Quench - Issue 117

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REVIEW 2011

CONTENTS ISSUE 117

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REVIEW 2011

Ed.Note Do or Die Features Fashion & Photos Travel Food & Drink LGBT+ Books Music Film

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Editor's Note The Twisted Christmas Issue

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For years, the premiere of the Coca Cola advert has heralded the true arrival of Christmas. The sight of Santa driving a two-tonne lorry to deliver his bounty of tooth-melting nectar into the hands of our nation’s children has become as much a part of the Christmas build up as advent itself.

However, this year’s product pedalling signal that the yuletide is upon us comes in the form of X Factor reject Stacey Solomon. Solomon limps her way through an insipid rendition of ‘Driving Home For Christmas,’ before arriving home to her Essex-pile, laden with gifts. Little do her children realise that she’s done all her Christmas shopping in Iceland, and instead of a new bike or an Xbox, she’s bought them a king prawn ring and oriental toast selection. What a spoil.

Unfortunately for you, dear reader, Quench’s budget doesn’t quite stretch to buying each and every one of you something from Iceland’s Christmas party range (sorry, no 60-piece kebab platter for you!). Instead, we give you with the gift of our ‘Twisted Christmas Issue, in which we present a variety of Christmas themed articles, with an edge.

We have also rounded up and reviewed all the best film and music releases from 2011, and served them up on a silver plate for your delectation.

We hope you enjoy the issue, and have a happy and twisted Christmas!

Gavin Jewkes (Editor)

Do or Die

Do or Die

What one thing do all these people have in common?

A member of Quench is dying to kiss them under the mistletoe.

At this years christmas party do find out who your friends bizarre celebrity crush is, then make a resolution not to spend 2012 taking the piss out of them for it.

Clare, Travel Editor David Attenborough would get kissed by Clare because he's any

Tom, Photographs, because: 'she'd look great in my shirt in the morning'

biologists dream.

Hann, Fashion Editor Michael Caine: 'because he's the perfect english gentleman.'

Leonie, Fashion Editor.

Prince Harry; 'cute and a possible crown, double score'

quench@gairrhydd.com

Morten, Film Editor I'd dress up as a girl and kiss Katy Perry to see if she really does like it

Gav, Editor would kiss Gary Barlow 'and if he swivels around 90 degrees in his chair and tells me it was shit afterwards, all the better'

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Features

rED coats. Chalets.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE?

Dafydd Myddleton recalls the magic of all tomorrows parties: the Nightmare before xmas festival I was met by amused puzzlement when I told a colleague that I would not be attending the work's Christmas Party in favour of going to Butlins in the middle of Winter. I tried to explain that I was going to a festival with a wonderful line-up but by this point my colleague was so deeply concerned with informing as many people as possible of this news that I doubt she heard a word I said. That bemused, confused look often appears when I talk about All Tomorrow's Parties; it's perfectly understandable.

I imagine I had a similar look on my face when I first stepped off the bus at Minehead in 2008. I was met by a couple of Red Coats who looked about as confused to see a bus-full of indie kids as we were by their cripplingly fraudulent presence. I probably looked confused as hell, unpacking my bag whilst counting all the visible spider-webs in the room and later walking through the vacuous, high-top Pavillion, the scene of many a tawdry production. I imagine the puzzlement intensified to its peak when I first stumbled in to the dark Centre Stage where I was met with, truly, one of the most awful smells I have ever had to endure.

It was like I had walked in to a sweat-soaked sock filled with decade-old vomit.

In hindsight, though, I have come to think of this experience as some sort of weird initiation test that every ATP-goer must suffer. It is at this point, when you begin to accept and embrace your surroundings, that the fun really begins.

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The Butlins site is so fundamental to the mood of the festival. The shabby, run-down holiday camp of mid-Winter provides a surreal backdrop to the weekend of wonderful music. For me, at least, it's Butlins' very own cheap, slightly-nightmarish decoration that inspires the 'anything goes' attitude that is prevalent over the weekend. The festival site has a profound ability to reduce me to a child; I'll spend the weekend running when I'd normally be walking, slowly.

"it's Butlins' very own cheap, slightly-nightmarish decoration that inspires the 'anything goes' attitude which is prevalent over the weekend" And, at some point nearer the start of this weird dream of a weekend, someone will decide to pick up an instrument and play some songs. I have seen a large percentage of the most mesmerising sets of my life at All Tomorrow's Parties – from thinking we were all going to crash through the ceiling whilst watching ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead in 2008 to the yearning, crushing noise of Dirty Three in 2009 – but it becomes all

too easy, sometimes, to forget that you ever went there to watch your favourite bands. Strangely, ATP doesn't feel like a music festival so much as it feels like a gathering of wonderful people - the bands almost a happy convenience, an unexpected treat to punctuate a feverish blur.

What's more, the bands are picked by artists themselves, meaning the line-up is not only impeccably tasteful, but handpicked and therefore cherished by bands and fans alike all the more.

This year Battles, Les Savy Fav and Caribou curate (following other greats such as Mogwai, The Shins and even curveballs such as actor Vincent Gallo and Matt Groening). Such is the uniqueness

of Nightmare Before Christmas, the festival will see many one-off performances such as Pharoah Sanders (former Saxophonist for one J. Coltrane) bringing his groundbreaking free-jazz (yep, no idea what that is either) to a venue more used to ballroom dancing and bad Cabaret.

Those same bands and artists are a strong offstage presence at ATP. It could just be a result of the festival site being quite small, or it could be that they, like I, just want to hang out. By the end of the weekend you don't so much as raise an eyebrow at Saul Williams playing Frisbee on the beach because you've already walked in to Kevin Drew and queued behind The National at the shop. The accessibility of the artists serves only to make the weekend even more weird, especially when you can turn around after watching Fucked Up destroy the place to find yourself in a conversation about My Bloody Valentine with a member of Television Personalities.

All Tomorrow's Parties' heart is an enigma and after attending at the festival twice, I still find it hard to put my finger on the what makes it so. It's no wonder that my work-colleague looked at me upon hearing my revelation; my facial expression probably matched hers. There is a incomprehensible magic at the core of the festival and a dreamlike quality that I have not found elsewhere. And strangely, it's the perfect embodiment of a Christmas of sorts- frollicky, drunken and seeing all your favorite people. And not even a hint of any crappy Michael Buble CD's.

Dafydd Myddleton ATP: Nightmare Before Xmas takes place at Butlins, Minehead from 9th-11th December.

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Features

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Features

Another way to give during the holidays The Huggard Centre

Operation Christmas Child

For the Huggard centre, one of the few initiatives left running in Cardiff helping homeless individuals, the cold days of Christmas are the busiest for the volunteers ensuring those in need are catered for. As well as offering places to sleep, the Huggard centre serves hot meals and drinks, including a Christmas meal for their Cardiff clientele. During the holidays, they help making the celebrations slightly less unbearable for the homeless. If you are interested in volunteering, visit http://huggard.org.uk/

The first Coca-cola advert has appeared on TV, Winter Wonderland is open and the city’s lights have been turned on. There’s no doubt about it, Christmas is definitely not far away. And for most of us it’s a pretty enjoyable time of year, a chance to go home and get spoilt with a ton of food and presents. But that’s not the case for everyone. In fact, for a lot of children across the globe, Christmas doesn’t bring joy or presents but a normal day in difficult circumstances.

Beginning in 1990 when a lovely gent called Dave Cooke experienced the appalling conditions of a Romanian orphanage and fundraised to send a truck of toys over, Operation Christmas Child is now run by the Samaritans and aims to give children from across the world a happy and cheerful Christmas. Being a part of this great cause involves finding yourself a shoebox and filling it with some goodies for either a boy or girl, which can include clothing, toys, colouring stuff, hairbrushes and jewellery, wrapping it up and handing it in at one of the given drop off points. Such a little effort to make someone’s Christmas magical. So why not play Santa and get involved! Visit http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/ for more details.

Megan Jones

"We cater for approx 80 people on Christmas Day with a full Christmas dinner – We try our best to make the day a special day and create a good atmosphere"

10,000 The Homeless Population in Wales

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Random acts of kindness & the Purple Bus “You get people who usually come and give me food and drink. They’ll come once or twice a week, because they know where I usually sleep.” says Dylan, a homeless man that resides next to the Sainsbury’s at the bottom of Queens Street. “Then there’s the purple bus that parks outside the museum.” He’s referring to a mobile soup kitchen that comes every evening. It seems to be a bright light for the homeless people around the area that

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come gather to enjoy the food and use it as an excuse for a bit of social gathering. “I can’t remember the last time I had a proper Christmas.” Dylan continues. “It’s not like I really miss it, I’m happy if I can just stay warm and eat now and then, you know?” So if your family and friends don’t appreciate your gifts, there will always be someone who certainly will.

Alexi Gunner

Features

Homeless this Christmas?

"One day of the year where the rest of the world were united in celebration...

For the homeless, these worries are a world away from their everyday bid for shelter. Christmas day on the streets is just another 24 hour period in which to survive. Many don’t even notice what time or day it is. An unnamed homeless man reminisced that last year he only realised it was Christmas when the off license just didn’t open.

Describing his day, he said he ‘felt lonelier than ever, knowing it was the one day of the year where the rest of the world were united in celebration.’

He had nobody to share his (un) happiness with.

Don’t despair completely though, Christmas on the streets in Cardiff can be made a little more bearable thanks to the many voluntarily run homeless shelters:

• Llamau, Welsh for ‘steps’, is a shelter specialising in helping young homeless people and it runs an annual Christmas appeal.

• The Huggard Centre provides a variety of facilities, from cooked meals to an emergency bed unit.

• The Wallich is another place which provides a get away from the uninviting cobbles.

These places make sure that Christmas for those who drop by is the same as it would be in any home – festive food, presents – (such as gloves and sleeping bags) and decorations, all of which are provided as a result of donations, which means that the festivities can be celebrated by all.

However, despite the number of shelters in Cardiff – they can only help so many people. There are many people that are so accustomed to street living, that they see no alternative living. Those who have taken to squatting prefer to bare the cold on Christmas day, with the hope of finding a fellow street companion, as opposed to staying inside alone. The pain and discomfort they face is a far cry away from the feeling we have after overindulging in mince pies.

So this year, when you see a Big Issue man on your way to the big Christmas sales, spare a second of your time and a fraction of your student loan and help make somebody’s Christmas that tiny bit more bearable.

Here’s to a happy Christmas.

Hanna Fillingham

features@gairrhydd.com

For most, the Christmas season means warm open fires, hearty home cooked dinners, and enough chocolate to stuff a small turkey. We are over indulged with gifts and gourmet delights. We stress about what to buy those who already have everything, how to react when presented with those annual Christmas jumpers, and we relentlessly end the festive season wondering if we will have enough money to repeat it all again come New Year.

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Features

Do you have an Issue?

Do you spare £2 or shun the Homeless cry of help? Camilla Flint looks into the Big Issue and interviews 2 Street Vendors...

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My psychiatrist tells me I need to get rid of my Issues...’ I am forced to smile, and so are you. If you honestly can’t spare £2 to buy the Big Issue then this is the least we can offer: a smile. The Big Issue is a big issue for these vendors – it earns their keep, occupies their days, and ultimately gives them hope for lives that we cannot begin to imagine. So, what is the phenomenon behind the Big Issue that makes it so big?

The Big Issue, in its twentieth year, is not a ‘hand-out, but a hand-up,’ it is not ‘street trade, but street aid.’ Yes, the Big Issue is not to be undermined. It exists to offer homeless people, and those with vulnerable home lives the opportunity to earn a legitimate income; an income is essentially the first few steps away from homelessness.

