Halcyon Days Magazine (Issue 1)

ISSUE. 01 FREE

A UNIQUE VIEW OF MANCHESTER FILMS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS SUMMER INTERVIEW WITH THE WINNERS OF “BATTLE OF THE BANDS”

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES WITH ELIZA DOOLITTLE

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PLUS THE LATEST FASHION, NEWS, GOSSIP, REVIEWS, EVENTS, TINIE TEMPAH,GORILLAZ & MUCH MORE

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CONTENTS

THE TEAM Head of Strategy: Danny Cleaton Writers:

Aoife Occonor

Ashley Bloor

Carly Bamforth

Contents

David Doyle

Eve Douglas

Glen Cairns

Katie Moore

Lauren Ocallaghan

YOU IN THE NEWS P4: Generation facebook makes itself heard P5: Opportunity comes knocking P6: Education still worth its weight in gold P7: LOL! OMG is in the OED..! <3 P8: Education Policy hits the student hard

MUSIC P28: Hot Vestry Interview P30: Gorillaz Review P32: Tinie Tempah Review

FEATURE P10: Pack up your troubles

FILMS P38: Summer Films to watch out for

HOT TOPIC P14: Government recognises young people as key to winning mental health battle

REVIEWS: P40: Film Review: Sucker Punch P41: Film Review: Upside Down P42: Game Review: Virtua Tennis 4 P43: Gadget Review: Sony Xperia Play P44: Theatre Review: Love Never

Dies at the Adelphi Theatre P45: Book Review: “No and Me” by Delphine de Vigan

CULTURE P16: Susie Tsang gives a unique view of Manchester FASHION P18: Style Icon P20: Spring/ Summer Trends P22: Flower Power GOSSIP P23: Gossip Bites

Sambit Sampathy

Sophie Morgan

FEATURE 2 P24: A Design for life TRAVEL P26: Make the most of your halcyon days in Rishikesh

IN THE OFFING P34: Brainwash film night P35: Insight Film Festival P36: Things to watch out for

CONTACT US e: halcyondaysmagazine@gmail.com t: 07940419190 Halcyon Days Magazine is published once a month. It is not our intention to to print any matter that discriminates on the grounds of race, sex, sexuality or disability.

HALCYON DAYS MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE

James Pearson Vance – Mikin Laurie Ashleigh Mutton Amanda Jones Joanne Eckersley Tristan Harper Bec Cowell Jade Odonoghue

You can now recieve Halcyon Days Magazine online at our facebook and twitter pages to get all the latest news, events, fashion and gossip from around Greater Manchester.

FACEBOOK: /halcyondaysmagazine TWITTER: @HalcyonDaysMag Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 3

YOU IN THE NEWS

Generation facebook makes itself heard!!!!

Tuition Fees may have been passed and EMA scrapped in Parliament, but the movement of protest against the government’s cuts to education continues. Around 3,500 protestors, young and old, attended a largely peaceful rally in Manchester in March, marching up and down Oxford Road. At the same time similar protests were also organised in the centre of London.

Though at times it seemed that there were more helmeted police and panting cameramen than students, the protestors were distinctive for being a real mixture: trade union members carrying copies of ‘The Socialist Worker’ rubbed shoulders with students holding banners calling for ‘Real Jobs’. All had the same message; they were being betrayed by a government that doesn’t care for them.

The march began at 10.30am outside the Manchester Museum, before redclad stewards led activists down to Platt Fields Park. The protest mirrored that of late December, with a sea of placards and banners escorted slowly along by police. Activists then were entertained by rallying speeches by TUC and student delegates.

Later in the afternoon a group of around two hundred protestors broke away from the agreed route running through the city centre along Quay Street and Deansgate, with smaller numbers heading towards the Arndale Centre. Although 20 men were arrested only one has so far been charged, with a further 13 receiving fines for breaching the peace. All were aged between 17 and 33.

The rallies were part of ‘A Future that Works Campaign’ organised jointly

by The National Union of Students (NUS), the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). However, the day’s events illustrated that the anti-cuts movement consists of a far wider composition.

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Whilst the TUC and NUS cleared the protest route with the Greater Manchester Police last month, and many students travelled from universities such as Sheffield and the University of Central Lancashire, a greater number of protestors were organised by informal social networks online.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising to see so many people from different backgrounds together, after all the cuts are going to hurt everyone.

The same composition was present at the Stop the War March in Manchester over the war in Iraq in 2003. What’s different now is that this collective action is not a one off, but is increasingly frequent. Thanks to the instant access that the internet gives, especially to young people, campaigners of all kinds can attend protests and marches at a moment’s notice.

The march was promoted online by the Education Activist Network, a group of student and trade unionists united by their defence of education and a use of the popular blog engine, WordPress. Groups like this have effectively mobilised support on social media sites, allowing anyone to take part in the debate over cuts.

It’s the latest step in a trend where young, politically active people are ignoring the traditional paths of joining unions and political parties, preferring instead to attach themselves to individual causes. The same is true of union membership, which has collapsed in the last thirty years.

Protests like those in March and indeed those currently being seen in other countires such as Egypt, show us that social media is doing more than just providing a faster way of communicating, changing the way we communicate with each other where instant news, mobile phones and email have not. Facebook, Youtube and Twitter have made movements and causes accessible to those who aren’t members of established organisations, and who have never previously taken part in a campaign. It’s feeding a new kind of social activity which goes far beyond our network groups of friends and family. Sites like Twitter and Facebook allow us to connect, sympathise with and send our support to anyone in the world, not just our existing email contacts. Nearly every young person has been a member of some form of online campaign over the last year, whether it was over tuition fees, bashing the bankers or on freeing Aung San Suu Kyi. Whilst social media has been successful in organising student protests in the UK, it has been even more effective in Africa. There more than half the population of countries such as Egypt and Tunisia are aged 25 or under. Empowered, the Facebook Generation are making themselves heard. As these social media-driven campaigns are driven by ordinary young people, and not politicians or celebrities, they often appear leaderless and chaotic. In fact, these people are unified by their opposition to specific policies or grievances. Adef Husseini, a young Egyptian call-centre worker who has joined the Cairo protests epitomises this change: “I had never joined any protests before, I didn’t believe in the people leading them... Now though the people are the leaders”.

James Pearson

YOU IN THE NEWS

OPPORTUNITY COMES KNOCKING “Media City will bring opportunity, there’s no doubt about that.”

The room is filled with a feeling of tense excitement and anticipation. Crowds of people are huddled together laughing, shouting, or writing - desperately trying to get finished or celebrating the end of another day. You hear the pop of a champagne bottle as someone overindulges yet again and everyone seems to know everyone else in some way or another. You might be in any number of pubs on the famous Fleet Street, London, hub of the British journalism industry. But you’re not, you’re in Media City, Manchester, and that’s when you realise – British media is changing.

But Media City is keen to stress that it is a media community and therefore incorporates much more than just traditional journalism, as journalist and senior lecturer, Michael Williams, highlights. “These days media is not just about newspapers and television, it’s about gaming, it’s about internet media, it’s about all sorts of other things that are coming up in the digital world. And those old fashioned views that somehow media is just about newspapers or TV are fast disappearing”. Michael adds: “I think one thing media city may be able to do is to tell a different story from the newspapers - stories told through gaming and through social networking”.

Next to London, Manchester is one of the liveliest places to live, with its many festivals and music venues, theatres and shopping centres, varied nightlife and historic museums. And soon Manchester will be able to compete with the capital in one other way as well, through the “truly creative community” of Media City UK. Building for the media -focused city started in 2010, and with its expansion continuing throughout 2011 a lot of new and exciting opportunities are about to hit Manchester.

This is something which Media City is keen to encourage.

Salford University will be offering a new and exciting range of courses including wildlife documentary production, film screenwriting, computer and video games and even animation. And for those not attending university there are opportunities like the Screen Shot Stories Competition, which will see the winner have their worked published in Life in Salford, and the Support the Reporter programme which gives talented young individuals the chance to develop their skills and break into the industry. And it doesn’t stop there.

Media City has already started to advertise opportunities for young people to get in front of the screen as well as part of productions by the BBC, ITV and Disney.

“Media City will bring opportunity, there’s no doubt about that”, says Paul Broster, programme leader for BA journalism at Salford University. “I’m from Manchester and I worked for local papers, but I wanted to work for national newspapers, so really my only option then was to go down to London to find work, and I did.” Yet Media City is about to change all that by opening up a wide variety of opportunities within media for young people, and being located in the ‘heart of the north’ it’s hoped that these opportunities may be about to break a new generation of previously untapped creative individuals.

Alistair McGeorge, 20, is a journalism student at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and he says: “I think it’s going to be a brilliant opportunity for graduates. The job market is over-saturated as it is, and we’re usually just told that our best chance is to move to London. Media City will bring more opportunities to Manchester, giving people up North a better shot at employment.” Olivia Pinnock, 21, can’t wait to move to London but understands how others feel: “I have a lot of friends who really don’t like London and it’s great that there will be more opportunities for these people to do something they love in a place that they love.”

A lot is expected of Media City by the people of Manchester and so far it has not disappointed. With its wide-ranging developments and inspiring plans for the future, Media City UK is set to put Salford on the media map and as it starts to nurture a new generation of multi-media professionals, some celebrate the recognition it brings to the north while others wait to see whether it will be the catalyst for further change.

As Paul Broster says: “I think it’s a once in a lifetime thing really.

Its ground-breaking in that for the first time there is a shift of the media base outside of London, and it’s going to be a very exciting time for Manchester and Salford.”

Lauren Ocallaghen

Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 5

YOU IN THE NEWS

EDUCATION STILL WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD?

By Aoife Oconnor

You can’t put a price tag on education. Or can you? The Office for National Statistics has announced that people in the UK with degrees earn on average £12,000 a year more than those without higher education qualifications. But reading the fine print of the above statement might be worthwhile considering one can get a degree in anything from Scandinavian Studies to Puppetry.

Going to university is a personal choice; it may not be for everyone. But for those vying to experience a vibrant campus lifestyle, the ever-so-slightly terrifying library security guards and draining evening lectures there are more and more factors to consider before signing the dotted line. The skills students graduate with need to be considered now more than ever.

While being an incentive for more people to consider higher education, the recent debacle with fees has resulted in the cost of attaining a degree spiralling upwards. Despite being clearly advantageous to getting onto possibly a very rewarding career ladder, it is hard to guarantee returns on initial investment.

