Manthan's Personal Blog

 AJR’s new EP,  What No One’s Thinking , released on September 5th, feels less like a collection of songs and more like a quiet conversation. It’s intimate, stripped down, and carries a kind of vulnerability that’s different from the band’s usual loud, theatrical energy. The first track I gravitated towards was “Betty.” I’d already been listening to it since it dropped as the single, but within the EP, it takes on a new life. It’s playful on the surface, but beneath that quirkiness is a bittersweet edge, classic AJR, balancing humor and heartbreak in the same breath. Then there’s “The Big Goodbye.” This one stopped me in my tracks. It feels less like a song and more like a letter you’re not ready to send. It’s weighty, emotional, and lingers long after it ends. What stands out most to me is the simplicity. Instead of the usual dramatic builds and chaotic layers, this EP leans into honesty and restraint. At first, I found myself missing the fireworks, but after a few liste...

 James Gunn is one of those directors who makes you feel like the music in his films isn’t just there to fill silence, it’s alive, it’s part of the story, almost like another character. His choices have this rare ability to stick with you long after the credits roll, and that’s something very few filmmakers manage to pull off. Back in 2014, when Guardians of the Galaxy came out, it wasn’t just about Star-Lord, Rocket, or Groot. It was about that mixtape. Songs like “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Come and Get Your Love” weren’t random background tracks, they were Peter Quill’s last connection to his mother, a piece of Earth carried into space. The moment you realize that, the music hits harder. Suddenly, these old 70s pop songs felt fresh again, almost reborn, and audiences around the world fell in love with them. I know I did. Then came Peacemaker , and Gunn completely switched gears. Instead of nostalgia, he leaned into glam and sleaze rock, bands like Foxy Shazam that most peopl...

If I'd get a nickel every time AJR delayed the release of their new album/EP, I'd have two nickels, which is not a lot, but it's funny that it happened twice.  AJR, an American indie pop band that I personally admire a lot, has always been more than just music for me. Their songs are quirky yet emotional, often blending humor with heartbreak in a way that feels so human. Whether it’s exploring self-doubt, ambition, or simply the chaos of growing up, AJR manages to package heavy themes in an upbeat, catchy sound.  On June 16, 2025, AJR announced their new EP What No One’s Thinking . Fans (including me) were buzzing with excitement, especially after the release of the lead single “Betty” on July 9, 2025. The EP was originally scheduled to release on August 29, 2025 , but in true AJR fashion, it got pushed back a week to September 5, 2025, because, as they admitted, it “wasn’t finished yet.” It’s not the first time this has happened. Back in 2023, AJR announced their album T...

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby isn’t just a novel , it’s a haunting portrait of an era, a meditation on ambition, and a timeless critique of the American Dream. Though written nearly a century ago, its themes remain as relevant today as they were in the roaring 1920s. Set in the opulent world of West Egg during the 1920s, the story introduces us to Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire whose extravagant parties and wealth conceal a single obsession: rekindling his past love with Daisy Buchanan. Narrated through the reflective eyes of Nick Carraway, the novel traces Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of a dream that ultimately collides with harsh reality. Fitzgerald’s prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid scenes of champagne-filled nights and jazz echoing through sprawling mansions. Yet beneath this glitter lies emptiness. The Green Light: A symbol of longing and the unreachable dream. Gatsby’s Mansion: A monument to excess that feels hollow without love. The Am...

Hello and welcome to Manthan's Personal Blog, a space where I share my thoughts, stories, and little pieces of life that mean something to me. From reflections on movies, music, and books to glimpses of my own creative journey, this blog is meant to be a cozy corner for anyone who loves ideas, art, and honest storytelling.