Quench 146

Quench OCTOBER 2014

Issue 146

IN THIS ISSUE THE DARK SIDE OF ELEPHANT RIDES AND CUDDLES WITH TIGERS P.28 LONDON GRAMMAR TALK WINNING AWARDS, ALBUM NO.2 AND THEIR RISE TO FAME P.37 IS THIS THE YEAR OF DESTINY? VIDEO GAMES INVESTIGATES P.42

Image: Dennis Jarvis / Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

MONDAYS at

Selected pints from £1.49 Single and a mixer from £1.49 Shots from £1.00 Firebomb £1.49 YPlasCSU

YPlasCSU

Free entry before 11pm £3 on the door

Contents features 6

Letters to My Student Self

Students reflect on the mistakes their past selves made, so you can learn from them

10

Breaking the Ice

Are viral charity movements something to celebrate, or are they more sinister than that?

columnist 13

The Sketch

Columnist-in-exile Gareth Evans compares the British and American student experience

culture 14

Tawe Mega

The longest online poem, originating in Swansea and getting longer everyday

15

Graduate 2014: Wales Millenium Centre

Culture visits a display of specially selected Graduate artwork for all around Wales

16

Tom Wood - Landscapes

New Welsh Landscape photography from internationally acclaimed Tom Wood

18

The Changing Face of Opera

Opera gets a facelift for younger audiences as critics protest that it’s losing its voice

fashion & Beauty 20

Behind the Scenes at London Fashion Week

Discover what’s beyond the catwalks of LFW with Stephanie Powell and Jessica Rayner

22

Student Lock-In Survival Guide

Make the best of your experience at this year’s biggest shopping event

23

DIY Autumn Fashion

The changing seasons require a major wardrobe update; here’s how to do it cheaply

24

Insider Beauty Reviews

Our special insiders review and discuss currently-trending products

26

Men’s Autumn Fashion

Gentlemen, get your wallets ready: we’ve got some head-to-toe men’s fashion advice

6

23

Travel 28

COVER Animal Tourism: Is It Ever Right?

Emma Forbes investigates irresponsible animal tourism in Southeast Asia

30

Travel Photography Spotlight

Your photos and the stories behind them

32

The UK’s Top Islands

Five beautiful islands, right on your doorstep

Music 34

New/Newydd

New artists to look out for, as per our editors’ recommendations

35

Festival Previews

All there is to know about the best out-of-season festivals out there

36

Modern Baseball

The Philadelphia pop-punkers chat fitting music around college and pursuing their dreams

37

London Grammar

London Grammar talk to us about difficult album no. 2 and their rise to fame

38

Are Local Music Scenes at Risk?

India Thomas takes a look at what lies ahead for those at the heart of the UK music scene

40

Music Reviews

The best of this month’s live and album reviews, including Aphex Twin and Gnarwolves

16

Video Games 42

Destiny Awaits

One of the most highly anticipated releases reviewed

43

Dwarf Fortress: Losing is Fun

Losing is fun when playing one of the most addictive games ever made

44

Papers, Please: One Year Later

Glory to the nation of Arstotzka!

45

Monopolised Industry

EA dominates the gaming industry, but is this really the best situation?

57

film & TV 46

Horror TV

Alex Miarli tells us why Horror TV is getting its time in the spotlight

48

Take a Peeper at These Creepers

This selection of horrors is sure to give any Halloween filmathon a scary boost

50

Netflix Expenditure

Is streaming profitable after all? We explore the ins and outs of Netflix

51

The Attractiveness of the TV Remake

Do the Americans do it better? Or have we all become Americanised?

52

Genre in Review: Drama

Aaron Roberts takes a look at what makes drama such a compelling genre

Food & Drink 54

Baking Bad

Baking recipes to fill the Great British Bake Off shaped hole in your life

56

Gluten Fad Diets

Gluten free: not just a fashionable fad diet

57

Review: Got Beef

We took a trip to Got Beef to feast on their array of burgers

58

Food Societies

See what Cardiff Uni has to offer in the way of food and drink societies

52 3

@CARDIFFUNION CARDIFFBOXOFFICE CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM All tickets subject to booking fee

October Bedlam Presents RAM Cardiff

17/10/14, £14.00 ADV

Johnny Marr

18/10/14, £24.00 ADV

Kid Ink

21/10/14, £16.50 ADV

Clean Bandit 25/10/14 - SOLD OUT George Ezra 26/10/14 - SOLD OUT Kids In Glass Houses 31/10/14 - SOLD OUT

Twin Atlantic

02/11/14, £15.00 ADV

Rixton

07/11/14, £13.50 ADV/£27 VIP

December Echo & The Bunnymen

11/11/14, £13.00 ADV

04/12/14, £26.50 ADV

Lit

Embrace

13/11/14, £17.50 ADV

Passenger 16/11/14 - SOLD OUT Courteeners

17/11/14, £19.50

Suicide Silence

20/11/14, £12.00 ADV

Treatment ft. Annie Mac 21/11/14, £17.50 ADV

31/10/14, £16.00 ADV

The Kooks 22/11/14 - SOLD OUT

November

Pop Punks Not Dead ft.

New Found Glory

02/11/14, £16.50 ADV

27/11/14, £12.50 ADV

The Blackout

Treatment ft. Bondax & Friends

Asking Alexandra

Tonight Alive

23/11/14, £18.50 ADV

09/12/14, £19.50 ADV

January Neck Deep

26/01/15, £10.50 ADV

Quench EDITOR Sum Sze Tam

editor@quenchmag.co.uk @QuenchMag

DEPUTY EDITOR Chloe May HEAD OF DESIGN Emilia Ignaciuk FEATURES Aimee-lee Abraham Jason Roberts COLUMNIST Gareth Evans

features@quenchmag.co.uk @Quench_Features

@_GarethEvans

CULTURE Elouise Hobbs Jasmine Freeman

culture@quenchmag.co.uk

FASHION & BEAUTY Franciska Bodnar Nicole Petty

fashion@quenchmag.co.uk

TRAVEL Olivia Waltho

travel@quenchmag.co.uk

MUSIC Charlie Mock India Thomas

music@quenchmag.co.uk

VIDEO GAMES Alex Glazer

videogames@quenchmag.co.uk

FILM & TV Aaron Roberts Charlie Andrews

film@quenchmag.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Emma Giles Kathryn Lewis

food@quenchmag.co.uk

@QuenchCulture

@Quench_Fashion

@Quench_Travel

@QuenchMusic

QuenchStreetStyle

Quench_Travel

QuenchMusic

@QuenchGames

@QuenchFilm

@Quench_Food

SUBEDITOR Rhian Carruthers

@RoutineEnvelope

ART EDITORS Franciska Bodnar Naomi Brown Eleanor Duffy Lucy Okell Olivia Thomas Georgia Hamer

@frankiebods @honeyandbrown @eleanorduff y @lucyokell @oliviadthomas @georgialeehamer

QuenchMusic

EDITOR’S N O T E The Chronicles of Tiredness continue on in this issue of Quench. I’m tired, the Head of Design is tired, Tough Nuts (if you haven’t met Chloe May, Deputy Ed, you’ll find that she’s no crunchy cookie) is tired, even my mates are tired just looking at me. “You busy bee!” They say. “Bwuuuuguhhhghh,” I reply.

Despite all the bleary-eyed moping, one social trend has slowly become apparent to me over the past few weeks, where loads of people who I’ve never met but want to get involved with Quench have started speaking to me. Every email or message begins with “Hi, Sum!” or “Dear Sum”, the tone ranging from chick-like anticipation and top-hatlevel gravitas.

Here I am presented with a problem. A misunderstanding has occurred, and I don’t know how to correct people without being very, very awkward. So, like the awkwardest of them all, I am tackling the problem behind the protection of a screen and a keyboard.

The problem is this: my name, as most Chinese names do, consists of not one word, but two. Therefore, my name is not in fact “Sum” but “Sum Sze”. Tam is my last name. By putting this information in the public domain, I hope not to achieve a reputation as a complete bigot, but to clarify my lifelong struggle with correct nomenclature.

To follow up on my foreign name, I’d like to introduce you to my foreign origins. I’m from Hong Kong, which is perhaps most famous right now for the mass pro-democracy protests. It’s hard being on the other side of the world when a revolution is sweeping up my entire home city in a huge wave - a city that is usually ruled by money, profit, and reputation, not liberal political protest. Before this, the greatest incentive to form a large crowd would be an 80% off sale in the shopping districts (which is pretty fantastic, to be fair), not carrying out a peaceful movement against Beijing.

This might sound like the usual international student waffle, where everything someone British

refers to is related to something from “back home”, but this is important in a wider social context, too.

It’s funny how differently people will behave under the influence of huge events like Occupy Central.

View it through the lens of social phenomena.

My entire facebook feed is consumed by people divided over Occupy Central. And, as with any major movement or trend or craze, it’s populated by sheeple. It’s almost tragic, but sheeplest of them all are the young ones - the kids who are old enough to speak and understand speech quite well, but not old enough to truly understand the consequences of what they’re doing in by joining in with the fray. To them, how different is making their profile picture a yellow ribbon from posting up a video of them pouring a bucket of ice over themselves?

(Incidentally, Features is covering the ALS ice bucket challenges this month on page 10.)

My own cousins (and I hope they never read this) are a prime example of this. They get Dudley Dursley-portion birthday presents each, are members of at least two of the most expensive and prestigious private clubs in Hong Kong, and their parents own three racehorses. They belong to the very same community they are protesting against. I can’t help but think how they’ll feel when they look back on it one day. Discomforted? Guilty? It’s not really their fault, so it’s a weird situation.

It makes me wonder about myself, and whether in maybe a year’s or two years’ time I’ll look back and really cringe at the things I put my time into (like Quench), or the life decisions I made (like those about my career).

I spoke to somebody wise the other day, and he said something about writing that could be an analogy for many more things. He said that if you look back at your writing from a year ago and don’t regret that you wrote them, you’re a fool.

I’m probably going to regret these words, as poorly written as they are, the moment I print them.

Does that make me really wise?

SPECIAL THANKS TO Michael O’Connell-Davidson, for his support and guidance; Elaine Morgan, for being a real lifesaver; Rob England, the ever-present funnyman; Josh Edwards, master of both baritone and falsetto; Sam Lloyd, for his funky chocolate; Sarah Johnson, Madeleine Banfield, Isabel Sharp, George Rinaldi, Chloe Rest, Chloe Livadeas, Ria Hope, Cara Bills, and Tom Morris for generously giving up their time to join us on a rainy night; Alex Glazer, Emrhys Pickup, Charlie Mock, India Thomas, and Jimmy Dunne for staying up with us till late in the evening.

5

Letter to my student self Seven current and former students reflect on mistakes and memories made during their time at Uni

“Maybe spend a tiny bit more time in the gym and the library and a tiny bit less drinking and reading Beat poetry”

6

Letter 1 Dear anxious fresher self, If I could squeeze myself back into my 18 year old shoes, listening to the animated chatter of my new housemates in the kitchen as I exited the lift at University halls, I’d tell myself one thing: breathe.

Just breathe. My head was full of anxious noise: What if they don’t like me? What if they’ve already made enough friends? What if I’m stuck with a bunch of lunatics? Ridiculously, I’d spent the week before moving to uni in a state of panic: buying new clothes, dyeing my hair, going on a diet. All of that effort and energy, all to impress people I’d never met.

By the time I’d arrived and unpacked, by the time those housemates timidly knocked on the door to ask if I wanted to join them for pre-drinks, I’d calmed down enough just to have a laugh. And after three glasses of Aldi’s finest, it was as if I was surrounded by the same friends I’d known all my life back home.

If there was any last minute advice I’d bestow upon myself back then, I’d join a society during freshers

week instead of taking a whole year to summon up the courage. I’d also actually drag myself out of bed on that dreaded Thursday morning and make an appearance at the 9am lecture. Even if I fell asleep a quarter of the way through, at least I could say I’d tried.

There is more to Cardiff than the row of clubs on Greyfriar’s Road, but by the time you reach final year, you’ll kind of miss recklessly visiting them three or four times a week. There are people to meet outside your little four-walled bubble. Explore. Student accommodation is mad and vast enough to house the best kind of people to party with, study with, and just chill with.

Above all, savour every last minute of being a Fresher; you will never get away with being as outrageous again in your uni career. Stupid choices can be erased because you’re basically a baby.

In final year, your future self will shake her head at the fresh meat tumbling out of Koko Gorilaz after their very first pint. She is not disapproving, she is merely green with envy. Anxious fresher self, I wish I were you again.

— Alex Chapman

fe atures

Letter 2 University life is an insular universe. At their core, campuses are stomping grounds for young people at various stages of development to discover their future selves. You’ll do this by drinking a stunningly paradoxical and potently toxic cocktail of Czech beer, red wine, live music, occasional anxiety, superficial self assuredness, urban tribe association, political angst, feigned aloofness, indulgent narcissism, blissful ignorance and a (still) undeniably charming ability to make and break friendships like you’re half Tinder virtuoso, half delayed onset sociopath.

It takes a long time to sober up after downing that cocktail. It’s a recipe for fun-laden disaster, and people can handle it with varying degrees of success.

Alongside the good times you’re going to become an anxious mess with an astonishing talent for appearing to function as an actual human being. You’ll have a great time sometimes, but often you’ll be struggling inside. Sometimes you’ll find it pretty hard to get motivated. Sometimes you’ll want to stay in alone to escape the cauldron of everything else. This will be difficult to process. The times that you give in to feeling like shit will leave you struggling with the knowledge that you have allowed yourself to somehow miss out. It’s a vicious cycle. You’re acutely aware that university is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the self imposed burden of missing a night out, not seeing any of your friends for a few nights running or

missing a lecture will only volumize your anxiety.

Don’t beat yourself up so much. You’re just breaking the shackles of arrested development whilst being completely unqualified to do so. I don’t know if this is mental illness, the blues or just something symptomatic of young modern life. I just know that the best thing you can do for yourself is to let go.

Some of what you do will matter greatly and some of what you do won’t matter at all, so go easy on the angst.

You’ll make some lifelong friends while others ride off into the sunset, either amicably or otherwise (some of them are probably riding straight back to where they came from). You’ll find it impossible to tell who will stick around for the long haul and who won’t, so don’t try and figure that out. Some missed lectures won’t bite you in the ass, others will. Some dates will be numbing insights into absolute nothingness, others will be the most life-changing nights of your life. This is all pretty generic. But that’s the point.

You’re going through what almost everybody else does in your own idiosyncratic way.

None of your friends know that you feel like shit sometimes, so odds are that a lot of them are secretly going through the exact same thing. This doesn’t mean that things don’t matter or mistakes don’t happen - it might be a good idea, for instance, not to spend an entire night moving traffic cones round Cathays to close off roads inhabited by people you’re not particularly fond of. Or to tell that police horse to go fuck itself. Or to pass out in Welsh Club the night

Letter 3 Dear Past-self, I am writing to you to inform of how you should handle freshers. As you’re probably a little hungover and fuzzy-headed right now, I am going to compress this wealth of knowledge into bullet points for your convenience.

1. If you think you might have had enough to drink, you’re probably right.

2. If a friend offers you a glass of water, take the hint. You’re too drunk.

3. No amount of tit tape will keep a strapless top in place at a foam party.

4. Fellow foam partygoers will be able to see your white top has gone see-through.

5. No one is ‘good’ at drinking games.

6. Do not leave your alcohol supply in the kitchen, or it will be liberated.

7. The same goes for opened chocolate and biscuits…

8. You will not go to 9am lectures, neither will you write up the PowerPoint afterwards…but please try.

9. Food after a night out is always a good idea.

The same can be said for water. And Advil.

10. Promoters are not your friends. They either want your money or what’s in your pants.

11. Speaking of pants, you will run out. Buy more. Turning them inside-out DOES NOT count.

before that semi-important lab. But you’ll get through it. Just like you’ll get through everything else.

The simple lesson is that there is a certain levity in almost every individual thing you do, but that your collective actions and approach to life will define who you are. Sweat the small things less, and spend a little more time just being you. A lot of the time you’ll remember your emotions more than your actions anyway, so just do what makes you happy. But maybe spend a tiny bit more time in the gym and the library and a tiny bit less drinking and reading Beat poetry.

There’s no room for Kerouac in the 21st century, spontaneity is arranged in advance on Facebook.

And go to some God damn lectures, they are far more interesting than you think.

But most importantly, don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to come to terms with adulthood. The real world is just a feature length university degree, and all the cast are still there - the ‘lads’ with their casual misogyny and creatine induced brain fog, the annoyingly sycophantic arse kisser who wants to trample on everyone on the race to the top of an imaginary mountain, the poshos who have the most diverse array of middle class problems, the people who hate the poshos with their diverse array of middle class problems, the people who are just quietly good at everything, and you. Just enjoy it without entirely fucking up, but don’t worry if you do fuck up from time to time. It’s that simple.

— Anonymous

“No amount of tit tape will keep a strapless top in place at a foam party.”

12. Read the labels. Heed this advice, and you can escape a multitude of unfortunate (and totally avoidable) scenarios.

13. The North/South divide is real, but the novelty of taking the piss out of each other’s accents and slang will soon wear off.

14. You will argue with your flatmates. Suck it up, you are just as annoying as they are.

15. You will disgust yourself in 10,000 ways during freshers. Learn to love yourself anyway, it’ll make your first year a lot easier!

Regards, Captain Hindsight — Stephanie Powell

7

Letter 4 Em, Cardiff University is about so many amazing experiences: love, friends, learning and success.

Being there will help you discover who you are and what you want from life. Unfortunately, you will also experience immense pressure, in terms of academia and in terms of your appearance and how you perceive it. It is the belief that you are not good enough that will result in the near-destruction of your body.

If there is one thing you will learn it is that there are no limits to what you can achieve in life if you try hard enough, but there are always limits with an eating disorder.

Engage with the help that doctors provide you with, and start trusting those closest to you.

Throw away the fashion magazines and diet books.

Start admiring people who have overcome the most horrendous circumstances by being strong and brave rather than those prized on their appearance alone.

Appreciate the natural beauty in life. Explore nature. Travel. Rescue people and animals in need.

Smash up your weighing scales. Plaster your walls

with inspirational quotes. Tear down the sickly-thin models. And if you feel like eating a piece of cake then go ahead because there is no need to be frightened.

You’ll soon find out that there are many people in this world who discriminate against those with mental health issues, and it is this that will ultimately lead you to the decision to talk about your experiences in the hope that you can change the opinion of those who are ignorant. No one should be made to feel like they are worthless just because they are fighting a constant internal battle, albeit invisible.

Pay attention to what I am about to say: Em, you were born for better things. There is more to being beautiful than dieting, makeup and fashion.

You don’t judge any of your friends on the way they look, so why are you judging yourself? Beauty is internal, and you cannot measure or weigh it.

Don’t just show those around you kindness but look in the mirror, smile genuinely and give yourself the same treatment. Lastly, and most importantly of all, remember the final words that your Nonna said to you - “Look after yourself”.

— Emma Wilson

“Plaster your walls with inspirational quotes. Tear down the sickly-thin models.

And if you feel like eating a piece of cake, then go ahead”

Letter 5 Dear student self, I want you to think about something. Think about how much time you have wasted worrying about what other people think of you. It’s time to stop. The only opinion that should matter is the one that you have of yourself.

University means that people from all walks of life come together. This inevitably means that you will meet people who are different to you. You will witness people behaving in a way you’d never dream of and see them doing things you would never do. This will teach you what you are not.

The differences in opinion you will come across will prove frustrating at times, but you will learn in this the value of staying out of other people’s business.

8

Their business is exactly that – theirs and theirs alone.

In future, it’s probably best to keep your mouth shut.

Your judgemental opinions do nobody any favours.

Observe, care, but don’t say anything. Leave people alone to fix their problems in their own way, just as you have previously done and will inevitably continue to do.

On the other hand, don’t run from your emotions. Never feel pressured into feeling a certain way. University provides you with the freedom to design your future, so never forget that and grab every opportunity to do the things you want to do.