Career and salary prospects vary widely and degrees can leave students debt ridden and seeking employment in an already-brimming With universities now being able to charge graduate pool. And with more and more up to £9,000 for a year’s tuition, the value universities opting to charge the maximum of a degree must be measured in terms of of £9,000 yearly in a bid to maximise revenue, employability. Degree topic has a significant the road to further education is littered with effect on potential earnings according to the huge financial hurdles.

ONS survey. In 2010, 34% of female graduates were in health related studies or education The good news is that thanks to an initiative compared to just 9% of males. On the other from the Higher Education Funding Council hand 47% of male graduates were in business for England, from autumn 2012 all universities and finance, science or engineering versus will have to provide key facts on a course-by20% of females. course basis which include but are not limited to job destinations and salaries of recent The mid-point salary of graduates aged graduates. It signals a positive move in the between 22 and 64 was £29,900, compared right direction for potential students of UK to £17,800 for non-degree holders. The universities allowing them to make informed survey also found that earnings of graduates decisions on where and what to study. increased faster for each year of age in contrast to earnings without a degree. Put The question remains as to what exactly into perspective, men and women without employers look for when recruiting graduates. a degree do increase with every year of age, Is it better to have a strong academic record peaking at £19.400 at the age of 34. For men or practical and transferable skills adaptable and women with a degree, the amount peaks to a working environment? at £34,500 at the age of 51.

Deloitte, the international accounting and “This analysis shows there is a big difference consultancy firm which recruits over a 1,000 between average earnings for graduates and graduates each year published a report in non-graduates,” ONS statistician Jamie Jenkins 2009 on the challenges facing UK universities said. which stressed the importance of teaching students invaluable skills such as teamwork, “We also see a big difference between them communication, networking and problem by age, with graduates’ earnings not peaking solving. until they are in their early 50s. After this age, average wages decreased, as the higher The long and short of it is graduate employers earners leave the labour market earlier.” are looking for a combination of both.

Experience in the industry relevant to the degree area is vital if graduates want to secure that dream job, with work placements being the best route to getting those all important skills on a CV. Page 6 l facebook.com/halcyondaysmagazine l Issue 1

YOU IN THE NEWS

LOL! OMG is in the OED...! <3

By David Doyle

“Whether or not you think of LOL, OMG and <3 as proper English, there’s no denying that their use is now widespread online and off.”

Have you ever said ‘lol’ IRL and been told to STHU? If yes, then you get the last laugh as the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) have included LOL (laughing out loud) and OMG (oh my god) amongst almost 2,000 new entries in the latest update to the respected language guide.

The hefty hardback (actually 20 books, weighing over 50 kilograms in total) was last printed in full in 1987, but is complemented by an upto-date, lightweight, online version. This is expanded several times a year with new words and acronyms which have recently become popular in spoken or written English.

Also included in the newest online OED—and thus recognised as ‘official English’—are BFF (best friends forever) and TMI (too much information). Even <3 gets a mention; the very first symbol to find its way in to the authoritative dictionary.

But fans of more traditional language are upset about the endorsement of ‘teen speak’ by publisher Oxford, who some consider the guardians of the English language.

News websites listing the new entries attracted angry comments. One reader said of the OED: “Yet another great institution bites the dust in a useless attempt to be cool,” while another simply described the update as “sad.”

But research by OED editors revealed some surprising facts about these ‘novel’ additions to our language.

They found OMG scribbled in a letter written in 1917; almost 94 years ago. LOL was certainly born in the digital age, but has been used online since the early 1980s, before the the internet as we know it existed.

The Plain English Campaign is an independent group which encourages clear, concise language in public documents. Spokesperson Marie Clair complained to the Daily Mail newspaper that people are now “ignoring grammar,” and that “language is deteriorating” as a result.

Graeme Diamond, an OED editor, doesn’t see it that way: “The word [lol] is common, widespread, and people understand it,” he told the BBC. He explained that LOL had a usefulness not fulfilled by any other word, expressing either sincere or sarcastic amusement in written text.

It can also be used “to signal an informal, gossipy mode of expression,” he said on the OED’s own website, and “to mark oneself as an insider” who understands the language of the high tech.

Research by on the use of slang by young people has also revealed that more skilful speakers are the biggest slang users. They

do something language scientists call code-switching, consciously changing the set of words and phrases they use depending on where they are speaking and the people they are speaking to.

Steve, 28, is a geography graduate. He admits to having used LOL when texting, but is baffled by Oxford’s decision: “It’s not even a word,” he said.

“Where’s this going to end?

And who made them the authority on English anyway?

“People will have forgotten all about LOL ten years from now.”

Lina, 26, is a translation and interpretation student from Egypt. She speaks and teaches English as a second language, having studied it in both the United States and England.

“Speaking like this is the norm for people now,” she said, “so documenting it seems like the right thing to do; it’s about embracing new words and phrases.

“They must be pretty cool and up-to-date at the OED!” On the street, as on the Web, opinion is divided.

The English language is a precious thing to many people: It’s the language of Shakespeare and of Chaucer, two of the most celebrated

authors in history. And yet modern English has evolved far beyond anything these great writers would recognise. This, say the dictionary-writers, is just how language works.

Whether or not you think of LOL, OMG and <3 as proper English, there’s no denying that their use is now widespread online and off. As such, the OED’s editors feel, they deserve a mention in what is often thought of as the most important record of evolving English usage.

David Doyle

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YOU IN THE NEWS

EDUCATION POLICY HITS STUDENTS HARD

By Vance - Mikin Laurie

This time of year can feel like the calm before the storm for many of you as you stand on the breach of an exam period. For many of you these exams will be a stepping stone towards further study but as Vance Mikin-Laurie explains they may not be the only obstacle you face.

Young people looking to go onto further education were dealt yet another financial blow this month after Labour’s attempt to reverse government plans to scrap the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was defeated in the House of Commons.

The EMA is government scheme designed to assist students with costs relating to travel and school equipment by providing a sum of £10 - £30 per week depending on household income and is currently claimed by 45% of 16 to 18 year old students in full-time education.

It is feared that the loss of the EMA will hit students from low-income families the hardest and as Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham explains his party believe these students are the ones who need the most support:”It feels like we have a government which is stacking the odds against [young people]. A government that talked about social mobility in its early days and is now launching an allout attack on the aspirations of those facing the biggest obstacles in life.”

Mr Burnham went on to say that: “the government that is kicking away the ladder of opportunity,” for young people everywhere, but it must be asked whether, in these austere times, such a scheme be considered sustainable?

The current government, for one, believe it can’t and they responded to Mr Burnham’s claims by criticising the cost of the scheme, which costs the taxpayer over £560 million a year, and also its effectiveness in reaching the students who need it most. Current Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “You have only one policy – to spend money we don’t have.”

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With devolved powers in Scotland they have their government have right to decide their own educational policy independent of decisions made in the Commons and it seems that they are planning to resist the plans outlined for England.

Michael Russell, Education Secretary in Scotland said: “by continuing to invest in EMAs we are ensuring that young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to improve their chances by staying on in learning.”

This will be a bitter blow for the Coalition government but not an unexpected one. The Conservatives have no Members of Parliament from Scotland and the Liberal Democrats failed to capitalise in the last year’s elections maintaining the contingent in Scotland at 11 MPs meaning that many of the Coalition’s policies will struggle for support in Scotland.

With Labour boasting 41 MPs in Scotland Mr Russell’s comments have popular support and he went on to outline the financial strains of the recession being felt by young people in the UK: “More young people have stayed in learning as a result of the recession and it is the EMA that has enabled them to do so.”

Critics of the EMA scheme point to fact that young people are given too much freedom with the money they receive and believe that funds aren’t being used for educational purposes. They also argue that many current students would’ve continued in education without the additional financial support.

YOU IN THE NEWS

Prior to the recent withdrawal of the scheme a report conducted by the Institute of Fiscal Studies in London (IFS) set out to examine claims by the government that the money spent on the EMA is being misdirected or wasted on students whose educational future would have been the same without the benefits.

Even though the study concluded that the cost is “completely offset” by the benefits of students staying in the eduction system the results found that EMA has only increased the amount of young people staying in school by 4% among 16 year-olds and by 7% among 17 year-olds.

A government spokesperson responded to this research, stating: “[the report] doesn’t dispute the fact that around 90% of pupils receiving EMA would go to college or sixth form even if it didn’t exist and entirely justifies our decision to better target resources on those who really need them.”

Students are already facing a tough future in higher education with the government planning to increase the maximum fee for university courses to as much as £9,000.

National Union of Students president Aaron Porter has commented: “[the government] said that £9,000 would only be charged in exceptional circumstances, but I suspect that 50%, 60%, 70% are going to charge £9,000” With University funding being reduced Mr Porter fears that they will be forced to raise their fees to the highest limit to ensure that costs are covered. He also added that the cost of a course could soon become a mark of quality: “From the conversations I’ve had behind the scenes, universities believe that the price they set will be a sign of quality - and they will charge whatever they can get away with.”

Adding to this litany of woe for the students and the government alike Education Secretary Michael Gove’s policies have seen his lawyers in front of the high court this month in relation to his scrapping of another government funded education program.

His decision to cut the Building Schools for the Future program has resulted in legal action from six councils, who claim that Mr. Gove’s handling of the decision has been unfair and unlawful. As a result of his decision up to 700 proposed school rebuilds will no longer go ahead.

In the months since Mr. Gove took over as Secretary of Education the level of concern amongst students has moved from open debate to violent protests across the country. Clashes with police have resulted in more than 200 arrests, including 5 arrests during a 1000 strong protest through the centre of Manchester in November.

The timing of this latest educational reform comes at a very difficult time for young people in the UK. Many rely on EMA to stay on in education but also for those seeking employment after they finish school they find they are entering a jobs market which is marked by a distinct paucity of jobs.

With the coalition government steering the economy through what Mr. Gove described as the “the largest budget deficit in peacetime history” the struggle for students aiming for higher education looks set to get worse before it gets better and with no contingency currently in place it is hard to see what the future holds for young people in the UK. Does this issue affect you? If so contact us at editorial. halcyondaysmagazine@gmail.com Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 9

FEATURE

“Pack up your troubles..”

Camden-born Eliza Doolittle released her debut single Skinny Genes in March 2010.

Since then the release of singles, Pack Up, Rollerblades and Medicine Man has launched Eliza into the mainstream and secured her place as a unique gem within the British music scene. She has supported Paloma Faith on tour and her amazing self titled debut album reached number three in the UK charts. Her single Pack Up also achieved chart success and has sold over 300,000 copies.

