In The Middle Issue 6 14.11.14
Escapist Visions
Music • Clubs • Fashion • Arts • Lifestyle and Culture • Society
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Credits Editor-in-Chief Jasmine Andersson editor@thegryphon. co.uk In The Middle Associate Editor Jamie Taylor inthemiddle@ thegryphon.co.uk Music Andrew Kemp Daoud Al-Janabi Oliver Walkden Emily Watts Clubs Harriet Shepherd Maddie Davison Fashion Esther Eldridge Jessie Jones Claire McQue Tiffany Grous Emma Clark Arts Hannah Woodhead Melissa Baksh Rachel Groocock Beth Galey Lifestyle and Culture Benjamin Cook Jess Murray Katie Dawtry Society Carina Derhalli Maddy Keating Columnists Ellie Parkes Jen Pritchard Creatives Ben Sandin Frazer Sparham Sophia Kossoski Head of Photography Sam Broadley
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Credits
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Contents 4 Childhood are most definitely a band on the rise and 2014 has treated them well so far. What will 2015 bring? We had a chat with the fellas.
6 Arca, hip-hop giants Run The Jewels and Superfood have recently released new albums. Our reviews will fill you in.
We were lucky enough to meetthe fashion legend Diane Von Furstenburg and garner her thoughts on the fashion industry. Hear what she has to say about her most innovative design ever.
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Matthew McConaughey has been in fine form of late. Find out how he performs in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
Wire is one of the finest small clubs in Leeds. But where have its companions gone? Is Leeds suffering from a lack of quality small clubs?
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Keen on South America? Costa Rica has an awful lot to offer. We give you the run down of the finest attractions in our travel article.
Oscar de la Renta is an undisputed great of the fashion world. We reflect on an outstanding career after his very sad passing.
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21-22 RAG Week yet again proved to be a huge success. We spill the beans on what it’s all about in our review and society snaps captures the best pictures of the week.
Contents
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Childhood 2014 has been a hectic year for London lads Childhood. After Ben Romans-Hopcraft and Leo Dobsen founded the band at the University of Nottingham in 2010, there’s been nothing but stratospheric ascension. An 8/10 review for their debut album Lacuna from the notoriously harsh NME, shows at almost every major UK festival including Bestival, Latitude, Parklife Weekender and Field Day, and slots at festivals around the world all spell success.
[photo: Rough Trade]
before a show that means big things for the band; the final night of a tour that equaled a support slot with The Smith’s guitarist and ‘Godlike Genius’ Johnny Marr. The show is bound to be crazy, I say, with the excitement that comes from finishing up such a long stretch, especially in a city as wild as Leedsthe crowd are guaranteed to be prone to a touch of wild leaping and attempts at some sort of hybrid swaying two-step.
Dobsen agrees. “The first time we played Hopcraft himself recognised the ‘pinch Leeds was a few years back as support for me’ factor involved in playing such big The Maccabees, and we’ve played shows here shows abroad. “Summer Sonic in Japan was like four times since then. It’s such a great definitely a high point. We were expecting city to perform in because there’s this energy this tiny crowd and suddenly we were that comes from being a student place in the performing to thousands of fans who had North- everyone’s so up for a good time, all actually made the effort to come and see our the time. Plus tonight’s the final night of the show, which was crazy. To be that far away tour with Johnny, so it’s definitely gonna be from the UK yet to still a big one.” have people supporting the music was insane, The group now The band haven’t let and really made it all their new position as seem worthwhile. It hit have fans in very the darlings of the UK home then, you know? indie scene go to their The positive reception high places, from heads. Their dressing to the album, how good room is sparse, the summer had been, it all Guardian editors to fridge filled with a just got summed up few beers and cans of over there.” musical aristocracy Coca-Cola rather than magnums of JD and And he was right gin; empty humous about debut album Lacuna silencing any containers litter the sides instead of ashtrays, cynics who had dismissed Childhood as and Hopcroft even takes the time to guide ‘just another London indie band’ with no me to the door after the interview finishes staying power. The group now have fans in in the fear that I’ll get lost in the maze that very high places, from Guardian editors to is Leeds O2 Academy. The show itself is musical aristocracy by the names of Marr majestic, with Hopcroft’s euphoric vocals and Gallagher. According to Spotify figures, ringing out over the steady hum of Dobsen’s singles ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘As I Am’ are two guitar and Salamon’s bass. The crowd are of the most streamed singles in the Rock enraptured as expected, and I even overhear and Indie chart of 2014. The album’s mix of one, dare I say it, older fella, comment on shoegaze and dreamy indie-pop is thanks to how he’s been pleasantly surprised by their influences: Childhood’s show. The next steps for the band are definitely beamingly bright, with “We listened to bands like Deerhunter, the an immediate gig supporting Bombay Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, the most when Bicycle Club on their extensive European thinking about and actually making the tour. It’s exciting to imagine where the band album, but there was such a wide variant will be this time next year: a headline tour of stuff we got into. Once the album had of their own, perhaps, and if that doesn’t started coming along it became less about materialise, an almost definite stint at influences and bands we ourselves enjoyed virtually every summer music festival. It listening to and more about creating looks as if the next year will be at least as something new other people would hopefully busy as the last. [Poppie Platt] love.” Our interview takes place a few hours
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Music
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Embrace
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Gig Guide Saturday 15th November Ought at Brudenell, £8 Dark, Beefhearty punk from Montreal with one of the most compelling frontmen on the scene at the moment. Ben Frost at Howard Assembly Room, £14 The Australian experimental producer will tear apart the elegance of the Howard Assembly Room with a heavy sound that straddles metal and electronica. Sunday 16th November A Day To Remember at O2 Academy, £22 Remember pop punk? These lads are trying to keep it alive. Monday 17th November Jack White at Leeds Arena, £35.75 He’s one of the most iconic musicians of recent years. Don’t miss it. Tuesday 18th November Tim Hecker at Belgrave, £10.50 In/On/Up/Down put on an evening of stunning dark ambience. Exit Earth at Wharf Chambers, £3.50 A night of noise pop at the only venue that would allow such a thing. Wednesday 19th November Hookworms at Brudenell, £5 Leeds favourites are back with a brilliant new album. Friday 21th November Mos Def at O2 Academy, £22.50 Hip-hop legend tours his Black On Both Sides record on the 15th Anniversary of its release.
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Have these West Yorkshire locals still got the world at their feet? Remember Embrace? That band from the Travis to name a few. late nineties and early noughties, possessing Most may remember Embrace for writing choruses with more power than George Bush, the muppet who marred the same era. England’s official soundtrack for the 2006 Chris Martin has regularly noted the band World Cup, aptly named ‘World At Your as one of Coldplay’s biggest influences, Feet’, incidentally one of their last offerings and the song structure Embrace uniquely before 8 years away. I asked Mike if Embrace embrace (if you’ll pardon the pun) has been would ever do the same, especially following utilised by many bands since, yet often the lack lustre performances England have gone unaccredited. “A lot of people thought displayed recently: “No. ‘World At Your Feet’ we’d split up” Mike Heaton informs me, raised our profile massively but dropped after 8 years in the lurking in the shadows our sales. It had both a really positive and before releasing their really negative effect sixth studio album “We’ve been in the on the band. It was Embrace, which definitely an interesting peaked at number studio for four and a experience but not 5 last April. “We’ve something we’d ever been in the studio for half years, working do again.” It’s a shame four and a half years, therefore that James working methodically Corden didn’t slip away methodically and and taking our time, after producing ‘Shout’ making the album back in 2010. When taking our time” we knew we wanted I remind Mike that to make.” The result is an album with a ‘World At Your Feet’ was significantly better darker and more electronic approach, yet than Ant & Dec’s abrasive effort with ‘We’re still maintaining the vast melancholic sound On The Ball’ four years earlier he can’t help that placed Embrace firmly in the hearts of but laugh, saying “he bloody well hopes so.” so many. “I don’t think we’ve got any rules... at times we thought we’d pushed it too far, Embrace have always claimed to be a band but it still has what Embrace is about.” for the people. With that in mind I asked Mike for some tourist information to test just It’s a little recognised feat that Embrace how much they can live up to that claim, have maintained the same lineup since 1997, as, after all, Embrace are West Yorkshire an achievement not celebrated by many born and bred. Naturally, Mike highlights bands. “Our secret is having time away from the importance of visiting the plethora of the band as well as the intense time together. great music venues in Leeds, with particular We never did the intense full on 18 months emphasis on the Belgrave and Brudenell. “It’s around the world, and that worked in our really hard to make a venue pay for itself, favour, probably saving us.” Embrace have and we want as many to stick around as spent their time together so far away from possible. Bands earn very little from sales the limelight that most under-appreciate nowadays, it’s all about playing live and their expansive influence over pop-rock merchandise.” Mike also co-owns The Hop, over the last twenty years, whether that a real ale and music venue under the arches, be writing World Cup anthems, releasing which naturally he encourages all Leeds three number one albums or providing the Students to go to. If it’s as anywhere near creative spine for others who value slow as good as his music I think I’ll take him up burning emotional ballads; Snow Patrol and on that.
