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Ed.Note
Do or Die
Features
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As a nation, we’re in thrall to the cult of celebrity. The advent and subsequent
popularity of social networks like Twitter, suggests the British public are becoming increasingly preoccupied with gaining inside access to the lives of the rich
and famous, however mundane.
Whether it’s Alexa Chung warning us to beware of unwelcome cinnamon in
bagels (and cappuccinos for that matter), or Paris Hilton inviting us to join her in
watching a romantic comedy that makes her “heart smile”, we’re hanging on their
every brainless word. Millions visit websites and blogs daily to keep up with the
those in between. Heaven forbid you should forget to check the Mail Online for a
few hours – you might miss the latest ill-judged move in the life of Warrington’s
Princess, Kerry Katona.
The modern state of fame is something quite different from that of years past.
Long ago, during Hollywood’s Golden Age, fame was an accolade bestowed on
those with obvious and enviable talents. Why now does the spotlight fall on people
seemingly devoid of such talent? The megastardom enjoyed by the likes of Paris
Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Cheryl Cole is undeniable, but can anyone really put
The answer is probably no. Save to say, it seems one cannot achieve notoriety
brush with the law.
This fortnight’s issue of Quench examines the phenomenon of fame and celebprovide a rundown of the globe’s biggest Twitter whores. Our fabulous Fashion
and Photography teams have collaborated to produce a Warhol and Lichtenstein
-
quench@gairrhydd.com
4
Happy reading,
Gavin Jewkes
(Quench Editor)
Do or Die
Do or Die
We've all been there. One minute
you're an artiste struggling to get
the oxygen of publicity, the next
you're legs akimbo in a Warsaw
Hostel, the blinding luminescence
of a cheap spotlight bouncing off
your embarassed buttocks. Don't
settle for a retrograde straight-tovideo porno with a Big Brother
star who doesn't even know her
own name - Here's our how-to
guide to Sex Tape Classiness.
1. Practise doesn't make perfect.
While some celebs are lucky enough to be big
enough to saddle up as many times as they like to
hone their technique, it doesn't necessary help. A
sex tape isn't like riding a bike - your potency can
go down as well as up. As if Paris Hilton's debut
wasn't thuddingly boring enough, she followed
it up by a tape which featured almost exclusively
her in the bath. While I don't deny she looks like
the sort who needs a thorough scrub, she looks
almost existentially bored with the exercise. I
guess if your life is a series of encounters with
incrementally aggressive looking Penises, you
are likely to become jaded.
time.
2. Make it Punny
It's key to pun on your name in the title. How
else will your name be instantly associated with
class and quality if you don't riff on said name?
Options are many. You can go the obvious route
(1 Night in Paris) or go conceptual, but it's all
about being Creative. To give an example, we
and keeping it simple, Tom Arm-Strong. Get
thinking.
3. Play to the audience.
You need to establish your brand asap. Fred
Durst understood his fans perfectly by acting
with the same level of fuckwittery and douchebaggery as we all know and hate in his tape. The
only thing he missed out on was a condom with
a beanie hat on top. Similarly, everyone knows
Gene Simmons has had sex with 3000+ women,
disappointment of realising he doesn't have sex
wearing Kiss make up.
4. If you get exploited, ride the publicity to
the top.
No one thinks it's A-Okay for someone to slap a
video of you into the ether without your permission. It's a pretty grim way of airing your dirty
laundry (possibly quite literally) in public. But
ing, we have such a caring press in this country
that is more than willing to sympathise with
your plight. Regular wankers readers of Nuts,
horny empathetic in the world. So if you do get
your intimacies paraded, don't fret, their readers
will be more than happy to stroke your way back
into the public imagiantion.
5. Don't have Sex with John Leslie.
Sorry, Abi Titmuss, you're one of the more downto-earth Glamour girls, but no one else wants to
see you riding that Wheel of Fortune.
Good Luck. If you want feedback on your Sex
Tapes, please feel free to send an email to quenchfeatures@gairrhydd.com. I'd be happy to provide
professional advice and hands-on tips and we
could even skype. Hit me up.
quench@gairrhydd.com
what I imagine employees of Daily Mail Online have pester their subconscious at night.
If they sleep. They might not be that human.
Alas, there's only so many pictures of Celebrity
Cellulite with which you can bombard your
neurons before you believe Made in Chelsea is
an accurate metaphysical description of reality and Pamela Anderson tossing off Tommy
Lee becomes the equivalent of Frost interviewing Nixon. But you can't just knock out any old
grainy coverage of your bum gyrating in noirish
monochrome to satisfy the lascivious masses.
Follow our stringent guide and we guarantee
you too could be fellated by Dane Bowers' toes in
front of an astounded nation (he needs the work).
5
Features
Fame, for the reduced
price of integrity
A guide to making you recognisable and memorable
There’s probably going to be one or two words
about the Kardashian family in here, and they
Hamm, the actor behind the iconic adman Don
Draper in Mad Men called Kim a straight out
‘f*****g idiot’ he certainly wasn’t in character,
because even the least ad-savvy person knows
hated by many, but many of them are responsible
about turning yourself into a car wreck in order
to get people to turn their heads, it’s fantastic
world in a matter of days, but with this stunt
the amount of newspapers featuring the Oxford
‘rack’ in her slogan, actually showing them your
goods is predicted to increase potential attention
2
ways to get exposure, but if you want a quick and
cost-effective method to garner attention, there’s
no point trying to climb up when you can fall
of integrity and diplomacy has securely caved
in, you may as well continue and measure your
wisdom be applied to something related to our
vicinity of time and space?
The 980th issue of Gair Rhydd addressed the
issue of how minimal the awareness of elected
and Made in Chelsea would only be half of
what they are today if they hadn’t thrown some
other students, launch glass bottles at competing
only a little over 30% recognising their faces, and
succeeded in becoming responsible for students’
well being next year, but failed with the much
more important issue of making a name for
manifestos aside, if you want to be remembered
for more than a witty slogan and an entertaining
costume it’s time to set your eyes on controversy,
credibility have in student discourse anyway?
features@gairrhydd.com
6
Keep the voters updated about any health
have, however, often shown that publicising their
impending death or sickness is a sure way to
work especially well because it also shows that
Features
When Jon Hamm, the actor behind the iconic adman Don
Draper in Mad Men called Kim a straight out 'f*****g
idiot’ he certainly wasn't in character, because even
the least ad-savvy person knows that any publicity is
good publicity.
One unfortunate obstacle to the exact science
of fame whoring are those regulations and codes
Also known as the Hilton-Kardashian model of
rather the fact that these norms of politeness
and civility are outdated and should ultimately
and mundane hair styles are disliked by agents
work with the limited scope of personality and
attic of their house so he could tell the media that
his beloved child was stuck on an air balloon a
committed to dressing like a pirate, it’s how you’ll
be recognised, so it’s probably best to stick with
are the true role models of today that show us
how to ignore tradition and go to great lengths
to acquire the fame that distinguishes the Gods
Alexi Gunner
features@gairrhydd.com
Above, the fatherly face of a fame-lover, balloon boy dad
7
Features
Anorexia:
In
Vogue
With the decision by Vogue
last week to ban the use of
models who are "too skinny",
Anna-Katharina Caseldine
argues that it's media
understanding, not different
sized models which affects
anorexia.
quenchfeatures@gairrhydd.com
8
I starved… but not because of the media.
Last week Vogue announced that they would
no longer use ‘too skinny’ models. Being someone
I was severely bullied for 14 years.
I was living with 16 years of suppressed grief,
anxiety, confusion and a scuppered emotional
perhaps have been delighted with this…but was
I? No: quite frankly I was livid and I was hurt. No
matter how many pictures they removed from
their magazines, they could not give me back all
those years I lost to the cruel illness. In fact, even
if those pictures had not even been published
with self-loathing, I felt worthless, I believed I
was a mistake – not as good as everybody else. All
I wanted was to be happy, so I decided to be thin
because I believed it would make everything ok.
