FEB 2011
Art is a synthesis of my personal feelings, the subject, the colours, my materials and techniques that inspire me. Since I was a little girl, I knew I was capable of putting on paper everything I could see around me. Serenity and simplicity are my primary goals and I am content to spend hours on one single artwork. The cityscape drawing is one of my favourites; I started this artwork with a small building and, before I knew it, I had the whole view of a city. That is how my imagination can go further and further They are so interesting that every minute that passes makes me more intense and curious to see the final piece and I keep asking myself: “How will it look?”… “Am I going to like or dislike it?” however, I love all these feelings. Furthermore, I have displayed some of my painting technique, which gives me the pleasure of using colours and create my own unique techniques. Ann
Artists Showcase
9 Blank Media Collective
FEBUARY 2011
Content We sneak a look at what’s going on
13 Enter Diva Suicide
17 Ding Dong The Witch is Dead SuedeHat reviews Season of the Witch
20 Creative Writing Meet LUTTH and B.P
Miss Bond Talks to -XS-
15 The Classic Album Review
‘The greatest debut album by any band of all time’
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TopHat Editor / Comic Artist
F. Boquera-Seifert Assistant Editor
Welcome to the 1st issues of Melting Pot! How nice to see you here, do have a lookie.
Hazy Wix Wonder
So this thing known as Melting Pot, how did this HAPPEN!
PJ Arts Writer
Or the song that was playing.
Emma Bond Music Interviews Thomas McDonnel Album Review
SuedeHat Movie Reviews
Petite Berry Comic Artist
I blame the beer we were drinking.
Or the show we had just come from. Whatever it was by the end of the night I was emailing people asking if they wanted to be involved, they did. They rock. This was November, come February this is what we have. It’ll be back come March. It’ll be better. So on behalf of all of us here at Melting Pot
ENJOY!
Blank Media Collective:
Winter Art Events Blank Media are showcasing ground breaking artists from across the North West this Winter. All the events run by Blank Media are designed to exhibit established and emerging artists who are bringing something fresh and different to the art scene. The collection of events began with Ambience of play at the Green Room, Manchester. The exhibition shows the work of three artists: Liz West, Katie Louise Dixon and David Morris. The theme of the Ambience of Play show is to highlight the ‘mundanity that we see and often ignore’*. It definitely achieves this goal as the work pictures everyday spaces such as supermarkets and empty theme parks showing how spaces that we may not consider ’artistic’ in any way can be transformed into creative works. It represents how even the most ordinary of items and places can be transformed into something beautiful, interesting and different. The opening night at the Green Room took place on 27th October from 6-9pm. The atmosphere was fun and lively with artists taking part in the Blank Media Event as well as the general public coming to preview the art work. Cupcakes and alcohol were enjoyed by all and the art seemed to intrigue everyone. Notably the work of Liz West stood out, she has won many awards for her work and recently received the People’s Choice at Northern Futures. It is not hard to see why her work is well liked as her use of bold colours and seemingly ordinary choice of subjects are unquestionably striking. Her photographs were of shopping trolleys filled with the same colour items creating a bold image. It seems like a simple idea but sometimes even the most straightforward pieces of art can be the most interesting. The idea works well on the pictures making them stand out at the event. The definitely define the theme of Ambience of Play as something ordinary is made special which can be seem as a basis of many good pieces. The show reflects how beauty and splendour is often overlooked in the seeming ordinariness of everyday things, items and events. Another event by Blank Media was an art trail leading around Manchester City Centre. The work of new and reputable artists was displayed in various windows around the city. Many shops offered to have work shown giving a free advertising to artists as well as adding a little culture to the city. This was a great way for passers by to see new work with the opportunity to purchase pieces they liked. It was also a great cultural event in the city. To see all the work art lovers had to
walk around to various spots in the city centre. It became like an art treasure hunt finding cool new work around town. For those who had no idea the event was taking place in the city it was a great way to show art work to people who may not be interested in visiting galleries. Everyone got a chance to see art work whilst walking along their everyday route. It was a clever idea that showcases work to everyone in a different format gaining the attention of a more varied audience. It gave artists the chance to exhibit their work in a space other than traditional galleries. Whether outdoors or indoors the Blank Media events are a brilliant platform for new work. It definitely brings something new to the North West and is a great way for people trying to start a career in the creative arts (which can be a difficult task) to get their work, seen, noticed and sold. It is also a brilliant chance for viewers to see renown artists as well as the ‘next big thing’. The events run by Blank Media are interesting, different and inspiring. They are definitely worth a look with many being free or inexpensive. To see what’s happening in check out:
Also to see what’s going on at the greenroom visit:
These are two sites which will keep you updated on the Manchester art scene and let you know about events which art lovers will definitely enjoy. - P.J *Green Room: Ambience of Play
The Blankspace Launch:
Thursday 27th January 2011 Blank Media Collective have just embarked on an exciting new project. After years of championing new artists and supporting fresh and innovative ideas they have introduced Blankspace to Manchester.
