OPEN LATE 7 NIGHTS A WEEK
BRISTOL’S BUSIEST BAR
HAPPY HOUR PRICES
HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT MON - THURS / UNTIL 11am FRI - SUN
VODKA MIXER £1.70 (£2.90 DOUBLE) PINT OF MBARGO BEER £2.00 PINT OF BLACKTHORN £2.00 SELECTED BOTTLED LAGER £1.50 SELECTED ALCOPOPS £1.50 BOTTLE OF WINE £6.90 MUSIC & DJ’S 7 NIGHTS A WEEK
ECEMBER AND JANUARY D are filled with contradictions. The end of one year, the beginning
of another. The weeks of glutinous indulgence followed by a national rise in gym subscriptions. The debauchery of New Years Eve swiftly remedied with countless untenable resolutions. It’s a crazy time of year and no mistake. Thankfully, amidst the madness, one magazine has stood firm reliably informing it’s readers in crisis. The following pages will ensure your passage into 2012 is a safe one, but we will accept no responsibility for the sprouts, ill fitting jumpers, shocking cinematic reruns, and embarrassing festive chart topper that this silly season reliably provides. This time round we’ve got previews of The Drums, Beardyman and the best places to spend your New Years Eve. Bristol Foodie have checked out the best roast dinners in town just in case you can’t make it home to mother. With so many great films out this time of year we check out Coriolanus, Shame and The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo as well as offering you first-years all the advice you’ll ever need when it comes to moving out of halls.
Cover Art Levi C This issue we’ve got a timely little piece from Bristol stencil artist Levi C. As usual the cover art was provided by Levi C and the good folk down at 1 Love Art Store. For more on the artist, the store and some great little Xmas gift ideas flick to pages 30 - 31.
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CONTENTS News : 06 Festive nonsense
Moving Out, Handle With Care : 09 Brace for the world of rented accommodation
Gigs : 12 The Drums, The Vaccines, The Horrors and more...
Clubs : 18 Beardyman comes to town, and we’re not talking Santa
Flyposters : 22 Have a look at some of the top nights in town
Film : 24 Coreolanus, Shame, TGWTDT and more...
Performance : 29 Comedy from Sean Hughes and more...
Art : 30 Ian Phenna @ 1Loveart winter exhibition...
Food : 32 BristolFoodie’s best roast dinners...
Coming Up : 34 An eye on the next issue
Copyright © 2011 Skint Media. All rights reserved Legal: Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission from Skint Media. Information on events or products does not imply recommendations by Skint Media. Skint Media does not accept any responsibillity for mistakes or omissions of content. All opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily shared by Skint Media.
skintmagazine.co.uk 5
The R ogue R eporter
CHRISTMAS TIME, MISTLETOE AND... BRATWÜRST! IS HERE so you’d »CHRISTMAS better bloody well start enjoying
SKINT XMAS PARTY
yourself, because before you know it it’ll be January and the world will be a year older, you’ll be a stone heavier and we’ll all be faced with the mother of all hangovers. As usual there’s plenty going on at Bristol Zoo with Santa’s reindeer, sustainable trees for sale and on the 19th and 20th there’s live ice sculpting between 5.30 - 8pm. If ice is your thing then get your skates on and head down to Quakers Friars in Cabot Circus and play Torvill and Dean for the night. To be honest the ice ain’t the real thing but this is a lot more green
AT BIG CHILL BAR WITH LAMINATE RADIO
CHEAPENS a reputable »NOTHING publication’s image quite like shameless,
unabashed self-promotion... and nothing spells ‘Christmas shindig’ quite like a massive night at the Big Chill Bar with Skint Magazine and Laminate Radio! That’s right folks, we’re getting our Christmas groove on down at the Big Chill and as a tip-of-the-hat to the Small Street bar we’re bringing a festival feel to the usual xmas proceedings and no one provides a soundtrack to fit that kind of bill like Laminate Radio. The Jazzification Station will be doing glittery Christmas make overs, DJ Amo will be playing tunes while birthday boy Felix Joy drinks tequila and throws shapes and, if we can raise the appearance fee, Santa has promised to pop in and take a few orders for the big day. ■ PHOTOS
Clockwise from Top:
1. Nothing screams Christmas like a 12 inch German Bratwurst served warm between your buns. 2. Quakers Friars Ice Rink, Cabot Circus . 3. DJs Blue Fontaine and Gus Pirelli are Laminate Radio.
than gallons of water being kept frozen for 2 months so well done Cabot. The German market is back in broadmead, this is reportedly the result of it having bailed out previous unsustainable Greek and Italian markets. You can’t seem to navigate your way from one post code to another without tripping over a couple of Christmas markets. The pick of the bunch are those at the Tobacco Factory and St Werburghs City Farm, if you can find the time make the trip over to Bath, their Xmas Market runs until December 11th. The Glass Boat are hosting another cheesy street fest on Sunday December 4, and our favorite, female food fanciers are hosting an evening of puddings and cocktails at the Colour Inn on December 7, lovely. ■
TOP NEWS AND TINGS FOR XMAS/NEW YEAR TO LOOK OUT FOR...
Well done to all the Movember Mo Bros this year who’ve been raising money, raising awareness and raising a few eyebrows all over Bristol.
Occupy Bristol protesters look set to spend Christmas on College green as Bristol City Council admit they have no plans to evict the anticapitalists.
After Rage Against The Machine beat Joe McElderry to Xmas No. 1 in 2009, a couple of significantly less successful campaigns have subsequently crept on to Facebook.
Our favorites include last years attempt to get Peter from Family Guy’s Surfin Bird to the top spot and this years nomination of anything by the Wombles.