Almost overnight, food became associated in my
mind with worthlessness, guilt and depression,
whilst losing weight gave me a kick as I believed
every pound lost brought me one step closer to
that happiness. As I lost weight, my body began
to shut down and thinking required too much
energy, so it was abandoned. My brain sealed all
meanings into what it could last remember: food
was bad, no food was good. As clear as black and
white. I did not have the energy to reason against
it; I knew my goal: to be happy and to leave the
worthlessness behind.
That is why I was ill, that is why I was infertile
for so long: not because I was envious of Victoria
Beckham, but because I had a lifetime of trauma
to acknowledge and feel.
adolescence.
Because anorexia is not caused by the media.
No – it is the media who starves the world of
the truth of anorexia.
At 16 I was in hospital: I was critically
underweight, severely malnourished and
bought a glossy mag. Yet I walked through
school and hospital, blinded by the anorexia and
surrounded by people who assumed I simply had
a desire to be as thin as the models in magazines.
How can she want to be that skinny? She’s being
ridiculous she should just eat. Doesn’t she know
all those pictures are airbrushed anyway?
My brother died when I was two and a half
years old.
Features
Anorexia Statistics
In 2010, the largest percentage of any group who were admitted
to Hospital with Anorexia was 14-16 year olds.
Stays for eating disorders rose from 2316 to 2579 in 2010.
Hospital stays lasted on average 38 days.
For help & advice, visit www.b-eat.co.uk
should be promoting healthy models rather than
those who are suffering from hair loss, memory
loss, infertility, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue and
heart failure because of their low weight?
So where does the media come in?
Even though I had not touched a glossy mag in
my life, the legacy from the magazines plagues
girls, women and guys everywhere. I may not
have seen the most recent Vogue, but I was
attending school every day where society’s belief
that thinness equates to happiness penetrated the
very seams. So when I yearned to be free of the
trauma and grief that had been my life ever since
I could remember, I chose thinness.
My therapist once presented me with lots of
cut outs of women from magazines and asked
me to sort them into two piles: underweight and
healthy. With ease I quickly sorted the piles…
46: 4 – healthy: underweight. My therapist then
re-sorted them: 3: 47 – healthy: underweight. How
wrong I was. She taught me how to recognise if
someone was underweight: a gap between the
like twigs in winter, hip bones visible. Pretty
much all the women illustrated then. How is this
beautiful?! Magazines are arguably brochures
of infertile women with osteoporosis who would
collapse if made to walk anywhere. The media
does not cause anorexia, it illustrates it.
Believing that thin models cause eating
disorders is like believing that reducing the price
of fruit and veg cures cancer. It may make one
life one percent easier but it’s not going to solve
anything. I starved because I believed it would
take away my pain, not because I wanted to be
stick thin. So let’s just use our common sense:
only use healthy models, and work to understand
the truth of eating disorders: the abuse, hurt and
grief behind the starving eyes. They are hungry
for a life they can call their own, not to headline
Vogue.
Anna-Katharina Caseldine
Photos - Danielle Helm
quenchfeatures@gairrhydd.com
while on the one hand I want to stress that it is
not the media which causes anorexia, I am not for
one moment excusing them. Of course it is wrong
that they are using underweight models, but isn’t
that just common sense? Shouldn’t it be obvious
9
Books
Hungry
for
fame
Katie Bennett explores the similarities between literary
sensation The Hunger Games and our celebrity culture
BB
books@gairrhydd.com
10
Katie Bennett
Books
All That I Am by Anna Funder
Reviews
Katie Bennett
4/5
Virgin to Veteran: How to Get Cooking with
by Sam Stern
3.5/5
4/5
books@gairrhydd.com
by Tanya Byrne
11
Fashion
kakaBOOM
fashion@gairrhydd.com
12
Create your own fashion explosion this summer with
paint pot splashes, tie-die patterns and bold colours, all
inspired by Warhol and Lichtenstein. It's time to say hello
to POP CULTURE
Photography: Tom Armstrong and Lucy Chip
Styling: Hannah Davies, Lucy Trevallion and Leonie Roderick
Models: Lucinda Mann and Josh Brice
Clothes provided by New Look
Girls
Heels, £17.99
Clutch, £15.99
Playsuit, £22.99
Guys
Shirt, £14.99
Trousers, £19.99
Shoes, models own.
Fashion
features@gairrhydd.com
Parka, £34.99
Shorts, £17.99
Shoes, models own
13
Fashion
This page:
Floral Playsuit, £22.99
Peeptoe heels, £19.99
Shopper bag, £14.99
fashion@gairrhydd.com
14
Opposite page:
Tee, £9.99
Hoodie, £14.99
Shorts, £17.99
Fashion
fashion@gairrhydd.com
16
Opposite page:
Vest, £5.99
Skirt, £19.99
Tie headband, £3.99
Boots, models own
This page:
Parka, £16.99
fashion@gairrhydd.com
Fashion
17
Fashion
fashion@gairrhydd.com
18
Shirt, £14.99
Blazer, £ 24.99
Printed shorts, £19.99
19
fashion@gairrhydd.com
Fashion
Fashion
fashion@gairrhydd.com
20
This page:
Dress with gold belt, £24.99
Boots, models own
Students get 10% discount
with a valid NUS card at:
Photos
spotlight on students
Ariana Moschopoulou
Adam Porter
Stepthen Springate
quench photos@gairrhydd.com
Nour Kassim
21
Photos
Tanika Godbole
From the Editors:
quenchphotos@gairrhydd.com
22
Tom Armstriong
Jake Gifford
Lucy Chip
Travel
Che Guevara
Where: South America
Back in 1952, the famous and
revolutionary Che Guevara and a friend
hopped on their ageing motorbike
(nicknamed La Poderosa or ‘The Mighty
One’) and set off on a journey. The pair
started off in their hometown of Buenos
Aires in Argentina, and rode all the way
through South America, ending their
journey by volunteering in a Leper
colony in Peru. His travel took Guevara
through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador,
Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and to
Miami. The journey has become famous,
and known as an experience that created
a revolutionary icon. This route goes
through some of the poorest countries in
have followed in Che’s biking tracks.
Jack Kerouac
Where: USA
American Beat novelist and poet,
Jack Kerouac, was the original ‘skint’
traveller. On his famous road-trip
around the USA, which went from
New York to LA and back again,
Kerouac and his companions often
resorted to cheating and stealing
their way across the country.
Anyone thinking of taking on
Kerouac’s infamous trip better get
those hitchhiker thumbs out and be
prepared to slum it across the States
for that true ‘on the road’ experience.
Lord Byron
Where: The Mediterranean
Lord Byron was not just a powerful
poet and a legendary lusty lover, but
also an eager traveller. The most
famous journey he embarked on
was through the Mediterranean.
He visited Spain, Malta, Greece and
Asia Minor, but his favourite part of
the journey was through Albania.
There, he passed through a country
that many thought of as barren land,
inhabited only by savage mountain
tribes. But Byron found a land of
landscapes of the Vjosë Valley and
the town of Gjirokastër are now,
200-years later, UNESCO sites.
Heather Arnold
travel@gairrhydd.com
!"#"$%&'()
*+,%-"(.
23
Travel
Summer Hotspots on a shoestring
/0102
Perched on the Dalmatian coast, Zadar provides a refreshing
breather from some of Croatia’s tourist-crammed seaside cities.
Head there for a culturally rich and pocket friendly experience
1.
Exploring the Old Town
The walled Old Town is the place to stay if you’re seeking atmosphere. Whilst admiring the Roman
ruins and strolling through cobbled streets, you’ll discover vibrant fruit markets, boutiques and
cafes. Despite its small size, you could easily spend a whole day getting lost in the backstreets (and the
bakeries). Don’t forget to climb St Donatus’ Church Tower for an unrivalled view of the Old Town.
2.
The Sea Organ
A stunning combination of architecture and the natural world, the Sea Organ must not be overlooked.
Sit on one of the white steps leading into the sea - preferably as the sun is setting - and listen as the
waves create music while gazing upon a vast expanse of blue. During the day, the Organ is a great
place to enjoy the sunshine and is completely free to visit.
3.
Free Food Fridays
Well… almost free. Buy a drink in any of the traditional looking restaurants or bars on a Friday
evening (note: a glass of wine is the equivalent of one British pound), and get treated to barbecued
and vegetables and, often, a traditional Croatian band will serenade you as you dine.
travel@gairrhydd.com
4.