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Don’t Say That by Superfood Having stemmed from the same neck of the woods as other alternative rock outfits Peace and Swim Deep, Superfood have a lot to live up to with their debut album. Don’t Say That brings some fuzzy guitars, drawling vocals and a general fascination with laziness, as well as some pretty catchy hooks. Dom Ganderton echoes the thoughts of the nation’s students on ‘TV’, proclaiming his love for his bed and complaining that the TV’s off, and this is the track that perhaps best sums up the album: it’s playful and fun to listen to whilst resonating with its audience. Jarring guitar rhythms and desperate near-yelping vocals make this a standout track. It’s punchy and honest, and we can’t ask for more than that.
The opening tracks are definitely where the strengths of Superfood lie: the weird droning riff that lays under the lead on ‘Lily For Your Pad To Rest On’ is stupidly catchy, and the seamless transition into ‘You Can Believe’, another powerful tune with a cool and jaunty groove, is great. Don’t Say That can seem a little too simple musically occasionally, especially towards the end of the album, with a couple of tracks falling a bit behind the benchmark. Penultimate song ‘Right On Satellite’ opens with a brilliant twanging psychedelic guitar line, but the chorus is underwhelming. Similarly, closer ‘Like A Daisy’ doesn’t have any real staying power, and the album feels a bit unfinished as a result. Superfood have released a decent debut here, but it definitely trails off towards the end. It has a nice theme to it and no track feels out of place, it just lacks the power that’s now almost required of first albums. They’re at their best when they’re weird, distorted and loud, and unfortunately that’s only present on a few songs. [Carl White]
Run The Jewels 2 by Run The Jewels Hip-hop’s most inimitable tag team, Southern kingpin Killer Mike and underground overlord El-P, team up once again for another serving of volatile smack talk, and this time around they’ve gotten even angrier. They don’t waste any time letting you know it either. The first thing you’ll hear on the new Run The Jewels album is Mike, getting himself hyped up in the studio, telling you exactly what his intentions for the rest of the album are. The message is clear: Run The Jewels are not messing around. And yet, this is an album that never strays too far from the fact that rap can be pure and simple fun. El and Mike take evident
pleasure in blowing out their wordplay to ridiculous extremes, with one particular highlight being El’s claim that he’ll “tea-bag a piranha tank” - to prove a point we may never know. Every insult, brag and boast on the album is delivered with an off-the-wall silliness and an intimidating grittiness all at the same time, and the ability to switch at will between the two is perhaps Run The Jewels’ greatest asset. That isn’t to say they don’t have other skills on show here, because both MCs demonstrate countless different flows across these 11 tracks, with Mike’s double-time lyrical backflips on ‘All Due Respect’ being especially brutal. And the production has tightened up since the last album also, with El-P’s beats taking on a slower, scuzzier kind of lurch that seems somewhat indebted to horrorcore, but without the corny theatrics. It isn’t a coincidence that Run The Jewels 2 was released just before Halloween - Killer Mike and El-P have put together with this latest effort one of the scariest, slickest, and strongest hip-hop albums of the year. [Stuart Wood]
Xen by Arca Xen is not Zen, though it’s easy to see why you’d think it might be. It’s rare that an electronic producer dares to condense their ideas. For a long time I held a sincere belief that most electronic music had a problem of stretching too few ideas over too much time. I believed I valued music that displayed economy and efficiency, made by musicians able to distil core concepts into shorter tracks. This was likely a reaction to my musical stomping ground being what it was and though I now generally prefer longer tracks, I still have time for music that adheres to these values. Arca’s Xen, is an album with masterfully distilled ideas, and may be the
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first I’ve heard from an electronic producer. With an average track length of around 2:30, Arca is not aiming for the club, something that is evident at every level of the tracks. They’re more concerned with texture and melody than the propulsive quality found in most dance music; the beats are often sparse and erratic, indeed anything but danceable. But if we’re not looking at music with the expressed aim of dancing, what is this aim that Arca has so efficiently captured? Though it’s lazy to simply project the names of the tracks and album on the music itself I think it’s significant that for an album called Xen, the album on the whole is terse and on edge. It feels as though the album is an exercise in catharsis, a means by which the creator can exercise emotions safely and carefully. A means through which, one can reach Xen. [Daoud Al-Janabi]
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The Antlers Belgrave Music Hall 02/11/14 You know it’s going to be an interesting show when members of the audience start shushing each other during the support act; fans of The Antlers are a diverse bunch, but what they have in common a connection to the Brooklyn trio’s unique brand of indie rock which means they take the show seriously. Having been a fan since their 2009 concept album Hospice that destroyed me emotionally, the chance to catch the band performing at Belgrave Music Hall, the final stop on their tour to promote their fifth studio album, was the fulfilment of a five year long dream. The Antlers are one of those rare bands who manage to sound every bit as brilliant live as they do in a studio – surely a sign of true talent – and it’s only once you’re presented with their intricate stage set-up that you can really appreciate how much work and thought goes into every part of their process. Over the course of their mammoth two hour set comprised of songs from their last three studio albums there was an eerie yet pleasant calm amongst the audience, every member clearly entranced by the band’s experimental orchestra style and vocalist Peter Silberman’s otherworldly lyrics. As for standouts, it’s hard to say with a set list so perfectly pitched where the songs bleed seamlessly into each other, but hearing the devastatingly beautiful ‘Kettering’ performed in such an intimate setting was truly magnificent and probably the closest to a religious experience I’ll ever get. Honourable mentions go to the ethereal ‘Doppelganger’, reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s iconic ‘Wish You Were Here’ and the near-anthemic, ‘I Don’t Want Love’, performed with a certain rawness that can’t quite be captured on record. Incidentally: Silberman isn’t one for conversing with the crowd, pausing between songs only to mumble thanks. However he breaks his relative silence during the encore to deliver a moving thanks to everyone involved in their European tour and comment on how quiet and respectful the audience has been, before diving into a heartbreaking rendition of Hospice closer ‘Epilogue’. Watching a band as emotionally charged as The Antlers in such an intimate setting is a rare treat, and although there has been little doubt that Familiars cements them as important players on the indie rock scene, if anyone needed further confirmation, let their live credentials be it. [Hannah Woodhead]
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Basement Brudenell Social Club 30/10/14 On the 30th October, Brudenell Social Club was the busiest I had ever seen it. Swarms of fans had congregated to see Basement play one of only three UK dates on their 2014 tour, after two years of silence from the Ipswich based melodic hardcore/pop punk band since their split in 2012. We made our way to the front in time to see the band stroll on stage, before I was belly flopped on by a girl who had climbed onto the stage and jumped off within the first 5 seconds of the first song, punching me in the ear as she landed on me. This was the theme for the rest of the night, the crowd deranged with excitement, seeming much better at jumping on people than catching them. Luckily Basement delivered a fast paced and polished set that was worthy of their enthusiasm and surely lived up to expectations. Their set comprised of their best-loved songs from their 2 previous albums and EPs, including ‘Fading’, ‘Yolk’, and ‘Bad Apple’, also debuting tracks such as ‘Summer’s Colour’ from their latest, more mellow and sentimental EP Further Sky. The lead singer, Andrew Fisher, expressed his gratitude throughout, explaining that there was a reason they had only chosen to perform in London, Manchester and Leeds - they are the best places to play. The highlights were undoubtedly ‘Covet’ – which saw the audience jostle to be closest to the band to sing the emotional lyrics into their faces – the lively ‘Canada Square’, and their final song ‘Cricket’s Throw Their Voices’. Fisher introduced the last song with the command ‘Get on the stage, jump off the stage’, and the audience willingly and unrelentingly complied. It was an exciting, memorable evening, and we can only hope that this reformation is interminable. [Patsy O’Neill]
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Weekly Chart Cain Nagan [Highlife] African vocals and raw synths (carried by a huge kick) come together for the perfect house party track.