This is a new gallery and creative space which aims at introducing new artists and showcasing interesting work to a diverse audience. It will not only show traditional art work but will be a space where sculptures, spoken and written word art forms and live performances can be showcased. The work shown here will be from a broad range of disciplines and will be a truly innovative space.
The Blankspace launch took place on 27th January. It is the first contemporary art space to be opened by Blank Media Collective and is an exciting project for the group as they come into their fifth year. The gallery is on 43 Hulme Street, from the outside an ordinary none descript building but this space promises to be an exciting hub for the arts in the year to come. Dedicated to championing new and emerging artists and giving them the help they need in launching a career this gallery offers a new and fresh approach. It seems like a great place for the many talented artists in the area to take their first steps into an art career. The launch party itself was thriving. Numerous art enthusiasts turned up to help celebrate the beginning of an exciting project and the work was as diverse as promised. Video art, sculpture, photography and written word were amongst the displays. The crowds that gathered in every area of the gallery is a testament to the fact that people are excited by this new concept. Hopefully the future will be bright for Blankspace. It is not in the busiest part of town but the varied artwork on offer should definitely keep people coming back. As a new gallery this one is shows potential. For new artists getting a gallery to show your work can be difficult. Consequently the new approach offered by Blankspace will hopefully help new artists launch their career. This gallery is a new space focused on new work which will be as stepping stone for new talent. The launch on Blankexpression 2011 goes on until Sunday 13th February so why not check it out for yourself and see what this exciting new gallery has to offer. Blankspace can be found at 43 Hulme Street, Manchester, M15 6 AW P.J For further information see:
Opening times: Monday: 1-7pm Tueday: 1-9pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 1-7pm Saturday and Sunday: 11-4pm
London-based Diva Suicide have started making a lot of noise on the Alternative/Emo circuit with their exciting brand of electro/goth/rock. The name having been around since 2008, this up and coming band are now very much a force to be reckoned with.
“Diva Suicide have something unique and exciting about them. They’ve genuine major league potential” MALCOLM DOME Classic Rock magazine With their mini album SCARS (distributed by Cargo Records) released this year, Diva Suicide are now working on their follow up full-length album which promises to further build on their ever growing fan base. Melting Pots Emma Bond met up with their lead singer -XS- for a quick chat... E.B) 1st I’ve seen you guys perform a few time and always had great fun, but could you describe to our readers why they should check your band out? -XS-) As you say its great fun and live energy and they will see a cool live band. E.B) When did you realise you wanted to be a singer? -XS-) When I was very little I already wanted to
be a singer and used to pretend I was singing in front of an audience in the dining room.
E.B) What/who do you think has helped to influence you the most?
-XS-) I’ve listened to lots of different bands and
genres through the years and everything has influenced me.
In the past few years specially 30 Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance, The Birthday Massacre...
E.B) How has your music evolved since you first started playing together? -XS-) Quite a lot. It is now that we are really
defining our style with the latest new songs we are working on.
E.B) You’re the only woman in the band, how do you manage to keep your femininity? -XS-) Luckily that comes natural! :) E.B) Have you ever had anything embarrassing happen to you when you been on stage? -XS-) Not so far, touch wood tho, there’s still a
THE SHOE OF KNOWLEDGE will being you interesting music facts from around the world each month.
long way to go!
The first “pop music” video was Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, released in 1975.
-XS-) Welcome to the Black Parade, by MCR.
The harmonica is the best-selling musical instrument in the world!
E.B) Right last question do you have any “famous” crushes?
The only gentleman in ZZTOP without a beard has the surname Beard
E.B) If you could cover any song, what would it be and why?
It’s an awesome song and the crowd would enjoy lots.
-XS-) Not really, I think that to have a crush on
someone I need to know him in person.
E.B )Thank you so much for your time.
The Video for Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson was the first video to air on MTV by a black artist
Many thanks! X Check out Diva Suicide on there facebook and myspace and make sure you look out for them in 2011.
