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NIKE AIR MAX DAY. 26.3.17

JUST DO IT.

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10 COFFEE CULTURE 14 BARCELONA, UNA GUIA 24 VINYL REVIVAL 30 FUTURE ALBUM REVIEW 34 WHAT’S N’ECTACY? 36 BLAST FROM THE PAST

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CONTENTS

38 GOAL LINE TECHNOLOGY 40 TECHNOLOGY BREAKTHROUGHS 44 AN ODE TO SIR DAVID 48 TIME TO TALK: MENTAL HEALTH 56 WHO’S IN CHARGE? 58 STORE VISIT: GRANTS. 1856

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A WORD FROM US

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en years ago, we lived in a world with no smart phones, no inspirational Instagram quotes and Barack Obama was yet to become the first black President of the United States; we dare not dream of the world’s first tangerine to take The White House. Messi and Ronaldo had yet to win a single Ballon D’Or combined. Buckingham was the UK’s most popular Palace.

Mika and Leon Jackson topped the charts.

Evidently, much has changed. For the better. Mostly. If you ignore Trump, Brexit and austerity. And Katy Hopkins. Young people are products of this changing environment. Preconceptions and stereotypes and slowly being dismantled. This new audience requires a different, more diverse content. We want to provide young men in the UK that content. Content that reflects the landscape in which they now exist.

This is not a lad mag. You won’t see Lucy Pinder’s chest here. This is not a magazine for ‘real men’. That’s a bullshit concept dreamt up by internet meme legend ‘yer da’. This is not a magazine for gentlemen. If you can afford a Rolls-Royce, Rolex or retirement investment, this probably isn’t the magazine for you.

We are proud to bring you a magazine of the future, featuring Future. A magazine that genuinely represents the broad range of interests you, as a reader, have. Fashion, food, music, sport, technology, travel and, hopefully, comedy are all on the menu.

Look at this magazine like an all-you-can-eat buffet. You might not like everything in it, but it is guaranteed there is something in here you will absolutely love and keep coming back for more of. Hopefully you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it. So, without further ado, it is our pleasure to present to you – CONCEPT. Enjoy.

KIERAN HEPWORTH Creative Director & Copy Editor

CONCEPT MAGAZINE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN STENNINGS john@conceptmag.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & COPY EDITOR KIERAN HEPWORTH kieran@conceptmag.com

MANAGING EDITOR DYLAN MITCHELL dylan@conceptmag.com

FEATURES EDITOR OWEN REES owen@conceptmag.com

WITH THANKS TO...

Paul Clark, Jeremy Craddock and Lara Williams at Manchester Metropolitan University, Jonathan Ollerenshaw at Universitat de Vic, Barcelona, Martin Evans at Picadilly Records, Charlie Foster-Vigors at Labosport, Wahil Ahmed of the Bunk Collective, Jack Barnett, formerly of Sankeys, Paul Grant and Mark Wheatley at Grants.1856, Thomas Hepworth, Jamal Ahmed, Lewis Quigley.

@CONCEPTMAG

@CONCEPTMAG

/CONCEPTMAG

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ISSUE ONE

HALF AND HALF HATRED Words: Dylan Mitchell Image: Dylan Mitchell

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wo sides of the city, divided by club, but united on either side of a commemorative scarf.

Half-and-half scarves are the bane of many home football supporters up and down the country. Seeing so called home ‘fans’ draped in the colours of their oldest and bitterest rivals just isn’t right.

Fair enough if you’re an away fan who’s made a thousand-mile journey to watch their club in a once in a lifetime game and want to take home a memento from the occasion. But to see Manchester United fans sat in the stands with the colours of City or Liverpool dangling from their neck is simply not acceptable.

It just goes to show how for many of the top-flight clubs tourists now come looking for an experience of the British match day.

But that’s just part of modern football, isn’t it?

Travel agent Thomas Cook offers “Official Manchester United Match Breaks” taking seats away from local fans and offering them up to the rest of the world.

And it’s these ‘fans’ who come to watch the game from a neutral point of view and take away from the atmosphere and litter the stand in a two-team tripe of a scarf.

But if I do have one word of advice for anyone wanting to buy one, don’t get exploited by the sellers outside the ground, wait until after the game and they’ll be selling them half price.

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COFFEE CULTURE Words: Owen Rees Image: Owen Rees

“You don’t have to be a coffee connoisseur to indulge in a nice cup of hot coffee.”

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offee culture is a term used to describe the social behaviour of our species which depends heavily on coffee. For many, making a cup of coffee is the first thing we do in a morning, or perhaps making time to grab one on the way to school or work, or throughout the day to keep ourselves going. There seems to be new social construct in which we perceive coffee to be the ultimate fuel for our bodies, so much so that it has led to the creation of multi-million pound corporations and businesses which thrive off our need for stimulation.

As we all know, coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, some like it black, some like it with milk and cream, and some like it with sugar. The main appeal to coffee though is its presence of caffeine.

Caffeine is a drug which makes the user feel alerted and less tired, perfect for those trying to get up out of bed quicker and easier, which many of us crave for in a morning, hence why it is so appealing to most. Although there has been much deliberation on whether or not coffee is good for your health, most experts believe that it is safe to consume in reasonable quantities for adults.

Experts say that children should not be exposed to caffeine early on in their lives, as the child’s body would be more susceptible to the drugs effect.

In the last 15 years, chain stores like Costa and Cafe Nero have occupied every corner of our local highstreets, our small quaint town centres and everywhere in-between like railway and bus stations. The emergence of these stores has fed our addiction for coffee so perfectly and offers the consumers a wider range of flavours, styles and environments to enjoy taking time out of our day to indulge in the caffeine overloaded beverage.

But recent figures have shown that we actually drink less coffee than we did 10 years ago, so why does drinking coffee have its own culture which is so prevalent in our modern society?

Well, many blame it to the 20 somethings in the 1990’s

as back then, where this new and exciting coffee, made by specially made space age machinery, was available to buy, instantly. This convenient and somewhat cool new way to enjoy coffee took the nation by storm, and in turn, made more people indulge in the exciting new way to enjoy coffee, rather buying the bleak, dry granules which you have to wait to make yourself.

This could be a reasonable explanation for the rise in sales for coffee consumption, but it fails to explain to why there is this weird sense of sophistication and exclusiveness when going for a coffee?

Some argue that the fact that coffee is not generally cheap, nor are the new machines in our home which make a coffee shop style coffee right at your fingertips, and therefore gives a sense of class and high quality, which has subsequently resulted in an ego which allows ourselves to pay extortionate prices for a drink, surrounded by strangers in a busy city centre, which we can all enjoy in the comfort of our own home. On the other hand, going out for a coffee does have a more sophisticated social aspect to it as opposed to going down to your local pub and ending up absolutely hammered on a Saturday afternoon, it just seems like a more sensible outlet to meet friends and socialise.

You don’t have to be a coffee connoisseur to indulge in a nice cup of hot coffee, but there is no doubt in today’s society that the average person can tell a good cup of coffee from a bad one. But because of the widening availability of barista cafés and coffee shops combined with our constant ‘on the go’ lifestyles we appreciate that when we do take time out of our day to grab a quick one then we are more likely to want something different or exotic. To be honest, I don’t really see the difference, if it’s caffeine we crave from coffee, then surely it doesn’t make a difference how you get it, I would have thought the cheapest option would be the better call?

But hey, whatever floats your boat I guess.

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COCKADOODLEMOO Words: Dylan Mitchell Images: Dylan Mitchell

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icture the scene. You wake up on Sunday morning Sunday afternoon - only to be greeted by the worst hangover so far of 2017. Your head is in pieces. You can’t decide if you’re rough yet or still pissed from the night before. Your room feels like it’s spinning around faster than the speed of light itself. Your mouth is so dry you have to peel your lips from one another. There’s only one thing on your mind. Food. Big, greasy, dirty, disgusting, delicious, hangover curing food. Then you remember the funny old name Cockadoodlemoo.

If you’re into your smoked American style BBQ meats then this is the place for you. Brisket, pulled pork, wings, burgers, dogs, fries and more BBQ sauces than you can shake a stick at, Cockadoodlemoo is every hungover person’s wet dream. If meat’s not for you they’ve still got it covered, with veggie options such as, the cheesy mushroom burger, or the halloumi wrap. But if you’re a meat eater then this is the place to be.

The décor of the Stockport restaurant was simple, yet stylistic. And for someone like myself, who’s proud to say he’s watched pretty much every episode of Grand Designs, I loved it. The reclaimed wooden sleepers and scaffolding pole tables worked brilliantly and the dull lighting was perfect to help nurse my pounding headache.

The menu was quite overwhelming at first, there was so much choice and my fragile hungover mind couldn’t decide what it wanted. It wanted everything. But then I saw it, calling out like a beacon in the night. The Dirty Boy. The name of the burger replicated exactly how I was

feeling at that moment in time. Flashbacks of the previous night’s mixture of Jägerbombs, cheap rosé wine and endless Jack Daniel’s and Coke were leaving my body feeling like a piece of filth on the floor. But the Dirty Boy would be soon to solve that. A six-ounce beef patty topped with, sixteen-hour low and slow smoked beef brisket, tender sticky BBQ pulled pork, bacon and melted Montgomery jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions dripping with chipotle mayo all under the cover of a toasted brioche bun.

Coming with a side of slaw and either regular, twister, or sweet potato fries or a jacket potato or dirty rice (Cajun style veggie rice). Food porn at its finest.

Tackling this beast was the biggest problem, even after flattening it down it was a struggle to wrap my mouth around. I opted to put it down wipe clean my BBQ sauce drenched hands and hack at it with a knife and fork. To put it simply the meal was purely amazing and as I write this review my mouths now watering at the thought of it.

The array of BBQ sauces available blew me away, the BBQ mustard being a personal favourite. Everything was like eating a little slice of heaven and my hangover was now non-existent.