Oscar Wilde once said to ‘Be yourself – everyone else is already taken’. Learn to embrace who you are, even if you have to find out what you are not first. Be yourself and yourself alone.

— Anne Porter xx

features

“Unless your friends are financing, feeding or fucking you, do not live with them”

Letter 6 Listen up, past-George. These lessons were not on the university curriculum: Living with ladies You totally clicked in your first year. It was beautiful.

A friendship so pure you decided to live together as a collective mass of oestrogen. Other friendship groups on campus aspired to be like yours. You guys just got each other, right?

You were going to live the dream. What could be better than living with your BEST FRIENDS!?

Everything will be perfect and pristine. You’ll cook for each other, share clothes and offer unconditional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Fuck off.

As soon as your menses sync, you’re all fucked.

I’m serious. Spending 24 hours a day with a human you’re not in a relationship with is going to end in tears. Unless your friends are financing, feeding or fucking you, do not live with them. Girl friends are not supposed to live in such close quarters.

Women are relentless. Absolutely nothing is sacred, Georgina. Shampoo will be pissed in and corn flakes will be spat on. Don’t think for one second that girls aren’t capable of this. We are. Future you has seen it all. From mouldy makeup wipes to festering plates, know that there is nothing ladylike about living with ladies.

Sex, drugs and lectures I’m not endorsing the use of drugs or promoting unsafe sex. What I am saying is that if you’re going to partake in such acts, get it out the way sooner rather than later. Ideally without paying for either of them. The best time to get fucked, as a student, is in your first year. Expectations are low. Your first

year ISN’T EVEN MARKED, George. If you want to party with Charlie on a Tuesday and bed a randomer on a Thursday, just do it. Get it out of your system.

Fresher’s week isn’t long enough to partake in all acts of debauchery so your party lifestyle will inevitably overlap with your degree. Let it, but be aware that shit will get real in your second year.

It’s hard to focus with a gram of speed whizzing around your skull so lay off the sordid acts of filth and knuckle down. No one likes the smell of a come down on a Wednesday morning. Don’t be that guy.

Developing a strong work ethic in year two will prepare you for your final year. During this time, you will morph into a caffeine dependant psychopath. Don’t be alarmed when you start crying at your microwave. You’ll get through. Trust me. I have a crystal ball. All is well.

Letter 7

Tutors and Tribulations Remember that your tutors are human. They fuck up just like you so don’t be too hard on them. The majority of tutors are doing the best they can with what they’ve got. A tutor is only as good as his/ her students, so don’t be pointing the pinkie of blame too quickly. If you’re looking for brownie points from your tutor, subtly stroke the shaft of their ego while gently cupping their self-esteem.

This is a proven technique future you stumbled upon, known as ‘Shit Faced’. Ram your head so far up their colon they can’t fart without you knowing about it. Set aside your pride and get on with it. It doesn’t matter how good your work is, if you have a bad attitude they won’t care about you. Rightly so.

Ultimately, these people decide your marks. Your marks will determine your job opportunities and secure your fate, so take a deep breath and prepare to get messy.

To the Graduate, True, your circumstances aren’t great. You’re skint; there truly are no jobs going - not even in retail; you’re sleeping on the living room floor of your one-bedroom flat, having broken-up with the girl you moved-in with; and all your friends are planning to move away, or already have. These all place a strain on your available options, but just be patient.

Yes, the rich kids will get the customary hand-outs to fund unpaid internships in London, but don’t let that make you hasty - your chance will come. Despite his guidance on doubling-up condoms “just to be safe”, Dad will actually provide some surprisingly sound advice: “You’re either happy in work, or happy at home. If you have one, you’re doing well. If you have both, you’re doing great”. There are opportunities everywhere - even in Cardiff. You just have to find them.

You really do make your own luck.. Sarah was not wrong - your passion and diligence will pay dividends in the end. Keep working, learning, emailing people and pushing yourself. This way you’ll also speed-up working out what you want to do with your life.

Maintain your belief that finding a job you love is not just an unattainable ideal. You can be inspired by your job while still being able to pay your bills. Alas, money won’t roll-in as it has for some, but the skills you will come to possess will be more valuable than any of the wages you will earn. And when anyone implies otherwise - that the sum of your bank balance reflects your worth - remember that money alone does not guarantee you happiness, but it can certainly make you a smug prick.

Finally, remember to enjoy yourself and the company of the people you meet along the way.

With love from the future,

— Georgina Evans

— Calum Daly

9

Breaking the ice After Movember and the No Make-Up Selfie, the Ice Bucket Challenge was the next viral charity sensation to take social media by storm. But is this really altruism, or something far less meaningful? Rhys Clayton investigates.

* it’s literally an ice breaker. Geddit?

10

FE ATURES

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Seems so last month talking about it now. But for a few weeks, it was the only item on our Facebook news feed.

It raised millions of pounds and dollars for good causes, namely Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS), and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND). The use of iced water wasn’t an accident; it was meant to deliver a temporary paralysis to imitate what motor neurone sufferers experience every day. But perhaps more than this; it was a fascinating insight into modern life.

In late June, Facebook was in trouble for conducting an experiment whereby they manipulated the content of users newsfeeds to monitor the effect it had on their mood. They needn’t have bothered. With the rise of the viral charity movements that their website helps facilitate, Facebook is sitting on a potential psychology goldmine. Just look why so many people are reacting so negatively to a seemingly good thing.

Some detractors called it a “narcissistic bonanza”, while others called it a “middle-class wet t-shirt contest”. Middle class? I don’t agree with that. All of society took part, from the richest celebs that probably had triple filtered alpine mineral water poured on them before being towel dried with the finest Egyptian cotton, to some of the least welloff in society - for example, students! And isn’t that fantastic? Britain is a staggeringly generous country, and we display our monetary kindness every day. Whether it’s rushing to the rescue of the recently fire-ravaged dog’s home in Manchester, or on a larger scale, the government ringfencing the £11 billion foreign aid budget. Fewer and fewer activities in the UK are accessible to all, from sport to theatre to holidays. But charity is so unifying because even a small donation can go a long way. Indeed, often the kindest gestures cost nothing.

But back to the topic at hand. Do I think it was narcissistic?

Absolutely. What are Facebook and Twitter if not virtual microphones broadcasting your greatest traits, and giving your tuppence worth on any current issue? Social media illustrates how competitive grieving is alive and well in this country. When someone dies, it’s a race to Twitter to tweet your condolences and #RIP, regardless of whether you know or cared for the person. At least in this case it was more a case of “competitive kindness”, a much more productive force for society, but it doesn’t mean there were unedifying aspects.

Yes, yes, how evil of me to talk out against charity. But enforced joviality has never appealed to me, and at what point does charity become an excuse; a passenger on the egomobile to a publicity platform. Last week, there was a man walking round Essex dressed in a full gimp suit. It probably scared the life out of the young and elderly but heck, it was all for a good cause, raising awareness for something or another.

I am not arguing that what you might call “publicity charity” or “slacktivism” is a bad thing per se. At the height of former United States Vice President Al Gore’s eco-crusade and the “An Inconvenient Truth” documentary film success, it was suggested that his climate campaigning was a helpful piggy back into the public’s conscience to further his own personal political aims. This may have been true, but as long as the world benefitted overall, does it matter if seemingly noble deeds have ulterior motives? Not hugely, but we should bear in mind that there is fantastic charitable work going on all around us that doesn’t get social media coverage. It was reported last week that Kids Company, a charity that supports 36,000 vulnerable children in London, Bristol and Liverpool will have to fold after Christmas unless it gets funding from the government.

You can’t have a huge social media campaign for every worthy cause. Some

“Look for long enough and you’ll find critics of the most noble, irreproachable causes”

asked the question whether August was a more charitable month than any other – yes, ALS benefitted, but did other causes receive less as a result? In other words, are our charitable resources finite?

Moving on to the charity itself, just like the Kony 2012 craze (misinformation and misspending) and even Comic Relief (investing in arms and tobacco shares), once an organisation gains acclaim, they’d better be ready for unbridled scrutiny. Under investigation, the ALS charity came up gasping for air under a tsunami of arctic water. Figures showed huge salaries to the management, flagrant wastes of money, improvident advertising budgets... The most indignant posted the figures breakdown on Facebook.

ALS has my sympathy. Not the management on nice salaries, but the organization as a whole. For what charities out there are perfect? We simply have to trust our donations will be spent wisely by the charity we bestow our hard earned upon.

I must admit, although I was nominated twice, I didn’t do the challenge, not for any reason other than I was busy traveling at the time and by the time I was ready to do it, the bandwagon had already left town.

The only thing worse than jumping on a bandwagon is trying to jump on when it’s already left. But I did donate, and also that week swam in a freezing, unheated outdoor pool. Several thousand litres of cold water is more altruistic than one bucket, right?

Look for long enough and you’ll find critics of the most noble, irreproachable causes, such as Movember and Cancer Research. But all

things considered, the ALS challenge was a success. Awareness was raised, people could post a nice video of themselves, and money was raised for charity. And it is infinitely more useful than the pernicious Neknominate and such. I look forward to the next viral challenge to come, it won’t be long.

11

One in four people in the UK will experience mental health difficulties each year, meaning a quarter of those reading this are likely to be affected - including lecturers, staff and students.

Shocking, isn’t it? The UK has the highest recorded rate of self harm in Europe, and many continue to suffer in silence. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This year, Cardiff Student Media would like to do their part to help fight stigma and raise awareness of mental health difficulties and the support available for those in times of crisis. That’s why we’re announcing the One in the Four campaign. For more information on what we’re doing and how to get involved, see http://bit.do/1in4 PLUS: Inspired by the Time to Change Pledge, Mind Media Awards 2013 nominee Michael O’Connell Davidson investigates mental health support at university as part of Quench Magazine’s new digital content initiative. Read parts 1-7 here: http://bit.do/1in4putp (Parts 8 onward will be released later this year).

Quench

Cardiff Student Media

COLUMNIST

THE SKETCH with GARETH EVANS

What would happen if American and British students swapped places? The special relationship would end; that’s what.

America is the land of the free and the home of capitalism. This may seem contradictory, and that’s because it is. The truth is the only people who are free weren’t ever locked up. If you happen to be a rich, white, honest, ‘hardworking’, Christian, American male with a sense of self-righteousness, not seen since Judas grassed on JC then you’re fine and dandy. For everyone else, including students, we’re not free. Not at all, I mean, can I trade in this shotgun for a beer please?

Perhaps that was a slightly irrational rant, but I’m coming at this from the perspective of a cynical British student with a chip (crisp?) on his shoulder. You see, I’ve experienced the other half of the famous ‘Special Relationship’, at least, on a student level. I am studying in America for a term and my overriding conclusion is this; we are a

“I find myself playing mandatory Duck Duck Goose at the age of 20. I am sober, of course, but learning a lot about myself” different species. Associating can only end in disaster. It must be stopped.

Yet, is there anything to be learnt from our scholarly transatlantic pals? We certainly differ, that’s for sure.

Take Barney. Barney is the absolute embodiment of a British student. Thanks to Student Finance, the cost of his education is an irrelevance, and so he has just returned home at 6am. He’s wearing a ripped t-shirt with ‘I’m a ****’ scrawled in neon ink and a traffic cone is glued to his skull with the mystery substance that adheres to every nightclub floor. He has a 9am ‘Advanced Psychology’ lecture to attend, however he will skip this in favour of a day in bed, in which he tells the world that ‘Maccies should deliver!!!’ via every social medium. His political views are vaguely liberal and he bloody loves Bastille and hates Bouncer Dave.

Now I’m not saying that all British students are like Barney; however there is a bit of Barney inside of us all. And no, that’s not because he is sexually frivolous, it’s a figure of speech. We are all a bit ‘Barney’ to varying degrees.

On the flip side, Buck Jnr is the

embodiment of an American student. His education is costing his parents a total of $7,000,000,000 not including books and consequently he is just returning home from a night at the library. He is more organised than a North Korean military display, however he finds the relentless studying soul-depriving and is beginning to question the point of this inexorable pursuit of grades when life is so transient. He lets off steam by going to College football matches dressed like an open-day poster and is better known as ‘Beer Pong Buck’ due to his God-given (believed literally) talent for the party game.

His political views are unspoken of in public, and he loves country music and hates *insert local college rival here*.

Likewise, isn’t there a bit of Buck inside of us all? We possess a slight guilt about the cost/privilege of our education, we feel that we should work hard, be organised and succeed academically. We’re also proud of our University, and have a slight disdain for any rivals. In short, we’re all a bit ‘Barney’ and all a bit ‘Buck’.

And this is how I view the American/ British University experience – opposing ends of the same spectrum. On a personal level, I have learnt that I am much more ‘Barney’ than I first thought; and I feel that most Brits are as well. However, there is something to be said about experiencing the other side of a spectrum – it’s an educational, and enlightening, experience.

Freshers’ Week, or Orientation Week as it is known here, is the perfect embodiment of how students differ on either side of the pond. More accurately, perhaps, it demonstrates how differently young people are treated.

As Cardiff students you will have all experienced Freshers’ Week and know that the general idea is to drink until you become social. If you are already social prior to drinking, then you drink anyway.

If you happen to be a moderate to nondrinker, then you are treated in the same way a Pacifist would be treated during either World War - ostracised and shamed into non-existence. A worthless sober blot on the register of humanity. There are minimal restrictions; you turn up, stock up, dress up

“If you happen to be a moderate to nondrinker, then you are treated in the same way a Pacifist would be treated during either World War - ostracised and shamed into nonexistence” and head out. Repeat this ad nauseam, or, more accurately, ad nausea-um. It is a week of hedonistic freedom only hindered by queues and bouncers.

Across the pond during the corresponding week, I find myself playing mandatory Duck Duck Goose at the age of 20. I am sober, of course, but learning a lot about myself. It just so happens that I am an anti-establishment anarchist with a rebel core. This newfound ideology landed me in some scalding water for taking a break during some kind of ice-breaker game. (They play a lot of these, which was unsurprising, Americans love breaking ice - just look at their carbon emissions). Supposedly I am “too cool for school” – which I would agree with, considering I am no longer in school.

This is not something the Americans seem to have grasped, however. While UK freshers were busting funky, intoxicated, shapes, I was sat in a giant P.S.H.E lesson alongside their American equivalents. They informed us that ‘Alcohol is not a sexual lubricant’ which was confusing. As far as I was aware, lubricant is the only sexual lubricant - if you’re using chardonnay then something’s wrong. We were essentially told that alcohol was the devil’s water and that the only option was to carry a three-inch knife on campus (fully allowed) just in case anyone offered us a beer.

As you can see these are contrasting attitudes and contrasting experiences.

There is certainly merit in the American attitude of education, caution and (a bit of) mollycoddling. Yet, part of me thinks that experiences can teach you a lot more than a PowerPoint presentation. So, perhaps a balance needs to be struck between the two.

At present, the UK freshers experience does, admittedly, isolate non-drinkers while posing numerous dangers to the ill-informed. Let’s take a lesson from the yanks, joking aside, they know how to foster a safe University environment.

Just for God’s sake count me out of Duck Duck Goose.

13

Tawe Great reads in < 140 characters Culture’s Twitter picks of the month

Mega poem

Charlotte Jones tells us about a new modern take on poetry.

Swansea are doing something special with poetry; they are trying to create the longest continuous online poem and anyone can be part of it. As part of the Love your Countryside Festival and in association with the Art Across the City 2014, Swansea launched its effort to create a record breaking poem, the Tawe Mega Poem.

Inspired by the centenary of Dylan Thomas, the poem, which began last month has seen additions from all over the world. The introductory stanzas to the poem are written by Rhian Edwards who won Wales Book of the Year 2013, as well as the People’s Choice 2013 and the Roland Mathias Prize for Poetry 2013. In her own words, she believes to “have started the kernels of a poem about the history of Swansea and Dylan Thomas, which hopefully people will add to. It will be almost like a game of Consequences but where you get to see the lines that went before it. And this will hopefully get to be displayed and immortalised in Swansea.”

Many contributors to the poem were found during the free poetry workshops, which ran over two weekends and were open to all. This has led to the poem amounting to more than 46 pages already. However, they still need more poetry. The lines are limited to a maximum of 140 characters, but you can add as many lines as you feel inspired to. By using the hashtag #megapoem, you are able to share your efforts and be included in the poem.

—Charlotte Jones

14

Graduate 2014 Wales Millennium Centre

n liva Sul Dan i

in ulp

This Autumn the Wales Millennium Centre is offering everyone a free opportunity to see the future of art in Wales. The exhibition is curated by Wales-based artist Sue Williams who herself has an internationally recognised body of work having featured in exhibitions across five continents. Having lived in Wales for the past 30 years, Sue has reached Welsh acclaim with her work being displayed in at the National Museum & Galleries of Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government and The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

The Graduate exhibition is now in its third year.

Over its first two years the exhibition has displayed work from 68 graduates, some of which have gone on to win the Gold medal for Fine Art at the National Eisteddfod and be included in the Catlin Guide, which introduces the 40 most promising artists in the UK. During the selection process Sue travelled across universities in Wales selecting what she considered to be the most promising artwork from each institution. The exhibition is therefore an amazing opportunity to witness not only the talent and creativity of the artists but also the personal insight, opinion and interpretation of the curator.

Lindy Jane Martin

ay B yM Am

Sam Chapman

Charlotte nMorgan

Natalie Jones

culture

Sue Williams said of the exhibition, “Graduate 2014 is a unique platform for the selected graduates to show their work to the public in one of Wales’ top cultural centers.

Seeing their artwork in a public space gives the graduates an opportunity to develop and determine ideas for new concepts.

The Graduate exhibitions at Wales Millennium Centre are hugely relevant to the future of the arts in Wales. It allows the public to see for themselves that alongside singers, rugby players and footballers there are also artists who place Wales on a global map, with these graduates showcasing Wales’ future.”

Combining a mixture of art forms including fine art, sculpture, photography, applied arts, fashion and textiles the collection of graduate artwork is on display until 16 November 2014 for free and is open to all.

—Jasmine Freeman

“the exhibition has displayed work from 68 graduates, some of which have gone on to win the Gold medal for Fine Art at the National Eisteddfod and be included in the Catlin Guide, which introduces the 40 most promising artists in the UK.”

15

s i e p a c s d n a l h t i w y k r r e l o l a w g o t o f F t a d e l i e unv ding n a t s t u o f orld o w e h t o t n es us i m o c l e w r ts Izzy Robe

Tom Wood, in this case the renowned Irish photographer rather than the English rugby player, is currently exhibiting his relatively unknown landscape work at Ffotogallery in Penarth, in Tom Wood – Landscapes. Ffotogallery in the Turner House Gallery in Penarth is a bright, friendly and modern venue inside a striking red, 19th Century building. Wood”s photography sits simply around three small rooms without any captions; the titles are given to you on paper on arrival.

Wood”s photography of people has been exhibited worldwide and published in books including the acclaimed All Zones Off Peak, which is a selection of photographs taken on Liverpool buses. However, it was only this year that his landscape work was first exhibited. It is perhaps then, the novelty of this work that brings the exhibition to life.

Wood has not been confined to one landscape; he has lived in and engaged with both urban and rural environments, which is reflected in his work. The exhibition conveys his experience in diverse settings over the course of 40 years.

16

Also his interpretation of the word landscape, within these locations, is broad. The art in this collection includes expansive rural landscapes, domestic indoor scenes and closeups of nature, people and animals also feature intermittently.

The variety in this exhibition is striking and pleasantly unpredictable.

Wood left his childhood hometown in County Mayo, Ireland in 1978 for city life in England but returns to the rugged countryside almost annually and the photos from these trips are nostalgic and intimate. Two unusual photographs from the area are taken within a cluttered home; “Aggie”s kitchen” and “Aggie”s bedroom” are displayed side by side downstairs in the gallery. Both images convey a sense of the room”s owner through objects. Though she is absent, personal and Catholic ornamentation hints towards her character and the wider context of the area.

In contrast, the work from Wood”s 25 years in Merseyside exposes the anonymity of individuals within a

ood W m o T r ographe

phot

“It was only this year that his landscape work was first exhibited.

