Quench Magazine Issue 159

E 159 ISSU

OCTOBER 2016: FRESHER’S 101 • DIGITAL IDENTITY • TWIN ATLANTIC INTERVIEW POKEMON GO • AUTUMN FASHION • QPID’S CORNER • WHAT’S ON IN CARDIFF

“The more positive energy you put out, the more positive energy you get back.”

Kanye West

A LETTER FROM YOUR NEW EDITOR After living in Cardiff since the beginning of August, the familiar aromas and sights of Cathays have gradually began to reclaim their rightful home. The views of seagulls (and rats) raiding mould-ridden dustbins, watching (and joining in with) students jumping over mounds of rubbish and the glorious smell of damp from student houses are back. This can only mean one thing… so is Quench! One would think after reading the above description of Cathays that it isn’t the best place on Earth. Well… it isn’t, but it is somewhere which undoubtedly enhances your student experience at Cardiff. If you hadn’t already gathered, I do have a strong tendency to ramble, which, of course, is great after being appointed Editor-In-Chief of a magazine.

Without further ado, welcome to the 159th issue of Quench Magazine! If you have just started at the University, welcome!

If you are returning to University, then welcome back. No matter what your age, sex, race or political stance, there will undoubtedly be something within Quench that will grab your attention.

If you are returning, you may have noticed a difference in our design this academic year. Most notably is the rebranding of our logo, which I’d like to thank Meita Singgih for. I hope you agree that the magazine is looking aesthetically brilliant, and I’d like to thank our new Head of Design, Jasper Wilkins for making it such a success. This year, alongside the design, we have introduced four new sections to Quench. These being International Features, Creative, and our new dating feature, Qpid’s Corner, as well as our new mini-magazine Q3. More details on these can sections can be found on the Quench website.

It’s not all good news though. Sadly, Student Media funds have plummeted again, meaning that Quench will now only have five issues. Having being heavily involved in student media for the three years of my university life, I could not recommend a better way to meet new people and get stuck in to both print and broadcast journalism. The journalism, media and broadcast industries are extremely competitive to get into and with more cuts on student media, the university is limiting our creative outlet rather than enhancing our future prospects. Despite this, the team have worked so hard with the first issue and I could not be happier with the teams. With this is mind, I hope you enjoy reading issue 159 of Quench, and good luck finding Dylan!

GEORGE

Editor-in-Chief: George Caulton Deputy Editor: Alice Dent Section Heads Features: Rachel Jefferies & Emma Riches International: Amica Phillips-Morris Culture: Hannah Hopkins & Beth Girdler-Maslen Creative: Sanja Dragojlov Music: Mark Sweeney, Sophie King & Erin Brown Food & Drink: Ellie Philpotts & Georgia O’Brien Travel: Gemma Gibson & Harriet Thornley Fashion: Jamila Gandhi & Megan David Video Games: Elis Doyle & Caspar Jayasekera Film & TV: Sadia Pineda Hameed, Naomi Davidson & Oliver Leigh Columnist: Molly Wyatt Design Team Head of Design : Jasper Wilkins Deputy Head of Design: Lisa Doran Lead Designer: Stephany Damyanova Page Designers: Alyssa Alamillo, Eleanor Parkyn, Elis Doyle, Emily Giblett, Emily Jones, George Caulton, Lucy Aprahamian, Sadia Pineda Hameed, Sophie King Contributing Artists: Lisa Doran, Tom Morris, Sarah Foster, Sarah Thompson, Meita Singgih Special thanks: to Alice Dent, Jasper Wilkins and Stephany Damyanova for keeping me insane. Thanks to Emily Giblett for helping me de-stress on proof reading night.

Thanks Elaine. Thanks to Mr. Moore my GCSE Media teacher for his guidance and support.

And finally, all thanks be to Harambe.

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INTRODUCTIONS

MEET THE TEAM. Who’s who in this year’s Quench roster?

George Caulton, Editor-in-Chief A bumbling Brummie with a love for all things Shakespeare.

Hi, I’m George, a final year English and Journalism student and the 2016/17 Editor-In-Chief of Quench Magazine.

My role predominantly consists of overseeing the content of the magazine and to make sure everyone is doing their job. If you want to get involved in Quench, be it editorial or design, then drop me an email on editor@quenchmag.co.uk or come and say ‘Hi’ to me in the media office. I hope you enjoy the issue and let us know what you think on Twitter @QuenchMag.

Jasper Wilkins, Head of Design Hi all! I’m Jasper, a final year English & Journalism undergraduate. As Quench’s Head of Design, it’s my role to make the magazine as beautiful as it can be, and do justice to all the great content the editorial team conjure up. You may also have spotted me filming around campus for the uni’s International Office, where I work as a designer and video content producer.

We’re having a makeover this year and expanding the design team to be better than ever, and we want to get as many of you involved as possible - if you’re a designer, artist, photographer, calligraphy geek, or just a messy creative, then get in touch!

Illustration by Sarah Thompson

Got what it takes to help produce a magazine read by 25,000 people? This could be you! Email us at editor@Quenchmag.co.uk or tweet us @QuenchMag to get involved!

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INTRODUCTIONS

Alice, Deputy Editor

Lisa, Deputy Head of Design

Stephany, Lead Designer

Eleanor, Digital Magazine Editor

Retired vegetarian and bagel enthuasiast. Definitely doesn’t think before she speaks, which typically leads to embarrassing situations.

Journalism student at Cardiff University and founder of Doran’s Designs.

Quench’s very own Design lead and an all things design junkie; survives on caffeine and wine, has purple hair and sucks at introductions.

Karaoke bar superstar stuck in the 90s with an obsession for cheesy music, terrible films and flower crowns.

Caspar & Elis, Videogame Editors

Jamila & Megan, Fashion Editors

Rachel & Emma, Features Editors

Gemma & Harriet, Travel Editors

Playing the game of life, beating the high score. Caspar enjoys a shooter or a story, while Elis prefers torturing Sims and conquering Civ’s.

Mila, the self-confessed sunglasses hoarder loves her Vitamin (white) T, whilst Meg finds comfort in her clothes and is your go to girl for bargain hunting.

Coffee and book lovers attempting to hit the big leagues in investigative journalism. We cover everything from serious epidemics to the latest trends in society.

Harriet loves all things Spanish, while Gemma can’t stay in the same country for more than five minutes.

Naomi, Oliver & Sadia, TV Editors

Ellie & Georgia, Food/Drink Editors

Hannah & Beth , Culture Editors

Mark, Sophie & Erin, Music Editors

If it’s on screen then we’re keen.

Sadia loves avant garde, Oliver is the resident Star Wars expert, and Naomi is passionate about Netflix.

Georgia’s sweet tooth has taken her to more dessert parlours than you’ve had hot dinners, while Ellie is usually found Instagramming yet another coffee shop.

‘Culture vultures’ Beth and Hannah both study Journalism, Media and English Literature. Beth is a huge bookworm, whilst Hannah is a big fan of museums.

With a dash of indie, a spoonful of dance and a sprinkle of grime. Erin, Mark and Sophie are coming at you to infect you with killer beats, banging bass and toe tapping tunes.

Amica, International Features

Sanja, Creative Editor

Molly Wyatt, Columnist

Kelsey, Emily & Florrie, Copywriters

Controversial causes? Burning issues to discuss? Amica loves shining a spotlight on your ethical, moral and social concerns.

Sanja is a self published author of Amaranth (Demon City Chronicles 1) and is a student of EU politics at Cardiff University.

Molly is a Journalism student from Oxfordshire who has a peculiar obsession with pineapples.

Kelsey loves video games, Emily has a serious Starbucks habit and Florrie is a sucker for the colour yellow.

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SOLO VS GROUP TRAVEL At what point does your need for someone else to take your Instagram photos for you outweigh your hatred of other human beings?

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VIDEO GAMES

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POKEMON GO Who needs leg day anymore?

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NO MAN’S SKY One small step for man, one giant leap for neckbearded armchair astronauts.

FEELING FESTIVE Reviewing the best festivals of summer 2016.

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LIFE ON THE RAILS Our contributors talk about their European inter-railing adventures.

100 YEARS OF DAHL Dan Heard reflects on one of the world’s most beloved authors.

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QPIDS CORNER Can’t pull? Let the Quench love angel be your wingman.

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10 THINGS TO DO WITH BEANS Discover the beaning of life with Ellie Philpotts.

19 CREATIVE 21

OPEN WORLD GAMING It’s a big world out there.

Dylan the dragon is hiding in Quench magazine! To be in with a chance of winning a Cardiff University hoodie, email or tweet us with the pages he’s hiding on. There’s three Dylans to be found (not including the one above)!

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ALUBM REVIEWS Bastille, Jamie T and more.

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@QuenchMag editor@QuenchMag.co.uk

HUNGRY FOR MORE A four page food map of Cardiff’s finest.

TWIN ATLANTIC Mark Sweeney catches up with the Glasgow rock band.

Can you find Dylan?

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R DE A Th D E // 10 S z e 7 TRIGGER HAPPY Columnist Molly Wyatt takes aim at ‘safe space’culture.

FOOD & DRINK // TRAVEL 28

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CONTENTS

Molly 7

COLUMN

A little bit of

OUR NEW COLUMNIST MOLLY WYATT ISSUES A TRIGGER WARNING TO THE EASILY OFFENDED.

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Molly is a Journalism student from Oxfordshire who has a peculiar obsession with pineapples. A keen writer she also loves being on the stage; you may have seen her in one of Act One’s drama productions. Having experienced mental health illnesses, she is a keen bean to use her awful sense of humour to throw this out into the world and rid the taboos and social awkwardness’ that linger can linger like a fart. You might call her bonkers.

Then again, perhaps not – political correctness and whatnot.

Find her on Twitter: @mollymokkamole or online at: www.mockandmole.blogspot.com Illustration by Lisa Doran.

adies and gents, meet ‘Generation Snowflake’; a generation as wet and fragile as the name suggests.

Born and raised on a diet of anxieties and apologies, we are living in an over-sensitive era, in need of a tube of Sensodyne for some protective relief.

As human beings we are entitled to be offended.

But what we are not entitled to is to deny anybody opening their mouth, (or twitter feed), and saying what the heck they want. In its simplest form, being politically correct should do good (AKA don’t be a douchebag). What it should not do, is result in us squirming through a laser maze of unacceptability.

Jumping on the Political Correctness bandwagon these days seems to be all the fashion. From twitter arguments, to celebrity shaming, or just the everyday awkward situations that I so frequently find myself falling face first into.

Is this a matter of overdoing the British stereotype of minding our p’s and q’s, (and r, s, t and u’s) or are we just craving a slice of playing victim? I think it’s time to sit down and take a chill pill. (Apologies if that offended anybody on medication). But who are even the ones being offended?

It seems as though we are all for freedom of speech, until it offends us. If I don’t slam a person for saying something offensive, does that make me ‘just as bad’?

Take for example, the overdramatised instance of poor old Benedict Cumberbatch who ‘shocked the people’ by committing an abominable crime. The crime? Using the term ‘coloured’ when referring to black actors in an interview. Shock! Horror! How dare he use such improper language live on television!

But hang on a minute, wasn’t he actually talking about the lack of opportunities for black actors?

(Or should I say, ‘people of colour’? I really don’t know anymore.) Clearly not abiding with the PC polices’ guidelines, the word was taken out of context, pissed on and plastered onto the wall for all to tut at. Not even sure of what he was talking about in the first place, fans were filled with disappointment at such atrocity. BUT FEAR NOT CUMBERBITCHES! He swiftly apologised for his wrongdoings;

“I apologize… to anyone who I offended for this thoughtless use of inappropriate language about an issue which affects friends of mine and which I care about deeply.”

Well done Benny boy, setting a prime example of the right way of publicly apologising… *rolls eyes.*

If political correctness destroying healthy debate about racial conversation seems ridiculous enough, what about the wider areas of life? PC culture, or as the French would (rightly) say “pissy culture,” has driven us to the peak of Mount Ridonkulous. Slithering its way into university campuses and farting all over comedians’ careers, the deterioration of free speech is dangerous. Just last term, I was amused that in a module specifically about politics

within comedy, my lecturer had to warn the class of possible ‘triggers’ or content that we may find offensive. Surely universities having to implement these ‘safe spaces’ for students is limiting our learning?! – And “sorry”, but paying £9000 a year, I want my moneys’ worth!

Many of you may remember the protesting and petitioning here, at Cardiff University, to ban Germaine Greer doing a speech on Women and Power. She had beforehand made a comment that she does not regard transgender women as women. Yet, why should this renowned writer, who has contributed greatly to feminism, be allowed on ‘our’ premises to give a talk?! And it’s not just academics having darts thrown at them, comedians are also in the firing line.

Water pistols at the ready, the PC police are shooting down the ‘controversial’ comedians and dampening any joke that doesn’t conform to docile, Russell Howard-esque banter. I know it can be a matter of taste…

My dad (really) loves cheddar, I cannot stand it. Just as I (really) love Frankie Boyle, whereas my sister cannot stand him. Frankie Boyle is just one comedian from a cluster of evil, Satan-bred comedians constantly having their content censored, cut or more simply being banned from being aired on television. This threat of not being able to ‘reach for the stars’ in their career is leading to a bigger threat; selfcensorship.

In a society that promotes free speech, comedians should be entitled to exercise this and strive to be Olympic Champions of their occupation. We’re going to be seeing a flock of mini Michael McIntyres, more concerned with pleasing everybody than dare steer off path and accidentally-on-purpose stamp on a cat’s tail. (Apologies to all crazy cat women I may have just upset). My heart broke a tad when I heard that Chris Rock had made the decision to no longer perform at university campuses. If he can’t joke about his own skin colour, then what’s next? Changing ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ to ‘Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep’? Oh wait…

As a feminist and Christian who happens to have an eating disorder, I am the perfect fit for Little Miss OmgYouCan’tSayThatToMe. So it’s unsurprising that people often walk on eggshells around me, too scared to ever crack a yolk (sorry vegans) in fear of pushing me off a metaphorical cliff. But Jesus, Mary and Joseph, give me a break! (A KitKat Break?) Throw your potentially ‘controversial’ opinions at me, tell me MORE about how feminists need deodorant, ask me more about that big ol’ fella up in the sky, question my beliefs on if it really is butter – just please don’t keep schtum. Where’s the fun in that?

Molly x

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FEATURES

FLATMATES

DEADLINES

LECTURES

“DOWN IT, FRESHER!”

We all know the type; the flatmate that hardly comes out of their dark hovel of a bedroom and is spotted on rare occasions, shuffling and grunting towards the kitchen for their next dose of beans on toast. If confronted, it’s best to use as little conversation as possible and distract them with the promise of bacon or sleep.

If surrounded by zombified persons for too long, it’s influence can spread, turning even the strongest of survivors into a deadened zombified mess. However students, do not fear. Quench have created the ultimate guide to dealing with this unknown environment, particularly when things become a little too similar to an episode of the The Walking Dead.

BUDGET

COURSEWWORK

EXAMS

“SO WHAT DO YOU STUDY?”

VKs

9AM LECTURES

EMMA RICHES DITCHES HUMAN BRAINS FOR POT NOODLES IN THIS GUIDE TO AVOIDING ZOMBIFICATION IN UNIVERSITY

Zombification (n.) - an instance or process of turning into a zombie.

REVISION

FRESHER’S STYLE

RING OF FIRE

HOW TO SURVIVE A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE:

For many students, the prospect of university is as exciting and liberating as it is daunting. Although it begins with an uncontrollable buzz of freshers events and drinking games with new best friends, you’ll probably soon realise that uni life is a lot harder that it initially seemed. With limited food supply, sleep deprivation and a lack of sunlight due to wild nights and sleepfilled days; surviving a zombie apocalypse may seem a lot more feasible than living at university. Students are divided into two classes. Those who survive and those who don’t. Those who don’t spiral into a deep state of zombification.

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FEATURES

BE A POT NOODLE KING Decent food is a rarity more so for students than zombie apocalypse survivors. Nothing is easier, or more tempting, than using that remaining £5 of the week to buy a substantial supply of Pot Noodles to line your stomach. Yes, they taste heavenly and are super quick but they are far from the nutritious meal that is needed to recover from alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation. For around the same amount of money, you can make Pot Noodles yourself! All you need is some medium egg noodles, chicken and vegetable stock, bacon and spinach. 5 minutes in a pan and ta-dah! You have your own nutritious version of a student classic.

Whilst some result to beans on toast or frankfurters as a quick and cheap fix, try to get a little creative with your budget to ensure at least some variety and regular nutrients. Rest assured, Pot Noodle’s aren’t the only quick and delicious dish that is easy to replicate. Rustlers burgers are just as easy. The Tesco meat counter can do you a decent deal on a single beef burger, then all you need is some cheese and a bread roll. 10-15 minutes under the grill with a side of salad is much nicer than a lukewarm 2 minute microwave burger. Though mum isn’t around to whip you up a feast anymore; learning to fend for yourself can be fun, and flat cooking sessions are a good way to get to know each other.

BUDGET

Unlike a post apocalyptic world, money is more important than ever. Student loans don’t last forever.

