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bergmantarkovsky

@bergmantarkovsky

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I feel the obsessive need to post about arts and entertainment.

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JPEGMAFIA // October 5th, 2026// Salt Lake City

“Drop that burning hammer, this a finish, you ain’t never kickin”

It’s no secret that I am a pretty diehard JPEGMAFIA fan. Say what you will about him, there’s no denying that he’s one of the most innovative producers in music right now. I will say, I wasn’t the hugest fan of his newest album, but hearing a lot of these songs live for the first time definitely changed my mind. I also loved that he played quite a few songs from “Scaring the Hoes”, because I’m still kicking myself for missing that tour. The energy at his shows is always electric, the crowd was fired up, and his addition of a live band really hammered that point home. From banging drums to multiple guitar solos, the energy never let up. While I felt a bit to old to hop in the pit this time, I jumped around a whole lot.

Suffice to say, I had a blast and will catch Peggy any time he goes on tour, he always puts on a killer show. He is always innovating and never rests on his laurels, which I have to respect. Love him or hate him, there’s really no one else quite like him.

#snadiaconcerts taken in The Complex by @bergmantarkovsky

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5 days ago

ANDOR S2

What a show.

I notoriously struggle getting through TV series (I’m more of a movie guy) but the second half of this season had me absolutely hooked. As a big fan of ROGUE ONE (which I still maintain is the greatest Disney STAR WARS film) it’s not that I didn’t know where things were headed, but it’s the way in which they unfold that made it so captivating. Season two of ANDOR maintains the brilliant writing, moody intrigue, and grounded tone of the first, and arguably improves upon it in some ways. Once again, the show’s projection of real world politics into the world of STAR WARS is nothing short of brilliant. It looks and feels great, and provides a satisfying tee up for the film that succeeds it. Essential viewing for any fan of STAR WARS who feels that the franchise has lost its way in the last decade or so. I absolutely loved it.

#BergTarkShows by @bergmantarkovsky

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13 days ago

Breakaway Music Festival // October 2nd-3rd, 2026// Salt Lake City

We are lucky to have such a burgeoining music festival scene in Salt Lake. While Kilby covers a lot of the indie/alternative scene, Breakaway was a chance for us to dabble a bit deeper into electronic music. I did find it strange that it took place at America First Field and not a single set was in the stadium, however. Odd choice.

It was a packed two days and we caught quite a few solid acts. We had a blast.

Tiesto: Nadia and I first saw Tiesto over a decade ago, it was our first time visiting the clubs in Vegas, so this felt like a full circle moment to say the least. Crazy how time flies.

#snadiaconcerts

John Summit: To be frank, I was a bigger fan of his set at Lollapalooza. For some reason bass and dubstep are huge in the Rocky Mountain West, so he catered a lot to that sound. Not really my speed.

Kaskade: This is probably our fifth or sixth time seeing Kaskade and he never misses. Being able to sing along to some of his biggest hits as the sun set, it was a beautiful experience.

Gorgon City b2b with MPH: A really fun set, the vibes were immaculate. We had laos just upgraded to VIP, so I had plenty of room to dance around.

Chris Lake: Probably the highlight of the entire weekend, he absolutely crushed it. Not hard to understand why he’s one of the big DJs that brought house music back to the forefront in the last few years. taken in America First Field by @bergmantarkovsky

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14 days ago

ASSASSIN’S CREED: BROTHERHOOD

While the jump isn’t quite as seismic as the leap from AC I to II, BROTHERHOOD continues to refine the ASSASSIN’S CREED formula in fresh and exciting ways. The most immediate changes are apparent in UI and graphic fidelity which both get a sizable boost in this sequel. But it’s the ways in which the gameplay gets fleshed out that’s most exciting, particularly when it comes to recruiting assassin followers. Where the first two games kind of make you feel like a lone wolf, this game really emphasizes solidarity of the creed. It’s a gameplay change that is entertaining, useful, and fits well within the story.

One of the biggest appeals of the ASSASSIN’S CREED franchise is what I would call, “historical tourism.” Renaissance Rome—while not as expansive as the multi-city map of II—is richly detailed and packed with recognizable landmarks which are all stunningly rendered. The streets feel alive and are packed with people, and there’s a decent amount to do without feeling overwhelming. Just getting swept up in the setting is one of my favorite part of these games.

In terms of narrative, BROTHERHOOD doesn’t quite hit the heights of II, but it’s still quite strong in its own right. Ezio continues to be a likable protagonist, and this game sees him getting fleshed out a bit more beyond just being a laconic survivor of trauma. Where the story struggles, however, is in the third act, which feels frustratingly rush. The build up to the final act is so strong, but as soon as you get the Apple of Eden, there are sudden jumps in time and location which just feel clunky and blunts the impact of the climax.

While AC II is often touted as the zenith of the franchise (with good reason) BROTHERHOOD is definitely not one to be slept on, a strong continuation of Ezio’s story that builds upon its predecessor in impressive ways.