I would urge anyone, if they had sense, to pay a visit to one of their sites in Stockport or Rochdale. Any place that provides its own wet wipes to clean down the mess you’ve made is a winner for me. For the size of that meal costing £14.95, plus a £1 upgrade for twister fries, it can’t be complained about. Hungover Sundays have a new enemy: Cockadoodlemoo.

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BARCELONA, UNA GUIA DE VIATGE Words: John Stennings Images: John Stennings / Jonathan Ollerenshaw

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“I’ve experienced it. I’ve finally had my cliché holiday romance and it wasn’t with the girl one row in front on the plane wearing New Balance 991’s and listening to The XX.” Y

ou know that holiday romance cliché that everyone likes to use? I’ve experienced it. I’ve finally had my cliché holiday romance and it wasn’t with the girl one row in front on the plane wearing New Balance 991’s and listening to The XX. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some fantastic cities across Europe during the budding years of my twenty or so years alive; London, Paris, Amsterdam, and each time I come away thinking, yeah, you know what, that was ace.

Barcelona was next on my list. I’d been to Barcelona before, solely for football and drinking reasons, so I decided it was about time I experienced it properly. Fortunately for me, one of my best and oldest mates, Jonny has been living in Barcelona for the best part of six months during an Erasmus year at University and I had my own personal tour guide for the next three days.

Day one started out pretty standard. Arrive at Manchester Airport three hours earlier than needed. Check.

Check in on Facebook so everybody knows that you’re going abroad. Check. Head straight to the resident airport Wetherspoons for a pre-flight pint. Czech. The weather in Barcelona is alright at this time of year – February, that

is – it’s warm enough to feel like you are actually in Spain, but cool enough for you to wear that new favourite sweatshirt you bought in the January sales and haven’t taken off since. Our first destination was la Sagrada Família, designed and unfinished by Antoni Gaudi due to his unfortunate death in 1926. It’s alright. It’s a big cathedral and it looks a bit gothic and it’s €30 to get in. Is it worth it? Yeah probably, the windows inside reflect the light to form some nice-looking colours and the architecture is, as far as I’m aware, pretty decent. The view from the top (pictured, above), however, is worth every penny and you can see Barcelona in all it’s glory A €1.90 metro trip across the city brought us out at Barceloneta and suddenly the low-rise, close-knit skyline of Barcelona had opened up. A short walk past the marina and plenty of small tapas bars and you’re on the beachfront. You know that time when Ian Brown waffled on about Manchester having everything except a beach?

Barcelona has it, right there on the outskirt of the hustle and bustle of the city is a place to relax, to go for a run or in our case, a game of keepie-uppies and a couple of cans of Estrella.

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arcelona is a city of sport. There are outdoor football pitches, basketball, tennis or squash courts hidden round every other corner within the heart of city. Quite fitting then that Barcelona would be home to the greatest football team of the modern era, the greatest football player of the modern era and one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. Now, I’ve seen Barcelona play at the Camp Nou, the atmosphere is electric, the quality on show is of the highest order and the wave of red and blue is magnificent. If there is a game on, go, and if not, then don’t bother.

Instead, Barcelona is home to a stadium that most seem to have forgotten exists. The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys can be found on a large hill to the southwest of the city. It is easily accessed by a short yet picturesque cable car ride by the beachfront. Remodelled for the 1992 Olympics, and used by Barcelona’s lesser known football team, RCD Espanyol until 2009, it may not be the most famous in a city that boasts the Camp Nou, but is by far the easiest on the eye. It’s palace-like façade and brutalist

nature of the stands inspire tradition and success. The surrounding grounds offer some of the most aesthetically pleasing colours and design I have ever seen. The neglect that the stadium has received can be seen, but the general wear and tear only adds to the structure’s raw identity. The stadium has been left open and free for the public to roam. We spent hours here with nothing but our cameras and the view and it didn’t cost a single penny.

Who needs to spend €30 to learn about that Messi fella, anyway?

Though Barcelona has a small city feel to it, the fringes stretch quite a distance and often host a hidden gem that are only heard of by those in the know. Luckily, Jonny had caught wind of a spot named Búnquers del Carmel or - ‘The Bunker’ if you fancy. You can take the metro to a stop called Alfons X and then, following a somewhat difficult twenty-minute ascent up the hill, enjoy a complete view of Barcelona’s skyline from way above, usually accompanied by a couple of cans of Estrella and the locals playing music.

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he capital of Catalonia had already gone beyond the expectations of your typical European city. However, the last thing I had expected to be doing whilst on visit was a 4,000 foot hike up a mountain. The Catalonian territory is home to Montserrat mountain, which translates roughly to sawn mountain. Which is nice. The neighbouring highlands stand only a thirty-minute train ride from Barcelona’s Placa d’Espanya station which only costs about €10 or something like that. Which is also nice.

Now, as far as life goes, I’ve never really been an outdoorsy person. It takes a lot to get me out of bed and stop staring at the same poster that’s been on my wall since the age of fourteen. I spent the half an hour train ride hung-over and sleeping after celebrating Manchester City’s 4-0 win the night before, so the aim of ending the day 4,000 feet higher didn’t exactly bode well for me at this point. As the train pulled in to Aeri-Montserrat station, my outlook had changed.

It feels like the middle of nowhere, Montserrat. A bit like when you’re on a long drive on the motorway and decide to stop off at the services in somewhere irrelevant like Keele, or Leigh. The exception being, instead of stepping out of the car to the sight of a Burger King, you step off the train to a daunting mountain range towering over you, the peaks hidden amongst the clouds.

A short cable car ride, included in your train ticket price, takes lazy fucks like me a third of the way up the mountain. Already, you’re amongst the clouds and the views are breath-taking (shown, in the featured image).

At this point, you’re about 750m high, there’s a couple of little cafés selling authentic Spanish tapas and everything feels lovely - until you realise you have around 500m still to climb on foot.

The beginning of the ascent is difficult, surrounded by a lot of trees and claustrophobic clusters or rocks, there isn’t much to look at, climbing man-made step after manmade step after man-made step, it doesn’t feel worth it at this point. But eventually, the ground levels out and it’s a leisurely walk from here, there’s a few places to stop to eat lunch looking back on the arduous ascent you have since taken. Our lunch was interrupted by a friendly bunch of deer, who let me get so close to them with my camera that I felt like a young David Attenborough, with perhaps slightly less beard.

Montserrat is a mountain that astonishes you from the moment you see it, for it is so different from others. Seen from the base, it looms up alone on the landscape with nothing but sky for company; a stark contrast from the nearby metropolis of Barcelona. The city is energetic, vibrant and outgoing. Montserrat is calm, peaceful and introspective. It is not until you reach the peak until you become truly astonished. (picture, left) The views across Catalonia make Montserrat a special place and make every gruelling step it takes to get there worth it. The nap you can have on the train back is alright, too.

My few days in Barcelona were a true love affair. A city often overshadowed by more famous names in Europe, Paris or Amsterdam for example, it becomes almost a hidden gem full of hidden gems. Barcelona has stolen my heart for the time being. Probably until I visit Berlin, Copenhagen or Lisbon this summer, or I see another girl wearing New Balance 991s, who knows.

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ELVANA Words: Dylan Mitchell Illustration: Dylan Mitchell

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“Surreal is the one word I’d use to describe the whole performance. Seeing a middle-aged man in Elvis attire, belting out a wild rendition of Rape Me which included a short excerpt of Love Me Tender, was almost too much for my brain to comprehend.”

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n this modern world we witness a lot weird and wonderful merges. McBusted, doner kebab pizza’s and the football fans favourite the chicken balti pie to name a few.

But on Saturday night I witnessed what I believe to be the strangest mix of the lot. Two of music’s most celebrated musicians blended together into one of the wackiest tribute acts the world has ever seen. Elvana.

Having only heard of the band a few days earlier and avoiding YouTube videos of their performances, I was going into the gig with low expectations. How could it work?

The King of Rock’ n ’Roll merged with the legends of the grunge scene. Elvis and Nirvana? I just couldn’t marry the two together. But as the dancefloor at The Ruby Lounge slowly began to fill I could sense a night of top-class entertainment on the way. There couldn’t be this many people here to watch a poor band, could they?

It seemed as though the majority of the people there had met up beforehand and decided the outfit for the night was going to be a slouched beanie and a beard longer than four inches. They were all almost carbon copies of each other. Kind of like a grunge scene Attack of the Clones. I was still in two minds of what to expect.

Then through a hazy mix of fog machine and e-cig smoke, Elvis, in his parrot print white shell suit appeared on stage and the crowd erupted as the band laid into their first Nirvana cover, ‘Aneurysm’.

As a band, musically, they were tight and I couldn’t find any faults. As for the frontman Elvis’ comical impersonations, with his swinging hips, karate chops and Missis-

sippi drawl accent, all worked perfectly to entertain and engage the crowd.

Surreal is the one word I’d use to describe the whole performance. Seeing a middle-aged man in Elvis attire, belting out a wild rendition of ‘Rape Me’ which included a short excerpt of ‘Love Me Tender’, was almost too much for my brain to comprehend. But the 100-plus moshing crowd, including myself, were loving it.

One of the only negatives was the Nirvana styled version of ‘All Shook Up’, which in my opinion, didn’t work.

Trying to turn the laid back classic into an fast heavy grunge song was just too much.

Going into ‘Lithium’, the crowd literally descended into chaos. Limbs were flying all over the show. It was clear the band aren’t taken as a joke by the people here, they were genuine fans here to enjoy the marrying together of two great lates.

Finishing with ‘Heart-Shaped Box’, Elvis descended from the stage and into the Monster and Relentless scented sweatbox to sing along with the fans who’d came to witness one of the most enthusiastic and craziest performances I’d ever seen.