The time between each instalment seems like a lifetime, and suddenly your -£500 into your student overdraft because you haven’t budgeted properly. Give yourself a set amount of money to spend on each night out. With drinks being so cheap, £20 is a decent amount to get drunk and keep your bank account looking healthy. When it comes to food shops, you’ll realise that some parents really do splash out on brands. As a student, take advantage of a supermarket’s basic range - they taste pretty much the same and are sometimes less than half the price! And don’t forget to budget for essentials such as toothpaste and toilet roll - they are not on a free endless supply like they were at home.

ME TIME

In-between nights out and lectures, there is very little opportunity for some quality time with yourself.

Constant socialising is tiring and difficult to maintain for a whole year. Sometimes it is best to adopt the zombie survivor lifestyle; alone time and isolation is a must. Have a long shower, put Netflix on, grab some chocolate and settle down for a relaxed night in. Or if that’s not your thing, turn on your computer and prepare for a gaming marathon, social media session or read a new book. Lock your door and dance around to the latest Beyonce album like no-one’s watching. We all try to portray the best versions of ourselves to new friends, but this can be exhausting and tiring. Do what makes you happy for a night. It is easy to get lost in being overly social and aware of what people think of you; make time to recharge those batteries.

So it’s been established, students are hardwired to live a rough, zombie-like existence at university.

Whilst becoming a zombified mess seems to be the easiest and most stress free road, it’s not too difficult to adopt a healthier, more human outlook on life whilst studying a degree. That’s not to say that the slobbish student lifestyle should never be embraced - by all means, gorge on Pot Noodles and excessive alcohol every so often. As long as you stay motivated, healthy and happy, who are we to tell you how to live your life at university?

SLEEP IS YOUR FRIEND

Much like a post apocalyptic zombie world, sleep is very difficult to come by as a university student.

In an overeager attempt to socialise and attend every single event going, sleep is scarce to say the least. Lie ins are essential and naps are necessary. It’s easy to overbook your schedule when trying to make good impressions with new friends, but try to be realistic. Maybe an early brunch date with your flatmates isn’t the best idea when you’ve rolled in from a night out at 6am? Or perhaps that super busy shopping day with your course mates just seems too much of an effort to get out of bed for.

That’s fine, remember that you have all year to have fun with these people; take some time to let your body adjust to this new alcohol abuse. Nevertheless, try not to fall into nocturnal habits. Although it may be tempting, nocturnal living does not coincide with lectures. Wake up half an hour earlier every day to try and maintain at least some kind of routine, ready for those impending 9am lectures and seminars. Don’t forget the caffeine when early starts really are too much to bear.

“Sometimes it is best to adopt the zombie survivor lifestyle; alone time and isolation is a must.”

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FEATURES

ANONYMITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE WORDS BY: RACHEL JEFFERIES DESIGN BY: ELEANOR PARKYN

Yik Yak, Ask.fm, eChat, we’ve all used them before. But how many of you really know the effects your content can carry once you push that send button?

Social media has become a common environment for antisocial behaviour, and we are all getting sucked into its black hole with every app download and Google search that we make. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram aren’t enough for us anymore. We are now being exposed to new material such as Yik Yak and Ask.fm which allows identities to be hidden and unfiltered comments to be posted, as well as providing an excuse for insensitive behaviour.

It’s got to the point where internet friends are becoming internet fiends, and nobody knows who is who. It is, as the title suggests, anonymous.

In this issue, Quench investigates the causes, dangers and consequences displayed to users of anonymous online apps and websites that we thoughtlessly use every day. The two most popular anonymous sites are Yik Yak and Ask.fm. Yik Yak is an app where you can anonymously post up to 200 characters which will be displayed to users within close geographical proximity. This is often referred to as a ‘Yak’. “Yakkers” can up-vote (like) or down-vote (dislike) and comment on any Yak that is posted. Similarly, Ask.fm also provided a platform where anonymous users could ask questions which others could like or react to.

The common denominator between both of these sites is that they provide people with an online confidence.

Online confidence is an obvious concept when you think about it. Have you ever wanted to text somebody something instead of telling them to their face? Ever exaggerated a story to a friend via messages to make it seem a big deal? Or told somebody information about yourself that you probably wouldn’t have if the conversation was in person? Those my friends, are all types of online confidence and we have all experienced it- but some run higher risks than others. When anonymity is an option it seems as though no one is there to judge you, no one will know who you are, and no one will take notice. Consequences such as cyber-bullying and ‘cat-fishing’ are not only ten times easier, but even possibly harder to recognise when it is happening, whether you’re on either end of the argument. With websites and applications that allow or encourage anonymous messaging, it makes hostile comments and behaviour easier to mask. Yik Yak’s homepage welcomes users to “share your thoughts with people around you while keeping your privacy.” However in some cases, the idea of ‘sharing is caring’ really does not apply.

Being a user of Yik Yak myself, I have witnessed how different users abuse the anonymous feature. Amongst the entertaining, humourous posts, I have seen yaks hating on flatmates, attacking nearby universities, slating vegans… You name it, it’s probably been yakked. Yik Yak is even a place that many people use to discuss their problems in the security of anonymity. Yet of course,

when messages are anonymous, haters will inevitably be waiting on that digital horizon. Hostility in the digital age is worryingly common, and it is clear that some users take advantage of their cloaked identities.

Yik Yak user, Sarah* talks to Quench about her experience of negative comments from others, when using the app. “I think most people have [experienced these comments].

People get brave because it’s anonymous”, she says. The anonymous setting is always unguarded territory when granted as a feature on any app or website, whether it’s filtered content or not. In light of this, Sarah voices that anonymous users “are not called to account for what they say because no one knows who they are”, making it easier to type before you think about the consequences. Diving deeper into the question of whether anonymity is a safe or promising feature, Quench held a survey aimed towards Yik Yak users. Results revealed that 53% of users** agreed that Yik Yak can be dangerous at times due to the anonymous setting that is enabled. With this in mind, it is becoming transparent that sometimes the down-vote and report buttons are not the most effective strategies. When vulnerable, unknown users are a target of malicious comments from fellow Yakkers. Although 69% of users* have admitted that they have had to down-vote a Yak post due to inappropriate comments, it still doesn’t change the fact that once a comment is posted and read, the damage is already done.

Yik Yak is undeniably a popular app, yet its appeal comes in waves. One moment people are totally obsessed with it, fishing for up-votes, and the next they don’t touch the app for days or weeks on end. Quench’s survey exposed that 40% of users** only use the app during university or college term time, and 29% go through phases of using Yik Yak excessively, then hardly ever. This throw-away attitude to the app could possibly mirror how users treat others through their smokescreen identities, meaning that one of the easiest ways to solve such harmful online behaviour is to simply delete the app. Is this online behaviour our responsibility to remove ourselves, or should this be down to the app or website’s authority and filter system? Cyberbully (2015) film featuring Maisie Williams addresses these issues of how cyberbullying can take its toll, resulting in serious side effects. The film highlights that the best way to stop cyberbullying is to seek for help, and remove the vehicle that’s being used.

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FEATURES

QUENCH’S SURVEY REVEALED THAT It’s one thing seeing demeaning comments posted, but the reality of how damaging the anonymous internet can be is rather shocking. Quench’s survey revealed that 38% of users* have received inappropriate or hostile comments first hand, and 45% have alternatively witnessed others receive such comments instead. Looking at these results, there is no question as to why victims of cyber-bullying may feel trapped or alone.

This treatment can lead to triggering serious long-term effects such as low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. According to campaign website nobullying.com, seven suicide cases resulted from anonymous website Ask.fm, due to abusive comments encouraging self-harm. In saying this, campaigns and websites such as nobullying.com exist to spread awareness. Cases of cyberbullying have forced schools and colleges to ban Yik Yak in the hopes of creating a safer environment, due to the app ‘facilitating cyberbullying’. But the help doesn’t stop there. Student organisation, NUS have also voiced their commitment to work with Yik Yak in the hope to combat abuse and to make anonymous apps safer places for students.

As technology develops and apps and websites become even more advanced, it can be difficult to stay away from these platforms which hold such high safety risks. It is easy to gain online confidence, but it isn’t so easy to take back the comments and messages you send. It is important that staying safe online isn’t overlooked, and awareness is spread to reduce risks, making sites with anonymous features as enjoyable as they were intended to be.

Make the internet world a better place, and think before you click!

38% OF USERS* HAVE RECEIVED INAPPROPRIATE OR HOSTILE COMMENTS FIRST HAND

? *Name has been changed **Users who took the survey. Survey taken place on 08/08/2016.

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INTERNATIONAL FEATURES

Green Is The New Black WHAT’S THE ISSUE: Is change finally happening in the Niger Delta?

WORDS BY: AMICA MORRIS DESIGN BY: LUCY APRAHAMIAN As we approach the 21st anniversary of Kenule SaroWiwa’s death, Nigeria and the world remember this remarkable eco activist along with eight other Ogoni leaders, who were wrongly accused of murder and executed in 1995. The Nigerian government and Shell Company can no longer overlook the damaging legacy the oil industry has brought to Niger Delta in the years since Kenule fought for his country’s rights. We ask ourselves, has anything changed?

Kenule and the history of oil exploitation in the Niger Delta is one of clear injustice. With companies such as Shell conducting large-scale oil extractions since the 1950’s and a total of 6,817 oil spills between 1976 and 2001, the oil problem is not getting any better.

And although over billions have been generated from Nigerian oil exports since the 1960’s, the majority of people from the Delta are still left impoverished.

Kenule noticed this back in the 90’s when he formed the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, advocating the rights of the Ogoni community. Being a member of the community himself and seeing the extreme environmental damage done to his home, Kenule brought to the attention of millions the damage the Ogoni people were being subjected to by Shell. Sadly Kenule wasn’t the man to bring the Ogoni people justice, instead he was used as a scapegoat and wrongly executed. However his legacy remains; he is the man that introduced the world to this fight.

“At least 130 spills from oil corporations including Shell happen each year.”

But still to this day, millions of oil barrels and pipeline spills from Shell’s operations in the Niger Delta have yet to be properly cleaned up, despite claims from the multi-national company that they have done so. Sites remain polluted and lives continue to be ruined. At least 130 spills from oil corporations including Shell happen each year; according to a number of reports, Shell has a reputation in the Niger Delta for causing devastation to local communities. Not only is the oil allowed to spill out into villages and rivers, these spills go largely unacknowledged by the government and the media, and are left to seep into homes, vital water supplies and natural landscapes.

“Shell have admitted to a huge 1,823 oil spills alone since 2007, yet there is reason to believe that the real number may be much higher.”

In 2011, United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) exposed Shell’s neglect in cleaning up sites, leaving communities like Ogoniland desolated and distraught. With inhabitants exposed to widespread oil contamination for years, the resulting levels of pollution have taken a huge toll on their health and livelihood.

Shell, within this one area, operates approximately fifty oil fields and 5,000 km of pipelines, many of which are old and poorly managed. Shell have admitted to a huge 1,823 oil spills alone since 2007, yet there is reason to believe that the real number may be much higher, further exacerbating environmental and health problems.

This community relies on fishing creeks to not only provide food but also revenue. Unfortunately, due to oil pollution, fishing levels have drastically decreased and activity is no longer productive. Not only are farms and crops destroyed by the spills but also their businesses. Although Shell promised to transform these communities for the people of Nigeria they have, in reality, left them with nothing.

As Joe Westby, Business and Human Rights Campaigner at Amnesty International rightly stated earlier this year, “Shell cannot rely on the Nigerian government to clean up its dirty work for it.” However this is exactly what they are doing. The called for cleanup of Ogoniland remains in its infancy and was instigated by President Buhari’s government and the community, rather than the Shell Corporation itself. Sadly, this is not the only time Shell has failed to ensure a clean up of the mess they have made.

Looking at the community of Bodo, we see that they too have been neglected by Shell. The Bodo community experienced their first oil spill back in 2008 with experts estimating a volume of 500,000 oil barrels having been spilt. Shell took weeks to respond to these leaks, underestimating the damage their oil was doing to these communities; a year’s supply of food was destroyed in seconds and the area became uninhabitable. Similar to the current problems in Ogoniland, people complained of breathing problems and skin lesions, and the loss of their basic human rights to access clean food and water.

Parents were unable to afford education for their children due decreased fishing activities, their trades ruined.

13

INTERNATIONAL FEATURES

Yet it’s not all doom and gloom. Although it has taken 7 years for a settlement to be reached, a just deserved £55 million, compared to Shell’s earlier offer of £4,000, was given and the community are finally starting to get their lives back on track. The compensation money has enabled people to improve not only the environment but also their livelihood. Bodo now breathes new life, with new homes built or old ones fixed and children back in school. The Bodo community are finally able to look towards the future instead of the past.

“Bodo acts as a symbol of hope for regions such as Ogoniland and others that have been destroyed.”

The compensation however can only go so far. As the Chairman of Bodo’s Council of Chiefs told Amnesty International, “Above all, the people of Bodo want the pollution cleaned up”. Shell has been very slow in their response to thorough cleaning, but Bodo acts as a symbol of hope for regions such as Ogoniland and others that have been destroyed. In March this year, two more cases in Billie and Ogale were filed, with these communities still affected from oil spills that happened back in 2009.

Compensation is only the start of a hopeful journey in the Niger Delta and as more and more awareness is brought to this issue by organisations such as Amnesty International, it is hoped more can be achieved. For now, we can ensure that Kenule and the victims of Shell’s neglect are remembered – we may find comfort in the assurance that while change is slow, it is happening. But it is up to us to ensure that Shell does not forget. Kenule and the other chiefs may be a generation gone, but this

new generation will not give up the fight. The passion of Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, a young determined activist, proves that the fight is not lost. Fyneface, having lived a life in pollution, continues the movement Kenule started years ago and refuses to accept that nothing can change.

The Shell Corporation now wants exploratory drills in the Arctic, but how are we to trust a multibillion cooperation to drill in our irreplaceable landscapes, if they can’t be relied upon to clean up their messes? As oil becomes higher in demand, how many spills and how many lives must be ruined, until they finally take notice?

14

CARDIFF’S CULTURAL HOTSPOTS

CARDIFF HAS A RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE. WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE MOST STUDENT-FRIENDLY VISITS FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT DURING YOUR TIME IN THE CITY.

CARDIFF CASTLE When I think of Cardiff, the first thing that comes to mind is the castle. Imposing, historic, and a key landmark, Cardiff Castle is one of the first things you see when you arrive in the city centre. Over 2,000 years old, and an important part of international history and the history of Cardiff itself, the castle has been home to the Romans, the Normans, the Tudors, and most recently the Bute family, before it was gifted to the City of Cardiff in 1947. The castle plays host to several interesting and exciting events throughout the academic year such as ghost tours, open-air theatre performances and historical experience days. Not only that, but you can often see a TARDIS or a dalek guarding the walls from the parapets. Cardiff Castle also supports the Welsh Rugby team, sporting a huge rugby ball embedded in one of its walls during the Six Nations. All in all, Cardiff Castle is a fantastic place to visit for history lovers and pop culture enthusiasts. Definitely worth a trip!

GEORGINA BOLWELL Cardiff Castle is open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm. Student entry is £10.50 but Cardiff residents can apply for a Castle Key for free entry for three years (£5 admin fee).

ST FAGANS NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM St Fagans National History Museum is an open air museum chronicling Wales’ culture, heritage and lifestyle throughout the ages, starting from the Celtic era up to the present day. Over 50 original buildings have been made in the parkland area at St Fagans Castle that allow visitors to explore Wales’ history. Many craft and leisure activities are available to watch as well as Welsh traditions, architecture and past-times. This is the perfect place to visit if you are new to Wales and especially if you are a student.

It’s something different from the usual shopping trip and visit to the cinema as well as being a perfect way to learn more about the city and country that you have come to study and live in for at least 3 years! The museum boasts free entry and bus and train services go straight to there - perfect for an on-the-whim trip.

It’s an affordable day out and in addition to exploring the Welsh culture, it gets you out into the stunning Welsh countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of Cardiff and university life.

BETH GIRDLER MASLEN St Fagans is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. Entry is free.

CULTURE

CASTELL COCH Hidden away in the north of Cardiff, with its fairytale turrets and elaborately decorated rooms, Castell Coch is sure to astound any visitor today just as much as it would have done a hundred years ago. The ‘Red Castle’, which began life as an eleventh century Norman structure, received a spectacular transformation when it came into the possession of John Crichton-Stuart, the third Marquess of Bute in 1848. Architect William Burges was enlisted to reconstruct the castle, just as he had done for Cardiff Castle a few years before, and it’s his vision we see today. Despite being a relatively modern construction, Burges’ incredible skill and vivid imagination allows visitors to take a step back in time to medieval Wales, as seen through a Victorian lens. Castell Coch is well worth travelling a few extra miles for – it is a sight not to be missed.

LIANNE POTTS Castell Coch is open 7 days a week from 9.30am-6pm. Student entry is £4.20.