The Charmels As Long As I’ve Got You [More Groove Japan] Unexpected but welcome reissue – the first few bars will be familiar to anyone with even a fleeting interest in hip-hop.
Banny Price You Love Me Pretty Baby [Jewel Records] Soulful yet fast-paced rock n roll track bound to get anyone into the dancing mood.
Mystic Pleasure Back Door [Piccadily Records] Peak time-bomb of an edit from Tom Noble; bongos and a lively horn section jam on alongside early synth strings.
Earnie Washington Lonesome Shack [Chattahoochee Records] More rock n roll, this time a slower strut with a heavy swing and superb band backing.
Subb-an, wAFF & Capulet The Faversham 07/11/14
After a successful night in October with Heidi and Maribou State, Troupe returned to dismantle the roof of the Faversham with some of Britain’s most exciting nascent techno DJs. The venue isn’t quite the ‘jungle of glitter’ and ‘revelry’ promised in the night’s description, but things quickly got pretty wild with the emergence of Subb-an (Ashique Subhan). His live, production and disc jockeying talents earned him the accolade of DJ Magazine’s ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ in 2011 and numerous residencies at the world’s biggest clubs and his presence were critical to this night taking off. A certain amount of this internationality is sensed in his sound as he flirts with latin rhythms before taking us into old school house and disco via space. There is little more galvanising than a glorious female vocal or bright disco strings sections, especially when they are given a techy makeover. He blends groove and techno thump in a very clever way, but the biggest moments of his set come when he plays purely the latter. The rich rumble of his stunning remix of And.Id’s ‘Erotica’ and his own solid driver ‘Vapour Trails’ (set for release via Crosstown Rebels in December), conjure a sophisticated deep house sound more akin to the Hot Creations label, with whom the next DJ, wAFF (Jon Wafer), releases music. A bunch of wAFF loyalists barge to the front to give him some skin, clearly indicating this man’s current prominence in the scene. The harsh, almost perverse rattling bass of opener ‘Jo Johnson’, overlaid with sexy vocal samples, makes you fist pump to the point of tennis elbow. And if that doesn’t hospitalise you, you’ll probably pass out later anyway: wAFF makes a relentless, claustrophobic but captivating sound. Troupe’s own Capulet close the night with a superb set of garagey techno, and are certainly ones to watch at the company’s upcoming nights. [Oliver Walkden]
[Laurence Huntingdon]
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Clubs
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The Decline of the Small Club? In The Middle looks into whether the lack of small clubs in Leeds is having a detrimental effect on the music scene. I recently came back to Leeds for the first time since graduating in July and made my way to Wire for Pearson Sound’s Acetate, a night I’ve vowed to keep coming back for. This instalment featured Pearson Sound for the duration. Given my absence, as I came into the city I was hit with a rush of nostalgia: first seeing the Sky Plaza building from afar and going past the BBC Yorkshire building I made my way from the coach station to a usual site, where I was greeted by the lowly black and white sign of Wire poking out from amidst the series of shops. The night was fantastic as usual, wading through in the dark green smoke and eclectic set was very welcome, but something was slightly off: I’d been to Wire for my last three visits to Leeds. My love of Wire is not because of a personal attachment,W but because it seems to be one of the few small spaces left in Leeds to have a dance. With The Garage and Beat Bar closing, there are not many venues available, and the new ones which have come about haven’t developed much traction. However, there seem to be more people attending nights and the large spaces are pumping out more and more events filled to the brim with headliners. This is fantastic for some but I’m left a little worried. As we get DJs shifting to superstars there follows a trend of making things bigger and better. With festivals and clubs gloating that they have huge numbers of patrons with huge light shows and huge DJs, it is easy to get caught up and forget where this all came from. Most DJs and producers spend their time plodding away at home with what they had at their disposal. Maybe after a few hundred hours they build a good track and maybe it gets recognized. The saturated night-life of Leeds means that many bedroom DJs never get a chance to play out. This is great on the one hand, since those who do make it through tend to be incredibly talented individuals,
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but on the other hand there are many whose talents will never get a chance to be recognized. There is more to this, however, than the people playing records. On the other side of the booth people miss experiencing the infancy of developing scenes and genres. I admit, most people probably don’t care; they just want to have good time at somewhere which is guaranteed to provide. But for Leeds itself it means that upcoming talent is at risk of being starved. Could the Hessle Audio boys put on a Rufage night now? It happened in my time with the growth of the likes of Brotherhood Sound System and they’ve been able to adapt with the shift in music over the past few years. They prove it is possible but it seems less likely than before. The flavour of these nights tend to be homogenizing and with all the available small clubs being filled on Fridays and the weekends only weekdays are able to be booked. This makes it even harder to get people involved and make the nights financially viable. Not only are these small clubs cheaper to play in they have a totally different atmosphere to the larger ones. Being in a small area brings an element of intimacy which is lost when in a larger space. Here you can realise that it isn’t just you or your friends there but everybody else is in for the same experience. In the midst of the dance and darkness you may catch the same people time after time where it may develop to just nods of recognition or friendships. A large number of pioneers in the scene met at the same nights, talked, were able to forge their own sound and take the genre they helped grow into other areas. Small clubs are fertile grounds for something unique, where people tend to play what they truly enjoy. Without them Leeds might be at risk of losing its heritage of being a beacon of quality music in the North. [Sarjan Paul]
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This Week We Love...
Froots: Gothic Fairytale
Oscar De La Renta
The fashion world has always favoured the theatrics and art of clothing as opposed to its functionality. As such, it is no surprise that every now and then there is an extravagant trend that exists purely for the enjoyment of wearing the clothes. A cape coat embroidered with foxes and other woodland creatures may not be quite appropriate for a job interview, and it may be hard rushing to lectures in the cascading lace skirts of this trend; but these items are beautiful. They’re for the child in all of us playing fancy dress.
“When a woman falls in love with something so much that she wants to wear it - it is at that point only that it becomes fashion.” Oscar de la Renta was, and will continue to be, an icon and creative genius in the world of women’s fashion. Quite simply, he saw the importance not only of making his most famous and wealthy customers feel amazing, but also of making every normal woman, old and young feel confident and beautiful in their clothes.
Dolce and Gabbana pioneered the gothic fairytale trend by turning the princess look on its head. Sources for inspiration include Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent and Anna Karenina, which have led them to combine elements of Russian furs and sweeping fabrics with the dark and romantic. Sarah Burton’s models at Alexander McQueen were far more ice queen; pairing heavy embroidery and tiered velvet with a ghostly complexion. Others, like Andrew Gn and Erdem, took a mainly black approach. One thing all of these collections had in common was the palette. This is certainly not a bright and garish look. The combining jewel tones, blood reds and black came in all shapes, sizes and fabrics. This can be a daunting trend to tackle with its drama and its use of heavy and luxurious fabrics. However, the high street has a lot to offer whether you want to dip your toe in the pool or be thrown head first into a Grimm’s fairy tale. Topshop have a wide range of dresses from lace to velvet, maxi to mini. River Island and Primark have also latched onto this trend with lace dresses in particular for a cheaper option. In spite of the high street options, Vintage shops are your best bet for going full fairytale. With fur collared coats everywhere at the moment, you’d be foolish not to check them out. A heavy wool number, (preferably with fur cuffs as well if you strike lucky enough), in forest green is the perfect winter warmer. However if you’re not one for rooting and waiting around with your fingers crossed, TK MAXX is always a safe bet for any kind of coat. To top it all off, your cheapest and subtlest way to give this trend a nod is embroidery. Assuming of course none of us have the time or the skill to do it ourselves, Etsy has a wide range of patches of various woodland animals that you could use to jazz up an old coat and make it current and fun.