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” finally fell off of Billboard’s Hot 200 Album list in October 1988; it had set theoutstanding record of 741 weeks in the charts.
the top 50 rock tracks of all time on VH1 and is definitely one of the most enjoyable songs to play as a guitarist.
As this is the first of these articles I thought it only fair to look at what in my opinion is the greatest debut album by any band of all time. Ever. One day in September 1976, an album was finally delivered to the world that would alter the shape of classic rock forever. Boston had arrived with their dual guitar riffs and their soaring multi- part vocal harmonies. As they went from strength to strength, they became synonymous with tracks that were seminal when they were released and to this day, they turn clubs upside down and can make venues jump within minutes. To set the scene, it is 1976. Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has finally relinquished its place at the top of the charts. Artists such as Elton John, Kiki Dee & the Sunshine Band and Paul Simon are going strong, whilst on the Rock scene, Paul McCartney & Wings and Nazareth are making waves. It is all very underground. Even Bowie has moved on. In world events, the very first close- up images of Mars have been broadcast, and the Cold War is at its height. You are young; you have your bike, your long hair and you are looking for something to define your era. Step forward Boston, with their self- titled debut album, ‘Boston’. I am going to focus on four tracks: ‘More Than a Feeling’, ‘Peace of Mind’, ‘Rock and Roll Band’ and ‘Smokin’’. I am not trying to say that the other tracks are of a lesser quality, but it is these songs that grabbed my attention the most. Of course, ‘More Than a Feeling’ is an anthemic track and I challenge you to find someone between the ages of 15 and 50 who doesn’t recognise it. It has been used in hit television shows and adverts; it has been voted one of
The soft finger- picked intro, building to the climbing bass, is recognisable from the first bar. The lyrical pattern and the almost operatic harmonies that soar in the chorus were to become a hallmark of their sound as a band, as was the dual guitar line. The infamous guitar line in this track must have been one of the first riffs any budding rocker used to impress his friends and upset his family alike. The anthemic feeling of this track is only re-enforced by the hand- clapping chorus, the crunchy guitar tone and the catchy, almost chanted lyrical pattern. And then there is the solo. From the depths of such a hard rocking song comes a solo which sounds rooted in classical guitar, the trills and flicks each divine, finishing on another, now classic, dual guitar note dropping into the familiar crunchy tone of the chorus, before finally exploding through the outro. Dual guitars drive you through the last minute of the song, the drums thundering and the harmonies soaring higher and higher, and then fade to silence. A truly fantastic way to announce yourselves to the world of music! ‘Peace of Mind’ is a particular favourite of mine; a more ballad than a rock track, but the chorus has such punch that it can’t really be defined as a ballad. It begins with an acoustic guitar, cleanly sounding out the chords for the song. After one bar, the lead electric guitar, the bass and the drum roll in together. A few bars later the guitars crescendo and the typical lyrical harmony begins clear and precise through the distorted sound of the guitars. The drum in places resembles a heartbeat while the clever guitar work transitions you from verse to chorus seamlessly before the break for the solo itself. The guitar seeps in through a harmonic note ringing out, the guitars exchange bars like refrains in a poem before joining and soaring out of the solo on a characteristic dual melody and returning to the chorus. However, what makes this song stand out is definitely the lyrical abilities of Brad Delp and the harmonic work of the backing singers. The clarity and pitch of the vocals against the hard backing of the song is a genuinely pleasing melody. The solo is a work of art, the guitars