THE BEST IN UK STAND-UP COMEDY Bristol’s longest serving comedy venue promoting the best comedians from the Edinburgh Festival and the UK comedy circuit
CRAIG CAMPBELL Thur 1 December
ELIS JAMES Fri 2 & Sat 3 Dec
IMRAN YUSUF Fri 9 & Sat 10 Dec
ROB DEERING Fri 16 & Sat 17 Dec
SEAN HUGHES Fri 6 & Sat 7 Jan
Full season line-up, video clips and book online:
WWW.THECOMEDYBOX.CO.UK PRE-COMEDY DINING AND BAR UNTIL 1AM Upstairs at the Hen & Chicken, 210 North Street, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF
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SETTLED NICELY into your halls, »H AVING made friends with your kooky flat mates, grown accustomed to having the heating on and the windows open and stained the carpet beyond all recognition, it’s already time to hit the town in search of next year’s gaff. That’s right kids the stabilisers are off and it’s out into the big wide world of bill paying, lawn mowing, pipe bursting rented accommodation. But before you even so much as glance at a letting agent’s window, study these following pages like you’ve never studied before, as before you lies a path littered with treacherous pitfalls. Take heed of the following guidance and you’ll be well on the way to fully fledged rental bliss. These five pillars of house hunting truth will ensure that even the most ill fated search for four walls will bear fruit. Even when all that’s left is a damp three bedroom place in Fishponds, just cast your eye again over these few pages and remember, you could be living at home.
❶ Beware
of estate agents in cheap suits after your precious agency fees, these people are not your friends, they have wet dreams about loft conversions and fitted kitchens.
❷ Choose your house mates wisely. This lot will
see you at your worst so potential love interests are best avoided.
❸ Steer
clear of anywhere described as cosy, or charming. These are descriptions saved for mouldy basements with more rodents than windows.
❹ Think long and hard about location. A flat on
Park Street seems like a ticket to the good times until the world and his wife decide to use your doorstep as a urinal.
❺ Don’t
live above, below or next door to the landlord. He’ll be breathing down your neck every time you play music after ten but will be positively aloof when the boiler packs up.
»
skintmagazine.co.uk 9
HERE YOU AND your mates end up next year should not be decided without W careful consideration. Every inch of our fantastic city has it’s merits and it’s draw backs, neither of which should be overlooked. Don’t just pile into a flat above your favourite bar or set up camp next door to Uni, think things through...
Clifton Clifton won’t give you quite so much for your money and the village can be a bit stuffy but the triangle has got enough to keep even the most hardened night owl going. Whiteladies Road isn’t the force she once was but with bars like The Woods and The Park around there’s always some fun to be had. Best pub: The Lansdown Best eat: Magic Roll Game changer: The Downs and Brandon Hill in the summer are better than any garden.
Cotham/Redland Walking distance from pretty much anything of interest, Cotham and Redland sit nicely next to Bristol Uni and with Clifton and Gloucester Rd within spitting distance you can’t go wrong. Rent is still as steep as St Michaels Hill but marginally better value than Clifton. Best pub: The White Bear Best eat: Tiffins Game changer: Everything is down hill... on the way there.
City Centre Constantly providing distractions, the city centre is great when you’re in the mood. You’re right where the action is and there’s plenty of decent, modern accommodation but when Kev and Sharon are having a screaming match over a kebab outside your bedroom window you might wish you’d reconsidered. Best pub: The Mother’s Ruin Best eat: St Nicholas’ Market Game changer: A nice size living room makes you the hostess with the mostest for predrinks or after parties.
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Note: not to scale
Gloucester Road No matter where on the G road you end up you’ll never be too far from a decent pub and no more than a brisk walk from St Andrews Park. The top end is quite a trek into town but the rent’s slightly cheaper. Where ever you are there’s good bus links to UWE. Best pub: The Prince of Wales (bottom) The Lazy Dog (top) Best food: Shake, Wrap and Roll (bottom) Ciao Burger (top) Game changer: Heading straight to St Andrews Park after an all nighter for a balloon is mint!
Stokes Croft A few years ago people would have scoffed at a flat on the Croft but the place is positively booming now. Rent might reflect this a bit now but there are some great flats around Portland Square. The outdoor gallery and other cultural goings on have made this part of town a trendy alternative to the carnage of the centre. Best pub: The Pipe and Slippers Best eat: Canteen / Pieminister Game changer: If Tesco submit plans for an extension you might want to think again.
Southville Often overlooked, Southville is a great little ecosystem and you can get a bargain if you don’t mind being south of the river. A million miles from the societies and pub golf of Clifton, Southville is the location for students who hate ‘students’. Best pub: Spotted Cow Best eat: Souk Kitchen Game changer: Tobacco Factory and The Comedy Box @ The Hen and Chicken provide some great alternative evening entertainment.
■ skintmagazine.co.uk 11
â??
Art school haircuts? Check. Swagger and verve? Check.
The Drums have gone from super cool post-synth beach boys to Ian Curtis-esque deep and meaningfuls without losing their catchy twang.
â?ž
THE
DRUMS O2 ACADEMY Thursday 8th December
DRUMS SEEM to have all the » T HE credentials and prerequisites to be the
21st Century saviours of the indie scene. Art school haircuts? Check. Swagger and verve? Check. Outspoken frontman with a bombastic ego? Of course. So why, after all the hype, critical clamour and raw excitement of their eponymous debut, has second album ‘Portamento’ failed to propel them into the upper echelons of the indie mainstream glitterati? It would seem The Drums are a band in crisis. Personnel changes have not only shifted the dynamic of the band, but has thrown into question the longevity of such a dysfunctional unit. That aside, Portamento is still a very solid second effort, albeit a much darker one than their more summery debut. On the first album, songs like ‘Let’s Go Surfing’ and ‘Best Friend’ were jangly anthems tinged with a slightly darker side. Imagine if the Beach Boys were bipolar and you’ve kind of got the idea. On Portamento, over 14 tracks, we are treated to increasingly more doom-laden efforts with subject matter ranging from broken homes to loss on a wider scale. This is by no means a bad thing, and Jonathan Pierce’s Morrissey-esque lyrics and vocal delivery, alongside shimmering synth guitars, create an infectious sound, whilst paying tribute to their unabashed Anglophile leanings. One might say that after an album of consolidation, The Drums are ready to realise their full potential and explode on album three. Others may say that such a band dynamic is unsustainable and self-destruction is inevitable, leading all on to pastures new. Either way, there are numerous reasons to take in what is sure to be an energetic, raw and downright exciting live show. The Drums have a sound which is fresh yet retro, upbeat yet melancholy, and all of the traits that have defined some of the last decade’s finest guitar bands. Bristol is lucky to get an opportunity to experience this enigma, up close and personal, so make sure you do not waste it. ■
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DECEMBER/JANUARY
Daughter
6th December
The Ting Tings
The Vaccines
English pop duo The Ting Tings are set to round off their UK tour with a visit to Bristol’s Trinity Centre this 1 December. Their latest song ‘Hang it up’ sees the infectious two-piece try their hands at a more rocky approach – but the repetitive, undeniably catchy nature of their unique sound remains unchanged. If the worldwide trending status they received on twitter after the release of their latest video is anything to go by, this gig is likely to sell out fast.