The Dominican born designer recently lost his battle to cancer after a remarkable life and a hugely successful career. De la Renta worked at fashion house greats Balmain, Balenciaga and Lanvin yet his talent was not limited to fashion. He turned his hand to homeware, accessories, fragrances and even a hotel later in his career. A great philanthropist too, he also supported countless charities and causes across the world. His dresses have been worn by countless beautiful women from Audrey Hepburn to Naomi Campbell. The timelessness of his designs always present; his fairytale silhouettes empowering and inspiring women across generations. His classic and delicate signature figure of a feminine bandeau complimented by beautiful full skirts came to define him as a designer and made his 2006 transition into bridal gowns seem like a natural progression. De la Renta had the rare talent and ability to design dresses as romantic as the occasions for which they were worn. His most recent triumph being the creation of Amal Alamuddin’s dress for her wedding to George Clooney. Alamuddin’s stunning off-the-shoulder lace gown demonstrated how present De la Renta’s talent and creativity as a designer was present until the end; never ceasing to impress. His funeral was recently attended by some of the greats of the fashion world, from Diane von Furstenberg to Anna Wintour. The day was spent saying goodbye to “the gentleman of fashion” but as Anna Wintour assures us in a Vogue tribute to her dear friend, “this is not the end of an era”. It is true that someone who has made such a mark on the world of fashion will continue to live on after his death. Not simply through his own designs, but also in the gowns of each new designer motivated by his work, and most importantly by the women across the world dressing each day inspired by his creations. It is through this that the late great Oscar de la Renta will continue to flourish. [Molly Shanahan]
In a season of supposed doom and gloom, grab anything velvet and jewel toned and meet us in the woods. We’ll be cooking up hexes and laying breadcrumbs. [Jessie Florence Jones]
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Fashion
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S.A.D - Seasonally
Precious Metals
Appropriate Decisions
Francesca Marcari
Esther Eldridge
The Woman We Want to be... The Gryphon meets Diane Von Fürstenberg
This isn’t the kind of excitement I usually feel when waiting in a lecture theatre. Although I’m not usually waiting on fashion royalty.
ing - a dress that epitomised feminine sexuality. The 70’s was a time of liberation and expression and Diane’s contribution to that somewhat exemplified by that fact that Andy Warhol painted her. Although she brushes this off as at the time Warhol was ‘just a Admittedly, Diane Von Fürstenberg gave up her title of princess guy hanging round’. After branching away from fashion into other a long time ago yet she was indeed married to a prince and it is ventures she returned to the pleas of us women as we searched the the royal name that carries the brand today. Make no mistake in vintage rails for her designs and prints. Thus the dress was re-born thinking that her success was down to anything but her determi- for the new, and the old, generation. Since then her dress has been nation to succeed. As the woman Forbes magazine once named worn from Michelle Obama to Olivia Palmero, and Diane is right the most powerful woman in fashion, her prowess is clear. It is this ‘even if we went back to big shoulders…we could still have the designer and business woman that walks in to the theatre in the wrap dress!’.For Diane she had always known ‘the woman I wanted Victoria and Albert Museum in London - albeit with the grace of to be…a woman in charge of my life’ and it is this empowerment a princess - wearing a dress of her own classic design with knee she seeks to replicate for other women - not only through her fashhigh black boots. ion but through philanthropy such as her work as director of The Diller – von Fürstenberg Family Foundation. ‘Most fairytales end with the prince…mine began with marrying the prince’ sighs Diane, and it was not until her divorce from the It is this strong attitude that makes her such a wonderful role prince that her own success really took off. After learning about model and inspirational woman who has truly lived up to her dream print and textiles she created the iconic wrap dress that was at of living ‘a man’s life in a woman’s body’. She describes herself as first a ‘shirt dress,a t-shirt dress, a wrap top with a matching skirt a feminist so when questioned over her famous dress and fashion - that became the dress and that was it!’. It is this famous wrap combined with feminist values simply says ‘you can be a feminist dress that Diane puts a lot of her success down to, a dress that and show your legs…and if a man wants to cross dress then the dress sold five million the first time it was created and has sold consid- is perfect!’. erably more since. It is a timeless piece that somebody once told her ‘was the dress you could get the guy in and his mother won’t So, I ask, does the dream of working in the fashion industry match mind’. This quick wit and eye for timeless fashion has kept DVF up to the reality? ‘Sure, if you dream big enough!’ in the business for so long as we mark 40 years of the wrap dress - and the brand - this year. Diane never anticipated the success With a multi million dollar business, an iconic dress, and such an of her dress, a dress that was never intended to make a fashion empowering attitude it is evident why Diane has become the woman statement yet as she very rightly points out has become ‘much she wanted to be. It certainly inspires the question as we are soon to more than that.’ We were finally given a dress that every woman embark on our own career paths; who are the women that we want could wear and for every occasion. to be? [Esther Eldridge] When Diane first created the dress in the 70’s it was groundbreak-
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Fashion
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Gentlemen’s Hour
Winter Proof Your Skin
It’s that time of year again lads; time to hang up the Hawaiian shirts and the chino shorts and hunt out the winter coats ready for the colder months. If you’re looking for a bit of a change, or simply want to update your wardrobe, look no further. This week we look at the key styles and trends and bring you a pocket guide to choosing the perfect winter coat from the classic duffle to the casual parka.
We adore holiday cheer, décor and of course the winter fashion but there is nothing worse than the dry, flaky skin that comes with it. The cold temperature outside combined with low humidity results in drier air which is not ideal for our skin. Here are some tips that will help your skin be merry and bright this holiday season, and most importantly ensure it does not peel off and leave looking you particularly flaky.
There’s plenty of winter coat options this season
Thanks to Calvin Klein and Christopher Raeburn the parka is back with a bang and fortunately, it’ll be hard to find an outfit that doesn’t go with this coat. Team it with a cable knit cardi, distressed jeans and your favourite trainers for an effortless low-key vibe, or embrace the parka’s Britpop heritage and wear it over a checked flannel shirt and straight-legged dark denim.
Quilted jackets are also set to make a return this winter. Heralded by Gant and Burberry, a quilted jacket’s traditional heritage makes it perfect for those long winter walks in the country (paired with slim-fit chinos and cashmere-blend jumpers). Or, if you’re a city boy, a sporty style bomber with a pop of colour or shiny texture teamed with a pair of black skinnies and retro trainers gives a classic European feel: perfect for a city break. Just like last year, luxury leather, wool and suede bombers will carry you right through the winter and into spring. Although you can’t go wrong with a classic black biker jacket, the focus this winter is on shearling-collared aviator designs. These are great both for use on a night out or layered over a smart/casual day look. Harringtons and wool-blend bombers also offer great silhouettes or you can stick to earthy shades or a versatile tartan for something different. Finally, if you’re planning on attending lots of outdoor events this winter then your best bet is a padded or puffa jacket. The feather-down lining reassuringly offers warmth no matter what the British weather throws at you. Specialist outdoor brands such as Penfield, Moncler and Berghaus have a great selection but Uniqlo, ASOS and River Island can remove the guilt factor of a big buy and offer a cheap alternative on a student budget. Picking the right winter coat for your wardrobe can be a challenge but you can’t really get it wrong this winter with such a huge array of choices. [Grant Wilkinson]
8 steps to prepare your skin for the colder months
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Moisturise - During winter it’s essential to moisturise twice a
day (no matter how daunting that might sound). Besides keeping your face, lips and hands hydrated, make sure you moisturise your entire body. And do it when your skin is moist. It is probably best to do it after a shower, as your pores are still open and your skin will trap the moisture better as a result.
