The Siren issue 7

college tribune entertainment supplement 24.1.12

Rodrigo Sรกnchez talks metal, Mexico and meeting the Irish DELORENTOS

TWO BEARS

TALLAFORNIA

IRON LADY

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24.1.12

PLAYLIST: CIARAN LEINSTER Black Treacle – Arctic Monkeys Judging by the video, set in California, as well as the west coast jamming vibes, Alex Turner seems, to some extent, to have left his role as unelected poet laureate of the northern England working class behind him, and the result is not a bad song, but certainly not as memorable as the majority the first 2 Monkeys’ albums in particular.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson With so many genuinely dreadful female solo singers around these days, I really wasn’t optimistic for this effort. However, it’s in fact a delightfully catchy power ballad, which at different times tries unconvincingly to be a rock anthem, as well as a dancefloor filler. Regardless of how you characterise it, this is still better that what Gaga, Perry et al churn out.

Kiss The Stars – Pixie Lott The woman with the best ass in pop music – so does her music actually matter??

Autotune all over the place, a 1980s-esque video, crappy lyrics and a stultifyingly textbook beat make for a combination that makes me wish she just stuck to showing off her arse instead.

Next To Me – Emili Sandé Forget that this song seems to be about Jesus, and it’s pretty easy to fall in love with it. The Brit-nominated Glasgow native’s third single is an abruptly-ending, gospel-flavoured, delightful soul-pop track. Having already twice appeared in the Top 30, this catchy track could well launch her to Sandé into stardom.

The Search – James Treg Hudson The career of Texas native Hudson, who appeared at last year’s SXSW festival in his home state, has not taken off how he would have hoped in the last year, but this is not down to a lack of talent on his part.

Hudson takes a cue or two from Mumford & Sons, but puts his own twist on it. Not what you may expect when you consider his state of origin.

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MUSIC

NEW NOISE

Thomas Cullen examines the Irish acts likely to make an impact in 2012

L

ast year was a great year for Irish musicians, were acts such as Lisa Hannigan and Cashier no. 9 were propelled into the music limelight after successful album and single releases.

One can only hope that many more artists will get the chance to display their talents to music listeners in 2012. I’m going to try and focus on some new Irish acts that have not yet gained as

much media attention, yet could be the next thing that you’ll hear on the radio that’ll make you say “I knew them before they were big”.

Talented pop bands that skip the drum machines and work with an expansive collection of instruments are hard to come by these days, which is why Little xs for Eyes are such an impressive rarity amongst lesser know Irish groups. Their debut album S.A.D contains a blend

of soothing vocals and an array of backing melodies provided by instruments such as glockenspiels, ukuleles, keys and mandolins.

The swaying harmonies that are sung by both the male and female vocalists of the band are simply outstanding. Each powerfully delivered track that they produce tells stories of romantic heartbreaks and sadness, yet avoid the melancholy usually associated with such music.

If glitchy electronics, rather than melodic pop, is for you, Cork’s premier beatsmith Toby Kaar has already made a mark, with support slots for Gold Panda and ASIWYFA and a slew of stellar releases.

With live performances far more engaging than a man on a laptop and controller should be, Kaar is continually advancing his craft

with unusual remix activity and difficult to categorise productions that recall the late, great J Dilla as much as they do Aphex Twin. Kaar is progressing superbly in the Irish electronic scene, and the support slots he’s made a name on so far have quickly given way to sharing the limelight with the cream of Irish electronic.

Amongst the folk and acoustic music scene, Dublin based band The Young Folk are a delightful fivepiece group that are touring Ireland with their captivating live show. The group are skilled musicians that are capable of writing beautiful and enchanting songs, ‘Way Down South’ being a perfect, atmospheric, example that is both incredibly catchy and radio friendly. The expressive vocals are accompanied by flowing violins and impressive acoustic guitar arrangements. If this folk group continue with their inspired song writing, they could easily become Irelands answer to Mumford & Sons.

Whilst it is evident that there are many promising

Wikipedia Blackout Lisa Gorry reflects on the two bills that could change the way we use the internet

“I

magine a world without free knowledge.

For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the largest encyclopedia in human history. Right now, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open internet. For 24 hours, to raise awareness, we are blacking out Wikipedia.”

This was the message that Wikipedia users were faced with last Wednesday, January 18th when they tried to access the infamous online encyclopedia.

The legislation that the message refers to is two bills that are currently in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate respectively: SOPA and PIPA. SOPA stands for the “Stop Online Piracy Act” while PIPA is an acronym for the “Protect Intellectual Property Act.”

SOPA is a bill that would allow the U.S Department of Justice and copyright holders to seek court orders against websites accused of enabling copyright infringement.

This order could include a ban on online advertising networks doing business with such websites, banning search engines from linking to accused sites and requiring internet service providers to block access to the sites.

On top of this, the bill would make any unauthorized streaming of copyrighted content a crime, with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison for ten such breaches of the law within six months.

PIPA on the other hand, focuses on giving additional rights to the U.S. government and copyright holders to hinder access to “rogue websites dedicated to infringing or counterfeit goods.” While supported by almost 40 U.S.

Senators, and by copyright and trademark owners in industry groups stretching out over all sectors of the economy, including the Motion Picture Association of America, its congressional opponents include Oregon Senator Ron Wyden responsible for introducing an alternative bill called the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act, which you can read and comment on at keepthewebopen.com.

The impact that these kind of bills could have on the way we use the internet is staggering; it would mean no more Youtube, no more Facebook. SOPA and PIPA would prevent your favourite sites from hosting any copyrighted content without suffering heavy fines. En-

couraged by Hollywood and the music industry, SOPA and PIPA are in fact futile responses to advances in technology, comparable to Hollywood’s protests over the end of video players, and the music industry’s struggle over MP3 players. The music industry argues that for the last decade, their loss of revenue has been a result of digital theft. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has claimed on their website that “In the decade since peer-to-peer file sharing site Napster emerged in 1999, music sales in the U.S. have dropped 47 percent…” However, a British study in 2009 by think tank Demos reported that in fact downloaders buy more or the same amount of music

new bands that are currently emerging at the moment, Little Green Cars are far and away the most promising musical act in the country right now. Having signed with Glassnote recordings, home of French veterans Phoenix and Aussie favourites The Temper Trap, this environment of critical acclaim is sure to suit these darlings of Irish media. Although all of the band members are only nineteen years old, they possess a song writing maturity that is way beyond their years, and in the case of vocalist Faye O’Rourke, a powerful voice beyond what one might expect. The harmonies are superb, and it is almost impossible to stop yourself from tapping your foot and humming along with the faultless melodies in songs such as ‘The John Wayne’ and ‘Harper Lee’.

The band is still in the beginning stages of recording their debut album, but if it is good as any of the tracks that released so far, it could well be the standout Irish album of 2012.

as those who do not illegally file share, so RIAA’s point is in fact moor.

The OPEN Act aims to stop transfers of money to foreign websites whose main goals are piracy or counterfeiting, in contrast to SOPA and PIPA who also require internet providers and search engines to redirect from the accused sites. OPEN places the responsibility of enforcement on the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), rather than the United States Justice Department.

Not surprisingly, the OPEN draft has been backed by internet heavyweights Google and Facebook, and has been commended by the Consumer Electronics Association as “a quick and effective way to shut down pirate sites without damaging legitimate companies or enriching trial lawyers.”

How can you help? Google have begun a petition which garnered 4.5 million signatures last Wednesday, which can be found at www.google. com/landing/takeaction/, as a way of getting our voices heard. Alternatively, you can hit up BlackOutSOPA.org , which changes your profile picture on Facebook or Twitter. You can also have your say at keepthewebopen.com.