Going into the gig having never seen any videos and with low expectations it’s safe to say I was leaving as an Elvana fan. But it left me wondering what other fusion bands could be created? Dappy Mondays possibly, a Dappy fronted Happy Mondays tribute act could just be equally as weird and wonderful. I think the world needs more random merged tribute bands.

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Vinyl Revival Words: Dylan Mitchell Images: Dylan Mitchell

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“Vinyl has become kind of more fashionable generally as a format” Martin Evans Piccadilly Records

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even inch or twelve-inch? Sales in vinyl records today are soaring higher than ever before. 2016 marked the year vinyl sales rocketed to a 25-year high, teetering past the three million units’ marker.

Figures from the British Phonographic Industry revealed that over 3.2 million LPs were sold last year which is a rise of 53% from 2015. But just why is it that this once thought to be obsolete music format is thriving in this modern digital age?

Manchester is a city famed for its huge back catalogue of musical success. From Joy Division in the seventies, to bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays in the eighties and The Courteeners and Blossoms in more recent years. Not to forget the unrivalled worldwide success for the Gallagher brothers in Oasis throughout the nineties. There aren’t many cities that can stand in comparison. Music is in the blood of Mancunians. You only have to walk down the Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter to see the city’s musical heritage celebrated literally right there under your feet in the paving stones. Music is the beating heart and soul of Manchester. So, it is no wonder that within less than 30 metres of each other there are three independent record stores in

the Northern Quarter. Vinyl Revival, Vinyl Exchange and Piccadilly Records.

In a quest to find out why so many people are turning to a physical music format over digital downloads I met up with Martin Evans from Piccadilly Records to see if he could provide me with some answers.

“There’s probably a couple of factors I’d say. Vinyl has become kind of more fashionable generally as a format.

But some of that is probably to do with Record Store Day which began, I think, nearly 10 years ago now and was very good at promoting independent record shops. I think along with that most of the popular releases, the vast majority, were on vinyl anyway and so I think that Record Store Day probably on its own was the biggest single boost to vinyl sales” Martin went on to explain how the rise in demand for records has impacted on his business.

“Well the fact that more people are buying vinyl has certainly changed what we sell in store. We still do sell CD’s but there’s a much higher proportion of vinyl now.

We have always had vinyl but for a time, you know, it was a smaller proportion of the stuff that we sold.”

April the 22nd, aka Record Store Day. One of the 25

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biggest influences for bringing vinyl back into the mainstream. Celebrating its tenth year in 2017, Record Store Day helps to celebrate and promote everything that is unique about the UK’s independent record stores. The event is one of the biggest dates in music fans calendars.

Hundreds of special limited edition vinyl records are released by artists from all genres, Rock music right through to Grime. The diversity in releases means there is something out there for every music lover. Giving them a reason to go down to their local participating store and brave the several-hour long queues to purchase a physical piece of limited music.

There is something about being able to physically hold a piece of music in your hands which makes vinyl so popular and appealing. The sleeves can be a piece of art themselves, look at David Bowie’s Brit award winning Blackstar. The swansong album was the highest selling vinyl of 2016 and its cover artwork came packed with hidden secrets, such as when it is exposed to sunlight revealing a galaxy of stars, or turning fluorescent blue when lit by a blacklight. The sleeve of the 2016 reissue of the soundtrack to the 1984 classic, Gremlins, also came with clever and witty concealed features. Contrary to the rules

from the film you’re going to have to forget what you know and get this vinyl wet and expose it to sunlight to reveal its hidden images. It’s gimmicks like this which would make someone turn to buying the physical record over downloading or streaming it.

Although the cost of vinyl tends to be much higher than the same album on a CD or downloaded from iTunes the tangible nature of the 12x12 sleeve brings the owner back into the physical world and lifts us out of the digital one we often find ourselves consumed in. Playing a record is a more intimate moment between man and music.

Placing it on the turntable and setting the correct speed is a more personal interaction than opening an app and pressing play. The sound of the needle hitting the groove and the noise of the dust crackling before the first song kicks in all adds to the authenticity of the experience of truly enjoying a record.

Vinyl has become a fashion now. Stores like HMV and Urban Outfitters are cashing in on this rise in popularity and are starting to stock more and more vinyl. Even supermarket branch Tesco are getting in on the act, making vinyl more accessible for everyone. Even record players have become more widely available. Brands like ION and 26

ISSUE ONE Crosley have started producing portable, vintage styled, record players. Their sleek briefcase style design and wide choice of colour options make them perfect for both hipsters and classic record collectors alike.

Having been purchased a Crosley Cruiser turn table for Christmas, I took it upon myself to start my own vintage record collection and where better to start than right in my own home. Delving into dark depths of the attic in search of my Dads old collection, I uncovered a treasure trove of Manchester classics.

The Stone Roses self-titled, 1989, debut album was the holy grail of my discovery. 11 tracks back to back of pure bliss. It still had the original sticker from the now non-existent Our Price record store left on there. £5.99 for a twelve inch. A reissue of the same album today costs £19.99 in HMV. Collecting brand new vinyl today looked as though it was going to prove a costly business.

Other classics I discovered had to be arguably two of the most famous releases from Factory Records. Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures LP and Happy Mondays’ Rave

On EP. Both with cover art that is still widely recognisable today. The Unknown Pleasures cover art can be found printed on T-shirts in stores up and down the country. The Rave On cover art “Madchester” became a phrase used to describe a whole scene of music, there’s still commemorative graffiti of it sprayed on walls in Salford.

There were a few questionable records in there too. A 1978 double LP of the soundtrack to Grease being one of them. It may not be the first album that springs to mind for people starting their own collection but I’d urge anyone to go out and find it. Grease is one of the biggest musicals in the world, everyone’s seen it at least once and putting this soundtrack on is guaranteed to get everyone singing along.

It’s clear that vinyl isn’t something that’s just going to fade away without a fight. There’s a whole new generation of collectors out there looking to hoard records both old and new. They’re a seven or twelve-inch piece of art and I’d question anyone who’d choose another format over this.

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RECORD STORE DAY 2017 TOP TEN PICKS Words: Dylan Mitchell Image: Dylan Mitchell

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Wiley: Godfather Double LP

An exclusive white label edition of the Godfathers 2017 top ten album. Featuring collaborations with several other members of BBK such as Skepta, JME and Frisco.

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The Smiths: The Boy With The Thorn In His Side 7”

Set to be one of the biggest releases this Record Store Day, The Smiths are releasing a previously unheard version of the classic on a limited edition 7”. It also contains the original B-side ‘Rubber Ring’.

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Slaves: Take Control LP

The punk duo are releasing their Take Control LP on a white vinyl with a gold sleeve and an exclusive photobook. Featuring the singles ‘Consume Or BE Consumed’ and ‘Spit It Out’.

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Cabbage: Young Dumb and Full Of.. LP

One of the latest bands to come out of Manchester Cabbage, are releasing their first three EP’s ‘Uber Capitalist Death Trade’, ‘Necroflat in the Palace’ and ‘Terrorist Synthesizer’, together on a double LP produced by The Coral’s James Skelly.

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Space Jam Soundtrack

Originally released on vinyl in 1996 and featuring classics like R.Kelly’s ‘I believe I can Fly’, it has now become a rarity for collectors with copies going for hundreds of dollars on sites like eBay and Discogs.

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Aqua: Barbie Girl 7”

For its 20th Anniversary the 1997 hit ‘Barbie Girl’ is being released on a hot pink 7” vinyl. There’s even a karaoke version as a B-side in case you choose to sing along.

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The Cure: Greatest Hits Double LP

A limited edition double picture disc compiled by Robert Smith. It features all their well-known tracks such as ‘Friday I’m In Love’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’.

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Doctor Who & The Pescatons – Double LP

A must have for any fan of the classic sci-fi series. The first ever audio drama featuring Tom Baker as the Doctor and Elizabeth Sladen as his assistant Sarah Jane Smith, defending London from an invasion of the shark-like Pestacon Aliens. The second disc comes packed with all the classic sound effects from the show.

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Deee – Lite: Groove Is In the Heart 12”

The 1990 dance classic is getting a reissue in a solid pink 12” vinyl along with the classic B-side ‘What Is Love?’.

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Toto: Africa / Rosanna Africa-shaped picture disc.

Expected to sell out instantly, for the 40th anniversary of the original release ‘Africa’ is getting a reissue on a continent shaped coloured vinyl. Quirky.

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FUTURE ALBUM REVIEW Words: Kieran Hepworth Images: The Come Up Show / Epic / Freebandz

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umans are intrinsically inquisitive. Ventures into the unknown define our race. Around us lies an abyss of mystery. String theory suggests there are dimensions we cannot yet comprehend. There is a school of thought that suggests once our mind is opened to a new dimension, it can be identified infinitely. At times throughout his career, it has felt as though Future has been exposed to a new dimension and his mission is to open his listeners’ minds to it. A curator of self-styled ‘astronaut music’ - “it takes an astronaut so long to get to space – that’s how long it takes to catch up on my music” – his eponymous space expedition has landed on Planet Earth not once, but twice, in the space of a week. The ambitious decision to release two albums, FUTURE and HNDRXX, in just one week is almost unthinkable.

For a solo artist’s successive albums to deliver consecutive Billboard-topping debuts is completely unprecedented. Making history like this is by no means a present to the hard-working Future – an unrivalled ethic has seen him deliver 10 highly-polished projects in the last three years. After a year hiatus, this is some way to return. FUTURE, released February 17th, and HNDRXX, released February 24th, are named in accordance with Nayvadius ‘Cash’ Willburn’s stage name – Future Hendrix. It is suggested the two albums are so-called to demonstrate the rapper’s alternate incarnations as street-credible trapper rapper and emotive radio-friendly R&B superstar.