The vendors must undergo an induction process and agree to a code of conduct, they are then allocated a fixed patch – hence why if you know your city well enough, you could pin point all the vendors throughout Queen Street. Initially issued with five free magazines they must sell these in order to buy further magazines for £1 and sell them to the likes of us for £2. The Big Issue Foundation starts these vendors off with a push in the right direction and from there, they must manage their sales and finance completely solo – they are selfemployed. This ideology helps the vendors build communication skills, self-esteem and confidence, which helps to reintegrate homeless people back into mainstream society.

The Big Issue consists of two parts - one the magazine and secondly The Big Issue Foundation (registered charity), which provides vital support and services to help homeless people address the

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variety of problems that contributed to them being homeless. These services, among others, offer advice with housing, health, financial independence and aspirations. Ultimately, the foundation sees success as homeless people making life changes.

Living on the streets is a harsh reality, which takes its toll on the homeless many. You will find very few vendors who are older than fifty years, 1 in 3 vendors are mugged of over half their takings, and when conditions on the streets gets too bitter over half of the vendors take their own lives.

The Big Issue Foundation currently supports 2900 homeless people, and the magazine is read by 670,000 people.

The magazine is out weekly, it covers current affairs, always has discussion points, interviews and keeps you updated with the latest entertainment trends.

In the past I have, I admit, avoided eye contact with buskers, beggars, street vendors and have even crossed the road to avoid their calls. But, the Big Issue sellers are more than 'hand-cupped' beggars, they are characters who have a self-determined drive to change their lives. The fact that these vendors are acting to improve on a situation they did not ask for deserves our respect.

With Christmas fast approaching, being on the streets must be one of the toughest times of year - the only festivities these homeless people experience is the glitter of town lights. So, this week I stopped, bought a Big Issue and got into conversation with a couple of vendors:

Features Interview: Vendor 141, "Andy" Me: What does Christmas mean for you?

A: I love it. I get drunk, have loads of silliness and I am able to spend time with my five children. People are more generous at Christmas, so I sell more magazines and I love dressing up for Christmas.

Come and find me next week my Christmas attire will be bigger and better!

Me: I gathered that! How long have you been a Big Issue seller for?

A: Errr -on and off for 8 to 12 years.

Me: Wow, and how has being a Big Issue seller helped you personally?

A: It’s an income, and I love talking to people and meeting people! It gets me out of my hostel during the day time too!

Me: Do find that there is good camaraderie among other vendors?

A: Yeah, I don’t really talk to them much. It’s normally just me and Sasha (his dog)

Interview: Vendor 253, "James" Me: So are you out on the streets?

J: I am yes. I have a bed in The Huggard Centre – but the people there are into drinking and drugs and can be violent and aggressive. So often I sleep in a doorway – like last night.

Me: Do you ever sleep in ‘packs?’

J: Ha! Sometimes. But again, you have to be careful about who you sleep next to. It is hard to trust people out here.

Me: Do ever visit the Purple Night Bus? J: A lot, yeah. They do great soup and hot drinks.

Everyone is friendly there, and it is a good social time. You should come.

Me: How long have you been homeless?

J: For seven years now. And I have been selling the Big Issue for one year.

Me: Where will you go for Christmas?

J: If Mum is in high Christmas Spirits hopefully she will let me in. If not I will try and find some friends to be with.

Me:Do you drink at all, or do drugs?

J: I socially drink, but never excessively and I never have done drugs.

Me: Do you enjoy selling the Big Issue?

J: Yes! It has really helped with my self esteem and confidence. I get to chat and it forces me to do something with my time. I want to be a barman, but if I am still selling this in ten years time I wouldn’t mind; it is a great job – and I want the Big Issue to be more than a magazine. I think it should be branded.

Me: So are you good friends with the other vendors?

J: Yes and no – friends but equally rivals.

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of vendors we interviewed.

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Me: Ha – I will do! So what do you hope for in the New Year?

A: Every year I say I will move on from the Big Issue, but I love selling it so you will probably still see me around! I have sold Issues in the past in Abergavenny, Swansea and Abersytwyth and am now – funnily enough - in Cardiff !

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Fashion

fancy a night at the fun fair?

There's no longer an excuse to spend this New Years Eve dressed up as a slutty schoolgirl. Get creative and wear a more original fancy dress outfit: the possibilities are endless. From a glamourous 1920s gangster to a civil war soldier, our friends at Script to Screen have got it covered. Who said playing dress up can't be for adults?

Photography: Tom Armstrong and Catrin Worthington Styling: Lucy Trevallion, Hannah Davies, Leonie Roderick Models: Sophie Falcon, Alexi Gunner

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Clothes provided by:

www.scripttoscreen.co.uk

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Fashion

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Travel

Ludlow: The MILLSTREAM CAMP. An alternative, festive getaway...

"Treat someone to an inventive Christmas present or visit Ludlow for a spot of quirky Christmas shopping."

travel@gairrhydd.com

While many are drawn towards the classic hotel break with luxurious double beds, radiator warmth, and a view of the landscape that can be enjoyed from within the safety of four sturdy walls, others like to get among the feral landscape of the British countryside. If, however, you’re stuck between the often divergent joys of luxury and adventure, or maybe just want to break away from your predictable choice of holiday then the Millstream Camp may be just what your looking for.

The Millstream camp offers the remoteness and freedom of a camping trip, but with that little bit of luxury. You can safely avoid ruining the first day of your holiday getting stressed while wrestling with tent poles. Arriving at the camp in the dark and drizzle of a customary November evening, we were happy to escape into the shepherds hut and the encompassing warmth of its log-burner. The hut provided small but comfortable sleeping quarters with a large double bed, board games, and quaint traditional touches. To wile away the days and/or escape from the unpredictable British weather there is the tipi, which houses two ‘day’ beds and an old record player.

For those who consider a warm shower and clean hair an essential part of the daily routine, there is a sheltered gas powered shower. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, however, the outdoor cast iron bathtub allows you to lie back and gaze at the stars. Meals need not be costly, take your own supplies and cook outdoors upon the barbeque or over the fire pit. Both took a bit of determination and a lot of kindling but it was worth the struggle for a hot breakfast.

Venturing from the camp, Aardvark Books was

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our first port of call and definitely a must-visit for students and book lovers alike. Located in a large converted barn (the neighboring one housing a large array of hefty cows) it is an arbitrary country gem. We holed up beside the log fire with coffee and cake and proceeded to browse the vast collection of new and used books ranging from Plato to fashion guides, most of which are on sale for half their intended price.

If you want to keep holiday spending small, this is the place to do it. The surrounding area provides a plethora of cost friendly activities for all manner of characters. The surrounding countryside plays host to many renowned walking trails such as the Herefordshire trail and Offa’s Dyke.

Ludlow is only 30 minutes from the camp and is full of historical beauty. Its castle costs a mere £4.50 for admission and allows a great insight into medieval living. Ludlow is bustling with unique cafes and shops, offering homemade goodies and quirky gifts as well as a vibrant market. Leintwardine is a small neighbouring village drinks boasting one of the remaining parlour pubs in the UK-The Sun Inn- in which we sipped on budgetfriendly ale and traditional British dishes. Very festive!

The Millstream camp is located about 2 hours northeast of Cardiff, in Lower Buckton, on the border of south Shropshire and north Herefordshire. Treat someone to an inventive Christmas present or visit the delights of wintery Ludlow for a spot of quirky Christmas shopping. More information can be found, as well as options to book, at canopyandstars.co.uk.

Charlotte Palmer

Travel

AUSTRIA'S

CHRISTMAS

NIGHTMARE Heather Arnold explores the darker side of the Austrian Christmas tradition.

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We all know that Father Christmas keeps us on record. He knows who’s been nice and who’s been naughty, but the misbehaving children of Austria have more to fear than a lump of coal in their stockings. It isn’t only jolly, old Saint Nick who tours fireplaces in December. His demon pal ‘Krampus’ accompanies him.

‘Krampus’ is a furry, goat legged, devil like creature that is often depicted with a disturbingly long pointed tongue. On December 5th, Santa makes his yearly début, complete with a sack of gifts. In Austria, however, legend has it that his devilish companion trails behind him carrying chains that are used to ensnare disobedient children before he drags them off to the depths of hell.

On the night that follows, called ‘Krampusnacht’ (night of Krampus), locals dress up as the horrific demon and –with a stick in hand for striking rebellious offspring – knock at people’s houses. When parents open their doors the dressed up devil runs after the children inside, growling and whipping and generally scaring the naughtiness out of them. After everyone’s suitably terrified, the parents invite the demon for a few shots of schnapps (which they always accept) before heading on to petrify their next victim. As the night goes on the Krampus’s growls get a little more slurred and their stick-wielding co-ordination becomes somewhat less accurate. After this night of terror, however, the children of Austria can sleep safe in the knowledge that they are secure again until next December.

If you’re reading this thinking that your status as an ‘adult’ will save you from Krampus’s creepy claws then you’d be wrong as he has been known to sneak up behind mischievous lovers to punish them for their saucy encounters.

Heather Arnold

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Travel

FROZEN PLANET

MAJESTIC POLAR BEARS, DEADLY ORCEANS AND CRIMINAL PENGUINS...

CWTCH ON THE SOFA THIS WEDNESDAY AND AVOID THE FREEZE

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If I describe a place that features pristine white snow occupied by polar bears and penguins you could be picturing a scene on a Christmas card, However, I am actually describing the frozen wildernesses that are the Arctic and Antarctic. They have been appearing on our television screens every Wednesday evening, accompanied by the narration of Sir David Attenborough. I am, of course, talking about the six-part television series, Frozen Planet.

In the gradual lead up to Christmas there has been nothing more that I have wanted to do on a Wednesday evening than curl up in my duvet with a cup of tea to watch the amazing images of unspoiled white landscapes, and listen to the soft tones of David Attenborough. At 84 years old, fulfilling a life-long dream of travelling to both the North and South Pole, Sir David Attenborough explains the phenomenal changes that occur in both regions from season to season, including panoramic shots of frozen oceans in the winter and blooming greenery of flowers and grass in the spring.

My favourite part of watching Frozen Planet is observing the amazing animals that inhabit the Polar Regions. The fact that the camera crew can get in such close proximity to them enables the audience to see some of the most dangerous and interesting animals on the planet. It includes incredible shots of surfing penguins, mating polar

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bears, fencing narwhales and rivalling elephant seals. Even though the series is obviously in documentary style, the humorous clips of ‘criminal penguins’ and cute images of polar bear cubs tussling in the snow with backing music especially composed for the series by George Fenton. The remarkable special effects showing sped up time shots of snowflakes forming, slow motion scenes of killer whales rising from the water and snapshots so close you can practically count the penguin’s feathers.

The last episode of the series is titled ‘On Thin Ice’ and will involve the issues of global warming and how this affects the magnificent worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic. Particular regions have warmed significantly since the first years that David Attenborough visited them and he explores what this means not only for the wildlife and environment of these regions, but also for the entire planet itself. There is s[eculation that this episode will not be aired in the places such as the US due to the belief that viewers will be upset by the idea of global warming.

If you haven’t seen any of the episodes do not fret! You can catch up on BBC iPlayer and the series comes to an end on the 7th of December.

Sophie Chamberlain

Food & Drink

RECIPE BOOK REVIEWS

Quench Contributors tell us which recent recipe books to wrap up this christmas...

River Cottage Veg everyday!

