ATLAS Volume 5 by Kacey Gambin

V O L U M E 5

ATLAS KACEY GAMBIN

editor-in-chief & designer

AIDAN RYAN photographer: shutterbug

ELLY PUGH contributor

DORIS PRODANOVIC contributor

SEAN BYSTER-BOWLES contributor / album reviewer

WILLIAM WRIGHT movie reviews

SARAH BRAMHAM world news CAMERON HOWLETT contributor

Atlas is your magazine. If you have any ideas for stories, love photography or just want to give writing a try, we’re all ears. We encourage contributors from all disciplines within and outside the FSD to contribute so don’t be shy! Email Kacey at publications.sdsa@student.bond.edu.au For more info on Atlas or the SDSA, head to bondsdsa.com or jump onto our Facebook page /bondsdsa

h man, where do I start. This last semester has been a whirlwind for both myself and the SDSA. A new committee brings new challenges and a fresh start to a year of cool things for cool people. I want to officially welcome the new committee, and say that I’m so glad you are all taking this journey with me, I know we’re going to do some great things for the faculty and we’ll eventually get to Vegas with all the profits we make. That was a joke. First off I’d like to say how excited I am for you to read the first (and last) edition of Atlas for 2015. It’s been a pretty amazing journey to get this ol’ thing to you and I really hope you enjoy everything it has to offer. As well as keeping some of the traditions of Atlas, I’ve also thrown in a little personal flair of my own such as music and movie reviews, plus a new section ‘Get Schooled’, which showcases some of the things FSD students are learning and taking it to the masses. I’d also like to take a quick second to shoutout Aasha, the outgoing Publications Director for the SDSA and retired editor of this beautiful magazine. She’s been amazing and Atlas would be nothing without her. She created, nurtured and believed in the

vision of Atlas and it is nothing short of a success. I hope you enjoy. This edition we have some great features including Rose Tinted Revival which takes a look at the vintage hair comeback and explores some local barbers on the GC. Beyonce Behaviour investigates the recent trend of unprecedented album drops and Doris looks at the comeback of the most classic shoe of all: the sneaker. I also threw in a feature of my own, looking at the wondrous creatures that are drag queens and their part in society. Edition 5 takes a look at the importance of fonts in design, the crisis in Yemen and what our writers think of the latest films and music. Now to the big news. As I mentioned before, this is unfortunately the last edition of Atlas you will ever see. I know, take a deep breath, grab a tissue or ten, sit down for a while. BUT what I can also announce is there is a super exciting new publication in the works, an innovative integrated magazine that will display everything from around Bond in a fresh and newly designed publication. That’s all I can really say, but for now, enjoy your Atlas fix and I’ll see you very, very soon. Love,

Kacey

UP FRONT

FEATURES

ATLAS COMMUNITY

BEYONCE BEHAVIOUR

FROM THE EDITOR

PUMPED UP KICKS

FROM THE PREZ

ROSE TINTED REVIVAL

18 LASHES, TIGHTS AND ALL THINGS NICE 20

SHUTTERBUG: AIDAN RYAN

GET SCHOOLED 25 BEYOND THE HEADLINES: YEMEN 26

LETTERS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS: DESIGN

THE BASEMENT 32

HOROSCOPES

MUSIC REVIEWS

MOVIE REVIEWS

TOP 5

from the prez The SDSA have started their term with a bang, and there is definitely no slowing us down! Our first event was FIFA, which was well supported by the student body. All who attended enjoyed the night and were especially pleased with the half time oranges provided (…in the form of pizza). Then, we sent 20 Bondies on an amazing race around the Gold Coast, with them all finishing up at Movie World for the remainder of the day. Bondy 500 was a test of endurance, natural ability, mental strength and cohesive teamwork – all who participated were pushed to their limits. Nonetheless, excellent feedback was received and the SDSA are very excited for the upcoming semesters’ Bondy 500 – who knows where Bondies will be sent next! Towards the end of semester, we held Bond Goes Blue. This was an incredible event, raising much-needed funds for the Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The event ran over three days, providing activities, performances and delicious treats to the Bond community – we even added an Easter touch with the sale of chocolate bunnies. Bond Goes Blue is a fantastic social justice initiative and the SDSA are proud to support such a worthy cause. During study week, the SDSA ran “Tea Time”, providing study sustenance to all those struggling through exam block. This semester, we added an ‘active living’ element, by holding competitive lawn games to get everyone’s exam brains back on track. During Tea Time, the SDSA also hosted the Book Buy Back where people could sell their old textbooks to the SDSA, which will then be sold in the SDSA Book Sale. The SDSA has big plans for the future. We are going to revamp and revitalise the Book Sale, making it easier and more convenient for students to buy and sell second hand books through a safe and efficient process. The SDSA now has a Facebook group for the Book Sale, entitled SDSA Book Sale, which all students are encouraged to join in order to get a good deal for their books. We also have Whitehouse coming up in Week 2 of this semester – the finest off campus cocktail event for Bondies. Get ready to wine and dine in style at a beachfront location. More details to come from our Social Director soon! Keep in touch with what the SDSA are up to on our Faebook page, and by following our regular student mail outs. We have had a big semester, but aren’t stopping there!

Kiara Greenway President, Society and Design Student Association

EUNO COMING SOON.

BEYONCEbehaviour PUTTING THE DROP BACK IN ‘ALBUM DROP’ WORDS BY ELLY

FEATURE

M O R E and more artists are releasing albums with no notice. In a musical arena where album sales are at an all time low and image is just as important as sound, Elly explores why this peculiar form of marketing is gaining traction from Beyonce to Taylor Swift.

t is an undisputable fact that Beyoncé Knowles-Carter basically runs the world. This fact was probably most prevalent on December 13, 2013 where Queen B, sitting atop her thrown of Grammy’s and Michelle Williams broken dreams, cried ‘bow down bitches’ and released her 5th album Beyoncé WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE. No one saw this coming. Not her biggest fans, friends, not even the NSA could predict the enormous feminist golden unicorn of an album that had been unleashed upon the world. Not only did it have 17 brand new tracks that everyone could emotionally twerk to, but also an entire audio visual experience with a unique music video for every song. In short, it was inconceivable that this would even be possible. But of course, this is Beyoncé we’re talking about and life for her is just one big dancing girl emoji. Meanwhile, just as the few first seconds of Pretty Hurts began to worm its way into the ear canals of us lowly plebs, the pop industry was breaking out into a rash. Beyoncé had totally changed the game. Before it was a given that every artist release a single before their album; a pre-emptive strike that would give fans a taste of what was to come. Singles are useful. They are often the most popular track of the crop, and allow consumers to get an idea of A) what musical direction their fave is heading in B) if they even like this idea and C) how hyped they should be for the rest of the album and inevitable tour. At least, that is how it works in theory.