MUSIC

24.1.12

Guided By Voices Let’s Go Eat the Factory

Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A -

Area 52

LIAM FORBES

D

ublin by way of Mexico City’s Rodrigo y Gabriela have finally made a return with new album Area 52. With the group busy with hectic touring and soundtrack work for one of the (woeful) Pirates of the Carribean films, Area 52 is not comprised of any new music. The album is rather a revisiting of tracks from the group’s 2006 eponymous debut and 2009’s 11:11. All

tracks feature accompaniment from 13 piece orchestral C.U.B.A, based in Havana. Old songs have become more accessible, such as audience favourite Tamacun, which is now transformed from an intricate guitar duet into a lively Latin Jazz piece with a tango-like rhythm.

The dazzling playing of Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero now competes with solos from pianos,

horns, sitars and even ouds from Palestinian group Le Trio Joubran. All of which could be overwhelming if executed poorly, but Rodrigo y Gabriela are more than competent in walking the tricky tightrope of fascinating, rather than overwhelming the listener. Yet one also gets the impression of simply hearing old sings being played faster, following a rather simplistic formula.

While we are reminded of what they’re capable of, Rodrigo y Gabriela now need to show us something new.

KEITH LEMATTI

T

he fact that Guided By Voices have produced yet another album to add to their mammoth discography has left many critics scratching their heads.

Fronted by ex English teacher Robert Pollard, the “classic” line up during the 90’s produced the records which to this day define GBV, and which they’ve struggled to match since.

The opening track ‘Laundry and Lasers’ immediately

Delorentos -

L

ittle Sparks is the third album by Dublin band Delorentos and does not fail to impress. After a rough second album, threats of breakups and falling out, the foursome have produced possibly the best record of their careers.

The album opens with ‘Did We Ever Really Try’, a song previously released on their EP. This is followed by

the excellent ‘Bullet in a Gun’ which is easily one of the best tracks on the album. Both ‘Little Sparks’ and ‘Right to Know’ are slow starting tracks that build in a manner close to that of Arcade Fire.

The latter ‘Right to Know’ could well become their new anthem and is set to become their first single from the album.

Delorentos are perhaps

best known for their brand of guitar filled indie music but have expanded on this album with continual usage of piano throughout; the effect is startling – to the point that their slower tracks not only sound fuller, but also are given depth musically and emotively. The experimentation has allowed Delorentos to become perhaps the band they were always meant to be.

This album will leave listeners gasping for more and is a must buy for all indierock fans.

STEPHEN WEST

I

t’s easy to forget about Wiley. Even though he has been consistently churning out interesting variations on the conventions of British hip-hop for longer than most of his peers. So in keeping with his career thus far, this album is released with little to no hype or publicity outside of his loyal fan base. This new offering proves to be a much more

Seal Soul 2 RYAN CULLEN

W

arning! Do not open this package if seal is depressed.

Soul 2 is the eighth studio album by British pop singer Seal. The album was released on 7 November 2011 through Reprise Records.

Like its predecessor, it is shit. Seal, who now after his separation has the emotional scars to match the

facial ones, comes back into the spotlight with his album, which he hopes to help him out financially when the divorce settlement kicks in.

Although he is fantastic at balancing balls on his nose, he is distinctly average in musical content, as his album filled mostly with covers and never even tries to put his own spin on it. It

shows off GBV’s idiosyncratic lo-fi sound. 5 tracks in and standout track ‘Spiderfighter’ brings Let’s Go Eat... into piano ballad melancholy.

Pollard’s voice rarely sounds emotional, however, in just 2 minutes it feels like he is about to break down.

Let’s Go Eat... provides everything that the accomplished Alien Lanes gave its listeners almost 20 years ago: wacky song titles (‘Doughnut for a Snowman’, anyone?);

emotional ballads and short and to the point songs.

At 44 minutes, this album is enjoyable and doesn’t take many shortcuts, however, there’s an air of déjà vu and as a whole the album doesn’t seem that new.

Robert Pollard has always been as dedicated to his various projects outside of his first phenomenal group. Still, though he has countless commitments, there is a unique sense of tenderness this time around. While they’re yet to return fully to the pinnacle of their music ability, this record loudly says “It’s good to be back”, we’re happy to welcome them.

Wiley - Evolve or Be Extinct

Little Sparks CONOR MCKENNA

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tight and focused effort than 2011’s “100% Publishing”.

Wiley’s chops as a producer really shine on songs such as “I’m Skanking” and “Boom Blast” which form pulsing, twitchy, bass heavy symphonies perfect for the dance floor. It seems Wiley has found his niche in the uptempo rap style that he has developed over the years; he seems to be perpetually at

ease whilst laying down his rhymes.

This is most definitely not going to change anything or be anyone’s favorite album but it works well as a collection of lush, up-tempo tunes.

There are some weak songs (“Immigration” and “Can I Have a Taxi?”) but as a whole this is a solid effort. “Inevitable, slow piano driven” song comes in the form of the surprisingly charming “Only Human”. This is nothing overly special, but basically what you see is what you get so you can’t go wrong.

Lamb of God -

Resolution sounds like a Karaoke mix from Guantanamo Bay. Marvin Gaye’s father would have shot him too after his version of “What’s going on”. The album will obviously be overshadowed by the disintegration of one of the most celebrated partnerships in Hollywood.

This album is far from being kissed by a rose, it’s more like it fell out of a tree face first into a rose bush.

GRAHAM LUBY

As unwilling as anyone was to admit, 2011 was pretty disappointing for heavy metal.

While the scene shuffled into 2012 in better shape than it had been a year previously, a slew of poorly-received releases from many of the genre’s most important bands left a lot to be desired for 2012.

Small relief, then, that the first big release of 2012 does not disappoint. “Resolution”,

the Virginia quintet’s seventh album, again showcases the rough-hewn Southern groove that propelled them to the apex of modern metal, but with some added twists that their fans would not have anticipated. Crawling opener “Straight for the Sun” eschews the usual whispery intros for a filthy, lumbering bass walk, before Chris Adler’s china cymbal segues proceedings into familiar ter-

ritory on “Desolation”. Single “Ghost Walking” is probably the album’s weakest track (a tradition the band have maintained for the past six years), but is by no means a bad song. Randy Blythe’s signature croak is sacrificed for clean vocals at times, and the band’s use of a string section (commonplace, yes, but genuinely unexpected from these guys) brings some welcome new elements to the band’s tried-and-trusted formula. The result, the latest in a body of consistently decent work, is not overly exciting, but will keep the band’s huge fanbase satiated.

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MUSIC

arts@collegetribune.ie

The 2 Bears Interview Aonghus McGarry sat down with Raf Rundell of Dance’s new dynamic duo.

D

ance music is too easily derided. Indeed, it’s a genre almost never featured in the humble paper in your hands.

In the same way that this omnipresent genre is far too easy to throw away with all the David Guettas of the world, it’s easy to see The 2 Bears as a one man show. Joe Goddard, of Hot Chip fame, has been lauded with critical praise for years, and accompanied by the high sales of his bands records, is by far the more well known of these 2 furry creatures to the casual fan. Such an assertation, however, would be doing the other half of this duo a great disservice. Raf Rundell, a former press agent and A&R man, plays an equal role in creating some of the liveliest and accessible house music to come out of London, or anywhere else, in years – ‘Pop House’ one might call it (I’ve just made that genre

up).

“Well I was always DJing on the side while I held down a day job” Raf tells me on his exposure to dance music, “Producing on the other hand has been a more recent development, as a teenager I’d always be raving with mates, in the country side, clubs in

London, all different kinds – (legendary drum &bass night) Metalheadz, we’d go see Carl Cox on a Thursday, Spaced on a Wednesday (run

by Classic records), it was a great time for clubbing”.