9/10

Hugh FearnleyWittingstall

Linda Collister

Anyone who has watched ‘The Great British Bake Off ’ will know that baking is becoming the thing to do again. Long gone are 1950’s housewives in aprons. These days, everyone is at it.

And what a lovely thing that is. Baking a successful batch of cakes gives one that warm fuzzy feeling of achievement. (Personally I get my warm fuzzy feelings from scoffing the things, but there you go.) Sharing the fruits of your oven is wonderfully sociable thing, and ‘The Great British Bake Off- How to Bake’ is certainly a good starting point. The book caters for all kinds of sweet tooth, and with numbered step by step instructions in large print, even your Granny will be able to read it as she goes along! Unlike other recipe books (naming no names), the instructions are clear and precise; no essay in sight.

Even better, there are colour photographs of what your food should look like at each stage, so if like me you find it hard to distinguish between ‘fine crumbs’ and ‘sticky dough’, you’ve got visual aids on hand to help. The focus is mostly on all things dessert, with a handful of savoury delights thrown in. My favourite of these is the beef and red wine pie. (Well, if it’s not cake it may as well have some booze in there, right?!) This book seduced me not only with its great recipes, but with the thick pages and gorgeous photography.

In terms of Christmas shopping, it would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s recipe book collection. So stock up and get wrapping. Or heck, just go and buy it for yourself. Happy baking!

Tors White

food@gairrhydd.com

If Hugh had been compelled to make any sort of dedication in this cookbook, it would have gone something like this: ‘To all the abstainers amongst us. No longer hide that carrot stick in shame. Veg is becoming cool.’

‘River Cottage, Veg everyday’, as the title suggests, is a celebration of all things green. Not only in colour, but anything connected with the Earth.

From Baba Ganoush (smoky Aubergine dip) to Sweet potato and Peanut Gratin, Hugh’s new cookbook teaches even the most carnivorous carnivores that vegetables can be bloody (ahem) tasty.

The book starts with a very pragmatic introduction, in which Hugh states: ‘Call me power-crazed, but i’m trying to change your life here. The object of the exercise is, unambiguously, to persuade you to eat more vegetables. Many more vegetables. Perhaps even to make veg the mainstay of your daily cooking. And therefore, by implication, to eat less meat, maybe a lot less meat, and maybe a little less fish too.’

The irony is that Hugh himself is, in fact, a meat-eater. But I say give the lunatic a go anyway. If he managed to change fishery policies within the European Union, then I’m pretty sure this very tempting collection of veggie recipes could encourage you to up your five-a-day, or make a lovely gift for any one of your friends or family – vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Simone Miche

8/10

Great British Bake Off

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Food & Drink

7/10

Christmas Cupcakes Annie Rigg

Cupcakes and Christmas, what could be better?

This little recipe book is delicious homemaking with a fun, creative edge. It features 27 Christmas themed cupcakes ranging from simple Irish Cream or Sticky Gingerbread cupcakes to more creative designs like Snow-Ho-Ho-Men or Fat Penguins. The book is attractive with a full page picture for every recipe. It has easy-to-follow instructions and you’ll find almost all the ingredients at a local supermarket. A lot of the cupcakes are based on the same sponge recipes. However, there are no dud recipes, and they all look yummy and fun to make. For me the winners were the Candied Clementine and Pistachio Cupcakes that after decorating looked like little Christmas puddings. They also tasted deliciously festive. Although there aren’t loads of recipes here it’s a fun book and a nice present for a creative, cupcake-loving friend.

Emily Graham

Christmas with Gordon Gordon Ramsey

8/10

food@gairrhydd.com

Designed to take the stress out of Christmas cooking, Christmas with Gordon not only offers a choice of Christmas day menus but also a range of party foods, breakfasts, suppers and sweet treats.

Helpfully prefaced by a 'planning your time' section, each of the Christmas menus is simply laid out with commentary from Gordon in his short and sweet manner, accompanied by plenty of mouth-watering photographs. Covered are the Christmas favourites, from the classic roast turkey with a steamed pudding dessert, to an alternative seared scallops starter, beef Wellington main and pomegranate pannacotta dessert. Also detailed are a roast ham menu, a sea bass menu and roast goose menu, which all appear surprisingly simple recipes considering the mammoth task that is Christmas dinner.

I'll definitely be making the 'Stilton Gougères', Gordon's alternative to cheese puffs, which look to be an essential addition for the cheese fanatics amongst us.

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Jennifer Kendall

8/10

The Hairy Biker Perfect Pies Si King and Dave Myers

Being northern born and bred, I couldn’t resist the chance to get my hands on the “ultimate pie bible from the kings of pie”, or at least that’s what the front cover of the Hairy Bikers’ new book claims. From its very beginning, where the two Geordies reminisce about the pies their ‘mams’ used to make, ‘Perfect Pies’ is filled with the homely charm the bikers are famous for. The recipes range from classic British pork pies to more exotic Japanese gyozas and seafood empanadas; there is a pie for everyone! And for those of you with a Christmas inspired sweet tooth then fear not there are plenty of tarts and sugary fruit pies to keep you happy (there’s even a ‘toffee and chocolate ice-cream pie’). Looking through the colourful and beautifully photographed pages of ‘Perfect Pies’ it dawns upon me that, before now, I never knew there could be so many uses for pastry!

Heather Arnold

7/10

Jamie's Great Britain Jamie Oliver

Well known as the no nonsense chef, face of Sainbury’s and ‘pukka’ food creator, Jamie Oliver has returned with another book, ‘Jamie’s Great Britain’. The recipes, as the title suggests, originate a little closer to home and range from the modest cooked breakfast, to leek and rabbit pie, as well as some delicious looking homemade welsh cakes.

The book not only incorporates some of the best recipes from all over the UK but also picks out some of the country's favourites from outside Britain such as his Mulligatawny soup, which made its way over from India during the years of the British Raj. Bit of a history lesson as well!

Despite the recipes looking and sounding delicious, some of the ingredients are a bit extravagant (roast quail skewers and seared venison loin for instance) and may not be quite in the budget of a humble student. However, this is definitely one to buy the parents for Christmas – and fingers crossed next time you take a trip home to get your washing done, they’ll have treated you to one of the recipes!

Meg Jones

Food & Drink Rhys Clayton reviews COOK on Wellfield Rd to see what home-cooked, ready-made meals and festive foods they have on offer.

food@gairrhydd.com

Every business needs a "Unique Selling Point", something that distinguishes the company from all its competitors. The "Cook" shop offers the customer several USPs that will, as the strapline suggests, provide "Remarkable food for your freezer".

Cook, situated on Wellfield Road, just off Albany Road, is a quaint, traditional family run business.

The owners, Liz and Karen, started the enterprise in June 2011, and the small franchise has confounded the recession, and has had a healthy start to life. The first Cook shop opened in 1997, and sold mostly puddings and casserole, and now the chain business has over 45 shops, with the Cardiff franchise the only one in Wales.

25

Food & Drink

food@gairrhydd.com

26

The shop offers something for everyone, and as one of the partners points out, "People are fed up of eating the same old rubbish. We offer an everyday meal, for everyday people.” The owners' passion for food and their business is clear to see. The shop is beautifully set up, with subtle decorations, and old-fashioned woven shopping baskets, that present the shop with a picturesque charm and attractiveness that would not look out of place in London's famous Covent Garden. Furthermore, the personalised, friendly customer service makes it easy to see why they have built up a regular clientele so quickly. In times of economic struggle, it is uplifting to know that there are still consumers who are eager to support their local business, and are willing to pay the extra amount for good quality, wholesome food. As Cook put it, "Love your Freezer, love Cook".

Cook's meals may be disguised in ready-meal packaging, but they are far from it. All the produce is cooked by hand, and is free of preservative, additives and colourings. The food is made in Sittingbourne, Kent, where it is immediately "blast frozen" to maintain its freshness. This means that you are not "re-heating" the food, but simply “baking” the food. The family run business module is at the heart of the Cook concept, and this is shown by the fact that every individual packaging has the name of the chef who cooked the meal on it.

There is a wide range of food on offer, and something to suit every customer's preference.

There are "Meals for one", including a specific "One Pot" range starting from £2.99, that take only 5 minutes in the microwave. There is an Indian range, "Meals for 2", and perhaps most appealing for the economically minded student, "Meals for 4". This is the perfect option for a student and his or her flat mates to have a healthy, home-cooked meal. It works out a lot cheaper than your average take-away or ordered pizza, and is ideal for those who are longing for their Mum's or Nan's cooking while away from home.

On the topic of price, your average student will not think of shopping at a local, independently run business, but it's something that should be considered. The food is high quality, and it provides an appealing viable alternative to the normal nightly dish of frozen pizza, or a ready meal with chips.

When it comes to Cook, the old adage that you get what you pay for certainly rings true. I sampled the Steak and Red Wine Pie with Dauphinoise Potatoes. On first taste of the pie, the flavour of red wine is immediately evident. The gravy and vegetables filling was delectable, and there was a generous helping of luscious steak to appeal to those who love meat, and plenty of it. This made a welcome change from your average ready-meal, where you have to go hunting through the mixture to find the small pieces of meat contained within.

The thinly sliced potatoes were immersed in a

thick, creamy sauce, and there was a generous helping of cheese melted on top.

After scanning the freezers, all the meals Cook had to offer looked equally appetising, such as traditional options like Sheppard’s Pie and Fisherman's Pie (which are two of the best sellers), the more internationally themed Moroccan Harissa Chicken (which has won the prestigious "Gold Taste Award"), the vegetarian Red Lentil and Mixed Bean Casserole, over a dozen different curry options, or for seafood lovers, the Smoked Haddock and Sweet Potato Gratin. There is also a whole cabinet dedicated purely to award-winning Nuts and Olives, which further highlights the company’s determination to offer only the best quality available.

Beautiful main meals are all well and good, but, if like me, you have a sweet tooth, then the dessert is the make or break for the perfect all round food experience. Believe me, Cook does not disappoint.

I sampled the scrumptious Chocolate and Toffee Cheesecake, which looked every bit as delicious as it tasted. The mouth watering selection includes the customer favourite, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple Strudel, a choice of Pavlovas and Roulades, and the list goes on and on. Most of these options can be purchased in extra large portions to accommodate 6-8 people, but I would love to attempt to polish off them myself in one sitting!

With Christmas coming ever closer, Cook is expecting a seasonal rush, and they are well equipped, offering the "Feast" option. This offer includes a "stress-free Christmas lunch for 8" of Turkey with all the trimmings from £10.25 per head. Considering that many restaurants around the city will be offering meals on Christmas day for £50 per head, for food of similar quality, it seems good value for money.

Cook offers something for everyone, students included. Whether you're after a home-cooked meal without the cooking element, looking to split a "Meal for 4", want something from the "For Special Nights In" range for a romantic dinner with the other half, or simply want to treat yourself to proper food once or twice a week, this is the place to go. Additionally, Cook Cardiff has introduced a 5% student discount offer. And of course, you have the added bonus of knowing that you are supporting your local business. Everybody wins! (Except, perhaps, after seeing the desserts on offer, your waistline) For more information about Cook, go to www. cookfood.net, or follow them on twitter, @cookcardiff to find out when the next Taster Days are to be held in the New Year.

Rhys Clayton

LGBT+

The good, the bad, & the ugly of Christmas with the family.

David is a second-year undergraduate who lives in Cardiff. The third-year panic of "what am I going to do after uni?" has not begun yet. He’s met enough people to know who’s worth his time and who’s just another name cluttering his Facebook feed. David seems to have his priorities in check, and on the top of that list is a pledge to have some carefree times with his new-found friends.

