Issue 6 (May 2017)

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YOUR 2017 FESTIVAL GUIDE

Issue six Well, this is it. The last issue of the academic year and my final magazine as Editor is here. Simply put, I have loved my time as Khaleesi of The Edge. It is a fantastic publication and I am so proud of what it has managed to achieve during my tenure. The 2016-17 year has seen our website reach 10,000 published articles, three SPA nominations, three Media Ball wins and access to dozens of high profile interviews and press conferences. We’ve also held some incredible events, the memories of which I will carry very dearly as I move on to other ventures.

As the promise of summer looms brighter and the dull ache of deadlines and exams begins to wane, we’ve brought out all the stops to bring you one more magazine full of fun, films and festivals before the semester ends. As you have no doubt noticed from our wonderfully vibrant front cover, this issue features an exclusive interview (p. 9) with indie rockers alt-J ahead of their third studio album, RELAXER, which we have also reviewed on page 10.

With festival season already well and truly underway with the annual return of Common People, our Live section has also compiled an ultimate eight page guide to this year’s festival circuit. In addition to previews of Isle of Wight, Wireless and Community (p. 26-27), we also have some top tips on how to survive crowded mosh pits (p. 25), a thoughtful piece on why day festivals are better than weekend festivals (p. 24) and a feature on some of the best up and coming artists that will be travelling up and down the country this summer (p. 29).

As well as all this, we’re also looking ahead to other entertainment entities coming this summer including the penultimate season of Game of Thrones (p. 19), some exciting big-screen blockbusters (p. 15) and the latest instalment in Crash Bandicoot’s zesty gaming series (p. 22). Ahead of the General Election on 8th June, we’ve also received a special message from the Whoniverse’s Harold Saxon (p. 7).

I guess all that’s left to say now is thank you. Thank you to my wonderful committee for all your tireless dedication this year. Thank you to all our fantastic contributors for sharing your passion for entertainment with us. And thank you, dear readers, for taking our work into your hands so generously.

I wish all the best to my successor, James, and his new band of merry Edgelings for 2017/18 - I can’t wait to see what The Edge does next.

Have a fantastic summer!

Anneka Honeyball Editor

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THE EDGE

Editor Anneka Honeyball editor@theedgesusu.co.uk Deputy Editor Ashleigh Millman deputy-editor@theedgesusu.co.uk records Editor Xavier Voigt-Hill records@theedgesusu.co.uk Features Editor Rehana Nurmahi features@theedgesusu.co.uk film Editor Hollie Geraghty film@theedgesusu.co.uk C u lt u r e e d i t o r James Barker culture@theedgesusu.co.uk live Editor Carly-May Kavanagh live@theedgesusu.co.uk news Editor Robert Pratley news@theedgesusu.co.uk head of design Liana Dent design@theedgesusu.co.uk Head of relations Navi Ahluwalia relations@theedgesusu.co.uk Head of publicity Becca Hellard publicity@theedgesusu.co.uk Head of events Octavia Woodward events@theedgesusu.co.uk online manager Jack Lewin manager@theedgesusu.co.uk editor in chief Cameron Meldrum vpdci@unionsouthampton.org With help from Sophie McEvoy, Conor Kavanagh, Rebecca James and Henna Patel

Contents editorial

01 Welcome to Issue Six 02 Contents

NEWS

03 Newsbox 04 Nostalgic News 05 Notes on News: The Great Fyre Festival Fuck-Up, or Natural Selection in Action

Features

06 A short history of long journeys in culture 07 ‘Vote Saxon’: AKA Why we should be grateful that Theresa May is not The Master 08 Memories of Summer Reading Challenges 09 Exclusive interview: alt-J

Records

10 Album: alt-J - RELAXER 11 Album: Oh Wonder - Ultralife Album: Sigrid - Don’t Kill My Vibe EP 13 Single: Maggie Lindemann - ‘Pretty Girl’ (Cheat Codes & Cade Remix) Single: Nilüfer Yanya - ‘Golden Cage’ Single: London Grammar - ‘Oh Woman Oh Man’ 14 Single: Phoenix - ‘J-Boy’ Single: Miley Cyrus - ‘Malibu’

TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING RELEASE OF CRASH BANDICOOT: N-SANE TRILOGY, WE ’ VE HIDDEN ten bandicoots in this issue! can you find them all?

film

15 2017 summer blockbusters to look forward to 17 Director in Focus: Edgar Wright 18 Blu-ray Review: T2 Trainspotting Blu-ray Review: The Lego Batman Movie

culture

19 The Edge Predicts: Who will end up on the Iron Throne?

21 An Intro To: The Play That Goes Wrong 23 Anticipating: Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy

live - FESTIVAL GUIDE

25 What makes day festivals better than weekend festivals?

26 Festival Survival Guide 27 Preview: Wireless Festival Preview: Community Festival 28 Preview: Isle of Wight Festival 29 Up and coming acts this festival season 31 Five must-see acts at Citadel Festival 32 What makes Boardmasters so unique?

33 Listings

ALT-J YOUR 2017 CRASH FESTIVAL BANDICOOT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE

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23 THE EDGE

COVER IMAGE BY GABRIEL GREEN CRASH BANDICOOT IMAGES BY NAUGHTY DOG AND VICARIOUS VISIONS

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NEWS

THE NEWSBOX TOP TOP FIVE FIVE NEWS NEWS STORIES STORIES 1

THE THE KEATS KEATS OF OF TWEETS TWEETS

Portugal’s Salvador Sobral won the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev. @annekahoneyball

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Happy Valley and Damilola: Our Loved Boy were among the 2017 BAFTA TV winners.

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Pete Tong and Sean Paul headlined Common People 2017.

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Arrested Development was officially renewed for a fifth season on Netflix.

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Call of Duty revealed return to boots-on-theground roots with Call of Duty: WWII.

THE THE EDGE’S EDGE’S ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT PICKS PICKS Editor:

Sister Act @ Mayflower, 06/06/17 - 17/06/17

Records Editor:

Funk WAV Bounces Vol. 1, Calvin Harris, Columbia Records, 30/06/17

film editor:

Baby Driver, Dir. Edgar Wright, Sony Pictures, 28/07/17

Culture editor:

Game of Thrones, HBO/Sky Atlantic, 16/07/17

Live editor:

Tom Clarke @ Engine Rooms, 23/07/17

Managed to condense this week’s episode of Drag Race into the half hour I had to get ready. #Winning

Got a celeb to nominate for next issue?

Let us know

@theedgesusu

THE THE EDGE EDGE IS IS EAGER EAGER FOR...

FOR...

Spiderman: Homecoming: As more information comes out about Tom Holland’s upcoming solo Spidey film, tension is mounting as to whether it will live up to some of his predecessors. With a very different cast and direction, this is one that might sink or swim on the smallest of details.

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War: Given the success of 2014’s Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War carries the burden of high expectation. With a focus on war and the brutality of close quarter combat, it sounds like SoW might be a violent, open world experience. To me, that and the Lord of The Rings franchise accompanying it ticks every box for a brilliant open world experience.

for all the latest entertainment news theedgesusu.co.uk/news theedgesusu.co.uk/news 03

THE EDGE

Paying tribute to The Great Edge Khaleesi, who has guided myself and numerous others through turbulent and undoubtedly frutsrating times this year with dignity, respect and an unwavering toleranceokay that might be stretching it a bit. Anneka, you’ve done so much for this magazine, and we are sure gonna miss you. Much love.

NEWS

nostalgic news Another roundup of things that happened this month in years gone by.

NIRVANA’S LEGENDARY READING SET WAS 25 YEARS AGO

J.K. ROWLING RELEASED HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 10 YEARS AGO

Whether you love them or think they’re overrated, Nirvana’s 1992 Reading performance was nothing short of incredible.

It was their first time headlining the festival and their last ever UK performance, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was in the Top 10 and they’d barely rehearsed for the slot - Dave Grohl later said that he genuinely thought the performance would be the last one of their careers because of the poor communication in the band and Kurt Cobain being in and out of rehab. I talked to my mum who was lucky enough and cool enough to be there, who said “Nobody had any idea how iconic their performance would end up being.”

At a time of struggles between the band, with Cobain constantly in rehab and with rumours circulating that weekend that Nirvana would drop out, nobody would think that this performance would end up being in the same leagues as Oasis’ Knebworth gigs or The Beatles’ final performance on the roof of Apple.

Yet, it remains one of the best and most well-known performances by Nirvana, and one that has no doubt given bands something to aspire to ever since.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released 10 years ago on 21st July 2007. It seems hard to believe that so much time has passed, but it was indeed ten years ago that we were all on the edge of our seats, waiting to see what kind of ending J.K Rowling was going to give to the series that defined an entire generation. Was it going to be the predictable happy ending or the surprising plot twist? The Deathly Hallows is considered the darkest of the series, depicting the Second Wizarding War and the consequences it had on the beloved characters, as they approached the end of their seven-year battle against Voldemort and the Death Eaters. As it was anticipated, the book broke records, selling 15 million copies around the world in the very first day, and being translated into more than 120 languages. The novel would be later adapted into two films, which would gross over £2.2bn worldwide.

The end of the series was just the beginning for Rowling’s incredible magical universe.

CARLY-MAY KAVANAGH

lilo & stitch was released 15 years ago SOPHIE TRENEAR

15 years ago, on 21st June 2002, the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch was released in cinemas.

Marking a step-back from the high-profile, bigbudget Disney exploits of the mid-1990s, the animated science-fiction comedy followed the introduction of Stitch, a maniacal manufactured creature from the depths of outer-space, into the family of Nani and Lilo on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, as they struggle with the threat of Lilo being taken into care.

Although initially predicted to struggle, Lilo and Stitch garnered over $250m at the Box Office, spawning a number of sequels and three television series starring Experiment 626. The film now flourishes iconic status, having mustered together an entire franchise to follow in its wake, and no more for its emblematic soundtrack than its expert handling of themes of family, responsibility, and, more importantly, ohana.