Of course, the music industry is suffering an eternal struggle in their unhealthy relationship with the internet. It is a bad romance in every sense of the phrase. Although the internet offers positives in promotions, accessibility and connection between artist and fans; the world wide web is severely hindering sales. It’s also affecting the artistry of albums. It seems that many mega pop stars would rather release a bunch of sure fire hits than one collective work. This was Beyonce’s main concern, as she outlined in one of the videos announcing the surprise album. “Now people only listen to a few seconds of song on the iPods and they don’t really invest in the whole experience. It’s all about the single, and the hype. It’s so much that gets between the music and the art and the fans. I felt like, I don’t want anybody to get the message, when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.” So yes. This was a significant moment. But, just over a year on and how has Beyonce’s smack down changed things? Obviously a lot of musicians were thrilled by the album and its success; but were they willing to take the risk and follow in the footsteps of the messiah? A few have tried to mixed reactions. Azealia Banks (of 212 notoriety) released her debut album Broke with Expensive Taste unexpectedly, though fans knew the album was on its way. It received average reviews and lacked the hits needed to make its way into billboard charts. Similarly, Kid Cudi released his 2014 album Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon to the digital world with only a few hours notice. Cudi fans were enamoured with the release, but critics weren’t so smitten, again citing it only as ‘a mostly good album.’ Oddly enough, even Michael Cera released a surprise album to bandcamp. Although I maintain that, like everything in Cera’s life, it was probably a complete accident and he was just too awkward to make it stop. Most recently though, Drake released his new mix tape If You’re Reading This it’s Too Late to iTunes with not so much as a peep of prior knowledge. But even so, this release was just like an episode of Degrassi; good, but nothing special. None of these guys had anywhere near the same impact as Queen B. But, does that mean unexpected drops can only be pulled off by the likes of pop demi gods? To that I say, unlikely. Beyoncé’s success can be attributed to a number of factors that could be emulated by a select few artists if they follow the same recipe, as outlined below:

1. First, make a genuinely great album. Even Kanye doesn’t need to convince the world that Beyonce is a killer contribution to pop history and a well crafted and thought out release. Beyonce had everyone from Sia to Justin Timberlake helping. The album is not just a collection of songs; each track follows on from the previous to tell a story and send a message. Like all great albums, it’s something that you should listen from start to finish to truly appreciate. 2. Make soul binding pinkie promises. For the months that they worked on Beyonce’s album, the whole thing was more secretive than area 51. Fortunately, this shit was locked tight making the release so much more noteworthy than if it had been leaked. 3. (Optional) Offer more than songs. Beyonce is all about the immersive experience, so that’s why this album came with a bunch of music videos for every song. This was a great and probably necessary move. Albums are essentially works of art, and the more art you can contribute, the better. 4. Be Beyoncé. Unless you have access to polyjuice potion, this one may be slightly tricky for us uni kids in Australia. Beyonce’s Beyhive is numerous and powerful and only a few other mega stars have the same influence and popularity that would make something like this work.

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EVERY ARTIST IS a BRAND, AND BRANDS HAVE IDENTITIES TO UPHOLD

There you have it, mix all those ingredients together and you could produce a Beyoncé of your very own. So, if it’s only a four step process, how come no other heavy weight pop stars have done it? Imagine the all out parade of oddities that would occur if Lady Gaga was to drop a full album to her legions of little monsters tomorrow. Confetti would rain from the sky. A worldwide Mardi Gras would occur. Gay marriage would be legalized in at least four countries. Well, every artist is a brand, and brands have identities to uphold. For example, the success of Taylor Swift’s brand is hugely owed to the hype she conjures and the type of music she wants to sell. T-Swizzle fans shouldn’t expect an unexpected sequel to 1989 anytime soon, because she wants people to buy physical albums. Online streaming, like Spotify, is a sin to her, so an un-promoted digital release would be super out of character. For now it seems, Beyonce stands alone in her success (which is probably where she most would like to be). Granted, this doesn’t mean that we won’t ever see a secret album again. Childish Gambino, Kanye and Beyonce again are all rumoured to be dropping secret albums. If anything, it has probably opened up the field more and shifted the stagnation of album releases. What we probably can expect is more interesting and engaging promotional campaigns and hopefully, more artistically minded albums. Really, the moral of this story is that it’s probably best to just expect the unexpected. ¶

FEATURE

PUMPED

KICKS

ITS COMEBACK SEASON FOR THE UNDERDOG OF SHOES WORDS BY DORIS Your first Nikes, your favourite Adidas, your everyday Converse; they have all been there with you since you could walk and have now become their own empire, adding twists to the norms of the fashion industry. Iconic and influential, the seemingly inconspicuous rise of sneaker culture has been more noticeable than ever over the past decade. It has its own language, its own people, and its own world in which it has created a uniting power across, particularly, the youth of today. Its strong connection with music has only inspired artists more, creating collections of their own sneakers for everyone and anyone who believes its not just a shoe, but a statement of who they are and who they could be. The humble beginnings of sneaker culture date back to Keds Champion in 1916, where a rubber sole meant there was silence when walking – perfect for sneaking. Unknowingly revolutionising and even coining the term, sneakers from this point would only go on to make Chuck Taylor’s All Stars, the Adidas Superstar and the first Air Jordans, to name a few. Sneakers also became identifiers of social changes in human history. It was expressed across the transition into urban living, the praise of fitness and physique, and the importance of social status that calculated your level of ‘cool’. It wasn’t until the rise of hip-hop culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s that ordinary people began to truly recognise the influence sneakers had on the world around them. Birthing a business out of obsession, in 1986 Run DMC persuaded Adidas to pay them a million dollars from an endorsement linked to their song, ‘My Adidas’. The connection between musicians and endorsement of brands has been the foundation of today’s billion dollar industry ever since, determining what’s in, out, and next, for the ‘sneakerhead’ community to discuss, critique and buy. In the past decade, artists from Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z and Kanye West have launched their own lines of footwear, designed for the passionate shoe collector to the everyday fan. With a limited edition status attached, the success of these sneakers sold for high prices at rapid rates and the demand for more has sent such sneakerheads, who have missed out, to be sentenced