FUTURE is a project that throbs of pain and venom throughout. The album begins with ‘Rent Money’, a track that feels so jubilantly cold it could narrate Scar’s return to Pride Rock after murdering Mufasa and exiling Simba in The Lion King. A grandioso public service announcement that indicates Future is back for what he wants… and nobody is safe. The high-octane introduction is mellowed with ‘Good Dope’, a track that alternates be-

tween effortless and lackadaisical. The upper and lower bounds of tempo now in place, the album accelerates into ‘Zoom’, where it is impossible to differentiate as to whether Future is “switching lanes” in a Porsche 911 Turbo or in a UFO; there is a distinct impression that he is transitioning from balling rapper to crazed alien. A skit follows, mocking imitator-cum-rival Desiigner and Soulja Boy simultaneously. On ‘Draco’, the flexing remains, but the tone has changed – he seems content with his lot.

A mocking chorus manages to feel inviting rather than unfriendly and it is hard not to imagine Future showing a camera how much he loves his craft and the lifestyle it brings. On ‘Super Trapper’, it feels like the transition to extra-terrestrial has entered the next stage. If ‘Draco’ was an episode of MTV Cribs, this is MTV UFOs. Back to the brag, he needs power of attorney on ‘POA’ as he’s about to spend a whole load of money on women, jewellery and cars. From track to track, this a man in conflict with his own image. Showing off his wealth and lifestyle one moment, then seemingly regretting his self-representation. The hit ‘Mask Off’ perfectly encapsulates this, as he argues internally on his own hook.

Future opts to protect himself with his “mask on” before declared “fuck it, mask off” revealing his vulnerability.

All to the tune of an addictive flute, fittingly riding out on a sample of Tommy Butler’s aptly-named “Prison Song”.

‘Outta Time’ feels like an advance on this, he’s imprisoned by his necessity to remain on top, he “gotta be in a rush… can’t be running out of time”. Elastic chords slap throughout. Confidence and drug talk are prominent on ‘High Demand’, ‘Scrape’, ‘Flip’ and ‘Massage In My Room’. ‘I’m So Groovy’ stands out for an air of experimentation and redefinition. Future Hendrix enters the affair as our astronaut “takes off just like rocket” on ‘Might As Well’ with a melodic piano introducing a sensitivity not yet heard. ‘Poppin Tags’ merges a thousand gritty sounds into one smooth high-fashion tune. The final two

“So jubilantly cold it could narrate Scar’s return to Pride Rock after murdering Mufasa and exiling Simba in The Lion King.”

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“‘Solo’ and ‘Sorry’, though, provide the crowning glory, as Future Hendrix raises a smothering melancholy euphoria to climax.” songs are sound-check for Future Hendrix in anticipation of HNDRXX; ‘Feds Did A Sweep’ revives the flute and pain from ‘Mask Off’ to accompany the Hendrix spotlight grab of ‘When I Was Broke’, a reflective soul-snatching R&B symphony.

If FUTURE was an amalgamation of mixtape monster Future, HNDRXX represents his alias’ rock star personality. On ‘My Collection’, a conflictingly misogynistic abstract love letter to his past companions, Future Hendrix announces we are embarking on a trip to “paradise, matter of fact… Pluto”. This psychopathic love-fuelled track lays bare the internal scars and behavioural defects of Hendrix. Instantly, there is a certain transparency in an artist who seemed wholly-committed to remaining opaque on FUTURE. The two features on the whole album - The Weeknd and Rihanna – highlight the superstar stratosphere of Future’s status. ‘Comin Out Strong’ features the XO singer and is a resilient declaration of a growing comfort in the positions the pair have rocketed into, demonstrated by an effortless exchange of contrasting pitches. ‘Lookin Exotic’ truly sounds like “extravagant Hendrix”, it feels like a celebratory hard-earned holiday amongst the emotional bleeding that resumes with ‘Damage’ and ‘Use Me’. On this duumvirate, it could be surmised he’s aware of the both the damage money, women and drugs have inflicted upon him and, despite this, the control they both hold over him. Good times return on ‘Incredible’ as the triumph of true love is eulogized but by ‘Testify’ he proves unable to accept dependence on another despite his requirements of them.

He then desires isolation on ‘Fresh Air’, reconnection on ‘Neva Missa Lost’ and make-up sex on R&B authoritative ‘Keep Quiet’, seemingly coming full-circle in what was an intoxicating relationship. Throughout, it’s hard not to vibe and bask in the melodic symphonies that articulate the process. We arrive at ‘Hallucinating’, a Hendrix-inspired drug escapade. ‘I Thank U’ and ‘New Illuminati’ emanates an air of a clingy comedown. Following is an address to his ex, Ciara. On ‘Turn On Me’ the lyrics detail

his thoughts on the breakdown of their engagement, their current legal issues and the feeling that he “took all the blame for it”. Next, Future and Rihanna team up for ‘Selfish’, a fly on the wall-esque affair where they choose to care for themselves first and foremost, following the trials and tribulations that have gone before. Somehow, Future’s guttural tones harmonise perfectly with RiRi’s alluring vocal. ‘Solo’ and ‘Sorry’, though, provide the crowning glory, as Future Hendrix raises a smothering melancholy euphoria to climax. He’s “keeping it simple as possible… going solo now” and becoming peacefully comfortable with this, a dark admission from someone who has so often craved love beforehand. To him “shining is therapy”; depictive of a man demanding relief.

However, he quickly U-turns on the finale, in what is an apology letter to Ciara, significantly sharing the title of their first music collaboration prior to their relationship. Lines like “I breathe the air she breathes… it’s hard to breathe on my own” cut so deep it’s hard not to share in his pain.

At times, FUTURE can be so braggadocios that the arrogance he demonstrates could be misconstrued for an angst-filled reaction to the negative energies around him. It grows in potency with every listen, but sections feel diluted. The impression with FUTURE is that of a stylistic mastering; it is hard to see where he could take it from here. Future claimed that HNDRXX is everything his first commercial album ‘Honest’ was intended to be. It certainly appears that the second of the two albums had a point to prove.

The finesse and verve with which Future explores his darkest places is magnetic. There is a confusing beauty of what cannot be harnessed that demands human attraction. Future’s HNDRXX is so accomplished that FUTURE feels like a warm up, an introduction to the artist, which is then followed by his hard-to-swallow memoirs.

Atlanta may be the new kitchen of hip hop; Future is the Michelin star chef cooking up the most dynamic and diverse dishes whilst simultaneously swallowing the whole game. Enjoy while hot.

“HNDRXX is so accomplished that FUTURE feels like a warm up”

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WHAT’S N-ECSTACY: THE FUTURE OF UK CLUBBING Words: Owen Rees Images: Pedrik Flickr CC

A

s we all know, the United Kingdom has played a massive part in influencing the world with our distinguishable music genres. Artists such as Skepta and Stormzy have reached super-star status with the introduction of UKs new grime scene, which is bigger and better than ever before. Artists who have pushed their home-grown sound are recognised as innovators of UK music culture, and have been pushing this new sound for over 15 years in clubs and raves alike, and have been noticed by worldwide superstars such as Drake, who has featured many UK artists on his newly released album ‘More Life’.

Grime is not the only genre in which has seen its fair share of success. From Edinburgh to Cardiff, there is a whole host of variety in the dance music scene, with genres such as jungle, drum and bass, UK funky and bassline making names for themselves. Nevertheless, it is surprising to see that UK nightclubs are closing at an ‘alarming rate’ according to industry figures.

So what is happening to the UKs music scene? If artists are becoming more successful, then why is it that our nightclubs are closing?

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), are an organisation which represents licensed venues estimated that in 2005 there were around 3144 clubs nationwide. Ten years later, the number has drastically dropped

to just 1733, with no hope of closing the gap.

Arguably the most iconic closures in the past couple of years have come from London’s’ Fabric nightclub, and Manchester’s infamous Sankeys. Although Fabric prevented it closure through petitions and public appeals, the closure of Sankeys came with immediate effect (January 12th 2017), which came as a big shock to clubbers, promoters and artists nationwide. An official Facebook post read: “As many of you have seen over the last hour over social media, we have been forced to close due to circumstances completely out of our control. We will be releasing a full statement in the morning to explain what has happened. We love you all and thank you for your amazing and kind words.”

The former ‘Sankeys Soap’ warehouse occupied the Beehive Mill building, a former cotton mill, until it had been listed for sale and to be sold to a property developer with plans to be turned into apartments, much like the infamous Hacienda building. According to an email sent to staff and promoters by Tony Hill, the managing director of Radius Security, negotiations has been in place for some time with property management agents regarding the lease, which the landlord refused to extend when it ended last summer.

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“What will happen next? Honestly, its anyones guess, I heard that they were going to expand the Sankeys brand across the UK.”

for me, I wish the Sankeys team the best of luck.”

Whilst the closure of Sankeys replicates the closure of the Hacienda flats back in 1997, it asks the question of what’s next for the clubbers of Manchester, and the culture it represents.

Speaking to Birmingham’s Bunk Collective co-founder Wakil Ahmed who goes by the DJ alias Korzi, who is currently studying in Manchester, it was interesting to see what the closure could do for nightlife in Manchester and across the nation.

“Moving to Manchester from Birmingham we had big aspirations to do some big things in a new city. We had a few nights last year at smaller clubs like South and Koh Tao and they were a big success.”

“We were talking to Sankeys about having a potential night there, and they seemed really up for it but the only thing which we were put off by was the price they were asking for. It was just too high.”

“In my opinion I don’t believe it does much for the scene, it’s difficult to push new nights when the asking price is out of our budget, without new promoters you won’t get new people becoming involved in the scene, and therefore see the decline of clubbers out and about in the city.”

“The thing is, clubs closing is not going to stop, but you have to consider the fact that people out there could possibly be planning on opening their own new clubs, which could end up being the next big thing. I also believe that even if big names do close like Fabric or Sankeys, then it gives smaller clubs a chance to thrive in an already competitive business and industry.” Added the 20-year-old DJ and producer.