There are few things that can rival the pure joy of hearing The Vaccines’ front man Justin Young belt out “Pretty girl, wreckin’ bar. Ra ra ra ra yeah you are!” As anyone who has caught this riotous quartet over the last year will attest, there is something primal and undeniably infectious about their 50’s Rock n’ Roll crossed with a jubilantly punky sound, which makes them a must see. And with pressure surely mounting for a follow-up album, this maybe the last time to catch them before they go to ground.
1st December Trinity
2nd December O2 Academy
The Cube Cinema Daughter. Of who? Probably of a rogue man who listened to ‘The Specials’ and ‘Bob Dylan’ and a forever greying, forever health obsessed vegan woman. A Daughter brought up on ‘Melanie’ and ‘Rumor.’ For Daughter use the simplest techniques in the book. A mesmorising voice, a glistening guitar or two, and a whole lot of reverb. No tricks, no over production, just soul in music. What I previously could have comfortably described as ‘Feist but wet’, have found their balls on the second EP ‘The Wild Youth’, unearthing a haunting, heart wrenching and soul cleansing sound. JM.
Dodgy
1st December The Fleece
Dodgy are back, a little grey around the edges. The band were most famous in the mid 1990s Britpop heyday but in January 2012 they are releasing their first studio album in over a decade: Stand Upright In a Cool Place. Until then they are doing the promotional rounds of the UK, hopefully playing their 90s hits like Staying Out For The Summer and Good Enough as well as new material.
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Aloe Blacc
13th December O2 Academy
Hailed as the voice of a generation after his poignant credit-crunch anthem ‘I Need a Dollar’, Blacc has so far fallen short of grasping that title with both hands. Still sporting high-end fashion and diluting his live music with irrelevant covers, Blacc seemed to be doing his best to distance himself from comparisons with the great Gil ScottHeron and Marvin Gaye. But his range of skills, styles and raw talent is still something to behold and so long as he retains the hunger, he is more than capable of greatness.
Death in Vegas Malcolm Middleton 4th December The Louisiana
Electric Six
If you’re not familiar with the name, then Malcolm is one half of legendary Scottish doom-mongering folk duo, Arab Strap. And if you’re not familiar with the name Arab Strap, then I suggest you download ‘The First Big Weekend’ or ‘Cherubs’ and give yourself some much needed melancholic education. His solo work is a similar mix of good Scottish gloom mixed with a wry self-reflecting smile.
7th December O2 Academy
Once they were considered bizarre, outrageous and original, reveling in the a joyously camp moment where rock met disco. But 8 albums and numerous line-up changes later and the Detroit-based 6-piece are still flaying around in a long drawn out death rattle. Switch off the good music radar and just thrash out as best you can.
13th Dec Thekla
Fresh from touring down under, the veteran of the electro scene Richard Fearless, aka Death in Vegas, is back to promote his first album in seven years. Combining minimal tech influences and a signature moodiness that fans of Fearless’s nineties albums will recall, TransLove Energies is full of the kind of enchanting beats that lend themselves well to a late night set. The cloistered confines of Thekla offer the perfect venue for the Bristol leg of this anticipated tour.
For full listings go to www.skintmagazine.co.uk
DECEMBER/JANUARY
The Horrors
20th January Trinity
Professor Green 14th December O2 Academy
Something of a natural when it comes to freestyling, Professor Green used his battle rapping talents to carve out a name for himself at a time when there were so many faces rising from the London hip-hop and grime scene that it would have been easy to fall between the cracks. After signing to Mike Skinner’s ‘The Beats’ label back in 2008, Green has worked with a succession of established artists to move his sound closer to the mainstream.
Jerry Dammers (The Specials AKA) 17th December Thunderbolt
Ok, so I know that Jerry will be spinning, not singing but he’s such a legend we just had to feature him. As one of the founders of ‘The Specials’ and the legendary British label ‘2 Tone’, who helped forge the Ska sound that would change the face of politically charged British music and fashion in the late 70’s and 80’s. Tonight he’ll be plumbing the depths of his huge collection of rare vinyl to get you rude boys skanking.
Yes Sir Boss
23 December Golden Lion
Skint’s favourite pack of horn wielding, vagabond, ska merchants Yes Sir Boss are one of the festival circuit’s best loved bands and the chance to see them in an intimate little venue like the Lion is something not to be missed. With new single Never Know available to download for nothing from their website and new album Desperation State due for release next year, it’s an exciting time for Boss fans.
Black vamp fashion. Big hair. Pointy boots. B-movie names and art-goth-noise. It was once difficult to see the Horrors as anything more than the sum of their parts, born of a moment, just an extremely bright flash in a hard steel pan. But with the release of Skying, their latest and most cohesive album, The Horrors are proving themselves to be one of the best bands in the country. Fusing a superabundance of influences yet managing to retain their sense of self, The Horrors construct dramatic and expansive pop built to last.