#BergTarkGames by @bergmantarkovsky

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17 days ago

Wu-Tang Clan // September 29th, 2026// Salt Lake City

“Cash rules everything around me”

Once we heard that this was Wu-Tang Clan’s final tour as a full unit, we knew there was no way we were going to miss this concert. It’s a tall task to get nearly a dozen people on stage, and an even taller task to make sure they all get their chance to shine. Thankfully that wasn’t a concern here. One of Wu-Tang’s greatest strengths has always been their synergy, that each member can play off each other to make a cohesive whole. That energy translated perfectly to their live show. Each member got a chance to shine, as in addition to their greatest hits they also played quite a bit from each member’s solo catalogs. I am impressed that this deep into their career they are able to maintain such a high level of energy, the performance was electric.

I can’t really say much more, it was an honor to even be in the presence hip hop legends, no doubt about it. And how about these seats!

#SnadiaConcerts taken in Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre by @bergmantarkovsky

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18 days ago

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a month ago

CITIZEN STRANGERS

While the occupation of Palestine by Israel has been a hot topic for decades, it seems October 7th and the ensuing genocide has really shone a bright light onto the subject. The tectonic shift in public opinion has been massively inspiring, and a large part of that seems to be due to the fact that the average person is far better educated on the subject now. That said, the information has always been available. CITIZEN STRANGERS precedes all of this, having been written in 2013.

To be clear, CITIZEN STRANGERS is not an all-encompassing historical lesson on Palestine and the formation of the state of Israel. What it does, however, is focus on the first 20 or so years of the formation of Israel and the specific laws and political movements that established the settler state. In other words, it establishes the foundation of the current events we see today. And between atrocities and discriminatory laws, it’s fairly apparent that Israel was never designed to truly provide equal rights to its Arab citizens. The violence and persecution we see on our phone screens is nothing new, it’s just more blatant and exposed than its ever been.

It’s sobering to think how much worse things have gotten since the writing of the book. It’s hard imagine Shira Robinson knew how much death and destruction would crop up in the years since the writing of this book. What was a state-mandated occupation has now escalated to a full-blown genocide. It proves that all the issues stemming from that region tie back to the very systemic formation of the Israel. As it stands, the book seems to suggest that the current liberal settler state of Israel needs to either be disbanded or completely reformed in order for Palestinians to leave in peace, equality, and safety. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to get more informed on the nitty-gritty history of the conflict.

Always and forever: Free Palestine!

#BergTarkBooks by @bergmantarkovsky

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a month ago

ASSASSIN’S CREED II

When it comes to video game sequels released within a couple years of each other, has there ever been a bigger leap in quality than the jump from ASSASSIN’S CREED I to II? Everything in this second game is a massive improvement over the first, from the graphics and the combat, to the UI and the mission design. No longer are you expected to repeat the same menial tasks over and over with clunky combat and a lifeless narrative. The map design is fantastic, and still surprisingly expansive with multiple richly detailed Renaissance-era Italian cities to explore at your leisure.

But most importantly, AC II has such a stronger focus on character and story. Ezio is easily the most memorable and likable protagonist in the series, still serving as the face of the franchise in many ways. His rise from a rebellious teen to a stone-cold assassin is a delight to experience, and he is surrounded by a strong cast of supporting characters who paint a beautiful narrative mosaic.

Sure, its age is starting to show in certain aspects, and some gameplay elements (the free-running especially) can range from frustrating to infuriating, but overall this is the platonic ideal for video game sequels. A great game that still holds up incredibly well over 15 years after its release.

#BergTarkGames by @bergmantarkovsky

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2 months ago

ANDOR S1

I never finished season two, and so in order to keep track of what was going on, I decided to revisit this first season. I feel the same now as I did before: This is sensational stuff. One of my biggest gripes with the modern direction of the STAR WARS franchise is the ways that it has become infantilized, appealing more to nostalgia and cameos than good writing and storytelling. You can’t say that about ANDOR. It’s one of the only pieces of STAR WARS media that appeals to grown adults instead of man-children.

Tony Gilroy’s writing is stellar, regardless of the show’s genre trappings. You could take most of this story out of a STAR WARS context and it would still hold up incredibly well. Characters are fleshed out, the storytelling is clever, and the production value is above reproach— All while never fully sacrificing the action and thrills to keep you hooked. Gilroy’s understanding of what sparks revolutions, how rebels operate against much stronger and more well equipped enemies, and the idealistic fervor that drives the cause even against overwhelming odds is commendable.

The more I have read about events like the Russian or Chinese revolutions, the more apparent that has become, and it’s almost inspiring. Sure, it’s just a silly STAR WARS show on Disney, not some revolutionary manifesto or anything (I’m not delusional) but it’s damn impressive regardless.

At the risk of sounding dramatic, I think it might be some of the best STAR WARS content out there, across any medium. Truly superb.

#BergTarkShows by @bergmantarkovsky

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2 months ago

HALO: CAMPAIGN EVOLVED

The original HALO is one of my favorite games of all time, and was absolutely formative for me at a young age. I knew I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to try this remastered version, especially since I could play it for free. But color me unimpressed.