“We still have some things in the works so hopefully the closure won’t affect us too badly.”

It’s never easy to predict what may happen in the future in terms of UK clubbing, neither can we change anything which may or may not happen, but it seems to be that the future of UK clubbing is in the hands of UKs very own clubbers, as they push for these new sounds to be heard through new producers, new DJs and will require a different angle of ingenuity from promoters and club night owners alike.

Due to the nature of immediate Sankey’s closure, it was interesting to see what the general opinions and implications it may have for those involved in Manchester’s thriving music scene.

Newcastle born MMU Student Jack Barnett, 21, spent a year as one of Sankeys artist liaisons in the run up to its closure, he said: “Honestly, I didn’t even see it coming, it was all so sudden. One day I had a job then the next day I didn’t’. I don’t think any of the other staff saw it coming either.”

“Because of the nature of my job role, I was involved in a lot of behind the scene work with artists, making sure their time at Sankeys was enjoyable and pleasant before they played.”

“Whilst I was doing all this, I did take note of the sheer amount that Sankeys were paying for big names to come down to the club, and all the expenses which came with it.”

“I remember one time when DJ Zinc played back in January last year with Wookie, he demanded to have a bowl of premium cashew nuts and multiple bottles of Ciroc vodka, so much so that he could not possibly run out.

It was crazy but I saw a lot of artists demand some ridiculous things, all at the expense of the club. But it made sense because the artists come with sell out shows, so it did seem to be worth it in the eyes of the club’s owners.”

“Do I think that they were losing money? In a sense yeah, because I saw how much was being spent on an average night compared to the sales we had, and it did look that way, but I never would have thought that it would actually close down, just because of the name and history of the club.”

“What will happen next? Honestly, its anyones guess, I heard that they were going to expand the Sankeys brand across the UK, much like the establishment in Ibiza, but I don’t know whether it would be the same as the infamous Manchester space, because that’s where its roots are.”

Continued the ex-resident DJ. “If closing the club in Manchester is needed for the brands survival, then I can’t really complain. The club gave me a great opportunity for working in an environment close to my heart which has let to other opportunities 35

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BLAST FROM THE PAST Words: Dylan Mitchell Image: Asim Bijarani CC

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“If I hear any skeng talk on my 3310 I’ll find out where they are and link them…” Skepta – I Spy “I’m wordy, ringtone was Hurdy Gurdy, 3310 from early…”

Wiley – Step 8 Freestyle “I’m on the block with the goons, clientele on the Nokia, saying “can I come soon?” I’ll be there in two…”

AJ Tracey – Final Flash W

ith Nokia recently announcing the revamped return of one of its all-time highest selling devices, we take a look back at the infamous and almost unbreakable Nokia 3310.

Originally released somewhat 17 years ago now, popular throughout the early 2000’s at a time when Grime was just beginning. The “brick phone” or “shotter phone” is heralded as one of the greatest ever mobiles by self-proclaimed, ex-drug dealing, Grime MC’s. With its ridiculously long battery life and robust nature of the handset it was perfectly made for long cold nights on the streets selling illicit goods.

Initially it came with a £129.99 pay as you go price tag or £29.99 a month contract on Vodaphone, quite steep at the time. But no problem for a rapper out there selling scores on the streets.

Artists like the Godfather of Grime himself, Wiley, even namedropped the mobile in one of his freestyles. Letting us fans know his ringtone back in the day was “Hurdy Gurdy” one of the many preprogramed ring tones available on the Finnish phone.

But if Hurdy Gurdy or Nokia’s classic electronic interpretation of Francisco Tárrega’s Gran Vals didn’t tickle

your fancy, then maybe one of the greatest features about the Nokia 3310 was the ability to create your own polyphonic ringtones.

Having the option to program together your own individual personal ringtone using the composer setting and the number keys, meant your everyday man could become a small-time music producer. There are still websites around today dedicated to these composer codes, with lists and lists of popular chart music and TV and film theme tunes available to key in.

From what I can remember my brother’s ringtone at the time was set to The Simpsons theme, far from any kind of grime beat, we were only very young so don’t judge.

Perhaps it was the programming of these electronic sounding ringtones from these phones which helped develop the distinctive grime sound we know today. Many grime tracks such as “That’s not me” and “Shutdown” by Skepta, “CD is Dead” by JME ft. Tempa T and “Laptop” by Wiley ft. Manga have that very recognisable electric influence and maybe we have the old faithful Nokia 3310 to thank for this.

It’s not been specified whether the new Nokia 3310 model will come with the composer ability, but what is known is it’s priced at the much more affordable £49. Only time will tell if we’ll be able to key in our own tunes again but we can hope. Maybe this will bring forward a new wave of grime MC’s and music producers.

“The Bugzy Malone business line keeps ringing, it’s like I’ve got a 3310 with links in…” Bugzy Malone – Fire in the Booth Pt 2

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GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY Words: Kieran Hepworth Image: Charlie Foster-Vigors

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n an ever-changing world, very few things remain constant. A new precedent is constantly being set.

Anticipating the future has become the present. The latest update is seemingly just a placeholder for the next. Contrastingly, some things stay the same. The initial rulebooks for the most popular sports were drawn up centuries ago. The ways in which sports incorporate technology is a constant subject of discussion and debate. As documented in David Squires’ The Illustrated History of Football, a great read for those interested, football began with Neanderthals playing “thighbones for goalposts” and has grown into the realm of “stadiums in the sky.” This is indicative of the nature of the game as we know it. The hyperbolic media circus that surrounds and occasionally overshadows the beautiful game is one way in which technology has become native to the sport, but it only improves football as a product, not as a sport. Goal-line technology (GLT) is perhaps the biggest development on the pitch since the introduction of the back-pass rule in 1992.

Approved in July 2012 by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), GLT has become increasingly prominent in the game we watch today. The technology is intended to assist match officials, rather than replace them, in the decision-making process regarding whether the ball has crossed the line or not. Many other sports allow television replays to inform the decision of the match official, this is not the case in football. FIFA have currently licensed four companies to provide GLT: Hawk-Eye, GoalControl, Fraunhofer IIs and ChyronHego. They currently list 108 stadiums with licensed GLT systems. The Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 are the only European domestic leagues to use the system. The first company to receive FIFA’s stamp of approval, HawkEye have overseen the first season of GLT in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Famed for their exploits in tennis and cricket, Hawk-Eye’s system works via triangulation using images and data provided by seven high-frame rate cameras at different locations for each goal. Almost real-time, referees are then notified of the decision on an encrypted watch in less than one second. The system debuted in the Hampshire Senior Cup Final between Eastleigh F.C. and A.F.C. Totton at Southampton’s St. Marys Stadium in May 2012.

To ensure the accuracy, consistency and quality of the

systems, FIFA has implemented a ‘Quality Programme for Goal-line Technology’ – all providers must attain this.

Guidelines state the prerequisite for GLT is: the system must be accurate; decisions must be immediate and automatically confirmed within one second and the decision will only be communicated to the match officials.

This stringent testing requires external input. Labosport, a leading sports laboratory established in Le Mans, France in 1993 are one of the companies entrusted with this. Their mission: to “constantly innovate to improve the overall quality, safety and durability of sports surfaces.”

Labosport’s goal-line technology technician Charlie Foster-Vigors gives an insight into the rigorous testing procedures. Working in conjunction with Hawk-Eye, they use around nine different techniques are used to regulate the system in one day. Charlie reveals some of the secrets of the process “without going into too much detail”. A robotic slider is used to monitor when the system detects the ball crossing the line at slow speed. A ball cannon fires at a member of the testing team during various recreations of in-game scenarios to trial the system’s ability to differentiate between the ball and external materials. A weighted structure replicating a player is used to examine the camera’s ability to measure ball compression. During all the different tests conducted, random ‘non-ball projectiles’, such as a water bottle, towel and hat, are thrown into the goal to test the camera can distinguish between different objects and the ball.

Today, we see television companies launching their budgets in the direction of sports coverage. Champions League highlights instantly available on Twitter. Premier League highlights watchable on Snapchat. Conditioning, nutrition and psychology dictating results on the pitch.

Kits, boots and balls are constantly being progressed in search of improvement. This is demonstrative of how an age-old, traditional game can adapt as the world around it develops. The English FA has spoken of a wish to use a video assistant referee system in next season’s FA Cup – the same system that this March correctly ruled Antoine Griezmann’s effort in the friendly clash between France and Spain offside. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested the use of such a system should be in place by the Russia 2018 World Cup. The controversial Qatar 2022 World Cup will see air-conditioned stadia. It seems that technology and football have a prosperous 38

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TOP FIVE TECH BREAKTHROUGHS Words: Owen Rees Image: Creative Commons

5. Flexi Screens

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ompanies such as the forgotten LG and high rollers Samsung have showed off flexible screens now for years, but it is only recently that the companies are producing their bendy screens for commercial purposes. The two models which are set to be sold across the world are the Samsung Galaxy Round and LG’s G flex. Both models raise questions of what a flexi screen is, and what benefits it would have over all over smart phone devices. A display is said to be what the viewer can visually see on the screen via the electronic pixels which create light and make you see images on the screen. So when these two companies put forward the idea of a flexible display, the need for new technology to accommodate this idea needed to be put into place, for example, instead of using glass for a screen, they would have to turn to more flexible materials. It is worth noting that flexi/bendy screens are different from completely foldable screens, which use hinges to fold back on itself, which Samsung are also in the process of making. So what makes a flexi screen better than any

other smart phone on the market? Well, there are some significant for displays which can flex such as they will be less prone to breaking when they are dropped, because the materials used to create the screen will be made from more resistible materials like plastic instead of glass. A flexed screen could also give the user increased readability and less glare from the sun with a curved edge.

However, there has been deliberations whether a curved display actually have any sort of real advantage over the standard smart-phones we utilise today, as they could be made from the same material as a curved display model.

