Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Oral Roberts putting health trackers on freshmen is peculiar

Danielle Prewitt February 16, 2016

One more deep breath. That’s all I needed. I slowly inhaled and thought back to every greasy, grilled cheese sandwich and mouth-watering brownie sundae I shoveled into my mouth during that first semester...

Why not claim a Final Four?

Nick Beach February 12, 2016

Flying under the radar, the Shockers are gaining momentum to run for the National Championship.Last weekend ESPN analyst Jay Bilas picked Wichita State as potential party-crasher to the Final Four.“I...

A musical review

Nick Beach and Marissa Campbell February 12, 2016

Sia, St. Lucia stand out this week with eclectic sounds

Over the last week, three eclectic, interesting albums were released. Between Rhianna finally releasing new material, Sia being just as quirky and fascinating as usual and St. Lucia releasing a record with a fun hit single, these albums are sure to make your week better.

“This is Acting” by Sia

Released: Jan. 29

Genre: Pop

5/5

With her unusual, eclectic style, Sia can make one record range from pop to hip-hop to alternative. Along with the vastness of genres she can cover, her overall persona is also intriguing, as she regularly tries to cover her face when in public and she uses her superlative, Maddy Ziegler, as a younger version of herself. “Bird Set Free” starts off the album with a melodic piano that leads to Sia’s raspy vocals that play with an alternative feel. “One Million Bullets” takes the album on an R&B type of ride but switches styles yet again during “House on Fire,” which sounds like the next pop hit. Sia’s interesting approach to her music can draw in a vast array of listeners from people who mostly enjoy alternative to those who enjoy mostly hip-hop. Download: “Bird Set Free”

“Matter” by St. Lucia

Released: Jan. 29

Genre: Electornic-Indie

4/5

St. Lucia’s fourth studio album does not fail to bring the ‘80s pop vibe that the group’s other albums have shown. With the hit single “Dancing on Glass,” listeners will not be able to sit still. Just like “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon, this song will literally make you want to move – it also may take Walk the Moon’s place on the charts. “Love Somebody” brings the record a slow-jam-esque sound but maintains their staple, electronic groove. “Help Me Run Away” is the epitome of St. Lucia’s ’80s dance vibe. With the rhythmic drums at the beginning of “Stay,” listeners will be drawn into the ghostly, echoing vocals of Jean-Philip Grobler. Download: “Dancing on Glass”

“Anti” by Rihanna

Released: Jan. 27

Genre: R&B/Pop

3/5

Rihanna’s long overdue LP “Anti” saw a sloppy rollout by the record label. Anyone can listen for free on Tidal, and this isn’t the album Rihanna should have aimed for. There are some great cuts on this record such as “Woo,” which features an aggressive yet atmospheric production from Travis Scott. RiRi’s cover of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Ol’ Mistakes” is beautiful. The problem with “Anti” is Rihanna’s lack of risk-taking. It took a long time for the album to drop, and she took the safe route with glitzy, yet boring, radio-friendly filler. Rihanna had the perfect opportunity to make a statement with this LP, and she made some really fun tracks, but it’s nothing new for her. Half of the album is still pretty impressive, but Rihanna made two huge mistakes, letting the album spin out of control and lacking creativity.

Download: “Woo”

Coens kill it again with ‘Hail, Caesar!’

Alex Perry February 12, 2016

I didn’t know I needed Channing Tatum as a gay, tap dancing communist in my life until I saw “Hail, Caesar!”The above sentence is pretty much all you need to know about the Coen bros.’ latest,...

NFL closes half-century of football, Broncos win Super Bowl 50

Evan Pflugradt February 8, 2016

Fifty.Fifty Super Bowls now in the record books.Sunday night eclipsed 50 years of football greatness into a single night.Epic beginnings were made. Legacies were closed out.  The Denver Broncos defeated...

Guns in classrooms not a good idea

Editorial board February 8, 2016

The Wichita State community is now bracing itself for the inevitable presence of guns on campus starting July 2017, when an exemption on the state’s law to allow concealed guns without a permit ends.When...

Easy to see appeal of eSports at convention

Alex Perry February 8, 2016

As someone with a deep, abiding love of video games, I’ve never been particularly drawn to the highly competitive, rapidly growing eSports side of it. I’m just not skilled enough at any one game or...

Oscar contender ‘Room’ brings hope to hopeless situation

Alex Perry February 4, 2016

I almost feel like I’m doing “Room” a disservice by giving you 500 or so words of description and analysis. If you have any interest in it and you haven’t read or seen much about it, just stop...

The Sunflower’s Missouri Valley Conference mid-season awards

Evan Pflugradt February 1, 2016

It’s early February and the conference season in the Missouri Valley has climbed over it’s peak to see the other side. In a conference stifled by growing competition, league play has led to success...

Big choice for America’s youth with election looming

John Smith February 1, 2016

Turn on the news today and you are guaranteed to hear something about the presidential election.Despite being nearly a year out from the general election, speeches, rantsand debates pervade our television...

Government spending overhaul

Victoria Hendricks February 1, 2016

My boyfriend recently competed with other members of the College of Engineering at Texas A&M in a competition sponsored by the private rocket company SpaceX to revolutionize the modes of travel and transportation.Known...

Staff editorial: Parking garage would alleviate frustrations

Editorial board February 1, 2016

A parking garage may finally be in Wichita State’s future.Students, faculty and staff have grumbled about finding a parking spot for years. The never-ending battle could be resolved in fall 2017 if the...

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