MADEINROATH Madeinroath festival is returning for another year to shine the spotlight on the best in community arts. From exhibitions and music to performances and talks, the Cardiff suburb of Roath is set to be swarming with creativity once again as it celebrates and offers a platform for local, national and international artwork. The festival is for anyone who enjoys the arts, attracting and involving all members of the community. This year’s festival dates are 9-16 October and if you happen to find yourself in Roath, you can expect to see something exciting around every corner. In the past, they have had Bogman appearing on Roath Park Lake to tell stories from before time began, exhibitions in unexpected places and a National Museum Wales ‘Museum in a House.’ There is something for all ages and tastes and it’s all free. Plans are still being put into place for this year’s festival, but they are keen to involve anyone wishing to showcase their work or those wishing to volunteer- it’s worth keeping an eye on the website.

HANNAH HOPKINS Madeinroath festival is running from 9-16th October. For more information or to get involved visit www.madeinroath.com.

THE GLEE CLUB The Glee Club is located in Cardiff Bay, and holds a plethora of events including comedy shows, live music and motivational speaking shows. The venue provides a rich atmosphere and is a popular night out serving plenty of food and drink. Whether a public or private event, the award-winning club is always available for parties and caters to a range of audiences. After having won awards for the best venue, the club holds a large variety of styles, as well as a welcoming layout which only encourages intimate showings. So why not take a trip to the Bay and have a night fueled with the vibrant cultures of the Welsh capital?

BETH GIRDLER MASLEN Ticket prices vary according to the event. Check out the website for upcoming shows: www.glee.co.uk/venues/cardiff/

NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF Cardiff ’s National Museum is much more than just a venue for the university’s Spring Ball! It really does pay to spend a couple of hours admiring the collections and take a wellearned study break at the Museum. Situated just off Park Place, it is within walking distance of Cathays Campus and hosts a generous mix of Wales’ national art, geology and natural history collections as well as major temporary and touring exhibitions- so there’s something to interest everyone.

The museum’s art collection is one of the finest in Europe, and includes one of Europe’s best collections of Impressionist art. Make sure to catch the current exhibition, Quentin Blake: Inside Stories, as part of the Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, which is free to enter and on display until November 20th.

HANNAH HOPKINS National Museum Cardiff is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Free entry.

16

CULTURE

THE NEW ‘LOST GENERATION’?

BETH GIRDER-MASLEN & HANNAH HOPKINS INVESTIGATE SOCIAL MEDIA’S IMPACT ON CULTURE.

2h

es 48 lik

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CULTURE

Culture falls under many sections such as music, art, theatre, literature and places and it has a huge impact on us and how we live our lives. In this new generation of technology, it seems social media has had the same effect and on a much wider scale.

The battle of culture and social media seems to be under way or rather the real world versus the online world. As a lover of social media and culture, it’s interesting to ask the question: is social media affecting the way we view culture and is it changing culture for the good or bad?

Culture can be a range of things: a cultural hotspot in a country or a show in the theatre. ‘Selfies’ have become the norm and constant documentation of one’s whereabouts on multiple outlets has become a prominent thing. Although social media can be a positive outlet that allows people to become closer and develop different online communities, it comes with its drawbacks which affect the way we view culture. Instead of viewing and taking in the beauty of an area, a show, a work of art, out come the cameras and the ongoing hashtags. In the generation we're in with social media, photos are constantly taken and documented to the world to the point where people are taking photos for the sake of it and to get more 'likes' or 'followers' rather than because they are enjoying what they’re seeing. We have entered into a new culture – the culture of likes.

A countries culture is a prime example, with people posing against cultural landmarks, such as trying to prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa or holding the top of the Eiffel Tower. My visit to the Eiffel Tower opened my eyes to this. When I was sat in front of the globally renound landmark, two girls spent the whole hour that I was sat there, posing, hair flipping, jumping, checking the camera and then trying again trying to get the perfect shot in front of the iconic building. The same goes with taking photos of art or filming a scene in a play.

We as a generation are so busy trying to get the perfect post that we don’t see beyond the first glance. Take in your surroundings, stare intently at a painting in a gallery, get swept into a show and gripped by a novel. Maybe we need to put down the phones, log out of the apps and just take in the culture around us.

There is no doubting that we live in a hashtag culture: we can’t escape them. If they’re not rearing their #ugly head on Facebook, they are being forced upon us during television broadcasts to get us joining in with the ‘conversation’ on Twitter. Made famous

by Twitter, tagging keywords, phrases and other strings of text help to link social media posts to other posts about the same topic. In contemporary culture, as a channel to debate or express emotion, the hashtag is arguably one of the most powerful tools around. They help to form relationships with like-minded individuals, they are used to show solidarity and they can be used to challenge and raise awareness of injustice. #BringBackOurGirls, #BlackLivesMatter and #EverydaySexism are some popular hashtag campaigns from recent years helping to do just that, allowing everyday social media users to voice, and change, opinions as well as to support movements.

Social media places power in the hands of the user in other ways. In a digital culture with a range of ways to communicate a factual image, we are led to question the value of amateur eyewitness videos taken on a mobile phone against traditional news broadcasts.

Social media, especially Twitter, has also given way to ‘citizen journalism’, a concept where everyday people play an active role in the collecting and reporting of news and information.

Armed with a smartphone, enabled with cameras and sound recorders, ordinary people can now contribute to, and post information online in real time. With the help of social media, Citizen Journalism has played a fundamentally important

role in breaking news stories of recent years, working both with traditional outlets, as well as ahead of them, helping to report and piece together stories and evidence. Notably, following the 2013 Boston Bombings, online users began searching for and publishing information online about the event. The trouble is, however, that working outside of the traditional, considered news structure means that news is often reported prior to fact checking. This led to Reddit users falsely identifying a suspect on the site before police released the names of the actual suspect.

Social media also places creativity in the hands of the user, who is now able to produce and distribute their own content freely as they are spared the large start-up costs of traditional production. The rise of the blogger or Vlogger is a perfect example of this: ordinary people taking to YouTube or Wordpress to promote themselves, often finding fame and sometimes fortune in the process. Some YouTubers and lifestyle bloggers have even seen themselves propelled to celebrity status.

Many well-known musicians even started out promoting their music on YouTube, or were even discovered on the site, including Justin Bieber, who apparently caught the attention of a talent scout on the site. Social media is not just changing the way we view culture, it is becoming a fundamental part of culture, giving the power to us as individuals to protest and to change opinion without moving from our desks.

WE AS A GENERATION ARE SO BUSY TRYING TO GET THE PERFECT POST THAT WE DON’T SEE BEYOND THE FIRST GLANCE.

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CULTURE

|

Fantastic

Mr. Dahl

Celebrating the Cardiff native’s 100th Birthday WORDS BY: DAN HEARD DESIGN BY: ALYSSA ALAMILLO ILLUSTRATIONS BY: LISA DORAN As his hometown is transformed into a two-day festival celebrating his centenary, Dan Heard looks at why one of Britain’s most loved children’s authors is still so popular today.

When all’s said and done, few authors have influenced, enthralled, and enchanted more children than Roald Dahl. Along with the likes of J.K Rowling- the only modern-day writer whose output can really compare- Dahl’s books have sold millions of copies, been translated into hundreds of languages and continue to capture the imaginations of thousands even today. In fact, teachers and students alike love him so much so, that he was named their favourite author in a poll by the Daily Telegraph in 2012. And now, on what would have been his one hundredth birthday, the city of his birth are throwing one almighty party for him. That city, you ask? Why, Cardiff of course!

Born in Cardiff in September 1916, Dahl was baptised in the iconic Norwegian Church in the Bay, only yards from the Plas which now bears his name. In his later life Dahl went on to travel the world working for Shell Oil, crashed in an African desert whilst in the RAF during the Second World War, and even became a spy during his time working in Washington DC (as well as finding the time to write books we all know and love). Dahl spent his formative years in the picturesque and more local areas of Llandaff and Radyr, to name a few. It was during his time at the prestigious Cathedral School that one of Dahl’s earliest adventures, and the basis for one of the most memorable parts of his autobiography Boy, Tales of Childhood, occurred. One of the memories from his novel is when Dahl and his schoolmates placed a dead mouse in a jar of gobstoppers in the local sweet shop, which was run by the ghastly Miss Pratchett. She could have easily been a character straight out of The Witches or The Twits!

Always one to Gobblefunk (that’s “mess around” in Dahlspeak!) with words, he managed to invent five hundred new ones in his works. This does not even include the whole host of new characters and places that are enshrined in the memories of every child who grew up reading him. I mean, why say “delicious” when you could say Scrumdiddlyumptious?!

(Though I can’t see that applying to the Snozzcumber, which tastes absolutely dreadful!). Don’t worry if all this is leaving you a bit Biffsquiggled (that’s confused- as I am too!). Aside from all the wonderful works and words, Roald Dahl remains a hero to me and many other generations. The way in which one man embodied a spirit of adventure, and encouraged thousands- millions even- to live their lives to the full, just as he did, deserves appreciation.

Therefore, I for one will be raising a glass of Frobscottle (the BFG’s favourite drink!) on the year that marks Dahl’s one hundredth birthday. To the forever Phizz-whizzingly fantastic Mr Dahl!

“...few authors have influenced, enthralled, and enchanted more children than Roald Dahl.”

19

CREATIVE

|SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT| WORDS BY: SEBASTIAN ORLANDE DESIGN BY: GEORGE CAULTON/SARAH FOSTER

FOR THIS ISSUE, QUENCH CREATIVE ASKED CONTRIBUTORS TO WRITE A FICTIONAL POEM OR SHORT STORY BASED ON A RECENT NEWS EVENT. THE WINNER, SEBASTIAN ORLANDE WRITES ABOUT ‘SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT’.

Christopher Lavelle tried to convince himself that rail travel was romantic, remembering that the Victorians marvelled at its coming in much the same fashion that people in modern times stood agog at the arrival of the iPhone. Commuting, he decided was the work of Beelzebub himself. Indeed, he was of the opinion that if Dante Alighieri were writing The Divine Comedy today, one of the deepest circles of Hell would consist of a never ending commute from the Kentish suburbs to London and back again. It would be a fitting punishment, he mused, for it seemed he was destined to be eternally subservient to the people running the Southern rail network.

CHRISTOPHER AND HIS FELLOW COMMUTERS HAD MUCH THE SAME OPINION OF THE SOUTHERN THAT LABOUR PARTY MPS DO OF JEREMY CORBYN: OUTDATED, INCOMPETENT, LIKELY TO COST THEM THEIR JOBS BUT UNLIKELY TO BE REPLACED ANY TIME SOON.

The constant delays, last minute cancellations and strikes meant that it was always a surprise when he’d get to work and when he’d get home. Still, at least life was never boring.

Following the completion of his French degree at Manchester University, Christopher had found himself catapulted back to this childhood bedroom in the geriatric colony known as Tunbridge Wells. The traditional public school he had gone to on a scholarship had instilled in him the notion that if one had a good education and you were an agreeable sort of chap, then finding a job would be child’s play. Alas, perhaps that rang true in 604 when the school was founded, but one thousand, four hundred and twelve years later things were decidedly different. The one job interview his now empirically proven linguistic prowess had granted him in Manchester was with a recruitment firm who offered him bar work for wakes in Cheetham Hill. He could have technically lived off the wage if living entailed being housed in a cardboard box and visiting food banks. His only logical choice was to return home and anyway, he concluded, even if the money had been better, the only thing more miserable than attending a funeral in Cheetham Hill had to be working at one. He longed to be in Manchester again for it was the home of Joy Division and The Stone Roses, whereas the only thing Tunbridge Wells housed was a myriad of hernias and haemorrhoids.

He had been offered a translation job in London by the father of an old school acquaintance whose advertising firm had international clients. The money was woeful but it got him out of the house and he could put on a suit and pretend his life was going somewhere. He told himself he’d stick it out for two years and then move on to better things, but two years with the current railway problems seemed like an eternity away. When he finally arrived at the office near the Barbican that morning, Ken Duncan was already pacing up and down expectantly. He wasn’t happy to see Christopher but then Christopher mused that the man probably stopped being happy long ago. Ken grunted a greeting at him and made a painful attempt at making small talk before placing a pile of work on his desk. Christopher might have been very young and inexperienced but he was a highly skilled translator; Ken was getting first class work for a fraction of the price. Christopher knew that he was being exploited but it was the only offer of something vaguely resembling a proper job that he had got.

Alistair, Ken’s son, was mooching around the cramped office. He was nice enough but it was painfully obvious that he couldn’t have gotten a job with anyone else other than his own father. Indeed, Alistair didn’t seem to do much and it seemed it was merely a symbolic job to save face for himself and the family. Midway through translation of a French coffee advertisement, Christopher saw the schoolmaster like figure of Ken approaching his desk and he was penetrated by an intense feeling of anxiety. He wondered what he had done wrong now. He was almost fired once for the mere act of sending an email to a client without prior approval. It amused Christopher that for someone so besotted with capitalism Ken seemed to have plagiarised his management style directly from Stalinist Russia. “Because of this gross silliness with the trains, I’ll let you go ten minutes early today, old chap,” Ken told him plainly. It was a hollow philanthropic gesture, ten minutes of course made no difference.

“STILL, ONE MUST BE GRATEFUL FOR SMALL MERCIES,” CHRISTOPHER MUSED TO HIMSELF AS THE PHRASE “HELL IS SOUTHERN RAIL”

reverberated around his skull. Perhaps he should just start living at Charing Cross station he pondered, if only he could find a suitable cardboard box.

Go Exploring e n i l n O n up Sig ly On Explore the English and Welsh countryside with us on one of these leisurely guided Give it a Go strolls. Prices cover transport costs.

Sat 1st Oct

Langland Bay, Swansea

£16

Sun 9th Oct

Waterfall Walking, Brecon

£16

Sat 15th Oct

Oxwich Bay, Gower

£16

Sun 30th Oct Nash Point, St. Donas, Marcross

£15

Sat 5th Nov

£16

Leigh Woods, Somerset

Sun 13th Nov Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

£18

Sat 19th Nov

£18

Snowdonia National Park

£16

Photo: Phil Dolby

Sun 27th Nov Waterfall Walking, Brecon

QPID’S

CORNER find your perfect match with quench’s resident love angel

kindly sponsored by

TOBY

KATE

21, final year music student

20, third year Law student

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. Hi, I’m Toby, Wiltshire lad, Swindon fan (COYR!), cello player. After failing to find the “woman of my dreams” on Monday nights in Glam, I decided to give this a go. I’m not looking for anything too serious at the moment, just a decent girl who I can get on with and see what happens.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF KATE?

When she first walked in, she straight away seemed friendly and easy to talk to.

Although (being the proper tit that I am) I swear down that she said her name was Claire at first… Anyway, we seemed to bond on the fact that neither of us had done anything like this which was nice.

HOW DID THE DATE PROGRESS? It all started very comfortably and just carried on from there, there didn’t seem to be any awkwardness at all and we were there for over 2 and a half hours.

Although, I stupidly chose the table that was closest to the live band so at least half the conversation probably consisted of “Sorry I couldn’t hear you”.

BEST BIT? Probably when the food came, there was tonnes of it. Our eyes both lit up.

Bangin’ grub (did not get paid by the restaurant to say that).

WORST BIT? Erm, I’d probably have to say the wine. I’m no connoisseur but it wasn’t up my street.

HOW ABOUT A SECOND DATE? Kate (not Claire) was a really nice girl and we got on well I thought.

Unfortunately I just didn’t fancy her in that way but she really was great company and I had a genuinely cracking time. I wouldn’t mind seeing her in a scenario amongst friends though as she was an absolute laugh!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. My name is Kate. Born and raised in Birmingham. I’m pretending I’m still enjoying my third year of Law. Love spending time with my friends, preferably drinking gin. I am looking for someone to have a good time with, preferably someone who is interesting.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF TOBY?

Probably not the type of man I would usually go for, but there is nothing wrong with trying something new. In all honesty he was the perfect gentlemen. The date was great.

HOW DID THE DATE PROGRESS? There are definitely worse things to do with a Sunday evening. Whilst being serenaded by Greek musicians, we talked the night away, the wine flowed, miscellaneous meat was consumed and the cello was a hot topic of conversation.

BEST BIT? Having a laugh with someone I wouldn’t normally have had the chance to meet. Having never been on a blind date, it was a lovely introduction to the idea of blind dating. (Also, loved learning more about the cello.)

WORST BIT? He hadn’t watched Game of Thrones.

HOW ABOUT A SECOND DATE? Never say never. Maybe we will end up at the same party some time - it wouldn’t be the first time as we realised we were standing back-to-back at a houseparty less than a week before we met for our date!

Qpid’s conclusion:

Maybe if they’re battered.

Congratulations to our new couple!

Is your love life one big right swipe? Does Take Me Out keep rejecting your application? Or got a mate who can’t pull to save his life? Let Qpid be your wingman instead!

You and your date could enjoy a FREE meal and drinks at The Hellenic Eatery, Cardiff ’s best family restaurant for Greek cuisine, located at 100 CRWYS ROAD, CARDIFF CF24 4NQ. Simply send a photo and 100-200 words about yourself and your ideal match to Editor@Quenchmag.com with “Qpid’s Corner” as the subject and let Qpid do the rest!