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Shorter Showers - In the morning, keep your showers shorter and the water warm rather than hot. Hot water washes away the oils your skin produces during your sleep and that isn’t going to help. Coconut oil is great to use after showers, not only does it leave your skin unbelievably smooth but it also smells so lush.
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Stay Hydrated - Be sure to drink lots of water to keep your
skin hydrated. Invest in a solid water bottle and treat it like a best friend for the next few months.
Natural Products - Try and use natural products this winter,. Ones that contain shea butter, bees wax and cocoa butter are preferable but first make sure you’re not allergic to any of them. That could cause a few problems. Exfoliate - Dry winter skin is the result of dry skin cell build up. It is essential that you remove the dead skin cells before you moisturise the new cells. This will help you achieve healthier, moister skin. Exfoliating up to three times a week can help you to get the perfect skin glow.
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Switch products - It’s a good idea to switch products in
winter. A creamier cleanser and a shower gel with moisturising milk will make a big difference to your skin during the cold months. Anything with almond or honey will keep your skin fresher and smoother. For girls, a creamy primer will also work wonders if you apply it before make up and even if you normally don’t suffer from dry skin, still be sure to moisturise as your skin will be deprived of moisture and will try making up for it causing spots.
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Make up - Avoid using powder-products like bronzer, blusher or foundation cover-up powder. Try use those in a cream form instead.
Lips - Do not use chapstick too often as it only lubricates and doesn’t hydrate your lips. The chemicals used tend to dry out your lips so you end up constantly reapplying. Use balms like Nivea or Burts Bees and moisturise your lips daily with Vaseline. Also avoid putting on lipstick or lip-gloss on to un-moisturised lips. Give your skin the love and attention it needs this winter! [Kristina Smirnoffa] In The Middle
Fashion
13
Interstellar hhhhhhh
[Image: Paramount Pictures]
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan proves once again that there is such a thing as an intelligent blockbuster Christopher Nolan’s latest feature is a complex, head-spinning journey into other galaxies, blasting the viewer into a story that is as gripping and emotional as it is scientifically intricate. Despite its hard science fiction moorings, in line with Cordero’s Europa Report or Kubrick’s game-changing 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar provides the viewer with possibly Nolan’s most emotionally charged effort to date. Amongst the twisting and turning of the action set pieces and the gorgeous visual imagery, the connection between the characters aboard the spacecraft and their loved ones back home is one that feels genuinely emotional, and the process of seeing the two leads, Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, watch the world they left behind change and age is handled with a deft touch. The Nolan Brothers’ script snaps with interesting dialogue, even if it is over explanatory at times. However, with a theme as complicated as interplanetary/interdimensional space travel, exposition dialogue is possibly a necessary evil. Matthew McConaughey provides a great showing as farmer-turned-spacepilot Cooper, his personal brand of intensity and his distinctive delivery keeps the viewer invested throughout. Thanks to good pacing, an almost three hour runtime does not drag too much, although it certainly feels like the beginning and end of the film could do with some trimming. After the commercial successes of his previous films, namely the Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception, Christopher Nolan has shown once more that the mainstream blockbuster does not have to be aimed at the lowest common denominator, and that complex, ambitious films can both put people in theatre seats, and entertain audiences. Nolan undoubtedly has another box office smash on his hands, and it is very much deserved. [Alistair Norman]
The Imitation Game A witty, poignant and powerful film, The Imitation Game handles its subject manner brilliantly, giving the viewer a look in to one of the true geniuses in British history: Mathematician and code-cracker Alan Turing. Much has been made of Benedict Cumberbatch’s turn as the anti-social mastermind, indeed he is the bookies favourite to land the Academy Award for Best Actor next February, and with good reason. Cumberbatch gives an astoundingly intimate portrayal of an historical figure that could so easily fall into caricature, a truly magnificent performance. Keira Knightley, too, gives a good performance as Joan Clarke, and its clear the two have great onscreen chemistry together. The real star performer, however, is the script, adapted to screen by Graham Moore from the book by Andrew Hodges. Moore’s dialogue crackles with a deadpan wit, while at the same time bringing genuine emotion and gravitas to the film’s more serious moments. Handled with particular grace are Turing’s school life flashbacks, which play out like a victorian romance, where just small actions, each little look, each note passed, come with a huge emotional charge. Alan Turing’s story is one that, due to a mixture of government secrecy and institutional homophobia, has only relatively recently entered the public consciousness. At once thrilling, witty, heartbreaking, and utterly tragic, The details of his life as a codebreaker and mathematical genius cover only half the story. As a homosexual, Turing suffered horrible treatment after the war, due to his conviction for “indecency” which thousands of british homosexuals were convicted under. It is a stark reminder of the brutality and prejudice of the past, and for discussing this subject, The Imitation Game deserves plaudits. Go and see it. [Alistair Norman]
Arts In The Middle
14
Tony Law: The Surreal Life Interview
The Kite Runner [Image: West Yorkshire Playhouse]
In The Middle
Arts
15
Jessica Murray admires Matthew Spangler’s noble effort to faithfully adapt Khaled Hosseini’s novel for the stage at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Turning a novel like The Kite Runner in to a theatre production was The play, like the book itself, is intensely emotional. Moving never going to be easy. Spanning almost a lifetime, three countries scenes were never overly drawn out or too manufactured, and the tumultuous events of recent Afghan history, The Kite Runner allowing simple traditional music accompaniment and covers a lot of ground, as well as several events logistically and ethically the characters themselves to create the emotional impact. difficult to convert to the stage of the West Yorkshire Playhouse. However, the play runs through the events of the novel at a rather Matthew Spangler’s theatrical version does a commendable job of rapid speed, and there is never really enough time dedicated to staying true Khaled Hosseini’s book. The story follows Amir, a wealthy fully exploring their impact, despite a hefty two and a half hour Pashtun living with his father in their extravagant running time. Some truncation is inevitable house, and his childhood friendship with his Hazara in adapting such an action packed novel servant, Hassan. The pair grow up together and win and doing justice to its scale, but more time their local kite fighting competition as a team, but their should have been given over to dialogue society’s religious and ethical segregation eventually and character development, rather than just forces a gulf between them. Although Amir makes a simply playing out the events of the plot. new life for himself in America, he must return to his home country to make amends for his past mistakes. Nevertheless there were some ingenious theatrical devices employed in order to Ben Turner plays Amir as both a wide-eyed child deal with the more practical problems and as a reflective adult. His sudden fluctuations of representing the story. Amir acted between contrasting personas is disconcerting at as a semi-narrator throughout the play, first, but becomes easier to keep up with as the reciting passages from the novel itself, play continues. More disappointing was Andrei Costin’s portrayal helping to evoke a sense of setting without the need for actual of the loyal and faithful Hassan; his attempts at innocent and physical scenery, and the set was excellently crafted. Two large naïve childlikeness felt overly contrived, like a character from drapes which changed colours and patterns throughout helped to a Cbeebies show. He ultimately failed to represent the emotional signal the changes in setting, as did a shifting rug on the floor. depth of potentially the most heartrending character in the story. Emilio Doorgasingh as Amir’s father, Baba, showed the most The Kite Runner was a wildly successful book, and there emotional range across the play - the scenes in which he battles was always going to be immense pressure on any adaptation with cancer are some of the most emotional in the production. to live up to the original. Although the play stays faithful to the novel, further deviation from the book would have made The show’s most convincing performance however comes in this production more successful. The stage does not have the the form of villain Assef (Nicholas Karimi), school bully-turned- same scope as the page, and by trying to match the novel too murderous Taliban official, whose increasingly frenzied and perfectly, the play ultimately ends up lessening the impact of this incensed speeches are genuinely terrifying and hair-raising. eternally compelling and heartbreaking story. [Jessica Murray]
“The stage does not have the same scope as the page, and this play tries to match the novel too perfectly.”