National Parks
Visiting one of Zadar’s nearby National Parks could be damaging to your budget. To avoid this,
enquire at the Tourist Information centre (situated right in the middle of the Old Town) and make use
of the local bus timetables. Going it alone saves you paying for an overpriced, organised tour. Krka
National Park in the Sibenik region boasts incredible waterfalls and wildlife. Don’t forget your student
card for discounted entry.
5.
The Island of Ugljan
Catch a ferry over to Zadar’s adjacent island (Ugljan), and visit Preko, a relaxing village with
spectacular views and affordable seafood restaurants. Ferries travel across every hour and cost 18kn
(roughly two British pounds). Whilst there, make sure you take advantage of the local restaurants’
three-course tourist menus which are great value for money.
24
Travel
)))))))))34105678
On the banks of the River Danube, Hungary’s capital is a richly
diverse city, jam-packed with dazzling architecture, museums and
quirky eateries. Here is a guide to the must-do, budget activities
1.
House of Terror (Terror Háza Múzeum)
Don’t let the name put you off. This museum houses vast amounts of information about the Fascist
and Communist regimes in Eastern Europe from a Hungarian perspective, in a modern and stylishly
designed space. The building itself was used as a headquarters within the regimes, and it’s budgetfriendly at 900 HUF for students (roughly three British pounds.)
2.
The Coffee Shop Culture
The city is crammed with coffee shops and cafes, and locals and tourists alike spend hours savouring
their hot drinks while socialising. It’s a great way to unwind after braving the bustling attractions.
Try Sufni on Erzsébet Boulevard for delicious Hot Chocolate, an eccentric design and plenty of unconventional artworks to gaze at.
3.
St Stephen’s Basilica
Completed in 1905, this Roman Catholic Basilica is a slice of the city’s most impressive architecture.
For a small donation you can explore inside and a separate fee of 500 HUF (just less than two British
pounds) grants you access to the tower for a great view of the city.
5.
Explore by foot
Public Transport in Budapest (including trams, buses and the metro) is reasonably priced and fairly
simple to use. However, to get the most out of your time in Budapest, it’s worth exploring the city by
foot. Despite warnings from locals, it is entirely possible to see the bulk of the city by foot if you spend
all day ambling. It’ll save you money and you won’t miss a thing.
Lia Martin
travel@gairrhydd.com
4.
Buda: Castle Hill
Most backpackers stay in Pest, but it’s essential to venture across the grand Széchenyi Chain Bridge to
Buda, and climb Castle Hill to admire the views across the Danube. From here you will see the Parliament Building at its best. Go at night, and see the city lit up. Be sure to follow the medieval paths and
explore Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion.
25
Travel
A
Hitchhiker's
Guide
to
Morocco
Kayleigh Chan talks about the highs and
lows of a charity hitch
Over the Easter break, I, along with two friends,
hitchhiked to Africa. In seven days we travelled
over 1,800 miles from Cardiff to Tangier, in
northern Morocco.
The Hitch is a charity event run by Link
Community Development which uses the
hitcher’s sponsorship money to fund education
hard) and in a service station, starting with our
heads on the tables and ending in a child’s play
it sounded like great fun and signed up straight
away; although we were perhaps a bit naïve about
what hitchhiking would entail.
We began in Cardiff, equipped with a
whiteboard and giant foam thumb. Funnily
enough, everyone we approached was ‘going the
other way’ or had a ‘full car’. There were a lot of
different reactions from drivers, most were quite
encouraging and seemed supportive. You start to
recognise the shrug of the shoulders, wave of the
hand and sympathetic smile. Of course, we also
got some adverse reactions, a few people shouting
types of people who stop and give you a lift are
those who will happily go above and beyond any
expectations you might have. Plus, the sense of
achievement and being able to say that you made
it without getting public transport from Cardiff
to Morocco is pretty awesome.
Kayleigh Chan
What I didn’t realise about hitchhiking was the
amount of waiting involved and the uncertainty
of it all. We averaged a three-hour wait for a lift,
but some days could be standing on the side of
the road for over 7-hours, or if we had a good day,
only 30 minutes. To get a quick lift, you need to
be on busy roads, ideally service stations or a
roundabout, which means that you don’t get to
see much of the cities you’re passing through. We
stopped in Barcelona for a night and saw some
travel@gairrhydd.com
26
and being photographed by tourists on the opentop sightseeing bus!
When you get stuck in a roadside place, it can
lead to some rough nights. Unlike most groups,
we didn’t pack a tent and so had some trouble
sleeping. At one point we contemplated staying
overnight in a public disabled toilet. Whilst it
never came to that, we did sleep in the back of a
lorry on the top shelf (it was very cold and very
Despite the rough nights and apathy from the
majority of the public, the 21 people who picked
us up were amazing. From a free meal to a lift
completely out of their way, the generosity we
Travel
travel@gairrhydd.com
!"#$%&'()*+*,''*-'
+)%'.*"+/01)+
Copenhagen, by Ally Warren
27
Ar ts
Open Season:
A Round Up of the UK'S
Best Arts Festivals
It’s time to dust off those Wellies - festival season is in
full-swing. For this little lot, all you need to bring is a picnic
basket, some theatre types and lots of imagination. Kirsty Allen
sneaks a peek at the best of this summer's arts festivals
The One with Bute Park, Balloons and
Cardiff Castle
Who: Cardiff Festival
What: A wonderfully Welsh affair
Where: Your beloved university town
When: All summer long
Why: Why on earth not? Spend those
last few weeks before the lease is up
immersing yourself in a fusion of artistic,
musical and cultural events and leave
your old haunts alone until September.
Watch Macbeth in the Cardiff Castle
grounds, catch Legally Blonde the Musical
at Wales Millennium Centre or join the
Queen for the Royal Family’s latest big do,
the Diamond Jublilee. A Pac A Mac and
lots of weather optimism is essential for
this festival experience.
The One Where You Pop Pennies in
Top Hats
Who: HatFair
What: Britain’s longest running festival
of street theatre and outdoor arts
Where: Winchester
When: 6th-8th July
Why: For wonderful outdoor
performances woven together through
the streets of Winchester - and all for
free! The programme this year features
The Tiny Travelling Tightwire Show, The
Ragroof Tea Dance and a Cat’s Choir, or
the comedians among you could join in
with the Dom Joly workshop. This festival
promises plenty of crowd pleasers, picnic
baskets and hidden gem performances.
The festival’s tagline is the ‘Art of the
Unexpected’ after all.
arts@gairrhydd.com
28
The One with the Purple Sheep
Who: Latitude
What: It’s more than just a music festival, you know.
Where: Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk
When: Thursday 12th- Sunday 15th July
Why: For an absolute showstopper of a festival.
Lana del Ray, Janelle Monae and Laura Marling
share the stage in the woods alongside an array of
poetry readings, theatre performances and dance
showcases. Amble through the woods, taking in
the performances through the trees of the Faraway
Forest, or make your way to the Cabaret tent for
sketch shows, Edinburgh previews and fabulous
amounts of face paint.
The One with the Golden Mile
Who: The Fringe
What: The world's biggest and best arts festival
Where: Edinburgh
When: 3rd-27th August2011
Why: The world’s greatest arts festival, set
against the spires of a fairytale city. Thousands of
performers descend upon Edinburgh to perform
a vast programme of events in a celebration of
everything artistic.
Arts
Review
The Globe, Henry V,
New Theatre Cardiff
‘Touring was in Shakespeare’s blood,’
director Dominic Dromgoole reminds us as
he launches this new production of Henry
V which starts its tour here in Cardiff. Since
2007, Shakespeare’s Globe has been sending its
productions out around the country, and now,
as the Olympics approaches, it is keener than
ever to celebrate the great British icon around
the country.
Following Dromgoole’s critically-acclaimed
2010 production of Henry IV, expectations
are high. Jamie Parker, who played young
and wild Prince Harry in that production,
has now matured into a responsible king.