With this being said, we included flexi screens because there is the opportunity to develop further into flexi screen technology. Imagine being able to fold a tablet and fit it in your front pocket, or unroll a screen into a bigger display for SAT-NAV purposes. The possibilities in which flexi screen technology can accomplish are endless, if developers can overcome the difficulties which come with flexi technology such as batteries and circuitry.

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4. Wireless Charging

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ed up of your phone charger wires becoming tattered and broken, well worry no more. Wireless charging is here and is providing a convenient, safe and reliable way to charge millions of electrical devices at home, in the workplace and in industry. By using electromagnetic fields to transfer power from a transmitting source to a receiving device, the charging process require no connecting cables between the devices. It is based on the principle of Inductive Power Transfer or IPT, which is the process of transferring an electrical current between two compatible sources to induce an electromagnetic field. Benefits of this new wireless charging are that you do not need to directly place your smartphone device on the charging pad for it to start charging, giving the user a greater sense of spatial freedom, whereas charging cables need to be directly plugged in for charging to start. You can also charge more than one device at a time which is more convenient

than waiting for the charging cable to become free and is perfect to be used at workshops or work benches in workplaces or industries. Wireless charging also enables quicker charging speeds as opposed to a wired charger, as the efficiency for power transfer between the transmitter and receiver is greater than wired connections. One major disadvantage of wireless charging however is that it is far more expensive than wired charging with a transmitter for mobile phones costing on average from ÂŁ30-ÂŁ50 as opposed to a standard charger which usually costs less than ÂŁ10. All in all, wireless charging is set to be the next big thing, with some smartphones and their accessories already having wireless charging capabilities built in, but the technology is planning to be integrated into all sorts of devices including appliances, public space devices and even vehicles, as companies look to shun power cables from modern day use.

3. Virtual Reality

V

irtual Reality can be defined as a new and upcoming technology which makes users feel like they are somewhere where they are not, a new virtual environment, using a mixture of computer hardware with advanced computer software. It was originally thought to be a digitally created space which users can access by using special computer equipment and allows people to handle information more easily. It provides a new way to see and experience information first hand. To access a virtual environment a user must use special gloves, headphones and goggles which send their output to surrounding computer systems. These virtual environments are designed to replace our real world surroundings with the digital counterpart, and our human senses are immersed in the experience of losing oneself in the virtual environment and shutting out the real world. Developers intend on bringing out virtual reality for online gaming purposes, with headsets being brought out to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. It is also being used to train pilots to put them in real world scenarios whilst on the job.

Whilst there could be major complications associated with virtual reality, where people may become so immersed in the virtual environments that their perception on reality becomes distant, and could lead to serious health risks. Nevertheless, the concept of virtual reality is pretty cool, so we decided to include it in our list.

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2. Autonomous Cars

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o, the time has apparently come for the human race to put down their steering wheels and let their own car do the driving for us, allowing us to own our own personal chauffeurs. Now, the idea of self-driving cars is pretty brave in itself, I mean, would you trust your car to drive for you? But you have to admit, the fact that we can now drive a car without actually driving the car is absolutely insane, it really makes you feel like you’re living in the future. The initial idea for self-driving cars came from Google in 2012, where there was a test group of 6 cars including Toyota, Audi and Lexus where one in a dozen drivers with impeccable driving records were accompanied by a Google engineer. The project is now called Waymo, which stands

for a new way forward in mobility. Since its initial proposition, Google have expanded their testing and have even road tested a few cars on British roads, which was a fair success. However, Uber have invested money into a fleet of driverless vehicles in America to cut losses on paying drivers, however, following a recent collision in Arizona this week they have suspended their new range of vehicles across the 3 states where they operated, Arizona, Pennsylvania and California. All in all, driverless cars seem pretty dangerous at a glance, but nevertheless they are super cool, and maybe one day with rigorous testing and trials, we could all be rolling around without lifting a muscle.

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1. 3D Printing

“The concept behind 3D printing is phenomenal, where it enables the user to print out real life, physical objects.”

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ow, 3D printing is arguably the maddest technological breakthrough in the past 15 years, it is absolutely mind boggling. The concept behind 3D printing is phenomenal, where it enables the user to print out real life, physical objects from a 3D digital model using special printers which lay down many thin layers of a material in succession. To start the process, you will need a CAD file (computer aided design), this file is created using a 3D modelling application to copy an existing object, then a 3D scanner can make a 3D digital copy of an object. Companies like Microsoft and Google were the first pioneers of 3D scanning, like Microsoft’s Kinect. Although 3D printing is thought to be a new process, it has actually been around for around 30 years. So why all the 3D hype now? Well, up until recently, 3D printing was usually only found in industry, but in today’s era, patents surrounding 3D printing have now expired, and the technology associated with it became commercially available, with manufacturers now able to produce this technology for a much cheaper price. Since this development, 3D printing sales have taken off dramatically, with around 300,000 consumer 3D printers in use today,

with the numbers expecting to double in years to come.

One major pro with 3D printing is that the user can create complex designs in any field without the need for tools or mould, which therefore lowers the production cost. It also makes it easier for companies and consumers to run prototypes of their models, which reduces the risk of failure in a certain market. However, one major disadvantage of 3D printing is that the printer themselves are not cheap. For consumers, this could be problematic as the individual may not be able to afford the vital component needed to carry out 3D printing, this could also have a detrimental effect for industry too, as large scale operations would require multiple printers, which would be very costly in the event of failure. Another downfall of 3D printing is that the models are not as robust as real life objects, and could be susceptible to breaking and damaging very easily. 3D printing is a massive technological advancement whether it is being used for industrial purposes or for personal use, the whole concept of being able to print real life 3D models from nothing which imitate those of real life is some sort of sci-fi dream come true.

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BLUE PLANET 2 PREVIW: AN ODE TO SIR DAVID Words: Owen Rees Image: Creative Commons

“I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of underwater worlds” Sir David Attenborough A

fter the phenomenal success of the BBCs rejuvenation of the Planet Earth series, Sir David Attenborough will present a much anticipated sequel to the BBCs water based sister programme, The Blue Planet.

The BBC has announced that the new documentary series will be shown over 7 episodes in the next year, 16 years after The Blue Planet was first broadcast which made nearly £20 million in DVD and book sales alone.

The 7-part structure resembles much of the critically acclaimed Planet Earth 2 series which was hailed as the most successful and most watched natural history documentary of all time.

So no pressure then Blue Planet 2?

It certainly has got big boots to fill. In a statement from the BBC, Sir avid Attenborough said: “I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known.”

We are probably right in expecting that the sequel will live up to our expectations in terms of innovate filming techniques despite the BBCs intention of the Planet series to be for educational viewing, the new and improved revamp of Planet Earth proved that the corporation can still create such breath taking cinematic documentaries.

The BBC has said that the recent instalment will showcase new scientific discoveries across all continents and species, from new species of crabs to different behavioural patterns among whales, we expect to be in for a treat. (Especially if they do another deep sea episode, because I know it was everyone’s favourite.)

Whilst the whole world waits for the confirmed start date to the new series, attentions turn to Sir David himself, and where his future lies after the show is aired. Many of the millennial generation will remember Sir David for his incredible work and soothing narrations on the BBC masterpieces, making him to be somewhat of a national treasure. Now 90, the veteran broadcaster and naturalist has led an illustrious career which has spanned over 50 years, working closely with the BBC in producing and presenting a variety of wildlife documentaries.

From pretending to be a wolf, to playing with gorillas, no-one can deny that we are all somewhat jealous of his escapades in working with the nature which inhabits our Earth but what is next for the 90-year-old Sir David? The pressure now seems on for the BBCs production company to produce more of the Earth series before, or if, Sir David parts ways with the company.

If the latter is true, then what will become of our loved Earth series? Well, to be perfectly honest, I think I speak for all of us when I say Sir David is irreplaceable, his extensive knowledge of all animal species big and small, combined with his lovable attitude and soothing voice, we just cannot imagine anyone else filling his place.

I mean, could you really imagine settling down on a Sunday evening and expect a soothing documentary whilst watching a truly mesmerizing cinematic piece, but instead have an overexcited Steve Backshall hindering your viewing pleasure? Blue Planet 2 is set to be aired late 2017.

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AGENDA AGAINST ALIENS? Words: Kieran Hepworth Images: BagoGames

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enis Villeneuve first came to my attention when directing twisted thriller Enemy featuring Jake Gyllenhaal. The French-Canadian’s refreshingly original direction on the film drew me to scour his filmography.

I was not disappointed.

After watching every Villeneuve piece of artistry I could locate, I found myself in a position of anticipation awaiting his next masterpiece. The release of Arrival, featuring Amy 46

Adams and Jeremy Renner, piqued my interest.

Spoilers do follow.

Arrival is perhaps the most thoughtful sci-fi blockbuster of the century. The film sees the arrival of twelve spaceships carrying extra-terrestrial “heptapods” at unique locations across the globe.

Nobody knows what they are here for. They are seemingly dormant from the outside. Adams plays a linguist who is recruited alongside Renner the

physicist to try and understand the aliens that habituate the heptapods. A journey of communication ensues as language is exchanged between the aliens and the various governments of Earth. A simple misunderstanding over the translation of “tool” leads to the Chinese government assuming the aliens are talking about a “weapon”. Hostility explodes and violence, apparently, becomes the answer. However, Adams’ character manages to understand the gift of their language and becomes enlightened to a completely new concept of time. The heptapods only wanted to do good.

The aggression shown by humans in cinema towards outsiders is nothing new. Until the 2014 portrayal, Godzilla was wrongly vilified and shown as a threat to humanity, when the facts show he is the victim of humanity’s violence. E.T. is hounded and

threatened from the off. Paul escapes Area 51 and is hunted across the United States. Peter Jackson’s District 9 portrays aliens who seek refuge in South Africa from their own broken planet. Humans mock and disrespect them; no time is taken to understand them. They are referred to as ‘prawns’ and used for abusive science research. Their evictor only appreciates their well-being once he becomes one of them.