It is perhaps then, the novelty of this work that brings the exhibition to life.”

culture

“The variety in this exhibition is striking and pleasantly unpredictable”

PHOTOS: Tom Wood

mass. He gained the nickname photieman” from locals, as he persistently searched for scenes and portraits through which to interpret the soul of the city. “Shut Eye”, a black and white photograph taken in 1980, portrays a young boy and girl shielding their faces from the camera. Behind them is a deserted, littered and overgrown scrubland between two rows of terraced houses. The scene does not seek to capture conventional beauty, but an aesthetic moment, in which these children have no identity but are at home in their own stark landscape.

In 2003 a move to North Wales offered the photographer a chance to experiment with a new style. He has since used art to explore the land around his home in the Vale of Clwyd.

In these photographs, Wood captures small details of North Wales” wilderness, focusing upon blossom, trees and streams.

It is with these natural vistas that he experiments most. “Ash Dance” uses a soft focus and stark colours to convey a sense of movement in the trees above. Other pieces from this period

in Wood”s career use panorama, particularly for photos taken from hills; this choice credits the expanse of undeveloped and beautiful land in North Wales.

Tom Wood – Landscapes is a touring exhibition curated

by Mark Durden. It premiered at MOSTYN in Llandudno, before travelling to Ffotogallery in Cardiff for the autumn.

At the beginning of next year it will complete its tour at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Alongside the landscapes exhibition at MOSTYN, a remarkable public engagement project was launched: “Biscuit Tin Photo Archive”. Inspired by finding a tin stuffed with black and white photographs documenting his own family history, Wood is looking to unearth more forgotten moments to create a collage of Welsh rural life. The public are invited to contribute to this dynamic showcase of personal histories.

A display case at Ffotogallery houses four older, undated images in black and white, which epitomise the tone of the “Biscuit Tin Photo Archive”. They are all every day moments,

immortalised for reasons only known to the photographer but art in their own right.

The exhibition is worth venturing out of the city centre for, it is in a great location beside a busy pub, The Railway Hotel and admission is free. A three-volume catalogue of Tom Wood”s work with landscape will be published by Steidl to accompany the exhibition.

—Izzy Roberts

17

the changing face of

Elouise Hobbs shows that opera is no longer just for royalty and the rich.

When most people think of opera, they sigh and dismiss it as an art only for those greying, upper middle classes who have more money than sense.

But recently opera has had a surprise resurgence involving the young, cool and broke. The Royal Opera House in London opened its 2014/15 Season on the 11th September with a student and under 25s only performance of their new opera Anna Nicole. The opera charts the life of Anna Nicole Smith, a small town waitress who decides to become a stripper, weds an billionaire who is well into his 80s and becomes a Playboy model and celebrity. Yet, as her fame grew she became tainted with drink and drugs and her life ended in tragedy. The libretto is written by Richard Thomas, the cocreator of Jerry Springer: the Opera. The music fuses jazz, blues and music theatre with more traditional operatic language.

Furthermore, the cheapest ticket is only £1 with the most

18

expensive still only a modest £25. They are also running a social media competition where you can enter a selfie of yourself at the opera and win a prize. Better yet, there is no formal dress code for the opera.

The Royal Opera House has also started doing free open-air

“opera has had a surprise resurgence involving the young, cool and broKe.”

screenings entitled BP Big Screens. They occur three times a year and are screened internationally. Their most recent screening of Verdi’s rigoletto on 17 September in Trafalgar Square saw thousands of viewers, many of whom who had never seen an opera before.

The stage was also used for a protest as an troupe of fourteen dancers performed an impromptu routine; performing to the remix of carmina Burana by Tiesto, to much applause and support from the crowd. The dance was a protest at BP’s sponsorship of arts and culture. The group call themselves BOOO (BP out of Opera) and one of the dancers Donna Abato said “We danced before the screening because we want BP out of opera. BP gets invaluable prestige from its association with the Royal Opera House, which helps the company clean its sullied public image. [..] That’s why we say yes to opera, but BOOO to BP!”

PHOTOS: music_theatre_wales / FLICKR

culture

“all these changes leave many traditionalists wondering is the true meaning of opera being lost as the art tries to attract a younger audience.”

This protest showed their immense passion for the art and what it stood for showing that opera should not be easily dismissed as a dying art. Through performance and passion it is being reinvigorated.

Yet, it is not just in the capital that Opera has rediscovered its voice, Cardiff plan to follow suit. On the 7th November, Music Theatre Wales, in collaboration with the Sherman Theatre is going to put on an Operatic performance of Franz Kafka’s The Trial. The story is about a man arrested and prosecuted for an unknown crime by a relentless and distant authority. The opera faithfully follows the original story mixing the protagonists sense of paranoia and uncanny sense of humour.

As it is performed at the Sherman theatre, student tickets are half price ranging from £7.50-£12.50. The opera is going to be sung in English meaning that it is understandable

and more like a musical than a traditional opera. However all these changes leave many traditionalist wondering is the true meaning of opera being lost as the art tries to attract a younger audience?

Ultimately, not only do these free and discounted events make opera seem more appealing to audiences of different backgrounds, the spread and popularity of the events display a cultural significance. Although opera is changing by the way it is performed and perceived by the public, the heart of opera remains the same as it still managed to tell a story in a way unique to any other.

—Elouise Hobbs

19

behind the scenes of fashion enthusiasts stephanie and jessica bring you the highlights of thE most important week in the fashion world. go behind the curtains This season with stephanie as she writes about working backstage and read jessicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trend overview for an instant fix of up to date, insider knowledge.

london fashion week 20

fashion & Be auty For more of LFW, visit www.londonfashionweek.co.uk and www.btwstephanie.co.uk

Jessica Rayner highlights this season’s current trends, gives an overview of the catwalks and what you can expect from fashion this upcoming winter. Short and sweet, she cuts to the essentials, providing you with instant insider knowledge.

As the most eagerly anticipated week in the fashion calendar came to a close earlier this month, we once again got a glimpse of what was in store for the new season. As a multitude of new and renowned designers showcased their upcoming collections Lucinda Chambers, the fashion director of Vogue, described how they “attacked modernity in a very confident, very compelling way this season.” The collections were characterised by bright colours and divine detailing, with a strong sense of wearability running at its core, achieving that tricky balance between aesthetic innovation and practicality.

The city of London continues to remain a hub of fashion diversity, something that is always reflected in the LFW collections: from household names reworking classic shapes to new talent offering up exciting designs. This season it very much feels as if all this diversity has fed into creating a single clear voice, with key pieces emerging across the board.

This coming season, update your wardrobe by adding splashes of pink (the must-have shade), inspired by the catwalks awash with coats in feminine sugary hues. The oversized, tailored jacket is a key shape that was reworked for the new season in pastel tones, offering up a fresh take on tailoring. There were a number of key fabrics that emerged, such as sheer chiffon layers on skirts and shirt hems seen at Mulberry, creating a subtly sexy look for both day and night.

The fluid shapes and ultra feminine fabrics continued, with designers such as Jonathan Saunders favouring iridescent dresses and skirts in sparkling pinks and nudes. The key patterns of the season saw florals, a classic fail-safe for spring, being given a modern twist with bold graphic motifs as seen at House of Holland and Christopher Kane. The experimentation with classic shapes continued at Topshop Unique with fraying of boucle shirts and denim dresses creating an edgy, laid

back look for day wear. The season’s key trends were based on a reimagining of classic styles such as nautical and 1970s glamour in interesting fabrics and embellishments. For an instant style update look out for luxe sportswear, candy hues, maxi lengths and the return of denim that forecasts a functional yet playful new season.

Let’s not forget about the boys, with classic pieces reworked in bright yellow shades and designers drawing inspiration from Mad Men in their collections. At Topman Design they diluted 1970s influences by mixing in elements from the 90s, creating an edgy take on vintage pieces. For an instant update on the suit (a staple menswear piece) try opting for soft-coloured blazers and sporty tailoring.

Go behind the scenes with Stephanie Powell as she discusses the highs and lows of working backstage and reveals what goes on beyond the shiny catwalks of fashion week. From models-exposed to exclusive photos, she’s been our eyes and ears.

Since I was very young I have loved fashion. It all began with the genius idea, when I was about seven years old, to start a jeans brand with detachable animal tails on the back pockets and call it ‘DeTAIL’. Those days are long gone, but since starting my blog a few years ago I have been given the opportunity to work in some really interesting places and meet some amazing people.

Through my addiction to blog surfing, I found a site detailing how to get work at London Fashion Week. My initial plan was to email around and look for an internship in February, but I learned very quickly that it really isn’t that simple. People who work in fashion are buuusy. For every 50 emails I sent to fashion houses I would get three to five replies.

Then, Jasper Conran’s press office directed me to the PR company that runs London Fashion Week. Hey presto! I got my first gig as a dresser backstage at Felder Felder’s catwalk

show, which then led to a job dressing for Holly Fulton. But boy I did not know what I was letting myself in for.

On my first day at London Fashion Week I changed a model’s knickers. In fact I started to realise there is absolutely no shame when it comes to working backstage during a catwalk show. The outfit changes have to take place in about five seconds, hence the employment of an army of dressers.

When your model flies off the catwalk undressing herself you’ve got to get that next outfit on without damaging any of the clothes, make sure it fits the brief you’ve been given and potentially run across the dressing area to do a shoe swap all whilst being screamed at by the head stylist. It’s high octane to say the least, but everyone there (myself included) seemed to thrive off the pressure.

One of the best things about working at LFW was getting to speak to people about their role, and how they got

to where they are. Most of the models were really friendly and chatty. I’ve come to the conclusion that models get their bitchy reputation purely because they are always jet-lagged, tired and hungry – they are actually really lovely people. They were happy to tell you all about their careers and how lacking in glamour modelling actually is. Most of the designers had interns who were like little bees buzzing about, fixing clasps, trimming loose thread and titivating shoulder pads. These girls were also really forthcoming with stories about sewing lace collars at 1am and even offered to take my card to forward my interning opportunities.

My general feeling is that a career in fashion is not for the laidback, fainthearted or coffee haters. Also, London Fashion Week is not for those fond of food, sleep or glamour - but I’m so glad I did it and, fingers crossed, I will be doing it all again next February. I must be mad.

21

D I Y AUTUMN FASHION

So youʼre starting university/going back to university and regretfully looking at everything in your wardrobe.

Itʼs time to re-vamp, but youʼre a student so it canʼt be expensive and it better be fast. There is an answer (well, a few actually) and you donʼt have to throw out all your clothes or wear five t-shirts at once just to stay warm. Here are Stephanie Powellʼs top tips:

So the first tip actually involves spending money to save money (all will become clear). The coat. With having to walk everywhere when we’re at uni, it’s a no brainer that a decent coat is a necessity. If you’re going to splurge a little bit, this is where to direct your minimal funds. Our suggestion is to look for one of two things: wool or waterproof. Both are warm and one saves you having to buy an umbrella- (and no one will see your ratty clothes if you’ve got a snazzy coat over them!)

Secondly, sign up to myunidays.com. In the first few weeks of term, loads of places offer up to 20% off for students, so you could bag yourself a bargain. Using unidays also saves you buying an NUS card as it sorts out online discount codes for you once you’ve that proved you are a student. You can also download it as an app for your phone meaning that you get notifications of any special discounts that may only be for a limited time - oh yesss, that’s what us shopaholics like to hear, right!?

Alternatively, get into auction sites, eBay being the most obvious. There’s a new app out called Depop which works on PayPal, honesty with no scary bidding wars – two sure fire sites to find new and second hand bargains. Set yourself a budget and stick to it like glue. You can buy items such as a Zara coat with the retail price of £50 for just £12.50 via Depop. This is a dangerous one though- only for those with good resolve.

Layers, layers, layers. The cheapest way to avoid having to buy anything new is to layer what you already have.

There’s the classic short sleeved tee over an old (probably discoloured) long sleeved tee. For girls, leggings under an old pair of jeans and long sleeved tops under strappy dresses keep you smart and warm. Got a favourite jacket? Put a cardigan and a hoody under it! No need to say goodbye to your spring jackets just yet.

Organise a swap shop with your friends! We all know that we borrow clothing from each other regularly but why not make a few swaps permanent? Love that jumper your housemate bought last year? Ask if she’d swap it for that dress she keeps borrowing from you.

There’s no shame in being thrifty, in fact, you might just set a new trend and gain new budget clothing opportunities, ideal for you and your friends!

They may be ugly, but thermals saved my bacon last year. One thermal top under a thin jumper and jacket and you’re good to go! You’ll have minimal layering and maximum warmth, perfect when you’re fed up of hiding your pretty clothes under a big jacket. Not to mention, your Nana would be so proud. In the colder seasons, add chunky knits and we guarantee you’ll be more likely to sweat than feel the chill on your skin.

22

FASHION & BE AUTY

STUDENT LOCK-IN Survival Guide On the evening of the 7th October (conveniently the week after student loans come in) Cardiff ’s Saint David’s Shopping Centre will be turned into a student’s haven.

We all love our 10% student discount in Topshop/Man but what if you could double that discount in more of your favourite stores for one night only? If that gets your heart racing and your purse-strings twitching then you need to get a ticket to the Student Lock In! The Student Lock-In is a unique event that enables you to shop the latest styles from your favourite brands with up to 25% off! What’s more, the shops stay open from 8pm-11pm for students only, so you could even show your mates your purchases over a cheeky bevvy on the way home! As long as you’ve registered for a ticket online, you can bring your non-student friends and family too.

Plus, it’s not just the clothing bargains you need to look out for: Cardiff ’s nightclub reps are always out in force, offering free drinks coupons and discounted entry wristbands as well as other companies with freebies like goody bags, vouchers and product samples.

Make the most of your time at the Lock-In: 1.

Firstly, get there promptly with your ticket and student card at the ready. There were big queues last year and you want to make sure you get the most amount of time shopping as possible!

3.

However, if you’re feeling flush, many of the food outlets give out coupons or offer ‘onenight-only’ deals.

4.

2.

Secondly, bring a bottle of water and maybe some food – as the venue fills up, so do the food outlets (basically try and avoid any reason to queue).

Also, wear flat shoes and don’t bring a coat all that shopping is going to get you hot under the collar and an arm being used to hold a coat is an arm wasted!

7.

Keep an eye out for the places offering the full 25% and make a beeline for them.

9.

Check the sale rail! Some retailers even extend their discount to sale items so you can stretch your pennies further still!

6.

Take every leaflet and flyer you are offered! Some of the food coupons are seriously worth it!

5.

Get organised! Start at one end of the shopping centre and work your way through so you’re sure you haven’t missed anything.

8.

Have a look online before you go so you know what’s out there and what you really want to buy, or (even more savvy..) head to St Davids the day before and pin point what you’re coming back for.

10.

Go big! Don’t stick to cheaper brands. Remember the bigger the price tag, the bigger the discount! Every student deserves a treat, this is the time to get one!

23

beauty insider reviews

This month, Fashion & Beauty have asked Cardiff University’s very own beauty insiders offering their reviews on some of the hottest beauty products of the season. Having worked in the beauty industry with impressive blogs, internships and insider knowledge, you’ll want to believe these girls and their reviews.

Photo: Sangeeta / peachesandblush.com

Our first insider beauty review comes from beauty blogger Jessie-Ann Lewis offering a few words on her knowledge and experience gained whilst working with top beauty brand, The Body Shop, then going on to review her favourite product from the brand.

“in true, shameless, twenty-first century girl style, this holiday was as much about the tanned Instagram-worthy selfies as it was the relaxation and the memories”

24

When I was sixteen, I landed my first ever job in retail working at The Body Shop. I instantly fell in love with the job as a whole, the company’s ethics and, of course, their products. The Body Shop offer a vast array of products ranging from bath and body care to home fragrance, each with a signature scent and a heap of community fair trade ingredients; all high end quality but without the heavy price tags.

The Body Shop prides itself in creating beauty products with heart. They campaign against sex trafficking of women and children and against animal testing, as well as helping communities in third world countries by using community fair traded ingredients from across the world.

For me, it’s their iconic range of body butters that make the Body Shop stand out from other beauty brands. Launched in 1992, they are the original body butters of the beauty world and are available in fruity, nutty and citrusy scents so there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and, with varying amounts of moisture, it’s suitable for all skin types.

My favourite is the coconut body butter.

It’s great for this time of year when the weather starts getting colder and our body is in need of some TLC, but also works really well as an aftersun product. Enriched with community fair trade cocoa and shea butter, it is super hydrating without leaving your skin feeling sticky and greasy. It is a little pricey at £13, but in my opinion it’s a product that everyone needs to have in their beauty stash!

fashion & be auty

Photo: Sarah Hamersley / atthebeautydesk.blogspot.co.uk/

Our second insider review comes from beauty enthusiast Natasha Vaughan who knows exactly what products are worth the hype, having worked for the biggest beauty chain, Boots. Trust her as she reviews her favourite product from Max Factor; how it became her holiday miracle product and helping her skin stay flawless, no matter the weather.

Max Factor’s Facefinity and I first met in a departure lounge panic this June - I was off to vacay in Sardinia but my usual primer (thanks to my gold-fish like memory) was to stay at home. I’d have rather left the garage door open than forgotten my makeup bag but, in true, shameless, twenty-first century girl style, this holiday was as much about the tanned Instagram-worthy selfies as it was the relaxation and the memories. For a fraction more than Boots’s £10.99 price tag (these airports like to cash in on our desperate misfortune) I picked up the moisturiseresque bottle and went on to make the most of the airport lounge’s all inclusive bar service.

way of blurring lines and pores; instead, this precious concoction acts more like a makeup glue - even after a few daiquiri-fueled crazy dance moves, everything stayed where it was supposed to, as if freshly applied. I was excited to pop to the bathroom half way through the night, to look in the mirror for a shiny t-zone and not find a shiny t-zone. Feeling super hydrated and looking surprisingly un-red - almost luminous in photos - true to the bottle, my makeup felt light and stayed in place all night. In spite of the thick Italian heat, the primer’s magical micro-correctors took care of any excess oils, sweat and sebum.

The next night, sticky and red-raw from my first day in the sun, Facefinity’s velvety white liquid glided onto and soothed my skin, helping my sun-enlarged pores to rest.

Who better to test the stamina of a new face product than a pale girl on her first day in the Mediterranean heat? (It is worth mentioning that this primer also contains SPF 20 - safety first, right?) I wouldn’t lie by saying that Facefinity did that much in the

£10.99 for a 30ml bottle of Facefinity is like stealing from the makeup gods. After recently repurchasing it back home, I continue to use the primer in my daily makeup routine - I use a flat brush to apply to my t-zone, my cheeks, and after leaving to sink in, I continue with foundation. A drugstore wonder product. If Facefinity was to be rated out of five, I would have to say, “Four for you Facefinity! You go Facefinity!”

And last but not least, beauty insider, Lucy Guy gives her thoughts and advice on the perfect autumnal lipstick shades. Having spent her summer inside Hello magazine’s walls, in on the latest beauty trends, fashions and gossip, she’s now offering exclusive feedback to us.

The Autumn/Winter 14/15 catwalks were graced back in February with colour blocking, prints and embellishment and I think the best way to describe the clothes that we are therefore currently seeing on the rails of our favourite shops is playful. This means that finding your staple makeup look this winter is a little more difficult as there are so many different looks, colours and trends to accommodate for.

As there is so much going on with our AW14/15 favourite pieces, it is advised to keep your makeup to a minimum and let your clothes do the talking. My two favourite lip colours this season are warm and inviting, just like a hot latte on a cold autumn afternoon; they will complete your look without taking anything away from your

statement pieces.

The first colour that I would recommend is Coffee Break by Collection Lasting which can be purchased from Superdrug for just £2.50 (usually £2.99). This warm brown compliments the metallic trend which we are currently seeing and suits that post-summerglow that everyone is trying to retain. It’s discreet but sexy with a satin-shimmer finish which is perfect for cocktails or an evening out with friends.

