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Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY LOUIS VOLKER, STAFF WRITER

What do musicians like David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Daft Punk, Prince and Doja Cat all have in common? Lady Gaga, apparently. Gaga’s eighth studio album MAYHEM is finally here after a guerilla marketing scheme that hijacked the Grammys and mounted speculation about her long awaited return to the dance pop/club style that launched her into stardom almost two decades ago. 

I am happy to report that not only is maximalist Gaga back, but she might just be at her very best with MAYHEM, an album that blends together all the best pop and rock sounds since the 1990s and yet still forges even more evolution for the star’s ever-changing style and presence. 

MAYHEM rewinds back to her avante-garde club sound of 2008. This time, she doesn’t allow the pulsating synths and layered percussion to outshine the powerhouse vocals that have dominated her sound over the past five years. Gaga establishes this with the singles “Disease” and “Abracadabra,” the latter of which might be my favorite pop single since “Von Dutch” heralded in Charli XCX’s Brat album rollout. 

Gaga still manages to flex her vocal power without ignoring her ability to use her voice as a fellow instrument on tracks like “Killah” featuring French producer Gesaffelstein, known for his abrasive and percussive approach to electronic music. 

While maintaining her early theme of grunge throughout, as communicated by the black and white album cover art, MAYHEM covers a wide range of influences. References to an almost 2010s sound in tracks like “Perfect Celebrity” recalls groups like Muse and Fall Out Boy while standout track “Zombieboy,” is reminiscent of Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories. Songs like “How Bad Do U Want Me,” undeniably contain sounds inspired by the Jack Antonoff plucky-synth pop music landscape that is forever influenced by Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. 

“Killah” features a perfect blend of inspiration from previous decades of artists in order to create something totally new and awesome. The track manages to combine David Bowie-esque vocals with drums and bass. This creates a late-‘90s Nine Inch Nails demo sound. The organic Prince-like guitar riff compliments her vocals and marries them with the more digital sounds of the track. 

While the entire album is for the most part a seamless product of different references, it is still undeniably Gaga. It balances homage with the reckless originality that made the world take notice of her in 2008 and is more than enjoyable. There is not one song on the album that doesn’t make me want to dance or sing along, and most songs excel at making me want to do both. 

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

If there’s any track that doesn’t fit perfectly within the multitudes of the MAYHEM universe, it’s the hit soul ballad “Die With a Smile.” The Grammy-winning Bruno Mars collaboration topped the charts with its August 2024 release. The smooth, organic production is by no means a bad single, but feels as if Gaga added it to the end of the album out of obligation due to its massive success.

A track such as the album’s 12th song, “The Beast,” would have worked better as an ending to the refreshing homecoming that is MAYHEM and would have provided a more satisfying conclusion to what is already a satisfying return to form. 

MAYHEM heralds a more rock-influenced alternative to the club music that has dominated pop since Charli XCX’s Brat summer of last year. Its perfect marriage of early influences and all of Lady Gaga’s several strengths as a recording artist earns it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, held back only by a clunky inclusion of “Die With a Smile” to end the album.

Christian Segovia/Fourth Estate

BY GABRIELLE PAMOR, STAFF WRITER

George Mason’s APAC Night Market, held Friday, April 4, transformed the campus into a bustling celebration of Asian-American culture, inviting students, faculty and local residents to experience an immersive world of food, art and vibrant performances. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mason Pond and the surrounding mini plaza by the Center for the Arts and Buchanan Hall came alive with a panorama of colors, sounds, and aromas that reflected the diverse spirit of the APAC community.

Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with a goody bag containing snacks, stickers, and a take-home crochet project, adding a fun and creative touch to the evening. As people entered the market, the atmosphere felt like a fusion of festive street markets and a lively block party. The air was filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and sizzling food. 

The central stage was positioned behind the food vendors, with continuous acts ranging from energetic dancers to soulful singers and indie bands. Every performance added a new layer of excitement, drawing attendees from all corners of the market toward the stage.

Ryan Pascual, a senior IT major at Mason and guitarist for the band msgloria, reflected on the market’s layout,  “The setup had an area for various types of vendors of different small businesses selling various arts and crafts. There are a lot of Asian-owned businesses, some of them owned by Mason students themselves.” 

Pascual’s band performed on the main stage with a dynamic set that energized the crowd. “Being able to perform on that stage with that crowd filled with energy was amazing and definitely a highlight,” Pascual said. “The atmosphere was great. APAC Night Market is always a great place to reunite with old faces and meet new people. The performances were the highlight as it gives the opportunity to show off everyone’s incredible talents.”

Food trucks lined up several feet from the stage, drawing visitors with irresistible aromas . From savory grilled meats to sweet cultural desserts, there was something for every taste. Pascual shared his favorite: “[The] lychee strawberry lemonade from [the] Thai vendor tasted very refreshing.” 

Nearby, HoMade Sweets offered an assortment of cookies that ranged from taro to lavender tea, while Yummie Thai Kitchen served mouthwatering curry dishes. Everywhere, people were eating, laughing, and enjoying the lively ambiance.

The market was also a place to discover unique art and cultural items. Vendors displayed handcrafted jewelry, vibrant stickers, tote bags, and cultural merchandise. On the left side of the plaza, Mason organization tables showcased student-led initiatives, while the other side was filled with booths selling art and other creations. 

Justine Arenas, a senior majoring in business management information systems at Mason and bassist for both Viloria and msgloria, noted the diverse crowd. “It was really fun seeing familiar faces. It was cool seeing people crowd the stage for the performers,” Arenas said. “It’s my second year performing here, and I really enjoy sharing music with people and seeing them get hype. We even had a mini mosh pit, which was sick.”

(Courtesy of Ryan Pascual)

Christian Segovia, sports editor at Fourth Estate, captured the camaraderie the event fostered. “Honestly, just being able to cheer on my buddy Ryan and scream for his band, msgloria, as they performed, because they did amazing,” Segovia said. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm was palpable as friends cheered on performers, and strangers struck up conversations over food or at the art booths.

“The setup had an area for various types of vendors of different small businesses selling various arts and crafts,” Pascual noted. “The atmosphere was great. You could really feel the bond in the crowd.”

As the night wound down, the market was still buzzed with excitement. Whether it was the lively performances by Viloria and msgloria or the delicious food, every corner of the market offered something special. “It was great to see everyone reconnecting with friends, meeting new people, and cheering each other on during the performances. You could really feel the bond in the crowd,” Segovia said, reflecting on the community spirit that made the event memorable.

Colorful lights, festive decorations and upbeat music converged to create a space both celebratory and inclusive, offering everyone a chance to connect and appreciate the rich cultural traditions that make the APAC community so special.