to a life of longing until the next release. And although this may seem that the brands are indoctrinating collectors and fans into an endless cycle of desperation for sneakers they’ll never be able to have because of their limited distribution, Kanye West is doing something about it for all the sneakerheads out there. “I hate the concept of limited edition completely,” he said in a recent interview with Style.com about his Adidas Yeezy Boost. “We’re all equal...The only luxury is time. It’s the only thing we can’t get back. I’m here to help people. I’m here to help the 14-year-old version of myself that couldn’t afford shit.” West’s connection to the culture only further proves the influence sneakers have had on him as a wearer and now, creator. Today, it is no longer about distinguishing differences but rather, embracing similarities. Sneaker culture has lifted boundaries and united people from all classes and backgrounds, establishing itself as an empire of people who wear sneakers as an expression of themselves. This power and passion from a fanbase that has developed since the early 20th century has found its way into pop culture, with sneakerheads now as common as fans from any TV show, film or book saga. And when fashion does meet fiction, the imaginable becomes reality. When you watched Back to the Future II for the first time and saw Marty McFly putting on those futuristic, light-up, self-lacing Nikes, did you ever expect you’d be able to buy them for yourself? Marking this year as the film’s 30th anniversary, Nike has said they will release the sneakers and will have ‘power laces’ technology to sense weight when a person steps into the shoe and tighten by itself. Sneaker culture has set up a reputation as one that represents, not only the people, but also the time based from events in history. It has the power to express a social change, a person’s identity and even turn mythical ideas into actuality. Whether you are an avid sneaker collector or someone just in need of a replacement of your favourite pair, you have been influenced by sneaker culture at some point in your life and the future of this lifestyle is on the rise, here to stay.¶

ROSE TINTED revival WE CHECK OUT LOCAL REVIVAL BARBERS TO SEE WHY CLASSIC IS BEST WORDS BY SEAN

FEATURE

a A revival of classic men’s style has exploded in recent years. The discerning modern gent is becoming increasingly more aware of himself and his physical appearance, looking towards retrospective trends to right the fashionable darkages of the ninety’s and early thousand’s. Tweed suits, cable-knit sweaters, suede desert boots and scarves are cool again. Henley under shirts and traditional work boots from the likes of Red Wing have become staples in male wardrobes. This rose-tinted renaissance movement has brought back some much needed flair to masculinity, and hairstyling has been no exception. A stroll down any of the more culturally enlightened streets will exhibit a diversity of hairstyles, ranging from the classic short back and sides, jugends and undercuts, to the slightly bolder pompadours, blow-outs and flat-tops. Not to mention the perfectly sculpted beards that are increasingly paired with them. Sharpening up these slick ‘dos are the barbers that have begun springing up across the Coast. These parlours of style and grooming have become the frontline in reshaping traditional styles to suit the modern man, and Coolangatta’s The Barberoy is a prime example. Owner, Clement De Verteuil, aptly launched his barbershop within the 20th Century Antiques and Collectables store, before recently establishing their own street-front presence on McLean Street. With McLean already carving itself a pretty authentic vibe, Clement, his second barber Matthew and the The Barberoy fits right in to their environment. To get their two-bobs on the current style movement, I sat down with them one morning for a cut and a chat. First-off, traditional barbering features a completely unique skill set to hairdressing. Barbering, as Clement and Matthew both schooled me, is centred upon definition and edges. Eschewing the training-wheels of thinning scissors and clipper-guards, traditional barbers rely on raw talent for feel and natural precision. It is this approach to styling

that achieves the definition of hard edges and soft blends so evident in the classic hairstyles, and what fundamentally sets barber cuts apart from most male hairdressing. As I sat down in the beautifully road-worn barber chair, it was hard to miss the old-world feel ingrained into every piece of the shop’s character: the dark teak wooden floorboards; the dull-sheen of the pressed tin ceiling; the mesmerising geometric wallpaper and the warm light cast from incandescent bulbs. Each piece of furniture, Art Deco power-outlet and shaving bowl tells an eclectic story of a particular day and age. It’s an atmosphere of unmistakable charm, harking back to a time where dapper style and careful grooming were essential parts of being a man. Bringing up the theme of the day, Matt and Clement explained their experiences from the style renaissance and their passion for the industry. Learning the profession when there was little opinion for its popularity, Clement’s ten years of experience across hairdressing and barbering has seen him experience the industry’s rise from obscurity to popularity. Cutting for three years, Matthew has seen the same explosion of popularity from behind the clippers and the same throwback trends. Yet neither of the resident barbers take this grooming culture with any air of pretension. Drawing out a pair of unguarded clippers, Matt dexterously set to work on achieving my Aldo Raine inspired cut: shaving in defined edges and fades while explaining the need for males to embrace their own femininity and his ultimate desire to cut hair using only swords. Looking around the shop and experiencing their service first hand, their response to this industry success is simple. The boys from The Barberoy are focussed on not only providing the highest quality of cuts, but also the highestquality service and the entry-to-exit experience. And the end of a cut or shave, your face is greeted by a steamed and lemon-scented towel and a coconut oil lotion. Your hair is greeted by a styled blow-dry and King Brown pomade.

More importantly, you are greeted with a friendly face and a personalised experience. No TV’s or pop music disrupts the atmosphere. Still cutting away, Matthew explained his approach to barbering. “We always try and bring a personal flair to each cut. Everyone has a different shape, and that gives us the change to bring a bit of originality to their style”. It’s this level of trust between a barber and client that makes the entire culture so enthralling. Because ultimately, what’s the point if you end up looking like everyone else? Down the road, Tugun’s Golden Four Barbershop is preparing to celebrate its first Birthday. Sitting down with resident barber, Dave, we began discussing the barber-shop revival and how it’s translated across to the products they use. Traditional pomades have seen a huge resurgence to meet the demands of the modern culture of throwback style, and looking around Golden Four’s selection of products, the success of this revival was obvious.