RADA-trained Parker is most famous for
playing Scripps in The History Boys (in the
the shy school-boy is still present in a King
Henry who is more like our modern princes
than a bloodthirsty warrior. In his supposedly
rousing speeches – including the famous lines
‘Once more into the breach dear friends’ and
‘We band of brothers’- he is convincing, but
not burning with passion as expected. I’d like
to think Parker is hinting at Henry’s reticence
where Henry tries to woo the French Princess
Katherine (Oliver Ross, who has perfect
attempt to present a great historical subject
in the theatre. We are told we must use our
imagination to create epic battles and sea
voyages. However, the lack of sets and small (but
of characters and range of emotions in the play.
While the opening scenes laying out the reasons
behind the Battle of Agincourt, around which
the play centres, are a little dull (despite the
humour, suspense and even a little romance. For
a historical play, it gets a lot of laughs. As well
as a generous helping of Shakespeare’s famous
bawdy humour, the Welsh Captain Fluellen,
who takes enormous pride in King Henry’s
Monmouth origins, certainly tickled this Cardiff
audience. Whether he would have the same effect
elsewhere, I’m not sure - although Brendan
O’Hea is clearly a talented comic actor.
All in all, Henry V is not the most captivating
of Shakespeare’s plays, but still an enjoyable
watch, especially in such a high-quality
production from the Globe. Just like plays in
Shakespeare’s time, this production will now
head around the country before arriving in
London in time for the Olympics.
Katie Brown
Have you been to
the theatre lately?
Send Quench your
opinion on the latest plays
being performed in Cardiff !
@quenchmag
arts@gairrhydd.com
and bashful, utterly engrossing. It’s a shame that
we have to wait until the end to really connect
with the character. Yet, even if the title character
isn’t particularly engrossing, as a whole Henry V
still has a lot to offer.
The play opens with the chorus (the
29
Ar ts
Fragments of Ash
Terry Victor's latest work, Fragments of Ash, is a
challenging anti-war piece, which combines traditional
theatre with music and movement. At its heart is
one extremely difficult question: what would turn an
ordinary mother into a suicide bomber? I spoke to
Terry and Sam Harding, who plays Ash, about the
work, their inspiration and chat-up lines.
What is Fragments of Ash about?
was a quick answer to it, I wouldn’t have had to
write a play. In essence, there are a few major
themes. It’s about mothers, particularly mothers
and wives who lose children to wars; it’s about
the young people who go to war and the families
that are destroyed by it; and it’s about the
politics, and the celebrity of death, the way that
politicians always come out whenever there’s
people sit there and look at us and think “Did
that just happen?”. It shocks people; it’s quite
disturbing, distressing.
TV: But it’s not all sad. Parts of it are pure soap-
As well as mixing politics and personal,
you mix traditional theatre with music and
movement.
TV: Yes. With this one we’ve got an original score,
arts@gairrhydd.com
ultimately, it’s about mums. I wrote a play where
the lead character has my mum’s name; there are
all kinds of bits of my life in there. There is so
much of me in it and it’s hugely anti-war without
ever being anti-soldier. Those guys are going out
there and doing what they have to do and society
shouldn’t be setting a situation where they’re
which has so many strands and themes going on.
SH: I play four characters – my own dad and my
own son which can get a bit confusing - and I die
as all of them. We’ve done two shows so far and
30
Fabulously evocative stuff, and choreography
and physical theatre throughout. One character
doesn’t speak. Her story is told entirely through
dance. I’ve always loved smashing genres. This
idea that you can only go and see ‘chocolate-box
theatre’ or like one type of music is nonsense.
There’s nothing wrong with going from a punk
concert to a classical concert to a farce. All I’m
trying to do is put them all on the same stage at
the same time. Life is all genre-crunching. I’m
mixing it up because it’s fun. And you work with
talented people, you want to enjoy the talents
they have. We’ve all got different strengths, and
the company we have for this are enormously
talented.
Arts
Has the show changed much since it
debuted at Edinburgh Festival last year?
TV: I’ve brought a different company in and
the energies, the skills and the empathies
of the various actors have changed it. This
production has more light and shade than it
had in Edinburgh. It has the same impact – the
audience not knowing how to respond and
wanting to hide – was the same in Edinburgh.
One critic left saying “I just can’t talk about
it at the moment” and I thought “Yes, result!”
It’s a play that gets under people’s skin. You
Sam, do you feel like you bring a bit of
yourself to the part too?
SH: Yeah, I think so. Everyone goes through kind
of similar stuff, so there are bits that you relate
to, like joining the ACF as a young teenager. My
mum in the play has a conversation with my
step-dad saying “I don’t want him to join the
army,” and I remember joining the ACF with my
mate, going home and telling my mum and her
saying “Why have you done this? Why have done
this?." I didn’t want to go to war, I just wanted
something to do.
Has anyone told you it’s changed their
opinion on the war?
TV: I don’t think it’s changed anyone’s opinion.
I think we all know which wars we regret and
which we would say are inevitable. I like the idea
that people go to the bar after and talk about it. I
don’t want to change people’s minds, I want it to
become a conversation. This week two boys died
in Afghanistan. It’s in the news all the time and
we just sort of stop noticing.
We ask an incredibly tough question in the
play: what would make an ordinary wife and
mother become a suicide bomber? I was scared
that is a question that is attractive to an audience
because it’s a good conversation to have. It’s not
just people from exotic lands, it’s your mum.
When you look at it in those terms, you can see
why the play is painful, but also why there’s
so much joy and love in it. I call it a love story
separated by tragedies.
Fragments of Ash is coming to Chapter Arts
Centre on 1 & 2 June. Full details of the tour
are available at www.fragmentsofash.co.uk
arts@gairrhydd.com
constantly on the stage, challenging you,
making you laugh. And there are things you’ll
recognise. There’s a lot about the growth of a
young man, scenes of trying out a bad chat-up
line in clubs. Come and see it and steal it, it
31
LGBT+
BITHis
way?
Is society going Gaga for bisexuality? Erin Ekins looks
at the troubling case of Jessie J and explains why
bisexuality must be taken seriously in its own right
Heat
'bisexuality breaks
lgbt@gairrhydd.com
32
societies sexual rules
and seems to be all the
rage these days'!
LGBT+
'Female celebrities
who come out as Bi
are presumed to be
straight"
Glad To
lgbt@gairrhydd.com
Be Gay
33
Food & Drink
FESTIVALS
Abergavenny
Food Festival
Saturday 15th and
Sunday 16th of
September.
food@gairrhydd.com
For those of you who think you’ve been there
and done that with food festivals; think again.
Abergavenny food festival is without doubt the
most vibrant and varied food festival I have ever
visited and it’s chock full of the most top notch
produce available in Wales. Dotted around the
picturesque town are stalls offering everything
from granola to goats cheese with the most
obliging vendors one could wish to meet, waiting
in hope that you’ll stop to hear about their
passion for food.
Tens of thousands of visitors descended
from far and wide on the sleepy town last
summer and were not disappointed, with events
and demonstrations running throughout the
weekend and plenty of tasters to get the taste
buds tantalised and the purse strings loosened.
Abergavenny Food Festival has built such a
reputation over its 13 years it now attracts
celebrity chefs of the highest calibre drawn
by the convivial atmosphere and genuine
enthusiasm that everyone has for good food.
Some events are ticketed but are well worth
the few pounds for an entrance wristband as
specialists share their expertise in all sorts
of areas such as creating the perfect martini,
if the high life is your thing, or a masterclass
34
in foraging in the local countryside for those
with an adventurous side. Abergavenny is so
easily accessible by train from Cardiff and the
festival is running from the 15th until the 16th of
September. This year promises to be bigger and
better than ever before so in my opinion it’s a
must for the fresher’s fortnight diary.
Chloe Slade
WOMAD
Friday 27th -
VegFest
UK
Friday 25th -
All those who have a penchant for music, dance,
food and exploring different cultures will be
delighted to know that the World Of Music
And Dance (WOMAD) Festival is returning to
Charlton Park in Malmesbury this July from
Friday the 27th until Sunday the 29th.
Alongside a tantalising array of artists from
all over the world, including Jimmy Cliff from
Jaimaca, NZ Shapelifters from New Zealand and
Lo’Jo from Algeria, festival goers are guaranteed
the chance to indulge their tastebuds with food
from Mali to Madagascar. But it’s not just a case
From Friday25th May to Sunday 27th, Bristol
will host Europe’s biggest Vegetarian event –
VegFestUK!