But scratch beneath this glossy coming of age premise and David is not the happy-go lucky party boy he seems. In fact once a year he is summoned by the same dread to his family home in North Wales where he must relive his festive nightmare.

David is gay, and though none of his friends have any issues with this, his family, situated in a small town in North Wales, are not so understanding or tolerant. In fact his once cheery terrace house where he grew up, is now a place of denial and pressure from his lager-chugging, sport-mad father. All dreams from boyhood have been replaced by the inescapable thought that he will never live up to his parents’ expectations.

Yet David’s reluctance to settle down into a life of denial are what spurred him to come out a year before he embarked on his university life. Sadly,

"I remember when my dad switched over the channel when there was the gay kiss on

Corrie. I knew then I couldn’t say anything."

admitting his orientation was not the hard part, living with the repercussions of his parents disapproval was. His brother brags about how many girls he’s ‘shagged’ in an attempt to stave off the apparent disease his brother has contracted. But when his 16 year-old sibling divulges details about his sexual exploits, his father looks on with a look of satisfaction, pleased that at least there is one successor to the manly throne of the house.

Being faithfully dedicated to the laws passed by generation bigot, David’s mother watches uneasily and reassures herself that it’s just a phase he’s going through. But David has given up trying to convince his family that this is genuine, in fact he’s wondering who will be first to cut contact after Uni. The Grandparents who are oblivious that they have a gay grandson are always keen to ask ‘So, you got a girlfriend yet then?’ And despite the fact that his love of football was replaced by swimming three years ago his Christmas presents always contain the Liverpool city memorabilia, as if to remind him that you’re a man’s man, you like footie.

David still loves his family and they love him. The magnified dilemma of his sexuality is the giant wedge which make pats on the shoulders and hugs a thing of the past. If they would listen or if they would understand then maybe David would sit at the Christmas table where his mother’s sharp cranberry sauce wasn’t the only thing leaving a bitter taste.

lgbt@gairrhydd.com

Jack Jenkins talks about the perils of Christmas with the family...

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LGBT+ But it's not all bad news! Kate Gale tells us her inspiring Christmas coming out story.

Here I was, about to spill potentially relationshipdestroying information at the absolute pinnacle of the family calendar: Christmas Day. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, actually, for me it actually turned out to be pretty good!

Having failed at every valiant attempt at finding out which boys at school I fancied, I’m pretty sure my Mum suspected that I wasn’t straight from my

I guess that was probably the best present

THAT

I

early teens. Having had an awesome first semester at Uni being ‘out’, it felt like the right time to tell my family.

In the end, it just kinda came out naturally.

My Mum and I were the last two of my family left downstairs on the evening of Christmas Day, and as our discussions got closer and closer to the dreaded love interests, she just asked me if I’d been involved with any girls, to which I decided that it was now or never and came out with the truth.

We stayed up until the early hours talking about it, and I couldn’t have hoped for her to be any more supportive and understanding… so as horribly cliché as it sounds, I guess that was probably the best present that I could’ve asked for!

could’ve asked for!

lgbt@gairrhydd.com

28

Turkeys don't tweet, but you can! Tweet us your crappy Christmas experiences @QuenchLGBT

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Ar ts "The excellence of every art is its intensity" John Keats

NEWS

Jack Jenkins

A longing for true Art Corporate interest and art is considered a detestable match-up by almost all who witness it. Whether it’s a giant Homer Simpson brandishing a donut in the hillside next to the Cerne Abbas Giant or a restaurant in Las Vegas littering its walls with the world’s most expensive Picasso paintings, it’s simply wrong. However, when John Lewis dotted about giant models of chairs, handbags and blenders around Cardiff, the city transformed into a ‘wonderland’ far more successfully than the limited influence of a tacky Ferris Wheel and a ‘build your own’ ice-rink. Art is a talking point, something you want to touch, admire and photograph; there is merely not enough of that around Cardiff.

John Lewis’ models – you are missed.

Thomas Webb

The Big Opening Since its foundation in 2007, the Cardiff-based theatre company Sherman Cymru has been consistently praised for its award-winning work in Welsh and English. For the last 18 months, however, the company has been on hiatus, as its building undergoes an extensive redevelopment campaign.

February 2012 marks the reopening of the newly renovated Sherman Cymru theatre, with a chic new façade, and the tantalising new programme that accompanies it is sure to please all the capital’s theatre-goers. This will feature a diverse mix of Welsh, British and international companies and artists, alongside in-house writing and, for the first time, work developed by the Creative Learning department of Sherman Cymru. Highlights of the season include Catherine Wheels’ Edinburgh Festival Fringe hit ‘White’, Tim Price’s sinister new comedy ‘For Once’ and ‘Political Mother’, the universally acclaimed work from composer and choreographer Hofesh Shechter. Though the new development and schedule offers much on the horizon, the company don’t overlook the importance of being one of the premier theatre companies in Wales, and celebrates its roots as the first production to grace the new building is the Welsh language production Sgint by Bethan Marlow, a joint venture between Sherman Cyrmu and Theatr Genedlaelthol Cymru.

Alex Uylet

arts@gairrhydd.com

A Full Frontal Exhibition Videographer Ai Weiwei is once again at the centre of controversy after Chinese authorities have questioned his cameraman regarding photographs of the artist posing naked with four women. Although the photos have been described as non-sexual, conspiracy theorists believe that this is the attempt of Chinese police to prove a point after Weiwei’s detention earlier this year was met with outcry.

In response to this accusation of distributing pornography, nude photos have been posted on twitter by the artist’s loyal admirers. Whilst some depict a line of men and women wearing a bikini made of photographs of Weiwei’s face, others are slightly more daring and have opted for full frontal. This attempt to support Weiwei’s most recent run-in with the law is hardly surprising given his fans' donations to fund a £1.5 million tax bill. But flesh isn’t the only thing being revealed here, Weiwei’s supporters have actively become part of his work and demonstrating a new wave of viral art.

29

Arts

Reviews

Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker

arts@gairrhydd.com

At Swim Two Boys At Swim Two Boys is the story of a relationship between two boys during the Easter Rising, and is an engaging and exciting performance.

The dancers give an impressive display with flawless choreography and powerful physicality which reflects the waterborne setting. The dancers vary from slow and intimate movement to quick and playfully violent. This conveys to the audience the nature of their relationship. They should be particularly commended for the way they present the underlying conflict in their relationship.

Imagery and live music is used very well to reflect the changes in atmosphere and to give the performance context. They use music to capture the aggression and tension of war and the rising, and contrast this with the playful and tender development of the boy’s relationship.

The performance takes the audience on an enjoyable journey from serenity to tragedy and I would recommend this performance to dance enthusiasts and novices alike.

Paul Wilkinson

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The classic Nutcracker was misplaced and Matthew Bourne, not one to disappoint, revealed a surprisingly witty, innovative and exciting interpretation which enchanted the audience.

The initial juvenile innocence of the cast as children charmingly introduces us to Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the Nutcracker. The duet that followed the Nutcracker's arrival on stage was effortlessly mesmerising, a sequence that really captured Matthew’s captivating choreography.

Yet, the fun and frivolities really ensue after the interval as the character of Clara welcomes the audience into her World of Sweets and the dancers start to resemble a pick and mix counter. The stage is overwhelmed by flutterings of pink feathers, glitter, eccentric props, including a gigantic birthday cake, and a bombardment of wild and exciting choreography; it is so ludicrously enticing that it does not fail to dazzle the audience. While caught up in all this vitality, time seems to disappear as the choreography whirls past the audience and with only 45 minutes each way it does seem teasingly brief. Certainly, the production excites the seasonal vibe as Matthew Bourne charismatically indulges in the Christmas corniness, but it is so enchantingly humorous that you cannot help but smile at the light-hearted and lively choreography.

However, Matthew Bourne integrates glimpses of touching and dream-like movements, which add simple touches of beauty among the chaos. It is through the portrayal of Clara’s character that these glimpses are truly communicated, as her thoughts and feelings are easily translated to the audience. She both successfully invites humour with her sweet angelic charm and channels compassion for her heartache and longing for the Nutcracker when she believes all is lost. Indeed, for a twist of the traditional Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker is a delightful surprise.

Asha Verma

Ar ts

Cirque Eloize

To immerse yourself in something new is not always appealing, especially when dedicating time and money to it, which is possibly why this performance identifies itself with a circus. Instead, what you have is an awesome cocktail of the best bits of urban dance, acrobatics and street performance driven by a fluid sound of contemporary composition.

It’s hard to do justice to a highly complex, high risk, two hour show. The experience can only be described as being handed a licence to consistently clap without looking like a rather dull child. What you’re really handed is an entirely seamless production of awe-inspiring acts of strength, balance and skill. With contributions from 14 people from Montreal, who can only be descried as artists, you catch a unique talent on top of their shared ability of street dance.

Driving the whole show is the beautifully timed music uniquely composed for each performance.

The heavy beats would dramatically erupt during a fight between a break-dancer and high wire artist while later a magnificent ‘chopinesque’ melody would narrate the courting of a trapeze performer and a rollerblader.

Set in the heart of a city, these weren’t spandex wearing body builders but stylish, young and effortlessly cool performers. With at least 4 on stage at a time, in most cases all of them, there was always something astonishing to look at. It was relentlessly entertaining re-writing of the hit and miss nature of circus acts.

The striking Millennium Centre with the interior of a space-age ‘Titanic’ played host to the performance’s urban landscape. This changing backdrop of a concrete jungle was an architectural triumph twisting inside out, revealing hidden doors, trampolines and spaces for bike, hoop, skipping and pole stunts at levels that leaves ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ performers in an obscurity to which they belong.

Quite simply, it’s a sensational show that opened its doors to Cardiff for a cruelly short amount of time. With an extravagant set up it’s baffling how they spent a mere 12 days in the UK. However, showing only in 4 venues across the country, it seems the Millennium Centre continues to be the place in Cardiff for a truly special night out.

Thomas Webb

arts@gairrhydd.com

When a circus rolls into town, there are no prizes for guessing what you’re in for; some strange animals, naff clowns and a gang of homoerotic acrobats that should definitely be thinking about retirement. I know my circuses, so I naively thought a French sounding one would be yet another lorry load of weary travellers making a cheap buck from lifting one another. However, Cirque Eloize is so far from a circus act, let alone anything else you’ll see on stage, it deserves its own genre.

37

Books

Are you sitting comfortably?

Tired of Love, Actually? Alice Hughes suggests some creepy fireside reads for those who like their Christmases less than sickly sweet.

If, like me, the usual festive cultural diet of

all things saccharine leaves you gagging for a heavy dose of the macabre, I’ve compiled a rundown of some of the best novels with a sinister sting in the tail. Warning: not recommended for those of a nervous disposition. If the John Lewis advert makes you cry, it’s probably best to look away now…

and, still consumed by grief, he travels to the snow-covered French Pyrenees in pursuit of closure. There he meets Fabrissa, a beautiful local woman also in mourning. As Fabrissa and Freddie exchange stories, a haunting mystery unfolds.

Mosse’s latest is the perfect non-taxing literary fare for Christmas.

books@gairrhydd.com

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins As the length of the books on my holiday reading list seems to grow exponentially bigger the more the nights draw in, Wilkie Collins’ doorstopper of a Victorian sensation novel is one of the first I turn to when the Christmas break begins. Despite weighing in at a colossal 720 pages, this dark thriller is one of the most compelling mysteries ever written and never drags.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens This moving tale of redemption is still the quintessential Christmas book. It’s got everything – a social conscience, memorable characters and more ghosts than you can shake a dowsing rod at.