Pack Up cleverly samples the George Henry Powell war-time marching song, Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag to create a catchy and innovative sound which is a perfect representative of Eliza’s sound as a whole.

Her sound is a mix of uplifting sixties motown style tunes and backing singing in a Supremesesque fashion combined with her quaint and sweet British voice. She writes genuine lyrics that give her songs an extra kick. This mix creates perfect life-affirming summer sounds, bound to make you adopt a little strut and a head bob when you don on your headphones.

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Raised in a musical family with her mother a singer and her father a pianist, the effects of such an upbringing are reflected in the myriad of genres she makes use of in her album. Such an eclectic mix of sounds is also reminiscent of walking round Eliza’s hometown Camden itself and being subject to an incredible diversity of sound that works together beautifully.

While Eliza does have elements of that cheeky pop sound that does seem to appear every English summer, she has a more timeless quality which suggests she will out-last her contemporaries for years. The fact that Eliza writes all her own music is also nicely reassuring when comparing her to other current artists.

She writes funny and honest lyrics that give her a slight vulnerability in her sound which is beautiful to hear. Lyrics such as; “scared of what I don’t know/I just want to go home,” from the album track Go Home are an example of Eliza’s unique honesty and separate her from the unappealing cocky and self-assuredness of other current artists.

Eliza has what many artists lack, genuine personality, and it is through lyrics such as this

FEATURE

“I was listening to Destiny’s Child, and I thought I had to write about a boy. It actually put me off writing about boys forever”. in which it shines through. It is her Britishness and beautiful honesty with an edge that make her adopted pseudonym (her real name- Eliza Sophie Caird) make perfect sense; Eliza certainly does posses the edgy yet adorable attitude of a modern day Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady.

(Obviously after the point where she learns how to sing!)

Her self-titled debut album was released in July 2010 and went Gold (100,000 sales) within 4 weeks of release, so if you haven’t heard it yet, get listening! A perfect summer soundtrack which could easily lend itself to providing a harmonious background to a barbeque or be the perfect songs to appreciate the lyrics to whilst lazing in a hammock alone.

Besides the naturally catchy released singles, there are many hidden gems on the album.

It’s safe to say if any track on the album were released as a single; it would be met with an immense praise. The album does indeed contain no unnecessary filler tracks, yet it is necessary to point out two stand out tunes.

Nobody is an example of the aforementioned

genuineness in lyrics. The unlikely combination of punk-like lyrics of anti-conformity and individuality with all the pleasantry of a Jack Johnson melody is a surprisingly genius and winning combination. Police Car is the love song which every good album needs. It has a raw sound which simulates the experience of listening to a vinyl record. This combined with lyrics about surrender to a lover, give a distinct Billie Holiday impression. Although a very British and modern version. These unique combinations are what marks out Eliza Doolittle as experimental and unique in her work and are what makes her debut so impressive.

Interestingly, Eliza has been quoted as saying she would love to work with controversial American rap collective, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (or Odd Future as they’re more commonly known). Eliza seems a rather unlikely fan of their work, yet the unexpected genre does reflect how eclectic her music style really is.

She has been touring the UK in the last few months, including a stop off at Manchester Academy 2. Support for her March and April dates came from the up and coming folksy style Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 11

FEATURE

singer Aaron Wright. The tour has been met with well deserved praise for Eliza’s live sound and performance.

Throughout the summer Eliza is touring round the USA and the UK, and hitting the festival circuit making appearances at Chester Rocks, T in the Park, Camp Bestival, Relentless Boardmasters and V Festival, so there is plenty of chances to catch this busy songstress perform.

While Eliza has released just the one album to date, there is plenty more of her to discover.

She has featured on Radio Ones Live Lounge performing her own single ‘Rollerblades’ and a cover of Labrinth’s ‘Let The Sun Shine.’ Listening to these tracks show off of Eliza’s live sound and ‘Let The Sun Shine’ demonstrates just what she can do with her impressive vocal range.

Another great source for all things Eliza is her Youtube page. The music videos for all her singles can be found here and they are certainly crazy enough to compliment Eliza’s never know what to expect next sound. Also on her Youtube page, be sure to watch Eliza’s cover of Cee-Lo Greens ‘Forget You’ with barber shop style backing. She puts her own uniqueness into this track and it definitely needs to be made downloadable!

Not only is Eliza a pleasure to hear, she is a sight to see as well. She has recently teamed up with Moschino to model pieces from the Moschino Cheap and Chic Spring Summer 2011 collection.

Eliza chooses and interprets her favourite pieces and is a perfect complement to Moschino’s bright yet classy collection, which reflects the care-free and fresh style of her own music. See Eliza’s favourites and watch her modelling them exclusively at: www.moschinoboutique.com.

Eliza has previously modelled for Nike and has recently been snapped up by Select Models as their newest face. With this foot in the door of the fashion industry and her own original eclectic style of grungey shapes and child-like brights, I’m betting it won’t be long before she has a clothing line of her very own.

Tour dates, videos, merchandise, news and two very addictive Eliza themed games can be found at: www.elizadootlittle.com. On another note, the blog on this site is also pretty good! Oh, and Eliza, get yourself back to Manchester for a gig!

Ashleigh Mutton

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FEATURE

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HOT TOPIC

Government recognises young people as key to winning mental health battle

By Dave Doyle

Emotionally troubled children and young people across the UK can expect better care and support in future, the Government pledged in February.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have outlined the Government’s new strategy for helping people across the UK who are dealing with mental health issues.

Central to these plans was recognition by Ministers that helping young people to avoid or overcome psychological problems is the way to win the fight for mental well-being, before it becomes a lifelong struggle.

They also recognise that emotional illness should be treated with the same respect people receive when they are treated for physical diseases, and that personalised care should be easy to access by anyone who needs it, whatever their age.

Nick Clegg told journalists: “Mental health needs to be addressed with the same urgency as physical health”.

“We need to end the stigma attached to mental illness, to set an example by talking about the issue openly and ensure everyone can access the support and information they need.”

The conditions the Government are looking to tackle can affect anyone and everyone, no matter what their age or how healthy they may appear to be. However these mental health conditions are more common amongst younger people.

They include depression, self-harm, eating disorders and other effects of bullying or anxiety; things Halcyon Days readers might have experienced or seen already. In fact, new statistics released by the Department of Health suggest that almost a quarter of all people suffer these unpleasant conditions at Page 14 l facebook.com/halcyondaysmagazine l Issue 1

some point during their lives.

This makes emotional health issues the single biggest cause of illness in the entire UK. Importantly, statistics also reveal that around half of all sufferers first experience these emotional issues before they reach the age of 14.

These serious disorders often go undiagnosed in young people; sadness, unusual appetites and selfdestructive behaviour are dismissed by sufferers, parents and teachers as ‘teen angst’ or ‘part of growing up’.

Often, though, emotional counselling or even medical attention would be both appropriate and helpful. Mental health charities such as YoungMinds have been trying to get this message across for years.

YoungMinds Chief Executive Sarah Brennan said of the new plans: “We commend the Government for putting children and young people at the heart of its mental health strategy for the first time.” diagnosed by his doctor as suffering nervous exhaustion and referred to a counsellor for six months of therapy.

He is especially pleased to hear Government plans to take the stigma out of suffering poor mental health.

She said she was pleased to see Ministers “emphasising the vital importance of giving all young people a good start in life and the effect of this on long term mental health.”

John* experienced a mental breakdown as a 20-year-old student, just before he was due to take his final university exams. He was diagnosed by his doctor as suffering nervous exhaustion and referred to a counsellor for six months of therapy.

HOT TOPIC

“Mental health needs to be addressed with the same urgency as physical health.

He is especially pleased to hear Government plans to take the stigma out of suffering poor mental health.

He said: “For one thing, I didn’t think my state of mind at the time was that unusual. I was stressed, sure, but I figured that was just part of being a student. But my behaviour had become unhealthy: I wasn’t eating or sleeping properly. It was all taking a real toll.”

“I didn’t want anyone thinking I couldn’t handle the stress. I didn’t want to seem weaker than my peers. So it’s great to hear about plans to raise the profile of emotional health. I hope it will encourage troubled young people to seek help sooner.”

Extending access to psychological therapies for all is to be funded with a Government cash injection of £400 million.

The Government wants this money to be spent ensuring people with emotional health issues can access psychotherapy, behavioural therapy and counselling for depression; all services with good track records for successfully treating emotional disorders.

reality, resulting in a transformation in the lives of children and young people in Britain.”

If all goes to plan, it seems that teenagers and young adults can look forwards to having psychological problems such as self-harm, anorexia, bulimia and body image issues taken more seriously and treated sooner by health services.

For all of the young people currently struggling in silence with emotional ill health, this could mean that growing up is about to become a happier, healthier experience.

If you think that you’ve been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, there are people you can contact for friendly, anonymous help: • Samaritans (08457 90 90 90) is staffed 24/7 by ordinary people who will happily listen to any problems you’d like to share.

• CyberMentors (www.cybermentors.org. uk) is an online service provided by sympathetic young people for those aged who are suffering the effects of bullying.

An additional £2.2 billion will be used to focus on the needs of young people, providing better emotional healthcare provision in schools and support for those from families affected by mental health problems in 2011 and 2012.

• If you’re at university your students’ union may provide a dedicated, confidential, studentrun listening service called NightLine. If so, you should find their contact details on the back of your student card.

However, some have warned that the success of Government plans will depend on the state of the UK economy in years to come.

We want to hear from you if any of the issues in the article affects you. Email your message to halcyondaysmagazine@gmail.com.

Sarah Brennan was cautiously optimistic, warning that getting the ball rolling will be “challenging in the tough economic climate.”