The Rinky Dinks 16 December The Fleece
The Rinky Dinks describe themselves as Bristol’s first ukulele supergroup – but if you’re expecting soft Hawaiian noodling and swishing hula skirts, you’re probably in the wrong gig. Think of them more as more like the twisted love children of George Formby, Jimi Hendrix and WG Grace. The live energy of these cricket-jumper-clad eccentrics is incredible, and their traditional December slot at the Fleece this year promises to be no exception. Expect riotously corrupt covers from Johnny Cash to the Kaiser Chiefs.
The Wurzels
18th December Tunnels
While not likely to be winning any Mercury awards soon, The Wurzels do not fail to entertain with their unique blend of Scrumpy ‘n’ Western melodies and cider-laced lyrics. For the ultimate west-country knees up to mark the end of term, head to the Tunnels to see the novelty folk veterans parade the offerings from their recently released Christmas album, along with classic hits from their immense back catalogue. Expect a raucous evening and cider-soaked hair.
Boyz II Men M83
17th January Trinity Centre
If you liked the soundtrack from Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Drive’, then chances are you’ll get on well with M83 and his similar brand of synth driven electro. On his latest album, ‘Hurry up, we’re dreaming’ the sound can become a little overblown, with quivering choruses and excessive emotional ramping to the point where it starts to feel tiresome. But don’t get me wrong, M83 is still a top act and not just for sound boys or electro-freaks.
For full listings go to www.skintmagazine.co.uk
28th January O2 Academy
Having grown up in a time when the school disco reverberated to the sickly sweet harmonies of R&B legends like RKelly or Ginuwine, it’s impossible for me not to get excited by the arrival of Boyz II Men in Bristol. Their slow soul sound is synonymous with grabbing the girl and make the move. So it was with great pleasure that on hearing ‘Twenty’, their first new material in a decade, that they had not strayed far from their familiar path of ballad driven slow jams. An irresistibly guilty pleasure.
skintmagazine.co.uk 17
A
S FAR AS CHEEKY, bearded beatboxers
go I’ve always been a huge admirer of Rolf Harris, but if I was forced to pick a second favorite I think it’d have to be young Darren Foreman (aka Beardyman). Ok, he may have lost the beard, but when it come to beats and loops, Darren is still definitely the man. Terrible intros aside, Beardyman has quickly progressed from stoner Brighton student to two-time UK beatboxing champion to festival favorite and now, having signed to Rob Da Bank’s Sunday Best record label, fully fledged recording artist. Born in North London in 1982, Darren soon got hooked on the booming drum and bass scene of the nineties. In 2001 he headed to Brighton to study at Sussex Uni and began combining the beats he’d been making since a kid with technology such as the Kaoss Pad, enabling him to loop and manipulate sounds, creating whole live sets with just his voice box. In 2006 he became the UK Beatbox Champion and in 2007 was the first artist to successfully retain his crown. Since then, youtube videos such as the hilarious ‘Kitchen Diaries’ have amassed 4.5 million views and created the kind of cult following only the Techno Vikings of this world can boast. Beardyman’s debut LP, I Done An Album, is the culmination of years of hard work and combines his technical ability with a wicked sense of humour. Recent live sets as part of last year’s In:Motion series and a show stealing performance at We The People have made Beardyman Bristol’s best loved beatboxer, just behind Rolf Harris. ■
has quickly progressed from ❝Beardyman stoner Brighton student to two-time UK beatboxing champion
❞
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CLUB nights
Beardyman
9th December Motion Beard or no beard, Darren Foreman is still definitely the man. His vocal dexterity and tendency not to take things too seriously have made him a big hit in the southwest.
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DECEMBER/JANUARY
Bass Ache with Slimzee
Disturbance - Alice in Wonderland
One of the unsung heroes of UK underground music, Slimzee’s probably most famous for the ASBO he received as a Rinse FM DJ which banned him from every roof top in Tower Hamlets. Slimzee was one of the pioneers of the grime movement in London and the city’s Pay As You Go Cartel. BassAche will be streaming the set live on bassache.net so it’s bound to be lively.
Disturbance is fast becoming one of Bristol’s favorite club nights, with dressing up part and parcel of the hedonistic carnage. If the facebook photos from the Halloween party are anything to go by then the Alice in Wonderland night should be some tea party! Syndicate has gone all out on this one with ice sculptures, snow machines, podium dancers and stilt walkers. Cheap drinks all round will keep you looking like the Cheshire Cat who got the cream.
5th December Syndicate
1st December The Bank
Boomshanka
2nd December Arc
Boomshanka is a night of bass and beat revelry at the constantly evolving, never disappointing Arc (previously Lab). The night comes from the folk behind the Dance-Off which has brightened many a dreary festival afternoon. The evening’s entertainment will serve as a mark of respect to Dance Off DJ Tom Stashwell, who passed away this year, Skint salutes you sir.
The Jack presents Layo & Bushwacka!
Skint Christmas Festival Extravaganza ft. Laminate Radio
2nd December TB2
Layo Paskin and Matthew Benjamin (aka Layo and Bushwaka!) have been around the block a few times and have played at pretty much every party worth playing. Paskin was formerly co-owner of the End in London and Benjamin was a percussionist in the London School Symphony Orchestra. Their flagship track has got to be the Finally rework of original hit Lovestory on XL Recordings which reached number eight.
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17th December Big Chill
Shit The Bed
3rd December Motion
If one could attend evening classes entitled ‘how to run a successful clubnight’, I very much doubt your tutor would suggest naming it after a late night bowel movement. What might prove successful however is booking Skream and Jack Beats and throwing it together in a massive skate park. The kids go nuts for that shit!
If, like us, you find the winter months particularly difficult to endure without the light of a festival at the end of the tunnel, you’ll appreciate the difficulty we’ve had in making it till June with out the feel of damp canvas against our cheeks. For this reason we’ve decided to embark on a bit of festival renaissance in the form of a night at the Big Chill bar with Laminate Radio and the Jazzification Station.