The three day festival will be held at Bristol’s
Amphitheatre and admission is free. The event
will kick off at 2pm on the Friday, ending for the
night at 9pm, and then will re-open again on the
Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 9pm.
The event will feature 120 stalls displaying
food, body care products, household products
and clothing. Leading vegetarian brands will
be present and there will be the opportunity to
sample free tasters. Between 4pm and 6pm on
the Friday, special offers will also be available on
selected items.
Over the weekend, local professional chefs
and students will go head-to-head for a 30
minute cook-off, with the Junior competition
taking place on the Saturday, and the Masters
on the Sunday. There will also be various talks
on nutrition and food demonstrations, with
talks covering topics such as how to make your
business greener, naturopathic medicine, vegan
growing, raw food and nutrition. A cheese and
wine tasting session will take place on the Friday,
between 5pm and 7pm, featuring a selection of
vegan wines and cheeses.
Twelve specialist caterers will also be at
this year’s event: Lebanese cuisine from K&F
which country’s traditional dishes hit your spot.
The WOMAD team have been extra creative
this year and have come up with some ingenous
ways to immerse their visitors in different
cultures through food, music and dance; Taste
The World Food shows get artists preparing &
cooking their favourite dishes with a side order
of spontaneous music whilst Adult workshops
allow culture vultures to step into the world of
the artist and enjoy an opportunity for cultural
exchange, active participation, collaboration and
musical exploration. And there are plenty of
other ways to appreciate multiculturalism and
enjoy the real sense of shared community which
WOMAD highly encourages. Anyone interested
in going can sign up to partake in the festivals
Human Library and become a 'human book',
sharing and learning something new from others'
experiences.
It really does sound like the perfect place to
feed both mind, tummy and, as cheesy as it may
sound, soul. And if you can’t wait until July, fear
not, you can sample the festival at Bristol Zoo on
Saturday June the 30th. Just WOMderful.
Simone Miche
Sunday 27th of
May
Fishy; Redwood sausages, burgers, pizzas and
from Chipstix; snacks and curries from Spice
up Your Life and An Indian Affair; oven-baked
pizzas from PizzaVia; snacks, savouries, cakes
and meals from Wild Futures, Take Wrap and
Roll, The Peckish Peacock and The Hungry
Gecko; and falafels from Falafest.
For entertainment, there will be a wide variety
of live music and a comedy hour each day. The
Chariot of the Sun Stage will showcase a myriad
of acoustic talent and the Performance Stage
will feature various acts in preparation for the
two headline acts each evening. Acts will include
Finley Quaye, Neville Staple (The Specials),
Johnny Clarke Meets Soothsayers, Talisman, Dub
There will also be a licensed bar to ensure there’s
plenty of dancing!
The event will also host an animal sanctuary
area with talks and stalls displaying campaign
information for animal welfare. And for the
kids, there will be Punch and Judy shows, face
painting, balloon modelling, magic shows and
cookery lessons.
Even if you're not vegetarian or vegan, this
promises to be a great weekend. It’s free and
there will be plenty to do for all ages. Non-stop
entertainment, including comedy and live music,
and an abundance of food and drink will ensure
that VegFest UK remains one of the major events
on the vegetarian calendar.
For a full programme, go to www.bristol.
vegfest.co.uk.
Steph De Carteret
food@gairrhydd.com
Sunday 29th of
July
35
Food & Drink
Quench tries out two
new additions to
Cardiff's growing
café scene
Pettigrew
tea-rooms
My mum once told me that ‘Where there is
tea, there is love’. This couldn’t be more true
when referring to the charming Pettigrew tea
room. Challenging the stereotype of tea rooms
with doilies, lay-dees and all things la di dah,
Pettigrew’s encapsulates a new era of high tea.
This little gem is nestled amongst the hustle and
bustle of the modern, expanding cultural hub
that is Cardiff ’s popular Castle Street. But the
best part is that it still retains the vintage charm
of the past.
Pettigrew’s gets everything right, from the
picturesque setting in the grounds of Bute Park
to the creative blend of antique furniture that
speaks both comfort and history. From rosebud
and peony, wild berry to Earl Grey, there are
teas so suit every taste, alongside a selection of
delicious home made scones, carrot, chocolate
and Victoria sponge cakes, courtesy of the
resident baker. So whether you’re after a cosy
tete a tete with a friend and a cuppa or a chance
to brood over that dusty novel, Pettigrew’s is the
place for you.
The tea rooms humble beginnings arose from
owner David’s love of baking and yearning to
create an experience for customers of all ages,
food@gairrhydd.com
36
‘The tea room is different for Cardiff. People are
bored of coffee houses but still crave that sense of
intimacy within a traditional setting – that’s what
we offer here’. With reference to the great Freddie
Mercury, David’s blog and twitter account named,
‘I want to bake free’, were set up to detail the
journey from dream to tea room. They receive
countless views and comments, as people discover
the appeal of all things sweet, ‘Tea and cake are
truly wholesome in a time where there is so much
to comfort food and thrift, of home baking and,
essentially, enjoyment’.
David’s passion for high tea, delectable cakes,
lattes and homemade soups, truly resonates.
Pettigrew’s has succeeded in creating a melting
pot for all things British, in a time where the
celebration for food and heritage is bigger than
ever. What’s more, most of the produce is sourced
from local markets and food companies which
support schools and the local community.
So, in the manner of all things quaint, cute
and quintessentially British I suggest you most
Jacqueline Kilikita
Food & Drink
Residents of the Salisbury Road area of Cathays
were welcomed back after their Easter break by
a wonderful little diamond amongst the rough of
kebab houses and greasy spoons. One would not
Cardiff ’s stylish arcades so the fact that Lewis
and Laura, the lovely couple behind the business,
have chosen the heart of studentville to settle is
all the better us lucky young scholars!
The cafe itself is truly charming, perfectly
balancing an eclectic mix of on-trend modern
decor, such as lime green pod-chairs, with rustic
charm evoked my embroidered cushions, antique
maps and the occasional oar mounted on the
wall. It makes for the perfect spot to catch up with
friends or curl up with one of their extensive
selection of magazines. And I can think of no
place better for a cosy change of scenery from
than one of their vast selection of delicious
homemade cakes?
Living in a house full of regular Tucker
customers, it seems there is not one thing on the
menu that does not come highly recommended,
good job then that Lewis and Laura are
continually updating what’s on offer so we always
have new treats to try, and with everything
very reasonably priced, and being freshly home
in an awful lot. For those delicate hung-over
tummies, when nothing else will do, the motherHowever, unlike other fry ups available elsewhere
in the vicinity (naming no names), it would also
go down a treat any day! The breakfast menu also
boasts bacon and sausage baps and eggs made to
order as well as the slightly healthier options of
granola and crumpets, which come with a special
recommendation particularly if enjoyed with
their yummy blackcurrant jam. For lunch they
have a wide range of baguettes and paninis on
offer as well as a delicious sounding ham salad
(the ham being home roasted, of course) and if
you’re feeling a little more than peckish they
offer both traditional mains such as lasagne and
chicken Milanese, as well as more exotic options
like chicken katsu curry.
The coffee is of the highest calibre too. So
for all those connoisseurs of the little bean out
there, look no further than Tucker. They use the
fair-trade Brazilian blend, Montes Carlos which
is roasted at the Clifton Coffee Company just
over the bridge. It’s a strong but smooth blend
with no bitterness which tastes just as good
unadulterated in an espresso as it does milked to
the max in a latte. If you happen to drop in on one
of the few hot days we’ll have this summer then
the ice blended smoothies are an ideal choice,
particularly the raspberry and blackcurrant for a
real taste of British summertime.
This little gem also has a licence, so keep an eye
out, as the couple plan to start opening during
the evenings over the coming weeks and with a
modest but well chosen wine selection as well
as beers and spirits available, I can see Tucker
becoming a popular haunt for those looking for a
little laid back sophistication of an evening.
Tucker really is a breath of fresh air for our
little area of Cardiff, offering an oasis to students
and professionals alike who appreciate great
food and drink, a cosy but classy atmosphere
and the most genuine and friendly service found
anywhere. There really are no boxes left to tick.