Date night consists of a shared platter and two drinks, courtesy of The Hellenic Eatery. No cash alternative offered. Entry does not guarantee selection. Drink responsibly and always use protection.

48

MUSIC

FESTIVALS What were the best UK festivals over the Summer? Greenman? Glastonbury? Or Reading?

Quench Music has reviewed some of the best festivals that took place over the Summer DESIGN BY: STEPHANY DAMYANOVA

Glastonbury

BST Festival

Glastonbury was different. Set in a sentimental atmosphere after the recent deaths of international superstars, David Bowie, Lemmie and Prince, tributes adorned the 3 biggest stages in their honour. In saying this, the late Viola Beach had the most prominent acknowledgement with Coldplay covering their song “Boys That Sing” to a packed out crowd at the pyramid stage on Sunday night. Other highlights included LCD Soundsystem headlining the Other Stage as part of their reunion tour playing a spectacular set, ZZ top bringing their beards and hits to the party and Mac Demarco making his debut at the fully clad in fishing gear (along with his band) making the crowd bop to his jangly jams.

Undeniably and despite the weather, Glastonbury was as colourful and vibrant as ever. This year Shangri-La had a dystopian big brother, and was as weird and thought provoking as usual. The spider at Arcadia was still spouting fire and the opening of the festival on Thursday night featured the ceremonial burning of a wooden phoenix, alongside a spectacular fireworks display. Even though the weather was almost as bad as it could be, Glastonbury was as special as ever.

As first-time festival experiences go, I couldn’t have asked for better. It was impossible not to share in the collective excitement as thousands gathered at London’s famous Hyde Park for just one of the days of amazing music. The first standout moment of the day came fairly early on with the arrival of Blood Orange onstage. Frontman, Dev Hynes brought with him the perfect upbeat tunes to get the crowd up and dancing at only three in the afternoon. Inevitably, the British summer weather caught up with us eventually, with torrential rain pouring down right in the middle of Jamie XX’s set. Yet, rather unsurprisingly, not even the rain could ruin the festival vibes. As the evening began to draw in, Florence and the Machine glided onto the stage. Being one of their only festival appearances of the year and homecoming, the band made sure to pull out all the stops, with an incredible troupe of backing dancers joining Welch onstage during ‘Queen of Peace’. With a sound so undeniably suited to a festival setting, mixed with their heartfelt message of unity and positivism, Florence and the Machine proved themselves once again as truly deserving of that headline place. ‘Til next time!

- Lianne Potts

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MUSIC

YNOT Festival R

G FESTIVA N I D L EA

Located in the peaks of Derby, Y Not festival racked up one of the best line ups of the year! From the good ol’ classics such as Noely G, The Coral and Madness to the killer new bands such The line-up and as Catfish and Blossoms; Y Not was the festival to be at this attendance of Reading Festival year. Whether you were on a musical hunt for new bands this year somehow managed to, as usual, or you just wanted a drunken sing along, the festival better itself. The atmosphere was electric, and tickled whatever you may fancy. Thursday was kicked the site itself was brimming with an array of street off with dreams of jangle pop with a headline slot from food, merchandise stalls and countless fairground rides. The The Coral, whilst Friday was slightly too cold chill accessibility of music genres expanded from its punk-rock vibe out with Editors. But of course Saturday was the to feature more grime, dance and DJs with Giggs, Aluna George day that stole the show. Catfish and the Bottlemen and Redlight having masses of people attending their shows. Friday reeled in the masses. The lads have had a game certainly kicked off the weekend to a cracking start. Twenty One Pilots changing year which was only proven by the sea put on an incredible show with the drummer doing back flips and the lead of punters belting out their tunes word for word singer crowd surfing in an inflatable ball, to then climbing a podium. Foals’ during their set. But of course, Noel Gallagher’s main stage performance included killer guitar playing, confetti showers and High Flying Birds were the main attraction. the biggest mosh-pits the band has probably ever had. On Saturday, Imagine Being a festival located fairly up north, who Dragons rocked the stage with percussion build-ups and the crowd joining in better to headline than Mr Gallagher? It was a with their well known lyrics. The main attraction to the weekend was Red Hot nice set with nice High Flying Birds tunes such as Chilli Peppers who undeniably bought the stage (and the festival) to life. They if I had a gun and Ballad of the mighty I. However, performed their renowned classics, opening with ‘Can’t Stop,’ and closing Noel isn’t stupid, he knows what the crowd wants, their electrifying show with ‘Give It Away’. This was made even more and he gave, he gave it good. With tracks such as impressive by a light-show spectacular which was a treat to both eyes and Digsy’s Dinner and Don’t Look Back in Anger; Y ears. The weekend finished perfectly on Sunday with Fallout Boy’s set Not was won over. Sunday came all too soon where containing all their classics, whilst The 1975 closed the NME tent Blossom’s highlighted, providing the festival with an in true rock star style, with hits from their old and new albums.

80’s twang and funky beats. Sadly, the festival had to All in all the weekend had countless highlights which more come to an end, and what better way to leave but to exit than made up for the stench of the toilets and the to the sounds of Ska. Madness were a pleasant surprise, a expensive pints! Now for the countdown to set which I thought it would be a cheesy bit of fun instead Reading 2017.... turned into an amazing finale highlighting how talented these old men are, as they provided us with banger after banger!

- Beth Girdler- Maslen

- Erin Brown

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Greenman Festival

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Some call it Cardiff in a field, but you’d have to admit that if that’s true it’s Cardiff on a pretty damn good day. Greenman Festival is located in the mountains of the Brecon Beacons and boasts a plethora of ‘indie’ music Liverpool’s from home and away. Headliners included Belle & Sebastian, James International Music Blake and Laura Marling, so you’d have thought the bands on the 9 Festival, LIMF, is a free festival over the small(er) stages would struggle to compete with them– but they August bank holiday weekend, attracting artists didn’t – they outshone. Late on Friday evening Charlotte Church’s and spectators from far and wide, alongside a unique Pop Dungeon pulled it out the bag in the Walled Garden by combination of street food, bars and traders. The weekend is covering all the cheesy bangers, including hits from Beyonce’s a celebration of diversity, music and art that spans generations, recent album, Lemonade (we were all pleasantly surprised). ages, locations and races. Friday night started with the Liverpool James Blake gave the best headline set of the festival which Philharmonic Orchestra, a perfect soundtrack to the crisp summer paved the path effortlessly for material from his new album. sunset. Paying tribute to some of Liverpool’s finest musical heritage, their Saturday came and the rain poured ... as did the 6.8% set covered The Beatles, Cilla Black, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Frankie Goes beer ... yet Brixton-based band Fat White Family had us to Hollywood and The Real Thing, culminating with a hair-raising rendition all rocking out to their dank tune ‘Touch the Leather’. of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, only a short drive from his childhood home. When Disappointingly; however undeniable in quality, Laura Saturday rolled around, the energy was turned up, as drum and bass duo Sigma Marling should never have been booked as a headliner, got the crowds dancing in the gorgeous summer sun, jumping between covers the audience loved the lullabies but could be seen and popular releases, ‘Higher’, ‘Nobody to Love’ and ‘Changing’. Craig Charles’s nodding off to her tunes. Not very exciting. Sunday Funk & Soul Club united the generations in dancing to some of the funkiest of was the real fanfare of talent though, the Far Out Stage funk, uplifting even the greyest of clouds. An hours long set provided a change provided band after band of pure class, I was most to the earlier set of Sigma, but kept energy high all the same! The weekend excited for Unknown Mortal Orchestra, but Grandaddy finished with a homecoming from one of the local bands of the decade, ending up being surprise favourites later on in the The Wombats. With only a 50 minute set, they offered a whirlwind tour evening after being dragged along by a friend. On the of their most recent release, ‘Glitterbug’, stopping by old favourites mainstage a special mention should go to Songhoy Blues. from their first two albums. When their final track dropped, Frontman Aliou Toure didn’t stop moving for the entire ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’, the crowd went wild. It was show, and after telling us off for sitting down, we didn’t stop fitting to bring it back to where it all started, ‘I’m back either, despite the Sunday lethargy. Pre-festival mutterings in Liverpool…’ about the line-up were proved somewhat right, at first glance it wasn’t what it could have been, but a lack of exciting big names - Mark Sweeney led to the opportunity to really invest in the quality elsewhere.

- Florrie Ann Connell

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DOES THE INDIE POP BAND’S SECOND ALBUM LIVE UP TO THE HYPE? WILD WORLD

PHOTO CREDIT: JEN VESP

Bastille Virgin Records Available to stream and purchase now

It’s been three years, and four million copies, since Bastille released their debut album Bad Blood. Following a series of successful singles, Flaws, and fresher’s-staple Pompeii, Bad Blood marked the start of Bastille’s storm to world fame. Going from playing support slots to arenas within the space of a year, have Bastille managed to stay on their rocket ship trajectory with release of sophomore album Wild World?

In a word, yes.

The album starts with Good Grief. A previous single release, it’s a familiar start with a catchy summer anthem, sampling from 1985 Weird Science. It’s new enough to be fresh, but still has the hallmarks of a Bastille track, breathy vocals and a punchy chorus. This trend follows with The Currents, also previously heard at festivals this summer. Another solid Bastille track, subtly applicable to the current political climate, ‘when anybody preaches disunity, tries to pit one of us against the other, you know that person seeks to rob us of our freedom and destroy our very lives’. A nice touch.

Warmth, Snakes and Send Them Off exemplify Bastille’s ability to write poignantly. Anxiety is a definite underlying theme to the record, induced by modern society, living under the influence of the media, the product of existing in a Wild World. Anger, fear and growing up are also touched on, yet again over incessantly catchy hooks. Smith’s love of film is embraced, with most songs featuring a sample to bring another narrator to the song, demonstrating his unique combination of storyteller and songwriter.

The album has its fair share of slower moments. An Act of Kindness and Two Evils are distinctly skippable. They’re a quieter, slower, more stripped back situation, with distinct air of mediocrity, which hinders the flow of the entire album.

Despite this, Wild World is the product of advancement in the quartet. Smith’s lyrics are more relevant and catchy, guitarist Will Farquharson’s riffs are just as rhythmic, but more whole. Keyboardist Kyle Simmonds has an even more engulfing sound, all brought together by the strong, distinctive beat of drummer Chris Wood.

Wild World is a strong follow up to Bastille’s earlier work, and is certainly a solid second album. While lacking the ‘completeness’ of Bad Blood and earlier mixtapes, Wild World is a safe release from the quartet, which will be membered fondly on their upcoming winter tour and for years to come.

Mark Sweeney

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TRICK

BLOSSOMS

Jamie T Virgin Records Available to stream online and purchase in stores (CD and vinyl) now

Blossoms Virgin Records Available to stream online and purchase in stores (CD and vinyl) now

It’s hard to dislike Jamie T. His individual and unique style of music is intriguing and his recognisable voice simply captivates. His new album Trick, featuring twelve tracks, has not failed to deliver these expectations. A stand out is most definitely Power over Men due to its upbeat tempo and vintage, more authentic sound. On the other end of the spectrum, Tinfoil Boy provides a softer, more delicate tone due to the lighter drums and that ultimate chill out vibe. Jamie T successfully combines rock, Indie and spoken word together to create an anthology of excellence.

With cleverly thought out melodies and edgier backing vocals, Joan of Arc is undeniably another tune. His spoken word style of music captures the masses, and provides a signature contribution to his work. His album branches out into new levels of talent, detail and thought with songs that convey every emotion.

Jamie T is an artist whose songs you love to belt out in a club and are proud that you know all the words to. After being branded as someone whose songs tell stories, Jamie T’s Trick possesses the ability to amplify great levels of musical interplay.

Blossoms have taken over the UK this summer by appearing at every festival imaginable, as well as releasing their eponymous debut album which has rocketed to number one in the album charts. Blossoms has an impressive charm with hooks that you can hang your hat on and beats that make you want to bop- being quite the introduction to this Stockport quintet.

Kicking off with the well-known Charlemagne, an enticing, well known track to amplify and establish their sound, the boys do not disappoint. Throughout the album, we hear plenty of 80’s synth pop mixed with a white funk sound, which is only complimented by those typical indie guitar riffs. It’s not all funk though, as some tracks such as Onto Her Bed and My Favourite Room present us with a more romantic and mellow tone.

It is impossible, however, to not compare the vocals of Tom Ogden to Alex Turner. With the spooky sounds of Humbug appearing in Smashed Pianos, or the dreamy sounds of Submarine appearing in My Favourite Room, Ogden shares the same seductive touch throughout, making Blossoms even more contagious- only confirming that we should expect more from the band in the future.

Sophie King

Ellen Brown

CHARLEUR HUMAINE

VIOLA BEACH

Christine and the Queens Because Records Available to stream online and purchase in stores (CD and vinyl) now

Viola Beach Fuller Beans Records Available to stream online and purchase on CD now

Christine and the Queens’ new album Charleur Humaine holds a certain je nais said quoi. Merging a French class with an English attitude, the album boasts both character and originality.

With hit tracks such as Tilted and Saint Claude grabbing the attention of the public this summer, they merely give a taster of how beautiful this album really is. The perfect synth sounds create a peaceful ambience whilst always coinciding with a killer bassline. Leaving you wondering whether you want to break down in tears or plan an all-out dance routine, there is also something quite romantic and gut wrenching about Charleur Humaine. The kind that truly catches you in the feels whether you understand a word of French or not, it is entirely meaningful.

A particular highlight of the album is Paradis Perdus which is an alluring rendition of Kanye West’s Heartless; a creative concoction of French verse mixed with a wellknown English chorus. Having top marks for originality and consistent track by track perfection, this album ticks every box with hooks to hang on to and lyrics to die for.

Christine and the Queens have truly smashed it.

Those familiar with Viola Beach will no doubt recall their tragic deaths in Sweden this year. Inevitably, and rather sadly, it’s what the indie quartet are now largely known for. Since then, friends and family have hastily worked to put out a self-titled album on behalf of the band, which would have been their debut release.

In similar fashion to bands such as Peace and Blossoms, this collection of recordings are an energised attempt at familiar indie pop, providing a more than enjoyable listening experience. Opening track Swings and Waterslides is a refreshingly feelgood start and is closely followed by the almost festival ready Go Outside. Things are concluded with the already well-established Boys that Sing, a track which can’t help but hint at a more complete sound.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a million miles away from anything second-rate. The opportunity was never given to tweak their sound, and it’s better to look at this album as a patchwork of sorts - one woven with care, understanding and enough enthusiasm to make the best of a bad situation. It’s an indie record worthy of its achievements, and a fitting final goodbye to Viola Beach’s affectionate fans.

Erin Brown

Alannah Williams

COLORING BOOK Chance the Rapper Independently released Available to stream now Is 2016 the year of Chance the Rapper? The Chicago native shows no sign of slowing down with the release of his third mixtape, Coloring Book. Released after his memorable verse on Kanye West’s Ultralight Beam, it sure may be true that he’s never going to fail.

The album hosts guest spots from Lil Wayne and Jay Electronica, whilst also boasting producing credits from KAYTRANADA and The Social Experiment. The biggest name of them all is perhaps producer and featured artist Kanye West. The rap veteran’s influence can be heard throughout the album, like the gospel sounds reminiscent of West’s debut album The College Dropout. Unlike the dark choir that is heard in Jesus Walks, Chance’s choir uplifts even the most passionate non-believers in tracks like No Problem and How Great.

Although Chance is collaborating with friends he has previously worked with, nothing in Coloring Book seems contrived. If anything, familiar characteristics are improved and are more moving in this album. It explores three facets of his life -the personal, the local, and the innovative – all through great lyricism. Throughout

the album you will find featured artists from and homages to Chance’s hometown of Chicago, alongside worry over the gun violence ridding the Second city. Chance is also well aware of the change he’s bringing to the music industry, being the most notable independent artist in rap at the moment. The release of this album made history by being the first to chart the Billboard 200 solely on streams and by motivating the Recording Academy to rewrite Grammy rules in order to allow stream-only albums to be considered.

Coloring Book is more than a fantastic mixtape from Chance - it’s a thank you to God, his fans, his friends, and his hometown.

Alyssa Alamillo

TWIN ATLANTIC ‘I GET NO SLEEEEP’, HOWLS SAM MCTRUSTY IN HIS UNIQUE GLASWEGIAN DRAWL, ‘DAYS ON REPEAT’. THAT’S THE LAST THING TWIN ATLANTIC CAN BE ACCUSED OF WITH THEIR NEW SINGLE FROM FOURTH ALBUM, ‘GLA’. WE CAUGHT UP WITH CRAIG & ROSS BEFORE THEIR LIVERPOOL SHOW, TO SEE HOW THEY’RE GETTING ON.

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How are you finding tour so far?

It’s really good. We started six weeks ago, but we’ve had setbacks; Sam had laryngitis so we were forced to take a week off. We’re back playing smaller gigs to start – it’s a good way to get a feel for the new songs live. Plus it gives something back to our biggest fans. We’re still going to end up with massive gigs, but its fun to start small.

This is your largest tour to date, how does it feel?