duelling before aligning to play the final bars of the song. A nice trick in this song, and one that would later become synonymous with the band, is the mid song break. The acoustic chording at the start of the song is repeated half way through with some distortion and crunch, re-enforcing the route the track has taken from soft warm introduction to a harder ending, another solo over the chords in a dual harmony effect as the track fades away, leaving just the ringing melody in our ears. This song is an extremely well written and produced piece of music, which goes from strength to strength, and builds to a rousing crescendo. ‘Rock & Roll band’ is an autobiographical piece, detailing the band’s rise from “Playing in the streets” to “getting on stage”. This track is steeped heavily in blues but displays a similar crunch tone to the chorus in ‘More than a Feeling’. Again, this is a particularly fun track if you intend to play it yourself. The lyrical tone is a lot rougher than the other offerings, a refreshing change making for a dirty straight down the barrel rock track. The chorus rings back to more melodic vocal harmonies especially with the dual guitar soaring into it, but sure enough dives back to a more guttural tone when the verse kicks in. The solo is the now recognisable style of a mix of bluesy slurs and screaming notes steeped in stadium and phaser effects, simple but effective and it sure doesn’t disappoint. The second solo, later in the track, acts as a sort of outro with the dual guitar effect in full force before a cymbal crash and an almost slow finish. This track has, in my opinion, the most energy and punch on the album, the guitar line driving and pulling the track through with the bass sitting back and just letting the track flow. One of the pleasing elements in this track is how the beat is chopped up by the entire band, just as the listening gets smooth, an off beat is hit or the track skips a moment keeping the listener engaged at all times. ‘Smokin’’ is the wild card of the four tracks
chosen. It is another hard rocking track but the heaviest drum track of the album. It’s hard rocking style can be heard from the first bars of the track, with the guitars bursting to life and the bass falling in behind with the drum. It’s riff climbs and falls almost at random, and with very obvious roots in 12 bar blues, the track is classic fast paced rock. The simple chorus hook uses the duel guitar signature, whilst, for the first time on the album, the solo takes place on the Hammond keyboard, building the usual haunting sound to a crescendo, before falling away to the intimidating distorted guitar backing while. The guitar soon kicks in to drive you mercilessly to the finish as the vocals rejoin the song, stopping short of screaming the lyrics before an abrupt stop. The song works in an entirely unorthodox style, which is very gratifying. Versatility, on their first album? Surely not. All in all, this album has no filler tracks. Not one. At least 5 of the tracks could have been charting singles and the others serve their purpose. For a first album I believe it’s only rival is Van Halen, probably the best debut metal album I’ve heard. Thomas Christopher Richard McDonnel
w e i t v a e R H e Sued
When I first heard that Nicholas Cage and Ron Perlman were teaming up to fight witches, I naturally assumed someone was finally going to make a Ghost Rider / Hellboy crossover movie and I could die happy. Of course, since the world isn’t nearly as awesome as it should be, this isn’t the case. But as I’m one of the apparent deviants who like Nic Cage movies, it was inevitable that I would see this movie, regardless.
The premise of the movie is simple enough; Cage plays Behmen, a knight who, alongside his battle buddy Felson (Perlman) desert the army after realising that killing innocents in the name of God isn’t exactly a good thing. Inevitably, they are caught and are to be executed for desertion if they do not escort a young girl accused of witchcraft to a monastery, so she can be tried and her powers removed. Along with a third knight (Ulrich Thomsen), a monk (Stephen Moore), a conman (Stephen Graham), and a young boy named Kay (Robert Sheehan) they set out with the witch (Claire Foy) only to discover that a much greater evil lurks within her as she uses her powers to slowly kill the group members, leading to a final showdown with Behmen, Felson and Kay. The unfortunate thing is that the story itself isn’t all that bad; while a little clichéd at times, the plot rollsat a reliable pace and provides opportunity for both fast paced action sequences as well as quieter moments to let the audience get their breath back. Sadly, any sense of drama is killed by the ridiculously over the top delivery of almost every line of dialogue in the movie. At times, it wouldn’t have surprised me if all the actors had just started screaming out their lines, one syllable at a time. At least that would have been funny rather than just hammy.
r e l i a Tr
Drive Angry 3D Let me get this straight; Nic Cage escapes from Hell on a quest for vengeance, whilst being trailed by the devil? What, did Ghost Rider not fall flat on it ass hard enough the first time?
Trashing
Yogi Bear I was going to make a joke or something here, but I’m just too distracted by how outright terrifying thebears look. I can’t even place what makes them so creepy, but I fear for my life.
The Rite Yes, The Exorcist is a good movie. I’m glad we all agree on that. Really I am. But it has been 38 years. Can’t we all just agree that remakes are, at best, average and just let it die already? Please?