While some brands like the Rotterdam-based Reuzel and Australia’s own King Brown retain the traditional 50’s petroleum and beeswax formulas, modern demands have seen brands like the Brisbane-based Uppercut Deluxe developing water-soluble pomades that deliver the slick sheen and oily holds without requiring extensive washing to remove the oily petroleum residues synonymous with the product. With the full suite of traditional high-sheen and lightweight medium-sheen pomades, matte clays and styling accessories available at every gent’s fingertips, it would be hard to find a ‘do that isn’t catered for. The throwback culture permeating the modern male’s style movement has injected the flair back into masculinity. The attitudes of what was once just a subcultural minority now reflect a broader range of interests and experiences, and with that has come the plethora of styles on any given street. The role of traditional barbers like The Barberoy and Golden Four in this movement has been instrumental in adapting these classic styles for the modern gentleman. While the trends may shift over time, it is this blend of romanticised traditionalism and modern influences that will undoubtedly keep this culture alive.¶

LASHES, TIGHTS AND ALL THINGS NICE WORDS BY KACEY

FEATURE They’re the original gender benders, the reigning queens of the desert. Drag Queens are becoming less of a comedy act and more so an art form. Kacey tells why she thinks they’re more than just men in dresses.

’ve been in a state of hysteria recently. Not sure where to turn or what to say, my life is a mess. No, I’m not in a quarter life crisis. My favourite drag queen was eliminated from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Who is RuPaul? A world famous drag queen who runs a delightfully camp and trashy reality show to determine “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and yes, I love him. Since I never got into Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad, I had to find something that fit my love for terrible television, and RuPaul was it. The show features Drag Queens from all across America in a series of challenges that test their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent (I’m sure you can work that one out). But recently I’ve been more and more infatuated with Drag Queens and what they represent for society. In most cases a person identifies themselves with the sex they were born with: male or female. But for many people, this isn’t the case. The strict gender binary and heteronormative ideals that are applied to people often cast out those who have a fluid perception of gender and do not have a matching sex and gender (sex = biological makeup of the body, gender = masculine or feminine personality a person has). Drag Queens are the ultimate representation of this in popular culture. It’s almost impossible to see transgender and other queer communities accurately represented in mainstream media, leaving the idea of gender fluidity and non-binary expression almost completely absent from the conscious viewer’s contemplation. But Drag Queens challenge this, pushing a new perspective of what gender means into the limelight while gradually pushing the boundaries of personal expression and gender norms.

Gender is by no means black and white. Neither is sexuality, personality or almost any other thing in life. Drag Queens present this perfectly, blending elements of their masculinity with a hyper-femininity that not only celebrates the beauty of the female form but creates an ideal way of life. There are no expectations of a Drag Queen: they lie in the ether of the spectrum, unattached from gender expectations and norms, allowing them to be the fiercest, sassiest, take-no-shit people you will ever meet.

Men are wearing skirts , women are wearing beards and it’s perfect. Who ever said men shouldn’t experiment with fashion is a crock of shit. Drag Queens are slowly but surely allowing the perception of males to be less dominating and passive and more emotional and expressive, which can only be a good thing when examining the number of men who suffer from mental illness every year.

Less likely are you to see a Queen in a comedy club, either. The trade has become a performance art, blending makeup artistry with acting and singing and dressmaking skills that could rival Coco Chanel herself. They’re actresses, makeup gurus, and everything in between, proving they’re nothing short of pure performers, in every sense of the term. Yes Gawd.

Many may stereotype Drag Queens as gay men who like makeup, but I believe that performing in drag is probably the most confident and admirable thing a man could do. For whatever reason he had to defend the act in reference to his masculinity, one could say that he is so in touch with his ‘manly’ side that there are no qualms in presenting as a woman. And I completely agree.

I often find myself getting bouts of confidence when I watch RuPaul, inspired by the security and sense of self these men have for themselves and their characters. I guarantee you will never see a timid and nervous Drag Queen. They are beautiful, explosive, headstrong and hilarious, willing to tell it how it is all while saving the planet from gender stereotypes and sexual constraints. Say what you will about them, but Drag Queens are my knights in shining stilettos.

SHUTTER BUG THIS EDITION WE FEATURE GOLD COAST PHOTOGRAPHER AIDAN RYAN

CHECK OUT MORE OF AIDAN’S WORK AT SHOOTPHOTOGRAPHSNOTPEOPLE.TUMBLR.COM

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I think Ive always seen the world differently to others, and I think thats why I love photography the most. I get to capture what I was thinking and seeing at that moment. Sometimes it could be a place I visit regular, or just something I shot on impulse. There can be so much to a photograph, but also so little. I think its fun if you shoot something simple and then people come up with their own connections. - AIDAN

get GET schooled

SCHOOLED ATLAS BRINGS YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM THE FACULTY

BEYOND THE

headlines Part 1: “You did it again America” WORDS BY SARAH

or those of you who are not aware Yemen is an Arab country in the Southwest Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, the Red Sea to the west and Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea to the South. It is also currently descending into a brutal civil war. This all began in June 2004 when dissident cleric Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi launched an uprising against the Yemeni government. Al-Houthi’s actions started the Houthi movement which continued on in his legacy when he was killed by Yemeni government forces in 2004. In order to understand why such events occurred we must look briefly back in time. During the Cold War, Yemen was split into two separate countries but it unified in 1990 to be ruled by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh for over thirty years. During his time as President Saleh ruled under a dictatorship in which he was a key ally for the United States in the fight against al-Qaeda. Although this partnership provided economic benefits for Yemen it also resulted in Saleh working to help cover up U.S. drone strikes in Yemen that were supposedly only directed against al-Qaeda. However, in 2009 as the Houthi movement strengthened they announced that twenty nine of those air raids were used against them killing over a hundred people. Fast forward six years and we arrive in a Yemen where 54.5% of their people are in poverty, most of the government being forced to resign and the U.S. pulling out the last remaining Special Forces. The instability in Yemen has pole vaulted drastically over the past few months starting from September 2014 when after weeks of protests around the capital tens of thousands of Houthis clashed with government security forces. The protests quickly turned violent as the Houthis call for the government made up of Sunni majority to step down. Since October 2014 we have now seen three suicide bombings the first from what is considered the most dangerous and active terrorist branch al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or AQAP. The latest being on the 20th of March 2015 where Sunni extremists bombed Shiite places of worship killing over 130 people.