Awesome – we can’t wait! It’s the most venues that we’re playing in one tour and it’s going to be incredible. We’re playing three nights at Barrowlands in Glasgow. It’s got a special atmosphere – it’s our sixth time playing there. We’re doing something bigger, but we want to keep it special – quality not quantity.

You toured your last album ‘Free’ for almost three years – do you have plans to do the same with ‘GLA’?

No – that grew legs - we didn’t plan for it to go on that long!

It would have been good if we released it and people liked it straight away, but we started off slowly and gigs and demand just kept on coming.

Have you had any highlights since being back on the road?

We did a Radio 1 Live Lounge last week, which was awesome, and then the next day we headlined a festival in Cheltenham. It was only small, and pretty last minute, but it made us desperate to get back into it – it’s heightened all our emotions! There’s an amazing feel to the whole thing. People really liked it. We really liked it. It just felt like a moment. Plus it was really cool to be asked!

We caught up with you when you played in Cardiff in November last year and you’ve already got new material!

When did you start work on this album? Or did you find yourselves writing it as you toured?

Yeah, it was quick. It’s been pretty nonstop. We finished tour in November and then recorded this in two three week sessions, one in December and one in February. We really wanted to get a new single out, things went really well and it just happened! I think we actually planned more time off!!

How is playing the new material live?

It’s really good. We’ve only been playing a few new songs, but they’re good fun. They’re really gritty. It’s good to do something different; it did get repetitive playing the same songs every night. We still love them though. It does leave you ready to do something different. It spices up the set and makes the old songs even more exciting.

How do you feel that the your music has developed from your last albums? What did you do to push boundaries between two albums?

We worked in a different way. We had the same producer, Gill Norton, for ‘Great Divide’ and ‘Free’. He’s a really good friend, he’s done so many massive records, and he’s based here in Wales too! His style of recording is very classic; a big studio, a big desk, everything has to be perfect. We’re really proud of those two albums and everything we put into them.

This time we recorded with another guy called Jacknife Lee, in Los Angeles. We recorded in his studio at home. It was much more relaxed – we finished in 6 weeks instead of 12. We wrote a lot of stuff whilst there and the whole process took a quarter of the time. It was more reactive and organic – less about being perfect, and that energy really shows in the new sound.

Your new album is called ‘GLA’, a nod to your hometown of Glasgow. How do you find being away for song long on tour?

I don’t think of it like that. You become more accustomed to it.

It’s when you’re drudging round, with a two week stint in the middle of America, miles away from anywhere good, you start to question what you’re doing with life. But with this album we wanted to give a nod to where we came from. We were in a car in America driving home one night when Sam suggested the name.

It just made sense!

We wrote the album in Glasgow, which we’ve never done before.

It’s more about our lives in the city and the city itself. Also, we’re bigger in Glasgow, so it’s a thank you for the help and support, helping us grow as a group.

“WE’D GO TO THIS CLUB CALLED ‘METROS’. ALL WE REMEMBER FROM THERE WAS EVERYONE WAS TOTALLY HAMMERED. SO. HORRIBLY. HAMMERED.” How do you find touring America?

Well, we’ve been over quite a few times and it’s hard! We have quite a few fans but it’s such a different beast. You have to keep going back and back, trying new things and different ways of doing it. Each time we make inroads, but it’s just so big. The coasts are two opposite places, and then there’s everywhere in between! When there’s not many people at a gig it’s a bit rubbish!

Also, radio is a big part of it. Here to have Radio 1 that goes out to the country, but in America there’s hundreds of local stations. We’ve realized over the years, we’re not very ‘sell-y’ people. It’s weird because it’s not like the music we make isn’t commercial; it’s more that we don’t like pushing it in people’s faces. Sometimes it feels like that’s what you’ve got to do in America. You’re either lucky and it happens or you have to go into a radio station and do a hard sell. And we don’t want to do that, even if it is really detrimental to our career!

Do you find that there’s been a big change with Apple Music & Spotify? Has that had much of an impact?

We’ve been really lucky – we didn’t release much music after Zane Lowe left, well up until ‘No Sleep’. Annie Mac has been playing it on her show, so we’ve lucked out and carried on sailing.

Time will tell!

What new music are you guys into at the moment?

Barry: Spring King – they’re the go to band at the moment. I really like Weaves, from Toronto too.

Craig: I’m not a good person to ask – I listen to music that was getting big 6 months ago! I have been listening to ‘Car Seat Headrest’ a lot recently.

Do you have any memories special ties to Cardiff?

Yeah! We had a text from our old producer Romesh who’s based at Longwave Studios in Cardiff where we were recorded ‘Great Divide’. We’d go to this club called ‘Metros’. All we remember from there was everyone was totally hammered. So. Horribly.

Hammered. But that was a long time ago! We much prefer chilled drinks or cocktails now – its more our scene.

We spent a summer living in Monmouth, which we called ‘The Great Summer’. It was where we made some of our most debatable musical choices. We bought a lot of nice booze, and spent a lot of time in the garden. We had this amazing slip & slide and made a great game called Potato Ball. It was like an actual sport! The only thing we didn’t take seriously was the recording of the music, which we learned a lesson from. We probably could have written the album in half the time! It turned out well though, and we look back on that summer with very fond memories.

It feels the same with this new record. It’s turned out really well.

It’s pretty different to what we’ve done before and we couldn’t have got there without the previous record. It’s the beginning of a new chapter.

MARK SWEENEY

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What’s On In Cardiff WANT TO KNOW WHICH GIGS ARE LISTED AS ‘NOT TO MISS’ AT THE SU THIS YEAR? TAKE A LOOK BELOW!

WORDS BY: LOUISE BELCHER, KELSEY REES DESIGN BY: LUCY APRAHAMIAN

Following on from the refreshing burst of rockyfolk showcased on his self-titled debut album, and the subsequently anti-climatic, nevertheless, quirky contemporary folk of the 2013 sequel- Shangri-La; the Nottingham born singer-song writer is back.

Jake Bugg’s third album On My One, is an attempt to prove, as the title suggests, that he can, in fact, write songs alone. After a wealth of criticism regarding the help he received writing his first two albums, the third is entirely Bugg’s own work. Whilst this is rather obvious in the more experimental and arguably less sophisticated tracks such as, Gimme the Love and Ain’t no Rhyme, these more hip-hop inspired tracks, nevertheless, add some diversity to the new album. A number of tracks on the album also adhere to Bugg’s own brand of ‘Brit folk-rock’, and notable tracks include: Love, Hope and Misery and Livin’ Up Country, demonstrating that what Bugg can do, he does well. Similarly, On my One kicks off with a track of the same name, showcasing Bugg’s recognisably raw vocals, and the style of ‘moody blues’ present on this track, is reflective of the singer’s relaxed and uncaring exterior- one that he brings with him to the stage.

Performing at Cardiff Students Union Great Hall on the 3rd November, Bugg’s performance will undoubtedly consist of solely a guitar and his placid expression. Often one to stray away from any extravagance on stage, his catchy crowd favourites and soft, captivating acoustic tracks, will most likely bring more than enough emotion and energy- delivering a very different and refreshing gigdevoid of any frantically dancing front-men or awkward crowd interaction. Thereby highlighting Bugg’s strong capabilities as a musician, and reflecting the talents of his own inspirations- Donovan and Jonny Cash- as simply a man and his guitar. Tickets cost £21.

Rizzle Kicks are a hip hop duo from Brighton; Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule stormed onto the music scene in 2011 with their first single ‘Down With The Trumpets’. It went on to feature in their remarkably catchy debut album ‘Stereo Typical’.

Returning to the music scene, the double act are bouncing back with their latest track ‘Always Late’.

The duo last landed in Cardiff in March 2014 touring their album Roaring Twenties, featuring hit singles ‘Lost Generation’ and ‘Skip To The Good Bit’. Since then, the boys have been on a hiatus from music and have spent some time on their acting careers. Jordan ventured onto the big screen by starring in the acclaimed 2014 E4 drama series ‘Glue’, as well as Sky Atlantic’s crime drama ‘The Last Panthers’ and Comedy Central’s ‘Drunk History UK’.

Jordan also managed to land a leading role in the up-andcoming film ‘AAA’ (Access All Areas). Meanwhile, Harley starred in the big-screen gang thriller ‘The Guvnors’ in a leading role, for which he won the National Film Awards Best Newcomer 2015. The pair have also recently been releasing music separately and working on their own individual music projects. Jordan has been releasing music under the stage name Wildhood, and released his debut solo EP ‘Vert’ March 2016, following his 2015 singles ‘Double Dark’ and ‘Psycho Jam’. Harley released his own debut solo EP ‘Islington’ under the stage name Jimi Charles Moody. Following his EP, Harley was on a roll and released his single ‘House Of Moody’ which has since featured in a Lexus ad and also the Madden NFL 16 soundtrack! The duo return to Cardiff ’s Student Union on Dec 3rd to showcase their new sound that is guaranteed to get you bouncing!

VOTE

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Freshers’ Food Guide To Cardiff DESIGN BY: STEPHANY DAMYANOVA

Cardiff’s Caffeine GEORGIE BOLWELL

Costa Coffee Park Place Coffee is a student staple. Whether it’s a pick-meup before a 9am lecture, or a reprieve from the rainy weather on an autumn afternoon, everyone has their favourite cup. So why not check out these little coffee shops around Cardiff and find your ultimate coffee stop?

First and foremost, a popular choice for students is the Costa Coffee on campus. Located next to the Student’s Union and opposite the Main Building, it’s nice and easy if you know what you want and you’re looking for something familiar.

International Eating Al Rayan

ELLIE PHILPOTTS

City Road manages to envelope the flavours of what feels (and tastes!) like every imaginable country, and fortunately for us students, its location on the Roath-Cathays border means we don’t have very far to waddle home. It’s hard to whittle down from so many foodie havens, but Al Rayan is an impressive contender. Recently opened by a husband and wife duo seeking refuge from Syria, their charming business, which doubles as a takeaway, specialises in Kurdish, Iranian, Afghan and Turkish delicacies.

Cardiff is a melting point of cultures, and with a range of cultures comes a range of great cuisine.

If you’ve moved to Cardiff from another country, you’re more than likely to find easy access to food that’ll remind you of home, and if you’re from round here anyway, it’s the perfect chance to widen your palate... (and your waistline).

Hangover Haunts GEORGIE BOLWELL

It’s 10 am. You’ve got a raging headache and your mouth feels slightly like something crawled in and died. Last night was incredible. This morning? Not so much.

You’re a fresher, it’s what you do, but now you need some way of curing that sore head and quelling that queasy stomach. So where do you go?

Hogwurst However, if you don’t want a long trek, and you’d prefer something a little closer to home, have a look at Hogwurst. A little place on the corner opposite the Blackweir Tavern, they serve hearty food that’s perfect to cure any hangover!

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Sorrento’s Finally, if your halls are situated more towards Roath, be sure to visit Sorrento’s. Not only is their coffee fantastic but they provide a wonderful menu as well. Located on Salisbury Road, it’s a convenient place to meet friends for a chat.

Cafe Minuet We all love Italian, and while the city makes a commendable effort at replicating the Med’s sunshine, snacks and style, with everything from chain restaurants to street food, Cafe Minuet is a clear winner in the Italian-in-Cardiff stakes. It’s family-run (since 1986, no less); it’s rustic; and it’s just really delicious.

Barker’s If you’re out and about in town and you’re looking for a little bit more than just a to-go coffee- try Barkers. Their establishment boasts a coffee shop, a tearoom, and now a Waffle House to match, all located in various arcades in Cardiff City Centre.

Barkers is a hidden gem among the hustle and bustle of city life, and arguably serves the best hot chocolate in town.

Irie Shack

Hoffi Coffi Located a hop, skip, and a jump away from the John Percival building and the ASSL. This quaint coffee shop is a regular haunt of most humanities students, and is an essential stop-off before those dreaded 9am lectures.

Juboraj

Anyone who’s ever walked down Woodville Road (which must be Juboraj enjoys a glittering reputation in Cardiff everyone who’s ever picked up a copy of Quench), will have at some and beyond – the group’s city centre branches point wondered if they’re dreaming upon hearing the unmistakable can be found in Roath; Mill Lane; Cardiff Bay music of Jamaica, right here on a slightly grey Welsh street. Irie and Rhiwbina, as well as a street food cafe on Shack are responsible - and we’re singling them out for their North Road –and it’s easy to see why they’ve won colourful Caribbean dishes. Cardiff has plenty of restaurants from numerous awards and are among Wales’ oldest this corner of the world, including Turtle Bay and Vivo Latino, but Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants. They say variety only Irie Shack is right here in Cathays. is the spice of life, and so, it seems, is Juboraj.

The Early Bird

Café 37

The Deck Coffee House

The Early Bird is a small but mighty place that serves only the best brunch food. From a proper Full English, to a delicious avocado Eggs Benedict, you can always find something to cure your hangover. And that’s not to mention the stunning selection of artisanal bakery items, including sticky cinnamon rolls and fluffy cakes. Found on Woodville Road, it’s a wonderful place to fix your hangover.

If brunch isn’t your style, then maybe you should try Cafe 37. This American style diner serves cureall, stomach-filling food like pancakes, bacon and maple syrup, and of course, a Full English. With options for the vegetarians and vegans among us, there’s no excuse not to go. On Salisbury Road, this is a popular little place, so you may have a little wait, but it’s most definitely worth it.

If sea air is what you need to cure your hangover, take a trip down to the Bay and try out The Deck Coffeehouse. They serve huge and delicious omelettes, which are perfect for a quick hangover cure, and as a bonus you get a trip to the Bay which makes for a fantastic day out.

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“Quirky touches like bird cages over the bar and golden gilded mirrors perfectly complement the vintage armchairs and wooden panelled walls of The Dead Canary.”

Coolest Cocktails EMILY TURNER

Settling into university life, or returning to it, tends to be marked with drinking. So when you’re after something slightly more civilised than Jager bombs or with more oomph than coffee, cocktails are calling your name. Luckily, with a little help from us, Cardiff’s coolest cocktails are easy to track down.

The Dead Canary The Dead Canary has undeniably got its own style - the dimmed lighting creates an intimate atmosphere without it feeling too gloomy, while quirky touches like bird cages over the bar and golden gilded mirrors perfectly complement the vintage armchairs and wooden panelled walls. A homely yet eccentric feel – this is a must see - not to mention the amazing (yet maybe a little pricey) cocktails.

Feeling Fancy

Moksh

ELLIE PHILPOTTS

While Cardiff Bay has no shortage of places to eat, many of them are chains you can find anywhere, and as Cardiff is such a city of opportunity for independent businesses, it makes sense to support them. Amid these, we’re not alone in thinking Moksh is a standout – it’s won multiple awards and even been regarded the ‘Lady Gaga of Indian restaurants.’ While getting up there and showing off your best ‘Just Dance’ impression may come only after a few glasses of wine, their vegetarian, a la carte, dessert and tasting menus continually prove Moksh not only has everything, but also does everything seriously impressively.

As students, we all too often find ourselves thinking even the walk to the bright lights of Tesco Express on Cathays Terrace is too much. But sometimes it’s nice to eat somewhere that less resembles your post-party kitchen, or tastes less like the muddled contents of your fridge, and in fact has more in common with a nice restaurant. Because it is a nice restaurant.

Quick Fix Takeaways EMILY TURNER

You arrive at halls vowing to actually make a good shot of cooking for yourself, but we all know it’s going to decline into the world of takeaways before long. Sorry Mum!

Face 11 Face11’s stone-baked pizzas are a hangover heaven.

With cheaper prices than other pizza places, and tastier toppings, Face11 now being on Deliveroo has gotten me through many a hangover. The only problem is that you have too much choice! Either order from Just Eat and pick it up yourself to get some extra desserts and sides with their ‘Date Night In’ deal, or be lazy and get it brought to you with Deliveroo. My personal favourite is the Sloppy Guiseppie pizza, but their stuffed burgers, and a new range of bagels and sandwiches are also irresistibly good.

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FOOD & DRINK

“Face 11’s stonebaked pizzas are a hangover heaven.”

Lab22

Kapu

Lab 22 is undoubtedly one of the best cocktail bars in Cardiff. Boasting a VIP feel created by the small yet in-demand space, it may be a surprise to hear that the up-market bar lives above Greggs on Chippy Lane. With its plethora of spirits on show behind the bar and the talented team of mixologists, even if you don’t fancy any of the cocktails on the menu, talk to the staff and they’ll make you something that I can guarantee you’ll love.

Offering 2-4-1 cocktails Monday to Friday, Kapu may not be the classiest bar but it definitely ticks the ‘quirkiest’ box of this segment. With the Hawaiian theme followed through from the interior design, which is full on summer beach vibe, to the drink menu teeming with tropical ingredients, it feels like you should be wearing a Hula skirt every time you walk in. The drinks are delicious and the vibe is fun - what more could you ask for?

Purple Poppadom While a little further out in the western suburb of Canton, Purple Poppadom is well worth the walk. One of the city’s best Indian eateries, it creatively revamps classic dishes in a modern, vibrant way, while retaining stunning decor, an ambient environment and the distinctive taste of authenticity.