But she added that she “look[ed] forward to working with government to make the strategy a Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 15

CULTURE

Susie Tsang gives a unique view of Manchester

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CULTURE

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FASHION

STYLE ICON Miss Selfridge Coral Battenburg Shorts Price: £28.00

Dorothy Perkins Canvas Espadrille Shoes Price: £15.00

Topshop Black Stripe Leggings Price: £35.00

Topshop Blue Slogan Tee Price: £18.00

Miss Selfridge White Photo Love Crop Price: £18.00

H&M Bag Price: £19.99

Naughty Nauticals H&M Straw Hat Price: £7.99

ASOS Nautical Cord And Twisted Metal WristbandPrice: £6.00

Miss Selfridge Navy Pocket Detail Jumpsuit Price: £45.00

Topshop Red Strip Suntop Price: £24.00

Dorothy Perkins Cream knotted collar Price: £12.50

New Look Stripe Bandeau Bracelt Price: £10.00

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Dorothy Perkins Cream Fabric Knot Bracelet Price: £9.50

H&M Bag Price: £14.99

Dorothy Perkins Navy demi wedge sandals Price: £38.00

FASHION

Tangy Tangerines Topshop Terracotta Holdall Bag Price: £40.00

Miss Selfridge Kenah Orange Block 70s Heels Price: £45.00

Topshop Crochet Collar Jersey Dress Price: £29.00

Dorothy Perkins Orange Pleat Front Blouse Price: £29.50

Miss Selfridge Orange Twill Crop Jacket Price: £45.00

Topshop Tangerine Pleat Shorts Price: £30.00

Dorothy Perkins Coral Slice Ring Price: £9.50

ASOS Deco Opaque Stones Drop Earrings Price: £10.00

Animal Madness Topshop Safari Print Shirt Price: £22.00

Dorothy Perkins Pink Feather Sweater Dress Price: £26.00

Dorothy Perkins Feather On Cord Necklace Price: £10.00

Miss Selfridge Leopard Scalf Trilby Price: £15.00

Miss Selfridge Animal Print Shorts Price: £28.00

Topshop Ivory Elephant Print Tapered Trousers Price: £38.00

Dorothy Perkins Peacock Feather Headband Price: £7.50

Karen Millen Animal Print Pony Court Price: £75.00 Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 19

FASHION

Spring/Summer Trends

By Ashley Bloor

Sassy 70s It’s all about big styling this season and the 70s era definitely did it with flair.

Think skyscraper wedges, chunky heels, and plenty of attitude to boot! There are many different styles of wedges making their way onto the market, with the prominent colour being tan or light brown.

Debenhams Red Herring Price: £35

Make the ultimate statement by teaming delicious wedges or oversized heels with maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and chiffon tops. The good thing about this trend is that you can also choose the same pieces that are versatile enough to wear both in the daytime and the night time. For example, an attentionseeking coloured or bold patterned jumpsuit is perfect with flat casual sandals for summer or alternatively with party heels and bright accessories for a night-time affair!

Creative Native This trend is set to be the look for spring/summer, and this month is has emerged everywhere! Think fringe, earth mother colours, aztec/tribal prints, detailed stitching and moccasins. This look is all about layering patterns and clashing colours, which works due to the understated tones of colour. For example, putting together a bright tribal print with bold jewellery and one-shade tan bags has a nice balance as it mixes attention seeking patterns with casual pieces.

Republic’s version of native with a twist is very inventive and also bang-on 21st century style. This crafted lifetime top combines slogan tees, a big trend which emerged in the past few years (championed

by Henry Holland), with statement fringe cut-out sleeves. At just under £20 this item is essential for wardrobes this month.

Get in touch with your inner earth goddess with practical yet stylish tan moccasins like these from M&S. Native American is huge this month, with fringe on practically everything! The moccasin is great for in-between seasons, especially April showers!

This Miso suede fringe bag from Republic is the perfect match teamed with native moccasins to create a textured look that is positively wild! The fringe bag is set to be a big trend this month, due to its native style, and with a range of colours bound to hit the market the choice is endless!

Go Nude Think beiges, soft pinks/corals, tan and light browns for that understated cool effect. Neutrals are very versatile for everyday use either in the day or the night. For example, light coloured pumps, brogues or ankle boots are spot-on for the springtime weather, and can be teamed with a number of different outfits and shades.

A simple plain shift dress in a neutral colour like soft coral or tan coupled with these cut out brogues from Matalan and this stylish H!

By Henry Holland duffle bag will make you queen of the high street.

For a quick change into nightwear exchange the duffle bag and brogues for a gold clutch and accessories plus gorgeous nude heels and you’re ready to dance the night away!

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Republic Native Top Price: £19.99

Republic Suede fringe bag Price: £9.99 M&S Tan Mocassins Price: £29.50

Matalan Brogues Price: £12

Matalan Duffel bag Price: £30

FASHION

The Bold and the Beautiful Next Ballerina Pumps Price: £25

Taste the rainbow this season, with block colours in everything from two-tone dresses to vibrant shoes. The trick here is to team colours that work well together; think more vibrant red with burnt orange, rather than acid green with fuchsia pink! The focus is less on pattern and more on letting the shades do the work.

On the other end of the scale to earthy colours, primaries such as red, blue, and yellow are massive at the moment, and are leading this block colour trend. These shades would brighten up any British rainy summer day, and are perfect if you want to turn heads in a good way!

You’ll certainly be ahead of the crowd with these kaleidoscope weave ballerina pumps from Next. Team these with clothing that is neutral or a matching shade within the shoe to avoid clashing, and also allows the pump to stand-out. Remember: less is more.

Rock out!

Give your wardrobe an edge with statement pieces that are bold, brash, and completely rock and roll!

Studs are huge at the minute and can adorn any piece such as a heel for a fantastic night time look or a denim jacket to give your daywear an extra dimension.

Keep it simple however; overkill of this design can look OTT! Pick one focus item and let it stand out for itself keeping the rest of your look cool and simple.

These vintage 80s black suede stud heels are the ultimate must-have when perfecting this trend!

Be the envy of your friends at gigs this month! Red Herring at Debenhams have released these amazing cropped vivid red pants complete with bang-on trend rope tie belt. Along with being a popular cut at the minute on the high-street, these pants really come to life teamed with a rocker band tee and converse low tops.

To perfect this style, look no further than Henry Holland’s designs.

H! By Henry Holland at Debenhams is a wonderful mix of high-street rock chick that won’t break the bank. From daywear to nightwear this designer has nailed the edgy trend.

In Bloom

It’s Vintage Darling Black suede heels Price: £32

Debenhams Suede fringe bag Price: £35

Debenhams Cropped red pants Price: £20

Spring is fully underway and one of the hottest patterns this month is floral. We’re seeing it everywhere, from bags to shoes and beyond! From the smallest detailing to create a touch of cuteness to any outfit or rocking big bold flowers to grab some attention, this pattern is blooming marvellous! It screams spring/summer, and this month it has really blossomed (pardon the pun...) into something very popular.

Republic Deluxe bow back dress Price: £24.99

F&F Flower-print wedges Price: £16

This adorable deluxe bow back dress by Republic with its tiny red and green flowers is a sure-fire winner. Team it with some tan sandals and big shades for a sunny day out or a neutral cardigan for those chilly nights.

F&F has certainly delivered with these eye-catching flowerprint wedges. The subtle shades really add freshness to this piece, and there’s almost a romantic-feel to the floral on this heel, which again is another big trend to look out for in the coming weeks.

For extra ‘va-va-voom’, add a flower accessory to your hair with a clip or your clothing in a broach. It lifts simple outfits with a flash of colour, and is perfect if you want to draw attention to the little details in your outfit. An important tip however is, don’t pick a huge floral piece as it may overwhelm. Also, make sure you co-ordinate to match a bag or shoes or if you wish to clash, it can work using shades that compliment Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 21

FASHION

FLOWER POWER Florals are set to be HUGE this summer and why wouldn’t they be? It’s that time of year when the garden is blooming so it’s only right that we adorn our clothes with them as well.

D&G chose to flirt with the flowers in tailored jackets and short dresses and Alberta Ferretti went for floaty statement gowns.

This garden party trend is the perfect way to make you feel like the sun’s shining even on those dull days that we all have to deal with as spring says goodbye and summer moves in.

It’s decking the high street right now too, so we can all go wild and embrace the meadow in our outfits!

New Look Floral Smock Dress Price £26.99

How to: If you’re brave you can clash your florals, choose bold prints and mix them up as much as you dare. If you’re not keen on going that far, pick one flower patterned item and make it stand out - take colours from the petals and use them in the rest of your outfit.

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Matalan Floral Prom Dress Price £25

GOSSIP

GOSSIP XFactor UK & XFactor USA who goes where?

Will she? Wont she? L.A Reid recently let slip that he is to be joined by Cheryl Cole on the American XFactor show as a judge. After much speculation from the press and media alike, it looks as though the Geordie will get her wish and join Simon Cowell and L.A Reid as judges on the Fox Network in the States.

This will leave one empty seat for a judge, the most recent name to have been touted is that of Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, and the hosting job goes to Nicole Scherzinger who is meant to be cohosting the show with an as yet named male host.

With only one position to fill the American XFactor looks like one to watch and perhaps even eclipse its older UK version, with the UK XFactor losing its main judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole. More recently it has been reported that Cowell might be involved with judging the live stages of XFactor UK via satellite link, only time will tell what will happen to the vacant positions on the judging panel.

Rebecca Black mania continues!!!!!!

Anyone with ears will have heard the annoyingly catchy Friday song by Rebecca Black and now it has been confirmed that the singer has signed a brand new record deal. The 13-year-old singer, who has been described by many as “the worst singer in the world” came to the public’s attention after her video for Friday went viral and achieved over 100million views on YouTube. Black has reportedly said that she wants her next single to be less auto-tuned and be proof that she can actually sing. Whether you love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Friday is going to be a tough one to beat.

Rihanna and Britney Rumours Twitter has been going crazy over rumours that Rihanna and Britney Spears are to work on a remix of Rihanna’s hit single S&M together. With both singers currently riding a wave of success having albums in the top 20 and singles in the top 10, the duet is bound to be a huge hit. The rumours started when Britney tweeted Rihanna saying: “Do you think they’re ready, Ri Ri?” to which Rihanna replied with: “It’s Britney b****!”.

We can’t wait!

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FEATURE

A DESIGN FOR LIFE

By Amanda Jones

Ever wondered how fashion’s elite made it to Fashion Week in Paris, London, New York and Milan? How their sketches in the back of their maths copies actually turned into hautcouture? Or when they got their big break? Well AMANDA JONES takes a look at some of the success stories of the British fashion industry.

Christopher Bailey: The golden boy at Burberry, Christopher Bailey is responsible for turning the tartan blazing chav and car-boot sale favourite back into the iconic British label it once was. This time, however, he has managed it with a fashion forward, subtlyedgy twist which has attracted the attention of Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson and of course, Emma Watson.

Born in Yorkshire, Bailey’s father was a carpenter and his mother was a window dresser for Marks and Spencer. He graduated from the Royal College of Art with a master degree in 1994 and began working with Donna Karen as a womenswear designer. After two years with Donna Karen, Bailey moved to Milan to work with Gucci as womenswear Senior Designer. From there, he joined Burberry as Creative Director just as the brand was facing an avalanche in sales.