Whilst the acting direction might be questionable, the characterisation is outright terrible. Or should that be lack of characterisation? Apart from Behmen, none of the characters receive more that a line of dialogue about their pasts or motivations, and it is impossible to care about them when they die (and they nearly all die). Knowing next to nothing about the characters, it is impossible to have emotional investment in them. The lack of characterization really hits home during any of the slower paced scenes, in which the characters sit around talking about themselves in a stilted bullet point-esque manner. This is particularly notable with the interactions between Behmen and Felson, which always sound forced, despite the fact that they are supposed to be long time friends and war buddies. You may have heard that the special effects budget is somewhat subpar in this movie, but it isn’t exactly terrible or anything. It’s certainly strange at some points (to this day I still have no idea what exactly is supposed to be happening to the wolves during THAT scene) but I’ve seen a lot worse in my time, so I’m not really going to linger on it at this point. The plague effects were good though! I didn’t even realise Christopher Lee was in this movie until the credits rolled. On a positive note, I can defiantly say that I had fun with this movie. Sure the action was over the top and the slower scenes a little... well slow, I guess. The action scenes were fun and enthusiastic, and whilst plagued with little problems, they never really stopped me from enjoying the big, half-baked adventure staggering around in front of me. After all, isn’t it the whole point of movies to be entertaining? Any movie you can walk out of feeling content can’t be all bad now, can it? The truth is I won’t be rushing out to buy it when it comes out on DVD, but I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic scale adventures or those who would like to find a pleasant way to kill some time with friends. This has been a SuedeHat review. Until next time keep them witches burning
'Faith in Me' You can count on me you can trust me you can believe every word that I'm saying and have confidence in what I'm assuring as to when I push you on the swing you'll want to go higher I'll be careful no lying but as I put more force into it... ...you fall off... sorry! as to when I agree not to touch the last biscuit on the plate you turn away, you back again...OH it's gone (SORRY I ate it!) even when I promised I hammered the shelf on the wall properly it still manages to come loose and fall onto your head (please accept my apology) but you still can have faith in what I'm saying and there will be no need for anything explicit so I'm gunna continue talking...yeah?!?! errr shit I forgot! BUT YOU CAN STILL HAVE FAITH IN ME?! Y-Y-Y' can... can I tell you what, next time around I do this, do you trust me to do better next time around? Do you??? Because you can be assured next time around to definitely have 'faith' in me! Meshach R. Brencher
P.B journal
SLOTS Give me a moment to rearrange my phobias Haven't got time to realign These leftovers Proverbial and dis-inherited Your merit is. is in your mouth It fits every scenario And doesn't call for change Except for renumeration Consolidation, your maladroit: There's a nonsensical format Rolled out for us to live by: Switch it up and pay Blink away your day light Burn up your pay cheque Ask Gorbachov or Roschek They didn't care Whose neck Was in the way So Switch it up And fuck the slot And pay. . Polly Steiner
LIFE UNDER THE TOP HAT
'WHAT IF?.. What if I was a powerful man could go on holiday anytime I wanted and sit by the sand get a nice tan and be holding a new girl's hand 'yet again' the number's past ten but I'd pretend it's way more than that When the government's making cuts it would never affect me most other people would have to fend more for themselves whereas I wouldn't have this problem or anything else like that apart from what helps And the problem with keeping or saving money together I wouldn't have it because I would invest in being equipped in quilted leather and would have this last forever I could do whatever, go whereever, buy whatever, whenever and have no problem showing you how much I appreciate you But there's on problem... this is all an imaginary dream because none of this happens in my reality, not a damn bit of it and that's a fact, I even had trouble finding that ring to fit your finger but I let that feeling linger because you mean more to me than all those things I could ever dream of The couple lving next door to us, living in the fast lane we walk, they travel in a jet plane that's all well for them, I'm happy for 'em at the same time we stand together it maximses everything like they have it I do want to live sufficiently but all the materials wouldn't make me more of a person effectively we don't have to go to the highest mountain all we have to do is maintain what we have in our domain Life is pain and is it worth it if it is then I can look in the sky day and night and hold your hand be so happy that you are in my life Meshach R. Brencher
THIS IS NOT A PAINTING I am under-qualified. This is not a half-way house and I am not a badge-holder Or a home-owner I just carry myself And that seamless yeild To a commerce tag And a hunted number You remember The day we dialled m for... More Or maybe the acid green On your tongue As you ate another... And another Then slept curled on the floor. We console ourselves. Birds migrate Some trees are deciduous Seas sweep backwards And return. Inwards. I remember The day our neighbour died I couldn't have been more than seven years old I saw him parked up on the square slumped behind his steering wheel I remember it was raining hard that day.
Wha t to s name ee your here? show you us what ca Email n do! us!
There are not many things left That are sacred. (This is the final equation: Wisdom is Zhi and life is Qi And if you look very closely you can watch them ebb.) Not much more to say was what she had said. That was the wife. Her name was Olive. Whenever I'd see her I'd just think of Pimento. It rolled around in my brain. Everything becomes abstract. In childhood rain.
Polly Steiner