We go to see sci-fi extravaganzas featuring otherworldly creatures to escape our own world; the irony of it all is they are simply a vicious reflection of our own homosapien society. True, for every Godzilla there is an Alien, but we should not judge all extra-terrestrial life by the actions of one. Recent events show that this rings closer to the truth of our society than we care to admit.

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THE STIGMA AROUND MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS TO BE ERADICATED Words: Kieran Hepworth Images: Kieran Hepworth

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asculinity – the possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men. Handsome, muscled and driven. This simple and stereotypical explanation of an extremely complex subject feels rather archaic for 2017.

So, where did I find this definition of the idea of masculinity? I simply typed in “what is masculinity?” on Google.

That is what comes up. It is not outlandish to suggest that such a notion should be obsolescent in our celebrated modern, diverse and welcoming society. However, we live in a world where there are no openly homosexual footballers in the Premier League. A world in which Kanye West’s public troubles were met with ridicule rather than concern. A world that sends a barrage of abuse in the direction of a male who dare to wear make up to cover his own insecurities. These old-fashioned views regarding masculinity mean that, for many men, the idea of sharing thoughts and feelings is still a no-go zone. Despite increased awareness, the mental health of men is still a majorly neglected issue; in 2014, 76% of UK adult suicide victims were male.

Mental health is a complex and ranging subject. There are over 200 classified forms of mental illness; one or many symptoms may affect any given person, at any time in their life. One thing it is not is a personal failure. Society is slowly becoming a more welcoming environment in which to share troubles but there is still a lot to be done. Per the World Health Organisation, one in four people will be affected by a mental health disorder at some point in their life, yet almost two thirds will not seek help from a health professional. Raising awareness of mental health issues is key to enabling people to know they are not alone and need not suffer in silence. For many, talking about mental health issues is a taboo topic - a minefield of potential errors of judgement. Fear of saying the wrong thing, not knowing what to say or simply the stigma around the topic can be a reason for avoiding discussion. Support from others is a key element of challenging and dealing with

mental health issues.

A delve into the world of official health statistics demonstrates the size of the issue. The Mental Health Foundation suggests major depression is the “second leading cause of disability worldwide”. Reports detail that only 36% of psychological therapy referrals in the UK are for men despite the fact most suicide victims are male and it is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45. The Office for National Statistics claim that one in eight men are suffering from one of the common mental health disorders. The NHS says 8.7% of men are alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women. Men are three time more likely to use illegal drugs, sometimes fatally with more than two thirds of drug-related deaths occurring in men.

Additionally, the government’s national well-being survey outlines a notably lower life satisfaction in men than women – especially those aged 45 to 59. The statistics do not get any less stunning – men are almost 50% more likely to be compulsorily detained and treated psychiatrically. The University of York found that 73% of missing adults are men. Homeless charity Crisis claims that 87% of rough sleepers are men. 95% of the prison population is male and of them, 72% suffer from two or more mental health issues. A Labour Force report by Health and Safety Executive tells us less men than women report stress, depression or anxiety caused by work. Opinion Leader conducted a survey on behalf of the Men’s Health Forum and found 34% of men agreed that they were “constantly feeling stressed or under pressure”. Furthermore, the disparity is becoming increasingly evident at a younger age – government statistics stating boys are around three times more likely to be excluded at school and at all levels of education, girls are comfortably outperforming boys.

This is not to make the issue a battle of the sexes. The disproportion in these statistics demonstrates that there is not enough support, socially and medically, for men’s mental health.

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ISSUE ONE There are a variety of factors that may contribute to these statistics. Samaritans put together a report in 2012 exploring men and suicide. They found the theme of masculinity is a likely cause of substance abuse as men are more likely to take risks in response to stress, which in turns can lead to more complex issues. They also explored how unemployment, breakdowns of relationships and deprivation increase the risk of suicide and are more likely to lead men towards it, rather than women. Men are also suggested to be less emotionally literate than women, meaning they are unlikely to have a positive view of seeking therapy before what may be referred to as a crisis point. As well as this, the so-called ‘mid-life crisis’ is not a myth – they found that people in this bracket (45 to 59 years old) are experiencing more mental health problems compared to younger and older groups. Applying this information to the real-life situations, there are many potential hypotheses as to why mental health issues are increasingly ubiquitous.

The society in which we now reside in has many benefits. The internet and consequent smart phones are things we cannot imagine living without anymore.

However, they potentially play a significant role in mental health. For example, the necessity to stay connected may drive negative thoughts. Social media is intrinsically shallow; however, it generates competition for attention, self-esteem and inclusion. Therefore, it can also drive deprivation, drops in self-esteem and social disconnection. There is a prerequisite to display the perfect version of a person’s life and this, in turn, can make another feel unhappy in their own. The likes of Instagram show people flexing expensive clothes, cars and holidays – if you cannot keep up with this, it is likely to make you feel negative as the world we live in is fundamentally materialistic. The access to an almost infinite library of information in the internet also means we are an increasingly educated and aware society and this may contribute to a feeling of helplessness; life is finite, we are minute and The policy of austerity applied by successive governments has been extremely damaging to the lower classes. Inflation has outgrown wages, homelessness is on the rise and, although official figures suggest unemployment figures have fallen, various employment schemes offer little or no security or reward to employees. Additionally, there are countless examples of those seemingly unable to work being forced into work by the Department for Work and Pensions. The

increase in the pension age should also be considered. The workplace is a key factor in mental health.

Historically male-dominated, the workplace and its landscape is changing massively decade to decade.

Previously physical labour orientated, agriculture, construction and industrial work is being surpassed by administration, hospitality and more creative jobs – more female dominated industries. Coupled with academic performance, this makes the workplace a more challenging industry for men than before. The pressure and subsequent stress to succeed is at an all-time high.

Many public figures have spoken openly about men’s mental health, using their positions to raise awareness. Robert Pattinson, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Stephen Fry are just some of the famous names to speak about their issues publicly. Fry, president of mental health charity Mind, said: “depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.” Brian ‘Limmy’ Limond, the Scottish comic, told GQ in 2014 how Twitter enables you to “see all these different people and they’ve all got their own problems. It’s good, and that’s one of the things that helps people, rather than them feeling isolated.” Rio Ferdinand’s new BBC documentary on how he has been coping with the death of his wife has sent shockwaves through the nation; a thoroughbred winner and hardened champion in the public eye displaying his pain so boldly. Recently, grime superstar Stormzy and SBTV mogul Jamal Edwards have made national headlines with their attempts to provoke discussion and awareness about mental health issues in men.

Following the release of his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer, an interview with Channel 4 disclosed all. He claimed it was a “realization of how fragile we are as humans. In the most beautiful way possible.” Furthering the discussion, he has also told of how his opinion of mental health has changed and how he was once dismissive of one of his own friends when they confided in him they were dealing with depression. Such an admission is both commendable and key to progress in raising awareness. Netflix comedy-drama series BoJack Horseman has gained a mainstream following for the way it deals with mental health issues. It uses a cartoon horse-man hybrid with a washed-up television career to explore the human condition whilst living alongside humans and other animal-human hybrids.

BoJack has depression and it is not a plot necessity, it is a constant that is evident throughout. For such

“most suicide victims are male and it is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45”

“73% of missing adults are men [and so are] 87% of rough sleepers”

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ISSUE ONE a show to address it as part of a character, rather than a story, is invaluable in helping spread awareness and understanding – even the most casual viewer can learn from it. These celebrities share little in common, they come from all walks of life, different cultural backgrounds and multiple audiences. This is precious to increased awareness. amal Ahmed, 20, spoke to me about his experiences with mental health.

He tells me it started in college: “I wouldn’t attend, I’d stay up ‘til the early hours of the morning. I found myself becoming shy, losing confidence.” For a confident guy, this was hard to explain. A lack of routine and avoiding plans with friends became a regular occurrence. Call of Duty and The Weeknd were his escapes.

He re-enrolled twice more, the final time on a University access course, whilst working night-shifts at Tesco. At this point Jamal “began to realise stress and a sleeping disorder”. After speaking with a female friend, who had previously been open on social media about her mental health issues, he decided to see a doctor. The anti-depressants prescribed were hindering because they induced drowsiness. Medicinal cannabis temporarily helped. He said: “I was still stubborn about it; I didn’t want any help. I wanted to do it alone – I didn’t want to be a burden to my friends or family.” A change in job circumstance meant he “should have been happy” but he was not. At this point Jamal returned to medical help and sought counselling which helped him “see the light and accept it for what it was”. Following this admission to himself, he opened up to those around him.

In turn, this “allowed other friends, all male, to share” their issues with him. He tells me he thinks “mental health in men is a big problem awareness-wise…

There’s not enough out there to open people’s attitudes to it”. Now managing his mental health carefully, I wanted to know if Jamal had any advice for others. He informed me:

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“having anxiety and depression is misconceived and sometimes invalidated by the public… It’s science, not made-up. It’s always good to talk.”

“The pressure and subsequent stress to succeed is at an all-time high.”

Social attitudes towards mental health are not the only things that need to change. The way in which mental health has been governed and funded worldwide is simply atrocious. Shockingly, more than 40% of countries in the world have no mental health policy – no legislation or regulation.

More than 30% have no mental health programme, which means they are lacking in even temporary measures prior to the introduction of legislation and regulation.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) dedicated their World Health Report in 2001 solely to mental health, the first time it has been centralised around one topic.

They imply the responsibility for action lies with governments. However, more than a third of countries allocate less than 1% of their total health budgets to mental health. This includes the UK. Around a quarter do not have the common drugs required to treat schizophrenia, depression and epilepsy at the first point of contact. The WHO claim there is only one psychiatrist to every 100,000 people in many countries and 40% have less than one hospital bed reserved for mental health disorders per 10,000 people. This is despite the WHO’s guidance that mental disorders are one of the leading causes of diseases and disability in the world and depressive disorders currently rank as the fourth leading cause of the “global disease burden”.