The combination of the U.N. Security Council’s inaction and the U.S. withdrawing any remaining troops has resulted in Yemen slipping closer and closer to civil war. With the Houthi movement calling for a new government; President Hadi claiming any decisions made by the Houthis are invalid; ISIS claiming responsibility for some of the suicide bombings and AQAP left to their own devices it is no wonder 61% of the country is in a humanitarian crisis. Yemen is no Syria or Libya but as the U.S. continues to follow its well-earned reputation of taking what it wants with no consequences we start to see history repeat itself, and I dread for what the future brings for Yemen.¶

LETT ERS S P EA K LOUDER

T H A N WORDS . . .

get schooled: DESIGN WORDS BY KACEY

THANKS TO JAMES HOOPER

PART ONE: FONT

f there’s one thing I’ve learned so far in my journalism and design studies it’s that font. is. everything. It can change a design from mediocre to professional in an instant, and has endless potential to communicate and convey different meanings and contexts in both design and publications. In this edition of Get Schooled we’re going to give you a brief intro to four types of fonts and when you should use them. With this basic knowledge you can feel safe when designing for a magazine, newspaper, poster or any other form of design. Just remember though: if you’re designing for print media (ie magazines and newspaper) remember that READABILITY IS KEY. No matter how much you love a script or decorative font, it may not be the best to read, and could cause your design to suffer when people’s eyes hurt from looking at it. As a general rule of thumb, stick to serif fonts for print copy (the main block of text) and sans serif for screen. The reason for this is the different reactions with eyes for each medium. Screen displays are generally more blurry with lower resolutions, meaning that a serif font with a lot of detail is going to end up blurry and hard to read. Sans serif, however is characteristically crisp and clean, and works well with screen displays. Print displays are the opposite, with serif fonts allowing easy reading and flow on the high resolution print page. If you want to learn more, there are subjects within the FSD you can take to better understand the principles of graphic and publication design. Design Communications is the introductory multimedia and design subject and is a great way to get into design. Digital Publishing and Design in the journalism discipline is also available to journalism students who want to get into the visual side of the industry. ¶

Script

GOOD FOR: Formal Letters and Invitations Headings BAD FOR: Body Text Most designs

GOOD FOR: Headings Clean designs Screen design BAD FOR: Print body text

Serif GOOD FOR: Headings Logos BAD FOR: Body text Professionalism

Sans serif

GOOD FOR: Print body text Professionalism BAD FOR: Headings White text on black

slab

THE BASEMENT MAY HOROSCOPES MUSIC REVIEWS MOVIE REVIEWS

pitch perfect A

(2015) Director: Elizabeth Banks

two-time championship A Capella group might suggest innovation and creative harmony, as one might expect from the sequel to the surprising success of “Pitch Perfect” in 2012, but in the current age of comedy sequels who find jokes within repetition (“22 Jump Street,” “Anchorman”), “Pitch Perfect 2” sings their formula remarkably flat. The screenwriter, a graduate from TV’s hysterical “30 Rock,” seems to juggle as many subplots as a chorus does chords. The cast, a broth of stereotypes and melodrama, has the talent to suck all available empathy into a careless void. And teetering on the brink of a two hours, the film is foot-tapping for all the wrong reasons. If you’ve seen the original, you’ve already seen the sequel. As musical departures go, the film is hardly a step forward, with pop-Capella remixes of pop songs (Mika’s “Lollipop” somehow becomes even less masculine), or the occasional butchering of a Muse song (“Uprising” endures a passable cover, but flounders about without Matthew Bellamy’s glorious falsetto and screaming guitars). Amusingly, its finale, an original composition (gasp) sounds even more manufactured than the uninspired covers that came before it. The most amusing sequence of the film is headlined by a scooter riding David Cross (Tobias Fünke of “Arrested Development”), and though it begins promisingly, the joke soon reaches repetition. Though the general conceit seems ripe for musical satire (ground plenty covered by recent comedies), the cast and crew play the repetition straight. The brand of humour, the crassness of “Tropic Thunder” without a satirical edge, aims its insult cannons at everybody. It’s at once sexist, racist and fat-shaming, but brandishes the immunity card in fits of outrageousness. “If we insult everybody,” their comic motto goes, “we insult nobody.” It’s proudly brash and loudly incorrect, sliding down the rungs from plain idiocy to deeply offensive. The cast, from Rebel Wilson’s witlessness to Anna Kendrick’s straight-man flavourlessness, are all barely extensions of

their assigned stereotype; the sneaky Asian, the migrant Mexican, the obnoxious obese. When they ride the character development rollercoaster, each with their own rises and falls, the narrative is pushed through mounds of character clutter. But perhaps the clumsiest manner of the film lies in its screenplay and execution, dishing out every major character an equal share of the subplot pie. Wilson’s character grapples with a relationship that should never be, Kendrick’s career in music production (an excuse for a Snoop Dog cameo) is dulling, and a young new member sits in the forefront of every ensemble montage for less purpose than a change of scenery. None of these characters nor situations are compelling enough to be engaging. Comedic timing is limp and forced, especially in the awkward verbal spars between the cocky German rivals (who wear a step down from BDSM gear and sing in German accents) and the Bellas. As an A Capella singer myself, I figured the musical interludes might lend the escapism to water down their humour. I was wrong. This is comedy at its worst – filled with anti-intellectual pride that rests on a seesaw of vague American values. “Pitch Perfect 2” is concrete proof that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Some of the more vacant lapses in their musical logic arrive towards the finale (a regurgitation of the first film), especially a grand ‘emotional’ reveal that, because of its lack of appropriate foreshadowing or build-up, is explained to us via two convenient commentators (who could be handily replaced with expository ticker-tapes). Even then, peeling back the film’s rough edges, its musical darts don’t just miss the board, but land in fields of mediocrity. Among them are many mysteries – in an all-female ensemble, who is singing the bass? The first film made an effort to explain this musical slight, but the sequel is happy to let these astronomically lazy devices slip through the cracks. In fact, here lies the true nature of “Pitch Perfect 2”: Too many voices in all of the wrong places. ¶