THEA HARTMAN

The elder scrolls III: morrowind was released 15 years ago ASHLEIGH MILLMAN

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind was released 15 years ago on 6th June 2002. Being critically acclaimed across a number of publications and earning its rightful title as game of the year, Morrowind takes place on the island of Vvardenfell in the Dunmer province of Morrowind: the area explores a less civlised off-shoot of the empire of Tamriel - the main stage for all Elder Scrolls games in the series. Earning countless accolades for intuitive gameplay and still rated as a solid 10/10 by Steam, 8.7

by Gamespot, and 89% by Metacritic, Morrowind is a favourite even 15 years after its initial release. Spanning across the main game and two expansions in a Game of the Year edition in 2003, it has recently been brought back to life within The Elder Scrolls online - recreating the visuals in sparkling high definition and bringing a new generation of gamers to its stormy shores. Available from 6th June onwards, this reimagining of a cult favourite will be an exciting resurrection for the franchise, especially so close to the anniversary of its initial release.

THE EDGE

IMAGE BY LIONSGATE

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NEWS

Notes on News:

THE GREAT FYRE FESTIVAL FUCk-up (or natural selection in action) ROBERT PRATLEY With the latest information, which comes spewing out for Fyre Festival, one must say it makes grim reading for Ja Rule and his merry band of event organisers.

The latest been paid future), is pummelling

leaks, which suggest staff haven’t (and won’t be for the foreseeable the most recent of a long line of blows levied against the organisers.

On one hand, I want to feel sorry for attendees. It can’t have been much fun being promised a private island, complete with luxury chalets and pop-up tents fit for royalty, gourmet food, glamorous models and music from top artists including Major Lazer and blink-182. Heck, if that doesn’t excite you, I raise you afterparties held in ‘modern, eco-friendly geodesic domes.’ And with reputable promoters as Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, one can only wonder how this festival failed to get off the ground.

Actually, scratch that. It seems like the entire venture was ill-fated from the very start with Rule teaming up with millionaire philanthropist Billy McFarland - who by the sounds of things is a BTEC Tony Stark to create a unique modern festival on a deserted island paradise once owned by Pablo Escobar. In reality, it was on an island in the Bahamas famed for ferocious wild dogs and angry locals.

Although they’d claim they were successful in negotiating a deal to cooperate with the locals, but instead just seemed to ignore their wishes.

With tickets priced anywhere between $1,500 for a basic ticket, to $12,000 for a luxury all-inclusive ticket, it seems like Fyre Fest was the epitomy of gap-year bait.

And it seems that a lot of people took it, with reports estimating over 400 tickets were sold, despite estimations from organisers suggesting the festival could only have less than 200 attendees. But surely for $12,000, the VIP package must have been worth it right?

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In a way, I suppose it was. Attendees got to experience something akin to a real-life Hunger Games, being flown out to a random location, in adverse weather and getting abandoned. Throw in the corrupt security teams allegedly beating and looting festivalgoers and you have one memorable event.

But at least they were able to shelter away with gourmet food from world class chefs. After all, who doesn’t want herding into refugee and natural disaster plastic shelter tents, complete with your very own processed cheese sandwich and ‘salad’ which looks like greenery from Alien: Covenant.

Scared adolescents, armed with only their mobiles combated this atrocity in the only way suitable, tweeting about it with angry hashtags my personal favourite was #FYREFESTFRAUD. Photos spread around social media like wildfire, condemning the actions in general, but also feeling like a healthy dose of karma had been dished out.

If people were stupid enough to believe the glossy rhetoric posed by the various ‘celebrity’ promoters, quite frankly they deserve everything they got.

As for Ja Rule, the promotion team and Billy McFarland, on the horizon looms a number of lawsuits, from festival attendees, potential acts, catering firms and many more. One suit is suing for value of $100 million which seems a small price when you consider some of the priceless social media moments which occurred as a result of Fyre’s failure.

Forget island paradise, Fyre Festival turned into a nightmare from minute one. And us poor neutral spectators, sat at home huddled under cheap IKEA blankets, grateful for the 24-hour Monte McDonalds could lap up and love every minute of it.

THE EDGE IMAGE BY FYRE FESTIVAL

FEATURES

A SHORT HISTORY OF LONG JOURNEYS IN CULTURE JONNY ROGERS Whatever you think of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), the harshest critics and the most passionate fans are united in one thing: they often point to the fact that it’s about a road to defend their case.

For some, the simplicity of the narrative structure allows George Miller to maintain such intense emotional claustrophobia, yet to others it adds only to the monotony of its colourful, but meaningless, pandemonium.But the commercial and critical success of Fury Road unveils a notion seemingly prevalent throughout human history: that our lives can be defined – and redefined – by our journeys.

Let’s briefly jump back 3000 years, and have a quick look at Homer’s epic poetry. In The Iliad, we see the final weeks of the Trojan War and the siege of Troy by the Greek forces. After 10 years of fighting, the battle has finally been won, and the good guys are victorious. What more is there to say? Well, quite simply, their troubles aren’t over. The spotlight is handed over in The Odyssey to one man, Odysseus, who has to deal with the aftermath of the war, constantly blown off course as he sails back, fighting off mystical creatures and avoiding the wrath of the Gods, all-the-while his marriage and political power are under threat back at home. Why, however, is this poem as famous as its predecessor?

I would argue that Homer hung onto that fundamental realisation that we have to deal with the repercussions of those big moments we think our lives are about. Road stories, in a broader sense, show that there is danger to be found at every second and significance in every moment.

Perhaps this is why the history of American cinema is marked by this fascination with travelling: Terrence Malick debuted as a director with Badlands (1973), Jim Jarmusch’s unique, placid voice found notoriety with Stranger than Paradise (1984), and German director Wim Wenders first brought his crew to America with Paris, Texas (1985).

Even Steven Spielberg’s first full-length film was Duel (1971). Each of these directors showed us through their stories that life isn’t over when we’re not saving the world, meeting the person of our dreams, or making contact with alien civilisations. No, there is as much a story to be found in the car, on the road, as we continue on our journeys through life.

Of course, the Mad Max films are hardly mundane, but the simplicity of their structures still allow Miller to insert heightened significance and tension in every second. In Fury Road, the sparsity of the open world only intensifies the confinement of Furiosa’s hope in searching for the Green Place; the freedom mocks the road’s restraints. Even the world of the franchise is one created by a nuclear holocaust; the narrative follows the social fallout of an unseen world-defining event, seemingly uninteresting in the cause or origin of the war.

This is why road stories are often associated with the summer: we have reached the climax of the year’s work with our exams and deadlines, and are often faced with the open deadness of the summer ahead. And so, naturally, we want to feel that every moment – even the inbetweens, the ‘to’ in our ‘A to B’s – can have significance. Road stories, simply, and throughout the history of Western culture, continue showing us new ways of seeing this ancient truth.

THE EDGE IMAGE BY WARNER BROS. PICTURES

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FEATURES

ELLIS MURRELL The following is an excerpt from former Prime Minister Harold Saxon’s original campaign speech, from 2007. This document is classified as highly-dangerous under the authority of the United Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT). Read at your own risk.

People of Great Britain… Hellooooo.

My name is Harold Saxon, the British Minister of Defence and the leader, sole MP and prime ministerial candidate for the Saxon Party. In a time when politicians like Harriet Jones can’t be trusted to wake up on time, let alone run our country- I saw an opening. An opportunity for a man such as myself to provide you with what you crave – strong and firm leadership. Uncertainty and fragility have plagued Downing Street for years; even our beloved Big Ben has been fractured in these tumultuous times.

Fear not, for I, Harold Saxon, bring you the cure for your ailments. Those who have read my book ‘Kiss Me, Kill Me’ will remember how I conquered my political rivals in the Rowing Society back at university. I mastered their craft just as I have mastered l’art de la politique. In a world where alien menaces steal our NHS-funded hospitals, our landmarks and even our Christmas, it is of vital importance that we prepare ourselves for the oncoming storm.

I propose a renewed vigour towards scientific research, so that we may rise from the dirt of our humble planet, and ascend to the stars. That is why I am honoured to announce my partnership with Richard Lazarus, one of the leading scientists of our age. His research into rejuvenation has been labelled ‘2007’s Most Promising Thesis’ by a panel of Oxford scholars, and I am ecstatic about his plans for the very near future. Keep your eyes peeled….

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Furthermore, I am pleased to confirm that my pet project, the Archangel Network, has been fullyinstalled and is scheduled to go online in just under a week. Sluggish Wi-Fi and mobile connections will soon be a thing of the past, with this revolutionary telecommunications technology available at no additional cost to every mobile in the country. I would hate to drum it too hard into your heads, but these achievements were simply unthinkable under my predecessors. I have aspirations of becoming the first technological prime minister – not just a man in a suit but a walking, talking brain!

In days of old, Saxons were conquerors, leaders and paragons. I intend to live up to my namesake, providing Great Britain with unfaltering leadership capable of moving the land and sky. Our nation will be reborn.

But none of what I’ve just said actually matters, because by the time I make this speech, the Archangel Network will be fully-operational. Your feeble human minds will be unable to resist the power of Time Lord technology. You will flock to the voting booths like the filthy, mindless cattle you are, with a single thought on your minds.

‘Vote Saxon’ ‘Vote Saxon’ ‘Vote Saxon’ And you will bow before…. your Master. It seems like a pretty good idea, doesn’t it?

THE EDGE IMAGES BY BBC

FEATURES

Memories of Summer Reading Challenges HANNAH BILLINGSLEY-DADD I’ve never been particularly sporty and only ever won one bronze medal in my entire sports day career. However, there is, stuffed in my desk draw, a set of medals tied with red balloon ribbon which I never failed to win.