By 2020, they expect it to rise to second, behind only ischaemic heart disease. A 2016 NHS report details 28% of the total burden for disease is accounted to mental health, yet just 13% of the NHS’s budget is allocated to it. There was controversy last year when the government axed a newly-selected mental health champion following her criticism of their policies.

“I was still stubborn about it; I didn’t want any help. I wanted to do it alone – I didn’t want to be a burden to my friends or family.”

“It’s science, not madeup. It’s always good to talk.”

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MY MENTAL HEALTH As a child, I witnessed my father suffer from various mental health issues. He chose alcohol and prescription drugs fight his demons. A man perhaps the victim of a society which did not want to accommodate or cater to his needs, I have only begun to understand his struggle as I have aged. Perhaps, had I been more aware and able to understand, I could have made a difference in his battle. Following his passing, I struggled with an arsenal of feelings and emotions that I was unable to harness. Only 15, I turned down offers of grief counselling and locked my emotions away because I felt it was necessary. I became the so-called ‘man’ of my household, feeling com-

pelled to show strength and resilience as I had been conditioned to believe this is what a male should do. I realise now this was an unhealthy way to combat my emotions. Often, I revisit the psychological scars, pulling them apart to truly deal with my issues. More recently, social anxiety onset by years of burgeoning acne has caused me to seclude myself behind closed doors for multiple days at a time. Again, I never sought help nor shared the issues I was facing because of an underlying necessity to remain strong and masculine. I am an average male; you would not suggest there is anything ‘wrong’ with me at face value. I needed help.

I regret not seeking it.

Despite the government’s seemingly slow progress regarding mental health, many organic movements have brought men’s interests to the forefront. Movember is more than just a novelty; they are the “only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round”.

Amongst other issues, they are tackling mental health and suicide prevention head on. They have funded over 1,200 men’s health projects around the world in the last 13 years. The Men’s Health Forum carry out research and are active in powerful

movements around the world, such as Men’s Health Week. The Campaign Against Living Miserably are dedicated to preventing male suicide. Even more progressively, The Lions Barber Collective are an assembly who work to promote #BarberTalk, an initiative that trains barbers to recognise, talk, listen and advise on mental health problems in their clients.

A person’s psychological and emotional well-being is neither easy to monitor or quantify. It never hurts to check in with those who seem distant – a short con-

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A SHORT CONVERSATION CAN GO A LONG WAY.

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OPINION: WHO’S IN CHARGE? Words: Kieran Hepworth Image: Kieran Hepworth

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n March 29th 2017, Theresa May and her Conservative government will inform Donald Tusk, President of the European Council of the UK’s triggering of Article 50, the near irreversible two-year process of leaving the European Union. Brexit has been one of the 21st century’s biggest stories. A cauldron of vitriol from both leave and remain camps has seen one of the most divisive political debates in living memory. Throughout the campaign both sides lied to the public; warping the facts and injecting ‘fake news’ wherever possible. The result of the referendum is still a cause for argument months later. If Brexit sent tremors through world politics, over the pond the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States broke the Richter scale. True, many people in the UK voted for Brexit.

Many citizens of the US voted for Trump. Despite this, opposition to both has remained consistently high. This is, surprisingly, because many voted against both. So, if we are governed by those we do not want to be governed by or led into scenarios we would rather not be, are we consenting to the governance?

Political consent is a broad and complex topic and I only have a few columns within which to write. However, I do want to talk about it and the role it plays in understanding the sacred democracies in which we live.

There are three main theories of consent. Hypothetical consent – the making of decisions on behalf of the people that they would otherwise make themselves were they not governed; tacit consent – the non-explicit expression of consent via accepting the benefits provided by the state; express consent – the explicit expression of consent. Using these different types of consent, we can discuss the justification of the actions of those that govern us. For example, wearing a seatbelt is an example of hypothetical consent; without the government telling us to, we would probably do it anyway, as it is preferable to flying through a windscreen. This is the most plausible consent in relation to our society. The thing with tacit consent is that it is almost impossible to not ‘accept’ the benefits of the state, as moving elsewhere would still see you governed in a similar manner – unless you are rich enough to own your own land – so you are involuntarily volunteering to governance.

Express consent effectively disproves the governance

system instantly as one must consent to being governed in the first place. Additionally, in the cases of Brexit and Trump, the majority did not consent as they either failed to vote or voted against the victorious outcome. So, let us look at hypothetical consent.

The powers of the government need the consent of the governed to be justified. Therefore, the Conservative austerity measures on health and social care, education and welfare must be justified. Brexit, Syrian airstrikes and discriminative propaganda must be justified. Tax cuts to global corporations, fiddling of election budget figures and MPs taking prominent roles in the media must be justified. However, for a lot of the British public, we would not make these decisions were we not governed. Many of us want to build a society where everyone has equal opportunities, a shared social respect and a fair economy. Many of us take a global view to humanitarian issues, understand that different cultures can thrive together and believe in a society where you can judge someone for who they are and not their background. Many of us feel that this government takes one initial consent to power from the electorate via an influenced media that attacks opposition with smear campaigns, lies to its own supporters with fudged figures and covers potential public relations disasters with tabloid sensationalist trash.

I believe our current democracy is stuck in a media-dictated rut and a dramatic change is much needed. Applying the theories of consent to the legitimacy of our governance, many of our governors’ actions feel unjustified; even those who do consent are often doing so based on misinformation. During 2015, the last General Election year, Rupert Murdoch and his aides met with government officials more times than any other newspaper group. All his publications supported the Conservatives; they all attacked Labour, specifically leader Ed Miliband. Current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been constantly undermimed and discredited since he assumed position. However, it is extremely troublesome to contemplate how this could possibly change. As relationships of the government, media and big business entangle further, they are only serving in the interests of each other, not the governed. This is not acceptable. Something has to give.

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STORE VISIT AT GRANTS. 18 5 6

h I do like to be beside the seaside; oh I do like the finest menswear to see. The seaside is ace, init? The sun beaming down for all of 30 minutes, 40-year-old topless Dad’s showing off their shit tattoos and the finest selection of menswear only a 5-minute walk away. Hang on a minute.

The British seaside town of Cleethorpes is home to relatively new menswear newcomers, Grants.

1856. Not so long ago, store-owner Paul Grant along with manager, Mark Wheatley, kindly invited me for a look around their new home on Sea View Street.

Grants is a store that holds a tremendous amount of heritage. The site opened originally in 1856 – the stores name paying tribute to the landmark – as

Words: John Stennings Images: John Stennings

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a milliners and haberdashery before serving as a ration shop during the First World War. Paul’s grandparents met in the very spot the store is located, his grandfather owned the butchers next door and the rest as they say – is history. Upon their retirement, Paul bought the two premises and merged the two whilst maintaining the building’s original features and structure to bring you Grants.

1856. After several months of planning and a three day venture to the famous Berlin trade shows in June 2015, Grants. 1856 is host to some serious menswear, with the stock of brands growing continuously.

Brands such as the great Danes, Norse Projects, can be found here – a personal favourite of the lads at Grants – alongside Swedish brand Our Legacy.

Though their goods and style of the store pays tribute to Scandi-minimalism, Grants also pay homage to their British roots. Folk, YMC and Universal works also feature in a boastful list of brands that Grants can offer, alongside the finest footwear from Red Wing shoes and Clarks Originals and some classic Japanese denim from Edwin.

So like all the best independent menswear shops, Grants have gone for quality over quantity. It is clear from the individual style of both Paul and Mark, that they have their own style and they’ll stick to it.

Grants’ rise in the menswear game comes at a time where everything is done online. Yawn. So it’s ace to see a new store pop up from time to time. Flick over for the pics I know that you’re really here to see.

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“So like all the best independent menswear shops, Grants have gone for quality over quantity.�

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EDITOR’S PICKS Words: John Stennings At Concept, we only write about things we like, things we care about, things that we think need to be talked about. Here are a few of the things I like, that you may not like, which are probably sold out by now. Sound.

COMMES DES GARÇONS X CONVERSE 1970’S HI BLACK (£95) John says: “The CDG Converse are becoming a popular choice amongst those in to their minimalist fashion at the moment. They look decent with a pair of black jeans and a plain long sleeve top, maybe even throw on a striped Commes des Garcons top whilst you are at it. In the summer, go for a low pair with a pair of shorts if you fancy it. What do I know? I’m sat here in some Simpsons pyjamas my great auntie got me for Christmas three years ago, leave me alone and go and ask somebody who works for Hypebeast or something.”

Find them at: • endclothing.com • doverstreetmarket.com Image: Ting Him Pak (flickr)

STONE ISLAND TELA PARACHUTE OVERSHIRT (£195) endclothing.com

NORSE PROJECTS GODTFRED CLASSIC LONG SLEEVE (£80) oipolloi.com

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CHAMPION REVERSE WEAVE CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT (£69) goodhoodstore.com

ISSUE ONE

THE XX - I SEE YOU The XX, man. The bloody XX. Dressed in black, blending in to the shadows, murmuring moody yet relaxing tones.

Their new album, I See You, shows a different, but brilliant side to the London trio. It is clear from tracks like ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Say Something Loving’ that Jamie XX’s solo career has made a clear impact on the album. Electronica festival feels. I’ve got something in my eye, here. I bloody love this band.

Image: Kate Fisher (flickr)

MOONLIGHT Moonlight is like no other film I have seen, there was a reason it won Best Picture at the Oscars.

A film full of delicately poised moments, so delicate that when you pack them all in to one film, it hits you like an emotional rollercoaster. The filming is fantastic, the story is one too rarely seen on the silver screen.

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