REVIEW BY WILL

HOROSCOPES Capricorn Dec 22 - jan 20

You are working a lot and trying to meet deadlines, but there have been a lot of issues creating delays and drama at work. As you battle these issues and try to get things done and try to get along with your co-workers, one of your partners or rivals is beginning to complain and nag about how something or someone at home is irritating them. They think you should be the one to fix it or they think it is your fault. There probably is not much you can do to resolve any of this, but it is against your nature to ignore it and allow it to just fester. Try to keep from becoming overly controlling and closed-minded while trying to implement your ideas, even if you are probably correct as to what ought to happen next.

pisces

feb 19 - mar 20 You have had some time to evaluate your housing situation, room mates, private life, retirement plans, and/ or relationship with your parents. You have decided that things kind of stink and need to be healed, fixed, cleaned up, reorganized, etc. You are able to make a lot of progress in these areas, but they do not come easily and effortlessly. You have to put some serious effort into it. You end up ready to enjoy some playtime but find that once again, your financial goals clash with what you are trying to do. It is not easy to stay focused on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial goals when there is so much fun to be had, but you have your household budget in order so things are not as bad as it might seem.

TAURUS

APR 21 - MAY 21 Neptune is in the area of your chart that governs your social interactions including those online. When things are going badly, Neptune can bring dysfunction, lies, secrets, mental health issues, and/or bureaucracy into play. This month, a handful of planets are moving through your personal wealth and self-worth sector trying to bless this area of your life. However, Neptune clashes with each of them causing a rift between your finances and your social life. It could be something minor like you just cannot afford to splurge on social events. But it could also be something major like an Internet scam or a financial disagreement involving a team, club, committee, association, friend, etc. The good news is this is a shortterm issue and it should not cause long-term repercussions.

Aquarius jan 21 - feb 18

Like most people, you love to have a good time. But this month, your financial goals are clashing with your love life, parenting, hobbies, vacations, playtime activities, wish to splurge, and/or your desire to purchase luxury items. You need to be frugal and find ways to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love youâ&#x20AC;? and ways to entertain yourself without blowing your budget. The good news is that you are beginning to find it a bit easier to succeed at your financial and professional goals, so whatever financial damage you do create while splurging, you will probably be able to fix it in early July.

aries

mar 21 - apr 20 People can be really irritating sometimes. You and your coworkers, professional colleagues, friends, children, and partners are all getting along just fine. But your neighbours, extended family, and/or local community members are driving you nuts this month. They are bickering and arguing about religion, politics, academia, cultural issues, addictions, corporations, and any number of other topics. You are by nature, a smart person, but you could feel as if you are surrounded by opinionated idiots and/ or that know-it-alls are refusing to listen to anything new that differs from their long-time established ideas of what is true. You are an excellent communicator, but even you will have trouble getting your point across to these people.

GEMINI

MAY 22 - jUN 21 Last month, you spent a lot of time soul searching about your reputation and/or professional path and what you want it to be. This month, you are ticked off about the topic. You still have Neptune creating haziness, delusion, dysfunction, bureaucracies, secrets, and/or lies in your public life and professional goals sector. Your attempt to apply logic to this subject falls flat. You need to come at it from a more intuitive, imaginative, and/or idealistic approach.

HOROSCOPES Cancer jun22 - jul 22

Your partner or rival is finally done complaining about your reputation, boss, leadership style, and/or professional path. But now you are beginning to get upset about these things. Mostly, you are just sick and tired of know-it-alls telling you how to think and feel about political, religious, cultural, legal, academic, and/or media related topics. You are also beginning to tire of the bureaucracy and dramas at work. You can feel the need for a getaway vacation brewing in your soul.

virgo

AUG 24 - SEP 22 You are quite focused on your professional life this month but your partner or a rival is not too happy about it. Because of Neptuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement, they might be absent when you need them, or more likely they are acting dishonestly, dysfunctional, gullible, secretive, and/or in some way bringing more bureaucracy into the dynamic than what is necessary. They could be trying to smear your good name or they could simply being embarrassing you. Regardless, you are doing a great job, so just stay honest and ethical, and things should turn out in your favour.

leo

jul 23-aug 23 Last month, you were feeling really extroverted, social, openminded, and you excelled as a team player. This month, you still want to do and be those things, but people in your social circles are sucking the joy out of your life. They are making it very difficult for you to have any fun, to spend time with your loved ones, and/or for you to experience a little â&#x20AC;&#x153;me timeâ&#x20AC;? with your favorite hobbies. They are also creating some financial or romantic trust issues and you should definitely have your guard up within these areas. Things may not be what they seem, so do your homework, do not be gullible and overly trusting.

libra

SEP 23 -OCT 23 Issues involving language barriers, employee bigotry, longdistance communications or shipping, work related travel, mandates from the legal department, ineffective training classes, and/or a lack of formal education causing a drop in productivity levels for you and your co-workers. This is a short-term dynamic and soon you will be able to move past it. You might also find that a boss, high profile client, or some other authority figure is paying attention to how well you manoeuvre your way through these issues and is seeing that you are a valuable and productive member of the team. Next month, you will have even more opportunities to earn the respect and admiration of your colleagues and it will not involve as much drama.

scorpio oct 24 - nov 22

You and a lover could be dealing with infidelity, trust issues, or differing sexual needs. Joint finances could have the two of you stressed out and unable to really enjoy yourselves. It is also possible that children or pets are causing trust issues (like when they cannot be trusted to be left home alone). If you work in a happiness industry (music, theatre, fine dining, vacations, luxury sales, pet stores, etc.), you could find that revenues are low or you are having a hard time collecting your fair share of the profits. The good news is that you are doing really well at work and your boss and coworkers are appreciative of the genius and enthusiasm that you are bringing into the work environment day after day.

sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21

Your partner or a competitor is really making your life stressful at this time. They are angry and argumentative towards you but more so towards someone or something in your home or private life. You come to agree with them, but that does not make it any less stressful. Still the two of you have opportunities to diplomatically agree that outside of the home-oriented issue, the two of you are getting along fine. Next month, will be much better. You will have plenty of opportunities to kiss and make up or to at least have some fun together.