The summer reading challenges are not only fun but really sets kids up for life. Reading broadens their horizons, opens up the world to the world so much better than televisions ever manage to. It’s fun, enjoyable and, or so I’m For any of you who don’t know, the summer reading told, it’s educational (although I’ve never seen challenge is run by libraries to encourage middle the benefits of this as my spelling is atrocious). school kids to read. The aim is to read 6 books over summer, checking them off in a booklet and My only complaint is that the incentive to get receiving small toys and stickers along the way as an people reading stops at the age of 11. Once, I incentive. The toys and booklet are usually geared arrogantly told my dad that books were a thing towards a certain theme- the last one I remember of the past and now I am biting my nails for the being the ‘Questseekers’ challenge back in 2009. next release date from my favourite authors, discussing ships and plots well into the night with The reading challenge may seem cheesy and gimmicky my friends and grabbing the nearest paperback to university students but to 11 year old kids it’s perfect. between revision breaks. Whatever age you are It gives kids something to do, gets them into reading reading is always fun and there’s some small and they get small toys along the way when its summer pocket of the world of literature for everyone. and pocket money is probably dwindling. I can still remember walking from the library to the park and lying And as kids grab their shiny booklets advertising on the grass with an old Enid Blyton novel about the this year’s challenge, I’ll still be lying in my sunny secret five or seven or whatever they were called. Ticking patch of grass in the park, maybe with a slightly off those six books was a great way to spend summer! more adult book tucked beneath my shadow.

THE EDGE

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RECORDS

Exclusive interview:

alt-J XAVIER VOIGT-HILL

Where album title RELAXER came from

“Essentially, we quite often make decisions in the band based on stuff that we think sounds cool or looks cool. It’s a product that makes curly hair straight, so then it made its way into the lyrics of ‘Deadcrush.’

The first two albums had got quite long names that seemed to represent more what those albums were: longer, more deep albums with more of a journey with twists and turns and ups and downs. With only eight tracks being punchier, more direct, and more muscular, more of an impactful name was fitting.”

The imagery comes from a 1998 PlayStation game

“It’s called LSD: Dream Emulator. You walk around a trippy world and that’s really all you do. The more we thought about it, the more we liked to think about the album like that – rather than it being a journey you can control, we feel that each song is a different world with a defined sense of place. ‘3WW’ is this long song about a night on the north-east coast of England where a young guy goes out and has an adventure in a field with two girls that he meets. ‘In Cold Blood’ is like a pool party and somebody gets stabbed there.”

‘Last Year’ features a bassoon solo and Marika Hackman

“I love the bassoon: it’s almost like a punchline of instruments. Certainly it has a kind of haunting, melancholic sound to it when it’s played in a certain way. It just works on ‘Last Year’ – it sounds a bit like Neil Young’s After The Gold Rush era and that French horn solo on ‘After The Gold Rush’ that I really love.

Marika’s a mate of ours, also produced by Charlie Andrew, and she’s toured with us and done some singing on the second album too, so she’s one of our go-to female vocalists when we want to add that colour to a song.”

The album’s first live shows include The O2 and Glastonbury

“I think that Glastonbury is the only festival in the world that no artist on the planet is bigger than. Not even the Stones are bigger. That’ll be a really great show but we won’t be able to make it as much our gig as we will at The O2.

It’s a big statement to come back with and we’re just looking forward to be playing again. It’s been so long that I’m just looking forward to everything from the catering to the printed-out times on the wall and the smell of the venue.”

RELAXER’s lyrics are about sex hotels and mining villages

“Joe Newman is very much like an observer thinking it’s all quite funny, really. There’s the thing about Radiohead: “A Moon Shaped Pool plays in a velvet cell / Green neon sign reads welcome to hell / Leather slings fall like oxygen masks / But going down fuck my life in half.” I think it was almost he couldn’t believe what he was writing as he was writing it.

‘Pleader’ is based on How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn, a classic literature about the decline of a Welsh mining village and how life changed for them. The words are maybe not as literal as ‘Hit Me Like That Snare,’ but it’s all about how important singing was to those communities, going to church and hearing the choir and loving your country and loving the Queen and this kind of Britain or Wales that no longer exists and maybe never even did. Who knows?”

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THE EDGE IMAGE BY GABRIEL GREEN

RECORDS

ALBUM reviewS

alt-J: RELAXER XAVIER VOIGT-HILL On the eve of first seeing alt-J live in a sold-out O2 Arena, the song I played most frequently was ‘Taro,’ the bhangraflavoured account of the death of war photographer Robert Capa in 1950s Vietnam. Of course, it took me a while to realise this was the case – as a band named

by Fine Art students after a keyboard shortcut, it’s only natural for things to be a little bit cryptic in the lyrical structure and delivery alike. With RELAXER, a record named after a “cool”-sounding hair product before you fall into the trap of expecting a soothing experience, this formula is very much accentuated: no ‘Intro,’ no fleuron-titled interludes; over its eight tracks, they’re far too busy telling tales of seaside Yorkshire threesomes, stabby pool parties, and ogle-prone Tasmanian devils.

bring a heritage folk version of that ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ a rather grand treatment as shown to Bill Withers on This Is All Yours. As ever, Newman’s lyrics are downright peculiar and at times indecipherable – on first listen, you may well come away with little else but the four-fold sneer of “Fuck you, I’ll do what I wanna do” that ends your brief fly-on-the-wall stay in the leather-clad sex hotel of ‘Hit Me Like That Snare.’ He does even work in a brief voyage to the earnestly personal, lacing a morose, slumbering diary recital through the opening stanzas of ‘Last Year’ before the vista and hope becomes clear through the astonishingly pure Marika Hackman feature and a divine passage of bassoon-shaped wholesomeness.

Those three songs in question – ‘3WW,’ ‘In Cold Blood,’ and ‘Adeline’ – are revealing choices as the pre-album cuts, each showcasing a different facet of the somewhat disparate record. A foil to the abstract cries of Joe Newman and top-and-tail choral work from regular keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton, Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell on the former adds a delicate flair to what is otherwise a beautiful, carefully unravelling opener snapped vigorously into action as ‘In Cold Blood,’ the shortest track, surges in with Abbey Road brass and a £1.05 Casiotone keyboard from eBay. In RELAXER’s first eight-ish minutes it covers both extremes in its non sequiturs: almost haunting intimacy and a feral swagger with a grand cast.

Before you have a chance to think about how peculiar the whole flow is, you may well find yourself booking conducting lessons waltzing around to a fifty-strong ensemble of strings, Ely choristers, an organ, and a dulcimer on ‘Pleader.’ As a finale, its orchestral swell of archaically pompous religious glee is suitably stunning.

As a song that sits on the same disc as a breathy, nasal grimace of a pop record like ‘Deadcrush,’ it also makes no sense whatsoever, yet herein lies its charm. Treating the album as an anthology of discrete, interchangeable tales is to appreciate it most, as RELAXER simply needed some sort of structured tracklist just to be printed on its cover. What sits inside is an enthralling storybook however you choose to take it.

For its next five-and-a-half, foothills get significantly warmer as London’s entire supply of classical guitarists

THE EDGE IMAGE BY GABRIEL GREEN

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RECORDS

OH WONDER ULTRALIFE

MEG HOLLAND London-based Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West started out writing and producing a new song every month for a year and posting it to YouTube. Following nearly half a billion streams on Oh Wonder, the resulting collection, an initial run of four dates eventually became 162 shows in 14 months across 112 cities. Now, the intimate and affirming Ultralife acts as a debut proper that stays true to the band’s trademark pop-slash-indie sound.

Songs like ‘High On Humans’ and early singles ‘Lifetimes’ and ‘Ultralife’ function well as stand-alone tracks, whilst others like ‘Bigger Than Love’ fall flat if removed and played individually. The overall sound of the album is consistent which serves to make the listening experience enjoyable – you’re not wondering why some songs are on the album. The hypnotic dual vocals are evident in every track and compliment each other, with Vander Gucht often taking the melody and West supporting with harmonies. You can hear this in ‘Slip Away’ where their voices create a progressive and sensual song, emotionally pulling the listener with the vocals.

I cannot help but feel very conflicted about Ultralife. On the one hand, it provides the regular listener of Oh Wonder with an album which completely reflects the sound of the duo and affirms it following on from their first album. However, it runs the risk of becoming forgettable to a new audience, with some tracks sounding too similar and merging together. One thing is for certain, though: their self-production breathes life into the tracks for a feeling which is often lost when artists follow the formula for the perfect pop song.

Out on July 14th via Island

sigrid don’t kill my vibe EP JAMES BARKER

Sigrid‘s debut single ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ surely had artists round the world green with envy. Seemingly, one particularly dull New Music Friday she snuck in the back door and hijacked Spotify to earn international acclaim and recognition. In reality, it was probably a far less romantic tale of good PR and an ever-unquenchable desire for Scandinavian pop people, but nonetheless, her success has come from nowhere and taken the world by storm.

Unsurprisingly, her debut EP centres around its namesake, which is the opening track of the cruelly short record. ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ is an uplifting anthem that just keeps building, with Sigrid’s rasping yet perfectly-tuned vocals perfectly suiting both the slow and fast parts of the song. It’s one to revisit even if you’ve heard it a hundred times before: each listening experience has you tapping your foot faster than the last.

Fortunately, the EP doesn’t let up at that stage. ‘Plot Twist’ is a pop lover’s dream, with a fast moving beat complementing Sigrid’s ever-rebellious aura and gleeful “Shots fired!” shouts, but it is track three where the magic happens: ‘Fake Friends’ is deliciously catchy, soaring from sweet harmony to explosive roar in just a few notes.