On getting together to work with Joe Goddard however, it was originally supposed

to be The 3 Bears, the third being Joe Mount of the band Metronomy “We used to play a lot of these parties called Greco-Roman that were very chaotic, hedonistic warehouse parties, Joe’s someone I’d have a lot of admiration for, he’s in a really great band and he’s got great taste in

music and is a really accomplished produdcer, but it’s definitely not a hinderance, him being in Hot Chip” .

Indeed, much has been made of the nostalgia factor or The 2 Bears’ music, a common thread throughout their excellent new album Be Strong is that these tunes wouldn’t be productions totally alien to the work of Basement Jaxx, and the music that was played in their club night all that time ago; “That’s not necessarily an age we’re trying to recreate but it’s an age of music we love and connected over, it’s the kind of music we love to hear and play when we’re out, yea it’s a totally fair thing to say” explains Raf “but you can’t just put out 10 club bangers, it has to be something you can really listen to, I like to think it’s something that evokes club culture, and London club culture specifically”.

On the recording of Be Strong, Raf describes it as very “un-rock & roll, Joe had just had a baby girl and we were just working between him taking care of his new family, it was just punctu-

ated by playing with his baby, it was a very healthy environment to make music, hopefully there’s some straight-forward, uncomplicated good vibes”. The dance music made by The 2 Bears is more complex than Joe would let on; incorporating two-step and hip-hop influences much more prominently than other house records might, indeed Raf described at length the help the specialist shows giving the duo exposure on BBC Radio 1, which culminated in their essential mix getting the 2 hour slot on Pete Tongs’ show last week “There’s a big change around now with Skream and Toddla T getting their own shows now, there’s more to it than the ‘perfectly’ engineered tunes of the Guettas and what not”. In a just world the hyper-intelligent pop of Be Strong would sell by the million, and even it doesn’t, the critical success of The 2 Bears is all but guaranteed.

The 2 Bears play The Button Factory with Benoit & Sergio on February 17th.

Delorentos: Sparks of genius Conor McKenna talks to Kieran McGuinness about the good, the bad and the laughable.

W

hen one thinks of difficult second albums by Irish bands, Delorentos are never far down the list. The band teetered close to the precipice of breaking just before the release of their second album You Can Make Sound.

Guitarist, singer and writer Rónan Yourell announced his intention to leave the band in early 2009 but after a number of farewell gigs (including one in UCD) the band decided to give things another go.

“When we broke up we said we can’t do this anymore. We were putting too much pressure on ourselves.

A lot of faith in the magic, that things will just pop out of the sky is just not the reality when you’re in a band,” Kieran McGuinness, guitarist and singer, explains. Their last album, You Can Make Sound, was disappointing for most listeners but McGuinness is quick to elaborate on that: “It sounded like a band breaking up and that’s what it was… I hate listening to people slag off their own records ‘cause everyone thinks they do the best at the time.

For this album we wrote 30 songs, for that album we wrote 12 or 13 and 11 went on the album.”

The new album Little Sparks has been received well thus far in the media but took two and half years to arrive. McGuinness remarks, “We said from the start that we were going to be as creative, different and interesting and try as many ideas as came into our heads. For example, anyone can play any

instrument and anyone can sing any song, everyone can write the songs, any type of songs; it doesn’t have to be pop/rock song or whatever.”

With this new approach the band entered Grouse Lodge, the famous recording studio.

In the current economic climate this could have been seen as an unnecessary expense and Kieran remarks that the band as a whole is broke.

When queried on how the

band is coping with the recession, he states that they’re feeling the strain but money wasn’t the point: “we can do other things to get a few quid. I could start painting, I’m an awful painter but [after] a few days on Grafton St maybe I’d get a few quid for a sandwich,” he jokes.

“It’s the little details that connect with people. I don’t think there’s any point in us sitting down and writing songs about the global eco-

nomic crisis ... because it’s not a personal thing to anyone,” he pensively tells the Tribune. “The things that connect with people are the little things, the day-to-day stuff, the way people feel.

That’s what people remember.”

The band members are taking the opportunity to promote the album in new and exciting ways: “we’re doing podcasts for the album, doing a kind of little radio

show. The next thing is that we’re making acoustic videos for every single song on the album… on top of that we’re going to be doing our acoustic tour.”

McGuinness has found himself noticed on the streets more since Delorentos have become a name. He tells the Tribune, “I was walking through Merrion Square on a first date with my girlfriend and a fella came out of nowhere and he punched me on the side of the head as hard as you could possibly do. I fell to the ground completely dazed and my girlfriend was obviously very upset and a couple of people came over to see if we were ok and yer man walked away. I was sitting on the ground and the guy came over, put out his hand and said ‘ah you’re from Delorentos, fair play to ye’ and he walked off.”

With the new album out and an extensive tour on the way (not to mention a flurry of other activities) Delorentos should soon be seen reaching new heights on the Irish and international music scene.

ARTS

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EVENT GUIDE SHANE MEAGHER

I <3 Alice <3 I:

PLAYS

The Abbey Theatre 30th January – 18th February

Based on Nikolai Gogol’s satirical play on Tsarist Russia, this adaption by Roddy Doyle offers a contemporary

interpretation of the 1836 classic.

This play will especially appeal to fans of Doyle’s trademark wit, and fans of political satire. Facing the grim prospect of a visit from a government inspector, a number of corrupt officials resort to bribery in order to cover their tracks.

However, their efforts are threatened by a case of mistaken identity. Starring Joe Hanley, Marion O’Dwyer, Rory Nolan, Peter Daly, Gary Cooke, Michael Glenn Murphy, Clare Barrett, Karl Quinn and Mark Doherty.

Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates:

Saturday Matinee: 2.30pm

The Gaiety Theatre 4th December 2011 – 29th January 2012

Daryn Crosbie tackles the direction and cinematography, as well as the leading role of Captain Blacksparrow, in this pantomime. It deals with the Crusoe fam-

The Government Inspector: The Abbey Theatre 24th November 2011 – 28th January 2012 Monday – Saturday: 7.30pm Saturday Matinee: 2pm

Monday – Saturday: 6.30pm, 7.30pm (times vary)

FILMS

Monday – Saturday: 8pm Saturday Matinee: 2.30pm Written and directed by Amy Conroy, this play falls into the category of “documentary theatre”, dealing with two lesbian women, who reminisce about their relationship. It stars Alice Kinsella and Alice Slattery.

The play has been praised

by The Irish Times, who describe it as “impeccably executed”. ily’s travels to Mango Island in search of treasure. This is sure to be a blast, especially for the younger members of the audience. It also stars Joe Conlon, Brian Gilligan, Richie Hayes, Michael Grennell, Lynda Gough, and Samantha Mumba.

Ireland’s answer to Jersey Shore launched on TV3 last week, Donie O’Sullivan talks to one of the stars of Tallafornia, Ireland’s answer to Snooki, Nikita Murray about life in Dublin 24, her new found fame and Fade Street.

(no expenses spared).

The show, which at 10pm on a Friday night is up against the Late Late Show, will no doubt be the topic of countless Joe Duffy phone ins and its cast will find themselves as the punch line to endless jokes – but at half a million viewers for its preview episode the series may very well

prove to be a success.

Nikita Murray, the show’s youngest cast member at nineteen years old says its all just a bit of fun. Like many reality stars Nikita, a charming business student in Tallaght IT with an infectious laugh, was approached by producers and asked to audition, “I was working in JD in Liffey

Haywire:

Coriolanus:

Contagion director Steven Soderbergh ventures into uncharted waters with this espionage film, which is also the first movie to star martial arts fighter Gina Carano.

She plays the part of Mallory Kane, a spy who finds her life threatened by the very people she works for; government officials who employ her to do their dirty work.