In The Middle
Arts
16
[Image: Vertical Cinema]
Vertical Cinema
A unique experience, but should there be more?
I suppose it’s something we take for granted, that cinema is presented in widescreen. Over it’s history, film production practice has stretched ratios wider and wider with the intention of better immersing the viewer; quite literally wrapping them within the image. However, ‘Vertical Cinema’, recently exhibited as part of the Leeds International Film Festival, aims to challenge this in exploring the effect of film designed for and projected in portrait. Brought from the Netherlands for its UK debut, the installation was assembled at Left Bank Leeds, a recommissioned church/ arts venue tall enough to house the somewhat monolithic vertical screen and custom-built 35mm projection system it requires. We took our seats, the lights faded, and it was at this moment that I realised that I actually had no concept of what was actually going to be shown. I can only add that a good twenty-four hours later I am just as clueless. The programme comprised of ten, purpose commissioned audio/visual pieces, nearly all of which were heavily motion graphics and audio based; intended as a ‘sensory experience’ rather than narrative-based short films (as I had assumed). The pieces werecertainlynothingifnotcaptivating-likecatchysongs but in pictures. The looming vertical screen seemed to transform into a doorway to another, chaotic and psychedelic dimension - an effect certainly compounded by being projected above the alter of a church. As truly unique and mind-boggling as the experience as, I did leave feeling there must be more to explore in this medium. Considering the new age of smartphone videography we’re actually beginning to mass-produce portrait video without effective means for its public presentation, something I feel this type of installation could address. We capture the world primarily in portrait images, why do we only choose to tell our stories through landscape ones? [Kyle Withington]
Sneaky Experience
For one weekend only, the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey became a playground for cinephiles with Leeds-based Sneaky Experience treating audiences to a special Halloween programme. With films including The Exorcist, The Blair Witch Project and Monsters Inc there was a trick or treat for every age range, and the novelty of getting to explore an iconic Leeds landmark by night made it a thoroughly exciting event. With the Abbey lit up in ominous red and pre-movie entertainment provided in the form of ghost walks and fire eaters, it was a night at the movies with a difference, complete with a suitably spooky compare who had a maniacal laugh that echoed around the ruins brilliantly. As for the film we caught, John Carpenter’s Halloween remains a horror classic full of tropes modern audiences will recognise and features a very young Jamie Leigh Curtis in a brilliant performance as the tormented babysitter. It was the perfect film to watch in the ruins due to its camp and slightly silly nature; the audiences who caught The Blair Witch Project the following night might have been left checking under their bed for monsters as the setting really was an eerie Halloween treat. Although it was slightly cold due to the inconsiderate October rain, the show went on in true British fashion, and nothing brings a crowd together quite like a spot of bad weather.
Brilliantly thought out by the creative team at Sneaky Experience it was a perfect alternative cinema experience, and the team are already working on their next ambitious project. Later this month Leeds Dock will be transformed into an all-American diner for a screening of Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece Pulp Fiction, complete with a Twist dance-off for those who want to channel their inner Mia Wallace or Vincent Vega. Closer to Christmas the venue will become a winter wonderland for screenings of Frozen and modern classic Elf. Sneaky Experience is well worth leaving the comfort of the multiplex for, an immersive experience like no other. After all, why watch films when you can be a part of them? [Hannah Woodhead] For more details, visit http://sneakyexperience.co.uk/
In The Middle
Arts
17
Aw
The Missing Raw, uncompromising and utterly human With autumn setting in, and the cold pushing us closer into the warm embrace of our trusty TV screens, BBC1’s The Missing is just what the doctor ordered - a sadistic doctor with a penchant for emotional trauma. While vacationing in France, Tony and Emily Hughes’ (James Nesbitt and Frances O’Connor) happy family is torn apart by the sudden disappearance of their five-year-old son, Oliver. It’s difficult not to see parallels with the McCanns, the most reported on disappearance of recent years. Nonetheless, the series should be taken at face value, as a crime thriller with a brutally honest and accurate representation of humanity at its best and its worst. Director Tom Shankland expertly handles two timelines to track the investigation into Oliver’s disappearance - the present day and 2006, the year of Oliver’s disappearance. The present day sees Tony, desperate and drunk, resuming his search in France after the discovery of a new piece of evidence. Meanwhile, flashbacks to the disappearance are fraught with suspense and dread, as the family’s world is turned upside down on the evening of World Cup celebrations in the French town of Chalon Du Bois. It may be somewhat slow to start with. However, as James Nesbitt’s face contorts with fear and panic, and the soundtrack rises to an excruciating screech as he realises Oliver is nowhere to be seen, you can’t help but feel the grief and pain. The viewers are introduced to the French investigation team including Khalid Ziane, with secrets of his own, and Laurence Relaud an inexperienced officer who Tony and Emily come to trust. Yet it is methodical Parisian detective, Julien Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo), who leads the investigation, which is to be the last of his brilliant career. In a Broadchurch manner, no stone is left untouched, no local left unquestioned. Like dropping a pebble in a lake the disappearance engulfs the lives of everyone involved in the investigation, following the ramifications from past to present for suspects and innocent locals alike. With both past and present investigations under way the show takes on a more detective drama appearance. However, none of the human aspect is lost, Nesbitt and O’Connor both give haunting performances, and depicting all the ways people attempt to deal with grief. Their portrayal of the difficulties of dealing with the publicity, the alien legal system and foreign language, as well as their own overwhelming grief and guilt, is raw and poignant without being overly sentimental. The Missing is a roller coaster that will have you pulling out your notepad to keep track of all the clues, and reaching for the whisky to calm your nerves. With such an outstanding cast the show promises great things in the coming weeks. Yet, as a thriller it’s difficult not to expect the series to end with closure; something many families in similar circumstances never attain. [Anastasia Kennedy]
In The Middle
Photo:Photo: BBC FX
Toast of London The man with the golden voice
You could be forgiven for assuming that Matt Berry is just a man who has made a career out of saying things in a funny voice. Although it was Channel 4’s The IT Crowd that truly brought Berry’s anachronistic, thespian style to a national audience, he’s been knocking about the place far longer than that. Berry first appeared in the criminally cult Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace way back in 2004 and through a journey that has taken him through The Mighty Boosh, Snuff Box, The IT Crowd, Aqua Unit Patrol Squad and Portlandia, while still finding time for his own folk-prog-rock side project, Berry has finally landed his own show again, with Channel 4’s Toast of London. He is a man of many talents indeed; comedian, musician and decent Boss Nass impressionist if his sex face is anything to go by. Berry stars as the eponymous Stephen Toast of London - solid pun there - the greatest actor you’ve never heard of. Constantly out of work, Toast is reduced to providing voiceovers for a company trying hook the Congo on cigarettes, dressing as Dickens to give bus tours and directing amateur productions of The Calendar Girls in Eastbourne. No wonder then that such a life has left Toast a depraved, misanthropic bastard. The bawdiness that has defined many of Berry’s more famous roles is here projected onto a seedy underbelly of the acting world that seems at once lewd, loutish and incredibly conservative. Toast of London seems to have dropped out of 1979 and fallen straight into a Monday night slot - a manoeuvre which shows Channel 4 don’t have much hope for the show. The show’s look is all turtlenecks and the sort of facial hair that made Tom Selleck a household name. Then there’s the attitudes. Toast may be a bastard but unlike his fellow actor and arch-rival, Ray Purchase (Harry Peacock), he retains some degree of respectability. Purchase somehow manages to combine the depraved excesses of late seventies living with the rampant homophobia and conservatism of the decade that followed. Purchase is a figure so loathsome you expect him at any moment to declare his support for Enoch Powell. But in Toast, these guys are the butt of the joke; the show takes delight in nothing more than seeing these guys get their just desserts. Toast is by no means a bad show. It’s better than most British comedy being produced right now, but that doesn’t mean what it used to. Toast tries to find its niche in combining the carnivalesque world of smut and debauchery with a well-polished veneer, and ends up feeling practically chaste by Channel 4’s standard. Matt Berry remains a brilliant comedic actor; there is definitely more to him than a voice - although hearing him boom ‘Clem Fandango’ time and time again can send shivers down your spine. The writing and the performances of his supporting cast never get close to Berry’s level. Toast looks like it’s going to go the same way as most of Berry’s work, consigned to the archives of 4OD to find an afterlife as a cult classic. Here’s hoping it’s not too long before the man finds a show with writing worthy of the voice. [Benjamin Cook]