After a complete overhaul of the designs, Bailey created the Burberry Prorsum range, a wearable and current collection to run alongside its couture and prêt-àporter ranges.

Not only that, but this design guru set up The Burberry Foundation with CEO Angela Ahrendts, a charity committed to dedicating global resources to help young people achieve their goals and potential through their power and creativity.

Not too bad for a Yorkshire boy.

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FEATURE

Giles Deacon: Best known for his cheery, colourful and playful designs, Giles That year, Deacon was named ‘Best New Designer’ at the British Deacon grew from humble beginnings. A small family of four, Fashion Awards and the following year Elle Magazine awarded Deacon has one older sister, his father worked as an agricultural him ‘Best Young Designer’. salesman and his mother was a stay at home mum.

Today, Deacon is known not only for his fancy frocks, but for Giles wanted to pursue a career in marine biology but after his collaborations with High Street brands. finishing his A levels, he attended Harrogate Arts School to complete an art foundation course. Deciding fashion was Gold for Giles started in March 2007 with New Look and is now where his heart lay, he decided to enrol at Central Saint Martins on its fourth season. On choosing to collaborate with a high College of Art and Design in London, sharing a classroom with street clothing retailer, Deacon told Vogue magazine: “I chose future fashion icons, Luella Bartley and Alexander McQueen.

New Look as the high street store to work with, as we both have a sense of fun and believe in fashion for everyone.”

After graduating in 1992, Deacon collaborated with good friend, Fi Doran to create a capsule fashion collection, “Deacon Not only did he design the new sexy purple polka dot dress Doran”. for the Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny in 2009, the same year he teamed up with Norwegian water company Isklar to create Deacon choose to travel and gain experience before launching a limited edition tote bag with 50 per cent of the proceeds his own brand. Starting in Paris, Deacon worked with fashion going to Oxfam. designer Jean-Charles de Castlebajac, learning how to use a brand name commercially. Returning to the UK after two years Today, Deacon divides his time between his London home in with de Castlebajac, Deacon worked in various High Street Islington, an apartment in Paris and a house in Italy. fashion houses before he was introduced into Bottega Veneta, Italian luxury fashion house. He became head designer and launched a much celebrated collection in 2000. His skills and talent finally gained some recognition.

No sooner was Deacon on track to becoming the high fashion designer he wished to be, a stroke of bad luck hit the young designer. After Bottega Veneta was bought out by the Gucci Group, Deacon’s contract was terminated, in favour of German designer Tomas Maier. Although he was immediately snapped up by Tom Ford for Gucci womenswear, Deacon was forced to leave after one season after suffering from an infected saliva gland.

After a long recovery, Deacon decided to take a bank loan and use it all in creating his own brand. Styled by friend Katie Grand, Deacon’s début collection was part of London Fashion Week, February 2004. From there, Deacon has blossomed and taken over the fashion sphere.

Betty Jackson Who, you say? Well, Betty Jackson may not be splashed all over the tabloids like Jordan, but this woman has her designs discretely set all over the UK and Europe and you will be surprised at where you’ve met them.

the council had in mind, so Jackson was the perfect designer for the job. Maintaining the traditional court gown silhouette, Jackson added some sharp tailoring and subtle panelling features to bring it into the next decade.

Daughter to a shoe factory owner, Jackson was born in Bacup in Lancashire. Having her feet settled into good shoes and fashion from an early age, Jackson studied at the Birmingham College of Art under Zandra Rhodes. In her senior year, Jackson began her fashion career as an illustrator and learnt the trade working as a designer for Ossie Clark’s Quorum line.

And for those of us with fond memories of the 90s, Jackson also designed the infamous costumes for Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley’s characters Eddie and Patsy in the hit BBC show, Absolutely Fabulous.

Still doesn’t ring a bell?

What about the Autograph range at Marks and Spencer? Yes, that was Jackson. She launched it in 2000 after opening her own menswear flagship store on Brompton Road in London.

Today, Jackson also runs her own line - Betty Jackson Black, for Debenhams. Although she caters for ‘une femme d’un certain age’, Jackson’s lines have been hugely successful.

Jackson is now a member of the advisory panel on the British Fashion Council’s Models Health Enquiry after the global outcry over the ‘size zero debate’. In 2006, two models died after suffering from eating disorders and Jackson agreed to join the council to combat the problem.

In 2008, Jackson was asked by the Lord Chief Justice, Nicholas Phillips, to revamp and modernise the gowns of the civil judiciary. No surprise the ‘off the shoulder’ cuts were not what Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 25

TRAVEL

Make the most of your Halcyon Days

Located 25km north of the holy city of Haridwar in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India is the rare gem known as Rishikesh. Scenically situated where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, the town of Rishikesh is known as the gateway to the Himalayas and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year from all around the world.

Rishikesh was originally popular amongst travellers as it was an interesting place to stop of at when visiting Haridwar for its world famous Kumbh Mela festival however over recent decades the town has developed a reputation for offering a start of point for trekking and hiking in the beautiful Himalayas.

Trekking is not the only thing this town offers but is also world famous amongst white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad who flock to Rishikesh due to its medium to rough rapids rated class 3 and 4. A white water rafting adventure allows people to take on some of the hardest rapids in the world while taking a dip in the holy Ganges surrounded by the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. White water rafting trips start 20km north of Rishikesh and finish in the town and are supervised by fully trained staff ensuring your adventure is fun as well as safe. A trip allows you to take on the best rapids in the world, cliff jumping and to spot some rare wildlife.

You don’t however need to be a thrill seeker to enjoy this town as it also caters for the spiritualists amongst us who seek a more laidback time. This beautiful place is also known as “Yog Nagri” or “Yoga City” due to the vast amount of temples dedicated to yoga and meditation and has many people in the Hindu world hailing the town as “the world capital of Yoga”. There are many ashrams to stay at while visiting the city and all offer free yoga lessons for people staying however people who would like to stay in more luxurious surroundings can pay for lessons which can be organised by there hotel.

Rishikeshs world renowned reputation for its views, its ashrams, its rafting and its ability to inspire attracted the famous Beatles in 1968 which catapulted the small town to western fame. The Beatles visited the nowclosed Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram where John Lennon recorded a song titled, ‘The Happy Rishikesh Song’. The Beatles spent over four weeks in the town and composed nearly 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi’s ashram, many of which appear on the White Album.

Even though Rishikesh is a vegetarian town by law, as well as an alcohol-free town the fun is not spoiled and instead adds to the uniqueness of this beautiful place. The freshness of the air, melody of the flowing water and the distant sound of bell chimes create a memorable experience for those who visit this ancient pilgrimage town and is a must in your places to visit which will leave you inspired, invigorated and craving for more adventure.

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TRAVEL

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MUSIC

Hot Vestry

We sit down with Harry, Will and Joe who make up the members of the winners of Halcyon Days first battle of the bands competition to chat about their past, present and more importantly future.

So Hot Vestry is a unique name - what was the origin of it?

Every Friday we used to practice in a room in the back of a church called the vestry, which is where the vicar goes before the services to get ready. Every week we had to go into the vestry to collect the microphone stands and to turn on the light there was a chord we had to pull. One Friday however we went in and Harry thought that the string that turned on the heater, turned on the light. As Harry pulled on the string Will turned on the light switch so both the light and heater came on at the same time, but Harry thought he had turned on the light... A couple of days later the vicar rang up telling us that when he went into the vestry, the heater had been left on for several days leaving the vestry boiling hot..... a ‘Hot Vestry’.

What genre of music do you consider your work to be?

Experimental Alternative Indie Rock Page 28 l facebook.com/halcyondaysmagazine l Issue 1

Who are your major influences?

Joy Division, True Friends and Family, Love, Rainbow, Teamwork, Radiohead and The Beatles.

How long have you all known each other and how did you meet?

We first met when we where children as our mums were friends and only lived four houses down the road from each other. As we grew up we went to the same school and we have been friends since.

When did you form your band?

We formed Hot Vestry in 2009 and first began covering songs as we where still learning and perfecting the songs that we where writing.

As we grew as a band we learnt how to write something that sounded good, got used to how each of us worked as a band and started to learn how to work together. After that we started to write real songs….songs that we can only write as ‘Hot Vestry’, not on our own or with other people.

Where have you performed recently? Any memorable gigs? Do you have any upcoming shows?

We have also played venues in Manchester such as Club Academy, Jabez Clegg, Satan’s Hollow,

MUSIC

2011 Halcyon Days Battle of the Bands Winners 1st: Hot Vestry 2nd: Effluence 3rd: Zap Zap Music The Manchester College and Sound Control.

We are hopefully going to play several festivals around the northwest this year and are doing new gigs frequently so we can spread our music to as many people as we can.individuality with Which songs do you perform most frequently?

The two songs which we have played the most are ‘Commiserations’ and ‘Snakes In The Grass’ These two songs were off our first EP ‘Life Is For Leisure’ so they are older than the other and ‘Crowd Favorites’.

Do you ever play any covers?

We include a cover of Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ in our set at the moment. We feel like this is a good song for us to do, as we all live in small village called Rainbow where the drummer from Joy Division Stephan Morris lives.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

Love, true friendship, heartbreak and desperation. Everything a teenager might have on their mind...

What is your latest song called?

Dust What is the song about?

The song is about not thinking about the past and living for the future. It’s about somebody who once thought something of somebody, then their views changed and they found out what the real person was like inside. They fell into a hole which they thought they’d never get out of, but in the end they did, and found that it was much brighter on the other side.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Our music is free and you can download it of Soundcloud and Bandcamp. Fans can also gain access to our music, news and information on upcoming gigs by visiting us on facebook, youtube and myspace.

Hot Vestry are regularly doing gigs around Greater Manchester and are tipped by us to be heading for big things in the future.

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MUSIC

Energetic and original; the Gorillaz are pop music pioneers of the age, but what really defines such an eclectic band?

Starting out at the break of the millennium, the group revolutionised the way music is presented and packaged - by becoming animated. The cartoon foursome were dreamt up in a London flat by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett while they were watching MTV. The modern phenomenon of created bands was both mocked and overtaken when Jamie’s drawings and the band’s music fused together in their first hit ‘Clint Eastwood’. The concept of a created band made out of people who have never met, the type pop music competitions put together, was superseded by Jamie Hewlett as he created the actual band members. Murdoc Niccals mastered the bass, Russel Hobbs on drums, Japanese Noodle on the guitar and 2D took the lead on vocals. The group were later joined by fan-designed, fish-bowl headed The Evangelist.