Having survived a number of assassination attempts, she concludes that she must reveal the truth about her bosses, in order to save her life.

This action thriller also stars Michael Angarano and Channing Tatum.

This new Shakespeare adaption remains loyal to the text of the original play, although the visual aspects of the film have a contemporary edge.

Writing for the Telegraph, Tim Robey observes that the opening scene in particular depicts a “generically recognizable twenty-first century war zone”.

So this film is not just for the Shakespeare enthusiasts.

‘Coriolanus’ stars Gerard Butler, Ralph Fiennes, Lubna Azabal, and Ashraf Barhom.

J. Edgar:

ten accredited to him.

The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics rebuking it for omitting important aspects of Hoover’s life and career, and not providing the full picture.

It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Josh Hamilton.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, this biographical film deals with the life of J. Edgar Hoover, focusing largely on the Lindbergh kidnapping case.

Hoover founded the FBI in 1935, and its success is of-

Tallafornication “Tallafornia [is] the Irish show that puts a bunch of West Dublin (where all the trashy people live) twentysomethings in a house and films their drunken flirtations” -this is how the esteemed New York based website Gawker summed up the new TV3 series Tallafornia the morning after its preview last month. Having attracted an audience of almost half a million for the preview and trended worldwide on Twitter, the full series of Tallafornia began last Friday night and has got a lot of people talking.

Labelled as an Irish version of “Jersey Shore,” the concept of the show is pretty simple, following the antics of four guys and three girls who live together in Tallaght and go out and party every night. The house includes a, often rather murky looking, hot tub in the garden and a double bedroom upstairs labelled by the show’s creators with a rather flimsy looking sign that says “Score Room”

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Valley and producers came into the shop and asked did any of the staff want to audition,” she told The Siren.

The first two episodes viewers saw Nikita “score” two of the lads in the house establishing a love triangle which is sure to remain as one of the primary narratives throughout the series. Nikita

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maintains that her family are supportive and proud of her and that she didn’t think twice when she was asked to take part in the show - “I am absolutely addicted to reality shows. When Jersey Shore first came out I was like I would love to do a show like that.”

Some have criticised the show saying it contributes to a negative stereotype of people from Tallaght but Nikita disagrees, “I don’t think it does, because if you think of everyone our age, we all get drunk, we all go out and have sex,” and added, “the only difference is that we are doing it in front of the camera.”

How real shows like Tallafornia, Jersey Shore and the Hills are has often been questioned. Allegations that cast members in “structured reality” shows like these work off scripts are rife. Nikita explained that on Tallafornia “nothing was really set up it was just ourselves,” and that produces merely told them what nightclubs and activities they would be participating in each day. Watching the program and comparing it to similar shows, one does get the feel that what happens in Tallafornia is more “real,” or less scripted than shows like Fade Street. As Nikita puts it, “half the stuff that

happens in the show I don’t think you could script.” The sense that the characters in the show are genuine and are not merely puppets operated by the show’s producers is one of the aspects that make Tallafornia in many aspects oddly charming and will no doubt increase its appeal.

The Fade Street comparison is inevitable, as it is one of Ireland’s only other attempts at a “structured reality” series. The two shows represent two very different type of people in Dublin and certainly a show where Fade Street and Tallafornia stars appear side by side would be intriguing – perhaps set in a half-way house in Terenure.

Nikita hadn’t an opinion on the Fade Street girls, “I actually haven’t a clue, because I have never seen an episode of Fade Street” but did mention “you can’t really make comparisons [between the two shows], it is two completely different shows and besides I think we have more ratings in our online videos than they did in their entire series.” Ouch, over to you Vogue.

Tallafornia airs Fridays at 10pm on TV3 and can be watched anytime online on the 3 Player on tv3.ie

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MUSIC

From Busking on Grafton street to putting in blistering performances on stages all around the world, Rodrigo Y Gabriela have won the crowds over with a unique brand of contemporary classical guitar work with all the zest of the Latin culture. Ryan Cullen caught up with Rodrigo ahead of their highly anticipated Dublin gig.

A

fter listening to Rodrigo talk about his career, you simply cannot ignore his passion and flair for music. Rodrigo speaks about how they got into music and how their style of music fits their energy and flair, slowly making them a popular choice on the Irish music scene. “We just liked the freedom of expression and movement that

playing acoustic guitars gives you. So we came to Ireland and started playing in hotels, bars, and on the street, our very early Irish recordings and gigs featured other musicians; but for the most part it’s just been the two of us, both on record and on stage”. Starting off life in a metal band, Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s style has changed into the vibrant quick tempoed delightful concoction that these two deliver will attest to. Their live shows are truly fantastic and completely unique, where Metal covers are interspersed with originally written material which features the percussive use of the guitars wooden body, quick finger work and the

pairs integrated intensity.

“We used to play thrash covers done in a bossa nova or latin style, it was good fun to do this while playing in hotels while no-one is really listening. As we established a name for ourselves in Ireland, we started to come up

Ireland after the break-up of their previous exploits.

“Me and Gab were both in a Thrash Metal band in Mexico City in the 90’s called Terra Acida. When that group split due to the usual reasons bands break up; we bought acoustic guitars and decided

a duo yes. We were playing on Grafton Street, and then we got a chance to play a gig opening for Damien Rice; that’s where we met Niall Muckian at Rubyworks, who stills manages us now”. The duo’s eye- and ear-catching approach to the guitar at-

scary choice explains the enthusiastic Rodrigo, and just how much of a change in their lives Ireland meant. “We knew nothing about Ireland; which was kind of key to us coming here. I think someone said it was a good place for musicians; and that was

“We knew nothing about Ireland; which was kind of key to us coming here. I think someone said it was a good place for musicians; and that was enough for us.” with our own melodies and introduced them into the live shows”.

Their virtuoso style, incorporating many different elements of Latin jazz, funk, folk and classical acoustic melodies make them pioneers of latin flavoured acoustic material. They tell of how they ventured for

to leave Mexico”.

The duo’s eponymous 2006 breakthrough showcased them as musically omnivorous fans and practitioners of everything from rhythmic funk and adventurous jazz to complex Spanish, South American and Middle Eastern traditions, executed with original flair and virtuosic precision. Ireland was their preferred destination and it was in Ireland were they set the stepping stones to where they are today “As

tracted the attention of singer/songwriter Damien Rice, who invited the duo to be his opening act for a series of shows in Ireland. That turned out to be just the type of exposure that Rodrigo y Gabriela needed; the gigs kept getting bigger and the labels came calling. Their latest studio disc, titled simply Rodrigo y Gabriela, is one of the most acclaimed guitar albums in the last few decades, raising their profile higher and higher. Ireland was a

enough for us. We had a brief spell in Copenhagen as well before we settled here. Getting little gigs at hotels and at parties, and playing on the street was really important for us”. The duo also had the language barrier to cope with and they struggled to grasp the English language when they first set foot on Dublin’s hopeful street corners. “It would have been easy to go to somewhere where Spanish was widely spoken; we had no English between us when

MUSIC

we left Mexico. Sometimes you have to put yourselves in unusual places to be creative, so that sense of the unknown was important for us”.