Chloe Slade
tucker
23 Salisbury Road
food@gairrhydd.com
37
MUSIC
twit-whores
Emma Wilford explores celebrities and their
fans' obsession with the world of Twitter
twitter's
b i g h i t t e rs
Lady Gaga:
24,350,965 followers
Justin Bieber:
21,992,987 followers
Katy Perry:
19,787,616 followers
Rihanna:
19,064,240 followers
music@gairrhydd.com
38
Britney Spears:
16,801,802 followers
Look at the most followed people on Twitter and you’ll see a
trend beginning to emerge: Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Taylor
Swift, Katy Perry - all musicians.
Of the top 10 twit-aholics out there, only two are nonmusicians, President Barack Obama and socialite cum sex-tapereality TV star Kim Kardashian, suggesting that Twitter seems
to be the ultimate platform for musicians to elevate themselves
from a mere singer to a global internet sensation.
Providing a unique insight into the worlds of the biggest
artists, it gives mere fans the ability to access the everyday lives
of their favourite stars from the privacy of their own home.
What’s Katy Perry had for breakfast? What tights are Rihanna
wearing? In effect, we can all become pseudo-stalkers without
anyone really judging us.
Any avid tweeter will note that the trending panel is often
subject to over-zealous proclamations of adoration for King of
the Tweens, Justin Bieber. Examples such as ‘I’m a Belieber’
and ‘we love you Justin’ have turned Twitter
in to, at times, a nauseating experience where
schoolgirls appear to reign supreme.
Most recently, a scandal erupted when rapper
slash robot Nicky Minaj left Twitter over an
argument with a fan, leaving her 11 million odd
followers bereft of their idol. To the relief of many,
she returned just a week later and the story made
mainstream news.
It is therefore apparent that Twitter holds a
status of musicians. On one hand, it is a chance
for them to have direct contact with their fans by
tweeting intimate details of their lives (sometimes
a little too intimate*ahem* Rihanna) so that focus
becomes more centred on them as people and less
about their music. On the other, it gives them an
important position in the cultural stratosphere,
as they occupy the role of tastemakers their army
of fans. Certainly if Justin Bieber tweeted that
he loved golf, it would surely spur a new trend of
tween golfers.
With people like Lady Gaga having over 24
million followers, they have certainly become big
hitters in the cyber world, regardless of whether
they have a record out or not. In an age where the
cult of personality is invariably more interesting
to the majority of us than say world poverty,
(?!) Twitter suits us perfectly. Yet I can't help but
ask whether the obsession with our favourite
musicians' every tweet really makes us the fame
whores instead.
Music
in
it
for
the
fame
?
Matt Tilling questions whether there is a
science to selling out
They are the words that will send a shiver down the
spine of every would-be superstar: ‘You’ve sold out.’
What a thing it must be to have someone that has
followed you for years suddenly turn on you with a
phrase that contains so much venom and anger in
the modern music industry. But what is selling out?
Is there a certain way one must go about it? Bob
Dylan was labelled ‘Judas’ by some when he picked
up an electric guitar and began playing Blues; why
does it evoke such strong emotions?
the mould rather well. Once a cult garage band
from the heartland of Tennesee, the Followills have
become global megastars on the back of their fourth
studio album Only By The Night, an album seen by
records sold around 1 million copies each worldwide; Only By The Night racked up 6.1 million and is
still going, making it one of the best-selling records
of all time. Similarly, bands such as Linkin Park,
The Kooks, Metallica and Rooney have been accused
of selling out. It is, I believe, widely accepted that
in the music industry, ‘selling out’ is to compromise
one’s musical integrity and art for the return of
Kings of Leon before & after success
label. So what changes?
There is a clear difference in sound from debut
record ‘A’ to world-beating record ‘B’. If you listen
fan of the slow, piano-driven ballads they pump out
these days. Similarly, anyone who thought the cool
riffs of Inside In/Inside Out
the large stadiums required to house the adoring
new fans. Notably, Kings of Leon have incorporated
a huge sonic backdrop into their songs, one that
blows the modest and scratchy ‘indie’ riffs of their
their garage in Tennessee.
genre. It is perhaps better to say generic, whereby
the sound that made the band what they were in the
Are there any pre-requisites? Well you must be a
good looking band to attract a wider audience, not
that I’m suggesting One Direction wouldn’t exist if
they were aesthetically challenged, I just don’t think
anyone would listen to them. A back story doesn’t
go amiss: everyone knows of the Followill’s biblebashing Pap dragging them around the Southern
states, and let’s not even get started on Lana
Del Rey.
So, does this mean that the music suffers
for the sake of bulging coffers? It’s often hard
to tell whether a band has sold out or simply
progressed naturally. I must say, as a long
believe that Caleb ‘progressed naturally’ to
writing Sex on Fire, I think he knew where
that song would take them, despite what he
may claim. That said, I still love their fourth
album, though I’ve spoken to many who detest
it. It’s always refreshing to see an artist that
could easily go stratospheric get more abstract
and distance themselves from the mainstream,
most remarkably acts such as Queens of the
Stone Age or Laura Marling, who have gone
their own way and become more stalwarts of
think in the end it’s down to personal opinion,
and whether you’re an old fan or new, it’s all
relative, right?
music@gairrhydd.com
a little too ‘Kooky’, unless dancing around your
room with a hairbrush is still your thing. Not that I
ever did it of course...
39
Music
INTERVIEWS
Benji Lamb has a chinwag with The Temper Trap
after their show at Cardiff Coal Exchange
How would you describe the sound of your
new album?
The main difference is the use of the synth,
it's very prominent on this record. The vocals
are also lower and less falsetto in style than on
Conditions, we’ve used a range of different vocal
sounds. We didn’t want to make the same album
again; this record is more melancholy at times
but also incredibly uplifting, there are more
extremes of emotion.
Have you drawn inspiration from any
We’ve been listening to a lot of Radiohead,
Yeasayer and after supporting Florence and the
Machine on tour we’ve been really interested in
the grandeur of playing music live, performing
and creating a soundscape on a grand, epic scale.
music@gairrhydd.com
What is your favourite song from the new
album and why?
Miracle is a stand out for me, Joseph from the
band had a baby while we were making this
record and it's based around that. It has this heart
beat in the background and there’s an innocence
about that song I think.
We are really enjoying this tour. We were nervous
as we’ve been playing a lot of new material but
40
it seems to have been really well received so far.
Cardiff Coal Exchange has been the best show on
this current tour! There was a great vibe in the
room and the crowd was fantastic.
What advice would you give to up and coming
musicians?
It’s a really hard one that. Just keep at it and it
will happen, but it won’t happen over night. You
have to be patient. The best thing to do is just
get in a room and focus on the songs so they are
the best they can be. Often the bands who are
successful long term take their time.
Where did the name Temper Trap come
from?
We were originally called Temper Temper but we
had to change it as there was another band out
there with the name! It’s a bit of an enigma really
the name.
What’s next for the Temper Trap?
We’ve got a hectic few months coming up now.
We’re touring our home nation of Australia and
then we’re off to the U.S.A. We cannot wait, it’s
an exciting time for the Temper Trap.
The Temper Trap's new album, The Temper Trap,
is available now on Infectious Records.
Music
Phil Kenny and Angus Forrester caught up with
Justice's Xavier de Rosnay during their 2011 UK tour
And there’s already a queue outside and it's
only 6.30!
Wow, really? This is what we love about touring
the UK - people are way braver than we are. There
are always girls in their skirts when it's -10 C. It's
just amazing.
French and English audiences?
It's really hard to make statements about crowds
in different countries. Obviously this is a new
tour in the UK so we don’t know what to expect.
A lot of things in our show are different to when
we last played four years ago, and we don’t know
what to expect. But so far it's been very good and
we're going to see what UK people have in their
guts.
It's been four years since Cross was released.
Where have you guys been hiding?
We didn’t really take a break; we spent like a
year and a half touring almost every day. So
available to work on the new album it was already
Feb 2010 and we spent another year working on
the new album.
Has the new album gone down well on tour?
Yeah, it’s been amazing! It’s maybe less chaotic
very homogenic. It's almost as if they were put
in some sort of blender that make them sound
different from what they are on the records.
