Saturday 29 May 2010
Not Quite the End
But for now, until September, I shall bid you adieu!
Wednesday 7 April 2010
'Remember Me' Review
When I planned to go and see 'Remember Me' I thought it would be some sort of cutesy romance between Pattinson and another Bella Swan, but I was proven wrong. Based in New York City and directed by Allen Coulter, 'Remember Me' will give you a lot more than you bargained for. Within the first fifteen minutes it’s clear to see that Pattinson’s character, Tyler, is more of a brooding writer who spends his time in a cafe in Brooklyn, but not a in a cliched “tortured artist” way. A lot of the scenes are shot in handheld camera and you’re never sure what exactly is about to happen; the grainy lens and blue tint making things seem quite dark. The film takes many twists and turns, including Tyler’s new girlfriend, Ally (Emilie de Ravin) his relationships with his Dad (played by Pierce Brosnan, who takes on a horrendous Brooklyn accent) and his little sister, and his flatmate who seems to come in to make a joke to lighten the mood a little every so often.
While there are a good few cliches, including Ally admitting she eats dessert first because, “I just don’t see the point in waiting. I mean, what if I die while eating my entree?” there are also some inspiring, quotable lines - “Gandhi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it’s very important that you do it because nobody else will.” Without giving anything away, this film may not make sense to people until the last ten minutes, but the twist is shocking and, to some, unexpected. If you want to see this film for Robert Pattinson, don’t bother. You won’t get some romantic drama with a happy ending. Pattinson really digs his teeth into this role and makes for a gritty performance. But if you’re wanting to see something new and different, a low-ish budget film, something unexpected, then it’s definitely worth the cost.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
The Candle Thieves Release Debut Single
You can find out more about The Candle Thieves at www.myspace.com/thecandlethieves
Monday 8 February 2010
The Candle Thieves
Their songs would melt the hardest hearts...How could you resist?" - The Guardian
Back in October I did an interview with Scott McEwan and Glockenshiels of Peterborough based band, The Candle Thieves, after the release of their 'Sunshine EP'. They had spent the summer touring up and down the country playing gigs in peoples gardens and had started work on their debut album.
The guys have recently signed to Downtown Records in America (Justice, Miike Snow, Gnarls Barkley) and are definitely a band to look out for in 2010. On March 22nd they release their debut single, 'We're All Going to Die (Have Fun)' and then on April 5th their debut album, 'Sunshine and Other Misfortunes'.
The 'Sunshine EP' is available to listen to on Spotify and you can find out more about The Candle Thieves at www.myspace.com/
Saturday 6 February 2010
Voicebox Comedy
With a sheer lack of comedy clubs in Belfast you'd think comedians would have been coming out of the woodwork when Voicebox started up, but it had a bit of a slow start: "Originally when I started Voicebox, I sent out e-mails, ads and so on to find out if there were any comics in a similar position as me. Around four or five of us met up and I asked them to do the night. Since then, some have went on to start their own comedy clubs and others have disappeared from the scene. Generally speaking, once the amateur nights got a bit of momentum going, eventually people thought 'oh, I'll have a go next week'. Of course, there's people who only do it once then vanish, which is a shame, but within the scene the majority of people are very supportive with new comics." Since then comedy clubs have sprung up all over Belfast and there's plenty more to be found throughout the rest of Northern Ireland and Dublin.
As stated before, Marcus was inspired to start the night after trying out a bit of stand-up at university, so what delights can we expect from him? "I prefer the alternative style of humour, being a big fan of Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer, Rik Mayall & Adrian Edmonson, Dylan Moran, Charlie Brooker, Tim Minchin, these would probably be the comics/writers who give me the most influence. People see my stand-up as being rather dark, exaggerating the negative aspects of how people interact with each other and my own personal failings to surreal degrees." But it's not all doom and gloom: "I also do character skits/videos with a bit more focus on satire or the ridiculous. Of course, not everyone enjoys the above, but I don't see any fun in doing comedy that everyone gets or appreciates. There's enough local humour based comedians around for that."
With 2010 comes a new start, so what's on the cards for Marcus and Voicebox Comedy? "Voicebox is always growing, which is largely in part to the fantastic audience following we have, the comics who enjoy the night and get on board, and of course Safehouse Arts Space where it's held. It's a very open comedy night; I understand that not everyone shares my point of view on humour, so I'll try anything once or twice - I don't want to speak on behalf of the audience." So why not become part of that audience?
You can find out more about Voicebox Comedy at www.nicomedy.com and http://www.safehousearts.org.uk/
Friday 5 February 2010
"I think if you say your band is a punk band or any other kind of band you instantly place a restriction on yourself."
Before I continue I should probably tell you now that Comply or Die are not, I repeat NOT, a punk band. “People ask us what our band sound like and we’re like, ‘oh, well it’s like, post punk hardcore,’ and then they hear us and it’s like ‘that’s not hardcore...you’re not punk’. I think if you say your band is a punk band or any other kind of band really you instantly place a restriction on yourself and the sound.” Michael tells me. It’s all too easy to try and put everyone and everything in a box these days, but Comply or Die simply won’t accept it: “We're too heavy for the punks and a lot of people don't really get us or what we do. I think we adhere to the DIY ethics that are the back bone of what real punk, in my eyes, is but that’s probably where the similarities start and end. We're our own band and don't really pay too much attention to scenes, genres or what’s hip, fashionable or cool.” Matt adds. A long time ago people seemed to forget that punk was more than a music genre, which is probably what brought about the downfall of anyone’s understanding of the real punk lifestyle. And these guys definitely aren’t big fans of the current Northern Irish indie scene. Matt tells me, “there’s too many [indie bands] in Belfast and very few of them have any balls; it’s all fashion. It'll shift round again and rock or something else will be big in a few years. All these things are cyclical. Fits and starts.”
So except for the record and some upcoming gigs, what’s on the cards for Comply or Die for the rest of 2010? “Just get tighter as a band, write more songs, and get some more varied gigs I guess.” Ian tells me, before Michael adds, “hopefully well get to play a festival or something during the summer. Last year was a pretty successful year for us so hopefully this year will top that.” Fingers crossed it definitely will.
Comply or Die recently released a FREE downloadable single! It features two tracks - Baptism of Fire and Like A Snake - from their debut album and a previously unreleased live track, I'm Sick(of This), that will feature on their second record due out later this year! Follow the link for the FREE single and if you like that you can get the record for a mere £5.
Http://complyordie.bandcamp.com
You can also check out their new music video for Love Under Will. Check it out at Http://diecomply.posterous.com
You can also find out more about the band and hear their music at www.myspace.com/diecomply.
Photo by Victoria Carson.
Sunday 31 January 2010
Indigo Fury - EP Review
You can find out more about Indigo Fury at www.myspace.com/indigofury