To make up for the lack of drums and bass, the duo have developed an exceptional method of hand percussion that relies on striking both fretted strings and carefully chosen parts of the guitar to

influences “We both grew up listening to classic rock – The Beatles, Led Zep, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple. Then one day my elder brother came home with ‘Masters Of Puppets’ by Metallica, which was a revelation; and we got into Slayer, Testament, Megadeth and that whole thrash metal scene”. Recently Rodrigo has claimed that he has enjoyed

52 serves up a variety of jaw-dropping tunes, along with many Cuban musicians who have a major influence on Quintero and Sanchez’s music. “It was a revelation, we hadn’t met the Cuban musicians before we arrived in Havana last summer; in fact neither of us had ever been to Cuba. They are such amazing players, Gab felt it

24.1.12

departure from anything we have done before”. Their live performances have set them apart from most bands on the scene at the moment and Rodrigo is keen to keep that going, citeing Tamacun and Diablo rojo as crowd pleasers almost everywhere he goes “We try and keep everything fresh in the set; ‘Tamacun’ and ‘Diablo Rojo’ always

“It was a revelation, we hadn’t met the Cuban musicians before we arrived in Havana last summer; in fact neither of us had ever been to Cuba. They are such amazing players” emphasis the sounding and pounding on the beat and tempo that keeps up with their effortless quick timed plucking. Gabriela tends to be the one a woman rhythmic band whereas Rodrigo tends to do the fast paced guitar riffs that much practise and precision hailed from his metal days. Many of Rodrigo’s influence hail back from his younger days hailing many thrash metal and rock gods as his talismanic

The newest Mars Volta record as his quintessential listening these days. Since Rodrigo y Gabriela rose in popularity, Rodrigo and Gabriela’s blistering live performances are on par with anyone in the world. They’ve made appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and their top two songs on youtube clocking up over 14 million views.

Their latest album, Area

was like going to music college and she was right”. The Album also was quite different to their usual recording sessions and Rodrigo hails the influence of the Cuban sound integrated into their Latin vibe. “This is the first time we have recorded with such a large group. There are thirteen other players on the tracks with us; so the sound is bigger, the arrangements are more complex; and the overall feel is a complete

seem to go down very well with the fans”.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela are a crowd pleaser wherever they go and they captivate audiences with quick melodies and amazing deft percussion.

Rodrigo talks of how really great nights onstage are always based around audience participation. “Any gig where

music@collegetribune.ie

the audience really gets what we are doing; and gets involved; clapping along with the songs; singing along with the melodies. Those nights are really special”. Already been cited as influences for many upcoming musicians Rodrigo Y Gabriela have played on many stages and shared the music with many famous musicians. “We have been very fortunate to meet with and also play with some of our musical heroes. Like Robert Trujillo from Metallica, Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against The Machine; and Al Di Meola. I wouldn’t wish to put a jinx on any future collaboration by mentioning them in print”. Rodrigo Y Gabriela are coming back to play in Dublin ahead of their new tour that coin-

7

cides with the Area 52 album, And Rodrigo wouldn’t want to start anywhere else in the world. “We are coming back to Dublin to play The Olympia Theatre on February 19th. This will be the first show of the Area 52 tour, anywhere in the world; and it feels right to be starting back in Ireland.”

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ARTS

arts@collegetribune.ie

Review - Slabscape:Reset by S. Spencer Baker.

Paperback: 309 pages

Publisher:

Blip Books: 1 edition (12 Nov 2010)

Language: English

DARRAGH O’CONNOR “Dielle immediately felt at home. He looked up. A floating platform eclipsed the sky, its underside lighting up the faces of the people.....”

S

labscape: Reset is an interesting read. It is the first in the Slabscape novel series by S. Spencer Baker. The title refers to the setting of the series, the floating world of the “Slab”. This is an ultra modern metropolis floating through space towards the centre of the universe, the source of human kind. This distant district of space is believed by the ruling powers to be where humans go when they die.

Onboard the “Slab”, we have a true Orwellian society controlled by the overload A.I. system, “Big Sis”. Here everything is controlled, tracked and monitored by “Sis”. Into this world the plot unfolds, the second richest

man in the world at the end of the 21st Century, freezes himself and enters the “Reset” programme.

He is reborn/reset in this distant future as our protagonist, Dielle. Reset follows this man coming to term with who he is, and why he froze himself. Added to this, is the revelation that his reset is the subject of mass entertainment, and that he has become a major celebrity.

There are several other story strains that weave seamlessly together. The dynamic of these, and the realism of this sci-fi world created by Baker make it a compelling first edition in the series.

“Your flesh is a relic, a mere vessel. Hand over your flesh and a new world awaits you....”

These words are uttered by the machine’s envoy to the Security Council at U.N. headquarters in the Animatrix: The Second Renaissance. They mark the end of free humanity and the establishment of the Matrix prototype. The Matrix emphasises the negative elements of Transhumanism, but it is interesting to note that Reset also deals with Transhumanism. This is the term given to the process by humans can (and some believe will)

merge with machines.

Why is this interesting, it is only sci-fi right? Not exactly. Transhumanism is an issue that is gathering evermore plausibility, and realism as our species rapidly speeds through the new technological advances of the 21st Century. In fact this

subject has become source material for a copious number of novels, movies and video games over the past twenty years.

The most successful and realistic of these is the 2011 video game, Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

There are a great many simi-

Review Hamlet COLM RYAN

T

he bright lights of Dramsoc illuminate the battlements of Elsinore once more.

Though offered for the leaving Cert students, this production directed by Keith Thompson appealed to a wider audience. With a present day setting this production of Hamlet’s stage design was simple yet effective. Unencumbered with a minimal amount of props the atmosphere is both contemporary and believable. The long translucent abattoir curtains hints to the final blood bath.

Whilst the lighting accentuates the mood.

The costumes are modern

with Hamlet himself changing from dark poet to sports fan to a red shirt and black waistcoat à la Saturday Night Fever. The play within a play sequence was well produced; as the main cast looked on.

At either side of the stage the players raised grotesque distorted shadows behind white sheets accompanied by erratic stabs of the double bass. Throughout there was a splattering of atmospheric sounds, raising the pulse at key moments.

Caitriona Ennis’ Ophelia gives an unnerving performance traveling from boisterous and idealistic maiden to spluttering basket case, thrown from the cliff by events beyond her control.

Polonius is played by Paul Fox whose jet black hair betrayed his aged and hunched demeanor however the performance spoke for itself with an undeniable accura-

cy. Molly Mahony plays the calculating Queen Gertrude faking ignorance and unwilling to listen her son and upset her life with Claudius.

Claudius played by Colm

larities between Reset and Human Revolution. All of the main characters in some way deal with the process of “augmentation”. It seems that they cannot live without these implants. Reset has a glossy coat over this serious moral issue, that is disturbing. Baker however does handle this issue with a great sense of realism and is very informed in his writing. This book is the first in a series of “webbacks”, that is paperbacks that are backed up by an online encyclopedia (freely available at http:// slabscapedia.com).

In a lot of ways Slabscape: Reset can be seen as a positive spin on the “nightmare society” of the 1984. Baker discusses similar elements as Orwell: the interfacing with “Sis” via the eye augmentation, a “one world religion”, a cashless society etc. These are all portrayed as good things, and as essential to the growth of the humanity. This could be an attempt to mirror the approach of authors like Orson Scott Card in the Ender Saga. Or then again, it could also be a satire of this society. It is simply too early to tell with only the first book of the series.

The most enjoyable element of Reset is the comedy, the hardcore sci-fi issues are broken up with comedy. It

reads very much like the stellar Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is clever and refreshing, but it also allows the story to engulf the reader.

I have mentioned that this is the first in a series, and with that in mind it delivers on all fronts. This is a nice surprise given the experience of this writer with the poor Star Wars: Outcast novel by Aaron Allston. In short, Outcast set out to establish the Fate of the Jedi series, but it failed. I am awaiting Slabscape: Dammit, unlike the Fate of the Jedi sequels for which I care nothing.

The sci-fi elements are counter balanced with sense of realism, of the world and the reaction of the characters to it. It also openly mocks itself, which helps new sci-fi readers a lot. Baker is aware of the story that he is trying to convey, and this allows him to blends it with both humour and love. If you are a fan of sci-fi novels, then I would highly recommend Slabscape: Reset. It had me hooked from start to finish.