Mr Scruff
28th January O2 Academy
Mr Scruff is the DJ who just keeps on giving. His 6 hour sets have become the stuff of legends and his Keep It Unreal residency in Manchester has become a student institution. It’s not your typical all-nighter as Scruff serves his own brand of tea all night and music builds from ambient to bass wobble during the evening allowing time to settle in and chat to new friends. If you’ve not been before, be sure to check it out.
Dynamic: Frontline: Lowdown Deep 26th December Blue Mountain
If eating cold turkey and watching Only Fools and Horses with your nan doesn’t flick your switch, why not spend Boxing Day at Blue Mountain with 1extra’s Crissy Criss and a whole host of drum and bass heads who have shunned the left overs and the in laws. While the rest of the world sleeps off a festive feast get your arse down to Stokes Croft for a proper Boxing Day bash.
For full listings go to www.skintmagazine.co.uk
NEW YEARS EVE
Alfresco Disco NYE ‘The Retreat’
Critical Sound NYE
Secret Location
These club nights have become the stuff of legends over the past year, with Alfresco parties popping up in all sorts of secret locations. The night’s popularity has spread like wildfire with a huge day/night Royal Wedding party at Castle Park and Trinity earlier this year testing the stamina of many a young raver. As usual the location for the December 31 is a secret but wherever it is expect unrivalled decor and an awesome crowd to help you see in the New Year.
Pop Confessional NYE Thekla
As far as dress-up ideas go, some venues seem to be running out of ideas. Pop Confessional however seem to have come up with a belter. The Big-Bang NYE all nighter has gone for a creation vs. evolution so expect plenty of weird Roman Catholic apes and dinosaur deities. The night will be consist of 9 hours of pure pop pleasure so expect Craig David, Huey Lewis & The News, Dolly Parton, Lionel Ritchie, Journey, Foreigner, So Solid Crew and the rest.
Basement 45
Jungle Boogie NYE Mr Wolfs
Things seem to be going feral down at Mr Wolfs, and it’s not just Wolfie that’s at it this time. This December 31 the Wolf’s lair will play host to a veritable multitude of God’s great beasts as the city centre drinking den turns into a jungle. The Jungle Boogie NYE special features The Magnus Puto Band with support, DJs the Asbo Disco and Ewan Hoozami and facepainters to finish off what your costumes haven’t already achieved.
Pop Bubble Rock NYE The Croft
Pop Bubble Rock is a UK indie, punk rock phenomenon which normally sets up shop in the Lanes. But for one night only the PBR boys and girls are down at The Croft putting on their first ever new years bash. If you’ve been before I’m preaching to the converted, if not then why not get in amongst the confetti cannons and the free sweets, you might surprise yourself.
NYE Carnival Extravaganza Part 2
In:Motion NYE with The Blast and Just Jack
Bunker
Motion
We’ve literally run out of superlatives for Motion this year, and rather than scrabble around for words that only Stephen Fry and Will Shakespeare would have heard of, we thought we’d let the line up do the talking. So in two warehouses full of the kind of fun that would make Pat Sharp jealous.... High Contrast, Shy FX, Redlight, Funtcast, Interface, Visionquest, Tom Rio, Tensnake, Pardon My French, The Dance Off, Deekline...
If you’re looking for somewhere to see in the New Year but don’t want all the bullshit that comes with it, then Basement 45 is for you. As usual the Basement 45 line up speaks for itself without a fancy dress/give away/ podium dancer in sight. Tonight’s entertainment comes courtesy of Die, Cyantific, Spectrasoul B2B Kasra, Commix and more so leave the party poppers at home for this one.
NYE Trinity Masked Ball Trinity Arts Centre
Is it me or does New Years Eve always end up being a massive anticlimax? You fork out loads on taxis and always peak way to early, missing the chimes whilst hugging the porcelain. A good way to avoid any bodily fluid based embarrassment is to wear a mask so if your vomit come into contact with any bystanders, there’s a slim chance they might mistake you for Sadam Hussain or Elvis.
For full listings go to www.skintmagazine.co.uk
Bunker’s Encore is consistently Bristol’s busiest Saturday night and the last Carnival was absolutely rammed so expect the same on the December 31. In true Bunker fashion Mr Parker and co. have gone overboard on the frills so expect fire breathers, Carnival games, magicians, clowns, fancy dress booth, face painters and of course midgets! The venue is undergoing a complete transformation so you’ll probably only recognise the place due to the worse for wear management and rowdy hispanic bar staff!
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C
ORIOLANUS Friday 20th January 2012
SEEMS » S HAKESPEARE something
of a safe bet, when it comes to accomplished actors stepping behind a camera for the first time. Both Kenneth Branagh and Larry Olivier kicked off their directing gigs with Henry V and now Ralph Fiennes steps up to the plate with his version of Coriolanus. It is a role he knows inside out as an actor, having toured the play extensively back in 2000, but it is one that few others, even fans of the Bard’s work will know too well. This is perhaps because as a character, Coriolanus does not share the same poetic eloquence and lust for philosophical speculation as say Macbeth or King Lear do and so for many years he has dwelled in the shadows of his more loquacious cousins. But in these times of revolt and unrest Fiennes’ decision to take on the little known Coriolanus seems inspired: cometh the hour, cometh the man. This version could, so easily have been set in the present Middle East, but Fiennes’ picture was shot on location in Belgrade and has a 90s Balkan or Chechen feel, as Fiennes’ blood-spattered Roman general engages the Volscian army
in running gun-battles amongst the ravaged concrete. These sequences are shot with aplomb by Barry Ackroyd, (‘The Hurt Locker’) and once again capture the frenetic, sensory over-load of combat and the all out war junkies whose clarity, in spite of the chaos, sees them thrive. His self-less military success in the field, then sees Coriolanus propelled towards election as a consul. But on the political battlefield he finds himself quickly out maneuvered and cast out of the city. To the righteous warrior, the anger roused by his betrayal can only be quieted by taking vengeance on Rome and its people and for that; an alliance with his old enemy, Aufidius (Gerard Butler), leader of the Volscian Army. While the blank verse of Shakespeare may put many off (despite the excellence of John Logan’s screenplay) this is a fully cinematic, action-stacked adaptation, that should appeal to Shakespeare geeks, political junkies and action heads alike. And if Fiennes can follow the Branagh/ Olivier mold, then we could be witnessing the start of something very interesting. ■
me have war, say I; it exceeds ❝Let peace as far as day does night.❞ 24 skintmagazine.co.uk
FILms Shakespearean blank verse mixed with fullblooded battlefield savagery? Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut falls short of a total reinvention of the littleknown play but transporting it into the present day gives it renewed vigor and timely relevance.