The Potted Pig Alongside its sister branch Porro, found a short train journey (or walk, if you’re feeling ambitious) away in Llandaff, The Potted Pig is reaping the benefits of its positive name around the city. Combining contemporary cuisine with a noticeable nod to all things French and traditional, The Potted Pig is perfect for whatever the reason you’re splashing out, whether the fam are visiting from far and wide or you and the housemates have decided you need something big to commemorate exam season being done. Considering it’s only October, you might have a while to wait, but it’ll be well worth it...

Bullys Nestled in the fashionable district of Pontcanna, Bullys has been well-regarded as one of Cardiff ’s little gems; satisfying the city’s foodies since 1996 when some of you freshers weren’t even born... With French inspired dishes throughout, Bullys is a delight every time. Go there for Monday’s hopeful Tinder date or a slap up Sunday lunch and all the occasions in-between.

Wiwo

Burger and Bagel

Wiwo is at the perfect location on Woodville Road - you can nip into the Sainsburys next door whilst you wait for your order and make sure you’ve got all the supplies (wine!) that you need for the ideal night in. If you’ve got what you need already, order on Just Eat as they’re sure to deliver within 20 minutes. Their Prawn Tempura is super tasty and you can’t go wrong with their Chicken Katsu - Wiwo is great for a takeaway that doesn’t make you feel too guilty or greasy.

Burger and Bagel’s Juicy Luicy burger is probably the best burger I’ve had in the UK, even if I do feel like I need to go to the gym straight after. On top of that, it does amazingly tasty milkshakes and nicely seasoned sweet potato fries that I could nibble on all evening whilst watching a movie with my housemates.

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FOOD & DRINK

10

THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH

BAKED BEANS

words by

illustratio

tts Ellie Philpo

Beans, beans, good for the heart.

And a lot of other things, apparently.

Like, they’re good for conserving precious energy by being such a minimalistic thing to whip up in the kitchen. They’re good for making you feel like a proper student when you arrive in halls laden with them.

And finally they’re good for... well... writing this article, I guess.

You might think the only thing you can make with beans is the student staple of beans on toast, and no, we’re not going to patronise even the worst of cooks by regurgitating the recipe. But you’d be wrong – here’s 10 things you didn’t know you could make with the humble bean.

n by Sarah Fos ter

1. Bean-Stuffed Peppers

4. Baked Bean Soup

Stuffed peppers have seen a bit of a resurgence of late – becoming quite a fashionable dinner, yet not compromising on speed, efficiency or great taste. But have you ever considered pairing them with beans?

The whole thing takes less than 45 mins – simply cut however many bell peppers you fancy in half, fill them with a tin of beans, add toppings like rice, grated cheese, salt (and the other variety of pepper), and bake in a pre-heated 400-degree Fahrenheit oven.

With winter looming, light bites and ice-cream are making way for heartier grub. But instead of reaching for the Heinz, why not whip up your own? Once the bacon is done, cook beef for up to 8 mins, then drain before mixing beans, broth, vegetable juice and three tablespoons of ketchup. Cook all of this over a medium heat for about ten mins, stirring at intervals, and then serve once it’s heated all the way through.

2. Huevos Baked Beans Here’s how to simplify the Mexican favourite Huevos Rancheros – because we can’t all be as good as the chefs at El Paso or Chimichanga. Fry chorizo with paprika and peppers, chuck in a batch of beans, and leave an egg to poach amid all the flavours for about five mins.

While it’s fair to say Cardiff ’s climate is worlds apart from Cabo San Lucas’, at least we can replicate their cuisine (well, kind of).

3. Mince, Beans and Sweet Potato Pie Sweet potato has rightly joined forces with legions of fans in recent years – but it’s normally found in the form of fries, at cool eateries like Bill’s and GBK. Now though, it’s time to introduce the glorified spud into the murkier world of the student kitchen. Chuck mince, onion, carrots, stock cubes, grated cheese and finally, the stars of the show – two large sweet potatoes and a tin of beans – and ta da, an impressive pie is the end result.

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FOOD & DRINK

5. Baked Bean Chilli Dogs Hogwurst en route to Taly isn’t the only Cardiff kitchen that’s a pro at the chilli dog. They might now have some competition...

Mix the beans with chilli powder until they simmer, and fry onion and garlic. Then once the hot dogs are done and dusted, top with chilli and cheese and grill them together until the melted finale symbolises your go-ahead to dig in.

6. Greek Beans Transport a little dose of Santorini (or The Hellenic Eatery on nearby Crwys Road) here to rainy Cathays . Local delicacy Gigantes Plaki translates as ‘giant baked beans’ and you can attempt your own version by sautéing garlic in olive oil and adding herbs like dill, oregano and parsley. Finally, finish off with tomatoes, onions, garlic and melted feta to drizzle over the beans.

7. Boston BBQ Beans We’re willing to test the foodie theory that what Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall says goes, and this is among his favourites...It works whether you’re using haricot beans or the traditional tins; ready to dedicate a lot of time, or are all about that student speediness. Diced pancetta, a dollop of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, salt and vinegar, peppers and onions should all be stirred in with the beans. This also works well if you’re freezing leftovers, to brighten up a lectureridden week with minimal effort.

8. Baked Beans and Eggs Get all your evening protein in one fell swoop, or set yourself up for the day while managing to steer clear of the boring Cheerios, naff Nutella on toast or even your nearest greasy spoon. Mix the beans and chopped onion, then once the eggs are half-cooked, add bacon and cheese if you’re after an extra kick. Serve on their own or atop something fancier like a bagel or muffin.

9. Sausage and Bean Hot-Pot You probably know the importance of proper hearty food to avoid succumbing to Freshers Flu, and the trusty Sausage and Bean Hot-Pot will give you a fighting chance. And if you’re veggie? That’s where Quorn and Linda M come in. Slice veg like onion and leek, fry them in the same pan as the sausages, then add peppers and tinned tomatoes for another five mins.

Now's the time for the baked beans and drained kidney beans for ten more, before enjoying it as a meal in its own right, or alongside pasta, rice or mash.

10. Baked Bean Casserole Last but not least, the much-loved casserole is bound to last you a good few days – or share it with the flatmates if you're feeling generous. Beef, onions, bell peppers, BBQ sauce (or ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce - basically all the sauces), bacon and the beany focal point all join forces to create something warming and impressive. You can combine almost everything in one large saucepan before moving it to a casserole dish. Be sure to sprinkle bacon over the top and bake for 45 mins.

, S N A E B , s n bea

r o f good , T R A E our H

e r o e thue em h t , t a o y u o y e r o m

y

T R FA

DESIGN BY EMILY GIBLETT

THAT’S THE TICKET AN ODE TO INTERRAILING

Interrailing is a flexible and efficient way of travelling, allowing you the freedom to personalise your travel and decide what works for you - whether that’s 10 cities in as many days, or three weeks of island hopping in Greece. As such, everyone’s experience is unique.

Read our contributors’ own memories of their time with that special green ticket.

37

TRAVEL

My girlfriend and I are currently at our last destination after travelling from Venice to Florence, and then finally from Florence to Rome. We have found that the most effective way of travelling within Italy was through the interrail system.

Given my habit of spending as little money as possible (which is unanimously attested to by those who know me) I was astonished by the quality of Interrailing in Italy. This may have something to do with the state (and expense) of train-travel in Britain but, even then, I think Interrailing is still superb in its own right.

Firstly, you are given the option of seating without being charged. Secondly, the range of amenities consist of both the unsurprising (a curtain), the surprising (a curved reading light overhead) and the unnecessary (those televisions on the ceilings which are too far-away, and too boring to notice). Lastly, on both occasions, travelling felt weightless. Of course, the Tuscan scenery passing by was a beautiful addition to the journey, but at no point were either my girlfriend or I inconvenienced by a lack of physical and personal space from cramped seats or obnoxious seating partners. The only sane way of travelling in Europe is through interrail!

There is no requirement of being excessively rich to travel; this is best exemplified by Interrailing, which is hence perfect for us students. The Dalmatian coastline of Croatia stands out to me as one of Europe’s gems. With over a thousand islands dotted along the shores, island-hopping is one of the most exciting summer adventures out there. There is truly something for everyone; from secluded and untouched beaches with crystal clear waters, to more developed areas with historic tourist attractions and chilled beach bars. Carpe Diem party island is a special highlight for me; within an ideal setting, the club hosts international DJs and exudes an electric energy. The island name translates to ‘seize the day’, and this laid-back vibe is apparent as soon as you step off your taxi boat. The excitement of the islands is topped only by the domestic paradises of the picturesque National parks- Plitvice lakes and Krka waterfalls.

The views at the parks are some of the most sensational I have ever seen; the edenic landscape undeniably submerges you in nature at its most beautiful. The key tip that I have drawn from my Interrailing experiences, specifically in Croatia, is to really ‘seize the day’ by taking every opportunity to explore and discover the intricacies of Europe.

THOMAS EDWARDS

SIAN JONES

Using an Interrail Global Pass provides a fantastic opportunity to roam the countries of Europe with ease; in my opinion it is the perfect system for first time travellers. I embarked upon my month long trip in the summer after secondary school, visiting places such as Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin. It is always beneficial to have a rough idea of the route you will be taking in advance, in order to make best use of your time in each location. This was one of our downfalls, as our poorly planned route meant we missed visiting some must-see spots such as Ljubljana and Budapest. My favourite hostel of choice was Wiki Hostel & Green Village, located in the Italian town of Zagarolo.

With weekly pizza and pasta parties, the staff encouraged social activities every night, and we met like-minded travellers from all over the globe during our three night stay. No Interrail journey goes without its hiccups though, as was proven when my purse was pick-pocketed on the Paris Metro. However, if you keep close hold of your baggage at all times this can be avoided. I would recommend interrailing to anyone, whether you wish to travel for 2 months or 10 days, there are passes to suit every keen traveller. Have fun!

“the beauty of travelling is that you may find a place you love and want to stay there for longer”

ALICE DENT

Interrailing doesn’t have to be a trip all over Europe – there are cheaper and simpler ways of doing it. Last summer, a friend and I wanted to go Interrailing but we had neither the time, nor the money to go everywhere we wanted to for as long as we wanted. We also needed the summer to earn money for the trip, so could only allocate a month for travelling. As a compromise we decided to pick one country and travel to different places within it instead - we chose Spain.

We started the trip in Barcelona then went on to Madrid, Seville, and Malaga, visiting Toledo and Segovia along the way.

As we travelled only by coach within Spain, we saved a lot of money and had time to appreciate the whole country more than if we just stopped in one city for a few days. Doing it this way meant we got the feel of Interrailing for a fraction of the cost and were able to explore both the culture and nightlife of every city without any time pressure. I would definitely recommend this for anyone worried about the price of Interrailing or the amount of time it requires.

As a final hint, only travel with someone you know you won’t fall out with or it will ruin the trip; my friend and I got along great but I’ve heard stories from others that were far from brilliant. Many of our friends met us along the way in various destinations, giving us a nice change of company – which probably helped!

EMILY TURNER

Having inter-railed twice before, I can definitely say it’s an amazing way to explore Europe and I have picked up many tips during my travels (and also learnt from many mistakes!).

Preparation is key – especially if you are only going for a few weeks, so make sure you have a route planned with all the places you would like to visit. However, this does not necessarily need to be followed religiously; the beauty of travelling is that you may find a place you love and want to stay there for longer.

Interrail allows this freedom due to the frequency of trains, and the highly recommended Interrail App allows you to plan your trip as you go. Yet, this can be risky as some trains need to be reserved in advance – don’t wait until the last minute, or you might find yourself sleeping on a park bench in Zurich as I once did. When travelling, stay in hostels – not only are they a cheap way to travel but they are ideal to help make new friends, especially when staying in shared rooms. Most hostels offer free walking tours; these are an amazing way to see the city and chat to other travellers, especially if you only have a limited period of time. Interrailing can be an incredible adventure and if you happen to find yourself in Budapest, be sure to walk up to the Liberty Statue to watch the sunset.

EMILY GRACE HURST

38

TRAVEL

LONE WOLF or

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY? TO TRAVEL WITH A FRIEND OR TO TRAVEL SOLO IS THE BIGGEST AND HARDEST DECISION TO MAKE WHEN PLANNING TO EXPLORE THE WORLD; WHETHER IT BE A HOLIDAY, BACKPACKING, WORKING OR STUDY. BOTH TRAVELLING ALONE AND WITH A BUDDY HAVE THEIR OWN PERKS, AND BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WE HAVE JUST A FEW OF THOSE BENEFITS HERE, TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU. Travelling with friends is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience – for better or worse! But when you’re surrounded by people all day every day, and subject to compromising on what you want to do, it can be nice to escape and travel solo. The most obvious advantage to travelling solo is that you direct where your journey goes. If you want to get up early to visit that place your friends aren’t interested in, what’s stopping you? A trip by yourself allows you to do what you want, without causing a major diplomatic incident.

Alternatively, if you don’t fancy going to a place that means absolutely nothing to you, you don’t have to. Whilst it’s nice to go away with friends, sometimes it’s better to be completely independent and enjoy your own company, wherever and whenever you like.

Being able to indulge your own interests allows you to jump out of your comfort zone. On your own you have the unique ability to be completely flexible and spontaneous. You’re more able to adapt your plans when unexpected opportunities arise and there is no need for those awkward conversations about what you can afford, and when you have to be back. You know exactly what your own budget is, what time you can spare, and are therefore able to take a detour to go cliff-jumping in Croatia or paragliding in Portugal if you so wish.

Taking a trip alone immediately gives you a certain type of confidence. You know that you are capable of being independent and planning your own adventure. By travelling solo in the first place (without the safety net of your friends) you are more likely to make friends with new and interesting people along the way. When you have no one to talk to, you can talk to anyone.

On a solo trip it’s possible to get a more local experience in each place you visit. You can more easily use websites such as couchsurfing.com to save on costs and meet local residents who are usually more than happy to show you around. You end up making new friends - because you have to.

Travelling, both with friends and without is amazing, but it’s sometimes nice to throw caution to the wind and ‘find yourself ’, alone!

FELICITY URQUHART

“ON YOUR OWN YOU HAVE THE UNIQUE ABILITY TO BE COMPLETELY FLEXIBLE AND SPONTANEOUS.”

39

TRAVEL

DESIGN BY: EMILY GIBLETT

“THE MEMORIES AND CONNECTIONS MADE DURING YOUR TRIP WILL STILL BE WITH YOU WHEN YOU COME HOME.”

The way I see it, a memory or an experience is only as good as the people you share it with. Of course, you don’t need people to make a trip to a great place memorable, but having good people around you will turn these experiences into more than just ‘seeing the sites’. Surrounding yourself with friends will also fill the less exciting times between activities, making bunkbed chats, train station stresses and airport layovers memorable experiences too.

My experience proved that people who travel together, stay together. Spending every second of your trip together will definitely have an impact on your relationship, but this doesn’t need to be a negative. You’ll get to know each other’s every strength and weakness, learning when to keep the banter coming and when it’s actually best to be quiet and just let there be a moment of silence.

I promise you, during the trip you’ll function more as siblings than friends, and it will take your friendship to another level. Of course, this could make or break the relationship – not all friendships are cut out for this extreme closeness. In a way, that is a good thing too, as you will learn to adapt to each other’s moods and behaviours in order to prevent this from happening. The memories and connections made during your trip will still be with you when you come home and you’ll share this special bond forever.

Of course, when travelling you will always meet new people, but I believe starting out with a friend or two by your side makes for an all-round great experience. There is no doubting the fact that travelling can be somewhat scary, especially in the beginning when everything feels somewhat strange and daunting. Having a best friend by your side will help you to feel safer and more at ease in new surroundings – don’t underestimate the feeling of home that friends will instill in you along the way. Perhaps most importantly, it is reassuring to know that if you do encounter any difficult or challenging situations, you don’t have to face them all on your own.

ARIANRHOD ENGEBØ

Jake Bugg

Hot Since 82

Lucy Spraggan

FM

October/Hydref

18/11/16, £18 ADV

Treatment Presents: Âme & more

Jack Garratt 16/11/16 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

18/10/16, from £17 ADV

Bedlam Presents: Andy C & more

Clutch

17/12/16, £20 ADV

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03/03/17, £14.50 ADV

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25/11/16, £20 ADV

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18/03/17, £16 ADV

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Walking On Cars

The Stranglers

27/03/17, £25 ADV

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2-Tone Tribute Tour

04/11/16, £17.50 ADV

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All tickets subject to booking fee Codir ffi archebu ar bob tocyn

41

FASHION & BEAUTY

Quench Yo’ Self FASHION EDITOR, MEGAN DAVID REMINDS US OF OUR NEED FOR GOOD OLD H20 "You’re probably dehydrated”... Is for sure one of the most tedious answers to the constant moans of everyday life. Why am I so tired if I had 10 hours sleep last night? Why is my skin so dry if I just smothered myself in coconut oil? Why am I thirsty if I just guzzled that can of diet coke? “I’m dying of thirst!”... It’s easy to overlook, but water is one of the most essential elements to both our physical and mental health. It makes up more than two thirds of human body weight and 95% of the human brain. However, dehydration in the 21st century is slowly becoming as common as smoking in the late 19th. So, how much fluid should we be consuming on the daily?