(Incidentally, Dickens’ Christmas stories are being discussed at the next meeting of the Cardiff Read book club at Chapter. If social reading is your thing, you can find out more @CardiffRead.)

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill Seldom has the written word been so terrifying than in Hill’s celebrated novella (soon to be a film starring Daniel Radcliffe). The story revolves around young solicitor Arthur Kipps, who is summoned to Crythin Gifford, a far-flung town in a desolate corner of England. I won’t say anymore for fear of spoiling it for those of you who haven’t already read it, but suffice to say: you will be screaming.

Collected Short Stories by Roald Dahl Llandaff-born Dahl is the undisputed master of the short story, and proof that the genre can, in the right hands, carry just as much literary gravitas as a novel. Dahl took months to finish some of them, and his craftsmanship is obvious. Running the gamut of all things sinister – from stuffed humans to eccentric hitchikers – these stories are the perfect complement to candlelight, mince pies and a cold winter’s night.

The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse Another ghost story, but much gentler. It’s 1928: Freddie Watson lost his brother in the Great War

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Alice Hughes

Books The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

Set in Victorian-era England, The Crimson Petal and the White revolves around the lives of a small set of characters who inhabit above and below respectable society. Not unlike Dickens, it takes us on a journey of London’s brothels and public houses, upmarket townhouses and the mansions of Notting Hill. We meet prostitute Sugar as she crosses paths with perfume factory heir William Rackham, who is as weak as he is revolting. Sugar, however, is formidable, brimming with intelligence and a refusal to settle for the cards life has dealt her.

Michael Faber’s novel is told from the perspective of all the lead characters, and the omnipresent narrator at times steps back and addresses the reader directly, a brilliant device used to exacting effect. Whichever character you sympathise with all are equally alluring, drawing you in to their plight even when you find them repulsive. With vivid descriptions of London’s underbelly, The Crimson Petal and the White is one of the most intoxicating novels you’re ever likely to read.

Emily Bater

Book reviews your favourite books of 2011 Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Inès de la Fressange Muse of Karl Lagerfeld and darling of the Paris fashion world, it was only a matter of time before la grande dame of French supermodels Inès de la Fressange wrote her very own style guide.

De la Fressange’s advice is refreshingly downto-earth, advocating a classic look achievable on any budget and suitable for any age group. The book itself is beautifully produced and bursting with pictures, and also doubles up as a travel guide to Paris, featuring a fine selection of les bonnes addresses that no self-respecting fashionista should be without on any excursion to the City of Light.

Deliciously shallow, this is a sartorial guilty pleasure of the highest order and was the style guide of 2011.

Alice Hughes

books@gairrhydd.com

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber

The Slap begins with a man striking someone else’s child, and the consequences of this act are explored through eight (rather lengthy) chapters, each from the perspective of a different witness of the slapping. The voices, ranging from a teenage schoolgirl to a miserable old man, are surprisingly convincing; prepare for your opinions to flik-flak multiple times.

Not one for the easily offended, the story crackles with graphic sex, violence and bad language (watch out for that C-bomb on the first page), and one feels that the author has tried too hard to make the characters realistic, the disappointing result being that everyone in the novel has affairs, takes hard drugs, and hates each other. However, if you’re a fan of precise, vivid language, and unflinchingly honest insights into modern life, then The Slap will make an interesting read.

Sophie Dutton

33

Music The Nightmare of the Christmas Number One...

music@gairrhydd.com

I can still remember the days when achieving a Christmas number one really was a big deal. Despite the fact that there have been a dodgy few over the years (see over the page for some examples), being Christmas number was a coveted title, and not only because you got to appear on the Top of the Pops Christmas show.

However, in recent years the festive chart has been dominated by the X Factor; acts like the Spice Girls and Mr Blobby have been toppled from their chart throne and replaced by the likes of Leona Lewis and Matt Cardle.

As hard as I try each year to resist it, I always manage to get sucked in to Cowell’s commercial dream - The X factor. I always find myself engrossed in the ups and downs of an invariably unlikeable bunch of wannabes. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it as much as the next person, but whether you love it or loathe it do we really have a choice as to what is number one this Christmas? Can we really take another nightmare cover of a song about hopes and dreams?

Well, the X Factor monopoly over the Yuletide music sales was officially ended in 2009 when the angelic Joe McElderry’s seemingly certain top spot position was swiped away by Rage Against the Machine’s Killing In The Name. Some people called it genius, others fretted about poor little McElderry’s feelings; after all, he was only following his ‘dreams’, but if anything it was massive finger up in Cowell’s botoxed face.

Since that fateful year, autumn now brings an array of campaigns intent on preventing the winner of the X Factor from doing the inevitable. Last year John Cage's Cage Against the Machine, a composition for around 4 minutes of silence attempted to prevent Matt Cardle's When We Collide , which sadly failed. This year, Nivana's Smells Like Teen Sprit is set to take on whoever bags the winner spot.

Although these campaigns do not always work, it is proof that not everyone is content with having their Christmas spoilt by Cowell and co. Rather than put even more money in Cowell's pockets by buying a mediocre cover, why not buy Smells Like Teen Spirit Will this year's X Factor winner manage to climb as proceeds go to children's charity Rhythmix. After to the top of the Christmas chart? all, Christmas is a time for giving!

34

Emma Wilford

Music ...AND HERE are some cringey Christmas number ones: memorable for all the wrong reasons

Rolf Harris- Two Little Boys (1969)

Westlife- I Have A Dream (1999) I have three suggestions why this song reached number one- Ireland, grandmothers and young girls who fell for those irresistible curtain hair styles. I may only speak for myself, but honestly, those Irish rouges still set my 10 year-old heart a flutter. I also have a dream, Westlife.

Clare Matthews Worth

Bob The Builder- Can We Fix It? (2000) It was a bleak Christmas for the new millennium when a children’s TV programme made it to number 1. At the time of writing, the lyrics ‘Bob and the gang make a really good sound’ might have seemed premature, but given the success and a video with a DJing cat they clearly must have.

Jo Dorey

G’day readers! In 1968, the Australian cricketers left England with the Ashes, and the following year saw another Aussie dominate Britain, this time in the battle for Christmas no. 1. Rolf Harris achieved the coveted honour with “Two Little Boys”. Say what you like about the frivolity of the song, and the fact that it has been labelled a “Nightmare” no. 1 in this piece, but when Rolf Harris was a guest host on “Have I Got News For You”, he ended his stint with a rendition of Two Little Boys, and all the audience joined in word for word. Additionally, Rolf Harris performed the song to thousands of fans at Glastonbury 2010. I ask you, how many other Christmas no. 1s are still popular and well known 31 years later?

Rhys Clayton

Stocking Fillers A guide to what to buy your nearest and dearest this Christmas Michael Buble Christmas

Your parents will undoubtedly say ‘I can remem ber when the very first one of these came out’ but yes mum and dad, we really are at number 80, and just in time for Christmas. Filled to the brim with the most popular songs from the past 6 months, such as Maroon 5’s Moves Like Jagger and Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain. With many a club hit spread over two discs, it provides a neat round-up of the big chart hits.

Perfect Present for: your little brother or sister EW

Let the euphonic tones of Buble fill your house this Christmas, with his festive offering, wittily entitled..err...Christmas. Listen along as he leads you through a back-catalogue of seasonal favourites, including Silent Night and Jingle Bells. My particular favourite is Santa Buddy - a slightly homocentric adaptation of Christmas classic Santa Baby. It's very mincey - just add brandy butter.

Perfect Present for: Mum/Editor of Quench GJ

Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures

A collection of previously unreleased tracks, alternative versions of existing hits and brand new compilations, Lioness: Hidden Treasures is set to be a heartfelt tribute to one of the most talented musicians of our generation. After her tragic passing in July, Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi have worked closely with Amy Winehouse’s family to get what should have been her third album out in time for Christmas.

Perfect present for: a fan of the legend.

JS

music@gairrhydd.com

Various Artists Now That's What I Call Music 80

35

Music

Review of the Year As the end of the year draws closer, we take a look at some of the star releases

Beirut The Rip Tide The Rip Tide is a magnificent record, kicking off with A Candle’s Fire, which sparks up a triumphant prologue to some of Beirut’s catchiest songs to date. The gorgeous Santa Fe, with its memorable blend of throbbing keyboards and lyrical nostalgia, makes for a striking homage to the frontman’s hometown, while slower numbers, such as Goshen, feature beautifully intricate vocal harmonies and sombre brass parts. One thing is for sure, this is a band that love their instruments. Take the title track for example, which opens in a piano ballad-esque fashion before evolving into an orchestral concoction of synth, brass and strings. In contrast, parts of closing song Port of Call are completely stripped down and refreshingly acoustic, continuing to demonstrate this band’s versatility. In an album of such variety, Condon’s effortlessly gorgeous, melancholy vocals become a unifying feature throughout. Though some reviewers have argued that The Rip Tide is somewhat ‘subdued’ in comparison to its glorious predecessors, it comprises an overwhelming store of emotion and gets better with every listen.

Jo Southerd

Florence + The machine Ceremonials

music@gairrhydd.com

Florence is no longer a young woman finding herself, and new album Ceremonials shrugs of the scene-kid rock ‘n’ roll vibe and finds Miss Welch embracing an all in all more epic scope. Debut single What The Water Gave Me is a massive tune with a chorus that would shake the screws of her Machine right out, if it wasn't for the quieter, more tender moments. Gone are the grinding guitars of Dogs Days, and in comes the soft string quartet for other vocal chord- busters, such as the brilliant No Light, No Light. The highlight of the album has to be Seven Devils, an eerie wade through the depths of Florence’s subconscious driven by a soaring piano riff.

One can’t help but feel, however, that amid all the fashion shows, celebrity friendships and 60s headwear that Florence has got a bit carried away. Tracks that could have been soft ballads displaying a clearly spectacular vocal range become conventional radio-friendly ditties such as All This And Heaven Too, and nothing says ‘going for global domination’ more than a near-orchestral size choir on every track.

One thing is clear, Florence and the Machine are about to make a big impression on pop music. Let's just hope those screws stay firmly in place for a long time yet.

Matt Tilling

36

Music

Metronomy The English Riviera Metronomy's third effort was a much less lighthearted affair than previous album Nights Out, with leading man Joseph Mount taking a break from the high pitch of Radio Ladio and comedy of Thing For You, and instead writing songs about the place he came from. Though slightly more sombre, The English Rivera has been the bands best album to date by far, earning a Mercury nomination as well as a set on Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage. With the intro setting beach side scene, We Broke Free sets the tone of the album, which is kept alive with singles The Look, She Wants, The Bay and the brilliant Everything Goes My Way (featuring Veronica Fall’s Roxanne Clifford). With a support slot in the NME Awards Tour coming to Cardiff in February, this is one album this year you don’t want to miss.

Phil Kenny

Lykke Li Wounded Rhymes

tUnE-YarDs

Female singer-songwriters have experienced somewhat of a renaissance in the past few years. However, when Swedish Lykke Li released her second album this year she set herself apart from her contemporaries with this stunning exploration of broken love.

Long gone are her days of frivolous poppy songs as seen on Youth Novels and instead Lykke demonstrates a grown up sound well beyond her years. From the booming drums that rattle through opener Youth Knows No Pain to the quiet and understated I Know Places, Wounded Rhymes takes you on a melancholic journey of epic, raw instrumentals coupled with her striking voice. Songs such as Sadness Is A Blessing and Silent my Song are filled with an eerie ambience providing a perfect contrast to the punchy Rich Kid’s Blues and I Follow Rivers.