The second colour that I would suggest trying is for those who usually go for a brighter colour on their lips; I recommend Match Made Stay Perfect Lipstick by No.7 in Pomegranate which retails at £9.95. This semi-satin lipstick lasts for up to six hours and retains moisture well so is perfect for

the AW season in which our lips tend to dry out much quicker. The colour is alluring but subtle and will give any darker autumnal clothes that extra pop they need, without detracting from your outfit like a classic rouge or bright, summery pink might do.

A definite top tip is also to keep your lips moisturised this autumn. Lipsticks tend to flake and wear off much more quickly when we fail to remember to look after our lips. Vaseline is my ultimate go-to beauty saviour for lips; moisturise before doing your makeup so that it has time to soak in before adding your chosen lip colour.

This autumn it is all about letting your clothes take centre stage, keep your makeup natural and then let your lips be the perfect accessory to your statement pieces.

25

menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autumn fashion

fashion & Be auty

For all you guys out there... your time has come! Quench Fashion would officially like to share a full spread of men’s trends with you all, with the help of Adam Steffan Jones. Here’s a low-down on this season’s men’s fashion; from top to bottom, this is your chance to transform your wardrobe from dull to fall.

Jackets/Coats The transitional period is very much upon us, so make sure you guys are ready to brave those cold Welsh winds after what felt like a very short summer. Autumn can be a tricky time to know what to wear with the unpredictable rain showers and fluctuating temperatures.

We need to prioritise fabrics that are durable and fit for purpose: waxed or rubberised cottons would be ideal due to their breathable yet water-repellent nature. However, don’t let the weather put you off as autumn is a great time to mix up those dark and warm colours, no matter what style you opt for.

With the new term upon us, and student loads generously entering our bank account, what better time is there to make a good investment in the Tommy Hilfiger Donovan Padded Coat, which can be found at House of Fraser for £200. As one of the key trends this season, the parka is a great way to prepare you for a potentially harsh winter. This mid-length parka, along with its faux fur-lined and detachable hood really catches the eye - perfect when accompanied by a chunky knit. Too pricey?

Head over to TOPMAN for a similar style for £95 (not

forgetting your 10% student discount). The Khaki Heavyweight Parka features the same detachable hood, making it just as ideal for the unpredictable British weather. Texture is the key element in the outfit, so keep the rest of your outfit simple. TOPMAN’s Burgundy Bomber Jacket at £40 is perfect for layering.

If the current Portland hipster inspired trend - Cape Kiwanda - isn’t really your style at TOPMAN, then why not try the Double Breasted Trench Coat from Zara for £89.99. This coat gives off a real gentleman’s feel, along with its traditional waist belt. Once again it’s lightweight, so it’s perfect for you to imitate what Burberry had introduced to their AW14 collection by accessorising the long trench coats with eye-catching knitwear.

And finally, the classic leather jacket is still a key trend this season. TOPMAN have gone for a different look this season by detailing their jacket with an unusual zip design. At £75, the black faux-leather biker jacket is perfect over a checked shirt or light knit this season.

Tommy Hilfiger’s Autumn campaign featuring jackets

Shoes People often say that you can always judge a man by his shoes, but luckily for all you guys out there, there are only a handful of styles you need to stick to in order to stay on trend this season.

It’s a fine rule of thumb in the fashion world to invest in a good quality pair of shoes. If you are looking for a formal, gentleman’s style, stick with the classic brogue shoe. TOPMAN’ ‘Burgundy Howes Brogue’ reflect a premium style with their high shine and marble sole. Never fear to show off your socks either; try teaming them with a pair of green woolen socks – a key colour for autumn.

Boat shoes and tasseled loafers are very hot this season. Forget oldschool laces, tassels offer a quirkier way to style any plain outfit. River Island’s ‘Stone Suede Tassel Loafers’ retail at £50 are a perfect edition to any guys’ wardrobe. Their high quality and premium suede means there is no need to worry about them getting ruined quickly.

Accessories Accessories are essential when it comes to finishing off an outfit. If you’re a guy who loves his bags, this is your time to shine as bags are a key trend this season. In a nutshell: you totes need a tote bag!

Check out TIGER in town or independent online stores to see what they have on offer. Looking back at Burberry’s AW14 collection, they have opted for the city man look, channeling an array of oversized tote bags.

Get yourselves to Zara for their Soft suede bowling bag at £109.00. This oversized travel bag will make your outfit look fresh and sophisticated.

If you are looking for more of a casual look, then it’s all about fashioning the skater style. Keep your outfits looking effortless with a white pair of high-tops from Converse and a rucksack. Foot locker’s ‘Navy EastPak Padded PAK’R’ is essential for when you leave university to go interrailing with your friends during the summer.

27

ANIMAL TOURISM: IS IT EVER RIGHT? Emma Forbes investigates the truths behind South-East Asia’s tiger and elephant tourism industries When heading off on an ‘epic’ trip around Southeast Asia, it is easy to get caught up in the fun, eagerly handing over money to those who promise to give you the ultimate experience of a life time. Lying down next to a fearsome tiger or riding a majestic elephant are unsurprisingly two of these much desired experiences. With this generations travel code summed up by the phrase ‘YOLO’, it is no surprise that these once in a lifetime experiences are avidly sort after. Unfortunately, many travellers are kept blissfully unaware of the dark secrets that some animal tourism companies harbour.

28

Those travellers who are conscious of the welfare of the animals will often look for a sanctuary which claims that the animals are well fed and cared for. But are these empty claims or reassuring truths?

Every elephant paradise and tiger sanctuary is not corrupt in its practises, with The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre stating that: ‘most Thai elephants are very well cared for, partly because most Thai people are intrinsically kind...but also because elephants are simply too valuable to abuse’. However, with such ambiguity surrounding elephant tourism and its moral

practices, it is impossible to take any one organisation’s statements as the ultimate truth. Many newspapers, magazines and travel companies have begun to question the morality of elephant and tiger tourism.

Behind the smiling selfies with tigers and elephants, there are heartbreaking stories of abuse. The Independent recently published an article revealing a process called Phajaan, or ‘the crush’. Often adult elephants are gunned down, so that their babies can be illegally captured and brought to tourist camps. Their spirits are then systematically broken as they are deprived of sleep, food and water,

whilst suffering inhumane beatings. Many of the tourist camps are set up as commercial enterprises, which look at the short term rewards, rather than the long term damage caused by animal tourism.

However, this does not mean that there is no hope for elephants. The more awareness that is raised about the ill-treatment of these beautiful animals, the more people will come forward to rescue these gentle giants and restore them to their former glory. One such lady is Lek Chailert, otherwise known as the Elephant Whisperer. In the 1990s, Lek set up the Elephant Nature Park, a safe reserve

TRAVEL

this safe haven.

As well snapshots of elephants, photos posing with tigers are similarly desired by tourists – the token image of a terrific travel experience. ‘Tinder Guys with Tigers’ to which she brings elephants rescued from the tourist trade. With her team she strives to restore the broken bonds between elephants and humans, by feeding, bathing and gently talking to them. Lek ‘feels safe amongst them’ as one feels safe amongst friends. Visitors are welcomed to the Nature Park, to bath and play with elephants, whilst observing them in a natural, grassy habitat, which allows them space to roam. These are the sort of animal reservations which should be promoted for their good practices and supported in their ventures to save other elephants, which are sadly not yet part of

Instead, Care for the Wild International are worried that it is just another way in which social media is inadvertently promoting tiger tourism. A spokesman from the organisation suggests that we shouldn’t ‘be fooled into

‘Tinder Guys with Tigers’ is one of the most recent (and arguably most ridiculous) ways for travellers to get themselves noticed. is one of the most recent (and arguably most ridiculous) ways for travellers to get themselves noticed. Posing with a tiger is the new way to entice the ladies, although interestingly, it doesn’t seem to be working.

thinking that one quick photo won’t hurt’ as ‘each and every photo taken is keeping the industry alive’. Visiting tigers may seem exciting, but have we stopped to wonder why there are suddenly so many docile tigers in

Thailand? Doesn’t nature show tigers to be a wild and ferocious species?

Although some tigers are well looked after, many are kept in squalid conditions and physically abused. The innate wild nature of tigers has not unexpectedly changed to one of docility and cooperation. Instead, some tigers are sedated so that visitors can stroke them, whilst others have their claws and teeth pulled out to prevent them from attacking their captors. Places such as Tiger Temple advertise themselves as a ‘spiritual idyll’ for tigers. However, others claim that Tiger Temple is a Temple of Lies – nothing more than a glorified petting zoo, which controls its animals through abuse.

Fortunately, organisations such as Travel Operators for Tigers are determined to spread ethical tourism, whilst monitoring and saving ill treated animals in the process.

If animal tourism is conducted in the right way, it could be beneficial to these endangered species, as money would be put towards their continued protection.

So, as travellers, what can we do to help change the situation? Raising awareness is vital, as is thoroughly researching tiger and elephant establishments before deciding whether or not to visit one. As the numbers of elephants and tigers in the wild continue to dwindle, we have a responsibility to discover the truth behind their treatment. Supporting the right charities and conservations is crucial to the animals’ welfare. So, before grabbing a pen and writing elephant trekking or tiger handling at the top of our bucket list, let us make sure that we are fully informed.

We can then return from our travels with an assurance that our actions have helped, not harmed, these magnificent animals.

For more information and charities to support, visit: http://www.toftigers.org/ www.responsibletravel.com/elephants http://www.saveelephant.org/

29

T R AVEL

P HO T O G R A P HY

S P O TL IGHT

During my gap year I went to Cambodia and visited the killing fields in Phnom Penh where over a million people were executed after the Cambodian Civil War by the Khmer Rouge regime. When I arrived, I started with a walk around the mass graves with an audio guide.

About ten minutes into the walk we were told to look at the floor; the guide said that there were still bones and teeth being unearthed by rain and erosion of the ground. Throughout the walk, I saw numerous bone fragments and whole teeth lying around. Once a week, the groundkeepers walk around collecting all of these and put them in a glass box for all to see. At the end of the guided trail, there is a monument filled with the skulls of the victims, layered with glass sides showing thousands of skulls all the way up. These have been forensically examined and are split into gender groups and age groups. It was shocking to see how many children were killed. A lot of the skulls were disfigured from axe blows or even in the case of the children, from being swung at a tree. All in all, the trip to the Killing Fields was hard hitting and emotional. It is something I will never forget. For anyone going to Cambodia, I would highly suggest visiting.

James Hurst

30

During my trip to Japan in August, I paid a visit to Kyoto, commonly acknowledged as Japan’s cultural centre. No trip to Kyoto is complete without a stroll in Gion, a district with streets lined with traditional wooden Japanese-style buildings such as those seen in the background of the photograph. Gion is also the most famous geisha district in Japan. The geisha themselves refer to themselves as geiko (loosely translated to “a woman of art”), with apprentices called maiko (“dancing girl”). Contrary to stereotypes portrayed in the media, these women are not prostitutes and are highly esteemed experts in traditional Japanese arts such as traditional dancing and the Japanese tea ceremony. The world of the geisha is extremely exclusive, and appointments are mostly reserved for the wealthy cultural elite in Japan. Thus, geiko and maiko are highly elusive, and spotting them requires patience and luck.

After spending hours aimlessly milling around the same street feeling disappointed, I was rewarded with this sight of a beautiful maiko gracefully crossing the road on her way to run an errand. It was a surreal moment, seeing this dignified lady elegantly yet (surprisingly) swiftly walking amongst crowds of tourists and vehicles – she seemed almost otherworldly.

Zenn Wong

TRAVEL This photo was taken after a tiresomely steep trek up into the Buda Hills, to the West of the city, but my oh my were the panoramic views worth it! From here, Budapest’s beauty is for all to see. The Danube River pierces through the centre of the city but the bridges littered along it allow for locals and tourists alike to travel both geographically and historically from one side of the city to the other. Budapest was my first getaway of the summer, meeting friends out there who were InterRailing all over Europe. Whilst there, we made sure to experience the abundance of hot springs available to the general public, the medicinal waters most definitely helped to soothe our hangovers.

Then there is the alternative nightlife scene featuring lively ruin bars, such as ‘Szimpla Kert’, fusing elements of Budapest’s past communist era with new bohemian trends. Although the march up Budapest’s highest hill may have been a struggle, the all-encompassing scenic view found at the summit more than rewarded our physical efforts. This single digital image doesn’t quite do justice to the views from up there, so go see Budapest for yourself!

Lewis Hopkins

I met Camilla on a beach in Mandrem, India. It was her colourful clothing and jewellery that caught my eye. She was selling sarongs and jewellery and told me about how she’d left her family in Jaipur for the Summer season as there were no jobs for her there. It’s illegal to be a beach seller in India and the police are strict on this, patrolling the beaches undercover. If they catch a seller they take away their possessions and fine them. I even saw the police beat a man for selling necklaces to tourists. A lot of the girls selling things were 18 or younger and many were pregnant. It’s easy to turn these people away when they’re hassling you everyday to buy something but when you get to know them you realise they’re just making a living. Next time I won’t be so quick to turn people away who are less fortunate than I am.

This summer I travelled to Fiji for a fortnight with a volunteering group, VESA, to do a combination of voluntary work and island hopping to see the best of Fiji’s beautiful and exotic landscape. During the first week we stayed in a Fijian village with a family, whose lifestyle is a world away from the luxuries we have at home. Inbetween painting the school and teaching the children English, Maths and whatever other subject they demanded we move onto (family trees and learning about British culture was a favourite. They were disappointed to know we don’t have elephants, tigers and lions roaming about our countryside). The second week consisted of travelling mainly by boat to the idyllic havens of the Fijian islands, launched straight out of the pages of a travel agent’s guidebook. No filter needed. We fell asleep under millions of stars, which, without the light pollution of a major city, was breath-taking, and sat around a bonfire burning on the beach at night, listening to a local man’s acoustic version of ‘Someone like You’ by Adele. The whole experience just needed to be felt, there is no true way to describe it.

Olivia Waltho

Alexandra Chapman

31

THE UKʼS TOP ISLANDS Island holidays are usually associated with white-sand beaches full of palm trees, endless sunshine and exotic places.

Be it the Canaries, the Caribbean islands or the Philippines, the word ‘island’ itself gets people excited. However, we shouldn’t forget that the UK holds an array of beautiful islands too, perhaps not rewarded with as much sunshine as the others but no less charming. Here are five of the best ones.

Words: Ingrida Kurlinkute.

Derwent Island Under the ownership of the National Trust, the 18th-century Italianate house located on Derwent is the only building on the tiny island. The house has inhabitants all year round but is open to public visits for only five days per year. A short trip across the lake in a canoe and you are already standing on the isle, checking out the beautiful house, garden and learning about the past life of the island. People from all walks of life used to own the house, from monks to royalty, even German miners who worked in the area and brewed their own beer. The last version of the house was built by Joseph Pocklington. Plan your holiday according to the open days to make sure you can enjoy this unique opportunity!

Skye National Geographic recently voted Skye as the 4th best island in the world, so it’s got to be true. There are a number of reasons why it took such a high prize. Get your sturdy hiking shoes and reliable waterproofs ready to conquer Quiraing landslip and you will see why – jaw-dropping nature vistas reminiscent of Lord of The Rings are guaranteed. If you’re cheeky enough, you may even take a bottle of wine to enjoy the sunset. For the best family fun, there is Armadale Activities where you can try archery, axe throwing, air rifles and clay pigeon shooting. Book in advance so you can also see Clan Donald castle, gardens and museum. Mysterious abandoned lighthouses, lots of wildlife, clear Scottish water at a 1000 foot headland rising out of a crashing ocean – this is what Neist Point is about. Head to Skye to see it all because mere words aren’t able to depict its beauty.

32

TRAVEL

Anglesey Also known as Ynys Môn for Welsh speakers, much of its coastline has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As soon as you arrive here, you will understand why. Lligwy Beach is a lovely place backed by cliffs and unspoilt by development, perfect for dog owners and family fun. There is lots of space here for everyone to enjoy but the lack of tourists on weekdays makes it an even more personal experience. The recently renovated Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens now shine brighter than ever before. The ten acres of gardens are full of odd plants and a flowing river with waterfalls. The traditional Tea Room serves luscious homemade cakes to compensate the energy used to stroll across. With a free main car park and visitors centre, South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve is the place to go for nature and is as good as the things you see on some wildlife TV programmes. Expect spectacular views out to sea from steep cliffs and a range of seabirds and animals. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot a porpoise!

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne Despite being a tiny tidal island off the northeast coast of England with just over 160 inhabitants, this island attracts more than 650, 000 visitors every year and not without reason. The place is renowned for its medieval religious heritage and a small charming castle built in 1550, atop the volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig. These objects, as well as most of the residents, are situated on the Southern part of the island. Tourists come here for calm and restfulness which dwell in still beaches and distinctive natural history. Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve is a dream for any bird-watcher with dozens of swallows, kestrels, crows, redshanks, jackdaws, to name but a few.

The only drawback of the island is that if you want to stay overnight on the island, there are only about 40 rooms available, thus book as far ahead as possible

Lewis and Harris A visit to the largest island in Scotland feels like travelling back in time to the mysterious past. In the northern part of the island – Lewis – the renowned Callanish Standing Stones form a mystical and large rock city. The Carloway Broch and the Blackhouse let the modern traveller get in touch with the past and take a look at the island’s life long ago. The southern part – Harris – possesses beaches with ancient rocks, claimed to be the oldest in the whole world. Would you like to make your friends at home jealous? Head to Luskentyre beach during the sunset for a mind-blowing view and a stunning photo opportunity. Make sure to take something to sit on, as there is a high chance that you will want to sit down and watch the sun slowly sinking over the horizon forever.

33

New / new y dd

Whilst Thom Yorke continues experimenting and Haim hook up with Stevie Nicks, we pick out some of the most promosing new artists to look out for this month

ILoveMakonnen Ryn Weaver ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ isn’t always the best motto to live your life by. Unless you’re Ryn Weaver, that is. When she ‘ran into’ friend of a friend and producer of more huge pop hits than you can shake your finger at, Benny Blanco, on Tinder one afternoon, Ryn’s life spiraled out of control.

One minute she was a normal girl, the next, an Internet sensation. Or something like that, at least. The Californian synth-pop artist has friends in the highest of places and is certainly putting them to use; with Passion Pit lending a hand and Charlie XCX singing her praises, there’s no doubting that Ryn Weaver is about to be huge.

Drake remixed his song and it went viral.

Miley Cyrus put his face in an Instagram post and his fan base doubled overnight. Within a month, he was signed to OVO Sound and in the studio with Skrillex and Diplo.

Makonnen Sheran means business, and with the selection of tracks he’s offering, his is a success story in the making. ILoveMakonnen is the sort of act you can never really pin down, but with lyrics so wistful and a voice so raw, pinning him down is going to be the last thing on your mind.

For Fans Of: partynextdoor & Drake Download: ‘Club Going Up On A Tuesday’ https://soundcloud.com/rynweaver @iLoveMakonnen5D

For Fans Of: Bloody good pop songs Download: ‘Promises’ https://soundcloud.com/rynweaver @RynWeaver

Litany The fresh faced duo from Harrogate have been tip toeing around music blogs for the last few months, but it’s their newest release ‘Look’ that has really set things moving.

Their delicate, electro sounds might not be the most innovative but my, are they good.

As strong lyrically as they are melodically, Litany create a sound so silky and natural it’s hard to believe that they’re only just getting started. For times when all that’s left to do is shut the curtains and hide from the world, Litany are the perfect refuge.

For Fans Of: Woman’s Hour, Deptford Goth Download: ‘Look’ https://soundcloud.com/litanyx @litanymusic

Girlpool Cleo and Harmony probably don’t give a shit about what you think. They probably don’t even care that they’ve been amassing a fair bit of attention recently, because these girls are unflappable. Cleo and Harmony are Girlpool, and Girlpool do whatever the fuck they like. The LA twosome negotiating their way through the 2014 music scene are a welcome reminder of days past, where riot grrrls were still a thing, Saved By The Bell was aired daily and hipster was a term used most commonly for pairs of jeans.