Rising from the ashes of Blur, the group that defined the nineties, would never be easy. The only way Damon Albarn could drop Britpop was by dropping his very own face. And by starting again without any recognisable image, fans were able to identify the catchy beats rather than the band members’ looks. Gorillaz will always be defined by the unusual way they started out.

They put a picture in fan’s heads which can’t be erased.

Tony Wadswoth signed the band to EMI music and he was the first person to hear about the strange concept behind the band. Speaking in their ‘mockumetary’ Charts of Darkness he described how Damon convinced him. He said: “There are a lot of manufactured bands around at the moment, there’s a whole pop scene out there which is inhabited by all these ex stage Page 30 l facebook.com/halcyondaysmagazine l Issue 1

school people who are making boy bands and girl bands, none of which have really got too much connection with the creativity of their music. And he said why don’t we take it to the ultimate extreme and make the ultimate manufactured band”.

Keeping themselves on the sly, the ultimate manufactured band worked hard to create the intrigue that surrounded them in these first years. Charts of Darkness is as sinister as it is funny. The comedy documentary follows Channel 4 news reporter Krishnan Guru-Murthy as he tracks down the faces behind the cartoons, and eventually finds them cracking up in an asylum. It gives a great picture of what the Gorillaz are about, and why.

One quote from the silhouetted shape of Damon Albarn is poignant: “I find the delivery of misinformation to be as valid as the delivery of information”. And from this mantra, the Gorillaz spawned.

Once the characters were born and had become an established part of pop music’s landscape, it was time for them to be given their own landscape. They certainly couldn’t live in the real world. Webmaster Matt Watkins said: “The Gorillaz live, eat, breathe and hang out on the website online. Kids can come and see what they’ve got up to, see what they’re into and see what their house is all about”.

Plastic Beach, also the name of a recent album, is an enormous raggle-taggle animation world where the decrepit and disgusting side of characters 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs come to life. Other characters swim and fly around the digital island, including a seagull (voiced by Damon Albarn), depressed

MUSIC

“I find the delivery of misinformation to be as valid as the delivery of information” by his pelican companion, who describes the island as: “the drain at the end of humanity”.

Winning Webby awards for websites and praise from technophiles, the website offers an interactive introduction to the music that few other band sites can conceive. They use this medium, as well as a constant stream of inventive new ideas for music transmission, to get young people involved in the band in a new way.

But it isn’t just on home computers that the Gorillaz have been pushing boundaries, they do it on stage too. Their expensive holographic world tour was the first of its kind, including a virtual Madonna in the 2006 Grammy awards.

Their most recent album ‘The Fall’ was produced over 32 days and recorded on an I-Pad. They are not afraid to break the rules, and that’s what brings us back to their music. It is so hard to define the Gorillaz because they are huge, and they are forever changing. As Damon’s silhouette said: “There’s a whole group of people working on this. There could be fifty silhouettes here instead of two”.

Their most recent tour in 2010 saw so many familiar pop music faces gracing the stage that the presence of the cartoon characters seemed mere tradition. Just to name a few, the tour saw transatlantic musicians facing the audience from De La Soul to The Happy Mondays, and Little Dragon to The Clash. By bringing together such an eclectic mix the concert became representative of collaboration through the decades, with artists famous from the 80s back on stage and working with unlikely partners. It is something of a feat to have collected such an

array of music together, and to make so many different artists synergise was a work of genius.

Gorillaz fan and art student Becky Johnson made it to their stopoff in Manchester. She said: “Damon looked like he was mates with everyone on stage. It was a great atmosphere, and a really energetic gig”.

I asked her why Gorillaz should be on the wall of fame. She said: “Damon Albarn always just tries to do great pop music so he tries to keep up with the times and keep it fresh. It’s not underground or alternative, but its accessible, good pop music.”

Trying to pin down what defines Gorillaz is so difficult because they fit into so many musical genres. Starting out somewhere between hiphop to pop they have morphed over the last decade into something completely different.

Damon calls ‘Plastic Beach’ his most pop album, but it is perhaps just the variety of popular influences which makes it pop. His work on ‘The Fall’, which came out on Saturday 16th April is strange and melodic, and the band are very experimental with their I-Pad recording equipment. Snatches of dubstep, indie thudding, samples and pop melodies shift from song to song. It lacks coherence but it is classic Gorillaz: confident, adventurous and capricious.

Damon Albarn, the one permanent member of the eclectic band, said in 2001 that the band was turning into a monster. That’s probably the best way to define Gorillaz today - monster.

Joanne Eckersley Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 31

MUSIC

THE WONDERMAN OF BRITISH MUSIC

“I do all my own styling. I pack and unpack, but it’s not very organised. I’d like a week’s work experience at Vogue. I’m serious.”

Tinie Tempah didn’t so much burst onto the music scene as earn his place on it through hard work and application. In today’s world of instant fame via reality television shows, anonymity can be transformed into idolatry literally overnight. But, lest Simon Cowell would have us forget, the pop world isn’t only about manufactured bands singing cover versions.

There are artists out there – like Tinie – creating popular music, who have something to say and are prepared to go the extra mile to say it.

and catapult him into the upper echelons of the hallowed ‘pop’ world. His music is instantly accessible, some songs featuring uplifting, power choruses (a formula reminiscent of many of Eminem’s biggest hits) punctuated by verses of Tinie’s tightly delivered rhyme. The subject matter of his songs ranges from real-life to the aspirational, with Tinie’s formative years and background never far from his mind in much of his material.

Tinie Tempah – born Patrick Chukwuemeka 2010 might have been the year in which Tinie Okogwu on 7th November, 1988 – grew up in Tempah exploded into the public consciousness Plumstead, south-east London where, in his own with a string of hits, but that explosion was the words, he was “nurtured by the Grime Scene, end product of years of graft. The star may now be discovered from the Grime Scene”. Tinie was close instantly recognisable in his trademark specs and to his cousin, Dumi Oburota, and the pair shared find himself on the top of other artists’ wishlists a passion for music. When it became obvious that when it comes to collaborations, but that position Tinie was the musical talent and Dumi the one with and that reputation were earnt through years the business head, the duo forged a plan whereby spent writing, developing his sound and record Dumi would become Tinie’s manager, and together label and, finally, getting his music out there and they would start up their own record label. This heard. they did, founding independent label, Disturbing London, primarily as an outlet for Tinie’s music but On his Myspace page, Tinie describes his music also as a means of signing and giving breaks to as Experimental/Grime/Rap but he’s tapped other up-and-coming young artists. Being the early into a nerve with enough people in this country days of the pair’s partnership, money was hard to and around the globe to transcend any genre come by but the plan went ahead, funded by a

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MUSIC

combination of student loans and buying and selling cars.

Dumi says: “We wanted to have a platform to put out our music and there wasn’t any Def Jam or Roc-A-Fella label equivalent in England. [Also] I wanted to create a major independent label with quality artists. I felt like the major labels had lost the passion for music.”

Tinie’s just getting started in his music career though so it’s likely to be a while before we see him disappearing off into the fashion wilderness.

As this article goes to print, Tinie’s just been performing at California’s famous Coachella music festival. After that, he’s playing a couple more dates in America before returning to these shores for the V festival in the summer and more UK arena dates later in the year. He’s a busy boy and wants to put Tinie first popped up on the radar way back in 2006 out his second “difficult” album as soon as possible. when he was still only seventeen. His first song, The festival scene holds particularly fond memories ‘Wifey Riddim’, was picked up and given airplay for Tinie as it was at the Wireless Festival in Hyde on infamous music TV channel, Channel U (now Park in 2009 that he was first spotted by current Channel AKA). The channel was once known as label, Parlophone. Music consultant and scout, much for its breaking of new urban acts as for its Jade Richardson, saw Tinie performing at Wireless late-night showings of videos featuring nudity. and called Parlophone president, Miles Leonard, saying: “You’ve got to check out this guy, Tinie The following year, Tinie collaborated on a track Tempah. He came on at lunchtime and there’s with fellow grime artist, Ultra, and producers/ about 1,000 kids screaming for him. He’s only put songwriters, Agent X. The song was called Perfect GCD Hood Economics Room 147 and featured the out one independent release and he’s got this first mention of Tinie’s self-titled philosophy on life. huge audience.”

The concept of Hood Economics was inspired by Wealth of Nations, a seminal work by an eighteenth Soon after, Leonard visited Tinie and his manager, century Scottish economist and moral philosopher Dumi, at their studio and the rest, as they say, is history. He was hugely impressed by the work called Adam Smith, no less. Tinie explains it as they’d already done in developing Tinie’s career “understanding the economic situation you as an and by the ambitious plans they had for the individual are surrounded by and using it to your advantage to create the absolute best situation for future. Leonard told HitQuarters: “I thought it was incredible that an artist and manager were doing yourself thus inspiring and motivating others in so much so soon with so little. That impressed me your community to do the same.” as much as the music.”

On his Myspace page – first port of call for any self-respecting Tinie Tempah fan – he explains that Since signing to Parlophone, Tinie’s career has Hood Economics is “more than just a theory, it’s an gone into overdrive. He announced the deal in October 2009 via a competition on his blog – www. autonomous way of life. Those who understand tinietempah.com/milkand2sugars, another mecca it were already living by it way before I defined it. for all Tinie fans – in which the winner, in true Tinie Those who don’t, never will.”

English gentleman fashion, was invited to High Tea at Claridges to celebrate the occasion.

Such self-confidence and force of character is typical of Tinie and one of the reasons he got The future really does seem like Tinie’s for the himself noticed in the first place. Another is the rapper’s style which takes in everything from geek taking. He’s considered by his peers to be one chic to ghetto whilst always remaining 100% Tinie. of the most intelligent and entrepreneurial MCs around. His Myspace page has had nearly 3 million He’s long been interested in fashion and takes pride in choosing his own outfits, enjoying mixing views, he has upwards of 300,000 followers on Twitter and in February of this year, he attained current East London stylings with articles more one million fans on Facebook on the very same day reminiscent of the hip-hop scene. He’s keen to learn more though, and likes the idea of working at that he was opening his tour at Manchester’s O2 Apollo. The following month, Tinie set out his goals a top fashion magazine. for this year: “I reckon in 2011, towards the end of He says: “I do all my own styling. I pack and unpack, it, I’m going to do an arena tour – and sell it out – then I reckon I’m going to release another album, but it’s not very organised. I’d like a week’s work and fingers crossed it can go platinum again, experience at Vogue. I’m serious.” and double platinum, and treble. Let’s just sell a million.” You wouldn’t put it past him.