This is a beautiful and unique album that really stands out in what has been quite a strong year for music.

Emma Wilford

music@gairrhydd.com

w h o k i l l I had tickets to see Beirut in London, so I decided to do a little research on the support band, tUnE-YarDs. After a swift search on YouTube, my hopes of discovering a new innovative and exciting band were not exactly high as song titles such as Gangsta and Bizness appeared before me. Without giving them a chance, I left for London, completely ignorant about what I was about to experience.

Needless to say, they blew me away. Post-gig, I purchased the album immediately and gave it an overdue listen. Vocalist Merril Garbus’ incredible voice is at the forefront of the album and is supported by funky basslines, duelling saxophones and African infused rhythms. The first single from the album, Bizness, is a great example of the compelling sounds present on this album and demonstrates Garbus’ raw vocal talents. Overall, it’s a fascinating listen and surely a worthy contender for album of the year.

Kit Denison

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Music Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues The dreaded sophomore slump syndrome has viciously ruined various bands whose debut albums were too big to handle.

Thankfully, for Fleet Foxes, they used this fear and anxiety in their favour. Helplessness Blues is much darker and grander than their self-titled debut, trading in their signature pastoral pop-chants for a much more intricate instrumentation. Take the earth-shaking Sim Sala Bim or the cosmic McCartney-esque The Shrine / An Argument. Fleet Foxes have never sounded this shattering and powerful before. This isn’t to say they have changed their core sound and message. If anything, the existential Blue Spotted Tail, the epic closer Grown Ocean or the gorgeous title-track all reinforce their original self-reflective themes and tales. For an album that deals with the inevitability of growing old and the meaninglessness of life, Helplessness Blues manages to sound so comforting and hopeful, telling us everything will be alright in the end.

Tiago Franco

The best of the rest *PJ Harvey- Let England Shake *Wild Beasts- Smother *The Horrors- Skying *James Blake- James Blake *Feist- Metals *Arctic Monkeys- Suck It And See *Bon Iver- Bon Iver *Ben Howard- Every Kingdom *Yuck-Yuck *Kasabain- Velociraptor! *Jay-Z/Kanye West- Watch The Throne *Laura Marling- A Creature I Don't Know

music@gairrhydd.com

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Music

press Radio.co.uk Recommends...

Bestnew tracks Islet This Fortune

Track of the week Daughter Home

Cardiff four-piece Islet have gone from strength to strength this year, playing a whole host of festivals over summer and rounding off their UK tour with a homecoming show at Buffalo Bar last week. This Fortune is the ferocious first single from new EP Illuminated People, set for release in January next year. The track boasts all the scuzzy, edgy goodness we've come to expect from the band's grizzly take on experimental rock. Guitars squeal, cymbals crash, and the vocals have a particularly haunting quality. Get this song in your life.

JS

Nu-folk has been making waves for a while now.

However, not content with merely copying the likes of Laura Marling and co., there has been an explosion in new interpretations. Daughter aka Elena Tonra, a North London native, is doing just that with her brooding, ambient exploration of folk music. Home comes from her recently released EP The Wild Youth, and is a delicate, ethereal song filled with a sinister desperation as she wails ‘I can’t live without you’ that builds up to an atmospheric climax. Having supported the likes of Lia Ices, Marcus Foster and Ben Howard, she is quickly making a name for herself, expect to hear more from her in the future.

EW

Phantogram Don’t move

music@gairrhydd.com

When you imagine a New York duo you think of underground recording studios, late night parties and lyric writing on a subway. You wouldn’t necessarily envision recording in a remote barn, especially when you hear what Phantogram have to offer. Labelled under the genre ‘trip-hop’, a moment that began in Bristol, it's not surprising that the band got their big break debuting on MTV’s remake of Skins, a show known for its taste in music. Their music is a culmination of unique street beats, rhythms, psychedelic melodies and organic textures all pulled together to create a catchy up beat feel.

PK

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Music

interview: Hanson

In 1996, charts across the world were taken over by three blonde brothers from Oklahoma. MMM-bop reached number 1 in 26 countries, making Hanson a household name. Yet, since the late 90s, the band has fallen into obscurity. But following a V Festival appearance and sold out gigs in London, Hanson return to the U.K to reclaim the charts. Joe Shervell caught up with youngest brother Zac...

music@gairrhydd.com

It’s been almost 15 years since a fresh-faced boyband of brothers took the world by storm with their timeless pop classic MMMBop; but 6 LPs and 15-million album sales later, how has life changed for Hanson? I sat down for a chat with youngest brother, Zac, to find out.

Greeting me with the energy and enthusiasm of an old friend, it’s immediately clear that he hasn’t shied away from the youthful image that he’s known for. I jokingly ask how the band met, he laughs and recalls a toe-curler where a previous interviewer asked the same question without realising the truth! Hanson is a group known for its strong brotherly bond and Zac is quick to point out that he can’t imagine working with anyone else. ‘It’s such a contributing factor for us.

We spend so much time together, so we have the same experiences and influences’. When asked if the band have ever fallen victim to any Gallagheresque fall-outs, he laughs: ‘those guys serve a pretty big tint on brothers in bands, but there’s such a rich history of musicians who are brothers.

It’s undeniable that there’s something really important that draws together family in bands: The Beach Boys, The Jackson 5, The Everly Brothers. …It makes sense though – your genetic make-up is so similar. It’s hard to find someone better to sing

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with than your brother’.

With 8 studio albums, (one quadruple platinum, one double platinum, one gold), picking a favourite must be like choosing a favourite child, but as Zac is quick to point out: ‘the nature of the beast is that you’re always most proud of your most recent recording. It’s the freshest in your mind. Some artists get to a stage where they say ‘THIS IS THE REAL ME!’ but we’ve never had that.’ Sticking faithful to recordings might become hard, but posed with the idea of ‘pulling a Dylan’ and playing downbeat, melancholic versions of MMMBop, Zac says ‘not ever! There are other ways to keep things from getting stale. Maybe Dylan should take a year off !’

With a world-tour currently in action, what’s next for the Tulsa Trio? ‘How we consume music is changing’ says Zac. ‘It’s a click of a button now.

Artists need to stay fresh. We’re releasing a lot of visual material along with the recordings and that comes into our live shows as well’.

His closing words for Cardiff ’s student population: ‘Sorry we couldn’t make it this time. It’s been a good year so we’ll be back for sure. Definitely come out and see us if you’re so inclined’.

Hanson’s current album is Shout It Out; the current single from which is Give A Little.

Music

Singles Quench review recent releases Girls - My Ma My Ma is a straight-up 70s glam power-ballad.

There really is no catch to that description; this track finds lead singer Christopher Owens at his most honest, depressed and soul-searching moment of his career. Drawing influences from T. Rex, The Smiths and Built to Spill, the track contains a ferocious and heartfelt guitar solo that hasn’t been heard in “indie rock” since, well… ever? Hyperbole aside, fact is that this amount of sincerity has been missing in a generation filled with apathy. Girls are here to stay, boys.

Tiago Franco

7/10

You Me At Six - Bite My Tongue Whatever they have been putting in the tea at the You Me At Six offices, it's having a good effect. Bite My Tongue is an angry progression from previous work. The catchy hooks remain, but the entire track could have been written and recorded at the end of 'one of those days'. Franceschi's vocals are dark, while the heavier instrumentals are complemented by Oli Sykes' (Bring Me The Horizon) ferocious middle-eight. Forget what went before, You Me At Six are growing up.

George Dugdale

1996's repetitive 'synth rock' hooks are certainly catchy, getting in your head and sticking there for some time. Sitting comfortably over this is front man Murph's passionate delivery of the vocals.

The song writing is very nostalgic, as the band yearn for the fondness of the past and all the fantastic memories we associate with being younger.

"Bring back 1996" - this is a feeling I think we can all identify with. After a couple of listens, I feel like this pop song has genuinely cheered me up; "my self belief wasn't lost in the modern glitch", it reflects this nostalgia but also the yearning we all have for a good future as well. The Wombats have gone from strength to strength this year with this single topping their year off nicely. Strong lyrically with a simple, yet effective, set of hooks and melodies to grab your ears and keep them engaged for several minutes with ease, the very definition of a well written pop song.

Benji Lamb

8/10

7/10

music@gairrhydd.com

Wombats - 1996

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Music Los Campesinos!

The Globe 9th November You’ve probably heard of Los Campesinos!, the successful, 7-piece indie band who met and formed at this very university. On 9 November, The Globe was full to capacity with fans eagerly anticipating this thoroughly modern band.

Front man, Garth, sardonically exclaimed, “Well, this is just like the Beatles playing in Liverpool, isn’t it?”

The setlist featured tracks from new album Hello Sadness, but also included many old favourites: obnoxious, self-deprecating but tongue-in-cheek songs about love, sex and football. Aside from a few microphone hitches, Los Campesinos! sounded fantastic and included charming xylophones, crashing cymbals and raucous drums. The room was full of dedicated fans who somehow knew the words to all the songs, despite the new album having only just been released.

One of the standouts for me included We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed – a shouty and cynical number which features lines such as, “I’ve taught myself the only way to vaguely get along in love is to like the other slightly less than you get in return.” All in all, the gig was pretty amazing. If you’ve not discovered Los Campesinos! yet, start working through their discography immediately!

Natalie Healey

music@gairrhydd.com

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Rise Against The Machine: Rise Against, Tom Morello, Polar Bear Club Bristol 02 Academy 12th November Strong support from up-and-coming pop-punkers Polar Bear Club and legendary Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello join Rise Against’s regular pilgrimage to the UK. Having caught Polar Bear Club before, I was pleased to see they’ve upped their game; Living Saints is a ready-made anthem looking for an audience. Sadly, they suffered the curse of being at the bottom of the setlist – nobody moves, no matter how well you play.

Tom Morello carried as big a chip on his shoulder as ever, punctuating every song with an inspired pro-revolutionary speech. Not unexpected, but “the youth of today have their hands on the wheel of destiny” had me feeling sick. I probably would have minded more were he not the finest guitarist I’ve ever heard. I would suffer ten more speeches to see him play Black Spartacus with his teeth again!

To be fair, Rise Against forewent the opportunity to plug their political agendas – they let their music do the talking. The band are natural showmen, sending the Academy into uproar as they leapt from the wings to Re-Education Through Labour. I do get the feeling they were a tad upstaged

by Morello’s brand of folk-rock, but no one in the audience could fault the band for that. Two fists-ofsolidarity up.

Matt Evans

Music

...Just Announced!

Tickets for your Christmas Wish List:

LIVE REVIEW Russell Jones, Inc.A, Horizon, Luke Bennett 10 Feet Tall 20th November Xpress Radio's first night of live music since Xpresstival was another big sucess for the station, demonstrating their dedication to Cardiff's music scene by showcasing some of the city's finest up-and-coming artists.

The gig got off to a flying start with Luke Bennett, who performed a unique set of his instrumental acoustic percussive guitar music, ahead of his EP launch on 19 December at Cafe Jazz.

Next up were Horizon, a trio of young musicians who describe their sound as a mixture of acoustic, folk and rock. They gave a confident performance and were met with a positive response. Their folk songs, and addition of a violin later in their set, made for a memorable performance.

Inc.A were met equally as enthusiastically by the ever-growing crowd. An instrumental band, they used a mix of wind instruments, cello and drums to create a distinctive upbeat sound.

Their animated set even led the demand for an encore. Headline act and local boy Siôn Russell Jones rounded the night off beautifully, playing a delightful set and happily providing an encore to the adoring crowd.