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SHAME Friday 13th January 2012
V
ISIONARY DIRECTOR STEVE McQueen delivers a frank and brutal insight into the life of a man whose outwardly enviable success with women is in fact the result of a deep and destructive compulsion for sex and sexual energy without emotional connection. Michael Fassbender is electric as Brandon, an outwardly successful, sex addicted corporate drone of the same ilk as Patrick Bateman, though far less sadistic. An inhabitant of a city of wipeclean apartments; all hard lines and glass, of personality vacuums and wealth and desperate pick-up spots. The clean white lines of his mac computer hide a veritable archive of the most depraved pornography, so easily accessed online. A sick library that he feels compelled to abuse in spite of his almost daily glut on sex void of
intimacy. Brandon’s vapid routine is upset by the arrival of his deeply troubled sister, Sissy (Carey Mulligan) and her inescapable sexual union with Brandon’s married boss drives them both to the edge of breakdown, clinging helplessly to the fading hopes of their rotten lives. A well crafted, rigorous adult film, which poses real questions about the way we view sex in the 21st Century, without the cheapening Hollywood schmaltz.
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Monday 26th December 2011
W
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HAT IS IT with Hollywood? Not content with remaking and rebooting their own franchises and films, they scour the globe for already excellent cinematic fair and remake that too. Right now it seems that Scandinavia is being ravaged like some kind of viking pillage in reverse. So far we’ve seen “Let the Right One In” reworked as well as TV’s “Wallander” and “The Killing”, with “Contraband” still to come. But the big question is, what will David Fincher do with the first film in the multi-million selling Millenium Series, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”? The answer, in fact is fairly simple to anyone who is a fan of the Swedish film version and who has watched the trailer, as aside from the lovely Daniel Craig, slicker sets and a bigger motorbike, the two seem almost identical. This is not a criticism by any stretch, for the original was most engaging, but I am left wondering exactly what this Anglicised version will bring to the table? Certainly, Noomi Rapace’s wonderful portrayal of Lisbeth Salander will take some beating. Can it be that the only reason for its existence is that we are still too lazy to read subtitles? Perhaps, but remake or not, at its heart is a thriller of the highest order.
DECEMBER/JANUARY Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law has been at the heart of its success, this time joined by Noomi Rapace on the trail of the dastardly Moriarty. A period romp to warm even the coldest movie Scrooge.
Hugo 3D
2nd December
Despite the existence of the book, the official press release is surprisingly coded and reads like the cranked-up babblings of Dr. Thompson over the mojo wire; “Scorsese, orphan boy, Paris train station, 1920s, fantastic adventure, broken automation, secrets in jepoardy...” Perhaps this is for good reason, like Chris Nolan’s cagy marketing around “Inception”, or perhaps Marty has finally cracked? Well, he is shooting kids’ movies in 3D! Whatever the case, this is the kind of epic family fare Christmas was made for.
New Year’s Eve 9th December
Good God, has it really come to this? Is entertainment honestly masquerading behind this thinly veiled New York narcissism? This orgy of schmaltz? Age-defying, beautiful people all finding love on the eve of this next Godforsaken year of our Lord, 2012. It’s escapism gone full circle, leading you right back to the front door of your own self-loathing. Behold these air-brushed demi-gods as they revel in the kingly spectacle, a Hollywood fantasy, a lifetime away from the cheap champagne and midnight mascara tears of your own annual festivities. But then again, I’m a realist. Maybe it’s something I can’t hope to understand!
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 26th December
My jaw hit the deck when I heard that Brad Bird was in the directing hot-seat, the former Pixar elder having only directed animated fare like “The Incredibles” and “Iron Giant” previously. For one, how would he ever handle his mega star lead with a Napoleon complex? But then I thought, why not? It’s a role Cruise already knows inside out, the action will be taken care of by 2nd unit supremo Dan Bradley, so all Bird needs to do is give it some clarity and soul. And for a Pixar man, that’s second nature. This could well be the shot in the arm needed to peel yourself off the boxing day couch.
Mother and Child 6th January
An interesting character study surrounding the lives of three women with different, yet interconnected issues around motherhood; Annette Benning’s Karen gave up her daughter when she was 14, Naomi Watts’s Elizabeth becomes pregnant after an affair and Kerry Washington’s Lucy is unable to conceive and filing for adoption. Despite its steady pace it carries the women’s stories with grace and skill.
War Horse
Another Earth
13th January
9th December
A quietly interesting sci-fi that offers a clever, existentialist take on the idea of a parallel universe. Brit Marling is compelling as Rhoda, a once bright high school student, now racked with guilt and remorse after a tragic car crash. But as a parallel earth looms inexplicably into view, she begins to question whether her other self had made the same mistakes too?
of Britain. Anyone who remembers the Thatcher years, will probably not want to relive the nightmare of her governance, but with Abi Morgan behind the script it should serve an interesting insight into the life of the woman behind the iron front.
Sherlock Homes: Game of Shadows 16th December
For a while it seemed that we had consigned Guy Richie to the DVD bargain bin. But then in 2009 he struck gold with the first Sherlock movie and it’s a joy to see both him the franchise return. The simple chemistry of
The Iron Lady 6th January
Meryl Streep certainly looks the part in this highly anticipated interpretation of the life of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister
For full listings go to www.skintmagazine.co.uk
After the sheer brilliance of the long-running theatre version, expectations are running dangerously high for the film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel. But with Steven Spielberg in the director’s chair there is every chance that it can succeed, even without the magical handspring puppet horses, which made it such a joy to watch on stage.