Although they are the same songs, we’ve found
new ways of performing and it's very fun for us.
We couldn’t play the material as it appears on
records, because it would be too complicated.
Obviously, We Are Your Friends has been
one of the biggest hits for you and Simian,
is it true it was made for a university radio
competition?
Yeah it was a mix contest for college radio, and
we lost. That’s the funniest part.
You lost!? But you won a Grammy for
another remix, MGMT’s Electric Feel, that’s
amazing!
Yeah it was great. And it was great to share it
with this band we love. We just made it sound like
a Justice track, but I guess MGMT were happy.
It was just another version of their track. The
music was matching with the vocals, which is
kind of rare in the world of remixes.
What did they say when you won a Grammy
for their song?
It's true, they deserved to win a Grammy for their
original material because they did one of the
most amazing albums of the last decade. So that’s
remix, but I guess there were happy because they
won the Grammy too. They made like trophies for
them, trophies for us. Trophies for our parents
and for our dogs.
Where do you keep them?
started to play live we had no idea what we were
doing. It took a while before we found a way of
doing things that worked. But playing the new
stuff is exciting for us too, as we probably heard
the tracks from the old album more than 2 million
times. It's more refreshing as they give another
music@gairrhydd.com
your UK tour; how are you feeling?
Yeah, we are; it’s a small venue tonight, very
intimate. It’s the smallest we're playing.
superstitious. We love them, but we keep them far
away from our work environment. We don’t want
to see them when we work and we don’t want to
show them off. So we just tuck them away and
when we are older and retired we will put them
somewhere more visible
41
Music
ALBUM REVIEWS
!"#$%&"'(%$#
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"./,0'1'.+*
8/10
Top Tracks:
*You Had Me At Hello
*Greatest Hits
*Take Me Where The
Roses Grow
My three years at university have been somewhat
bookended by the Mystery Jets. My brother
spotted that the Mystery Jets were doing a DJ set
at Boombox during my freshers, he told me to go
Making Dens
and Twenty-One. Unfortunately, I missed it but
Twenty-One soon became the soundtrack of my
music@gairrhydd.com
the person in the room above me in Senghennydd
probably knew the words off by heart. Two years
after the release of their third effort Serotonin
and marking the end of my time in Cardiff comes
the band’s fourth release, Radlands.
The group travelled to Texas with just their
guitars and wrote the album which could
potentially take the title of personal best away
from Twenty-One. It takes the form of a narrative
of Emerson Lonestar, a young man who falls in
love with a prostitute - there is even a companion
online comic. While their usual youthful energy
and mix of joyous yet heartfelt lyrics are on
display, Radlands really feels like they have
matured. The only major fault is the jarring
effect of the tracks Hale Bop and The Nothing
otherwise thoroughly enjoyable album.
42
Morten Wright
8/10
Top Tracks:
*Origins
*My Better Self
*High Road
Young and Old is the second LP from husband and
wife duo Tennis, whose lives seem to encapsulate
a dreamy summer in the 70s.
Following on from the critical acclaim of Cape
Dory, Young & Old (a collaboration with Black
Keys’ Patrick Carney) sees their production
value take a step up without losing the fuzz of
their earlier music. It would be easy to classify
Tennis as a period piece band, yet they are not
alone in their love of the 70s. It seems that all
across America teenagers are retreating into
their basements, desperate to recreate the
8-track California haze which dominated the era.
However, the results seems quite mixed.
Despite the critical acclaim of Beach House,
Yuck and Cloud Nothings, none of these seem to
have found the, albeit brief, commercial success
of The Thrills, despite what Pitchfork would have
us believe.
So where do Tennis lie among the wreckage
of surf boards and teen dreams of previous
generations? The album begins with the
outstanding Origins, a piano driven song coupled
with a melodic guitar rift and layers of vocal
harmony. This is swiftly followed by the soulful
My Better Self and Petition,
Young & Old is a big step up from Cape Dory, I
only wish there was a bit more variation as some
songs do risk sounding slightly formulaic.
Phil Kenny
Music
,-2-'3'$4%'*.5%'
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6,#$-,7$
%/&.9%
*Mother Protect
*The Fox
*DJ Ease My Mind
7/10
Top Tracks:
* Capricornia
* The Letter
* Tallulah
Having gained a relative amount of hype this
The sophomore record from Allo Darlin’ has
2012, this Swedish duo’s debut album was hotly
anticipated, and it does not disappoint.
Electro-pop seems to be the genre of the
moment with various new artists emerging from
around the world. Niki & the Dove fall just the
right side of the genre with their catchy, layered
Tomorrow.
Showcasing lead singer Malin Dahlstrom's
beautiful voice, reminiscent of fellow native
songstress Lykke Li, it builds into an epic
chorus that infuses elements of tribal music
with powering synths.
Comparisons with Kate Bush and Stevie
Nicks are inevitable, especially given the retrosound of the album. However, Niki and the Dove
have managed to bring this sound into the 21st
century with experimental instrumentation and
a distinctly poppy feel.
Where Instinct is at its best is during the
calmer songs such as DJ Ease My Mind where
their creativity really comes to the fore.
Sadly, a lack of standout tracks prevents
this album from being incredible; however,
their sound alone should be commended. This
coupled with the catchiness of their songs make
it a perfect soundtrack to summer 2012.
Emma Wilford
brilliance”, and I couldn’t agree more. Europe is
a charming exhibition of relentless ukulele and
effortlessly uplifting Neil Armstrong.
Though darker in tone than their self-titled
debut, and perhaps slightly less twee, this album
retains all the energy of their earlier stuff and
revitalises the worn out indie-pop scene of late.
Their slightly Beach Boys-esque surf-pop sound
single Capricornia, and even the apocalyptic
subject matter of Wonderland can’t help but feel
invigorated by the sheer abundance of romantic
optimism present.
Australian frontlady Elizabeth Morris pours
her heart into these songs; solo uke ballad
Tallulah
and she is perhaps at her most open in heart
warmer The Letter. The genius of Morris’
lyrics lies in her honesty and simplicity, as
demonstrated in the incredibly personal title
track Europe and the catchy yet thoughtful
Some People Say. This record deserves your full
attention, and has the potential to form essential
summer listening. Plus, it’ll put a smile on
your face and make you want to cuddle the next
person you see. Quality.
Jo Southerd
music@gairrhydd.com
7/10
Top Tracks:
43
Music
LIVE
REVIEWS
The Temper Trap
Said The Whale
music@gairrhydd.com
The Coal Exchange
12th May
Buffalo
20th May
Walking into the Coal Exchange it was
immediately apparent this was going to be a
special show; the buzz and excitement of the
crowd was palpable - the triumphant return of
The Temper Trap had been a long time coming.
The band launched into an energetic
set, focusing initially on a lot of their new
material with singles such as Need Your Love
and Trembling Hands receiving a fantastic
reaction. The slow building Rabbit Hole more
than anything demonstrated the new, grander,
atmospheric sound which the band perfectly
captured live. Between songs, there was some
polite conversation but the focus was clearly on
demonstrating the new music, what this band are
capable of and how they have moved forward.
Old favorites such as Down River, Love Lost
and Sweet Dispositon brought the house down,
while Drumming Song perfectly demonstrated
the more progressive side to this band. They
are not afraid to launch into a 7 minute live
instrumental and the audience are not afraid
to embrace it. This was one of the stand out
moments of the night.
The band seemed incredibly humbled by the
support and fantastic reaction they received but
in this writer's opinion they completely deserve
it; perhaps they don't realise quite how good
they are and how much potential this new album
holds. The Temper Trap have an incredibly
bright future ahead of them. I foresee bigger
venues, bigger light shows and bigger crowds, the
only way is up for this talented, soulful bunch of
musicians.
Benji Lamb
Buffalo Bar feels distinctly Canadian tonight –
the usual dominance of singsong Welsh accents
has been replaced by yodelling yokel tones of
the Great White North. Discussions at the bar
include the rare joy of seeing a mountain lion
on the highway and how easy it is to drive from
Scotland to Manchester, compared to the epic
commute between Vancouver, British Columbia
and Regina, Saskatchewan.