The Eatwell Guide recommends that we drink between six to eight glasses of fluid a day.

(FYI: this includes water, lower fat milk and pretty much any fluid that is sugar free, including tea and coffee.) “My skin is so dry!”... The skincare market has an endless supply of serums, oils and moisturisers to replenish your skin, but the cheapest way to combat dryness is to quench yourself from the inside out. Water increases elasticity, skin moisture and delivers essential nutrients to the skin cells to provide that healthy glow that high end brands strive to produce year in year out.

“Too dehydrated to function?”... Depriving yourself of H2O can leave you not only physically fatigued, but can also affect your state of mind. A lack of water consumption can cause numerous symptoms including issues with focus, memory, brain fatigue and brain fog - which is not ideal for the academic demands of student life. Think of water as the handyman of our bodies - it helps maintain our bodies health and allows it to function as smoothly as possible.

Infuse it

Drinking water can be bland, adding lemon/ mint/cucumber can add some personality. When life gives you lemons, take those lemons and put them in a mug of hot water to flush out those nasty toxins.

Regulate it

Have a beverage with every snack and meal this is a foolproof way you can keep a tally on the amount of liquid you’re consuming.

Disguise it

About 20% of our fluid intake comes from food. Eating plenty of fruit and veg will help increase your daily water intake.

With the pressures of student life, drinking plenty of water will help you stay afloat. So what are the best ways to combat the monotonous task of drinking water? Here are some more pacifics.

Double up on it

Keep a bottle of water with you at your desk, in your bag, in your car. This way you will never be short of opportunities to

There’s an app for that

"...dehydration in the 21st century is slowly becoming as common as smoking in the late 19th "

Waterlogged and Water Your Body are greats apps that remind you to rehydrate throughout the day without having to worry about it yourself.

42

FASHION

ON THE BUTTON: FASHION DOCUMENTARIES

The top 5 films to make up for missing Fashion Week Image provided by Haider Ackermann

WORDS BY: SARAH HARRIS We all love The Devil Wears Prada, but how many of these factual fashion programmes have you watched? Get ahead of the game and impress your friends with your knowledge of the most popular fashion icons, brands and publications with our countdown of the Top 5 Fashion Documentaries. There is no such thing as fashionably late here.

The September Issue The September Issue is the GOAT of fashion documentaries.

The film chronicles the Queen of Fashion, Anna Wintour, and her team of devoted staff at US Vogue in pursuit of completing the September issue of the magazine. For those of you who may not know, the September issue of a fashion publication is essentially the most important and substantial issue of the year.

The documentary features appearances from notable fashion icons such as Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Wang and the late Oscar de la Renta. Wintour is infamous for her demanding personality and difficult nature, and the documentary definitely confirms this. However, the film does somewhat humanise Wintour.

This is a must-see documentary for any aspiring fashion journalist, giving an authentic insight into the work that goes into creating every issue of the global magazine. The focus is, interestingly, not solely centered around journalists, but also the photographers, models and creative staff whose contributions create the immaculate piece every year.

Watch on: Google Play (£2.49), YouTube (£2.49), Amazon Video (£2.49).

“You either know fashion or you don’t.”

...a must watch for any fashion fanatic and couture admirer.

Dior and I Dior and I follows the footsteps of Raf Simons, (at the time) the recently appointed creative director of the fashion house, Christian Dior. Anyone familiar with the luxury brand will be aware that they are renowned for being one of the staples of Haute Couture. This French documentary focuses mainly on Simons’ first 8 weeks at the company, in preparation for the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 show. Director, Frédéric Tcheng, looks behind the scenes of the collection crafted by the atelier workers.

Unlike other fashion documentaries, Dior and I does not focus on the glitz and glam of the fashion industry, but more on the blood, sweat and tears that go into forming and creating a clothing collection. Simons really does remind you that ‘fashion is an art.’ The documentary makes you feel part of the journey and creative process. You feel the stress, disappointment and satisfaction along with the designers and staff. Not many fashion documentaries focus on Haute Couture. For struggling students like us, our exposure to couture comes mainly from high-end fashion magazines like Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, or red carpet events such as the MET Ball. Whilst this documentary is a little different to the others listed, it has a somewhat melancholic tone to it and, at times, can really get your heart beating. It’s a must watch for any fashion fanatic and couture admirer.

Watch on: Netflix UK (Free), Google Play (£2.99), YouTube (£2.99), Amazon Video (£3.99).

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FASHION

BIll Cunningham: New York Bill Cunningham: New York looks at fashion through the lens of the legendary and recently departed street photographer, Bill Cunningham. Bill Cunningham was at the age of 87 when he passed away in late June this year. Cunningham was well known for his candid photography in The New York Times.

The documentary shows his soulful enthusiasm for the art of photography and fashion, as well as his passion for the state of New York. The film follows Cunningham as he rides through the city on his infamous blue bike, and delves into his private and somewhat isolated life. Parts of the documentary will have you in hysterics and others in tears, as you develop a somewhat intimate connection with Cunningham. This film provides a rare insight into the private life of one of the world’s most humble men, whose contribution to the fashion industry is unanimously well regarded. This is a documentary not just for fashion lovers, but for anyone with an interest in film.

Watch on: Google Play (£2.49), YouTube (£2.49), Amazon Video (£3.49).

“Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.”

Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf ’s, directed by Matthew Miele, focuses on the luxury New York department store, Bergdorf Goodman, situated on 5th Avenue. Throughout the film, Miele interviews a wide selection of prestigious fashion designers, style icons and celebrities, and questions them about personal connection with the store. Miele looks specifically at the social politics of power that goes into achieving a high status role within the fashion industry, whilst also commenting on the history of designers such as Michael Kors. The greatest thing about this documentary is that it is essentially a bunch of humorous, yet intense interviews with the ruling icons in the world of fashion. This is definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for something different.

Watch on: Google Play (£2.49), YouTube (£2.49), Amazon Video (£3.49).

The True Cost Unlike the other documentaries, this film focuses on an evergrowing and serious issue of fast fashion. It looks at several issues in the fashion industry, but primarily focuses on life as a low-wage worker in developing countries. Although there may be debate as to whether this should be considered a fashion documentary, The True Cost does the important job of raising awareness of the ever-present issue. The documentary does a fantastic job in opening the eyes of viewers of the flaws in our legal system. It shows that there is an appalling lack of empathy in the West towards factory workers in developing countries.

This film sends a great message to any fashion lover, shedding light on where high-street products are manufactured. Anyone who watches this should promote the film to their friends and family based on ethics alone, whether they have a keen interest in the industry or not.

Watch On: Netflix UK (Free), Google Play (£3.49), YouTube (£3.49), Amazon Video (£3.49).

OCTOBER STYLE Classic neutral colours and quality accessories create a timeless and sophisticated look when paired together, perfect for those breezy autumn afternoons.

Shot by Jasper Wilkins with assistance from George Caulton at Castle Quarter Arcades, Cardiff. Clothes modelled by Oliver Leigh

and

Florrie Connell.

BROWN BLAZER (PETER WORTH LOND ON), £115 SUPER SLIM POPLIN SHIRT (Z AR A), £30

SHORT POLO-NECK TOP (H & M),£7.99 RELISH WIDE-LEG TROUSERS (HOUSE OF FR ASER), £25 TRUFFLE COLLECTION TORI PLATFORM HEELED CHELSEA B O OTS (ASOS), £24 BANGLES (ASOS) £6

WOMEN’S BLACK OAKLEY CROP TOP (LIKELY/ BLO OMINGDALES UK) £105.00

GROSGRAIN BELTED PEG TROUSERS (TOPSHOP) £40.00

SMU10N BLACK/GREY SUNGLASSES (MIU MIU) £223.00

SWATCH SWISS MADE V8 BAT TERY 390 SR1130SW £70.00

48

FASHION

SAVE THE DATE

DESIGN BY: LUCY APRAHAMIAN Cardiff is known to be a relatively cheap city for students, and you’d be lying if it wasn’t a factor in finalising where you’ve decided to call home for the next couple of years. However, to ensure you don’t splash out your student loan all during the Fresher’s Fortnight, here’s a holy list of dates post-St. David’s Student Lock-in for the remaining months of 2016 to pen down and treat yourself in the cheerfully cheap way - plus fashion events you can track online. You’re welcome!

October 9 October 10 – 11 October 12 – 16 October 13 – 14 October 13 Oct – 5 Feb 16 October 17 – 22 October 19 – 23 October 20 – 23 October 24 – 30 October

Judy’s Vintage Kilo Sale, Cardiff Fashion Camp, Vienna Los Angeles Fashion Week 3D Printshow Retail & Luxury Goods, Paris The Vulgar Fashion Redefined exhibition, London Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair, Cardiff Seoul Fashion Week Adelaide Fashion Festival Fashion Forward Dubai Cardiff Fashion Week

November 10 Nov – 23 Dec Cardiff Christmas Market 25 November Black Friday Sales

December 2 – 6 December 5 December 26 December

The Clothes Show, Birmingham The Fashion Awards 2016, London Boxing Day Sales

BECOME THE BEST APPLICANT Boost your confidence and career prospects

With more courses available on cardiffstudents.com

50

FILM & TV

AMAZON PRIME AND SEXY TIME? Or Get Romantic With Sky Atlantic

Are you a dedicated Amazon Prime subscriber? Or Netflix ‘till you die? Whichever streaming site floats your boat, we keep you up to date with our favourite series’ this month.

“The new characters introduced bring about more racial tension and brutality from the prison guards than ever before.”

DESIGN BY STEPHANY DAMYANOVA

Orange Is The New Black Season 4 - Netflix BETH GIRDLER-MASLEN Netflix’s long awaited fourth season of Orange Is the New Black returned this summer, and is the multi-award winning show’s most intense and darkest yet.

Still maintaining its perfect balance of humour and tragedy, season four follows the fate of Alex Vause, Sophia Bursett and Nicky Nichols as Litchfield prison expands. With a growing population problem, we see the Latina community becoming the prominent group with more power and, in turn, a greater development of their background stories than previous seasons. The ever present flashbacks reveal more about popular characters like Lolly and ‘Crazy Eyes’ also, allowing Orange Is The New Black to continue exploring its staple themes such as mental health.

The new characters introduced bring about more racial tension and brutality from the prison guards than ever before, as a result of season three’s guard walkout. This, teamed with prison riots, protests and the odd death and scream at the cliff-hanger, makes for an extremely intense season which will have you on edge the whole way through - of course with a few laughs along the way to ease the tension.

Tackling major issues like race, prejudice and the death of a beloved inmate, the new season of Orange Is the New Black presents its audience with the wreck of a failing system and the rawest show of humanity yet - which will stick with you for a long time.

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FILM & TV

Preacher - Amazon Prime CAITLIN EARLEY Preacher is AMC’s new TV series produced by Sam Catlin (Breaking Bad), Seth Rogen and Even Goldberg (Superbad) and based off the DC comic series. So Lucifer fans rejoice. However, unlike everyone’s favourite detective demon, Preacher carries an 18 rating for its darker humour and adult themes.

What if you had the power to make people do as you said? This is what happens to exoutlaw turned preacher Jessie Custer (Dominic Cooper) when a strange force possesses him.

Confronted with this new power he must decide if it is God sent or something else. Meanwhile, a string of interesting and varied background characters all stir something into the mix - from his ex-girlfriend and partner in crime from his outlaw days (Ruth Negga) appearing to try and pull him back into his old ways, to an Irish vampire (Joesph Gilgun) who just happens to land in town.

The show itself sets a steady pace, mimicking the slow lifestyle of the West Texan setting.

However, the audience is thrown into this world and the preacher’s supernatural ability with very little explanation. Keeping the intrigue high, the story plays out across the episodes in a way that is rewarding for the viewers. As mysteries are solved and created, the story itself seems very reflective on the nature of faith and religion through its variety of characters, without losing any entertainment value. Packed full of violence and well-timed humour among the darker elements, the show definitely is a must for fans of The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones or comic adaptations

Game Of Thrones Season 6 - NOW TV MARIA COLLINS After an unsatisfactory season five, and with the series now in advance of its unfinished novel counterpart, anticipation and expectation were higher than ever for season six of Game of Thrones and it did not fail to disappoint. From Jon Snow’s resurrection, to Hodor’s heroic death, to the High Sparrow’s grasp of control over King’s Landing, season six managed to offer its audience moments of shock, heartbreak and elation throughout.

However, that’s not to say that this season was faultless, as we are left with more plot holes and unanswered questions than ever. Arya’s training with the faceless men became tedious and pointless as it concluded with a disappointing climax, fan favourite Tyrion was ignored for most of the season and the absence of characters such as Gendry and Jorah were still left unexplained.

But any uncertainties over this season were quickly forgiven due to the phenomenal final two episodes.

“The epic ‘Battle of the Bastards’ offered us one of the most visually spectacular sequences ever to be seen on television.”

The epic ‘Battle of the Bastards’ offered us one of the most visually spectacular sequences ever to be seen on television, ending with sadistic Ramsey Bolton’s smile being (literally) ripped off his face. The gripping 70 minute finale episode, ‘The Winds of Winter’, also shocked us as Arya “served” her revenge, Cersei mirrored the Mad King as she took back the Iron Throne and at last, the popular fan theory about Jon Snow’s real origins were finally confirmed.

Overall, season six has been outstanding and has arguably provided us with two of the greatest episodes ever of the entire series. But with only two seasons left, let’s just hope that Game of Thrones can tie up the last few loose ends and continue to live up to the high standards season six has left behind.

48

CULTURE

The Female Gaze.

BIGELOW, DENIS, DUVERNAY ET AL.

WORDS BY: JAYMANI BRAYSHAW DESIGN BY: SADIA PINEDA HAMEED

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FILM + TV

“FROM NOW UNTIL 2018, THERE ARE NO FILMS BEING MADE WITH A FEMALE DIRECTOR IN TWO OF THE BIGGEST STUDIOS IN HOLLYWOOD.”

THIS IS TEXTBOOK SEXISM. Gender inequality. It feels almost like a dirty phrase nowadays.

It’s a conversation that many of us find difficult to have. In an ideal world, our society would happily answer, ‘there is none’ and continue with their day. However, in the real world, this question is a two-pan balance. ‘Yes there’s inequality’ and ‘it’s not so bad, though’ are constantly being added to and we find ourselves questioning gender inequality like a first year essay: ‘To what extent are the genders equal? (12 marks)’.

The waters get murky when we enter the strange world of Hollywood. Gender inequality is a topic that has recently made the forefront of social and cultural media, particularly when actress Jennifer Lawrence penned an essay criticising the gender pay gap between her and her male co-stars. However, her words received a surprising amount of backlash and, apart from the odd ‘feminism’ mumble here or Lena Dunham article there, the conversation managed to get swallowed back up into Hollywood’s storage space.

But what about the storytellers? The vast majority of films that are made and viewed in the US are directed by men.

A recent report done by the San Diego State University revealed that, from now until 2018, there are no films being made with a female director in two of the biggest studios in Hollywood. When examining the top grossing films of 2014, only 1.9% of them were directed by women. That kind of statistic is particularly disturbing. It begs the question, where are all the female directors?

It’s not like they don’t exist! And it certainly isn’t because of the quality of film being produced either. The Hurt Locker (2008) was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, and received widespread critical acclaim, earning her an Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. This was the first time a woman won an Oscar for Best Director, with only three nominations given to female directors previously.

That being said, Bigelow’s recognition for her awardwinning film did not go unnoticed. Most popular media outlets seemed keen to express their joy at a woman finally being

recognised for their directorial talents. The positivity created from this recognition would have surely spurred a greater recognition of female directors and their films in general. However in the years since Bigelow’s win, she has remained the only woman to win in that category. It is this realisation that we should concern ourselves with. Why is it so difficult to name female directors off the top of our heads? In a society fuelled by progression, why are women consistently left underrepresented and devoid of opportunity so happily handed to their male counterparts?

Acknowledging that there is a gender imbalance in filmmaking is the first step towards recognising that there is still a strong level of gender inequality when it comes to the arguably male-centric industry of film and media itself. In fairness, this has been recognised. For instance, there are groups working with the Sundance Film Festival to include more pieces directed by women, and there are programs, charities and visibility awards all for emerging female directors. But the last and arguably most vital component to all of this is opportunity.

Opportunity should be given to talent, and there is no short list of female talent out there. However, including female directors just for the sake of numbers completely undermines the idea of representation and recognition. We deserve to be recognised because of the talent we have as an individual. It is upsetting that, in a world where all manner of voices and stories can be so eloquently and beautifully expressed, we find ourselves questioning whether a person’s gender would reflect in the film they are creating. It is equally unsettling that gender inequality is far more deep rooted than any of us care to acknowledge, with the lack of famous female directors coming down to a lack of opportunity and encouragement for women to become filmmakers in the first place. It is completely impossible to attempt to breakdown and then restore a floodgate of decades worth of sexist selection in 700 words. However, maintaining the conversation remains vital to fighting for the right to these opportunities that so many women deserve.