Kendal Archer

Two Door Cinema Club, Metronomy, Tribes and Azealia Banks Cardiff Uni Great Hall Sunday 19th February

Allo' Darlin Buffalo Bar Wednesday 29th February

Florence & The Machine (support: The Horrors) Motorpoint Arena Monday 5th March

Professor Green Cardiff Uni Great Hall Thursday 3rd May

The Darkness Bristol 02 Academy 14th November The Darkness have reformed and are on the road. They look the same as they ever did, catsuits included. Minus Justin’s outfit choices The Darkness were surprisingly lacking in absurdity. This is not a complaint – the music was tightly performed and heavy, with a great sound and energy. The material ranged from a solo acoustic version of Holding My Own to Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End) complete with confetti and Christmassy red and green lights.

They played their debut in full, which certainly made for a crowd pleasing night, and then excited us further with a selection of songs from their upcoming album - it sounds as if we will be in for a treat which far surpasses their flop of a second release. The night was fittingly capped off with Justin aloft on the shoulders of a burly bouncer, passing triumphantly through the crowd.

Alexander Greig

music@gairrhydd.com music@gairrhydd.com

X-Sessions: Siôn

NME Awards Tour:

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film

news

Mendes has his Q...

After news that Sam Mendes’ new Bond film is to be called SkyFall, it’s been released that British actor Ben Whishaw has been confirmed as the new Q. Taking over from the late Desmond Llewelyn and briefly John Cleese, Wishaw’s got big shoes to fill. Heralded as “one of the greatest stage actors of the last decade,” we’re sure his nervy, cerebral style will work wonders in portraying the iconic Q.

Seven Horcruxes but still no Oscar for Harry...

Despite being the top-grossing franchise in movie history, collecting more than $7.6billion dollars worldwide, the Harry Potter series has only been recognised with nine Academy Award nominations, all in below-the-line categories. It’s all set to change this year; Warner Bros says Potter will be going for the “big prize,” considering Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 to be a real “artistic breakthrough”. The studio started trade ads in the run up to Oscar season, as well as half a dozen billboards throughout West Los Angeles. Historically, the franchise has been viewed as more of a commercial venture but there’s hope of it doing well in next year's award season. “And the Oscar for best picture goes to… Harry Potter”- we think not.

Flight of the Conchords set for the big screen...

"We're gonna try and do a movie. We just need a story" says Bret Mckenzie, one half of the comedy duo, Flight of The Conchords. Having written songs for the upcoming The Muppets movie, he’s sure the success will no doubt give him extra clout when it comes to prepping for the big screen crossover. Starting out as a radio show, FOTC was quick to graduate to a television series and now potentially a feature film. We’ll be first in line at the Flight of the Conchords amusement park for sure. For Muppets Fans, the movie’s out 10 February 2012.

Scarlett Johannson's directorial debut...

It appears Scarlet Johannson is stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut Summer Crossing, an adaptation of Truman Capote’s first novel of the same title set in New York in 1945. Ambitious for a first time director and Johannsson seems aware of the challenge ahead; “it’s a hard sell as it’s a period film, taking place in New York, and there’s no room for big names. Fingers crossed”. Set for release in the UK in 2014, we’ve got a few years to wait to see if her endeavours prove successful.

FI

film@gairrhydd.com

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Your favourite Chrimbo classics in less than 140 characters! Merry Christmas from @QuenchFilm!

trailer trash

Film

The Hunger Games Released: March 23rd 2012

For those who couldn't put down Suzanne Collins's gut-wrenchingly exciting trilogy of novels, this trailer will surely whet your appetite for the movie adaptation due out next year. It's a testament to both Collins' highly descriptive writing that director Gary Ross is able to bring the novel to life with startling accuracy - the post-apocalyptic setting is perfectly illustrated, and the tyranny of society within Panem couldn't be more apparent as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) makes the ultimate sacrifice by competing in an adolescent bloodbath called the Hunger Games, saving her little sis from almost certain death. If the rest of this two and a half minute preview is anything to go by, what follows will ensure that the edge of your seat is threadbare by the film's closure. In the age of Twilight, this has the potential to reaffirm young adult literature's deserved respect in the forefront of cinema. Bring on next year. MA

soundtrack film festival Between 16 - 20 November, Cardiff and Newport welcomed back Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival for its third time after a year off. Growing year by year, with more guest appearances, bigger films and workshops for budding filmmakers and critics, highlights this year included advance screenings of Steve McQueen’s second effort Shame, Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut Coriolanus, a special evening devoted to A Clockwork Orange, a live rescoring of Faust by The Guillemots and a few hidden indie gems.

The festival takes a different approach to film by focussing on the musical side of it. There were Q&As with composers of a number of the films on show and documentaries on figures in the music industry.

film@gairrhydd.com

Here at Quench we were lucky enough to get media passes leading to a weekend of feeling important, lounging around in drinks receptions in the BAFTA Bar… oh and we watched some films, too. MW

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Film

Soundtrack:

FILM Reviews Opening Night Film: Shame Dir: Steve McQueen Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale

film@gairrhydd.com

It will not be getting a general release until February next year but the lucky people who went along to the opening night of the festival were treated to an advance screening of Steve McQueen’s second outing in the director’s chair. An unflinching study of sex obsession, Shame is not for the faint of heart.

Not only is this McQueen’s second directorial effort, it is also his second collaboration with Hunger star Michael Fassbender, who delivers a stunning performance as Brandon. Brandon has gone to every effort to control every aspect of his life only for his sister, played brilliantly by Carey Mulligan. In a successful attempt to go against typecasting, Mulligan arrives and all Brandon's carefully constructed shields begin to fall around him.

Perhaps what is most impressive, and refreshing, about this film is that it has recognised that a large number of people will be put off by the subject matter and rather than trying to tempt these people to watch it by toning itself down it has instead made no comprises in its explicit nature.

While it refuses to back down in this way it has also carefully avoided degenerating into a porn

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film. The inevitable sex scenes are a mixed bag of subtlety and excess on screen while creating discomfort and at one point truly heartfelt sympathy for Brandon among the audience.

While at times the content may make the audience shuffle in their seats, they will be constantly awestruck by the captivating talent on display, both in front and behind the camera. Each scene is beautifully captured with a huge range of shots, varying from massive exterior urban landscapes highlighting the loneliness that results from Brandon’s lifestyle to a mesmerisingly intense scene focusing only on Mulligan’s face. The score is equally impressive and is another tool in this film's arsenal of audience engaging devices.

This review may not have persuaded anyone sat on the fence, or those firmly planted on the other side, but for those who intend to see Shame I can assure you that February can not come soon enough.

Morten Wright

9/10 Festival Audience Reaction: Rapturous applause by all with much praise in the subsequent Q&A session.

Film Film

Dir: Ralph Fiennes Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Chastain, Gerard Butler Adapting the works of Shakespeare into a modern day context has always held mixed opinions, having the potential to either dismay any traditional Shakespeare lovers or bore those who are lost by the language. However, having enjoyed the results of Baz Lurhmann’s 1996 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, I had high hopes for Ralph Fienne’s directorial debut of similar style, adapting the lesser known Coriolanus to modern day, war-torn Rome.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before I came to realise this was no fast-paced, visually stunning Luhrmann piece but a dialogue heavy trudge through political debate, all in Shakespearian lingo: not my cup of tea. Arguably, I didn’t appreciate the language but on reflection, it’s not that I was lost throughout the movie; the plot, put simply, is dull. In essence famine-related rioting forces general Coriolanus (played by Fiennes

himself) out of Rome, where he joins the rival Volscian army to take revenge upon the city.

Sure enough, blood-splattered drama ensues as we follow Coriolanus’ uneasy ride as a heartless Roman general.

The film has been praised for its clarity, attention to detail and intelligence, sticking closely to the original text in order to preserve the classic drama. For Shakespeare enthusiasts, such loyalty to the original text may prove very interesting but for your average, student cinemagoer, “clarity” and “attention to detail” translate as slow paced and monotonous.

Undeniably, the cast is superb with Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Chastain giving incredible performances as Caius’ grief stricken mother and wife. Gerard Butler, James Nesbit and Brian Cox are also perfectly cast and in terms of dramatic performances, this is where Coriolanus as a film excels; there’s no weak link in the cast.

Don’t expect this classic saga to be brought excitingly into the 21st Century, more a strict homage to the original story, which happens to be set in modern day Rome.

Fraser Isaac

Festival Audience Reaction:

2/10

film@gairrhydd.com

Closing Night Film: Coriolanus

Lukewarm applause, at best.

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Soundtrack:Film Reviews Bellflower The second night of the festival was one that I was greatly anticipating after reading the programme. Bellflower is the feature length directorial debut from Evan Glodell, a young man who abandoned studying engineering at college and moved to Hollywood to try to make it in the film industry. If Bellflower is one thing above all else, then it is proof that he made the right choice.

A delirious mix of love, loss and irresponsible twenty-somethings operating flamethrowers, the film follows Woodrow and Aiden, two childhood friends who dream of the apocalypse only to have their world turned upside down by an unexpected threat much closer to home.

This is homemade daring filmmaking made without permits, licenses or insurance and the result is near perfect.

Morten Wright

Festival Audience Reaction: Awkward but well deserved applause from a small but entertained turnout.

9/10

Hari Kiri: Death of a Samurai With my lack of familiarity with Japanese cinema I am afraid I cannot compare this remake to the 1962 original. Unfortunately, the tale of family tragedy and one man’s quest for revenge was a somewhat disappointing first foray into the nation's cinematic output.

The film was beautifully shot and the use of 3D was admirably subtle and absorbing at the same time, just as it should be with the new technology. It opened relatively slowly but built up tension effectively, only to cut away to what was essentially a flashback about an hour in, which, while necessary to build character and explain the plot, led the audience to forget all about the tension that had been built up. It was undeniably an emotional story, but after a stuttering build up the pay off of a big fight scene was clumsy and overlong.

Morten Wright

film@gairrhydd.com

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Festival Audience Reaction: The loud snores of a man a few seats down was possibly an anomaly but nobody was all that enthused.

5/10

Best Film For...

Film

Super Soundtracks (500) Days of Summer (2009) ...discovering your favourite new song Few people are cold-hearted enough to dislike the fantastically quirky mishmash of experimental editing that is (500) Days of Summer. Tom (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and Summer’s (Zooey Deschanel) too-good-to-be-true relationship set the precedent for a new, idiosyncratic sub-genre of romantic comedy – the anti-love story. Providing a perfectly indie backdrop for Mark Webb’s distinctively newwave style of directing, the film’s soundtrack is like the mix-tape you wish you’d thought of: classics such as Hall & Oates’s ‘You Make My Dreams’ are bookended

by Regina Spektor’s dynamic piano ballad ‘Us’ and Mumm-Ra’s delightfully catchy ‘She’s Got You High.’ Each track provides a snapshot of Tom and Summer’s turbulent romance, and as the film jumps haphazardly between past and present, a different melody will be there to remind you how quickly things can change from sentimental bliss to heartbreak. Regardless of the emotional statement each song makes, all are worth a listen.

Matt Ayres

tron: Legacy (2010) ...funkadelic first attempts While not a masterpiece in terms of plot and entertainment, Tron: Legacy was most definitely an example of technical achievement on all levels and, in that sense, was a satisfying and deserved pay off for Disney’s brave attempt to revive the often laughed at Tron. Joseph Kosinski’s directorial debut promises a great future in spectacle cinema for the talented architect turned director. However, the crowning achievement of this film was undoubtedly the score by Daft Punk. With a much larger almost operatic scope this was something very new from the mysterious duo but it feels sits perfectly with the sci-fi-almost-epic.