The reason behind all this Canuckery is that
Said The Whale, one of the brightest hopes for
Canada’s burgeoning indie-music scene, are in
town on the last date of their UK tour. Preceding
them are their national brethren Library Voices,
a tom-thumping, booty-shaking hybridisation
of retro rock and analogue synth noises.
Their dynamic, sax-infused sound goes down
fantastically with the modest crowd, some feat
considering their musical differences with the
headliners.
As Said The Whale take to the stage, though,
they make the transition seamlessly – the
distorted bass sounds and razor sharp keyboards
of opener Heavy Ceiling is a suitable bridge
towards their own distinctive but varied take
44
between catchy powerpop, acoustic-driven folk
and balls-to-the-walls alt-rock. It’s a testament
to the band’s tightness that such a mishmash
of genre-traits works to their favour – frontmen
Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester keep things
fresh by trading off on vocal duties throughout
the set, specialising in infectious contemporary
jams and introspective folk ballads respectively
between curious lyrical anecdotes and genuine
gratitude to the small audience that came out to
support them.
Matt Ayres
Music
Listings
Lucy Rose
30 May, Clwb Ifor Bach
Mumford & Sons
30 May, St David's Hall
Islet
31 May, Clwb Ifor Bach
Dot to Dot Festival feat.
The Drums, Pulled Apart
by Horses, et. al.
2 June, Across Bristol
Marina & The
Diamonds
27 June, Coal Exchange
The Horrors
Solus
20th May
acquiring a rapidly growing fan-base.
By the time The Horrors took to the stage,
myself a space right in front of Faris Badwan,
where I gazed lovingly at him for the majority
of the gig. Sporting a fantastic paisley shirt,
think he knew as well as we all did that that was
beyond unlikely (except perhaps for a handful of
die-hards who, after attempting to mosh for the
atmosphere of the crowd was by no means a
were cool, calm and effortlessly captivating,
and the audience absorbed the ambience with
appreciation.
The Horrors performed a strong set taking
tunes from Primary Colours and Skying,
with Still Life forming a personal highlight.
Musically tight and technically solid, it’s
without a doubt these guys are a band on top
of their game right now. The encore, featuring
Endless Blue and an extended version of Moving
Further Away
excellent gig.
Jo Southerd
music@gairrhydd.com
Opening the night with hair down to their waists
and a unique brand of psychedelic post-punk
that was thoroughly unforgiving to my fragile,
hungover state were Bo Ningen. The Japanese
metallers shrieked, gurned and growled their
way through a set that, by the end, did win me
over; once I’d got over their slightly mental
appearance, the music was pretty quality.
Next up were TOY, a band I had heard
wonderful things about, and they did not
disappoint. Their eighties-infused shoegaze
rumbled with guitar, synth, and a kind of poppy
gloom that was absolutely addictive. Handpicked by The Horrors for the support slot,
45
Music
A%#$'B%C
SINGLES
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pop band, similar to the ilk of dreamy yet funky North
American bands Tori Y Moi and Memory Tapes. House
begins with an atmostpheric combination of a faint paino
coupled with dark synths reminscent of Kia Fish’s My
Anima. However, it is not until the chorus that Kindess
really takes off with vocals and more of a beat; it's no
surprise that House has started creeping its way onto
national radio.
Phil Kenny
<%#%&$'#$)&#
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Drenched in the hypntoic haze that has been the hallmark
of artists such as Washed Out and Deerhunter, one could be
forgiven for thinking Boys I Like is a snippet of what Beach
House's new album has to offer. But instead Boys I Like comes
from little known new-comers Desert Stars, a Brooklyn based
Boys
I Like perfectly captures the indie dream pop sound that has
emerged in recent years and I'm very eager to hear what that
come up with next.
Phil Kenny
>?'>@
;/&&-7),%
music@gairrhydd.com
Choosing to remain anonymous, not much is known about
this New York duo, except for their penchant for creating
video mash ups to accompany their songs a la singer of the
moment Lana del Rey.
Their latest track Hurricane is an eerie, ambient song,
set off by the female singer’s great voice. The best way to
describe it would be if Florence + The Machine and The xx
made a song together. It is a promising release from a band
that I hope will reveal more songs soon, along with their
identity.
Emma Wilford
47
Music
Preview:Truck Festival
For an affordable, accessible and
unique weekend of music and fun,
look no further...
When?
20-21st July
Where?
Steventon, Oxfordshire
How much?
£69 (weekend ticket)
Who's playing? The Temper Trap, Mystery
Jets, British Sea Power, Tim Minchin, The Low
Anthem,Villagers, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly,
65daysofstatic, Frightened Rabbit, Future of the
Left, Guillemots, Little Comets & MORE!
As the days grow longer and the fantasy of post-exam life becomes reality, summer rears its beautiful
face - with it, the promise of countless music festivals. The wild last-night riots and expensive price-tags
of more commercial weekends aren't for all of us, though, and the UK's legendary independent circuit
provides some equally memorable weekends that are far less likely to end with your tent being set on
headlining the main-stage (which resides on the back of a giant haulage truck - hence the name) are
The Temper Trap and Mystery Jets, above a tasty assortment of acts from electroacoustic songsmith
in the Oxfordshire sunshine, drinking local cider
and immersing yourself in the array of lesser-known
artists who make up the bulk of the festival's line-up.
If you're a fan of underground music then it's likely
that you'll recognise the monikers of some exciting
DIY bands across the board. On the other hand, there's
nothing quite like taking a chance on a previously
unheard act and discovering the new soundtrack to
your summer, annoying your tent-mates by humming
their closing number for the rest of the weekend.
Matt Ayres
For more information and tickets, check out
www.truckfestival.com
music@gairrhydd.com
a fraction of the admission for more mainstream festivals, and one that will also give you access to the
festival's camping facilities.
The modestly sized Hill Farm (just beyond Oxford) pays host to it all, giving the festival a distinctly
local feel - a livestock barn is annually transformed into the stomping ground of delightfully shouty
alt-rock bands, twiddly math rock musicians and raucous raves, all while the local rotary club provide
catering and the vicar sells music-loving punters ice cream. If that's not enough, you're pretty much
guaranteed a cuddle from Truck Monster, the festival's furry mascot.
Although it consistently manages to attract an
impressive roster of established names, the real magic
48
Film
!"#$
news
This year's Cannes Film Festival has proved British actors are
Cosmopolis
adaptation of
The
Immortals
Sin City 2
Badfellas
directoral effort since last year's The Lady

48
49
Answers: A) War Machine, Iron Man B) Big Daddy, Kick-Ass C) Robin,
Batman and Robin D) Abe Sapien, Hell Boy E) Frozone, The Incredibles
F) Mystique, X-Men
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trailer trash
Film
Film
MUSICIANS WHO'VE BECOME ACTORS...
Jennifer Lopez
Justin Timberlake
Bad Teacher
In Time
David Bowie

50
Film
ACTORS WHO'VE BECOME MUSICIANS...
Jack Black
Jared Leto
Hugh Laurie
Blackadder

Footlights
49
Film
Film
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Dir: John Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
Cast: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan,
Seann William Scott
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Dir: Larry Charles
Cast: Sacha Baren Cohen, Anna Faris,
Ben Kingsley

52
Film
Borat
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7,,+$5#+
Dir: Joss Whedon
Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett
Johansson, Mark Ruffalo.

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53
8/(9$()6
!"#$%&
Gavin Jewkes
'()$*&(+
Lloyd Griffths & Alexi Gunner
this was the fame whore issue , bitch .
Have a s**t- hot summer , we'll see
you in september...
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Simone Miche & Chloe Slade
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Leonie Roderick, Hann Davies,
Lucy Trevallion
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Clare Baranowski & Lia Martin
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Hector Roddan, Laura Gwilliams
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Asha Verma & Kirsty Allen
6*+#7
Emma Wilford, Jo Southerd &
Phil Kenny
the
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issue
FEATURES | FILM | FASHION | TRAVEL | ARTS | MUSIC | FOOD & DRINK | BOOKS | PHOTOS | LGBT+
,#26
Fraser Isaac, Matt Ayres, Morten
Wright
Cover based on an image by
Anna Konstantinova
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