Lifestyle and Culture
18
Please, Press Play Press play doesn’t mean what it used to. In the last decade the gaming industry has developed at such momentum it can now attract actors of the calibre of Kevin Spacey, Willem Dafoe and Ellen Page to lend their voice and likeness to games. What’s more with games like Metal Gear Solid becoming increasingly famous - or infamous - for their captivating story lines and beautiful camera angles, it seems that things that we used to associate with the film industry don’t solely belong to them anymore. We will soon be playing interactive movies. Or have we been playing them all along? A quick internet search of the term ‘Interactive Movie’ will provide you with a list of games that contains the likes of Heavy Rain and The Walking Dead. These are games that focus on narrative rather than game mechanics and many other games have begun to follow suit, which has lead to a boosted cinematic feel overall and has caused an ever more present overlap between the two industries. Although some could argue a game is game, and just because it has conventions of a film, such as a director or thought-out camera angles, doesn’t make it a film. After all a game is meant to be played, and a film is meant to be simply watched. There is such a large plethora of games available, and very few have this highly cinematic feel. It is mostly only an element of the AAA games, no doubt why they are called blockbusters. The rise of the cinematic in the gaming industry is far from the death of game mechanics, with so many indie developers rehashing the way we game, there still remains a clear distinction between the two medias. Ultimately, with such a booming film industry, it was only a matter of time before games mimicked the film formula in attempt to create ‘crowd pleasers’. The new tactic has payed off, and has proved to be the new money maker in the video game industry; for example Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 making $1 billion in the first 15 days of its release. However, perhaps this is a end of an era for the gaming industry, especially in light of the recent ‘Gamergate’ controversy. Perhaps corruption has finally got to what once was a young and innocent industry, unaffected by what would ‘sell big’ rather than what was just fun. It’s not all doom though. Perhaps it’s a good thing so much money is being pumped into our favourite blockbuster games, as films and games have always lent to each other; just think of Tron and Scott Pilgrim. Industries will always overlap, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s not to say they are becoming same thing. One thing is for certain pressing play doesn’t just apply to the remote but also the console controller too. [Lauren Natalie Emina-Bougaard]
In The Middle
The New World Andrew Motion
Following in the path of his last novel Silver, Andrew Motion’s most recent work, The New World is an adventure story that sweeps readers right back into the age of Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Motion continues the famous author’s legacy through Jim Hawkins Jr., the son of Treasure Island’s hero, and Natty Silver, daughter of the infamous John Silver. With far fewer swash-buckling episodes, The New World pushes past its predecessor and onto the dry land of Texas, creating a novel with a much more ‘Western’ feel. Although a pirate story sequel and remaining faithful to Stevenson’s legacy, The New World is far more interested in the presentation of the only recently ‘discovered’ America. Delving immediately into the exploration of the native tribes of Texas, this novel is abound with a deep sense of loss for a civilisation almost entirely wiped out due to colonisation. Villainy is present from the first tribe we encounter. Here, the experience of drawn-out torture is of great interest to the community and we also witness the creation of the novel’s persistent evil stalker – Black Cloud. Despite this, there is a sense of sympathy for the tribespeople especially when the tribe opens out to reveal innocence and kindness; particularly after we bear frustrating witnesses to Jim and Natty’s greed, the fundamental reason for the presence of Black Cloud.
Photo: Jonathon Cape
elements of a story that uses the speed of its plot line to push the narrative forward. This is a real shame, especially when Jim is probably the least interesting character, and certainly the most frustrating at times. However, perhaps this is why Motion chose him to be the novel’s focal point. Through Jim we experience a character that, in Stevenson’s age, has all the makings of a typical English hero conquering a new world. Yet this idea is completely turned on its head as we witness Jim’s concerns sink into a fear for himself, shortly followed by a fear for Natty which correlates with his love for her and his understanding of their presumed future together. Jim’s thirst for treasure and self-centred philosophy evokes the anti-hero that many of us can relate to and ultimately forgive. On the whole, Motion’s narrative is sublime in its fluidity. While some scenes are perhaps more tedious than others, it is hard to find a part which makes you want to put the book down. The presentation of each community encountered are insightful and work towards a feeling of unity within the novel, which could easily have derailed into a narrative of stepping stones with little to join each episode together. By the novel’s close, the reader does feel as though they have shared a part in Jim’s journey and perhaps gained a little perspective on the way. [Laura Rowlands]
Although we are taken on an entertaining journey, at times the characters feel rather superficial. It is only really Jim who we gain a clear insight into; the other characters, including Natty, seem to exist as minor two-dimensional
Lifestyle and Culture
19
Sun, surf and unspoiled bliss Autumn Apple Crisps
Photo: David Gordillo
Bordering Panama, Costa Rica contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. What’s more, it has the highest population density of plants and animals species in the world. It is ecologically unspoiled, promoting conservation, protection and sustainable use of ecosystems.
Monte Verde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve
Visualise walking through the clouds. Above you, below you, either side of you, a white mist hangs. Its moisture and humidity is sticking to your skin. Your breathing is increasing as it becomes affected by the high altitude, and the smell of dew is filling your nostrils. Nothing seems real.
Suspended mid-air, soaring through the clouds, metres above the tree tops at a rapid speed, zip-lining offers tourists an adrenaline packed and exhilarating experience. It gives you the chance to view the rainforest in its entirety and see what’s lurking up in those canopies - This adventure isn’t for the faint hearted. Although its lush-green rainforests make the perfect backdrop, the journey to the Cloud Forest is notorious for its awful roads and road surfaces. Lacking in road signs, its narrow, winding, and rocky passages and vertical drops make the drive feel more like an amusement ride.
With autumn in the air, these healthy apple crisps are a great snack. They may take a while to make, but don’t let the baking time deter you. The scent of apples and warm autumn spice will fill your house with a festive feel. Ingredients 3 red apples 3 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp Sugar (preferably soft brown sugar)
Montezuma Waterfalls The waterfalls in Montezuma are a must see. Although open to the public, up until recently some of these waterfalls were virtually undiscovered, so you are unlikely to find many tourists. You will need sunscreen, water and a good pair of hiking boots as you are about to embark on a 15-25 minute climb to the water falls, using the stream to guide you. The falls range in height and there are many with swimming holes and rope swings. However, be cautious – some swimming holes aren’t as deep or shallow as you may first think. On these rivers you’re likely to encounter some exotic animals, such as Roseate Spoonbills (these look somewhat like pink flamingos), river otters and Jesus Christ Lizards. You may also hear the echoing sounds of the monkeys gibbering and some unusual birds chirping.