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FILM + TV

Return of the sequel FRANCHISE FILMS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY Civil war wreaks havoc across the galaxy as the Rebel Alliance fights back against the Empire, while reports of a super-weapon that could destroy planets begin to appear. Sound familiar? Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, follows the team of rebels who stole the Death Star plans before the events of A New Hope and promises an originality unseen before in the Star Wars universe.

Rogue One is the most exciting of this autumn’s new releases. Through Gareth Edwards (Monsters and Godzilla), Disney continues its run of using little-known but skilled directors (see James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy) to bring new approaches to its beloved franchises, with Edwards promising that Rogue One will be a complex war film. This complexity will be aided by the film’s stellar cast including Felicity Jones as the film’s lead Jyn Erso, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelson and many more. In addition, Darth Vader is set to appear, which if done correctly, could be one of the greatest scenes in Star Wars history.

As a generic Star Wars film, The Force Awakens disappointed some fans. But Rogue One’s original story, fantastic cast and darker tone promises that it will begin a series of unique Star Wars standalones in the midst of endless Hollywood prequels, sequels and reboots. The film also provides the bonus of being able to draw from and add to the rich Star Wars mythos. So to those who were disappointed by Episode VII or cannot wait for VIII, do not despair, for there is another…

WORDS BY: SCOTT PLACE

DESIGN BY: SADIA PINEDA HAMEED

55

FILM + TV

ALIEN: COVENANT Alien: Covenant, the acting sequel to 2012’s Prometheus as well as a prequel to 1979’s superb Alien has a few elusive details. What do we know so far? Well… Ridley Scott will be directing Covenant following the success of Prometheus, which went on to bank $400 million at the worldwide box office. Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace will be reprising their roles as ‘David’, a Weyland Industries android and as ‘Elizabeth Shaw’, a former expeditionary scientist of the vessel ‘Prometheus’ which journeyed to the alien home world. In addition to this, Steve Jobs star Katherine Waterston is the new leading lady.

However, details remain sparse with the exception that - and spoiler alert here - her character is named ‘Daniels’. Moreover, new co-star Danny McBride, who will assume the role of pilot of the corporate vessel ‘Covenant’, gently hints at the tone of the film, aptly stating, ‘this shit is dark! There is no comic relief in this at all. This is a dark horror movie’. His statement echoes the general assumptions surrounding the upcoming film (*hint* - an expendable crew of a large corporation in the search for aliens doesn’t usually bode well for them, expendable being the key word here). Finally, the date for the film’s release in both the UK and the US is the 4th August 2017. It may be a long wait, but hopefully it will be a worthwhile one. For the Alien uneducated, you have a lot of catching up to do - get to it!

WORDS BY: OLIVER LEIGH

T2: TRAINSPOTTING 2 Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a sequel 21 years later. Director Danny Boyle is to bring us T2: Trainspotting 2, a sequel to the much loved cult classic Trainspotting from 1996. T2 is loosely based on the Irvine Welsh novel Porno, the literary sequel that takes place nine years after the events of Trainspotting, where the gang return now consumed by the realm of adult entertainment rather than that of cocaine.

A teaser trailer released in July revealed that the original cast have been allowed to naturally age like fine wine or quality cheese, reprising their roles as Renton (Ewan McGregor), Spud (Ewen Brember), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Other than this, however, there hasn’t been much information out there about the upcoming film. What we do know is that we’ll be getting the same main cast, the same solid director also responsible for the critically acclaimed Steve Jobs (2015), and the same use of Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust For Life’ as per the teaser. Is there much point in speculating any further when it’s got all the ingredients to be a decent film? Watch out for this release in early 2017 or, if you’re still hungry for more, just read the book.

WORDS BY: SADIA PINEDA HAMEED

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM The final entry into the Harry Potter series, The Deathly Hallows, marked not only the end of Harry & Co’s epic journey, but also signalled the end of an era for Potter fanatics. Left with an internal Harry Potter (or Hermione Granger) shaped void, fans have long awaited some form of J.K Rowling magic to fill it. With a swish and flick, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was conjured and before long transformed into an on-screen experience for all to marvel at.

The film is set seventy years before the events of Harry Potter and is based in New York, 1926, where a magically expanded brief case containing all manner of wild and dangerous creatures escape. Writer Newt Scamander (Eddy Redmayne) is left responsible for the beasts and their capture whilst trying to navigate the turbulent relationship between the wizarding community and muggles. The film is set to be released on the 18th of November 2016 and will star other well-known actors such as Collin Farrell, Katherine Waterson, Zoe Kravitz and Ron Perlman.

WORDS BY: OLIVER LEIGH

56

VIDEO GAMES

Stories from the Sandbox

Exploring contributors’ favourite open-world gaming experiences WORDS BY: Oliver Leigh, Maria Collins, & Caitlin Earley

Fallout 4 For me, the Fallout series defined open world gaming.

As favourite moments go, I couldn’t pinpoint just one, but it’s the little evil actions on my part make the Wasteland what it is. Mostly, I’m a wanderer. I waste my time trekking across nothingness only to get diverted by something in the distance or my short attention span. Although my travels tend to be infested with Deathclaws and Super-Mutants, this playing style gives me a curiosity of how far the game will let me go. There are some obvious choices Fallout gives the player, exploding the first civilisation you meet out of the Vault or placing active grenades into the pockets of unsuspecting NPC’s would be naming a few. Personally, I prefer those dark paths that I can take just to see what happens. I mean, what else is quicksaving for? Have you ever wondered who would win between a Deathclaw and that annoying NPC? Or if a Fat-Man could get an NPC into orbit?

Thanks to Valentine, the answer is yes. As it turns out, if you shoot a companion, they die, unless you get them intoxicated, then it’s likely you die, because you should never underestimate their unlimited ammo. And with Fallout 4 you can actually test Tesla bombs, radiation and whatever you can imagine on NPC’s in special traps. I would say more, but I’d recommend trying it for yourself and giving into that curiously destructive side every now and again.

Jak and Daxter 2

Grant Theft Auto V

The Jak and Daxter trilogy is possibly one of the greatest series of games that I have ever played. It was one of the earliest games that truly embraced the concept of open world, alongside its gorgeous visuals, captivating story and witty dialogue.

Its introductory game, The Precursor Legacy, was phenomenal with its vivid landscapes and characters, however it is the second instalment that had the greatest impact on me. It made a seismic shift in tone, moving away from the warm but at times menacing environments of idyllic beaches, dense jungles and long lost ruins of the Precursors. Instead you are transported in time to the future. Gone are the quirky, friendly characters and animals that interacted with you in your once primitive world. Instead, you are immediately thrust into an ominous urban environment known as Haven City, surrounded by gigantic steel walls to protect its inhabitants from the invading creatures outside. As Haven City provides one of the last bastions of civilisation, your disruptive entrance alerts a patrol of militarised police known as the Crimson Lance who bash you in your head until you’re unconscious. You then are experimented on giving Jak dark powers, given guns, let loose in a neon city filled with hover cars that you can highjack. Then in your down time, you can combat the menacing horde of invaders, save the city and dabble in hover board racing. The tonal shift was breathtakingly awesome, and something you can still experience if you own a PS3!

Since its release in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V has established itself as the ultimate open-world video game experience. GTA’s thrilling campaign, various locations, hundreds of other activities and the enormous size and depth of gameplay has enough to keep gamers entertained for hours on end.

However, I found the most amusing novelty in the game has to be the effect of the Peyote Plant. Upon eating one of the 27 Peyote Plants scattered around the world, your character will go into a temporary trance, as their mind and soul is transported into that of a random animal. Where you find the plant will determine your transformation into a creature suited to your whereabouts. For example, try slinking around like a cat, raiding the streets as a cow, claiming your underwater prey as a shark, or my personal favourite, pooping on people’s heads as a bird. One Peyote Plant will even allow you to become Bigfoot for a while, whose appearance will cause confusion and horror for the pedestrians you meet. But be careful: escaping ‘humanity’ for a while doesn’t mean that you’re abnormal actions won’t go unnoticed by the police, who will immediately hunt you down, shoot you and end your trance experience. Make sure every second counts as you only get one chance with each plant you locate. Or rather, make a save beforehand, so you can have more than one shot at releasing your inner beast.

029 2132 1600 The Hellenic Eatery

The Hellenic Eatery is located on Crwys Road, just five minutes away by car from city centre.

Enjoy traditional Greek and Souvlaki food close to your doorstep!

58

VIDEO GAMES

GOTTA CWTCH ‘EM ALL. CASPAR JAYASEKERA REVIEWS THE GROUNDBREAKING NEW APP POKÉMON GO

$500 MILLION 19 DAYS 33 MINUTES 100 COUNTRIES ESTIMATED POKEMON GO REVENUE TO DATE

TO REACH 50 MILLION GLOBAL DOWNLOADS

AVERAGE DAILY GAMETIME BY IOS USER

ARE PLAYING POKEMON GO SOURCE:

HTTP://EXPANDEDRAMBLINGS.COM/INDEX.PHP/POKEMON-GO-STATISTICS/

59

VIDEO GAMES

WORDS BY: CASPAR JAYASEKERA ILLUSTRATION BY: ELIS DOYLE

Open world gaming well and truly broke the fourth wall in July, with the arrival of Pokémon Go. It was only a matter of time before the Pokémon machine took advantage of a generation crossover, between lovers of the game and lovers of the smartphone. My inner child went into overdrive as I put my trainers on to go and catch ‘em all, which at the time of writing is a giddiness that still hasn’t worn off.

I happened to be in Cardiff on the day of release, and the abundance of Pokéstops kept me busy for hours. Several Drowzees and a Fearow on Queen Street later, I finally looked up from the screen to see half the city walking around with their phones out. It’s still amusing to me that you can never be sure who’s just sending a text or who’s catching Pokémon. It’s like Invasion of the Bodysnatchers, only the giveaway is in the little fist-bump when the Pokéball clicks.

Soon I was able to challenge a gym, which unfortunately left a bitter taste in my mouth. The trouble with seizing a franchise that is held so close to the gamer’s heart is that any deviation from what people have grown up with is going to be tough to swallow.

The frantic tapping and difficult dodging mechanic have taken away a level of skill that the turn-based combat of previous games in the franchise provided. I’m not suggesting that back in the day it took a tactical mastermind to use ‘earthquake’ six times in a battle to pick up an easy win, but Pokémon Go doesn’t allow for a strategic use of moves, potions and switches.

I found myself frustrated, which must have distracted me when I got spanked by a Hypno

in St Mary Street Starbucks gym. Yeah, that’s it.

It quickly became clear that Pokémon Go wasn’t meant to dictate people’s movement, but more of an off-the-cusp ‘let’s see what I can find while I’m here’ side quest in your daily life. Still, the latter is exactly what is making the game experience so popular. It wasn’t until I got back to my hometown did I realise the game’s full potential. In my place of work, the garden area has three Pokéstops alone. Every

“ We should commend Niantic for giving us something that truly does bring people together.” night there’s at least 30 people sitting, waiting, catching, chatting on the public lawn, all putting down lures until two in the morning.

My colleagues seem baffled by this, proposing that it makes no difference if you’re inside or out if you’re nevertheless just staring at your screen. When I said that my time playing the game with friends was a good chance to have a catch up, the response I got was between scepticism and disdain.

I could’ve tried to explain what I meant, but it’s not a concept easily grasped by

those who haven’t grown up the way I have. I could honestly say that I hold group sessions on Red Dead Redemption in the same regard as having a kick-about with my friends, if they were to be measured by how much time I spent cackling with laughter. In my opinion, it’s endearing to see a group of friends sitting together and getting excited over a mutual nostalgia trip, which is something that the stigma around gaming doesn’t seem to understand. Considering the other things youths on the street could be addicted to, I’m not seeing a case for half the flak it gets.

Pokémon Go has upon its release, become a social gaming masterpiece in its own right. Not since the Nintendo Wii has the industry shattered so many demographic barriers, and all this walking has been equally good exercise. The rumoured introduction of trainer battling and trading is going to take it even further still, which will hopefully bring us a step closer to the game we always wanted.

In the meantime, we should commend Niantic for giving us something that truly does bring people together. It might just be a gimmick, people can accept that, but until it wears off, let’s continue to actually spend time with our friends and some fresh air, chasing Pidgeys to our heart’s content. After all, it’s the only thing that 10 year old me ever wanted to do.

“I found myself frustrated, which must have distracted me when I got spanked by a Hypno in St Mary Street Starbucks’ gym.”

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VIDEO GAMES

REVIEW: NO MAN’S SKY. IS HELLO GAMES’ HOTLY ANTICIPATED INDIE TITLE A SHOOTING STAR? WORDS & DESIGN BY: ELIS DOYLE

You wake with a sharp chill, as the view of your wrecked spacecraft fades into view. Immediately you are struck with an intense feeling of isolation and desperation, as you are greeted by the sprawl of a deserted frozen tundra. Launch gear, broken. Pulse drive, out of commission. Your only shot of surviving is to repair your gear and blast off into the wild west of the galaxy beyond. These are the first and defining moments of No Man’s Sky, a game unparalleled in its ambition but lacklustre in creating any lasting impression.

This is not to say that No Man’s Sky is a terrible venture into open world exploration by developers Hello Games, however the pitfalls it fails to avoid are self-evident. Take for example the game’s largest selling point: the unique world the player can explore is stated to be populated by 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 planets.

That’s insane, right? It involves a plentiful degree of algorithms and maths know-how, something us explorers could never hope to wrap our heads around.

All that aside though, after passing through about five star systems, a dreadfully dull pattern began to emerge.

I would enter a star system, use my scanner and locate an abandoned building, only to discover the technology inside was already obtained. Next, I’d scour the planet’s surface to try and locate some resources then sell my loot to a nearby space station. Consequently, due to the clunky inventory system which allows upgrades and resources to inhabit the same space, a hoarder like me struggled to maintain any kind of balance between the two.

Once I’d spent an average of twenty minutes rummaging through the star system for any useful junk, I’d fill up the ol’ hyperspace drive and mosey on over to my next dumpster dive… I mean star system. Rinse and Repeat. Sometimes there’s the odd encounter with the ‘Atlas’, the only thread of meaningful plot that I’ve managed to discover within the game. This polygonal entity appears to be some kind of deity, in which the many races situated around the galaxy pledge their undivided loyalty. Subsequently, one of the many paths you can choose to follow involve searching for this being, or making a dash to the galactic core.

I wouldn’t fault you if you couldn’t help but derive huge similarities between this title, Spore by EA Maxis and Minecraft by Mojang, they do share a number of similarities. Game crashes however, are not one of these similarities. I can’t fathom the amount of times I tried to do a hyperspace jump or had entered a black hole to be rewarded with my game crashing abruptly. When I picked up No Man’s Sky, I was already strapped for time with four hours or less on my plate, so having to constantly reboot my console made matters worse. Even more infuriating is that saving manually is but a mere pipe dream, so I couldn’t save knowing a crash was imminent. Even so, the game does work solidly on a technical level. I’ve never experienced any serious FPS lag and the almost cel-shaded aesthetic of the graphics do appeal to the eye.

It is also necessary to dispel the myth that No Man’s Sky has any level of multiplayer which, for me, couldn’t be better. There was no way I was going to cope with being raided by other players whilst I swam through the infinity of space, especially considering you can be set upon by space pirates at any point.

The music also does a tidy job of accentuating the sci-fi atmosphere, akin to the excellent soundtrack for Valve’s swansong, Portal 2. In short, the game is a technical wonder; there is a solid foundation for the game to build its huge aspirations upon. But this breadth of a world is just a soulless husk. Other than the very beginning I can’t recall a moment since that has truly astounded me. Once you’ve visited one of these eighteen quintillion planets, you’ve seen them all.

“When I picked up No Man’s Sky, I was already strapped for time with four hours or less on my plate, so having to constantly reboot my console made matters worse. ”

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VIDEO GAMES

PROS

GORGEOUS CEL-SHADED GRAPHICS

By now I think I’ve ridden on the coattails of every negative aspect of this game, but there are some redeeming qualities to No Man’s Sky. For example, the differing speed levels of spacecraft travel seem outwardly tedious, but in reality they’re actually a useful addition that make space-faring conveniently situational. Jet-packing around a planet’s surface is also a nice novelty that eliminates the difficulty of scaling precarious mountain ranges on foot. Varying animal and plant species are also a plus, I can honestly say I’ve not seen the same variation twice (except for those god-awful iron stalactites that are as common as late 90’s videogame revivals).

It needs to be boldly stated, that I may have set off on this journey in search of the final frontier, but instead all I found was a shallow pool of boredom. After roughly 16 hours of repeatedly hammering on a transparent exterior, I have simply lost the desire to keep scratching the surface.

Perhaps with additional content this title could bloom into what it was meant to be, but this current industry trend of relying on a cavalcade of DLC to establish the core experience speaks for itself.

“Once you’ve visited one of these eighteen quintillion planets, you’ve seen them all.”

CONS

‘UNIQUE’ ENTITIES ARE PURELY ASTHETIC

REPETITIVE, STALE GAMEPLAY

SCORE 4/10

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48

VIDEOGAMES