The trio of pop bangers is complimented by a final acoustic rendition of ‘Dynamite,’ which is possibly best at showcasing her stunning vocal range. There’s little to criticise on Don’t Kill My Vibe other than its pitiful length, but hopefully the Norwegian starin-the-making will be back very soon with more gifts for her big pop breakthrough.

Out now via Island 11

THE EDGE TOP IMAGE BY ISLAND RECORDS, BOTTOM IMAGE BY FRANCESCA ALLEN

singleS

RECORDS

Nilüfer yanya golden cage

ALEX SMITH

Following the hit-and-miss trio of ‘Keep On Calling,’ a cover of the 1989 Pixies track ‘Hey,’ and the subtly sombre and stripped back ‘Small Crimes,’ with new Plant Feed release ‘Golden Cage’ I have been put in a daze by the effervescent jazzy nuances and stunning vocal inflections that truly marks 21-year-old Nilüfer Yanya as one to watch for the future.

Her standard mix – understated vocals that never overpower the music it accompanies and occasional additions of instruments to a subtle bassline – is far jazzier than what has come before, in part due to the stunning addition of a solitary saxophone that powers on top of her hushed vocals. The rise and falls of the riffs is hypnotic – whilst jazz isn’t normally my first resort in music, I have been unable to put this song down.

Yes, the video looks like it was shot in the early ‘90s by someone who had never picked up a camera in their life, but that is part of the magic of Yanya’s work: the nostalgic hits she brings are flawless.

Out now via Blue Flowers

DAVID WILLIAMS maggie Lindemann pretty girl (CHEAT CODES & CADE REMIX) There’s no two ways about it: this remix is utter cack. ‘Pretty Girl’ in itself is quite a nice track, released by an 18-year-old Lindemann last year. Its style and message (“Don’t be so shallow pls”) may be nothing new but it has a very listenable, radio-friendly flow to it. This remix, however, is a different story.

This is easily one of the most soulless, generic, drab, vacuous remixes out there at the moment, but worse still it destroys the original and drains all life and emotion from it so utterly. If ever there was a track that was pop/trap-by-numbers, this is it. From the overclocking of the vocals to the godawful 808s to the intrusive riff accompanying the chorus, this is atmosphere demolition 101. It’s a shame that this particular iteration of ‘Pretty Girl’ has seen a surge in popularity – cheers, half-arsed club DJs across the land – as the original is easily superior in every way.

Most tracks have at least some redeeming features. This doesn’t. I hope I’m never asked to review such trash again.

Out now via 300 Entertainment

london grammar oh woman oh man

THEA HARTMAN

As gripping and subtle as ever, the fourth single from London Grammar’s Truth Is A Beautiful Thing is a stunning display of their known strengths: Hannah Reid’s haunting voice, discrete keys, soothing guitar, and nuanced lyrics. It taps into a bigger picture, adding a teaspoon of mystery to this combination.

As a supposedly devoted student of English, I think lyrics are oh-so-great, and in this respect ‘Oh Woman Oh Man’ exceeds expectations. Although at first it feels like it’s going to be another song about lost love – they somehow never get old – the chorus and ending bring a new depth and send to a lot of unanswered questions, emphasised by the guitar chords.

Yet, I don’t think I truly understand. Marriage? Parenting? Life?

‘Oh Woman Oh Man’ has me on a beach, looking at the waves and thinking about the big decisions that, one way or another, we need to make at some point. If there is a calm, thoughtful way of thinking about all these, London Grammar has found it.

Out now via Ministry Of Sound and Metal & Dust 13

THE EDGE TOP IMAGE BY BLUE FLOWERS, CENTRAL IMAGE BY 300 ENTERTAINMENT, BOTTOM IMAGE BY MINISTRY OF SOUND AND METAL AND DUST

phoenix j-boy

RECORDS

WILL HANKEY

Since Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, their surprise burst into the mainstream, Phoenix honed onto a sound of a chirpy, sun-kissed mix of new wave revivalism, synthpop, and indie rock that has supported big, catchy riffs and angular melodies. However, the new single from sixth album Ti Amo does not deviate from this formula. While it remains amiable, there is a worry the band is hooking into diminishing returns with what feels like a slightly undercooked outtake from previous album sessions.

Things start well enough: a brief bass drop quickly segues to a mix of chiming guitars, reverb-heavy gated drums, and a tinkling, endearing synth line. Slipping back to primarily the stabbing synth basslines and drums for the more minimalist verses, frontman Thomas Mars pseudo-raps his almost trademark charmingly lyrics although his wispy vocals verge on ASMR and actually come off as a bit weird. If anything, the instruments mostly feel as if escalating towards a bigger and more bombastic chorus that never really comes, with Mars’ own loosely sketched melodies feeling like placeholders.

Out now via Glassnote and Loyauté

miley cyrus malibu

REHANA NURMAHI

Miley Cyrus seems to have undergone quite the musical journey over the years and despite the consistent trend of good music she produced in her later years, she became something of a gimmick.

However, ‘Malibu’ takes away the twerking, the phallic imagery of hammers, and the not-sosubtle references to being ‘oh so grown-up’. Because of that, ‘Malibu’ is a welcome surprise: it’s a chilled out summer song, perfect for easy listening. A throwback to the early days of acoustic ‘Jolene’ covers where she was known for her Nashville twang and bright blue eyes, it breathes nostalgia - and not just for Cyrus herself as she reflects on her youth spent in Malibu, but also for us too.

Though slightly generic with its simple electric guitar line and steady beat, the track is a rebirth for Cyrus and is a sure promise of good, restrained music to come. This is pure, unadulterated summer pop.

Out now via RCA

halsey now or never

BRUNO RUSSELL

After debut album Badlands, Halsey has been one of the most impressive breakthrough stars of the last two years, however her lead offering from hopeless fountain kingdom fails to capture her uniquely quirky tones. Its repetitive chorus line fails to go beyond expressing the yearning for love with its dull backing, and even when the song appears poised for a sudden turn it ends up sorely disappointing. Instead, there is just a four-line verse on indecision sung with little effort or passion. It almost feels like Halsey has given up at this point.

To put it another way, ‘Now Or Never’ is just rather empty: pleasant as it may be, there’s nothing that compels a second listen. In fact, the best part is the opening minute: her more stripped-back vocal – strong and well-controlled throughout – starts with promise against a dreamy backdrop, and it is only once the beat takes prominence that things head downhill. Halsey’s earlier work was about the quirky and the new, but this just goes against that whole identity.

Out now via Astralwerks

a l l

THE EDGE TOP IMAGE BY GLASSNOTE, CENTRAL IMAGE BY RCA, BOTTOM IMAGE BY ASTRALWERKS

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FILM

2017 Summer Blockbusters The Dark Tower

Stephen King’s eight-part series is finally hitting the big screen this summer. After roughly 10 years of pushbacks, alterations, rewriting, and cast and crew hopping on and off the project, The Dark Tower is ready for cinemas on the 4th of August. With Idris Elba in the main role of the gunslinger and Matthew McConaughey as the mysterious and malicious Man in Black, the fantasy epic is stirring up excitement for long-time fans and new comers to the series alike.

Starting in modern day New York and spanning multiple time frames and dimensions, the western-come-sci-fi centres around a tower that supports the universe that we inhabit, and many more in the process. Young Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) must team up with ‘The Gunslinger’, a weapons expert and all-round good guy, to stop the extinction of life as we know it - but evil sorcerer McConaughey has other plans in store. Set to be an explosive action hit with plenty of genre bending along the way, The Dark Tower hopes to be a blockbuster like we’ve never seen before.

Words by Ashleigh Millman

Transformers: The Last Knight

While you may be losing track of how many Tranformers movies you have seen advertised in the past few years, Transformers: The Last Knight will be the fifth instalment in the franchise. A war has commenced between the human race and the Transformers, and in the absence of Optimus Prime, the fate of the world falls upon an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), Bumblebee, an English Lord (Anthony Hopkins) and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock). This group must learn why the Transformers keep coming back to earth. Directed by Michael Bay, actors Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci will reprise their roles from 2014’s Age of Extinction. With a surprisingly exciting trailer that gives us a lot to look forward to, the Transformers sequel anticipation doesn’t end there, as Michael Bay has suggested that there are at least 14 more Transformers film ideas that could come to fruition. Yes, fourteen.

Transformers may well be exceeding The Fast and the Furious franchise record of sequels in the foreseeable future.

Words by Hollie Geraghty

War for the Planet of the Apes

The rebooted Planet of the Apes franchise has surpassed any and every expectation moviegoers had of it. 2011’s Rise was a smaller scale examination of intelligence, ethics and equality, 2014’s Dawn took these themes and escalated them, delivering arguably one of the finest and most intelligent sci-fi movies of the 21st century. This time round it’s another collection of themes but it’s also something much bigger - it’s war - a war between human and ape. Franchise lead Caesar (Andy Serkis) is a complex character, brought to life in one of cinema’s greatest modern technological achievements and played fantastically by Serkis. Whilst Dawn’s Koba (Toby Kebbel) was a vicious and terrifying villain, War’s Colonel (Woody Harrelson) looks to be a whole different ball game for Caesar and the apes; a human who has power, authority and a seemingly genetic superiority complex, War for the Planet of the Apes looks to be a stunning conclusion to Caesar’s story. Apes thus far has set the bar for blockbuster filmmaking, look for War for the Planet of the Apes to raise it.

Words by David Mitchell-Baker 15

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to look forward to Spider-Man: Homecoming

I must admit: when it comes to superhero films, I’m by no means an expert. However, there is something about SpiderMan that I have always loved. Swinging around New York City with webs shooting out of your hands has to be the coolest superpower by far. This newest reboot of the franchise, seeing the return of Civil War’s Tom Holland as the man himself, is definitely something to look forward to this summer. Taking place after the events of Civil War, the film follows Peter Parker as he tries to find a balance between his regular life and saving New York. With a focus on Peter being in high school, Homecoming indicates we will be seeing a fresh take on the young, enthusiastic SpiderMan we all know and love. After Marvel’s long line of box-office successes, this is certainly a film to get excited for.

