the “Club Classics” remix more exciting than the original, though it’s almost impossible to compare them;  while they share the same core energy, the remix feels like a complete reinvention,  Another solid fan favorite is Charli’s  “Talk talk” remix featuring Troye Sivan –– although I’ve heard short clips of the track across nearly every social media platform in recent weeks, , “Talk talk” in its entirety is still just as addictive and energizing. 

Charli XCX’s latest album isn’t just a remix project, it’s a statement about the future of pop music. It’s chaotic, imperfect and sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also thrilling, magnetic and undeniably fun. Charli’s music has the wild, carefree energy of recession pop, but with a dark house twist. Honestly, she might be the one to bring a bratty version of recession pop roaring back for the latter half of the 2020s. For fans and newcomers alike, “Brat and it’s completely different” is a testament to Charli’s ability to disrupt and redefine the boundaries of pop music — taking listeners on an unapologetic, remixed journey which never loses its bratty, rebellious heart.

Contact the editors responsible for this story: Ivy Buck, Norah Catlin

In recent years, Animal Crossing expanded its reach beyond the virtual world, making a splash in real-world venues. One of the most exciting partnerships has been between Animal Crossing and several aquariums across the United States. Originally launched in collaboration with the Seattle Aquarium, this unique initiative has since traveled to various aquariums, including the New England Aquarium. This collaboration brings the whimsical charm of Animal Crossing into the physical world, offering visitors an intriguing and interactive experience which mixes the game’s beloved characters with the educational and conservation-focused mission of the aquarium itself.

As I explored the aquarium, I was excited to see familiar faces from the game scattered throughout the exhibits. The most notable of these was Blathers, the in-game museum curator known for his vast knowledge of fossils, fish and bugs (and, humorously, his aversion to insects). Informative placards were placed in exhibits, which featured Blathers’ commentary and provided additional insights into the marine life on display. These placards not only served as a fun nod to fans of the game, but they also added an extra layer of educational value to the visit. It was clear that this collaboration was thoughtfully designed to enhance the aquarium experience for both seasoned Animal Crossing players and newcomers alike.

In addition to Blathers, the aquarium featured various Animal Crossing “easter eggs” scattered throughout the complex. One of the most delightful surprises was discovering Gulliver, the lovable seagull character famous for randomly washing up on beaches, perched on a ledge above the penguin exhibit on the first floor. When I later asked an aquarium representative about it, I learned that Gulliver actually moves to different locations throughout the museum depending on the day. So, when you visit, keep an eye out — he might be in a completely new spot! The aquarium also set up life-sized standees of Animal Crossing characters along the visitor paths, creating perfect photo opportunities. However, the partnership between Animal Crossing and the New England Aquarium wasn’t just about adding a fun twist to an aquarium visit — it was a carefully curated experience that celebrated both marine conservation and the playful world of the game. The aquarium’s gift shop featured specific Animal Crossing merchandise: from plush versions of the villagers to branded t-shirts and accessories, fans of the game had plenty of options to take home a piece of the experience. 

During my visit, an aquarium representative  explained that the partnership with Animal Crossing was designed to attract a broader audience, especially younger visitors who might already be fans of the game. For families visiting with children, the collaboration provided an added layer of excitement, encouraging kids to engage more deeply with the exhibits and potentially sparking an interest in marine biology. She also emphasized that the collaboration could introduce fans of the game to the aquarium’s mission of conservation and education, creating a meaningful connection between the virtual and real worlds.

Beyond the Animal Crossing experience, the representative highlighted various opportunities available for college students at the aquarium. The New England Aquarium offers a range of volunteer and internship opportunities, perfect for students looking to gain hands-on experience in marine science, education or conservation. Students have a variety of ways to get involved, from assisting with animal care to participating in educational outreach programs. These opportunities provide a unique chance to contribute to the aquarium’s efforts while also gaining valuable skills and experience in a real-world setting.

My visit to the New England Aquarium was an unforgettable experience, enriched by the delightful fusion of Animal Crossing and marine life. The combination of interactive elements, educational content and the beloved characters from Animal Crossing made for a truly immersive experience. My love for Animal Crossing led me to discover not only Boston’s fantastic New England Aquarium, but also new ways to make a difference in the world around me. This collaboration is a shining example of how gaming and real-world institutions can come together to create something truly special.

Contact the editors responsible for this article: Norah Catlin, Ivy Buck