Sure, all the core components are there but something just feels off. The voice acting feels stilted compared to the original, story beats that felt natural now come across as paradoxically flat or overwrought, and some of the cutscenes are laughably silly. It just doesn’t feel quite right.

And maybe I’m a purist but the addition of things that didn’t exist in the original (hijacking, energy swords etc.) feels odd to me. I especially don’t like the new control scheme, which feels more like CoD than HALO. I got tripped up on that more than a few times. Additionally, the movement speed has also been increased which encourages “sweatier” gameplay than I enjoy, especially since this game’s definition of “increasing difficulty” is just throwing an ungodly amount of enemies at you. I don’t feel like I’m playing HALO, I feel like I’m playing DOOM catered to CALL OF DUTY fans.

That all said, it’s still pretty fun, with satisfying gunplay and booming sound design. The graphics are objectively pretty, but are almost too clean to feel like HALO. The new missions are fairly fun, but don’t really add much to the experience nor the lore to me. Like any mediocre remake of a classic, when I enjoyed CAMPAIGN EVOLVED, all it made me want to do was go back and play the original again.

At the end of the day, HALO is HALO, and I’m always going to love this game. But this latest version has to be the weakest and least fulfilling way to experience it. Just go play the OG again.

#BergTarkGames by @bergmantarkovsky

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2 months ago

DIRECTING: FILM TECHNIQUES AND AESTHETICS

Lately I’ve taken up the habit of reading my old film textbooks during my 15 minute breaks at work, and it’s been great for me to get refreshed on all these concepts I learned in a decade ago.

I set a goal to shoot a short film this year, I even wrote up a full script which went through a few rounds of revision. Unfortunately, between my busy work schedule and things that have been going on in my personal life, I don’t think that’ll happen. Maybe next year.

Still, reading this book really re-ignited the passion for directing in me. I’ve always wanted to direct movies, since the time I was pretty young. I used to pace the halls of my house as a kid and direct entire action sequences in my head. Maybe that’s just autism!

The general weariness of life and the harsh truth of reality has seen this dream ebb and flow, but it’s still something I feel I need to do before too much longer. I think I would be well suited to this kind of work, as I have a pretty distinct vision for things, but am not necessarily the best one to execute on the technical aspects of that vision. While I am pretty good at a lot of things in film production, I’m not particularly great at any one specialty. Jack of all trades, master of none, and all that. But I am a good collaborator and love working with a talented team.

I have gotten more into producing at my current job and so the concepts here are also applicable to my day-to-day work. While I wouldn’t say there any massive revelations I gleaned from this book (it was all stuff I’ve either learned in school or on the job) it was a strong reminder of why I made a career out of film and video. I truly, deeply love this shit.

A great read, I highly recommend for anyone who wants to shoot a film. It gives an excellent overview of each step in a film’s production and the responsibilities that fall to the director throughout. Here’s hoping next year will be my time to get in the director’s chair!

#BergTarkBooks by @bergmantarkovsky

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2 months ago

Lollapalooza // July 30th - August 2nd, 2026 // Chicago

Our first time back to Lolla in nearly a decade, and while admittedly exhausting, we caught a lot of great acts:

Boys Noize: Our third time seeing him and he always delivers. Makes very complex transitions seem simple.

Kettama: Gave a solid set at the festival, but we caught him and Boys Noize at an after party that night and he performed even better in a club setting.

Snow Strippers: A really fun set. I’m far from the first to say this,but they really are Gen Z’s Crystal Castles (hopefully with a healthier dynamic.)

John Summit: I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed his set. He took full advantage of his headlining status, I had a blast.

Slayyyter: One of the strongest performances of the weekend, she blew me away. I’m glad they moved her to a larger stage because that crowd was enormous.

Loathe: Broke from the group to go catch them by myself, and I’m glad I did. They shredded.

Horsegiirl: Normally don’t love a gimmick, but she pulls her shtick off well because her music is so fun.

Charli XCX: Phenomenal. Truly a one-in-a-generation artist. Really sold on her new album after seeing it live.

Quadeca: He was great, it’s a shame that the crowd was mostly a bunch of chatty, annoying teens.

Clipse: I was speechless. What an honor to see two legends in the flesh being able to perform this well, this deep into their careers. Extremely high energy.

Frost Children: Had an absolute blast dancing my ass off. I feel like I could see them an unlimited amount of times and still have fun.

Ethel Cain: Love her music, but it is true that her music is just a bit too slow and soul-crushing for a mid-day set at a festival.

Geese: A band I respect more than enjoy. They are talented, but just not my cup of tea.

Disco Lines: A silly goofy time, a great way to finish the night.

Turnstile: The energy was through the roof, truly one of the greatest modern rock bands.

The xx: Incredible set that gave each member a moment to shine. We had the perfect spot, front and center.

#SnadiaConcerts taken in Chicago, Illinois by @bergmantarkovsky

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2 months ago