Words by Abi Cutler

Dunkirk

Dunkirk will no doubt be one of this summer’s biggest films. Not only does it have an all-star cast including the likes of Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, but it’s also been written and directed by the now renowned Christopher Nolan. Nolan seems to deliver time and time again, so it’s unsurprising that expectations are high. The trailers and promotional material have been excellent so far and it looks as if Nolan’s latest film will be an accurate look at one of the most interesting stories of WWII. This will be a new kind of film for Nolan as it is a complete genre shift from the likes of critical successes Interstellar and Inception.

It promises to be an explosive yet tense epic that will surely pull the crowds in come its release in late July.

Words by Tom Wilmot

Baby Driver

Edgar Wright returns to the director’s chair this summer for the first time in four years, with this intriguing and hilarious-looking crime-caper. Baby Driver follows Baby (Ansel Elgort), a talented getaway driver, as he is forced into taking part in a heist for a notorious kingpin (Kevin Spacey) in order to afford a better life for himself and his girlfriend, Deborah (Lily James). According to Wright, this project has been in development since 1994, and is partly based on the music video for Mint Royale’s “Blue Song”, which Wright directed himself. Packed with an all-star cast including John Hamm, Jamie Foxx and Jon Bernthal, Wright’s long-awaited return to the big screen should prove to be an enthralling ride!

Words by Jack Sheppard

THE EDGE IMAGE BY TRISTAR PICTURES

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FILM

DIRECTOR IN FOCUS:

EDGAR WRIGHT SOPHIE TRENEAR

It’s hard to think that a man who began his film career in his adolescence; bound to making Super-8 and Video-8 remake pastiches, like the Dirty Harry tribute Dead Right (available for all curious perusal on the DVD release of Hot Fuzz), is now one of the most iconic British directors of the modern cinema. It’s equally as difficult to think that the same man, who has been nominated for countless awards and created one of the most emblematic film trilogies of the generation, has his earliest cameos, (according to and quoted from his Wikipedia page), include such memorable characters as ‘Cheesy Voiceover Artist’, ‘Prat-falling Zombie’ and, iconically, ‘Deep Thought Technician’, but there we are.

Bonus points for being able to match cameo to film.

But Edgar Wright’s back, and this time his creative differences align with the project at hand, fortunately for all involved but probably not Marvel. Baby Driver, set to be released this June, comes at a time when the competition is sky-rocketing. Transformers, Dunkirk, and, dare I say it, Marvel’s Spiderman: Homecoming; the whole gang’ll fight it out in the coming months to crown 2017’s “Summer Blockbuster Champion”.

Honestly, my money’s on The Emoji Movie, but that’s strictly between us.

But Wright’s Baby Driver certainly has a fighting chance, if not for its more than several nods to Nicholas Winding Refn’s Drive

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than the Wright trademark name behind it. And that’s something Wright’s name can guarantee, given his knack for slotting together the quirky, the nerdy, and the gosh-darned hilarious. A Fistful of Fingers marked Wright’s directorial debut, boasting a limited release and a sulky hrumph from the man himself, unsatisfied with the final product, but luckily catching the eyes of comedians Matt Lucas and David Walliams who would go on to enlist Wright as the director of their Paramount Comedy sketch show Mash and Peas.

After working on several other TV shows, including Spaced, which launched his long-time collaboration with Simon Pegg, his critical success as now-televisionveteran paved the way for the pair to shimmy over to the big screen with the first of the critically acclaimed Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Shaun of the Dead.

The now-iconic ‘zom-com’ follows the disoriented Shaun as he tries to balance the trials of his girlfriend, mother and stepfather, with the tribulations of an apocalyptic zombie uprising. Boasting shared traits and motifs, soon Hot Fuzz entered the lineup, followed in recent years by The World’s End. In 2010, the world was stunned by the release of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, the first major film to combine video games with exceptionally quick wit, dazzling special effects, and one whole lesbian (it was progressive at the time I promise). 2014 then saw Wright’s name attached to Marvel’s Ant-Man, but was sadly replaced as director by Peyton Reed.

No worries for Wright, though, who has several films in the balance as of writing, including Grasshopper Jungle, the adaptation of Andrew Smith’s novel, Fortunately, The Milk, the adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel who’ll he’ll be heading as writer alongside Flight of the Conchords alumnus Bret McKenzie, and, of course, the upcoming Baby Driver, starring Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx and Jon Hamm.

FILM

Blu-ray Review:

T2 TRAINSPOTTING

LIAM BEAZLEY

“We are here as an act of memorial”. Aging ghosts of the symbols of British youth we remember, Renton, Simon and Spud once again stand on the isolated station platform in the Leith highland. “You’re a tourist in your own youth” Simon replies, in a meta summary of T2 Trainspotting’s sense of desperate longing for things past.

Don’t mistake this for a negative however, Danny Boyle invites us to explore the first film but never delves into self-indulgence. This is a film which looks back on its predecessor through tinted eyes but its a welcome perspective informed only by the viewpoint of its protagonists. Where many nostalgic sequels feel sad to watch, Boyle embraces the sadness and explores the act of looking back, reflecting its melancholy and existential effects with his signature dynamism.

Taking place 20 years after the original, T2 (as if titled by the young protagonists immediately after the first’s credits rolled) follows Renton’s return to face the consequences of his betrayal. Simon is heartbroken, Begbie fresh out of prison and violently charged and Spud is, well...Spud. It is the latter who gives the film its heartbeat, with Renton taking a backseat for a more objective viewpoint.

T2 Trainspotting is its own animal, a film about reflection rather than living in the moment. Though it is a frankly impossible job to better, or even match the first, Boyle’s T2 is a worthy sequel and an “act of memorial” very much welcomed. This is a film which saw an opportunity and diverts any fear of betrayal, a spirited nostalgia fueled warning of becoming a tourist in your own youth before you even realized you ever left it behind.

Blu-ray Review:

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE REHANA NURMAHI

Back in 2014, the world sat back in complete amazement as a film called The Lego Movie took everyone by surprise. Directed by Jump Street cohorts Phil Lord and Chris Miller, The Lego Movie used highly technical computer animation, paired with lovable characters and brilliantly witty humour to create what is, in my opinion, one of the best animations of the 21st century so far.

Three years later, and Warner Bros’ latest animated film, The Lego Batman Movie arrived, and this time I’m not naive enough to have low expectations. In fact, my expectations were very high, especially given that the hilarious Will Arnett was back to voice his version of Batman. Despite the change in director (Chris McKay helms this film), The Lego Batman Movie is just as fun and enjoyable as its predecessor.

Admittedly, the plot isn’t as strong as The Lego Movie, and the use of Lego is not as integral or integrated into the film’s plot. However, what this film does is create a Gotham that is the best version of Gotham that we’ve seen since Nolan’s Batman films. The filmmakers are so self-aware of DC’s failings in their recent films, and use that to propel the humour. The many jokes about Superman and other DC characters are some of the strongest of the film.

Also, the relationship between Batman and The Joker (Zach Galifiniakis) is pulled off so masterfully, in a creative and witty way that made the whole film worth watching, if just for these two.

Not as good as its predecessor, but a pretty brilliant spin-off film.

THE EDGE TOP IMAGE BY TRISTAR PICTURES, BOTTOM IMAGE BY WARNER BROS. PICTURES

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CULTURE

The Edge Predicts:

who will end up The Iron Throne is the least comfortable and most sought after chair in the Seven Kingdoms’ bizarre game of musical chairs. It has seen more bums than Game of Thrones has shown boobs the last six years; but whose prize behind will warm it in the end?

Daenerys Targaryen

It’s gotta be Dany, hasn’t it? Meek Khaleesi turned warrior Queen, this silver haired badass has been on the biggest journey of anyone in Westeros – and now she’s finally coming home. Armed with three dragons who are surely the Seven Kingdoms’ only hope against the advancing White Walkers (more on them later), Daenerys has the strongest hand of all the contenders for the Iron Throne.

Saying that, she’s got some pretty big Achilles’ Heels. Though she grows more ruthless by the second, she’s pretty attached to servant Missandei, and she’ll surely be reunited with Jorah Mormont before the series ends. She’s the daughter of the Mad King (his actions in burning many people) and she’s shown glimpses of a darker side herself.

Words by James Barker

Jon snow

The Iron Throne is serious business; for some reason, everyone but this gloomy guy wants to sit on it.

And because it’s Game of Thrones, he whom knows nothing is exactly the one who will probably get it!

Jon Snow may not be the Mother of Dragons, but he knows some things about war. He’s the charming underdog, and didn’t have to do much to get some of the series’ most significant characters on his side.

Besides, if we consider the theories about his parents (R+L=J); Melisandre’s prophecy; as well as the fact that he was killed and brought back to life – the only way he could get out of the Night’s Watch and into the big game – it looks like there are bigger things in store for him than just being King of the North.

Words by Thea Hartman

the hound

What makes ‘the Artist formerly known as The Hound’ (a.k.a. Sandor Clegane) such a great character is his no nonsense, no bullshit ethos. He’s a man whose had a hard hand in life, scarred by his own brother and hired to do the Lannisters’ dirty work. It’s not been all too cheery for Sandor, but then again, this is Westeros – is it really cheery for anyone?

He’s shown loyalty, bravery, toughness and a surprising amount of heart, with his relationship with Arya in Season 4 a personal highlight for me and many viewers. And in Season 6, after his surprise resurrection, we saw a more humane side to him (before he butchered a bunch of murderers, that is), showing that there really is a gentler soul somewhere in that hardened shell. Sandor would exact punishment on those who need it, do the tough work himself and possibly make Arya Stark the Hand to the King – why wouldn’t you want him on the Iron Throne?