For Fans Of: The hypothetical lovechild of Kate Nash and Eoin Loveless (Drenge) Download: ‘Blah Blah Blah’ https://soundcloud.com/girlpoool @girlpoolband

34

Music

f es t iva l previ e w s

^ DimSwn

Cardiff, 18th October After a tense few months over the summer with no Swn announcements being made, Cardiff’s own version of SXSW is back, albeit in a slightly smaller form. A one day version of Swn (wittily entitled DimSwn or ‘no Swn’) will hit the city on Saturday 18th October. Around 50 bands will be playing across the day and night, packing the usual extravaganza into a mere twenty four hours.

The reason behind this year’s changes are due to the fact that the ‘Best Small Festival’ (an accolade bestowed on them by NME, no less) had become too large to be run by its tight-knit team of freelancers. With co-founder John Rostron now able to work full-time on the event, DimSwn is something of a pause before 2015’s presumably gigantic event comes out swinging.

With only 500 tickets on sale, DimSwn will be a remarkably smaller event. This level of exclusivity is reflected by this year’s trim but stellar line-up. Acts including The Wytches, Woman’s Hour, Gengahr and Prides will take to the stage in some of Cardiff’s best independent venues. Only those with a ticket will be in with a chance of seeing some of the most exciting bands of the moment. In the same way as Texas-based behemoth SXSW, one ticket gains entry to all areas so 2014’s £24 price is beyond reasonable. Follow in DimSwn’s fashion and make the sensible choice to attend the best urban festival in Wales.

For more info on the lineup, tickets and venues, head over to www.swnfest.com —India Thomas

Clockwise from top: The Wytches, Prides and Woman’s Hour

Simple Things

Bristol, 25th October

Clockwise from top: Death From Above 1979, Eagulls, Caribou and How To Dress Well

Growing steadily for the last few years, Simple Things festival has garnered quite the following amongst those in the know. The multi-venue event takes place across Bristol’s city centre in a day long showcase of some of the biggest names in new and leftfield music.

From electronic to punk, Simple Things have perfected the hybridised line up with a must see list so long it’s sure to make you woozy.

The headline set this year comes from Canadian punk-rock duo, Death From Above 1979 who, on the back of their first album in 10 years, are on the books to put on a bloody good show. Liars, Actress, How To Dress Well, DJ Harvey, Zomby, SOPHIE and Eagulls all join them on the bill and are just a few of the names amongst the 60 plus acts there for you

to feast your eyes on throughout the day.

On top of the already stellar line up, Simple Things-eve (October 24th) sees Motion play host to electro-RnB artist Jessy Lanza and Caribou live in what can only be described as one of the most desirable opening parties festival season just missed out on.

Final tier tickets will only set you back £40, and with over 10 stages to make your way around (and none of the mud and rain) it’s a bargain if there ever were one. Snap ‘em up before they sell out.

For more info on the line up, tickets and venues, head over to www. simplethingsfestival.co.uk —Charlie Mock

35

MODERN BASEBALL Borne out of house shows and Philadelphia basements, Modern Baseball are a band that should feel at home in Cardiff’s subterranean Undertone. Tickets for the only Welsh date of their UK tour were in such high demand that the promoters were forced to schedule two gigs for the same day. It’s this disconnect that colours life for the band. Playing shows in 80 capacity rooms on their study sabbaticals whilst also about to embark on their second tour with The Wonder Years and recently played to a crowd of well over 1000 at last month’s Riot Fest in Chicago; is there any point in going back to university once their autumn tours are finally over?

Vocalist and guitarist Jake Ewald explains the band’s outlook.

“Part of it is our families supporting us in both things that we do. So they want us to stay in school, but they also want us to pursue our dreams so if we can find a balance then we might as well do it.”

Surely part of the appeal of remaining in education is the fact that he and bassist Ian Farmer are both studying Music Recording back home. Albums ‘Sports’ and ‘You’re Gonna Miss It All’ were recorded at Drexel University by the band themselves which poses the question, would they ever relinquish the task to anyone else? “We definitely have been talking about it a lot more than we used to but…the last album we did was mixed by our friend Jon Low who works at a really cool studio called Miner Street. He’s become good friends of ours so we talk about him sometimes but we’re going to take our time.”

Unlike most mainstream artists who are happy to churn out material after every tour cycle, Modern Baseball’s existing songs speak for themselves. In light of how ‘alternative’ bands struggle with commercial success today, is it still worth pursuing the music they enjoy instead of pandering to the more lucrative options? “I feel like we’re pretty lucky as a band as we’re finding out now as we tour more and more that a lot

36

Modern Baseball hit the UK in September for their first headline tour. India Thomas caught up with frontman Jake Ewald to talk songs, music scenes and unforgettable shows

of people connect very easily to us, and a lot of people will come out and buy records and t-shirts.

But, it’s kind of funny because the whole reason we started this band was because we wanted to make music that meant something to us. And when we write songs we’ve never sat down and said ‘let’s write a song that sounds like this band-or this band’. When we write ‘Modern Baseball’ is what comes out. So we got really lucky I guess that people ended up liking that. When we write songs we just do whatever feels right and it feels good to do it that way.”

“When we write songs we just do whatever feels right and it feels good to do it that way.”

Their signature wit has seen them welcomed with open arms by fans of the current emo revival and pop-punk audiences alike. Everyone loves a passionate sing-a-long. This acceptance from niche genres aside, Modern Baseball admit to owing a lot of their success to the thriving music scene in Philadelphia. “It’s so easy to play shows,” Jake confesses.

“So many people care about music there. Everything’s really close together and easy to get to.” Basement shows thrown in people’s houses were integral to their current success and touring in the smaller venues close to their heart could soon be a thing of the past. “We just recently started playing larger venues this year when we did The Wonder Years tour and it’s a great experience just because you get exposed to more people, everything sounds really good, nothing’s broken, it’s less smelly. But when you play little shows and kids are just standing right in front of you, especially with music like ours that’s so personal, you feel like you’re actually connecting to these kids and you can talk to them. It doesn’t feel like anyone’s above anyone, it’s like everyone’s on the same plane, hanging out. That’s why we like playing music.”

Tonight’s gig is the last-ever ‘punk rock’ show at Undertone, and Modern Baseball have the honour of closing a run that has included Moose Blood, Turnover and Gnarwolves to name a minute few. A sense of finality hangs over their set and when they finish the crowd demand that they stay and continue to play. Lyrics are shouted back at the band as if the crowd had written them themselves, and it becomes apparent that in this moment the band’s personal experiences are shared by those in the room. Modern Baseball’s steady rise is due to the fact they are not trying to be anything more than who they are; four young guys taking life a day at a time. Who couldn’t relate?

music

L O N D O N

G R A M M A R

Beth Lyons from Xpress Radio caught up with Dan and Dot of East London trio London Grammar ahead of their headline performance at Portmeirion’s picturesque Festival No. 6 In halls of residence at The University of Nottingham, fresher Dan Rothman sent Hannah Reid a Facebook message; a friendly hello from one musician to another, an invitation to jam. Five years down the line, Reid, Rothman and keyboardpercussionist Dominic ‘Dot’ Major have charted in the top 10 with their debut album, played countless festivals and been named the most played independent band. No mean feat for a bunch of 20-somethings.

The steady procession of achievements does not end there. Their fine-tuned brand of mournful, melancholic electro-pop has sent them from the opening spot on the main stage of North Wales’ premier boutique festival to headlining it all in the space of a year. Their ascent hasn’t gone unappreciated, either. Reminiscing on their last 12 months in the spotlight, Dan gets to the bottom of exactly when it was that he realised just how far they’d come.

“There’s been so many points along the way [that make you think]. It’s at those moments when they’re so fresh in your mind that they feel like they sum up what you’ve been doing and all the work you’ve done. And then there’s other things

too, like we won a couple of awards at the Independent Music Awards which was amazing.”

But after a summer on the road, it’s back to the studio for London Grammar with plans for album number two in the pipeline. Where the ‘difficult second album’ could have filled them with fear, they’re instead looking forward to the

“It’s at those moments when they’re so fresh in your mind that they feel like they sum up what you’ve been doing” opportunity to evolve. ‘We definitely want to go a bit more dynamic with it’ Dot explains, ‘explore some of the stuff we touched on with the first album; the quieter moments and then the heavy beats.’ They haven’t got anything so vanilla as a plan, though: ‘it’s just so hard to tell before you get into

the studio. We’ve got a lot more gear now, so naturally it will be slightly different.’ That’s not to say they’ll be bashing out a heavy metal album, though; ‘fundamentally, it’ll be the same three people.’

Good news then for the band’s ever-growing, nascent fanbase. London Grammar will develop without undue departure, and experiment without alienating. It would be simple to ride out the quite extraordinary hype surrounding their debut, and the Disclosure collaboration that garnered them yet more attention, but the three-piece do not seem to be an act resting on their laurels. There is blissful appreciation when reflecting on their early accomplishments, and excitement when contemplating what they might yet do on return to the recording studio; with the mindset essential to progress, it is nothing more than a waiting game to see just how far London Grammar can go.

- Charlie Mock

37

Are local music scenes

dying out?

Back in August, a large Somerset town played host to a one-day music festival. The established event prides itself on putting up-and-coming acts on its bill and covering genres that range from metal to indie. Essentially, there is something for everyone. Yet, when Quench Music showed up early for the flawless performance of one of Cardiff’s most promising bands we were virtually the only ones in the room.

All over the UK, empty venues have long been a common sight but scarily, the thriving music scenes of Britain’s cities are now under imminent threat.

In the past month alone, a deluge of problems have hit some of our most iconic institutions. On September 10th, The Cockpit, a Leeds venue that has seen the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Queens Of The Stone Age and The Libertines perform, announced its permanent closure. Citing the condition of the building as the reason for shutting down, their official website goes on to thank “every one of you who came to watch your favourite bands, danced, stage dived, crowd surfed, found your life partner and gave The Cockpit its reputation as one of the best live music venues in the UK.” Sad as The Cockpit’s story may be, even more venues are facing closure through no fault of their own.

The Tunbridge Wells Forum is one of many that face an uncertain future. The independently run 250 capacity venue will not have the funds to fight off the inevitable noise complaints from the new flats proposed to be built nearby.

Bristol’s The Fleece has a similar battle ahead of it. The owner Chris Sharp stated that the venue’s success had always been in its location. “The lack of residents in the surrounding streets has meant the venue has been able to offer live music seven nights a week and club nights until 4am at weekends without disturbing anyone.” With the proposed flats taking the place of the office building that currently backs on to the venue, The Fleece’s previous durability could dramatically change.

With twelve venues under imminent threat the Music Venue Trust and musician Frank Turner are petitioning the Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid MP in an attempt to address the issue. In a video online, Turner proposes adopting the Agent Of Change principle. “Under the Agent of Change principle if a music venue is in place before the residential building, the residential building would be responsible for paying for soundproofing. Likewise, if a new music venue opens in a residential area, the venue is responsible for the cost.” The artist goes on to say that the principle is already being adopted in Australia, and that “The outcome is improved planning; venues working alongside their communities to manage their noise when it changes [and] developers making better

38

residences that are fit for purpose.”

Despite this wellintentioned petition, it appears that the arts and government are far from uniting in their outlook. Earlier this year the Welsh Music Foundation was forced to suspend its role developing and supporting the industry when the Welsh government withdrew the agency’s core funding. Its annual grant of £160,000 has been taken away from the legions of artists, venues and festivals that depended upon the Foundation’s aid in order to stay afloat. Consequently, the face of live music in Wales is already changing.

Swn Festival has been the highlight of the music calendar in Cardiff since its inception in 2007. Co-founded

by John Rostron and Huw Stephens, the four day artist showcase has grown to such a size that it is now too large to be run by its small team of freelancers. However, the festival is neither sizeable nor corporate enough to fund the fulltime employment of staff. In addition, John Rostron who had previously been able to put in time for free was now in full time work. With the summer weeks passing by and no announcements for the event being made, it seemed as if 2013 could have been the last Swn. Fortunately, Rostron was nominated and received the Breakthrough Grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation which enabled him to leave his job in August and work on Swn full time. The event has been downsized for 2014, whilst plans are put into place to make the following year’s festival better than ever before.

Having become something of an institution in Cardiff, Swn is an integral part of the live music scene. Typically involving venues that range from The Angel Hotel to the Student’s Union, 2014 will see DimSwn (or ‘No Sound’) on a remarkably smaller scale. Rather than the exponential growth we’ve come to expect, this year’s one-day event will be limited to six venues. It is indicative in a way, of the restrictions and barriers currently faced by all aspects of the live music circuit.

Cardiff promoters Millionaires have announced that they’ll no longer be holding punk rock shows in Cardiff’s Undertone.

Placing artists in the 80 capacity room beneath 10 Feet Tall and charging under ten pounds per ticket had given Millionaires a reputation for incredibly exclusive and intimate gigs. Yet, the

current economic climate has made it an unviable business option. After all, club nights are more popular and sell more alcohol.

The fact that Cardiff’s cultural institutions have been financially shaken is a worrying thought. If a capital city with the reputation for the some of the most enthusiastic crowds can’t keep its music scene afloat, how is the rest of the UK going to fare in future? Frank Turner understands the urgency of this issue. “As a musician, these [UK] venues are important to me. They are where I grew up, where I learned about rock’n’roll music, where I saw all my favourite bands. [These are] venues where I played my first shows and some of my most recent, the home of the music scene that has given me my career, my passion and my life.

But right now, we are genuinely facing a meltdown and the British live music circuit is crumbling around us.” Our local music scenes depend on us now more than ever.

“Smaller, local shows are the most organic place for bands to grow and develop.”

Without funding it is up to the music consumer to make a difference. Yet an increasing sense of entitlement could be preventing any positive changes, thinks Quench writer Jack Glasscock. “There’s an expectation that music should be free, and that bands should play on your doorstep.” This apathy from potential audiences who won’t travel for shows means that bands and promoters are losing money on events left, right and centre. There’s also a strange phenomenon that

Music

a ticket is worth a lot more than you think. For the price of three coffees or the entry fee of one of the nightclubs on Greyfriars Road, you could be in Clwb Ifor Bach making memories more interesting than an evening spent trying to twerk along to Jason Derulo. This is a call to arms to make the most of the amazing music scene our city has to offer. In this economic climate, who knows how long we’ll have to enjoy it?

—India Thomas

Photos: Kmeron (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

seems to be occurring where people leave purchasing tickets until last minute. As an incentive, smaller venues like Clwb Ifor Bach offer subsidised advance prices, but when bands are only managing to charge £10 at most per ticket, how can we ensure that these venues don’t disappear altogether in future? “Smaller, local shows are the most organic place for bands to grow and develop. A local scene has a sense of community and offers influence and support for everyone involved.” Jack goes on to explain: “The most important thing a local scene offers is the growth of unique music and an exploration of genre. I think that it would all be a bit stunted and awkward without a place to cut your teeth. Accumulating a fan base online just isn’t the same.” In order to salvage these training grounds for tomorrow’s headline acts, the solution is simple: people need to start going to gigs.

As Cardiff residents we are some of the luckiest students where our local scene is concerned. From metal in Fuel to DJ’s in Gwdihw, to the Motorpoint and the extensive array of artists performing in our very own student union this year, there is so much on offer. Employing bar staff and promoters, keeping venue managers in a job and bands in petrol for the tour bus,

39

music review s

We review the new albums from Jamie T, Alt-J, Aphex Twin and Gnarwolves and shows from Talons, My Grey Horse and TRAAMS

Feels like summer launch Party (My Grey Horse, Noyo Mathis and Wasters)

Gwdihw, September 26th

Talons Clwb Ifor Bach, September 19th There are purists who refuse to accept that rock music has progressed much since the 70s, but last Friday’s triple bill at Clwb Ifor Bach serves as indisputable evidence to the contrary.

First up are locally based Esuna, bursting into a franticpaced opener reminiscent of early Idlewild and compositions smacking of Hundred Reasons that don’t belie a confidence to do their own thing. Technical nods to their peers in the odd missed beat or surprise rest are not overused as to detract from real songs, honest melodies and songwriting that shows genuine promise.

Relative local veterans Wicket enthrall, speaking through recordings and projected stop-motion blu tack animation loops while tweaking an impressive array of pedals. Songs evolve from atmospheric synthesised strings to heavily rousing pieces Mogwai would be proud of despite three less members. Adept at the musical catapult tactic: withhold, withhold, release, they also reference the math side of the scene without letting it fragment the pieces.

Headliner Talons’ presence is instant. Songs grow from gentle classical violin playing to wailing guitars and frenzied drumming. Soon we are witness to a line of two guitarists, two violinists and one bassist headbanging in synchrony. It isn’t just the violinists that make this image so pleasurable, but the mastery in the compositions and finesse with which they are performed which really make Talons so arresting; orchestral sounding yet face-meltingly rocking. Every pause is perfect, every riff sublime. Terrifying tribal drumming is overlayed by luscious snaking strings whilst machinegun fire kick drum and toms punctuate an overwhelming wall of sound.

If you haven’t caught up on rock in the last 40 years, Talons might make a good start. Their recorded work deserves all the praise it has recently received, but it is live where Talons are truly in their element.

—Gareth Kitchen

Freshers week? Who gives a fuck when My Grey Horse are headlining with a setlist taken from their stellar debut ‘I Still Don’t Understand’? Not this crowd, at least. Playing the last date of their mini tour by launching Jealous Lovers Club’s Feels Like Summer Festival, there’s a palpable tension growing; we just can’t bloody wait.

Wasters start the evening to a still room, their recent tip off from NME left unnoticed. Unfortunately, immaculately projected vocal dynamics only go so far, and in this case it’s not far enough; Wasters don’t build enough momentum to keep interests going. Noyo Mathis are next to grace the stage, and for the 45 minutes that vocalist and guitarist Toby Savill is in control, lickety-split timed finger tapping and crowd shaking tunes fill the tiny front room of this out of the way Cardiff retreat.

And then finally, My Grey Horse arrive. Joined by drummer Joe Nicklin and bassist Tom Mott, the strictly brotherly harmonics add drive to oddly timed pieces like ‘Need Wood’ and an otherwise swirly, relaxing ‘Big Night.’ My Grey Horse share more with Louisville rock quintet My Morning Jacket than mere possession of animals and garments; they hold a creative air that grips you like a levitating cartoon character, and lets you drop accordingly. Hearing early material like ‘Aberdovey’ hits nerves and plucks heartstrings, and the frantic fervor of Freshers’ week seems a million miles away. As the final acoustic numbers build up to tourending, party-popping celebrations, the notion that My Grey Horse might one day progress to the opposing Motorpoint Arena seems ever more tangible. Where those wiling away their night at the beloved SU may struggle to reminisce the following morning, the Feels Like Summer collective make sure that this is one night that will certainly be remembered.

—Veryan Leaper

Photo: Nail Lloyd

40

Traams

Clwb Ifor Bach, September 26th

Womanby Street. Hidden away in the centre of Cardiff, an early evening dusk is beginning to shroud the zealous, audacious graffiti exploding from the walls. A regular haunt for members of the nightlife revolution, Clwb Ifor Bach and its three story building hosts live music nights a plenty and tonight is no different.

Openers Gin Drinker, a guitarist and spoken word duo, are surreal. Words can be used, but there are no words to provide a succinct description of what is happening on stage.

Two men blend a hip-hop drum machine with heavy metal guitar and improvised poetry, which at one point descends into the riff from Batman. ‘Oh shit. I haven’t wrote-n ‘ny fackin’ lyrics to this one yet’ we hear; he raps anyway.

High hopes are held for post-punk trio Kutosis who are second to grace the stage. An obnoxiously loud and monotonous set that, albeit oozing energy, overpowers the subtleties that made them so popular a few years ago, leaving those who have previously known and loved the Cardiffians slightly taken aback.

Enter TRAAMS. First song in, and it’s difficult to separate them from Kutosis; they’re young, self assured, and loud. A tight set nonetheless, and their confidence suggests they’ve been playing these songs for a while, but the lack of audience enthusiasm is surprising. It’s a pretty small turnout for Clwb Ifor Bach, and the room is emptying very quickly at the back, despite the size of the band’s fan-base in Cardiff. The boys from TRAAMS involve the audience, thanking them repeatedly for coming, and clearly enjoying performing. Perhaps the small venue on Womanby St isn’t suited for such a group, or perhaps, people were scared off by the abrasiveness of the support acts. It seems that despite their unique status as the world’s only kraut-rock band from Chichester, TRAAMS are left a little in the cold on this Indian summer’s eve.