Tinie’s not on his own in the music world when it comes to wanting to improve his fashion Tristan Harper knowledge. Fellow rapper from across the pond, Kanye West, previously let it be known that he was writing to a number of London-based fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, to gain experience to boost a proposed design career. He said: “I’m going to go and take an internship and just do something that’s like completely normal, and just rap at the weekends or something.”

Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 33

IN THE OFFING

Brainwash Film Night Brainwash is a group of young people who run film nights and festivals in London, New York and Manchester. The Manchester nights are screened in the basement room of The Bay Horse pub in the Northern Quarter on a monthly basis.

I attended the last of these films nights, and not being an expert in the experimental or arty kind of films, I was slightly sceptical as to whether I would be able to appreciate any of the films. However I quickly learned that this night doesn’t just hold an appeal for the creatively inclined. Screenings of twelve short films in total meant that there was enough variety to keep everyone engaged.

Brainwash film night really does have something for everyone, for me I simply found it thoroughly entertaining. However I believe the films could be a source of endless inspiration and insight to anyone studying art, film making, or indeed anything creative. A combination of higher-budget international pieces and individual short films are screened allowing viewers to experience what the global as well as the local, and in particular Mancunian film world has to offer.

One film was I met the Walrus by Josh Raskin, an animation set to the soundtrack of an interview with John Lennon. As simplistic as this sounds, the piece was particularly mesmerising; the beautiful animation was a perfect complement to the soothing lullaby-esque tones of Lennon.

One standout piece was The Moonbird, directed by The Brothers McLead. The longest of the screenings that night, The Moonbird was an animated stop-motion piece with a nightmarish quality which seemed to absorb the whole room. Even those with little eye for technical detail could appreciate the beauty of the animation and the penetrating soundtrack which resonated around the whole basement.

Another piece which seemed to unite the room, this time in hilarity, was Boxer directed by Michael Latham.

Seemingly off to a slow start, admittedly I did fear this would be a slow paced and vague arty piece that was bound to go straight over my head. However I soon realised this pace was purely for comic effect. As the film slowly unravelled itself it was revealed to be a hilariously dead-pan comic piece which smacked of the comedic awkwardness of such sitcoms as Flight of the Concords.

The united atmosphere across the room made the viewings all the more enjoyable, much like the cinema but with a break in tension and unfamiliarity. Watching these films in this environment did make me question, why aren’t all films watched in the basement of pubs?

Naturally, not all the films appeal to everyone. Yet the very structure of the night meant this matters very little, within seconds a new film with an alternate genre, style and theme is screened meaning there is little time for disapproval. Radical changes in pace from crazy nonsensical films to beautifully shot simplistic pieces gave the whole night the impression of surfing through YouTube at random and finding the maddest and most entertaining variety of clips, whilst being surrounded by people enjoying it with you. Additionally, breaks in between screenings allow for perfect time to grab yourself a cheeky fresh pint and perhaps a quick debate about what you’ve just watched.

In my slight scepticism at being able to gain very little from a film night, I feared the whole evening may be laced with pretention. Yet once again I was proved wrong, a friendly open-to-all atmosphere is established, meaning you can enjoy the screenings, art and film enthusiast or not.

The Brainwash website can be found at: www.brainwashonline.co.uk where they are open to short-film submissions and details of upcoming events can be found. Nights are run on a monthly basis so keep an eye out for the next, you won’t be disappointed!

Ash Mutton Page 34 l facebook.com/halcyondaysmagazine l Issue 1

IN THE OFFING

The Insight Festival was created in Manchester in 2007 and aims to encourage filmmakers to explore the topic of faith. In just under four years the festival has spread internationally, receiving a huge number of films from across the globe.

Insight works in association with the Coexist Foundation, a charity who since 2006 have been working to promote an understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Religion is one of the biggest dividers on society today, so the festival was created in order to encourage communication regarding this issue. The festival does not work to promote any particular faith but films entered to the festival are welcome to do so.

Instead Insight offers a platform through which faith can be explored, discussed and understood.

The festival has a star studded judging panel which includes Gary Kurtz (producer of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back), David N Weiss (co-writer of Shrek 2, The Rugrats Movie and Rugrats in Paris) and Amanda Rice (the Head of Diversity at the BBC). As well as an amazing panel of judges the festival also offers fantastic prizes; a ÂŁ1000 cash prize courtesy of Coexist, the chance to make a film in Paris where the winner will be flown over to take part in a number of workshops and the chance to sit on an international festival jury in Italy. More recently a new prize has been added; the chance to attend an awards ceremony at the United Nations in New York where competition winners will be flown out to.

The festival will take place in December 2011 where shortlisted entries will be screened. The festival will also include a feature screening of a film that has yet to be realised in the UK or Europe, and of course this will focus around the topic of faith. Frank Cottrell Boyce has recently been confirmed to give a lecture at the festival; although you may not instantly recognise his name you will certainly recognise his credits which include 24 Hour Party People, Cock and Bull Story and Millions. As well as these well known titles he is also currently working on the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2012 alongside Danny Boyle and has just been signed to write the next two Chitty Chitty Bang Bang films.

The festival has already received over 100 entries but is still welcoming more, the final deadline is 7 June, entrants have to be 18 and over and films are required to use the theme of faith as a focus point. For more information visit www.insightfestival.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Twitter (just search for Insight Film Festival).

Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 35

IN THE OFFING

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR! Mamma Mia! Venue: Palace Theatre Date: 26 April 2011 - 11 June 2011 Price: £20.50-43.50 Mamma Mia!’ is the global phenomenon based on the songs of Abba. Timeless songs such as ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Take A Chance On Me’ are ingeniously woven into an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Castlefield Gallery Venue: Castlefield Gallery Date: Year round Price: Free A gallery and resource for contemporary visual artists and their work. Since its founding in 1984, the gallery has been at the forefront of supporting artists and emergent art practices in the UK. It is an essential part of the visual arts community in Manchester and the North West, maintaining close relationships with studio groups and artist-led initiatives.It plays a strategic role in the development of contemporary visual art by supporting the professional careers of artists and curators through research, production, presentation and interpretation.

Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) live Venue: M.E.N Date: 29th May Price: £12 - £77.75 WNBA will make its European debut at the M.E.N Arena this spring as part of Manchester Basketball Series 2011 - 2013.

The Atlanta Dream have made the playoffs the past two seasons and reached the WBNA Finals in only their third year in the league. The WBNA’s top scoring team last year (95.5 points per game), the Dream are led by the trio of Angel McCoughtry (2009 Rookie of the Year), Iziane Castro Marques and Sancho Lyttle. The Dream’s opponent will be Standard Life GB Women.

Following WBNA Live in 2011, the USA Basketball men’s and women’s national teams - both of whom won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics - will each play a Global Community Cup tour game at the Arena in July 2012 in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.

As the final event in the series, the first-ever NBA pre-season game to be played in the UK outside London will take place in the autumn of 2013.

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IN THE OFFING

Festival Square Venue: Albert Square (Manchester) Date: 1 - 17 July Price: Free The iconic Festival Pavilion, designed by architects Stephenson Bell, is the space to relax with friends and soak up the atmosphere over a drink. Come and listen to great DJs or catch free outdoor entertainment during the day. Look out for further events at www.mif.co.uk Screenfields Venue: Spinningfields (Manchester) Date: 5 May - 1 September Price: £2 each Manchester’s most loved outdoor cinema returns for a summer packed full drama, comedy and action. There’ll be movies to melt your heart, classics to cuddle up to and serious action for the boys too. Pick up your picnic blanket, kick back in a deckchair and enjoy summer at Screenfields.

For more information on the movies that re on visit: www.spinningfieldsonline.com

Customising, Culture & Harley Davidson Venue: Museum of Science and Industry Date: 26th April - 11th September Price: Adults £8; Concessions £6.50, HOG Members £6.50, Children (5-16) £2 Marvel at a magnificent display of historic HarleyDavidson motorcycles - including one from every decade of the last century - as well as spectacular world-class creations from leading customisers.

This is the first ever exhibition which features the historic and radical customs of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as the culture surrounding this iconic brand.

Over 30 motorcycles will be included, from one of the earliest models to the very latest customised bikes, including those from Germany, Belgium, Japan and the US. Learn about the builders and owners, groups, rebels and tattoos that are all part of this motorcycling lifestyle, and get the chance to sit on a Harley!

Motorcycles on display range from a rare 1909 Model 5, to an authentic California Highway Patrol Pursuit bike to a 1948 model which crossed the Arctic with spiked tyres in temperatures down to 53 degrees C. All have a unique story to tell, many have never been displayed to the public before and some have been created especially for the MOSI. Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 37

FILMS

THE HANGOVER 2 Everyone’s already buzzing about the follow-up to one of the most popular films of 2009 “The Hangover” - which is imaginatively titled “The Hangover II”. Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a quiet, safe pre-wedding brunch. However, things don’t go to planned and things start to get a bit chaotic! Expect special guest stars in this second instalment such as Liam Neeson, Bill Clinton and Mike Tyson.

Out in cinemas on May 22nd

SUMMER WATCH O Pirates of the Caribbean: On strangers tides The fourth instalment in the highly lucrative franchise sees Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crossing paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz) however he’s not sure if it’s love — or if she’s just a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past!

Out in cinemas on May 20th

X-men: First class This film charts the epic beginning in the X-Men saga were two young men named Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr discover their powers for the first time. The two develop a strong relationship and become close friends working together with other mutants to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. However in the process, a rift between them opens which begins the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men. Expect a lot of new mutants and a great villain in this prequel to the successful X-men franchise.

Out in cinemas on June 3rd

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FILMS

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Part two of the epic finale sees the ultimate battle between good and evil come to the big screen as Harry attempt to bring an end to his nemesis Lord Voldemort once and for all. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final horcruxes. However when Voldemort finds out about their mission, war commences and life as they know it will never be the same again.

Out in cinemas on July 15th

R FILMS TO OUT FOR! Transformers: Dark side of the moon The third and maybe final instalment in the Transformers film series sees the Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. A race against the Decepticons begins to reach it and learn its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers final battle. The film again sees Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf ) reprise his role as a close ally to Optimus Prime however some die hard fans will be disappointed to learn that Megan Fox will not be featuring in this latest edition. Expect an amazing visual experience especially as the film looks to be rolled out in 3D. Out in cinemas on July 1st Captain America: The First Avenger Set in the Great Depression, the film sees a young, frail and poor Steve Rogers distraught at the horrifying news footage of the Nazis in Europe.