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DECEMBER/JANUARY truly a joy to behold and the direction of their wanderings is always an unpredictable delight. This, his third consecutive solo show from the Edinburgh Fringe proves he is a prolific talent with the brightest of futures.
Craig Campbell 1st December Hen & Chicken
Back by popular demand, the Devon dwelling Canadian comic dusts off his mic and heads back out to Bristol in a one-off extension to his highly successful 2011 tour. Commanding the stage like a wild-eyed mountain man, Campbell delights with his slanted stories and whimsical observations that swing from his stoner antics in the wilds of Canada to his time on the road and to looking at us Brits through the keenly twisted eye of a ‘Moosefucker.’ Already drawing comparisons to a young Billy Connolly, Campbell is an instantly lovable act and not to be missed.
Elis James
2-3rd December Hen & Chicken
To some, the simple joy of hearing the excitable Welsh accent is enough to reduce them to tears. But for bilingual comic Elis James, that is just the beginning. His imaginative stories have an innocent and infectious joy, which spreads organically and steadily throughout the auditorium. As he ramps up his everyday stories into the realms of the hilarious he is
PERFORMANCE
COMEDY & THEATRE
Rob Deering
16-17th December Hen & Chicken
So fond of instrumentalising his exuberant stories with riffs from his trusty guitar is Rob Deering, that it lead Dom Jolly to jest that it was like having an ‘annoying gypsy’ for a companion. But that is to knowingly slight the man’s talent, who uses his musical prowess with guitar and loop pedal to pepper delightful zang into his interesting observations and to sidetrack him beautifully through his set. A buoyant, cheeky and upbeat comedian straight out of the top drawer.
Imran Yusuf
9-10th December Hen & Chicken
As you’d expect from the complex mind of a muslim, born in Kenya to Asian parents and educated in Hackney, via New Jersey, Yusuf’s comedy takes an energetic and insightful look at the simplistic way people look at a face, and judge it without question. But he does this by avoiding the obvious stereotypes, instead driving his comedy on with his uplifting demeanor and rapid-fire, down-toearth delivery. Add to this moments of spontaneous physical comedy and you have an all-round great act that is as energetic and captivating as any I’ve seen.
Henry III and The Royal Wedding Planner
10th – 21st January at The Brewery Theatre
The Brewery Theatre hosts a banquet for the Royal Wedding. Presenting these six wives to-be, each observed in the realm of the Royal Court. Life within the palace is quickly stripped under the sexual brutality and cruelty of her King’s fancy. Julia Gwynne’s evocative portrayal of Henry III’s lady-in –waiting, Jane Parker, epitomises one of the few women with great sway by the King’s side.
Sean Hughes
6-7th January Hen & Chicken
By far the most accomplished comedian to grace our fair city this winter, Sean Hughes has pretty much done it all. Since first trying his hand at stand up back in 1987 he’s won a Perrier Award, done his own TV shows, paneled quizzes, wrote two collections of poetry and prose, two novels, starred in films and even appeared in Corrie. But all this came at a cost. Thankfully though, after a 9 year break from stand up, Sean is back on the circuit and thrilling audiences with his inimitable quick-fire wit; the very thing that has seen him rightfully recognised as one of the best stand-ups of his generation.
For full listings go to www.skintmagazine.co.uk
Sister Act
Whoppi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment, 11th-21st January at The Bristol Hippodrome
Heaven makes a stop at Bristol’s Hippodrome this January, with the gospel according to diva Deloris Van Cartier. Keep it quiet; she has been placed under protective custody as witness to her boyfriend’s ruthless murder. Undercover she takes the opportunity to help her fellow sisters to keep-in-key for the choir and rejuvenates the run-down neighbourhood. Based on the original film and produced by Whoopi herself, this uplifting musical will entertain all you angels.
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exhibiting at the Square »C URRENTLY Gallery in the Berkley Hotel is
Liverpool born artist Ian Phenna. Part of 1LoveArt’s Winter Exhibition, Ian’s work demonstrates his roots as a street artist but also how he’s progressed and adopted new mediums in his current work doing portrait interpretation. Ian has exhibited work all over the UK and is part of collections all over the world. Also part of the exhibition are Alison Black, Mike Healy, Rachel Hewitt and Milk. The exhibition is free and is open 10am till 10pm every day. Go through the hotel entrance and ask to see the exhibition and you’ll be show through to the artists work. All art is for sale through 1LoveArt. ■
Cover art - Levi C
OUT WITH family portrait style SJuneTARTING stencils, Levi C moved onto idea driven work in 2008. Since then, the born and bred Bristolian has fastest emerged as one of the most popular stencil artists of the current era. Strongly inspired by the likes of Banksy & Blek Le Rat, Levi’s work seems to embrace the very elements of stenciling that appeal to so many. His street work is rapidly progressing and he has now developed a technique that is sure to produce some exciting work. “For me it’s all about ideas, messages, irony and being original. If my stuff makes someome smile or even laugh, that’s a great result. I only use spray paint and any underspray is generally intended for that extra urban feel” Son of Man is a parody of the famous piece by Rene Magritte which, originally a self portrait, has since come to represent the idea of a faceless businessman and features heavily in the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair.
www.bristolstencilartist.co.uk
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Available@www.1Loveart.com
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Bristol Foodie Becci, Gemma and Meg introduce you to Bristol’s food scene
BRISTOL FOODIE’S BEST ROAST DINNERS
T STARTS GETTING dark at 4pm, the Imean hot cider is back, and this can only one thing. Its roast dinner season! Here are our favourites, all coming in at under a tenner – these are not gourmet, just good honest roasts:
1. The Lansdown (Clifton) – Yes they were in our top three burger’s too, but the Lansdown really does do some of the best pub grub in Bristol. The roast has never disappointed, even at 8pm on a Sunday, when you know it is not at its best! Under a tenner, succulent meat, great gravy, and delicious veg, including red cabbage – one of my favourites! Oh, and if you have got room, you should definitely give one of their puddings a go! 2. The Cadbury House (Montpelier) - Hippy chic and tucked away in Montpelier, the Cadbury does a good roast. Ample gardens to hang out in, decent ales and ciders to choose from and priced at less than £10 for slow roast belly pork with tons of crackling you really can’t go wrong! And there is a corner shop to buy the Sunday papers. Bonus! 3. No. 1 Harbourside (the Waterfront) – A new entry into our best roasts, mostly because they have only recently started serving them! This, and The Canteen are among our favourite places in Bristol, pioneering local produce. The roasts are £9, with a choice of beef or pork, plus all the delicious trimmings! If you’re lucky it will be market weekend so you can really experience the community vibe this place is best renown for.