MUSIC // REVIEWS THE VACCINES // HANDSOME

MURA MASA // SOMEDAY SOMEWHERE EP

Looking for some insanely produced, chilled out EDM with a mix of hip hop and dance? Then Mura Masa has you covered. In the space of 7 tracks this producer from the UK takes you on a journey through his brand of chillwave, with the dreamy Are U There?, which starts off slow and brings it up to a beat filled that will definitely get your shoulders moving. He then takes it into the club with a beautifully pop-y, Paces-esque tune with Firefly, accompanied by the magical voice of Nao, a track that definitely stands out and is probably the strongest single from the EP. The eerily dark Terrible Love follows, with the gorgeous vocals bringing a heartfelt vibe to the list, with soft and flowing bears in signature Mura Masa style. A personal favourite is Lovesick Fuck, with Jamaican \vibes and layered beats, it’s one that can’t be faulted. Distorted vocals, perfect synths and an inescapable groove, it’s a track that won’t go unnoticed. Jay Prince features on Low, a dark hip hop trap that proves this producer has moves in every genre. Reminiscent of Big Sean and Drake, Low is impressively fresh for an EDM producer. Looped harps finish the EP on When U Need Me, taking it full circle to what Mura Masa does best: ambient, fresh tracks that could perfectly accompany a Sunday session in Byron Bay over a couple of brews. Overall this EP is flawless and is a must for any EDM and chillwave lover who’s looking for a more up beat sound. It’s a more adventurous direction for the UK producer, but had paid off tenfold. ¶

In classic Vaccines fashion, the UK bunch give us an energy filled pop rock tune that could best be appreciated by a bunch of greasers in the 50’s. The fuzzy and loud track is a banger, a pure dance tune that perfectly captures the nostalgic and youthful sound The Vaccines embody. However the track is a let down in terms of style and sound development. It’s a teaser for the album set to drop later this year, and to be honest I’m a little underwhelmed. Lack of depth and precision makes this song a one-trick pony, and a flashback to their debut, which also gets old pretty quickly. I’m excited to see what else comes out of the Vaccines’ pop rock machine, but this one is definitely a let down. ¶

TAME IMPALA// EVENTUALLY Tame Impala. Kevin Parker. NEED I SAY MORE? THE MAN IS A GENIUS. I’m convinced everything Kevin Parker touches is gold, including this track. The fourth single to drop from the hotly awaited Currents album, it’s nothing short of pure Tame Impala goodness. Dreamy synths, heavy riffs, crisp drums and pedals for days, this track is such a nice contrast to the other songs that have been released, proving that once again, Tame Impala will make a flawless transition into a new sound without losing the elements their fan base love. A rare feat, this band is nothing short of pure creative talent, with the direction of Kevin Parker steering the band clear of a rocky third album. Parker’s incredible yet effortless falsetto tops off this track, with a beautiful harmonious fade out to leave us begging for more until the album drops July 17. The most dream-like of the Currents releases, Eventually adds another dimension to the release, in contrast to the 8-minute banger Let it Happen, the sex-personified Cause I’m a Man and the burst of energy that is Disciples. Tame Impala can be caught on Sunday at Splendour in the Grass in July, where hopefully we can hear more of what is sure to be a phenomenal album. ¶

Movie // REVIEWS VAMPYR (1932) DIRECTOR: CARL DREYER

Carl Theodor Dreyer’s “Vampyr,” an essential pillar of early vampiric horror and broader horror cinema, shelters nightmares in every image. Filmed in an uncomfortable transition period come the advent of sound, “Vampyr” is Dreyer’s first film in sound, and sole film of the 1930s, and from then on steadily released masterpieces one decade at a time (“Day of Wrath,” “Two People,” “Ordet” and “Getrud” follow). It is a cautious first brush stroke of a master upon his full canvas, carefully toying with the sounds and spoken dialogue that were unsuited to the silent screen of old. Dreyer has masterful control over his visuals, perhaps beholden to cinematographer Rudolph Maté, shot in blacks and whites that, while native to its year, brings “Vampyr” a celestial and gothic tone. Some of its technical shortcomings, such as an inability to harness the darkness of a night sky (Murnau skirted this issue by using a negative film print, painting a white landscape against a pitch black sky), add to its greyscale eeriness, set in a world where time is nondescript. Other pictures are painted in brushstrokes of bold myth, like the closing image as the film’s hero, Allan Gray, and a rescued girl cross a ghostly lake smothered by fog, returning to sunlight from the depths of their underworlds. The death of the vampire’s assistant, locked in a mill and slowly suffocated under a mound of flour, is an image crucial to cinema; a creature of darkness is buried under what seems like falling snow, a stark and transcendent picture. Dreyer is in full control of his technical faculties, but “Vampyr” is timid and less passionate than his other films – a disconnect that somewhat compliments horror, a cosmic uneasiness that soaks into its flesh. In comparison, “The Passion of Joan of Arc” screams in silence. But I wonder whether Dreyer sympathizes; a creature of old is suffocated by an invention of whirring gears and moving parts, just as a master of silent cinema drowns in the invention of sound. But when the mill ground to a halt, only one man was left buried in the flour. The other took his next great step into the pages of film history. ¶

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (2015) DIRECTOR: JOSS WHEDON

The irony of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is that its eponymous villain is made to resemble Pinocchio, a puppet shed of his strings, when there are all too many strings holding the Marvel Comic Universe together – and at once, tearing it apart. Following “The Avengers,” a feat in pulling countless franchises together, “Age of Ultron” seems less a sequel than a TV show’s “last time in the Marvel world,” with its postcredit scene resembling the sneak preview of the next episode (one of twenty more superhero films to reach the screens this decade). This is a bigger, wider world, with an added three essential characters to the Marvel mythos, and the scale of action is tailored to fit; but why is every nameless villain, menacing Russian, and scheming robot fuelled by less tension than the last? How many more world-saving plots do the Earth’s mightiest heroes have written into their contracts? The film is a monster-of-the-week episode in the truest sense, and Disney-Marvel seems reluctant to shed their tried and tested formula and spread their wings; the first act is a McGuffin gone missing (Thor mentions something along the lines of, “Oh no, not again”), the second is fragments of action nestled amongst chase scenes, and the third follows yet another vessel of destruction plummeting from the skies towards a helpless cityscape, falling among the debris of helicarriers, alien cavalries and the countless other threats that came before it. I wish upon a star for Marvel to tell one great story with their characters, rather than twenty identical ones in the language of computer-generated spectacle. The film’s conflict ends with a ball of fire in the sky; I won’t pretend that’s a spoiler. ¶