—Tom Reeder

MUSIC

APHEX TWIN Syro

ALT-J This Is All Yours

GNARWOLVES Gnarwolves

JAMIE T Carry On The Grudge

It’s been thirteen years since Richard D. James last released an album under the alias ‘Aphex Twin,’ but it would be wrong to assume that he’s been sat on his arse since then. Instead, the reclusive forty three yearold has been hiding out in a Scottish village, juggling parenthood with music, tinkering with tracks and creating compilations set to blow the minds of his devoted and astoundingly large fan base.

After taking rave culture by storm in the 90s, it is evident that James is one of the most influential and important electronic acts in the industry, renowned for constantly pushing the boundaries in that particular genre. In that respect, ‘Syro’ may disappoint fans who have been waiting for

another album that will, once again, break the rules. The opening track ‘minipops 67’ is a quintessential Aphex Twin track, filled with synths, skittish staccato rhythms and robotic bleeps which interject the surface. Similarly, tracks such as ‘180db_’ are reminiscent of James’ nightmarish ‘Come on Daddy’ EP, which he recorded with Chris Cunningham in 1997; its eerie strings lurk behind whetted synths. The overall pace of the album is typical of his signature ‘braindance’ style, which transports the listener through a whirlpool of synthesisers and crazy drum beats. The closing acoustic piano piece ‘aisatsana,’ is the complete antithesis to the previous tracks on ‘Syro.’ Strikingly calm and ambient with its accompanying birdsong, it is the perfect

comedown after such manic activity.

Although it may not be his most innovative record to date, with a slight adjustment of expectations, ‘Syro’ can be appreciated as a solid demonstration of a master craftsman at work.

—Kate Barlow

How could alt-J follow up a debut album as undeniably genre-bending as ‘An Awesome Wave,’ an album that earned them the coveted Barclaycard Mercury Prize and catapulted them to the headline slot on Reading and Leeds’ cavernous NME/Radio 1 stage last summer? With Alexandra Palace sold out and London’s 02 Arena on sale, no one really knew what to expect next in the unprecedented rise of alt-J. ‘This Is All Yours’ proves that alt-J were not being weird for weird’s sake. They were using music as an art form like no one else, and they’re going to continue pushing the boundary of the veritable blue sky. The opening track, ‘Intro’, opens with a cacophony of monosyllabic intonations and morphs

into a powerful sitar based crescendo. This transformation embodies Alt-J’s transition; they are still very much the same band, but it’s not simply a continuation of their debut.

There are parts of the album that sound deeply romantic, such as ‘Arrival In Nara’ and ‘Pusher.’ Other times, it becomes bizarrely erotic in a way only alt-J can be, with a low stinging bass line, hypnotic harmonies and lyrics like ‘turn you inside out and lick you like a crisp packet’. As unorthodox as it is, it’s extremely effective. With their extensive instrumentation, alt-J produce a highly tactile sound that engrosses you in a way that other music fails to do. Use of the classic primary school DJ keyboard samples on ‘The Gospel Of John Hurt,’ as well as other

charming minutiae, remind you that they’re just being extremely resourceful as opposed to being intentionally obtuse.

‘This Is All Yours’ is an album that rewards a truly engaged listener, one that is willing to pick up on the beautiful, ingenious subtleties of what alt-J have produced. That engagement is so fulfilling and wholly worth it.

—Jack Glasscock

‘Prove It’ seems like a superfluous song title for Gnarwolves to open their longawaited debut album with. Stalwart and tenacious, the Cornish-bred, Brightonbased punk trio haven’t exactly left their fans with any doubts about their capability.

Three EPs, perpetual hard graft and endless tours saw the band open the Main Stages at Reading and Leeds Festival before they even had a ‘proper’ record to their name. The aforementioned event seems to suggest that the time has come for Gnarwolves to clamber out of Britain’s basements, bevvies in hand, and bask in what they’ve achieved.

‘Gnarwolves’ moves away from their loosely ‘pop-punk’ past. All ten caustic tracks bear the grit that Parker Cannon and

Co. could only dream of. Deemed ‘melodichardcore’ by those in the know, the band have managed to balance fun with something a little more sinister on this release. ‘Boneyard’ and ‘Smoking Kills’ don’t exactly inspire optimism from a titular perspective yet singa-long choruses and scathing political digs lend something anthemic to the prevalent pessimism.

While Gnarwolves’ debut doesn’t offer anything ‘new’ the band have found their unique sound and are commendably sticking with it. The popularity of their live shows more than illustrates that the trio are plenty aware of what they do best. On record there’s no over-production clouding the band’s organic sound and as a result, their

gigs always deliver what you expect. Except when someone uses a body-board to crowd surf over your head, of course.

For everyone who’s been blasting ‘History is Bunk’ since time seemingly began, this album is for you. Hitting number 68 in the album chart at time of writing, ‘Gnarwolves’ is less of a statement and more of a celebration of the fact that their original sound has got them where they are today.

Long may their success continue.

—India Thomas

Lyrical master, Jamie T, is now 28 years old.

After his career exploded upon the release of debut album ‘Panic Prevention’ in 2007 and continued to soar following 2009’s ‘Kings and Queens’ hit the shelves, it’s with good reason that his unannounced hiatus caused a huge ruckus. Jamie T disappeared and no one really knew why. Now, in 2014, the south London singer is finally back and ‘Carry On The Grudge’ is the best comeback any fan could ask for.

Jamie returns with a sound that is distinctly more grown up, the shouts of songs like ‘Sheila’ and ‘Sticks ‘n’ Stones’ long gone.

The conversations of drugs, love and life continue, however, and the aggression that drives the music remains, but there is no

denying a clear maturation in what Jamie T is now creating. It’s calm, bold and lingers in your ears. Lead singles ‘Don’t You Find’ and ‘Zombie’ provide dynamics and variation that the album would otherwise lack, whilst ‘Trouble’ and ‘Rabbit Hole’ give it the punchy groove that a return to the forefront needs.

Whilst the whole album can be praised, it’s ‘The Prophet’ and ‘Love Is Only A Heartbeat Away’ that really grab you; they are lyrically gorgeous. “Love is only a heartbeat away, but it’s saved for the darkest of your days” Jamie reassures. Lyrics like this, peppered throughout the album, make you realise exactly what Jamie T has been doing during his five year hiatus. He has been nurturing his talent, for himself and for others; ‘Carry

On The Grudge’ is evidence of that. Welcome back Jamie T, please do stay a while.

—Alice Hoddinott

41

DESTINY AWA I T S Online multiplayer has a new face

When it comes to creating something memorable and enticing, something to blow people out of the water, there are certain standards and protocols that have been set in our media-saturated world and now must be reached by every new release. The standard ranges from the level of graphics, the gameplay and of course the multiplayer platform. A game like Destiny seems to nearly tick every one of those boxes and more.

Destiny may be a brand new game, yet the concept is very similar – an ancient science-fiction mythology-based postapocalyptic storyline that’s accompanied by heroes and villains…where the villains happen to be these creepy sentient alien-like creatures. Nothing like the Halo, Fallout and Resistance game franchises or films like War of the Worlds, Edge of Tomorrow, Pacific Rim, Oblivion or even I Am Legend. No, we haven’t seen *anything* like this before.

Set 700 years in a post-apocalyptic future following an age of exploration, peace and technological advancement, the human race has colonised planets within the solar system and the far reaches of space. An event known as “the Collapse” saw the mysterious dissolution of all these colonies and leaving mankind precariously balanced on the brink of extinction. The only known survivors of the human race are those living on earth in The Last City, which was saved by “The Traveler”, a giant, white, spherical celestial body whose appearance centuries before had enabled mankind to reach the stars and new

42

technological feats.

The Traveler now hovers above The Last City and its presence allows the Guardians – no, not Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – who are the defenders of the city, to wield an unknown power of skill to fight off the hostile alien races who are encroaching the city. The player, who controls a Guardian of their choosing, has to work on reviving the Traveler, destroying the alien invaders and saving the human race.

Despite the idea of the game being remarkably similar to a lot of other media releases that we’ve seen in the last decade, Destiny has its own distinct take on the genre in terms of gaming. The entirety of the firstperson shooter, story missions included, takes place in a constantly evolving online world, dubbed as one of the first “sharedworld shooters”. As well as the standard need for online multiplayer that many gamers now look for, the game provides a much more consistent matchmaking entity that differs from other massively multiplayer online (MMO) games and creates a more natural experience in either cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes.

The fact that the entire story takes place in this online world is one of Destiny’s most intriguing aspects. As you play the core story missions, you are accompanied by your very own companion known as The Ghost, a robot AI that is voiced by the celebrated Game of Thrones star and fan favourite Tyrion Lannister, A.K.A Peter Dinklage.

The graphics may not be as upto-scratch as other recent games – on a Playstation 3 at least – and, while definitely nowhere near as spellbindingly beautiful as The Last of Us or Grand Theft Auto V, it is the vast backdrops that really catch your eye.

The futuristic setting of the solar system has allowed the developers to experiment and explore a world of desolated planets in an advanced post-apocalyptic future, leaving you in a sense of awe and wonder about the cosmos.

This is accompanied by an ethereallike soundtrack which, to some, might not be all that enticing yet it fits almost perfectly throughout the game. From travelling between planets to fighting off an army that rose from the deepest depths of the darkness, the soundtrack intertwines nicely between scenarios.

But what about the actual gameplay?

You start off with having the choice of three different advanced races, all Guardians: Titans, Warlocks and Hunters; each with their own set of advantages.

From there on, you are born from “the light” where you spend the entirety fighting off the armies of The Darkness. Yes. It is that literal. The game acts like any other online shooter. The higher level you are the more weapons armour and perks will become available to you, rewarding the countless hours you will no doubt be clocking over the next few months.

With some nice added play features and an upgrade system, the game runs smoothly in an online world. Along with the standard PvP matches and story missions, there are Strike missions which team you

up with other players of a similar ability (or level) to take down a specific target and the countless respawning of their minions.

These side-missions, along with a number of bounties – yes, so you can finally take the mantle of Boba Fett, hunting enemies across the galaxy for prizes (…Star Wars? No?) – are just another of extremely handy ways to level up quickly.

These will be a welcomed aspect to take on as you progress mainly because of the repetitive nature of the story missions.

While they are still enjoyable, they become rather predictable very early on with the only difference being a new location and a different enemy.

Despite the price of Destiny being in excess of £50 and the obvious flaws you will find throughout the game there is no stopping it from being enjoyable and somewhat beautiful to play. The Shared-World Shooter provides endless hours of entertainment and a constant online-mode that will relight that competitive spark within you if the lethargic missions start to take their toll, that is.

So is it worth getting? If you love games like Halo and live for online modes then you should really have this game by now but it really isn’t as much of a defining game as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or The Last of Us. While it shouldn’t really be categorised in that “best games ever” league, Destiny has started something incredible and should be recognised for that along with its endless entertaining hours of gameplay. It’s a great game but far from perfect.

Reviewed on PS3 — Alex Miarli

8/10

VIDEO GAMES

Dwarf Fortress is one of those rare video games where the playerʼs experiences truly feel unique, and where almost everything in the world is truly random. But for those of you who have yet to become accustomed to it, Dwarf Fortress is a free-to-play game by

LOSING IS FUN at you, or anything in-between! The amount The core concept of Dwarf Fortress is to take of depth in this game is indescribable and an expedition of dwarves, each of whom can seemingly limitless factors can account for have specific talents and skills attributed the rise and fall of your fortress. Anything to them, alongside a wagon of supplies and from dwarves experiencing dehydration, proceed to successfully create a working, which in this case is a lack of alcohol, to thriving and sustainable fortress. On the having a long forgotten beast awaken from surface it seems to be paper thin in terms of the depths of the earth and unleash a horde content. “What about the story?” is usually of zombie slugs upon the world, the list goes the response a description like this will on and on. invoke. The story is one of the most unique However there are some drawbacks. and memorable experiences a player can The learning curve for this game has been picture, because it is randomly generated. At described by many as being the equivalent the start of playing the game, the world and of climbing a greater than 90 degree angle. its entire history, historical figures included, The mythical tales and stories are the reward. are generated on the fly. An entire history of fallen heroes and felled kings are “Dwarves can be dehydrated, which in this populated at the push of a button. case means a lack of alcohol, or awaken a This adds a sense of long-forgotten beast from the earthʼs depths” individuality to the world that makes it your own, and as a The core game is presented to the player in player you start to grow attached to the little an ASCII format. The entire world, along events that have been uncovered in your with its many terrains, creatures, the huge worlds past, which only enthralls you all the variety of items and people are all presented more. to the player in a 2D box with each being After the world has been generated, represented by a letter. A dwarf is a smiley your dwarves have been selected and your face, a dog is represented by a letter “d”, and supplies have been packed, you can select an a dragon, an incredibly powerful foe in game area from the entire game world to hunker is given the unique and distinguishable letter down and start living. If you wish to have an “D”. Much confusion is initially given at the easy life you can place your fort amongst a start of the game, and has even brought forest, surrounded by peaceful critters and the community to the point where they gentle streams. Conversely if you prefer a have developed skins to make it more user challenge you can embark amongst a sinister friendly. and deserted environment filled with the The gameplay is incredibly most terrifying ghouls the world can throw

overwhelming at the start of playing.

Everything to do with the game is presented in a menu that can be pulled up and each command is logged and pressed using the keyboard. The mouse is never utilized. If you want a dwarf to dig you press “D” on the keyboard to bring up the designations menu, then press “D” once again to designate a mining operation. From there you select the blocks of the in game world you wish to mine.

Management of the fort is also frustrating at this point. At the start of the game you have a grace period where the supplies from your caravan provide your dwarves with supplies. After this you must look for alternative methods of surviving.

These two simple tasks can be frustrating since there are absolutely no in-game tutorials to help you understand, which is where the community provides a beacon of hope.

A game such as Dwarf Fortress only gives what you put in which is why there is a dedicated community. The game may play and perform incredibly well, but each playthrough should evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride that will stay with you.

The community surrounding dwarf fortress is based on three main factors; successful constructions of wonders, helping the community play the game successfully and the recalling of tales of successful and fallen forts of yore. Wonders are a core concept of the Dwarven community and are usually unique building projects which have solved problems with incredibly creative methods.

Machines such as the Dwarven atom smasher, a drawbridge which exploits a bug

Bay12 games and has been spearheaded by a pseudo-mythical creator.

in the game which destroys any items that are underneath it are prevalent.

The community also helps themselves and beginners out by creating an entire dwarf fortress wiki, filled with starter guides and entries for many if not all critters supplies equipment and items from the game.

There are even multi-hour YouTube guides, documenting typical first playthroughs that beginners to the game can follow along with and learn from. It’s an incredibly warming and friendly community to be a part of.

The stories themselves also play a major part of the community, tales between players of successful charges on hordes of goblins and dragons with a single dwarf managing to best them, or lone dwarf who threw a lion into another, and managed to get said lion lodged inside the other are commonplace, along with the peculiar story of a mayor of a fortress who was a vampire, who routinely proceeded to bite his constituents. The amount of tales that can be recalled from his game are incredibly vast with each being utterly unique both for the player and reader.

Overall, Dwarf Fortress can be described as an experience that any gamer will recall with a large amount of praise and adoration.

A game which will reward you greatly with hours’ worth of fun and enjoyment. Many tragic and hilarious tales of fortresses gone wrong and success from insurmountable odds. However you have to be dedicated to it and devote time and an incredible amount of patience to learn how the game plays.

Reviewed on PC — Matthew “Ulrich” Scanlon

9/10 43

PAPERS, PLEASE one year later

Papers, Please is an independently developed puzzle game based on the concept of working at an immigration post for a fictitious, dystopian country called Arstotzka. The game had a generally positive reception although some found it to be too innately tedious, as after all, the entire game the player is simply managing a desk job.

Lucas Pope left Naughty Dog to begin work on Papers, Please in 2012. The game took less time than expected to complete, finishing in only 9 months. Before he released

attacks, and complex moral decisions make Papers, Please an intriguing and immersive masterpiece.

Papers, Please is priced at just $9.99 (£6.26), which in comparison with big titles that also arrived in 2013 such as Rome Total War II, $59.95, it is extremely cheap. It delivers more than one would expect from the genre, leaving the player immersed and intrigued by the setting. While larger titles have had much more hype and advertising surrounding them, Papers, Please has arguably delivered more to fans, giving a superior experience for a less amount of money. The Elder Scrolls Online, for example, would cost fans $240 for a single year of play. Many purchased the game and were shocked and disappointed to find a severe lacking in immersion, as well as countless bugs and issues upon launch. Papers, Please, on the other hand, is cheap, simple, and massively enjoyable.

However despite the overall success and positive reception of Papers, Please, there have been some negative reviews. Some feel that the game is simply too tedious to endure for only the occasional reward of intriguing events or plot developments. I would argue, however, that statistically speaking the positive reception far outweighs the

“Some feel that the game is simply too tedious to endure for only the occasional reward of intriguing events or plot developments” the product he opened a forum for the public wishing to submit their names to be randomly assigned to characters in the game.

When it released, players were greeted with a game where they play as an immigration officer who has the final say whether a person is, or isn’t, admitted into Arstotzka.

While stamping papers may sound boring, Papers, Please is far from monotonous.

Organizations attempting to overthrow the government, drug smugglers, terrorist

44

negative. People, generally speaking, love the game. After perusing the reviews on Steam it is apparent that people are still concurrently leaving 10/10 reviews. In fact there are 6,359 player written reviews on Steam, and after glancing through several hundred I found only a single negative review. The Meta rating also ranks Papers, Please above much more expensive games of the year. It is rated an 85, whereas Rome II is rated 76 and The Elder Scrolls Online is rated 71. Needless to say, Papers, Please’s ratings speak for themselves.

With reviews still streaming forth, and players still satisfied with their Arstotzkan adventure, the game is far from over. The one year anniversary marks a bright, and exciting future, with stated plans to port the game to iOS, as well as possibly the PlayStation Vita. Among these exciting plans for Papers, Please, fans like myself can but hope Lucas Pope continues to exercise his amazing creative talent with a sequel, or possibly further expansion, to arguably the best indie game released in 2013, and unarguably one of the best indie games released of all time.

Reviewed on PC — Bradley Birkholz

8/10

Credits: GiantBomb

As Papers, Please passes its one year anniversary it is worth noting the remarkable journey it has undertaken and the potential future for the game, which at a low cost rivals big budget company games in concept, game play, and overall ingenuity

VIDEO GAMES

MONOPOLISED I N D U S T R Y

Credits: EA

Although it doesn’t play its hand in regards to hardware, Electronic Arts (EA) is a global hegemon when it comes to game development and publishing. FIFA, Madden, NHL, NBA Live, SSX, Battlefield, Need for Speed, The Sims, SimCity, Dead Space, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Titanfall: All of these games have either been published or developed by EA and this is a mere fraction of the titles that the company has had a hand in. Although companies like Ubisoft would probably like to say that they are on an equal footing with the Californiabased giant, it would be futile to even consider the matter. In 2011 EA was revealed to be the world’s third largest gaming company by revenue, only beaten by Nintendo (a company

that saved the industry in the 80s) and Activision Blizzard.

It would not be surprising that nowadays, EA would top that list – especially given Nintendo’s fallen revenue figures after the failure of the Wii U. However, much like any period of hegemony in history, one can always debate whether or not this is the best scenario for all concerned. This is no different when EA is taken into consideration. In fact what makes this debate so interesting is EA’s status amongst the gaming community. Despite having released several of the most iconic games in history (The Sims, Theme Hospital, Dungeon Keeper – both through Bullfrog), EA is still regarded as “the bad guys” of the gaming world. This is due in no small part to the fact that the company appears far

more interested in the financial side of matters rather than quality. Releases such as Dungeon Keeper Mobile and various others that contain nefarious micro-transactions have only served to support this viewpoint. The overall feeling has been summed up by the company being voted the most hated corporation in the US for two years running! This means that EA is hated more by the American people than the likes of McDonald’s and Wal-Mart. It’s staggering that an industry leader such as EA can garner such a reputation. However the question remains as to whether the industry would be in such a strong position without their work. This is the question that this article will seek to answer.

