Now available on DVD: LEVIATHAN

The stunning new film from modern Russian master Andrey Zvyagintsev (The Return, Elena), LEVIATHAN is a gripping parable of class, faith and corruption, centering on a land dispute between a small-time mechanic and his local authorities that reaps unimaginable consequences.

Kolia (the magnetic Alexey Serebryakov) lives in a coastal village near the Barents Sea in Northern Russia, running an auto-repair shop from the garage of his childhood home, shared with young wife Lilya (Elena Lyadova) and his teenage son from a previous marriage.

The family’s world is under threat: Vadim Sergeyich (Roman Madyanov), the imperious town Mayor, has slapped a compulsory acquisition order on Kolia’s prime land, earmarking the site for a development of undetermined but dubious funding (and offering risible, token compensation). To Sergeyich’s great surprise, Kolia enlists the help of ex-army friend Dmitri (Vladimir Vdovitchenkov), now a hotshot lawyer from Moscow. Dmitri has uncovered some highly incriminating evidence that he believes will force the Mayor to back down, even if he has secrets of his own. Soon tempers and passions are inflamed, events spiral out of control, and lives are placed at stake.

Zvyagintsev’s deftly-drawn and morally complex thriller is an electrifying, vodka-fuelled examination of the familial, sexual and judicial tangles of ordinary human lives, played out against the monstrous machinations of Putin’s seemingly unchecked regime. Saturated with incredible imagery, superb performances and sly, Kafkaesque humour, this astounding and frequently surprising masterwork should, quite simply, not be missed.

Out on Lumière: WTF

Release Date: 21st February

Director: Raphaël Frydman

Stars: Rémi Gaillard, Nicole Ferroni, Franc Bruneau

Remi Gayyar is the real character of the World network, troll, provocateur, one of the biggest-selling comic actor in Europe. One and a half milliards of viewing and millions of fans. A day came, and he decided to steady down: got married, settled down on work on a parking place, promised a pregnant wife, that also «goes away to the decree» and gives up the pranks. But how to deafen talent and disorderly conduct of fantasy?. Fans can not assume his care. Gayyar returns.

The electro-EBM masters are finally back with an all new album! Biomekkanik is the solo project from Christer Hermodsson, a.k.a. Crull-E, from legendary Swedish bands S.P.O.C.K.. Tracing many years of experience with electronic music, both as a band member and as a producer, Christer units his experience from the synth pop of S.P.O.C.K and Sista Mannen På Jorden, coupled with the harsher and heavier sound from producing bands like And One or Cat Rapes.

His debut ‘State of Perfection’ (Subspace 2009) charted on No.2 in German DAC charts and was a very promising launch of the EBM project. Due to personal reasons, it took Biomekkanik 5 years to deliver this follow up! The album title serves as sort of ‘contents’ for the songs: In fact, the 10 tracks represent a fine balance of beautiful and melodic Electro with harsher EBM! The ‘architecture’ of the songs and lyrics translate into some really ‘cinematic’ songs that capture the listener from the first second. A very strong album: Violent & beautiful!

Out on 3rd February on Lumière on DVD: ELLE L'ADORE

Director: Jeanne Herry

Stars: Sandrine Kiberlain, Laurent Lafitte, Pascal Demolon 

Muriel Bayen, a divorced beautician and mother of two, loves to tell stories. She is a huge fan of this singer Vincent Lacroix, in fact she is a dedicated fan. One day Vincent knock on her door and ask for her help.

Ahead of their upcoming North American tour, Lust For Youth shares the brand new video for "Illume" with us today. Though it is not the same "Illume" we know from the International LP. Sand Circles re-worked this track for the Remixes cassette that came along with the limited edition version of the International LP. Sand Circles took a very minimal approach to the remix, almost turning what some would call a "dance floor" track into a very ambient and emotional piece.

Director Frederik Valentin's video work sits very nicely alongside the track: slowed down, shadowy figures performing while flashes of neon lights appear. Take a look at the video along with the upcoming tour dates below, which includes their first ever SXSW appearance. Don't miss Lust For Youth when they hit your city.

TOUR DATES

Feb 14, 2015: Copenhagen, DK @ Mayhem

Mar 5, 2015: Grinnell, IA @ Gardner Lounge at Grinnell College

Mar 6, 2015: Madison, WI @ University of Wisconsin

Mar 7, 2015: Chicago, IL @ The Empty Bottle

Mar 8, 2015: Detroit, MI @ UFO Factory

Mar 9, 2015: Toronto, ON @ Bambi's

Mar 10, 2015: Montreal, QC @ Casa del Popolo

Mar 11, 2015: New York, NY @ Home Sweet Home

Mar 13, 2015: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie

Mar 14, 2015: Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right

Mar 16, 2015: McAllen, TX @ Cine El Rey Theatre

Mar 19, 2015: Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas (w/ Pharmakon, Moon Duo, Institute, Uniform)

Mar 23, 2015: Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom (w/ Marshstepper)

Mar 24, 2015: San Diego, CA @ Hideout (w/ Marshstepper)

Mar 25, 2015: Los Angeles, CA @ Jewel's Catch One (w/ Marshstepper)

Mar 27, 2015: San Francisco, CA @ Elbo Room (w/ Marshstepper)

Apr 3, 2015: Tokyo, JP @ Astro Hall (w/ Puce Mary)