Enthused by what he sees, Rogers tries to enlist in the army however is rejected because of his frailty and sickness. Overhearing the boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offers Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment...

Operation: Rebirth. Three months later Captain America is borne and armed with his indestructible shield and battle savvy he begins his war against evil.

Out in cinemas on July 22nd

Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 39

FILM REVIEW

Movie – Sucker Punch Director – Zack Snyder Starring – Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung If giant samurais, dragons, zombie Nazis and robots are something that get you excited, then Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch is definitely the movie for you. It stars Emily Browning (Baby Doll) as a girl institutionalised by her abusive stepfather, who along with her fellow inmates Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish), Rocket (Jena Malone), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens) and Amber (Jamie Chung), retreats to an alternative reality and plans her escape.

The movie begins with a powerful narrative which gives a fair idea about the story. It is not surprising then that the lead actress Emily Browning doesn’t have a line till about the 20th minute into the film. Things though go downwards in terms of the plot. This can in some way be blamed on Snyder taking the role of the writer for this movie. The plot is feeble and whereas the alternate reality is brilliant at first, it loses its charm quite soon. The acting is top-notch, but due to the poor plot the characters do not get enough time to build themselves up completely. Hence, much of the time you find it difficult to relate with their hardships. I reckon it is only Zack who is to be blamed for the downfall of this movie.

But it is also Zack who redeems himself with the superb visuals and choice of the background score. If you can forget about the plot for a moment, what you are left with is one of the best visuals and soundtracks in recent past. The de-saturated colour tones to the scenes go a long way in setting up the tone for the movie. The CGI characters are huge and fill the screen completely and much like the actions scenes in 300 and Watchmen, Zack Snyder’s trademark slo-mo action scenes keep you on the edge of your seat.

For the background score, Snyder collaborates with music director Marius de Vries and composer Tyler Bates to select a collection of songs. The songs suit the dark theme of the movie and pick up pace during the action scenes. They have described the soundtracks as “Alice in Wonderland with machine guns.”

There are some people who have criticized this movie and called it mindless while others have gone on to say that this movie should have remained as a trailer. I agree that this movie loses out because of the plot or rather the lack of it, but what this movie is, is a piece of art on a canvas. It is a movie worth watching at least once with your friends on a weekend. So go for it, Sucker Punch is playing at cinemas near you.

Rating – 3.5/5

By Sambit Satpathy

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FILM REVIEW

Movie: Upside Down – The Creation Records Story Director: Danny O’Connor Lauren O’Callaghan Creation Records is a name well known by British music lovers and with good reason. One of the most important British indie record labels of the twentieth-century it brought us bands such as My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and of course Oasis. Described by founder Alan McGee as “the ultimate fucked up family” Creation Records’ story is one of drugs, alcohol and era-defining music.

With no narrator the story is told by the people who were there including McGee, Noel Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie and a multitude of other famous and not-so famous participants who chart the label from its humble beginnings, to the height of its success, to its eventual, and almost inevitable, demise.

Director Danny O’Connor does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of what Creation Records was trying to do at the time and cut with original footage of the bands and founders, (including the North Poly Riots), as well as shots of the buildings and places Creation Records called home, this is one documentary that won’t leave you bored.

One of the original clips in particular gives the viewer a sense of what life was like for this unique group of individuals. Back when Creation was young McGee did a TV interview where he’s asked why he was relocating Creation Records from London to Manchester, to which he replied – “Better quality of drugs”. This no nonsense Glaswegian sense of humour defines the documentary, as it did Creation Records at the time, and all interviewees are frank about the huge drug and alcohol abuse that went on within the family that was Creation Records.

This alone makes it worth watching by giving viewers an insight into what it was really like to be in the indie music scene at the time, and leaving them simultaneously wishing they could have been there and thinking these people were insane.

Of course the sound track is amazing as you would expect, but the beginning is a little slow, especially if you’re not familiar with Creations early years. What makes Upside Down worth watching is the fact that the people in it aren’t playing parts, they’re just remembering what happened to them and so the documentary has a real, gritty feel to it that makes the story even more enjoyable because you know it actually happened.

It goes without saying that this is a must-see for any music enthusiast, but even if you’re not as obsessed about your music as some of your friends, it’s definitely worth a watch just to get a brief glimpse into such a fascinating part of musical history.

Rating - 4/5

By Laura O’Callaghan Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 41

GAME REVIEW

Available on : Ps3, X360, Wii The fourth incarnation of Sega’s tennis game, this time thanks to today’s motion sensored consoles, ps move, kinect and wiimote,the game can be played as if you might be holding the racquet.

But does it add enough to the original gameplay to warrant a purchase for fans of the series? You can argue that it does not, as even with the more sensitive variations of motion control you don’t feel that you are in as much control as you might’ve if you were using the normal gaming pads for the Ps3 and X360. The Wii does suffer as the only form of control for the game is that of the Wiimote, therefore you may find a backhand feeling more like a forehand.

Career mode has been overhauled, now making it easier to access for those of us who don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of time going through countless options. Sega is surely going for the mass market appeal with this overhaul, we no longer need to go down menus, we just click and play with this.

There isn’t a great deal to report on from the graphics that have been used in this game. If you are a fan of the series, then it’s business as usual, tennis games in a series look for all intents and purposes the same as they did in the previous iteration. The animation is fluid, the courts and stadiums are solid, looking as a tennis courts should. Newcomers to the sees are treated to fluid animations of top tennis players and the crowds react as you might expect from those in real life tournaments.

Sound is also of the same standard as previous Virtua Tennis games, grunts as the player hits the ball, cheers aplenty from the crowd. All fairly standard stuff to be honest.

Arcade style of gameplay rules the day in these games, no simulation elements rear their heads here.

Enjoyment takes priority in this game, yes, it’s a tennis game and in itself these don’t change from one to the other.

Virtua Tennis 4 is a good addition to the series, if your new to the games then you’ll get a lot out of this 4th Virtua Tennis, however if you have the previous games the recommendation here is to wait till a cheaper copy can be picked up in the coming months.

7/10 newcomers enjoy.

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GADGET REVIEW

Sony Xperia Play September 1st saw the PSP console launch in the UK, now six years later Sony have finally given us the PSP phone in the guise of the Xperia Play.

Slide the screen and see the controls for videogames, this is truly a phone that is aimed at the player. All the usual buttons are there, triangle, square, circle and cross, a d-pad and the shoulder buttons round out the controls. The operating system is Android based, thus giving full access to the ever increasing Android Apps and games. Couple this with access to PSP games downloaded through the PSN network and we see it truly taking on the Iphone for the hearts and wallets of the videogame player.

But can it only do games well and nothing else? The answer is, it does more than games, a 5.1 megapixel camera and flash with the viewfinder on the phones 4â&#x20AC;? screen makes photo snapping a joy for the user.

We all know the on a night out with friends and family, we have a need to photo, or even film people making fools of themselves, the Xperia Play lets you upload those video clips straight to YouTube for instant viewing.

Sony have thought about keeping people in touch on this latest phone as well, as they have integrated Google services into the software on the phone, letting you sync up to multiple email accounts and even getting in on the instant messaging with Google Talk.

So, if you are a keen games player, who is after your first PSP or someone who is a snap happy piccy taker Sony has given you the goods in this first Xperia Play.

8/10 gamers jump in!

Issue 1 l Twitter: @HalcyonDaysMag l Page 43

THEATRE REVIEW

Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the theatre along comes Andrew Lloyd Webber with his sequel to the iconic Phantom of the Opera to leave us terrified and mesmerised in equal measure.

Phantom, as us in the know call it, has been wowing audiences for 25 years now and is the longest running show on Broadway, and so the challenge of a sequel would always prove a difficult one. With the eponymous Phantom back to his macabre best just what does Love Never Dies offer to us, the audience?

We join the Phantom who now resides in the gothic and vulgar world of cabaret in Coney Island, New York City and quickly discover that in the ten years since he last saw his beloved Christine, he has sunk even further into a monstrous underworld of depravity Christine’s arrival in New York, to perform for a world-renowned theatre producer, re-ignites the Phantom’s possessive passions but this time around, there is far more at stake. Rather than narrating a secret and heart-breaking romance (as we previously witnessed), the storyline weaves a tense web between Christine, her family, the Phantom and the members of his theatre company, one of whom craves the attention given to Christine.

The story is utterly gripping from the outset and the brief reprieve the musical takes for the 15 minute interval is spent in a state of sheer suspense and impatience. Love Never Dies is an extremely powerful piece of theatre with a beautiful musical score. Though it never really reaches the lofty heights achieved by its predecessor the songs are heart-wrenching and each is an achievement in its own right.

All that’s needed to fall in love with the show, is a simple appreciation of the spectacle of the show itself – whether that be in relation to the tragic romance of the plot, the visual impact of the costumes, staging and cinematography or the enchanting choreography and music. With theatrical excellence delivered in spades it seems then that where the Phantom is concerned our love will truly never die....

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BOOK REVIEW

‘No and Me’ by Delphine de Vigan No and Me is a story of exclusion and companionship. The narrative voice is that of thirteen year old Lou Bertignac, who tells her story in candid prose and reveals an intelligent which is beyond her years, and matched only by her naivety. In her narrative lies the success of the book, and it is all the details and oddities of Lou’s thoughts that linger in the mind long after the last page has been read. Her storytelling is vulnerable and honest, combining her curious perspective on life with her mental brilliance: “Lucas is approaching… Why does it suddenly feel like it’s 50°C in my coat? If only I was equipped with an emergency cooling system, that would be convenient.”

The story begins when Lou decides on the topic of ‘homelessness’ for her school presentation. Then she meets No, a homeless adolescent two years her senior, in a train station; in their first conversation alone, she experiences a comfortable sense of no longer being “outside the frame, on the other side of a huge invisible window”. The feeling of belonging, in their strange friendship, is what leads her to invite No into her parents’ home. This opportunity has the potential to drastically improve No’s life. But for the Bertignac family also, it marks a crossing over social and psychological barriers that shakes up their once stagnant, bitter family life.

This is a simple and enlightening tale, in which dark, sometimes tragic issues are dealt with tenderly through Lou’s straightforward narrative.

Despite the lingering possibility of hope, the book’s atmosphere is ultimately one of futile effort; has No experienced too much suffering to be saved by one dysfunctional family?

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