Let’s start with the positives. It’s entirely possible to say that without The Sims, and all games related to that franchise, the industry would not be in the position that it’s in. EA changed the landscape when it released the very first Sims game in back in 2000. Since then their in-house studio Maxis has been working on all things Sims. From 2000 until the present day, four Sims base games have been released all with many, many expansions and stuff packs. In fact the latest iteration, The Sims 4, has just been released but we shall return to this particular car crash another time. This particular series enabled people to play with real life. This concept has become so important that it became the tagline for The Sims 3. There is no doubt that without The Sims, the industry would have a very different outlook. Of course we don’t know what things would look like in this particular timeline but one can guess.

Thanks to its enormous success in the late 90s/early 2000s, EA made the industry more global and more of an industry.

Although you could argue that Nintendo may have done this first; one has to remember that they are really the only company that has significant dealings in both hardware and software – you may argue that Microsoft and Sony are at the same level.

However, there are negatives related to this dominance.

The best way to demonstrate the problems with this position is to look at the sports simulation genre. EA Sports has absolutely dominated this field since the mid-90s and much

“EA HAS BEEN VOTED THE MOST HATED CORPORATION IN THE US FOR TWO YEARS”

Much like Lego has dominated the toy industry, there only really exists one company which over-arches nearly all aspects of the gaming industry.

Alex Glazer gives us a lowdown on the situation

like The Sims, their games revolutionised the industry.

However since there is only really one option to go with in this genre there is a chance that there could be a significant drop in quality. Without significant competition it is possible that EA Sports gets lazy and sloppy because they know that they are going to make the money anyway. The problem that has developed with this genre is that EA can use its vast pool of resources to secure exclusive license deals with the likes of the NFL and EPL. For example, a few years ago EA signed a longterm deal with the NFL to use the teams and all related to the organisation. This was exclusive. The fact of the matter is that most people want to play with the actual teams because it’s more than likely that they have a favourite. At the time of the agreement EA’s Madden series had significant competition in the form of 2K. However the licensing deal forced the latter to pull out of the NFL video-games. Since then there has been the constant problem that Madden has not evolved enough.

With the exception of the most recent release, Madden 15, this was true. It is entirely possible to think that this was a result of not having competition in the field.

Having a company like EA leading the field also disadvantages the consumer from a financial standpoint.

Now, you may say that that all games from all developers/ publishers are expensive and you would be correct. However, EA has introduced and taken charge of something much more nefarious. I’m talking, of course, about micro-transactions.

EA has recently become the “champions” of these horrible in-game purchases. The word “champions” is used in its most sarcastic sense. These expensive pay-to-win purchases were most prevalent in mobile gaming but EA has brought them into mainstream gaming. The result is that other developers have seen this and acted in a similar fashion. It was a followthe-leader type of thing. You could forgive EA for this if they kept it at that, but they didn’t. They have also brought in this extortion onto the mobile market as well. Now, unfortunately, the norm but EA has been tying them to wellknown and beloved franchises. Most prevalent among these is the terrible Dungeon Keeper Mobile. The original games were absolute classics and genre-defining. This new game is similar only in name alone and must be avoided at all costs.

Overall it is plain to see that there are two definitive sides to this argument. Whether or not you like or hate EA is really down to your personal experience with them. However the fact is that they are going nowhere. This is a company that will continue to dominate for the foreseeable future and there is not much that can be done about that.

45

Horror TV

with the return of American Horror Story this month with the aptly titled ‘Freak Show’; Alex Miarli give us the lowdown on why Horror TV is making its comeback.

Every genre, whether it’s in TV or film, always seems to have its time in the spotlight that draws in huge crowds time and time again for however long it stays in fashion. For Hollywood, the latest fad seems to be garnered towards the more fantastical and awe-inspiring as we enter the Age of the Superheroes and impressive special effects, yet the latest epoch that seems to have taken a hold of the small screen is the horror genre.

No matter what TV programme you watch that’s tailored towards an adult audience, you will find undertones of horror or gore intertwined throughout. And that’s not to mention the actual shows that are purposefully designed for the genre; Hemlock Grove, The Strain, The Walking Dead or even American Horror Story. I mean, having the word ‘Horror’ in the title is a bit of a “dead” giveaway there…

What was once considered to be more of an acquired taste for the genre, it seems now that everyone and their dog seems to be craving the idea of watching a TV show centred on the genre of horror even more so than a zombie craves the taste of human flesh. And in recent years, this has paved the way for the revival of the genre. Why is this?

46

You can perhaps find the root of this growing ‘Horror Mania’ in our ever-changing youth generation, becoming more open and… experimental when it comes to new trends. With television becoming a much more saturated marketplace and a growing entity within our lives accompanied with the continual growth of our population and every other genre entering the headlights of the mainstream market, the younger demographic wants to have every option of every genre available at any time.

Horror is now making the headlines and stealing the limelight from anything else because of the way it is being done. The heavy hitters of the genre, such as American Horror Story, Hannibal or The Walking Dead have been paving the way for this new invasion for years, but only now are they beginning to step out of the shadows into the view of a wider audience.

The scripts and story arcs of these shows, along with many other new horror programmes, have developed into some of the more consistently compelling stories to tell and sometimes, with this specific genre in particular, a story can become more captivating the darker, gruesome and the more twisted it becomes; creating that “I don’t want to look but can’t stop watching it” mentality.

FILM & TV

As well as this, the special effects on these shows are now extraordinarily impressive, creating programming, it’s not a bad thing that we’re seeing more time spent on this genre if done well, that grounded sense of realism in terms of it being a bit more believable. And of course, a even if it is on the small screen. Television itself is something that is starting to rival the big zombie apocalypse or an endless wave of vampires, ghosts or werewolves living among us seems blockbusters themselves in terms of figures and audiences.

New hit shows such as The Strain or Penny Dreadful have ludicrous enough, but the way the stories are being told – not made the point this year alone that new shows based within the to mention the countless outstanding performances from the actors themselves – help to create that dark illusion of reality.

“It seems now that everyone and their horror genre can easily establish themselves in an overly-saturated televisual market and can still draw in large numbers themselves.

But is it becoming too cluttered? With every kind of dog seems to be craving the idea of And online networks, such as Netflix have provided that ability to monster more or less now being portrayed on the small screen, it’s beginning to look less like a scare fest and more like the watching a TV show centred on the genre binge on shows in their own horror genre with the likes of Hemlock line-up of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. On the one hand, of horror even more so than a zombie Grove.

So yes, these horror-based shows are now receiving the you can argue that an under-represented genre for years is craves the taste of human flesh.” recognition they deserve and, with plenty of other programmes to finally getting its time in the spotlight and is now making choose from if horror isn’t your thing, you’re far from limited with every second of every show count… Yet on the other, you can see it as too much at once as the television studios are continually pushing too many of the your choice. Every now and then, it’s nice to watch an episode of Hannibal, American Horror Story or The Walking Dead because the human body needs to feel that rush of fear every now “same” shows.

In reality, it is not becoming too cluttered; horror has now grown organically into and then… and if not because of that, it’s a smart idea to watch over these shows to pick up on a staple genre such as comedy or drama and with hundreds of channels, all with their own some tips in case a zombie apocalypse does happen…

47

Take a peeper at these creepers Since we’re no longer in the realm of youthhood-the time when it was acceptable to receive sweets off complete strangers – Halloween weekend is reserved for those frightful film nights watched in total darkness. Whether you come back to them every year or are looking for something new to add to the schedule, here are Film and TV’s top 10 horrors. Illustrations: Bryn Evans

Das Kabinett des Dr Caligari (1920)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Nosferatu (1922)

The Shining (1980)

I know when people think of a silent film, their brain tends to cease concentrating. However, without this Weimar classic of German Expressionism the horror genre as we know it would be a completely different landscape. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari tells the story of a doctor who keeps a somnambulist in a cabinet, told through flashback scenes and set against the bleak backdrop of unrequited love. A most captivating character, Dr. Caligari ensnares audiences at a carnival where he shows off his hypnotic control of Cesare. This control however leads to murder plots, kidnapping and a very strange dwelling in an asylum. The turns in this narrative are a perfect way to kick off a night into the unnatural.

If only to emphasise the importance of these early silent works, Nosferatu is the original vampire film (even though it is still deemed an unauthorised version of Bram Stoker’s brilliant novel).

Without this version, Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the soon to be released Luke Evans turn in Dracula: Untold would not be as fascinating as they hoped to be. Count Orlok is the vampire at hand, dwelling in Transylvania and instilling fear into the local people; in enters Thomas Hutter, a man who gets tangled into the complex web of Orlok’s life. Not as gruesome as some would hope, yet for being the original vampire flick, this influential piece of cinema is a must for any horror filmathon.

Psycho (1960)

There is nothing wrong with being close to one’s mother, nothing at all. However Norman Bates takes this a little too far (understatement of the year, no doubt). Psycho is just as much a sexually infused thriller of deviant behaviour and gripping suspense as it is the intriguing relationship between a man and the women he encounters. From Janet Leigh running off with embezzled money to her most infamous scene on film in that shower – Psycho is coming at you all guns blazing, or at least knives unsheathed. Horror and thriller go better than two peas in a pod, and to create such a masterpiece as this they are needed tenfold. The sense that something isn’t right drips off this narrative right until the last scene. A must watch for any horror night.

48

It is a film everyone knows; a title that is synonymous with the genre just as much as blood and gore. With a tagline “Who will survive and what will be left of them?” you know you’re in for a spectacle of horror-greatness.

Another “inspired by true events”, though in reality mostly fictional narrative; we see a gang of friends descend upon a deserted place where they are greeted by Leatherface. Impaled bodies, meat-hooked bones and chainsaw murders are the call of the day. A gruesome addition to any film night. (If you don’t fancy the original in all its bizarre aesthetics you could watch the 2003 remake!)

Even if you don’t know what it’s from, you’ve no doubt seen a meme or a gif of Jack Nicholson exclaiming “HERE’S JOHNNY!” – And there’s a good reason why it is both terrifying and hilarious, in the most uncomfortable way. From a director whose most famous work is A Clockwork Orange, The Shining was always going to be on the edge of insane and brilliant. The narrative draws on the theme of psychic abilities; mainly their effect on the main characters. Watching Jack progress through the supernatural manipulations that see him descend into utter chaos is the stuff all great film marathons are made of. But remember kids, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

FILM & T V The Others (2001)

A horror starring Nicole Kidman would, granted, not spring to mind when compiling a top 10 list. The woman who sang in Moulin Rouge and played Virginia Woolf doesn’t sound like the stuff of scream queen material; but you’d be so wrong to write her off! Set in neglected house with a more than creepy staff, Kidman plays a catholic mother whose children have a rare condition where they can’t be exposed to sunlight – darkness is embedded into the narrative just as much as the visuals. Like many of its predecessors it relies on the abilities of supernatural tropes to make audiences jump out of their skin.

Wolf Creek (2005)

“Based on a true story” is an inter-title all film goers are used to seeing, and we discard it with as little thought as was put in. When it’s based on real-life murders however, it’s good to pay attention.

The story revolves around three friends who are traveling the Australian outback – enter Mick Taylor; car towing, campfirestorytelling serial killer. The ensuing narrative is like a bloody, gripping game of cat and mouse. Watching the fate of Kristy, Liz and Ben unfold is nerve-wracking and oh so frightening.

Martyrs (2008)

Not for the weak-stomached; this film is centred on exactly what the title Martyrs suggests. Well, turning cult members into sacrificial lambs in the name of the greater good. Thrillingly insane, the narrative revolves around two orphaned friends Lucie and Anna, the latter of which gets caught up in Lucie’s murder spree and an organisation that pre-dates both their lives. Philosophical in its approach; the horror is intertwined with the afterlife. To fully understand what it means is to send someone through it, whilst giving them just enough of a spark of life to communicate through a transcendental world. Creating martyrs or simply creating victims, the squeamish scenes that unfold will have even those with the toughest of stomachs covering their mouths.

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

The woods are a stereotypical place for scary events to happen; where things go bump in the night and darkness is all-consuming. Throw a deserted cabin into the middle of them and you have the setting for one very gripping film! Teenagers are the stuff horros are made of and are the reason they never go out of fashion. The core audiences that watch them are predominantly teenagers, and we like nothing more than projecting our own lives onto the horrors our age group undertake in these films. Mysterious technicians with a cryptic ritual see a gang of teenagers spending their weekend in the cabin under their control and manipulation. This film has it all; murder, sex, decapitation, zombified people and a gripping paranoia. Where every scene has a monster; from the coercing technicians, to the self opening doors, to summoned zombies, it takes a well known trope and truly reinvents it.

The Conjuring (2013)

Whether you hold a belief the dead can be contacted or not, seeing a door open by itself or pianos playing of their own accord is still mind-boggling. For a genre like horror you must suspend belief – and what better way than with a film inspired by a true story.

With a director who helmed Insidious and Saw, it’s bound to be caught up in existential complications between the living and the dead. Based on the story of hunters of the supernatural, The Warrens; a house they are investigating becomes a nightmare not just for the family who inhabit it, but for themselves too. Witches, exorcisms and the paranormal are at play in this recently released thriller that will give anyone nightmares!

Honourable mention: Though not scary in the conventional “boo! Ahhh” sense. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is essential for any time where costume is concerned.

(Plus, who doesn’t love seeing Tim Curry strut around in his gaping corset and stockings, all glossy red lips exclaiming to be a sweet transvestite?)

49

THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE TV REMAKE With the premier of Gracepoint this month, the remake of British TV has been a recurring staple in this industry for a long time. Film & TV editor Aaron Roberts looks at whether these American remakes are better than their originals, or if audiences have become Americanised.

Without putting too fine a point on it, we Brits make good TV. So good in fact we get to keep it all for ourselves, as audiences around the world just cannot understand the audacity British writers have when it comes to satire, general self-deprecating piss taking and manipulative scheming dramas. So they remake it, and who better to remake it I hear you cry? The Americans of course! The country that created an industry so cut-throat they can cancel your show after two episodes, but happily take the premise and remake it into a global phenomenon. Were we Brits get to appreciate the originality of thrilling and hilarious sitcoms and dramas, they just don’t translate overseas. So why is that?

“The remake” itself is a popular genre; whether in film, television or other mediums. There are always those who think they can top the original by engaging in new technologies and up to date events for narrative themes – hence why in fact, we have a new House of Cards, The Thick of It and Broadchurch gracing our TVs and laptop screens as of late. You could say that what is most attractive about remaking TV is that it’s not broke, so it doesn’t need fixing, it just needs updating.

You have a ready made narrative and character histories and not to mention an audience who already follow the original – so why wouldn’t you create something in the same fictional universe? As audiences, we appreciate new. Even if it comes at the expense of something else.

A swearing Vice-President, a Machiavellian President and an ex-Doctor playing a detective, that is what you’ll find gracing our screens nowadays. It’s a shame however their original source characters didn’t get the dues they were so rightfully deserved. Director of Communications Malcom Tucker became Vice-President Selina Meyer in VEEP, Prime Minister Francis Urquhart became President Francis Underwood in House of Cards (US), and the ex-Doctor playing the detective, became the ex-Doctor playing an American detective in Gracepoint – Tenant clearly stretching his acting chops here. Now, I know VEEP is not exactly a direct remake

50

of The Thick of It. Armando Iannucci the creator of both tried and failed to adapt a direct remake of Thick so instead he used the same satirical approach, political themes and gave it an American setting – and so was born Selina and Malcolm became a character indispensable to us Brits when we fancy being sharp and offensive in equal measure.

This Americanisation of culture has a long a complex relationship with television. By Americanisation of culture; it usually means culture has become throw-away in its approach to pretty much every aspect of life, where “Go Large or Go Home” rules apply to everything. What I also mean by this is American ideals that are continuously drummed aloud everywhere has permeated even the foundation of TV. You’ll hear screams of “THAT’S NOT PATRIOTIC”, “DO IT FOR THE COUNTRY” and the like when watching pretty much everything set in American. America loves America. America also loves British TV, just not how it is.

Are these remakes better than their originals? It pains me to answer, but in some ways they actually are (queue chants of ‘one of us, one of us’ in American accent). American producers take the dramatics to places we as an audience scoff at, but we get hooked onto watching regardless. We have come to expect anything can happen in a drama coming from the US, nothing is off limits and each and every episode can pack several twists and cliff hangers (and if they do not, we ultimately write it off as being no good). The female characters especially in the remakes premiered already are brilliant. Whereas their general comedic themes usually involve subjects written specifically for American audiences, the performances stand alone as being top rate. Julia Louis-Dreyfus in VEEP may just be the sharpest woman I’ve seen in a ‘serious’ humorous role in a very long time. They are shockingly dramatic in their dialogue delivery; Robin Wright quietly asserting in House of Cards she’d “see a woman’s baby die in the womb” before conceding to her schemes is something that could be pulled straight from a Lady Macbeth soliloquy. The woman of these shows

prove that sometimes a revamp is needed, breathing new air into characters and giving them new layers of emotional turmoil and a current view upon cultural topics. I am sceptical to say the least however, that Anna Gunn will be as stirring as Olivia Colman was as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller in the Broadchurch adaptation Gracepoint (Not to mention she won a BAFTA for it!).

The men of these shows are not exactly slacking either: Kevin Spacey is brilliant, Frank Underwood is a Machiavellian to end all Machiavellian. If you want to see how Shakespeare should be performed, this dramatic performance is one of the best in recent years. David Tenant was brilliant in Broadchurch, and rightly so he should be cast in its American adaptation.

The Americanised audience however is an evergreen the TV industry utilises to every extent. All around the world we know about US government, electoral schedules and properties and even a vast history that is predominately taught in primary and secondary schools the US over. As audiences we have now come to expect that everyone is a suspect, everyone has motives and everyone can be laugh out loud hilarious – and when they fail we push them aside and start on the next show straight from American schedule. That is the Americanised audience; those of us who believe bigger is better and feel disappointment when it’s not.

The greatest shock we lovers of the original series feel are not that the remake shows are doing well; no one should begrudge the success of others, but that there is no appreciation for the original source material. Sure the remakes have their merits, their strong suits, but they fail on the one thing we hold in highest regard; originality. Though promises galore have been made for Gracepoint and how it’ll differ from its already faultless counterpart, I cannot help be feel as if it will pale so badly and its narrative badly twisted.

Who knows, I may have to eat my words!

- Aaron Roberts

film & T V

HOW DOES NETFLIX MAKE MONEY? With the unprecedented deals that Netflix have recently struck, our Film & TV Editor Charlie Andrews breaks down the deals and explores whether or not the streaming service is a profitable company.

Orange is the New Black; a Netflix success Netflix. The undisputed juggernaut of streaming. Its subscription basis is constantly growing and its portfolio of content is ever expanding and this past month has seen the media service add three series to its repertoire on an exclusive deal.

The first deal to be struck out was the acquisition of the incredibly popular The Walking Dead for an impressive $1.35 million per episode. This not only included the recently aired fourth season, but also the upcoming fifth season (after the initial air date) and the previous three seasons.

Within days Netflix kept the cash rolling out by paying a record breaking “subscription video-on-demand” deal for the critically acclaimed hit series The Blacklist. The subscription based company paid a staggering $2 million per episode for the complete first season and for all future seasons of the James Spader series (again after the initial air date).

Perhaps the most surprising, monumental and downright risky deal was the purchasing of the streaming rights for the upcoming series Gotham for a figure believed to be around $1.75 million per episode. What makes this deal so unique and shocking is the fact that not a single episode of the series had aired when Netflix struck the deal. Within weeks the streaming juggernaut had broken two records within its sector of the media industry: firstly paying the biggest fee for a television series with The Blacklist, and secondly, in a precedentsetting deal, settling the first video-on-demand deal for a broadcast series before its premiere.