TASTE OF INDIA
1 Upper Byron Place Bristol BS8 1JY
he menu here is very T standard Indian restaurant fare, and you’ll find no unusual variations on the classics. But don’t be put off by the minimal menu - Taste of India are keeping it simple, and doing it really, really well! I’d go as far as to say it was one of the best curries I’ve ever had. The Bombay Aloo was
The best of the rest
Racks - The roast beef at Racks takes some beating. Drinks are a bit pricey but you do get table service, just in case your weary Sunday legs can’t make it to the bar. White Bear - A great pub all round, the White Bear is as good for Saturday nights as it is Sunday mornings, but avoid doing both. Returning to the scene of the crime is a mistake, no matter how good the lunch is. Start The Bus - One of the best value, good quality roasts in town, Start The Bus does two dinners for £15 which is fantastic value, especially if you’re willing to share the second one with a friend. The Mall, The Clifton & The Flyer All owned by the same group, with similar menus and quality. Not bad roasts at all, and a lovely atmosphere.
not far off perfect, and even the mushroom rice and naan bread that accompanied it were far above average. Taste of India is something of an
enigma. The decor is achingly tacky but the service more than makes up for it. The menu is limited, but the quality of the food is surprisingly good, and the prices are probably not far off the cheapest in Bristol. So embrace the fake flowers, year round Christmas decorations and tip-exed menu and brave Taste of India. The food will make the multitude of oddities pale into insignificance!
For more on Bristol’s food scene and the latest reviews visit www.bristolfoodie.co.uk
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In Season
INTER. SPROUTS, PARSNIP, W cabbage and kale. Good honest food. But there is more to the winter
larder than these tough root gems and heavy greens. For the rise and fall of the winter tides unlocks a treasure trove of shellfish, under-utilised according to the Marine Conservation Association, that any dedicated winter forager will seek out and enjoy. There are 12,429km of coastline around Britain and much of it has the potential for foraging, which is both free and legal unless on private ground. It’s good to check local bylaws for gathering restrictions and if you’re a complete beginner, try asking local fishermen for tips on where to look. December and January are a perfect time for oysters, mussels, clams and winkles. Just check for low tides and then scour the rock beds, sands, groins and jetties for the tastiest of crustaceans. It’s a good idea not to forage alone and don’t take risks with the tides. The sea is a cruel mistress. Shellfish are surely the original fast food. Most require only a quick scrub then a few minutes in boiling water or wine with a handful of garlic and herbs thrown in for good measure. But remember that your wild mollusks haven’t been purified, as commercially harvested shellfish are so cook them at 90C for 90 seconds. If you’ve got a meat thermometer, use it to check them. So don’t just settle for that thawed out prawn cocktail this Christmas. Grab a hip-flask full of something strong, a warm coat and a bucket, brave the cold and walk our beaches. Just remember to be safe and don’t take more than you can eat.
NEXT ISSUE... F YOU’VE GOT THIS FAR then congratulations are in ISkint order. Not even the proofers usually stray this far into territory, which means that we usually have license
to write whatever garbage we choose by this point! But on this occasion we’ll reign it in and stay on task. So what exactly is going to be in the spring issue of Skint? Well, if it’s music you’re into then we have London-based, hip-hop fusionist, Roots Manuva steppin’ in the arena, followed by space-rockers Spiritualized and the NME Awards Tour 2012, featuring Two Door Cinema Club. With Valentines Day on the horizon and the impetus to impress the love in your life, our very own Bristol Foodie will be checking out those eateries most likely to help romance blossom. You know the ones, soft music, candle-light, fine wine and good grub; the essential ingredients to give you the best chance of a bunk-up come closing time. Comedy arrives on the quirky side in the form of twisted genius Simon Munnery at the Tobacco Factory Theatre, while great films continue to arrive in the cinemas. R-Patz is at his most charming as a womanising ex-soldier in ‘Bel Ami’, while Viggo Mortensen and Michael Fassbender pit their wits against each other as Doctors Freud and Jung in David Cronenberg’s ‘A Dangerous Method.’ ‘John Carter’ blasts off to Mars to help Princess Deja Thoris in the latest mega-budget Hollywood sci-fi and Denzel Washington blows stuff up down in Cape Town in ‘Safe House’. And then there’s continued rumours of the Viscount’s return... All in all it promises to be another cracker. So until then, from all of us on the Skint team, keep on truckin’!
This issue was begrudgingly thrown together by: Simon Lock ● Matthew Hammett ● Tom Elgar Contributors:
Michael Bourne, Lucy Douglas, James Gill, James Moorton, Amy Hall, Sam Haysom
Food: Rebecca Sargent, Meg Pope, Gemma Screen Theatre:
Hannah Parkinson
Art: Beth John, Vince John Front Cover: Levi C Photographers: Patch Hammett, Simon Lock Thanks Also to: Chris Lock, Brendan Beale, Caz Doar Copyright © 2011 Skint Media. All rights reserved Legal: Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission from Skint Media. Information on events or products does not imply recommendations by Skint Media. Skint Media does not accept any responsibillity for mistakes or omissions of 34 skintmagazine.co.uk content. All opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily shared by Skint Media.
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