TOP 5

BURGERS ON THE GC

1. BURGER BROS.

Biggera Waters

Taking out the top spot, Burger Bros at Biggera Waters boasts the best meat-bread combo on the Gold Coast. Must-tries include the Mahalo Pork Burger, Beached Az Burger, the South Swine and Hot As Burger. Don’t hold on the sweet potato chips either! Check it out atinstagram.com/burgerbrogc

2. ZE PICKLE

Burleigh Heads

You know it, you love it. No one can say they’ve tried Gold Coast burgers until they’ve visited Ze Pickle, the most creative and daring burger joint on the coast. From mac n’ cheese to twix and waffles, Ze Pickle will do anything to find the perfect combo. Can’t beat their WeePig or Pablo Esco burgers. Have a look at instagram.com/zepickle

3. LONGBOARDS

Surfers Paradise

HUGO’S BURGER LOUNGE Mermaid Beach

Mouthwatering Salmon burgers, Schnitzel rolls and delicious wedges are running rampant at Hugo’s Burger Lounge in Mermaid. Housing traditional burgers and turkish bread sandwiches all jam packed with yummy fillings, the family owned business is definitely worth the trip. Take a scroll at instagram.com/

If you’re looking for relaxed vibes and a big hunk of burger-y goodness, look no further than Longboards laidback eatery and bar in Surfers. Definitely not one to skimp on ingredients, the Phat Bastard burger is stacked high and even earned itself an eating competition. Hit them up at instagram.com/longboardsbar

hugoburgerlounge

5. BURGER LOUNGE

Kirra

Tucked away in Kirra is some of the best burgers on the south end, with juicy patties and onion rings to die for. If you’re on the lower side of the coast make sure to hit it up! Check them out at burgerlounge.com.au

TOP 5

CRAFT BEERS

1. FAT YAK

Matilda Bay

A creamy refreshing brew when enjoyed with a good beef burger, the hops leaves a refeshingly clean taste on the palette. TASTE PROFILE: Passionfruit Melon Hops

3. BIG HEAD

Burleigh Brewery

A full flavoured, yet low calorie concoction, this beer is yet another gem from local Burleigh Brewery. Best served with pizza or a good antipasto. TASTE PROFILE: Peach Elderflower Wood

5. SPEARHEAD PALE ALE

Cricketer’s Arms

A light and fresh ale, that quite literally rolls off the tongue. Delicious with a parmiagana or bruscetta. TASTE PROFILE: Citrus Amarillo Caramel

2. ONE FIFTY LASHES

James Squire

MANGO BEER

A fruity nosed pale ale, One Fifty Lashes has a very dynamic flavour profile. Best enjoyed with seafood. TASTE PROFILE: Wheat Grapefruit Citrus

Matso’s

A witty and tasteful effort on behalf of the mango in this beautiful and easy to drink brew. Serve this with a bag of sweet chilli chips or a sweet and savoury combo like rockmelon and prosciutto. TASTE PROFILE: Mango Yeast Barley

“24 HOURS IN A DAY, 24 BEERS IN A CASE. COINCEDENCE?”

san cisco GRACEtown

he San Cisco camp has been rather quiet of late. After the quirky charm of Awkward was flogged by the J’s, the heavy airtime given to their eponymous breakout record and a string of tours and big-ticket festivals, the band seemed to unexpectedly drop off the radar. But with the recent release of their sophomore album, Gracetown, San Cisco may have just re-kindled the magic that their fan-base swooned over to begin with. First thing’s first: this album is everything you would expect from the Cisco gang. The album makes liberal reference to love and the complex relationships that come with it; all folded in with a good pinch of nostalgia. Already sitting at Number 2 in the Australian charts, Gracetown has clearly struck an extremely excitable nerve. And while this spark of regained interest is exactly the fresh air the band needed, the direction and trajectory of the album almost seems like history repeating itself. Whilst a slightly more mature brand of indie-pop than their previous releases, Gracetown offers the same eccentric, bubbly approach to their indie-pop niche. On the first spin of the record, all these fun-infused audio waves are as intoxicating as they are fast-paced. The album seemingly flies through the 12-track collection, with a strict adherence to the pop-standard 3-minute song duration consistently cycling through sounds. However this approach didn’t seem to hold any profound or lasting impression, and their trickbag of vocalised percussion, plucky guitar fills and quirky, disjointed lyrical phrasing is only entertaining for so long.

Admittedly, the album has some gems. Along with the infectious leading single and A-side opener, RUN, Wash it all Away is by far a stand-out. Featuring a subtle percussive back-beat, groove-laden basslines and a strippedback approach to the chimey melodic rhythm, vocalist Jordi James perfectly balances the song between the sicklysweet, playful innocence of the instrumentals and the maturity of the lyrics. The Preatures frontwoman and allround heroine Isabella Manfredi brings a refreshingly gritty flavour to Jealousy, yet this appetiser leaves so much to be desired with the rest of the album’s squeaky-clean offerings. Gracetown isn’t necessarily a bad album. It nails the band’s quirky and energetic indie-pop sound, and adds a pinch more artistic maturity in the process. But it lacks something. It lacks the one thing that determines an album from a great one: personality. From the album’s onset, there is this niggling sense of method to it all. San Cisco seem to have formed their sound around an obvious formula that has driven their success in previous releases, and this latest offering shows that they seem hell-bent on sticking to it. The band’s carefully polished approach creates an unmistakable sense of overproduction and superficiality that, while obviously proving successful in the charts, takes away the heart and soul of the music on offer. ¶

REVIEW BY SEAN

we hope you enjoyed our fifth issue. If you have questions, comments or would like to contribute, feel free to email Kacey at publications.sdsa@student.bond.edu.au