Gotham is a huge gamble as there is no absolute guarantee that the show will be popular, as not even the Pilot episode had aired at the time the deal was struck. Whilst it is safe to assume that the show will not be cancelled mid-run (Fox will have to pay a hefty penalty fee if they cancel the show before the agreed upon 16 episodes are broadcast), there is no guarantee that there will be a large following for the show, something that Netflix seems to have, quite literally, banked upon.

The question of how Netflix makes a profit would appear to be answered by the above deals, as how else would they be able to foot the bill? However, perhaps the biggest question to ask about the streaming service is how does Netflix track where their profits come from?

When subscribing to Netflix you are immediately granted access to their entire catalogue

of movies and television series. And in adding the above three shows to that library a subscriber is also given access to view these shows without having to pay any extra cost. Regardless of how many shows or movies you watch or how many Netflix add into their library, you still only pay a single flat-rate subscription fee.

The current subscription fee is £5.99 a month. So if the typical subscriber watches twenty episodes from a variety of different shows each month they will be paying just under 30p per episode. In order for Netflix to break even on their deal with AMC for The Walking Dead (based on the typical twenty episodes a month subscriber) they would need a staggering 3,823,530 subscribers to watch each episode. To break even on The Blacklist they would need 5,882,352 subscribers to watch each episode.

Bear in mind that a large portion of Netflix’s subscribers may have watched the above three series at the time of their original broadcast, and thus may not have a desire to re-watch a year after that date (when the subsequent series is currently airing). Given that both The Walking Dead and The Blacklist are hugely popular, critically acclaimed and commercially successful television series they already have a massive and dedicated audience who will already be watching the newest episodes of the current series as they are broadcasted. Therefore, it is possible to assume that a large portion of Netflix subscribers watching these series will be viewing them for the first time. So it begs the question, are there more than 3.8 million people that have not watched The Walking Dead so far into the show’s run? Or even 5.8 million subscribers who did not watch The Blacklist when it first aired given the show was quickly renewed for a second season due to incredibly high viewing figures.

Streaming is the only sector in the media industry where profits are rarely, if at all, publicly published. With this in mind whilst Netflix may release their current number of subscribers they have never released figures of monetary value. Therefore, one may ask if it is possible for them to track whether or not a show is financially successful. However, given the three recent deals that have been made, one would hope they make enough money to justify many more deals of a similar nature in future as it goes without saying that Netflix is great value for money for students.

“Regardless of how many shows or movies you watch or how many Netflix add into their library, you still only pay a single flat-rate subscription fee.”

51

Genre in review: drama

Here at Film and TV we have decided to launch a new project, one that looks at the ins and outs of narrative film.

‘Genre in Review’, will be looking at genres that make up the film industry.

For this issue Aaron Roberts will be tackling one of the biggest and most As film goers, most of the choices we make are based on the genre of the films on offer – if you’re in a good mood you want a comedy, an easy watcher a rom-com and so on. Drama films however, are the cornerstone of narrative film and all other genres use drama within their stories. Chester V getting shredded up in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Optimus falling in Transformers and Andy leaving behind his childhood in Toy Story 3. All of these films wouldn’t be classed as dramas, but they use dramatic elements as the basis of their genre; animation, comedy and sci-fi.

Dramas are the sort of films that are typified with a search and found narrative, heartwrenching and tears streaming – especially if they involve a dog (I deem you completely heartless if you didn’t shed at least a single tear at Marley & Me) – scenes of uncomfortable confrontation and revealing of secrets. What separates drama from genres who use drama simply as a narrative function is the realistic characters dealing with emotions we all experience at some point, love, hate, happiness, sadness etc. We watch dramas when we want to feel a connection to others; the emotional links that make you think “damn, is this my Sophie’s Choice?” (Though, yours is probably grounded in what to order from JustEat rather than which child to sacrifice). It is this reflection of everyday life in film, and granted sensationalised to an extent, that makes drama such a complex genre.

Genres are the most fickle of categories we have in any creative industry; sure it has guns, but the two leads fall in love – a romance or a crime? The next has cowboys and aliens, a western or a sci-fi? To be conclusive, each genre can be considered a sub-genre of the drama umbrella. Drama permeates every genre; and it is that basic fact that makes it probably the most important of all genres – I’m no Ebert, but I think that’s a pretty fair conclusion.

Classic dramas are the foundation of every film we see today; actors are still trying to emulate the dramatic performances of Hepburn, Davis, Clift and Bogart. A discussion of the drama genre can’t go ahead without acknowledging the ultimate drama – Casablanca. The oft-quoted and universally loved film became the pinnacle of film making for a period longer than the golden years. In an era where drama was at the forefront of daily lives, this film helped those escape the dreary war torn backdrops of their lives and into those of Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund. “I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship” can be heard parodied and quoted in many a pictures since Bogart grumbled it out on screen. It also however

52

Casablanca (1942)

used genres : Drama.

film & t v

is the perfect summing up of the relationship between genre and narrative film; it epitomises the emotional development dramas had at cinema’s inception and its subsequent universal love to audiences the globe over.

I could no doubt sit here and list off many brilliant dramatic pieces: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, in which Jack Nicholson inhabits both the hero and the victim, The Shawshank Redemption where Andy Dufresne crawls through a sewage pipe to freedom screaming into the rain storm or even the simple act of divorcing, and what that can do to a family like in Kramer vs Kramer. This use of realistic themes gives this broad genre a great many roads it can explore. The human condition at best is complex, and no dramatic representation will be able to show every single strand.

Dramas have the ability however to pin focal points on the issues that could affect the ordinary people, like you and I: Coming to terms with a death of a loved one, the tragedies evolving from child to adult and more personal themes of sexuality, intolerance and racism. It is films where a boy from a coal mining town who just wants to dance regardless of the oppressive place in which he lives, that make this genre spectacular in its simplicity. It’s good to feel emotions, regardless what the heteronormative social order dictates, and the drama genre evokes just that.

Dramas are often tragic; it’s in their structure to throw struggles to be overcome at their characters. You’ll find however that even in the most intense of dramas there is a silver lining, a happy ending, something that makes it all worthwhile. Take 12 Years a Slave, a drama that showed the racial prejudices and injustices that Solomon Northup and Patsey were afforded, due to rampant slavery.

Spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen, but through the hardship of a free man becoming a slave, at the end he is once again a free man reunited with his family.

It’s a genre where nostalgic narratives and ‘Based on a true story’ flourish, because regardless of the struggle it is always coming up roses. Not to say that is afforded to every character in every dramatic piece because it isn’t, however the happy ending isn’t always grand, it can be as simple as boarding separate trains in the hope of seeing each other again – like in the excellently scripted Before Sunrise.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (1975)

Fury (2014)

“Classic dramas are the foundation of every film we see today; actors are still trying to emulate the dramatic performances of Hepburn, Davis, Clift and Bogart.”

You could say dramas can be too dramatic, and you would be right. Though they are abundant with close up scenes that gives actors the chance to really inhabit a role (Think anything with Meryl Streep in the lead), there are those that look as if they’ve come straight from the EastEnders set and take soap opera dramatics really to a level no film should venture. This genre really does screen on a double edged sword; where the emotional ties between the characters and audiences can benefit a film, they can also verge on the sentimental and rely too much upon the stereotypes of certain groups – a significant liability when trying to attract an audience. Word of mouth plays much better when there is something negative to talk about.

It is a genre that some have called lacking and hopelessly derivative; sentiments that aren’t too far from the truth at times. As a medium there is only so much cinema can achieve that is original in the narrative sense: stories predate their screen counterparts and as such are made to be unrealistic and unattainable in their hopes of being seen as original. If anything it is a genre of reimagining. Granted they are not everyone’s cup of tea – straight up dramas are a thing usually reserved for the more sensitive of audiences, or those boyfriends being dragged in by their girlfriends and even less so in today’s climate the stars of the picture are losing less and less influence.

It’s not all doom and gloom for this genre however. With October come some brilliant new releases in this genre: the Ben Affleck turn as a husband who wife mysteriously vanishes in Gone Girl, Downey Jr ditching the iron man suit for a turn as a lawyer in The Judge and war drama Fury starring Brad Pitt. Now these all fall under different ‘dramas’ but dramas they all are.

Drama will always have it’s time in the sunlight for as long as narrative film is used as a medium to entertain and inform. Dramatic pieces are the stuff cinema is made of; sure you can go watch things be blown up, find out who Luke Skywalker’s father is or even blast off into space – but it is the pieces that show a version of yourself that becomes synonymous with the life you lead that affect you most. That is good drama. That is why it will always be in fashion.

53

Baking

Bad There’s an epidemic currently infecting the whole of the TV-watching British public and as much as you may not want to admit it, we’ve all been well and truly hit by The Great British Bake Off bug. Whether you’re an avid watcher of the series, a recipient of baked goods inspired by the show, or simply a witness to the mass of Twitter abuse certain contestants have received, the BBC’s hit show, now in its 5th series, has brushed off on us all.

As the grand finale approaches and the baking madness hits fever pitch, Kathryn Lewis is here to aid the cake shaped hole in your life with two student friendly recipes. Cheap, simple and with a good measure of alcohol, these scrumptious recipes hand-picked from Baking Mad.com will have your house mates begging for more (cake).

54

FOOD & DRINK

Peanut Butter Cookies Method: Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

125g butter 195g light muscovado sugar (you can use caster sugar if it’s cheaper) 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 190g plain flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 300g chunky peanut butter (the Tesco value one’s great)

•

•

•

•

•

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees and line two baking trays with grease-proof paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until pale and smooth, then stir in the egg and vanilla extract.

Sift the flour, baking powder and soda into the mixture slowly, making sure to give all the ingredients a good stir so they mix thoroughly. Then stir in the peanut butter.

Taking small pieces of the dough, roll into 1 inch wide balls and place on the baking tray, equally spaced apart. Press the balls down slightly with the back of a spoon.

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for around 10 minutes until they start to crack on the top and are golden brown in colour.

Leave to cool for around 15 minutes, then devour with a glass of milk!

Guinness Cake Ingredients: Method: • •

• • • • •

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and grease a large, round baking tin.

Place 250g of the butter, the muscovado sugar and cocoa powder in a pan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Mix occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Stir in the Guinness and pour into a large mixing bowl.

Beat the sour cream in, then add the eggs and mix thoroughly.

Stir the flour and baking powder in and then pour the mixture into the baking tin and bake in the oven for 45 minutes.

To make the topping, beat the remaining butter with the cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.

When the cake has cooled, smother the top with the butter cream, and never leave the cake unattended again (it will be eaten by your housemates if not under constant supervision!)

• • • • • • • • • •

300g butter 400g dark muscovado sugar 200ml Guinness 75g cocoa powder 150ml sour cream 2 eggs 275g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 300g cream cheese 200g icing sugar

55

GLUTEN - FREE

Modern way to eat The term ‘gluten-free’ often creates a general sense of skepticism. Earlier this year a clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live went viral after the show conducted an experiment where they asked people who lived on a gluten-free diet what gluten actually was (for reference it’s the protein found in wheat, barley and rye). An astounding number of people could not tell the interviewer what it was that they were excluding from their diet, leading to the conclusion that there are people who, as Kimmel himself spoofs, “Don’t eat gluten because someone in their yoga class told them not to.”

There is a big difference between those who have to eat gluten-free and those who choose to eat glutenfree. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease ten months ago.

However I know people who feel as atrocious, if not worse than me, after eating gluten yet receive negative results from coeliac tests.

From my experience I can only describe being gluten-free as a general nuisance. Firstly gluten-free products are astronomically expensive with a small bag of gluten-free pasta costing double the cost of a kilogram bag of regular pasta (however if you’re diagnosed with coeliac you can usually get them on prescription). Secondly after discovering that a crumb could make me very sick I had to seriously consider how I used my shared student kitchen.

Using the toaster became a big no-no, I have to have a separate butter in case pesky glutinous crumbs make their way in and I even have to be careful about kissing my

56

OR dying trend?

boyfriend after he’s eaten a sandwich.

Yet coeliacs are only part of the gluten-free epidemic.

Gluten-free diets are often seen as fashionable with health nuts avoiding gluten in the hope that it will help them to lose weight and reduce bloating and exhaustion. Although simply switching to a gluten free slice of toast in the morning won’t make much of a difference to your weight and will seriously damage your bank account, cutting out gluten means less reliance on processed foods. This often results in individuals increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables and beginning to cook from scratch more frequently. People have been known to describe going gluten-free as giving them more energy and helping them lose weight, but I struggle to believe that it could make such a massive difference to someone without gluten sensitivity, but I endorse any diet that encourages a greater intake of fruits and vegetables.

There has been much speculation as to whether the ‘gluten-free fad’ will eventually die out. As the only treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong gluten free diet, I doubt it will from my end. What’s more, diagnosis of coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity are increasing by the day, as well as those who adopt it out of choice. Personally, I think that eventually gluten-free diets will become just as accepted as vegetarian diets are, with clear labeling and accessibility.

— Chloe May

“Gluten-free diets are often seen as fashionable with health nuts avoiding gluten in the hope that it will help them to lose weight and reduce bloating and exhaustion.”

FOOD & DRINK

REVIEW: Image: http://gotbeef.co.uk

GOT BEEF

This month, Quench food took a trip to Got Beef, a relatively undiscovered gem of Cathays to feast on their array of burgers.

“Food & Drink thought to try out one of the city’s newest quality burger joints, so that the next time you need to fulfil that burger shaped hole in your stomach, you don’t need to turn to substandard fast food joints.”

You can’t deny that us students love a good burger.

Whether you’re veggie, health conscious or a lover of spice, you’re guaranteed to find something that fits the bill sandwiched between two buns. You’ve probably encountered your fair share of drunken kebab shop burgers and ever-shrinking Big Macs over the past few weeks, but these don’t always cut the mustard do they? Food & Drink thought to try out one of the city’s newest quality burger joints, so that the next time you need to fulfil that burger shaped hole in your stomach, you don’t need to turn to substandard fast food joints.

Walking into Got Beef on a Wednesday evening we were surprised to find the place was dead (never a great sign in my book) but with the mindset of two greedy girls, were excited by the idea that this meant food on our table quicker. Only opening in March this year, the Whitchurch Road venue had a cool and contemporary interior with creative wall art and a quirky brick bar complete with retro neon sign. We took a seat at a small side table, but if you’re visiting in a large group there’s a few big wooden benches for a spot of socialising.

Browsing through the menu, we knew this was going to be a thinker. Littered with original and intriguing flavour combinations, this wasn’t a menu which with one glance you settle for something you know you like. After much deliberation (about a good 10 minutes) we went for the Soprano, a beef patty with bacon, chorizo, Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeno mayo and the Uni (pronounced oonay), another beef patty but this time with sriracha mayo, Chinese five spice calamari rings and Asian style ‘slaw, with a side of sweet potato fries. You’ve got to keep with tradition here too and compliment your burger with a beer; Got Beef offer a great choice of local and world craft beers, with the selection changing regularly on the blackboard.

After ordering at the bar, the burgers were in front of us within no time. Served on wooden boards and stacked up high with all the fillings, they looked a real treat. Starting with the Soprano, this

was a bacon cheeseburger at another level. The thick beef patty was cooked medium, so was nicely pink in the middle and was complemented perfectly by the crispy bacon, zing of chorizo and gooey cheese. The sweetness of the soft brioche bun was heaven-like, managing to balance out the rich and salty meat.

After the first half, we thought that the Uni burger couldn’t top what had just been devoured in seconds, but boy were we wrong. We were unsure of the combination of seafood and beef, but with a soft spot for calamari I had to try it. With subtle hints of the Asian spices, crisp fried squid and a slaw packed with cooling edamame beans, this was a burger like none other that I’d tasted before. The squid and the beef worked surprisingly well and the flavours were ingeniously unique. The bowl of sweet potato fries were pretty damn good too and we were left feeling deliciously full.

This place may be a little pricier than your standard burger joint (most burgers are £7.95), but is well worth the visit for some serious quality burgers.

Be sure to take advantage of the quietness of this undiscovered gem - as soon as word gets out about it we’re sure it’s going to be packed.

57

Food and drink

Galore!

The foodie’s societies...

Its that time of year again... that time where we are bombarded with socieities and teams trying to win us over.

Here is what Cardiff Uni can offer in the way of translating your food and drink passions into a social scene...

Joining a society is one of the best ways to make friends and meet new people at university, so what more could you ask for than a society that actively encourages you to eat, bake and drink with like-minded people? With this in mind, here’s a rundown of the various food and drink related societies available to join this year.

In the wake of the huge success of The Great British Bake Off, baking has become socially acceptable for the under 70s again – something I could not be happier about! If you love knocking up (and eating) a Victoria sponge, the baking society is a great option for you.

The society meets every two weeks in the Student Union between 7pm and 9pm with a previously announced theme of the week, for example chocolate or citrus.

You present your bake, try other people’s delicious creations and eventually vote for the baker of the week. Not only do you get the opportunity to indulge in as much

58

cake as you can eat, but it’s a great way to pick up new techniques and recipes from people who love baking as much as you do. A cherry on top of the cake for this year’s members is 10% discount in Emma Jane’s Cupcakes on Crwys Road as well as lots of other cake related events and socials.

The Tea Society is a fantastic society if you love everything tea related; from herbal and fruit tea to white with four sugars, there’s something for everyone to try. Tea tastings are the most popular event and these are usually held on Wednesday afternoons or Saturdays in the Student Union, alongside which there are homemade cakes and board games to enjoy whilst meeting new friends. They often hold fancy dress events including the Halloween party which is held in collaboration with the Animé and Gaming society. In the spring semester, a trip to Bath to the various tea rooms takes place and also an Alice

in Wonderland themed tea party (fancy dress optional!). Also, there are tea crawls around Cardiff and ceramic painting events where you can create personalised tea cups, mugs and plates. On top of all this members also receive discounts at Mad Hatter’s and Whittard’s, a huge incentive for any tea-loving student!

The Cooking society aims, in its own words, “to bring all you foodies out there together”. Similar to the Baking Society if you love cooking this is a brilliant way to pick up new recipes, try new combinations of flavours whilst meeting new people with related interests. You don’t have to be Jamie Oliver to sign up – they also give the opportunity to join cooking lessons to expand your cooking abilities, so great for the amateurs amongst us. They run frequent “Come Dine with Me” competitions, a “Great British Bake Off” competition, food quizzes and a progression supper. As if all of this wasn’t enough, dependent on

“The Tea Society is a fantastic society if you love everything tea related; from herbal and fruit tea to white with four sugars, there’s something for everyone to try.”

FOOD & DRINK

“whether you’re an avid baker, a tea addict, a master chef, a lover of a local tipple (or simply want to try something different with new people) the food and drink societies at Cardiff University have something for everyone” numbers, a two-day trip to London and Paris is available to explore the culinary delights of two of the world’s food capitals. This society is a fun way to meet friends, gain knowledge of cooking and most importantly eat tasty food! The Real Ale and Cider society won the Best Big Event of the year last year at the Societies Ball for the annual festival that takes place in the Great Hall. The event is a great chance to enjoy a pint of your favourite ale or cider or equally to try new varieties. This society isn’t just for confirmed lovers of ale and cider but wine, mead, and other traditional drinks alike.

Socials are often held at local pubs where you can

try different ales and ciders and - again -meet new people. Local brewery tours are organised so you can learn about how such drinks are made, and then enjoy drinking them. Beer festivals and trips to further afield pubs are also frequent, not to mention pub lunches and live music nights due to close ties with local businesses. The perfect society for people who love their ale and cider and enjoying a pint with friends.

So, whether you’re an avid baker, a tea addict, a master chef, a lover of the local tipple (or simply want to try something different with new people) the food and drink societies at

Cardiff University have something for everyone to enjoy. Your time at university isn’t as long as you might think: besides meeting new friends and gaining new experiences, you’d beter make the most of your time and eat or drink everything scrumptious!

- Caroline Kinderman

59

Image: Kieran Lamb / Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)