Words by David Mitchell-Baker 19

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on the iron throne littlefinger

If Game of Thrones has told us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected (see: Ned Stark, the Red Wedding, Tyrion’s trial by combat). Surely a less obvious character will win the ultimate prize – and I’d put money on Petyr Baelish, aka Littlefinger. Why? The upcoming war against the White Walkers will obviously claim some lives, and it would be kind of beautiful to see Cersei and Daenerys take each other out in a fiery blaze of glory as the last living Targaryen assaults King’s Landing. Knowing their opinions of the men who sat in that chair, Jon, Tyrion and Jaime would likely refuse the responsibility of being King, even if they live long enough to get the chance. As for Littlefinger – the man who started it all – he will live on and never get the justice he truly deserves. Littlefinger is a master schemer, and to see him sit on the throne he so craves would be utterly haunting.

Words by Sam Law

the white walkers “If

you

think

that

this

story

has

a

happy

ending,

you

haven’t

been

paying

attention.”

Whenever I think about the ending of HBO’s Game of Thrones, this quote from the irrepressible Ramsey Bolton always comes to mind. In a story which includes the stabbing in the stomach of expectant mothers, the burning alive of a church full of people and the repeated marital rape of a female character, surely an ending which leaves any of the living character on the Iron Throne undermines the narrative of death and misery.

It seems clear that the only ones who can legitimately win the Iron Throne at the end of the series are the White Walkers. Remorseless, strikingly dangerous, and literally full of cold menace, at this point in the show it seems a rather uneven match-up – the humans of the show who are constantly fighting one another and three dragons against a united, army of ice monster? It just doesn’t seem winnable, and I’m not sure it would be satisfying and in keeping with the rest of the show if a human ended up winning the Iron Throne.

The ideal final shot of the show? A close up shot of the King White Walker as he takes his place on the Iron Throne, which then pans out to show Daenerys’ dragons destroyed by the cold.

Words by Rebecca James

...no one

Although Daenerys and Jon have proven themselves worthy, both are about to engage war on two fronts: Cersei Lannister in King’s Landing and The White Walkers in The North. Both foes are formidable with powerful weapons and armies at their disposal. Whilst I don’t think they’re unbeatable, Daenerys’ vision from way back in Season 2 suggests The Red Keep will fall to fire and ice.

Make of this what you will, but with Cersei unlikely to give up hetr position as Queen and the White Walkers more than likely to invade, whoever gets that throne won’t keep it for very long.

Words by Laura Woodhouse

THE EDGE IMAGE BY HBO

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An intro To:

BEN McQUIGG “This is a serious play! You’re ruining it!” one of the actors yells at the audience, though nothing could be further from the truth. It’s rare to say to say a play does so much right by getting it all wrong – until you watch The Play That Goes Wrong.

Five years ago in November 2012, a little-known theatre company called Mischief Theatre previewed Goes Wrong at The Old Red Lion Club in London, a tiny fringe theatre/pub with a capacity of just 60. A year later the show opened on the West End. Now none other than J.J. Abrams has made his theatre producer debut by taking the show to Broadway, where it opened on the 2nd April 2017, featuring the original cast. The show is still in the West End in London as well as embarking on a UK tour, and will be at Southampton’s very own Mayflower Theatre for a week during the summer.

I was lucky enough to see the production with its original cast a couple of years ago in the West End. The ‘play within a play’ format sees the ‘Cornley Polytechnic Society’ attempting to put on a murder mystery, and as soon as you set foot in the auditorium the madness begins. Many of the characters start flocking around the seats, introducing themselves to the audience and having conversations with each other.

At one point I heard a cry from the upper circle where one of the characters was dangling over the handrail shouting down to a fellow cast member about how he is scared of heights. All of the actors specialise in

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improvisation, so if you manage to enter a conversation with one of them, the consequences are truly hilarious.

From here on in, the coordinated mayhem is a joy to watch. The writing is simply exquisite but a special mention must go to the entire company for their physical humour. At some points, it is so extreme that you wonder how they don’t have to go to A&E after every performance. As most of the play is physical comedy I don’t want to say anymore on the plot of the show – my descriptions will not do justice to the performances given – but when the stage manager exclaims “This set is a bloody death trap!”, you have an idea of what’s going to happen next.

Goes Wrong has put the Mischief Theatre company on the map. There have been over 13 productions of this play all over the world, from the West End to Australia, and even to Japan and Korea. Physical humour is one of the few things that transcends language, so they’ve really made this a play for the people.

This play is a work of art, and had me hyperventilating and weeping with laughter for the entirety of the performance. It is the perfect two-hour relief from life and when you walk out the theatre it makes you feel just a little bit better about the world. I urge you to see it if you can.

The Play That Goes Wrong is playing at the Mayflower Theatre from 10th to the 15th of July 2017.

THE EDGE IMAGE BY MISCHIEF THEATRE

CULTURE

On Edge: Anticipating

ROBERT PRATLEY Ever since it was first announced last year, excitement has gradually been mounting about the release of the remastered Crash Bandicoot: N-Sane Trilogy.

The compilation contains three games – the original Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped – complete with brand new updated 4k graphics, redesigned levels and gorgeous animation. But will the remaster cut the mustard? Fans will certainly hope so. Crash has been sidelined by Sony for a long time following a series of low quality, poorly received games and for a while it seemed like he might have been permanently confined to the vault of video game legends whose time passed long ago – here’s looking at you Spyro the Dragon.

Two major events happened last May, which seemed to kickstart the rumours regarding the much anticipated remake. Firstly, Naughty Dog, who were the developers of the original three games planted a not-so-subtle reference to the eponymous orange bandicoot in their 2016 hit, Uncharted 4: A Thief ’s End. Secondly, Crash was revealed as a flagship mascot for Skylanders: Imaginators alongside his old pal Spyro. So perhaps, there is still old hope for Crash’s purple friend.

The games start off relatively easy in terms of levels, and you can breeze through the start of the game, but the difficulty spike is evident with the frequency of mooks and difficulty of jumps and manoeuvres. Controls are easy enough to get used to at first, but it’s a whole different ball game when you are required to expertly master them. So that said, is there anything which could go wrong with the remaster? If I’m being honest, I have no idea how it’ll stand up on the PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro. Part of the appeal Crash Bandicoot had was how revolutionary it was on the original PlayStation. It was impeccable and unique, but has since been copied and transfixed into a number of attempts to spin-off or create the series.

Without that uniqueness to back it up, it’s perhaps going to lose some of its charm, and won’t attract new followers...

Ah who am I kidding? Crash Bandicoot is going to remain brilliant thanks to his whimsical demeanour, his hilariously awkward, random or just plain bizarre death animations are always going to be entertaining, and we’re gonna be chomping on Wumpa Fruit for a long time to come.

Crash Bandicoot: N-Sane on PlayStation 4 on

Trilogy is released 30th June 2017.

But notably, Crash Bandicoot succeeds on the mentality that less is more. It’s not a flashy, complex game and it certainly isn’t too complicated in the most part. A combination of whimsical gameplay, eye-catching graphics and a loose-albeit-comic story underpins every single successful instalment in the franchise.

Particular props has to be given to levels when Crash or Coco are riding a vehicle or an animal, as what can be notoriously clunking mechanics in games (AC: Black Flag, I’m looking at you) are handled smoothly and easily.

Crash Bandicoot also benefits from having a very strong replay value. You’ll find it either very difficult or timeconsuming to collect all the gems, wumpa fruits, hidden bonus level sections and complete the time trials for all level on your first attempt, and you’ll have to be a true Bandicoot in order to successfully circumnavigate some of the later boss and platform levels without finding yourself slipping up and losing lives left right and centre.

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THE EDGE IMAGE BY VICARIOUS VISIONS

LIVE

2017 Festival Guide THE EDGE

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LIVE

What makes day festivals better than weekend festivals?

IMOGEN ARTHUR If you’re a music lover, it’s safe to assume you’re a fan of music festivals. However, camping isn’t for everyone – especially those without infinite cash and who have to slum it in the field, instead of glamping our way through the weekend. This is why the day festival is the perfect alternative. Gone are the days of leaky tents, broken camp chairs, and multiple injuries after tripping over guy ropes. The day festival is the cleaner, more civilised alternative where you can hop in an Uber and sleep in your bed, after a long day of partying.

It might be a heat wave but this is still England, and you know at some point during the weekend the skies will open and it will rain. Mud isn’t always a bad thing, but trying to preempt the weather for a long weekend is always a struggle and something which no one has ever got right. The joy of the day festival is that you’re perfectly equipped for your day ahead, and there’s no worry of forgetting your trusted rain mac.

Weekend festivals are always a great laugh, especially when you’re 18 with a group of mates before you all head off on your separate ways after finishing school. However, they don’t come cheap.

With weekend tickets often costing well over £200, a ticket to a day festival is more accommodating for your bank balance, as well as giving you great summer memories.

Unfortunately, the day festival doesn’t rid you of the dreaded portaloo but the fewer days you have to use them, the better. There’s nothing worse than wrapping up and getting settled in your sleeping bag before realising you need to go. Then having to shove your woolly socks into your converse, grab the loo roll, and attempt to direct yourself to the portaloos, only going on vague memories and locating the smell.

Weekend festivals often turn into a social event where it is less about the music, and more about fighting over a camp chair with your mates after yours got thrown in the fire. The perk of the day festival is the freedom in only having to worry about what you bring with you on the day, and not fretting about leaving your tent.

With a reported 1 in 7 festival goers being victims of crime, it’s safe to say it is a prevalent worry. Although the day festival doesn’t alleviate crime, it does mean that you don’t have to leave any of your stuff unattended.

With the rise of the day festival, with the likes of Citadel, Lovebox, Wireless, and many more, it’s safe to say they are clearly making their mark. The weekend festival is a long commitment, where you have to take a couple of days off work, particularly after getting the dreaded festival flu.

