ENTERTAINMENT •
FULLY BOOKED
ON THE RECORD
NON-FICTION
Look Alive Out There By Sloane Crosley
SYNTH-POP
DANCE-POP/ GRIME
No Shame
No Shame
By Chvrches
Coming at us with a whole lot of energy and an unmatched intensity, Chvrches’ newest album is here to shake things up! In their third full-length effort, the Glasgow trio gets real about the world we live in and they have a lot to say. An album about growing up and coming to terms with the great as well as awful things in the world, Love Is Dead takes you on an unfiltered musical journey. Catchy pop and a typically powerful performance from primary vocalist Lauren Mayberry, Get Out sticks to what Chvrches know best. While the song fails to push any boundaries that the band hasn’t pushed before, it’s definitely one for the weekend party playlist. Featuring the most pop they’ve ever produced and a collabo with Grammy award-winning producer Greg Kurstin, the band is definitely treading uncharted territory. Commencing with an enigmatic intro, My Enemy makes perfect use of space and contrast, both vocally and instrumentally. The youthful and vibrant collaboration of Chvrches and Matt Berninger is bound to tickle every listener’s fancy. Taking risks and producing brand new sounds, the band has come a long way since their huge first studio album. This is a pleasant listen!
By Lily Allen
Featuring confessional pop on her own terms, Allen’s latest release is a far cry from her spiky first two albums. With contemporary, minimal dancepop that references Drake, Jamie xx and dancehall, she covers everything from the breakdown of her marriage, her depression as well as fears about her children. Offering a dark, real look at British party culture, Trigger Bang is a weird mix of nostalgia, liberation and exhaustion. Also featuring London rapper Giggs, the languid, worldweary pop song is going to give you all the feels! Away from her trademark wordplay, the album features a whole lot of introspective new lyrics and a refreshing new sound. Laying down her grievances in plain, heartfelt language, Higher sees Allen condemning a tainted relationship. Featuring stunning verses and heavenly vocals, the track is our new favourite heartbreak anthem! While fans had to be patient for her big comeback, Allen has definitely delivered with her fourth studio album.
Filled with a number of relatable but eccentric misadventures, Sloane Crosley’s brand-new collection of essays is exactly what you need to read after a long day at work. Featuring her trademark hilarity, wit and charm, Look Alive Out There talks about everything from scaling active volcanoes and befriending strangers to staring down the barrel of the fertility gun and playing herself on Gossip Girl.
FICTION
Ordinary People By Diana Evans Chronicling the lives of two couples who are slowly drifting apart, Ordinary People is an intimate, immersive study of parenthood, grief, aging and the fragile structure of love. Michael and Melissa were once head over heels in love but two kids later things just don’t seem the same anymore. Damian and Stephanie share a perfect home but have never really seemed right for each other. A stimulating read!
fact magazine
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