Morten Wright

The life aquatic with steve zissou (2004) ...david bowie appreciation Wes Anderson has attracted haters upon haters due to his ‘quirky iPod playlist’ soundtracks. That couldn’t be further from the truth in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Here, Anderson employs Seu Jorge, a Brazilian singer-songwriter, to play the character Pelé dos Santos (the most laidback safety-expert sailor working for Team Zissou), and to cover a variety of David Bowie songs - in Portuguese. The result is a beautiful, raw set of songs that not only reassert David Bowie’s songwriting genius but also reflect the relaxing, breezy atmosphere depicted in a movie whose premise is built on an unsettling and depressing quest for vengeance. The finest musical moment of the movie, however, has to be attributed to Sigur Rós’ ‘Svefn-g-englar’, which plays as Steve Zissou faces his nemesis and comes to terms with mortality. Containing Anderson’s finest cinematography, Life Aquatic is as hilarious as it is emotional and thought provoking. Never has Bill Murray made me cry this much.

Tiago Franco

2/10

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I ain Canning n t e r v i e w After the opening night film, Shame, Quench Film caught up with its producer Iain Canning, Cardiff University graduate, to talk about the film itself and his role in the industry in general...

Having seen the film, we're curious to know how you came to take part in the project and did you actively look to work with Steve again?

Iain: Yeah, I had a very small role in his first film, Hunger, where I was involved in a very corporate way selling the territory rights of the film around the world and got to know Steve through that.

When I became a producer, which was straight after making Hunger, he said we could do a project.

He and Abi Morgan had a really long conversation about the internet, its effects and the fact that we’re in a world where there is just total access of information or pornography or whatever you want in the world and sort of look at that idea of sexual obsession and pornography and it sort of started from there. We didn’t know if it was a film at that stage and we started to speak to a few people in London about certain groups that could put us in touch with people we could have a chat with.

It was during the time the whole tabloidization of Tiger Woods' life was coming about and they were very reluctant to talk. The place where they were less reluctant was New York so we ended up there and that’s why the film is set there, because of the number of men and women’s stories we heard were in that city.

You didn’t sugar-coat Brandon's sex addiction issue, but arguably it was perhaps too explicit. What would you have to say to people who think that?

film@gairrhydd.com

Iain: I don’t think you can approach the conversation of sex addiction or sexual obsession whichever way on the spectrum you want to discuss it without being frank about the way in which the sex life differs from scenario to scenario. I think you cannot come at Brandon’s life without seeing the disconnection between romance and sex for him, and so the only way you can do that is through showing that process. In Trainspotting you see the needle going in the arm, it would be to-

50

tally unreasonable to not see him in a sexual situation and I think every single scene that involves sexual activity in the film, I would argue, shows you the mind of Brandon at that point in time and also the mind of these incredible other characters and the women in the film who were amazing actors so I think it's totally justified. It’s very strange because normally as a producer you’re the person who is meant to be saying to the filmmaker ‘We’ve got to compromise to build the budget. We need to compromise to get the film out there.’ and we always thought that everyone who financed the film wanted a Steve McQueen film, which was actually quite liberating. We never thought that we would even get a North American distributor and then we ended up getting Fox Searchlight, which is one of the best, if not the best. It’s a very odd moral for a producer to tell, we totally didn’t compromise and we got everything we wanted.

I’m sure you’ve been asked many times before, but with the success of The King’s Speech do you feel pressure that Shame should do as well or does it not come in to it?

Iain: Well I think they’re two very different films but they’re connected in one way in the sense that I think they were very talented teams making a British film. The great thing about Shame was that there was that combination of that great British crew and the incredible American crew and then we brought it back to Britain for the score and the editing process with Harry and Joe Walker the editor. They’re very different tonally but I guess my company See Saw is about supporting creative talent wherever they want to tell their stories and whatever stories they want to tell. So long as I’m engaged by whatever story they’re telling I don’t really mind what’s tone or tough comment.

'It’s a very odd moral for a producer to tell, we totally didn’t compromise and we got everything we wanted' Along with See Saw you’ve also helped to set up Fulcrum Media Finance. With the UK Film Council now defunct, where do you see the most promising opportunity for the future of British cinema?

Iain: I think a lot of the talent that was involved in choosing and selecting films has moved across to the BFI, and I think the BFI have got a wonderful opportunity to support British film and to take

up the good work that was taking place at the UK Film Council. I think it’s a very exciting time for British film overall, there’s a generational shift happening a little bit in terms of filmmakers that I’ve been speaking to. I’ve worked recently with some filmmakers who are incredibly influenced by '70s cinema, films like Taxi Driver, or The French Connection, whereas now I feel like although people will always be admiring of those classics we’re moving into a generation that grew up in the '80s.

Now I’m strangely hearing Die Hard being referenced or other types of films, and they’re equally talented filmmakers as the other people I’ve been working with. I think this year’s been incredible if you look at the success of The King’s Speech, The Inbetweeners and Harry Potter, they’re three very different British films but they’re all very British films and I think that is kind of encouraging for all of us really, that British people are going to see British films.

'There's a generational shift happening in terms of filmmakers' A lot of big names in Hollywood are now moving to more TV based opportunities like Martin Scorsese with Boardwalk Empire and Frank Darabont with The Walking Dead, do you think it’s a good shift to change the talent over?

Iain: It’s not something that I think has any barrier anymore in terms of moving fluidly from film to television and back and forth. So I think it is very fluid and I think it is very exciting and I think it’s a way of telling a longer story. I think there’s really interesting films and there’s really interesting television and that’s a good thing.

to Bristol and I kind of got my CV out to every short film, Casualty, Only Fools and Horses, everything that was being filmed in Bristol at the time.

I got an interview with somebody to be a runner on a short film and I went to the interview and it was going really well and I thought I definitely had the job and then at the end of it they said ‘Well if you could pick me up on Monday we can drive to a couple of locations’ and then I said ‘Oh, I don’t drive’ and they said ‘Well it’s not going to work’.

So they said ‘OK, my girlfriend’s in London and works for this company called Renaissance Films and they’re looking for a runner so why don’t you go up there and try for that job?’ They’d already given that job to somebody else but he didn’t show up for work in the first week, so I went up for the interview and they were desperate. They gave me the job I ended up sort of working my way through and ended up in their marketing department being involved in poster design and just worked really really hard and then managed to get into development acquisitions and then ended up being in sales and then I became a producer. So it was a totally random way through and I think the one thing I would say to anyone is that if you think you have an idea on how many jobs there are in film or the media when you first graduate you have no clue because there are so many diverse jobs in film; there’s a great opportunity to find your niche if you’re passionate enough.

One last thing: did you cameo in the last scene of Shame?

Iain: I did cameo in the last scene, yeah.

That’s poor producing because that’s not having the money for extras that day.

Interviewers: Fraser Isaac and Morten Wright

With bigger names starting to use 3D, but also more names that you might not expect like Werner Herzog, can you see yourself using the technology in a more artistic way rather than the more sci-fi and children’s films its used in at the moment?

Iain: I think that in terms of film it will be really interesting because Carey Mulligan’s currently shooting The Great Gatsby and I think that’s a really interesting film to be in 3D because I think that book was written very much with the idea of being in the room during these this period of time and these relationships so the idea that dramatically, rather than things coming out at you, you can be in the drama is kind of interesting. I think that is a really interesting test case for drama and I think 3D done properly is incredible.

A lot of our readership will be interested or looking to get into the industry could you give us an insight on the path that you took and any advice for budding producers?

Iain: I graduated from here and went back home

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Twenty Eleven: Film

As our year draws to a close, Quench Film reminisces over this years most memorable cinema...

127 Hours released: January 7th Danny Boyle’s much-anticipated new film was at the height of cinematic discussion back in January – starring the increasingly acclaimed James Franco as mountain climber Aron Ralston, 127 Hours was to be a jarring and gritty depiction of a remarkable, true survival story. The British director did not disappoint, creating a visually magnificent and emotionally crushing feature. Lasting 94 minutes, the camera rarely strays from Franco as he finds himself inescapably trapped beneath a boulder in Robbers Roost, Utah. Despite the claustrophobic setting, though, the film starkly avoids being boring through a masterfully woven series of flashbacks and insights into the desperate protagonist’s psyche. This is a victorious and awardworthy piece of filmmaking that will doubtlessly be remembered as one of Boyle’s best efforts.

Matt Ayres

the kings speech released: January 7th

film@gairrhydd.com

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Simply put, this is a film about a man’s speech impediment. There is no CGI, little action and the only warning given is the use of ‘strong language in a speech therapy content.’ Whatever that means.

Yet, the story of one man’s struggle to speak publically managed to capture the attention of both audiences and critics alike. Set in one of the most dramatic moments of the 20th century, the film follows King George VI (Colin Firth) as he attempts to conquer his stammer and comfort a people threatened by war. Audiences wanting a dramatic chase or blissful romantic ending will be disappointed as it is clear from the title what is to be expected. It’s just a speech, but Hollywood still loved this unmistakeably British film, full of an understated charm which is often lacking in mainstream cinema.

Rachel Moloney

Submarine released: march 18th Based on Joe Dunthorne’s novel of the same title, Submarine follows fifteen-year-old Oliver Tate, a Welsh school boy whose vivid imagination is far from his dull, suburban reality. Believed to be loved by his classmates and mischievous classmate Jordana, in reality Oliver is a pretentious social misfit who’s struggling to cope with his parent’s separation. The film doesn’t try too hard to be desperately clever as it follows Oliver’s quest to lose his virginity by his next birthday and re-ignite the spark in his parent’s dead-end marriage.

Directed by The IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade and with music from Artic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, Submarine’s the low-key, indie gem of 2011.

Fraser Isaac

harry potter & the deathly hallows: pt 2 released: july 15th After what had been a slightly disappointing first half of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2 was not looking hopeful in my eyes. However, I was pleasantly surprised. For me this was by far the best film of the bunch, reaching a type of epic-ness that had previously only been seen in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy. As the siege of Hogwarts loomed it created a level of emotion and poignancy that was distinctly lacking in Dobby’s death scene. Although elements of the books were left out it was a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, spectacle that kept you entertained from start to finish.

Emma Wilford

cowboys & aliens released: july 29th

film@gairrhydd.com

It sounds like a film put together by a focus group of children – Cowboys & Aliens, starring James Bond and Indiana Jones. By rights, it ought to be ridiculous.

Often it is, but that doesn’t matter a bit because Cowboys & Aliens is also superb. Sometimes all you want from a film is to be carried along by its silliness and just enjoy the ride, which you certainly do with this film. It’s easy to suppose that the combination of two such traditionally mantastic genres as Sci-fi and the Western would create the ultimate boys’ film, but it actually results in a good old-fashioned adventure movie that appeals to both genders. The casting of Daniel Craig (a man whose pout could snap a garter at twenty paces) probably helps to keep the attention of the fairer sex, but really what recommends the film to all its viewers is its sense of fun, which it has in spades.

Becca Eustis

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The team editor Gavin Jewkes Features Alexi Gunner, Camilla Flint, Lloyd Griffiths food Simone Miche & Chloe Slade books Alice Hughes fashion Leonie Roderick, Hann Davies, Lucy Trevallion travel Clare Baranowski & Lia Martin photos Tom Armstrong & Lucy Chip

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REVIEW 2011

lgbt+ Hector Roddan arts Asha Verma & Kirsty Allen music Emma Wilford, Jo Southerd & Phil Kenny film Fraser Isaac, Matt Ayres, Morten Wright

Cover art by the beautiful Isabel Larner.