The day festival is the best value for money as the weekend festival often means that you miss out on more acts than you’d like to after losing your timetable, or being too hungover to even function.

The one-dayer is the best bet, and won’t leave you suffering after a very heavy weekend.

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Festival Survival guide CARLY-MAY KAVANAGH I’ve been to my fair share of festivals over the years, from tiny Endorset to the sprawling mass of Glastonbury. I’ve definitely learnt from my mistakes over the years, and I’m here to tell you what to do in order to survive festival season this summer.

Take a cheap pair of wellies. Don’t take shoes you particularly care about, especially if you’re going somewhere notoriously rainy like Glastonbury or anywhere in Dorset. If you’re camping, everything you take is going to end up dirty and wet so cheap things that you aren’t fussed about getting dirty or potentially losing to a muddy swamp is key.

Also, take extra socks, fewer clothes - you’re just going to end up wearing the same thing every day.

Set an emergency location to meet up with your friends in case you get separated, and write down their numbers. Find a landmark that’s somewhere near your tent and go there if you’re all separated, or use it as a place to meet up later if you all want to go to different things. If you do need to get in touch with them, have their numbers written down just in case your phone dies and you need to borrow one.

Get to the festival site as early as you’re able to.

Most festivals open their site a day or two before the acts start which will give you a chance to get settled, find a good spot for your tent and to explore the festival. Not only will you be making the most of the money you spent on your ticket but you’ll get your bearings and hopefully, be less likely to get lost.

Don’t spend all your time at the main stage. It’s way too busy, you’re not going to see anything clearly and you’ll probably end up half a mile away, watching it on a screen. See your favourites, but take some time to look around and see what happens. You might end up seeing a magician, or a tiny folk band.

Maybe you’ll see someone before they blow up like I did with Ellie Goulding, or perhaps you’re camping right next to a theatre stage where you can play bingo between sets to win a joint or a pint. They are... quite specific examples, but you never know what you’ll find if you don’t stray from the main event!

Take a box full of things like bread, peanut butter, fruit. Festival food is expensive and if you can get away with a homemade breakfast and possibly a few sandwich lunches, that’s a lot of money you’re saving.

You’re not going to shower. Nobody’s showering at a festival. The sooner you come to that realisation, the happier you’ll be. You’re going to be muddy and sweaty and your hair’s going to have all sorts of stuff in it, but that’s what baby wipes and hats are for. Take some baby wipes for a tent shower, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, suncream, and all the antibacterial hand gel and toilet roll you can fit in your bag.

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Previews 7-9 JULY, FINSBURY PARK, LONDON MADDI HOWELL

Wireless Festival returns to London’s Finsbury Park this July for its twelfth consecutive year and is set to be another great weekend of music, with the large majority of tickets having already sold out. This year’s lineup sees a notable shift towards more R&B, hip-hop and grime artists in comparison to 2016’s programme.

Last year saw the likes of The 1975, Kwabs and Maverick Sabre playing across the weekend, with Calvin Harris and Chase & Status featuring as two of the five joint headliners. The 2017 line-up sees various acts such as Bugzy Malone, Ty Dolla $ign and Bryson Tiller returning to play the festival again, with artists like Swedish pop princess Zara Larsson and American singer-songwriter/rapper Post Malone making their Wireless Festival debuts.

In terms of the headline slots, Friday night will welcome Grammy award winning rap artist, Chance the Rapper to perform, with UK grime sensation Skepta filling the Saturday slot. The festival will be closed on Sunday evening by sultry Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd in what is currently the only British show that he has been announced to play this summer so it should be a special performance indeed.

Sadly the only tickets that are available are day tickets for the Friday or the multi-day package which includes entrance to the festival on Friday and Sunday, so grab them whilst you still can!

IMOGEN ARTHUR

1 JULY, FINSBURY PARK, LONDON

This year it’s all about the day festival. Community Festival comes to Finsbury Park for the first time ever, and it features an assorted line up.

Hailed a ‘one day celebration of the best in new music’, it certainly is that. With the likes of The Wombats, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Slaves, and more, gracing Finsbury Park on the 1st of July.

Catfish and the Bottlemen are headlining the new festival, having achieved roaring success since the release of their debut album The Balcony.

The Wombats are also playing and excitement is high for them this year, as they are celebrating ten years since the release of their debut album, A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation. They announced a special one-off show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their show – coincidentally it is on 30th June. So if you missed out of that, you can catch them at Community.

Although Community Festival is new to Finsbury Park this year, it originated from a mutivenue event in Shoreditch, which started in 2015. The festival has been organized by Festival Republic, the team behind Latitude, V Festival, and many more. The festival will also see the likes of Darlia, Fickle Friends, The Hunna, Nothing But Thieves, and RedFaces play.

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IMAGE BY ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL

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Preview

8-11 JUNE, SEACLOSE PARK, ISLE OF WIGHT JAMES BARKER For 51 weeks a year, the Isle of Wight is an idyllic holiday destination. Rolling landscapes, beautiful beaches, white cliffs; it’s the perfect escape from the humdrum of mainland Britain without straying too far from home. You can count sheep, read a book or take a walk, all just a short ferry ride from the ugly metropolis that is Southampton. But that sounds boring, right? That is, until one weekend in June, when it becomes overridden with stinking, comingof-age drunk teenagers (and some pretty ‘out there’ adults) for the island’s biggest event of the year – the Isle of Wight Festival. Now you’re interested.

As the first big event in the festival calendar, Isle of Wight is the only way to kick off your summer of live music, especially as it’s within touching distance of Southampton. It’s a festival with different angles for all to enjoy. Despite the utterly unglamorous way I previously described it, Isle of Wight is just as enjoyable for those looking for a quieter, more music driven experience. Taking place of the picturesque River Medina and hopefully accompanied by blissful June weather (fest organiser John Giddings reckons the festival’s only had four days of rain in its entire history), Isle of Wight can be whatever you choose to make it. And to think that once a year the 180 acre site sees 60,000 festival-goers unite in the name of great music is pretty amazing.

Taking place this year from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th June (perfect distraction from inevitable post-election blues, if you ask me), Isle of Wight Festival welcomes a stellar line-up appealing to a variety of ages. Each night has two headliners, one that’s an experienced veteran of the industry and also a more emerging talent.

Friday welcomes the brilliant David Guetta – once voted Billboard’s number one DJ of all time – as its headliner, accompanied by the American hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. Saturday sees indie rockers old and new come together, as American-Canadians Arcade Fire headline alongside Welsh rockets Catfish & the Bottlemen. To end the show in style on Sunday are indie pop rock band Bastille and the legendary Rod Stewart, who are even hinted to be teaming up for a duet on the night. All are acts you won’t want to miss!

Of course, they are joined by a plethora of star studded talent across the weekend, including emerging talent of 2017 Rag‘n’Bone Man, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks, George Ezra, The Vamps, Scouting for Girls and even the Swedish queen of pop Zara Larsson. The party also keeps going with late night DJ sets from Jonas Blue, Clean Bandit and Example.

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Up-and-coming artists XAVIER VOIGT-HILL

RAYe

Wild Life, Parklife, Lovebox, Longitude, V, Victorious, Sundown

Familiar thanks to her linkups with Jonas Blue and Jax Jones, Croydon’s RAYE looks certain to follow her mentor and regular collaborator Charli XCX into a convincing double life as a compelling pop star with so many hits (‘Don’t Leave,’ ‘All Cried Out’) that she could just as easily stick to writing. Fortunately, there’s no sign that she’s going to pick one path over the other: writing with Stormzy and for Little Mix is in the works, meanwhile February’s sell-out headline show at XOYO was an effervescent set of defiant R&B and mature songwriting for someone of her young years.

Sigrid

Latitude, Wilderness

Just when you think Scandinavia’s got enough incredible pop talent, along skips Sigrid. A few months ago, she was a 20-year-old from the Norwegian port town of Ålesund who happened to be new on the books at Island. Now, her immaculate debut single ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ has 20 million streams and The Guardian is labelling her “the new Lorde, basically.” In May came an EP for which she has an item of clothing adorned with each track title, and a recent UK jaunt included a visit to Southampton where our radio friends taught her the ways of scones on the Common.

Will Joseph Cook

Secret Garden Party, Truck, 110 Above, Reading, Leeds, Victorious

Picked by Greg James as tune of the week and more recently given a stellar dancefloor edit by HONNE, latest single ‘Beach (I Wanna Make You Mine)’ originally appeared on 2015’s Proof Enough EP and has Kentish youngster Will Joseph Cook showcasing the jovial, optimistic tone that makes his live shows such a joy. His shift towards big singalong choruses hasn’t come at the expense of his ability for a stunning bit of acoustic work, though, as his recent performance at Abbey Road with Surge Radio on the eve of his Sweet Dreamer album release can testify.

Shy Luv Wild Life

Having made their bow as a duo by adding an alarming club edge and subtle melodic augmentations to Dua Lipa’s ‘Be The One’ in late 2015, northern pair Shy Luv released their first four tracks on Black Butter as the Shock Horror EP in February. On the title track, they welcome breakout soul star JONES for a delightful hybrid sound reminiscent of Empire Of The Sun and Metronomy meeting for a little groove, and May’s ecstatic debut of ‘Time’ continues the motion with strength, direction, and a bloody lovely flute line.

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this festival season Off Bloom

Kendall Calling, Reading, Leeds

One of Copenhagen’s latest exports sought to build on last autumn’s blaring debut ‘Love To Hate It’ and the EP of the same name by playing a captivating second fiddle for Dua Lipa and LANY to open the year.

Channeling compatriot MØ with a extra ferocity in delivery and glee between the bursts of intensity, Mette Mortensen fronts up with co-producers Alex Flockhart and Mads Christensen contorting themselves more than any other electronic performers would ever dare. The energetic punch is matched in the music, too: ‘Falcon Eye’ has the self-described “three-headed dragon” taking on today’s utterly rosy political climate.