The interplay of characters, the issues it explores and the flow of the novel make it a nice surprise in the scifi genre. One that the reader will find both humorous and believable, you will have a hard time putting this one down.

Kenny-Vaughan is convincing as a cool and circumspect politician easily concealing his corruption. Sam McGovern with gusto and finesse steals the show as the troubled and indecisive Prince of Denmark offering a powerful and nuanced performance.

The young cast overall offered mature performances that betrayed their years.

The humour, which is present in this production, allows the audience to get some lighthearted breaks from the dense plot. Eimear Keating breaks the tension as the gravedigger shamelessly playing for laughs singing

’Girls just wanna have fun’ as she fools around with a couple of skulls and munches on Chipsticks retrieved her ‘Hello Kitty’ handbag. More laughs come when a soccer jersey clad Hamlet feigns idiocy by plummeting Polonius with soft toys from a children’s pull cart and he later delivers ‘what a piece of work is a man’ speech to a stuffed chimpanzee.

Dramsoc’s Leaving Cert play encompasses some interesting set choices, a strong committed cast (and crew).

This production offered a few solid hours of entertainment in Astra Hall. Bravo!

ARTS

24.1.12

Review - The Iron Lady DONAL LUCEY Directed by: Phyllida Llyod.

Written by: Abi Morgan.

Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Anthony Head.

12A, 105 mins.

2/5

T

he Iron Lady, directed

by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Abi Morgan, is a biographical film about one of the most famous figures in the history of British politics, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

The film takes place over three days, and is narrated through a series of flashbacks , depicting an elderly Thatcher remembering moments that shaped her and the effect her political life

had on her, while clearing out her dead husband’s belongings.

While most would go this film expecting an in depth look at the political side of Thatcher’s life, Abi Morgan’s script focuses more on Thatcher as a person with a more sweeping overlook at the major political events during her reign.

While it is disappointing that there is not more focus given to her political life, Meryl Streep’s portrayal is astounding and the relationship between Thatcher and her husband, portrayed by Jim Broadbent, is one of the highlights of the film.

But when you strip these two performances away you are left wondering what’s left. Not dwelling on the big events in the biography of her life feels like making a comedy without laughs or a horror with scares, it just doesn’t seem to work.

The problem with this film is that the only thing people will be talking about as they leave is Meryl Steep’s perfor-

mance. It is an amazing portrayal by an actress at the top of her game but it leaves you with thoughts of what could have been with a different screenwriter or director.

After all, Margaret Thatcher is one of the most consequential figures of the 20th century. Yet the major political events dealt with in the film such as the Brighton bombing and the sinking of the Belgrano in the Faulkland’s War are more snapshots as the film flies by them.

The political fallout of her

positions – on everything from labour unions to coping with the Irish Republican Army- is for the most part overlooked, with more screen time devoted to the older, frail Thatcher.

But this is not the way that people remember Margaret Thatcher and probably not the Thatcher they came to see. There are many that will not forgive her for things she did while in charge (the mines, the poll tax, etc...) just as there are those who still praise her strength and legendary refusal to compro-

arts@collegetribune.ie mise.

Whatever way they lean, people already have an idea of who Margaret Thatcher is when they enter the cinema and this film does nothing to change any perceptions they may have had.

All it really achieves (or captures) is to highlight Meryl Streep’s talent as one of the greatest actresses of our generation. She doesn’t just give a good impression of Thatcher but becomes almost a duplicate of her.

The Iron Lady wouldn’t be the first or last biographical film that tries to capture an entire lifetime and flops.

But it is one of the poorer attempts. First of all, the term biographical film can only be loosely applied here.

A large chunk of the film deals with Thatcher in the modern day as she talks to her dead husband and looks back on memories of the past while she clears out his things.

The relationship between herself and her husband Denis (another great performance from Jim Broadbent) is a joy while it is on screen but that too is given too short an appearance due to the

9

chronological arc. No time is given to develop any other characters to an extent where the audience cares about them.

In the last few years there have been so many great hard hitting political movies made – Frost/Nixon, The Queen, The King’s Speech – that make this portrayal of an old woman in crisis, as she looks back on brief memories of controversial confrontations and famous moment in her past that seems to fall very short.

It is no doubt that this film captures one of Streep’s finest ever performances and it might be worth going to see just for that but this films feels like a missed opportunity.

It was fine for Morgan to decide to leave out the Thatcherism and to focus more on the woman and her relationships. But the relationships aren’t developed and showing us the fractured memories of her career only creates a sense of distraction from what she was hoping to achieve with the script. Leaving us in a sense a biographical film that leaves out key biographical information.

Have you read this yet?

COLM RYAN

Y

ou’re a college student.

You’re reading the Arts section.

You should by all accounts be an intelligent, capable person.

So, the question is…have you read this yet?

Every issue The College Tribune will bring you a featured literary work that you should read in order to solidify your position as an intelligent, to-be-takenseriously academic.

(If you’ve stumbled upon this section on your way to Sport, this goes for you as well!)

So get your spectacles out and read on.

The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka

by

“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.”

Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis begins with this magnetic headline. You may be thinking that you’ve

woken up feeling like that before.

Say the previous evening you’ve danced the fandango with Lady Liquor, and she’s won and your mouth and tongue feels and tastes like vermin. Or too weak to stand up, you crawl like an insect to the kitchenette for re-hydration. But alas no, protagonist Gregor Samsa’s affliction is neither ale-

induced nor temporary.

Gregor lives in an apartment with his mother, father and sister Greta. His family are suitably horrified at his transformation but react in different ways.

As you read you notice the story is devoid of any likeable characters. His sister Greta is initially the most sympathetic, who on the first day offers him

some of his favourite food which he declines, but later she is trying to convince the parents that this ‘thing‘ crawling on the wall in not their son.

His father’s reaction is to pelt apples at the bug and he seems to regain lost vitality from Gregor’s bad luck.

His mother remains largely passive throughout. The cleaning lady enjoys taunting him.

The novella was published in 1915 and has inspired many film, stage and musical adaptations. It is categorized as absurdist literature, which focuses on human behaviour that is apparently purposeless and philosophically absurd.

Similar works include Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Albert Camus’ The Plague. In this type of fiction the story generally gives little judgement on the characters or their actions.

That is left up to the reader. And don’t expect a clear ‘moral’ either.

The distinctive nature of Kafka’s writing led to the term Kafkaesque which is

characterised as something that is of senseless, disorienting, often menacing complexity.

Samsa, up until his transformation, had been the principle family breadwinner, working as a travelling salesman since the collapse of the father’s business. For a young man working for a tyrannical boss as a lowly travelling salesman, and supporting his unappreciative family, it would not be difficult for him to view himself as a detested pest. His change of body would be his only escape from a mindnumbing existence. Despite the fact that the three family members all have had to get jobs, they are revitalised by Gregor’s misfortune.

Our protagonist reacts strangely to his transformation. He seems only worried about being late for work and what he‘ll tell his despotic boss. Kafka cleverly avoids the predictable alarm that would come with such a transmutation.

We as readers know what he’s going through,

but those around him don’t because he looses his ability to speak coherently. In addition his family assume he cannot understand them, so they don’t talk to him.

Comic relief is offered by the robust charwoman who treats Gregor as if he were the family pet. ‘Come along, then, you old dung beetle!’ or “Look at the old dung beetle, then!’ Gregor plays straightman to her boisterous vaudevillian shenanigans, as she makes her presence known slamming in and out of doors. Her reaction to him is in stark contrast to his family’s terror and disgust.