Jerry Williams

Tramlines, Victorious, WildeFest

Hailing from Portsmouth, the guitar-bearing Jerry Williams recently premiered new music at the Surge Radio’s live session extravaganza at Abbey Road. Released last September, her superb Let’s Just Forget It EP – a five-track collection from the jubilant streaming hit ‘Mother’ to a delicate cover of The Cure’s ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ – has picked up a prize and a Best Album nomination at the Unsigned Music Awards, and videos of its summery contents with compelling narratives have picked up 400,000 YouTube views between them. Latest single ‘I’m Not In Love With You’ is perhaps her strongest yet and featured recently as the BBC Introducing track of the week on Radio 1.

Rex Orange County Parklife, Longitude, Lovebox

Rare is it to hear a young soul bearing such weariness as Rex Orange County – aka the 18-year-old Alex O’Connor – but given his effortless combination of spoken lyrics and a captivating jazzy timbre it’s no surprise to see him crack so many moulds. Hailing from the leafy tedium that joins Hampshire and Surrey, the point of tedium where Surrey meets Hampshire and West Sussex April’s self-released Apricot Princess was premiered on its own Beats 1 show after Zane Lowe unearthed non-album gems like the amicable ‘Best Friend’ and relatable tooth-grinding delicacy of ‘UNO’ (“Yeah, I don’t know where to start / How do you admit that you’re falling apart?”).

Marika Hackman

Latitude, Reading, Leeds, End Of The Road

With ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘My Lover Cindy,’ the first two tracks taken from her sophomore I’m Not Your Man LP to be relevased in June by the same Universal imprint that hosted Loyle Carner earlier this year, London’s Marika Hackman painted courtship dysfunction with indelible charm.

Instrumentation on it comes from her friends in The Big Moon – with whom she is touring the US between UK festival shows – whilst on alt-J’s RELAXER it is her voice trusted to cut through from a morbid newsletter into a divine bassoon solo on ‘Last Year.’

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BENJ CULLEN Music isn’t the only item on the menu at this year’s Citadel Festival, with sports, talks and debates, wellbeing, workshops, fashion boutiques, family fun, food and drink packed in to the day’s programme. Make no mistake, the music is just as vast and varied. Aside from mainstage headliners Foals and Bonobo, here’s five must-see acts handpicked from Citadel’s line-up.

A Blaze of Feather

A mysterious name appearing on festival line-ups and in dark corners of social media, A Blaze of Feather was finally revealed to be Ben Howard’s band exploring the songs of their long term guitarist Mickey Smith.

Their first collection of songs EP 1 dropped in May and its hauntingly beautiful tracks did not disappoint fans. Yet to perform live until July, don’t miss their special intimate set on the Clash and Last.fm stage.

Laura Marling

At only 27 years of age, Laura Marling is already a festival veteran. Fresh from releasing her sixth album Semper Femina, Marling and her band will grace the stage with tracks exploring the conceptualisation of womanhood, as well as older fan-favourites. A festival headliner in her own right, she is billed as a ‘special guest’ on the main stage before headliners Foals and Bonobo.

Maggie Rogers

No longer known as ‘the girl who left Pharrell speechless’, Maggie Rogers has become a musical sensation in her own right. After a year of exploration, Rogers made the transition from banjo player to alt-pop star and has since released her first EP Now That The Light Is Fading. Don’t miss her first return to UK shores the since her debut sold-out tour in February.

Michael Kiwanuka:

Michael Kiwanuka’s second album Love & Hate became a landmark moment in his career, receiving universal acclaim after his extended period of self-reflection. Despite his manymembered and funk-infused backing band, Kiwanuka’s recent tours promoting the album have proved that his most remarkable instrument is his voice. His headline slot on the Communion Stage will surely showcase this to a huge audience.

Twin Peaks

Rowdy-rockers Twin Peaks head to the UK to deliver a dose of their American punk attitude. The band are famed for being as raucous on-stage as those in their crowds, and will be sure to get people moving. Their last album of sunny psychedelic rock Down In Heaven was received as their best yet, and their afternoon slot on the Communion stage will make Victoria Park seem like the American desert.

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What makes so unique?

NATALIA JOPLING TANSER Its roots go back to 1981, and in 2014 it was one of the nominees for ‘Best Medium-Sized Festival’.

Boardmasters isn’t your typical UK festival; so just what does it have that other popular festivals like Reading & Leeds or Glastonbury don’t?

The Beach: When you say ‘I’m going to a festival’ and people ask ‘where’ and you reply with ‘England’, the two words that come to most peoples minds are muddy and field. But fear not, if you’re not into lugging your wellies to a festival spending the entirety of the festival at a site swimming in mud, then Boardmasters is the one for you. For starters, it’s not in rural England (technically), it’s set in the heart of Cornwall, and you know what that means - beach. In addition to the main festival site, Boardmasters also features acts, as well as surfing and skating at Newquay’s Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, and you know what that means - sun, sand and drinks all day (and night) long. So if you’re looking for a festival with a beach setting but can’t afford or don’t feel like hopping over to mainland Europe for Outlook or Benicassim, then take a look at Boardmasters.

Keg and Pasty: This pub dates all the way back to the 1300’s and is located at Watergate Bay. So for those of you that like good music and relish a drinking challenge, but want your experience to be stylish, the Keg and Pasty should be on your list, oh and in between the music, you can also see some stand-up comedy, what a laugh.

An Eco Spa: So, at Reading you chug a six pack of Carlsberg to relax, at Boardmasters, for just £20 you can visit one of the UK’s first pop-up eco spas. This means that not only can you visit a spa when you’re at Boardmasters if you feel like getting away from the drunken herds for a few hours, but you can do so without feeling guilty about the environment (for those of us who are so inclined). Run entirely on the power of burning wood, the spa will feature wood fired hot tubs and saunas amongst other things - sounds perfect.

The House of Marley: If you’re into chill vibes and sustainably sourced materials, the House of Marley is definitely one for you to visit at this year’s Boardmasters.

Promoting earth friendliness and freedom, The House of Marley promises to be an area with an ‘authentic Jamaican feel’. So if you’ve always fancied a trip to the Caribbean but don’t want to break the bank for the flights, spend two hours in little Jamaica this August.

These are just four of the things which make Boardmasters unique compared to the many other festivals which will take place in the UK this Summer. So if you’re going to go to one, and want an experience you won’t forget, go to Boardmasters.

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LISTINGS FILM 6TH JUNE Kiki @ Harbour Lights Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2 @ Union Films 7TH JUNE Café Society @ Union Films 11TH JUNE Whitney ‘Can I Be Me’ UK Premiere @ Harbour Lights 12TH JUNE Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense @ Showcase Cinema de Lux 13TH JUNE Gone With The Wind @ Showcase Cinema de Lux 18TH JUNE My Beautiful Launderette @ Harbour Lights 26TH JUNE Heat @ Harbour Lights 27TH JUNE Love Is The Devil @ Harbour Lights 29TH JUNE The House (E4 Slackers Screening) @ Harbour Lights

Theatre 6TH-17TH JUNE Sister Act @ Mayflower 6TH - 10TH JUNE Miss Meena and The Masala Queens @ Nuffield Southampton Theatres 11TH JUNE Bridget Christie: Because You Demanded It @ Nuffield Southampton Theatres 18TH-19TH JUNE Ricky Gervais: Humanity @ Mayflower 21ST-24TH JUNE La Cage aux Folles @ Mayflower The Pajama Game @ Nuffield Southampton Theatres 25TH JUNE Kevin and Karen Dance @ Mayflower 27TH JUNE - 8TH JULY Grease @ Mayflower

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30TH JUNE - 1ST JULY And Here I Am @ Nuffield Southampton Theatres 8TH JULY The Comedy Bar: Big Gig @ Nuffield Southampton Theatres 10TH-15TH JULY The Play That Goes Wrong @ Mayflower 18TH-29TH JULY The Addams Family @ Mayflower

LIVE 7TH JUNE Hiraeth @ The Joiners Thunderpussy @ The Brook 8TH JUNE Itchy Feet @ Engine Rooms 9TH JUNE [spunge] @ The Talking Heads 10TH JUNE Grad Ball @ Union Southampton Paluch @ Engine Rooms Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown @ The Joiners 12 Years of Junk @ Junk 11TH JUNE Minus The Bear @ The Talking Heads Ben Ottewell (Gomez) @ The Joiners 12TH JUNE Dikembe + Other Half @ The Joiners 13TH JUNE Benjamin Grosvenor @ Turner Sims 14TH JUNE The Cuckoos @ The Joiners Vieux Farka Toure @ Turner Sims 15TH JUNE Gryphon @ The Talking Heads Willie J Healey @ The Joiners Fosters Comedy Club @ The Brook Gus McGregor Duo @ The Stage Door 16TH JUNE Jerry Williams @ The Brook David Ford @ The Talking Heads Faux @ The Joiners 17TH JUNE Maybe Oasis @ The Talking Heads

Sham 69 - Original 1977 Line-Up @ Engine Rooms 21ST JUNE The Skids @ The 1865 22ND JUNE Chantel McGregor @ The Talking Heads 23RD JUNE Tom Clarke (The Enemy) @ Engine Rooms The Simon and Garfunkel Story @ The Brook 24TH JUNE The Enid @ The Talking Heads The Blockheads @ Engine Rooms 25TH JUNE Caligula’s Horse @ The Talking Heads 28TH JUNE 3 Daft Monkeys @ The Talking Heads 29TH JUNE Culture Abuse @ The Joiners 30TH JUNE Ian Hunter and The Rant Band @ Engine Rooms Nathassia @ The Joiners Manford’s Comedy Club @ The Stage Door

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