This is a book that can be enjoyed on more than one level, as a nightmare story about a man who turns into an insect or like when you upturn a stone, the possible interpretations of The Metamorphosis are as numerous as the maggots exposed. At a slim fifty pages this masterpiece of creative invention promises a worthwhile afternoon read, as you discover Samsa‘s fate.

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fashion@collegetribune.ie

FASHION

History of: Ray Ban Laura White comments on the iconic sunglasses of choice for all nonchalants

I

t’s almost the norm to see students wearing a pair of the iconic shades on campus, and while many can attest to the “cool factor” of the Bans, a much smaller number actually know the history behind one of the world’s most popular fashion items.

The high-end Ray Ban eyewear brand has been protecting eyes--and keeping them classy--across the globe for over 70 years. In the early 1930’s US Air Lieutenant John MacCready returned from a balloon-flying journey and claimed that the sun had destroyed his eyesight.

He then reached out to Bausch & Lomb, asking them to manufacture sunglasses that could provide protection while simultaneously maintaining a sense of

elegance.

In 1937, the duo of Bausch & Lomb and MacCready patented the Ray Ban Aviators. The prototype had an extremely lightweight frame and was made of gold-plated metal with green mineral glass lenses. Pilots in the United States Army Corps immediately adopted the sunglasses and became popular with mainstream culture after the famous LIFE Magazine photos of General Douglas MacArthur landing on the beach of the Philippines in World War II, showed him in the now trademarked Aviators.

Throughout the years, Ray Ban has expanded its clientele and its variety of glasses. Brandon Andrew, a Ray Ban sales representative said, “Ray Ban has a wide target range, as far as our

consumers. It started for pilots in the military, then movie stars and upper class individuals, and now everyone from every background buys Ray Ban, especially the middle class.”

Ray-Ban has several main lines in their sunglass collection including: Icons, Active Lifestyle, High Street, Fast and Furious, and Tech and Craft. Each family of Ray Ban glasses has something for all different ages and types of people. Many designs are traditional and appropriate for older individuals who are searching for a more serious look, while others come in powerful solid colours and bold prints.

The Icon family is perhaps most popular. It includes the Aviator, the Wayfarer, the Predator, and the Shooter.

With its durable frame and

swanky silhouette, the Wayfarer is the obvious most popular choice for UCD students.

Ray Ban sunshades appeal to everyone, from young to old, because of the brand’s classic and universal style.

Though the fashionable construction of each model of frames Ray Ban has to offer is something for customers to be excited about. The intensity of eye protection that the sunglasses provide is remarkable.

The lenses of some RayBan sunglasses are polarized, which means that they elimi-

nate glare from reflective surfaces, which result in a drastic reduction in the brightness of shiny surfaces, like chrome and large bodies of water. These sophisticated, durable lenses are popular because they are scratch-resistant, provide clarity and offer complete protection from the sun’s dangerous rays.

Other Ray Ban sunglasses feature G-15 lenses that are effective in reducing eye-

strain and squinting.

The B-15 lenses provide clarity and comfort by blocking out a large percentage of blue light. Some would recommend these sunglasses for driving, playing sports, and other activities in which clear vision important.

Ray Bans are simply iconic. They’ve been protecting people’s eyes and making it look good for decades.

A more specific historical quantifier can be found on the Ray Ban website: “With over 70 years in the business, Ray Ban continues its mission of pioneering innovative eyewear with Ray Ban Tech sunglasses and frames.”

Fashion Blogs: Do they have an Influence?

Tara D. Derrington discusses the influence of fashion blogs on the fashion industry.

T

he rise of the internet has given birth to a new class of fashionista. They’re sharp and witty – and so influential that these days they get front row preference at events such as the Brits, rubbing shoulders with celebrities and fashion designers alike. Blogs are reshaping public relations, news, and yes fashion too.

It’s taken a while but the fashion industry has finally woken up to the power of the internet. Online shops such as Asos and Net-a-porter are booming, with brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent employing short internet-friendly films as a platform to showcase their designs, and fashion designers are tweeting like never before.

In the heart of this bold new landscape are the bloggers – providing commentary at the click of a mouse.

Whether they’re posting runway images direct from Paris Fashion Week, drooling over the latest in Prada’s collection, or writing about Michael Fassbender’s dress sense (or lack thereof), they have become a vital part of

the industry and an outlet to give voice to a new generation of style aficionados.

One of these blogs, Style Salvage, is an “open discussion” fashion blog lead by two friends, Steve and EJ, on how men could (and they believe should) dress. Initiated back in June 2007, the blog aspires to showcase

up-and-coming and established design talent equally whilst emanating a penchant for quality, tailoring and a general openness to creativity and self-expression. It features style commentary, interviews with designers, journalists and shop owners mixed in with the occasional DIY project and personal

style shoot.

Of course in such an opinionated sphere a variety of different fashion blogs was bound to arise. The Sartorialist and Jak and Jill profile random street goers with great looks - these are considered to be street fashion blogs, such as Dublin’s own Pavement Fashion.

Street style blogs are not just helping change the fashion industry, but body perception too. Over the years, fashion editors’ casting of underweight models has written an unhealthy definition of beauty.

The most significant impact of street style blogs is restoring a healthy conception of body image. Photographers are taking pictures of real women and men wearing fashion savvy clothes, and the public is taking note.

A blog might focus on celebrity fashion such as The Iconic Fashion Blog and CocoPerez, or could be exclusive to certain trends from mod fashion to rockabilly.

Regardless of its categorization, each blog is helping to make over the fashion industry one post at a time.

Fashion blogs are granting unlimited access to any aspiring or practicing fashionista, no matter where they are in the world. A student in the U.C.D can keep up just as quickly with the current trends as an aspiring designer studying in New York or Los Angeles.

Thanks to the constantly

updated blogs there is no longer the waiting in fashion which used to plague the stylish population, allowing for easier access to the everchanging crazes of the fashion world.

See your name here! Write for The Siren’s fashion section! Contact fashion editor Cathal O’Gara at fashion@collegetribune.ie

FASHION

24.1.12

Suit Up: UCD Ball Attire Kieran Murphy discusses how to buy the perfect suit for your ball this year.

L

et’s face it; It’s a rare Irish man that looks good wearing a tuxedo. “It’s not the clothes that make the man, it’s the man that makes the clothes,” but to be honest, a man’s attire does have a vital role in shaping his appearance and stature among peers. This is especially the case when it comes to a man’s appearance in a suit, which can be store-bought or personally tailored.

There are four factors to take into account if you choose to purchase a tailored suit: buy the best pieces you can afford, select the proper cloth for their suit, have the suit correctly fitted and style the ensemble to meet your personal tastes. It’s better to purchase one higher-quality suit that falls within your budget than two lower cost suits for the same amount.

The cloth superiority and construction typically found in more expensive suits tend

to provide a more enjoyable and longer wearing experience.

First and foremost, the shoulders of the coat must fit correctly. This allows for the most freedom of movement and the revelation of flattering lines. Next comes proper fit in the waist and seat, critical for both comfort and proper appearance of pleats, waistbands and other pant features. Custom suits have a distinct advantage over ready-made suits in this area. After looking after the quality, cloth and fit of the suit, you will generally have the opportunity to finish the garment with an assortment of details. From two or three buttons on their coat to pleats or flat-front trousers, these decisions allow for a sense of personalization in your new suit.

When buying mass produced suits from stores such as Topman, colour is important and picking a neutral

suit can be the key to creating a truly great wardrobe.

You may think that a neutral suit is one that has no pattern but this is not the case.

You just need to make sure that the pattern on the suit is so subtle that it looks like a solid colour from a distance.

Then, you can pair it with bolder prints in your shirts and ties without giving up the polished and put together look that you have been trying to achieve.

There are different types of suits on the market but the most common one in men’s fashion is the two piece suit.

This involves a suit jacket that is paired with matching trousers. Although some people enjoy sporting their suit tieless, it is preferable to wear a tie with your suit and you can either choose a bow tie (which should generally be avoided unless you possess the desire to give off Pee Wee Hermanesque paedophilic-vibes) or preferably a standard necktie.

When choosing a storebought suit, you want to

make sure that it fits well as there is very little that looks worse than a badly fitting suit. Remember that most suits will not fit perfectly right off the hanger. They will normally need to have some adjustments made, so tailoring is important. You want to make sure that the suit’s jacket fits you in the shoulder.

Don’t worry as much about the arm length. If it is a bit longer than you want, this can always be altered and may turn out cheaper than getting one personally tailored from scratch. A sleeve that is too short is a problem and you may need to go with a different style of jacket if the shoulders and sleeves cannot be made to fit you properly.

Don’t become subject to a Plaintiff of fashion; if you take time and consideration when choosing your suit, you can ensure that you and your suit will never be put to fashion disrepute and who knows, you might attract a few suitresses of your own.

Blazers of Glory Fashion Editor Cathal O’ Gara takes a look at the essential male sartorial for 2012.

H

ere at The Siren Fashion we talk a lot about style essentials – from the quintessential basics no modern man should be without, to those distinct items that will improve your wardrobe tenfold.

Men’s blazers lies neatly between these two being a garment which no wardrobe should be lacking while also sprucing up any outfit to create that effortless elegant look.

Layered, versatile and individual – the blazer is the perfect item for the Irish man’s wardrobe move into spring as it featured heavily in winter and upcoming trends.

We seem to always associate the blazer with a more refined and preppy look, however this season’s collections showcased a more unstructured design. It’s finally become man’s turn to let his hair down; it’s time to dishevel.

What’s the difference between that blazer you picked up last year from Penneys’ bargain bin and the unstructured design in stores now, you ask? The Structured

Blazer possesses a strict design most commonly associated with that of a suit.

They are more defined in the way in which they incorporate padding and other materials in order to create shape when worn. Pockets are covered with flaps and the waist is generally tapered irrespective of whether the jacket is slim-fit or not in order to give even more shape.

It maintains a clean, sharp and formal aesthetic.

The unstructured blazer sources lighter materials such as cotton, woollen mixes and linens. More casual in appearance, shoulder pads and the more strict designs become an option allowing for an overall more relaxed style.

The unstructured blazer follows the frame of the body rather than creating its own through framed shouldered and tapered waists. Exposed seams and patched pockets also aid in portraying a more stress-free look.

Though the unstructured blazer is mainly viewed as a casual garment, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be incorporated into more formal

Chic

fashion@collegetribune.ie

11

Pastels: Take note from Yelle’s comme un enfant music video

Digital Prints: Christopher Kane owned those runways

London: Designers attending Paris fashion shows are dropping like flies

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and structured attires.

This season’s unstructured blazer allows for a smart look to be created with a quirky twist. With the heritage trend becoming a staple style, the unstructured blazer is a great way of mixing up your heritage textiles and lamb’s wool accoutrement in order to carry your winter wardrobe into the New Year.

Furthermore the unstructured nature of this season’s blazer allows for more room in the layering department making sure you won’t freeze to death with our unpredictable weather.

Pick up a chambray shirt, a Keeling gallery handpainted bow tie (Van Gogh a go-go) and a pair of wool trousers or chinos and you’re ready for your night to see The Family or any other selfconceited play.

Complement this with a

simple pair of boots and a canvas bag to be the object of envy as your fellow Dubliners try and figure out how exactly you became so marvellous at layering.

For the current colder season, the unstructured blazer is perfect. The softer lines and more flexible construction mean that it is superb for layering – not only does it work well with items associated with our current trends, its shape means you have more room, allowing you more space for experimentation. The unstructured blazer enables you to escape that boxy shape which is unavoidable in structured designs and can be worn in both formal and informal styles. It’s a bold choice and an eye-catching turn away from the pervading want for clean-cut Topman garments. Go for it.

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24.1.12

fashion@collegetribune.ie

FASHION

Whip Your Hair Back and Forth: 2012 Men’s Trends With men becoming more worried about their hair than current affairs, Cathal O’ Gara investigates some of the trends to ask your barber for in 2012

M

en obviously don’t care as much about hairstyle trends as their beloved counterparts.

Women’s hair trends are short-lived, often lasting no more than a year, if even.

In contrast, men’s hairstyle trends develop slowly – and that’s the key to men’s hair styles in 2012. They all have their roots styles that were prevalent for the two years previous, but they have equally been innovated to some extent. Some have slightly developed; others have divided into several different hair trends for this season.

The last decade was all about manscaping and metrosexuality, this decade sees hair and beauty exploring a masculine edge. Gone are the days of the male GHD and chemical straightening as we welcome more refined and relaxed styles in terms of ef-

fort: au naturel. Dishevelled, meshed and messy, finally Irish men can wear their curly locks with pride.

Like most 2012 men’s hairstyles, the key to this look is that it has to be cut short on the sides and longer on the top. Styling is essential.

Avoid frizzy ends by applying a curl controller cream to wet hair and run your fingers through it. Avoid hardening gels at all costs as not only do they make you look like a prepubescent child (unless that’s your thing), they also make hair appear brittle and weak.

If you’re one of the rare Irishmen who possess immaculately straight hair, then the slicked hairstyle – think Mad Men –is for you.

This hairstyle is ideal for men with relatively straight hair and is all about the cut as if it’s not cut to be styled neatly, the classic overtones

2012

LOOK BOOK

Marc Jacobs Spring 2012 A-line dresses, pencil skirts, swing coats in classic materials like lace.

New and Modern, metallic coats are back.

Proenza Schouler Spring 2012 Take inspiration from googie architecture with this futuristic 50’s styling.

Rodarte Spring 2012 Inspired from art prints such as van Gogh which have been blurred to maintain the feminine shape

of the style will be lost. This style leaves no room for the casual untidiness.

The key is having a clean side part, with shorter sides with the hair becoming slightly longer towards the centre. For a slick wet look, apply gel before parting the hair and then work a comb through all the hair strands.

If you’re looking for a more understated style spray some hairspray onto a brush and comb through the top layers.

If it’s the classic finish you want– the Don Draper look – then look no further than Brylcreem.

Do you play s six-string?

Are you more devil may care than care too much? Then the 2012 quiff is the hairstyle for you.

Start hip thrusting because the quiff this season takes inspiration from the king himself: Elvis Presley.

Both broody and moody,

this style takes its roots in all things Americana. This particular style is more suited to those with confidence who don’t want to be restricted with the conservatism of a slicked part.

Unfortunately those of you with any form of a receding hairline beware as the quiff look needs a fuller hairline at the front in order

to look right.

For the rock quiff, the shape of your head is an important factor to consider.

The side of the head will be fairly less dense, in terms of volume of the hair, so keep this in mind. It works best with curly or heavily waved hair, and hair that has movement. The rock quiff also needs plenty of texture, so

works best on thick hair.

A more traditionalist quiff takes inspiration from your typical Brit rock fringe while standing it upwards After your barber has given you the short back and sides, it’s time to add some sea salt spray (yes, which is a thing). Apply the spray to dry hair making sure there’s enough product to work through the hair. This gives it a dry matt hold while you semi-dry it with the hottest setting on your hairdryer working the hair upwards.

Pull your hair forwards and bend it back so you get the quiff shape. Don’t make any sudden movements. Have you dried your roots? After ensuring that you’ve worked your fingers through enough to create the desired level of volume, spray on a small amount of hairspray and voila: le quiff. Whatever style you do choose to rock this season, make sure you ask your hairstylist/barber for advice if you’re unsure what works best.