Malpais - Santa Teresa With miles of white, sandy and rocky beaches, warm water and smooth waves, the sleepy village of Malpais is every surfer’s paradise. If you look out to sea, the coastline is dotted with bleach blonde surfer dudes and their boards, paddling through the waters and conquering the waves. The island caters to both beginners and pro-surfers, offering various other outdoor activities, such as quad biking and horse riding. The streets are scattered with stylish boutiques, delicious restaurants, tattoo parlours and nutritious juice bars for when you’re done with the day’s activities. The island has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and being sparsely inhabited and quiet, it’s the perfect beach getaway. [Talia Balkin]
In The Middle
For a chai-twist, add on the following: 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground allspice 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground coves
Method Preheat the oven to 140°C, and line a baking tray with baking paper. Wash and dry the apples. With your sharpest knife, thinly slice the apples into rounds. Don’t worry if they’re not all even – go for the rustic look. Lay the apples on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together the spices and sugar. Lightly sprinkle half of the mix over your apples. Bake the apple slices on the middle shelf of your oven. After an hour, remove them from the oven and carefully flip them. Sprinkle the other side with some more of the spice mix. Pop them back into the oven for another 30-45 minutes, or until the apples have dried out and turned a light golden brown; keep an eye on them. For soft and chewy apple crisps, less baking time is needed. If you want a bit of a crunch, this will take a little longer. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature. [Charlotte de Drouas]
Lifestyle and Culture
20
GastronautOutlaws Yacht Club
There is no reason not to go. In fact, why haven’t you been yet? This café, bar, exhibition space and all round good hangout is tucked away on New York Street, making use of local produce to knock up an array of homemade humbleness from breakfast time till tea.
On our visit, Outlaws was the perfect place to hide away from the cold night. Tea lights filled the room with a warm glow, small glasses filled with peachy alstroemerias making us forget the bitter cold lurking outside. As we snuggled down into their low slung sofas, recordings from live music sets at Outlaws oozing from the sound system, glorious boards of food were brought our way. The cheese board boasted a Harrogate blue, a Barncliffe brie, a Ribblesdale smoked goats cheese and Swalesdale old peculiar - to be honest, I’m still not sure what this is, but it tasted good - coupled with pickled carrot, fresh sourdough bread and a divine spiced ale chutney, full of sweet spices and subtle booziness. Then there is the meat board, lavished with a selection of cured meats from local farm, The Greedy Little Pig. As for dessert, a vegan cake anyone? We must recommend the salted caramel brownie, a truly gooey and utterly sumptuous treat. Outlaws offered us a selection of culinary treats, and a well-stocked bar means you have a great choice of drinks to choose from to wash down your food. Outlaws certainly have the price right, meaning this place is perfect for the student purse. An array of offers run throughout the week; you can enjoy one of their glorious meat or cheese boards and a bottle of wine for £15 on a Tuesday, 2-4-1 cocktails on a Wednesday and get a good 20% student discount on any day that isn’t a Friday or a Saturday.
[Photo: Katie Dawtry]
But there is more to Outlaws Yacht Club than food and drink, including their unique events. ‘Chinwag’ is an evening of easy going conversation, over a drink, with an assortment of interesting guests, including Andrew Weatherall, Creation Records head-honcho Alan McGee, celebrated artist Pete Fowler, best-selling author Bill Brewster and most recently, singer songwriter Anton Newcombe. Unlike a Q&A, this is an opportunity to get to know someone a bit better, hear a few of their tales, find out what makes them tick, share some insights and ask a few questions too. Check out their website for a list of their upcoming events, but if you can’t make it, go down and admire their exhibition space, housing the work of different artists every month. For a laid back dining experience, where food is mixed with unique music, art and events, there is nowhere quite like Outlaws Yacht Club, which is far removed from the chains that dominate our city centre. Lose yourself in low level lighting for a while, and let the university stress melt away. If you really want to fit in, a hipster beard might help. [Katie Dawtry]
In The Middle
Lifestyle and Culture
Lucie England-Duce
Sam Broadley
Sam Broadley
Chris Nunn
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RAG Week Review Raising over £1000 in the Abseil alone, this year’s RAG Week was bigger and better than ever before. RAG filled the Union from the 3rd-9th November and saw lots of students getting involved. From Fifa Games to Abseiling, there was something for everyone. Events including the Pub Quiz and ‘Take Me Out’ saw a high turnout with over 120 people attending each night. 22 students braved the abseil down the side of the Michael Sadler building. One participant told In The Middle: ‘It was quite terrifying when you were at the top, but such an adrenaline rush. I’m really glad I got involved.’ RAG President, Sarah Calvert, said: ‘I am unbelievably proud of RAG Week 2014. Our presence across campus has been greater than ever and our events throughout the week have been incredibly successful. I really hope we’ve shown everyone how much fun you can have with Leeds RAG whilst raising money for some fantastic causes.’
RAG week was held to raise money for the Leeds RAG Community Fund. This is a collection of money raised over the whole year, which is then split between small, local charities who can apply for grants. In the past. the Community Fund has raised money for charities including Hope Charity, Little Hiccups and Parkinsong (a branch of Parkinsons UK). The week ended on a high with RAG’s Leeds Has Talent event. The line up of acts were Dance Expose, Irish Dance Society, Naomi Coombes, Purple Thread, The Ashatones and Ben Kavaghner. The Ashatones won the competition and left with the prize of a slot to perform at the Summer Ball. This was followed by RAG’s official afterparty at Fruity Friday, which kept the well-earned celebrations going until the early hours. If you enjoyed RAG week, there is always a chance to get involved. Contact them at secretary@leedsrag.org.uk to find out about the next big events. [Maddy Keating]
Green Action
‘We are not just a little Green shop ofhippies giving out free bread, jamming to reggae and selling rabbit food.’ Green Action is a society that takes practical action on environmental, social and political issues. With various activities and campaigns, they try to encourage anyone with ideas to put them into action. Their aim is to take back control over aspects of our lives, including food, jobs, housing and leisure. Their shop is located next to the Santander bank downstairs in the Union, near Salad Box and Cats. Green Action offers organic and fair trade food, free from GMOs and is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. From Chinese goji berries and ground cinnamon, to bread from local Leeds bakeries, Green Action food co-op sells all these delicious and health conscious items at a cheap value (cheaper than another well known co-op) and is a not-for-profit organisations. It’s all for a good cause. In the Middle spoke with Green Action who said: ‘With growing public awareness of ethical issues concerning the treatment of humans, animals and the environment, there is an increasing realisation of the influence we have as consumers on the rest of the world. By changing our shopping habits and buying from companies with sound ethical policies, we can start to make a difference globally.’ It has worked for over 15 years, moving towards social and environmental sustainability, co-operative action and practical, fair and collective responsibility. For £2 a year, you can become a Green Action member and learn more about what they have to offer. Take the opportunity to while you can, when else in life will you be able to learn how to make chutney and cider from ingredients all picked from your back door garden? [Stephanie Hazelwood]
In The Middle
Try something new and go to the Green Action food co-op. Have more control over what you eat and how much you pay for it. To contact Green Action, email them at: unigreen@leeds.ac.uk Society
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Calendar Events 14th November
15th November
5-8pm
11am-4pm
Malaysian and Singaporean GIAG. LUU Room 2. Come and experience the culture. Learn more about their heritage.
Trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park with ArtSoc. Meet at Parkinson Steps, £5. Explore the huge park filled with different sculptures around every corner.
5:30-6:30pm Men’s Cricket GIAG, The Edge 1A, free. Want to try this traditonal British sport? Now’s your chance.
16th November
17th November
9am-5:30pm
12:30-10:30pm Zombie Apocalypse with Assassins, Meet at Parkinson Steps, £5. Indulge in your horror fantasies and kill some Zombie’s.
4-5pm
18th November 7:30-10:30pm
19th November
20th November
2:45-5pm
10am-8pm
Action Bound. Eight volunteers needed to take children on a day out at Mouse House Pottery Co. and Eureka in Halifax.
IM Women’s Futsal Hall 1A The Edge, free No need to turn your heating on yet, stay warm playing futsal.
‘Call my Wine Bluff with Quiz’. £7. Join Wine Soc for some blind wine tasting and wine-themed quizzing.
Make your own instruments with Music Impact in the Community Society Little London Crazy Club, free.
‘Don’t call me Mental’ health conference. Psychology building and LUU Rooms, free. Pick the events you want to attend at this two-day event.
From 4pm
5:30-7:30pm
7-8:30pm
2:30-5pm
6-8pm
Swing Soc does Whiskey Revolution Bar, £20. Learn the difference between a peat whisky and a malt. Or just enjoy a few drinks.
Film night with Harry Potter Soc. The Lounge and Treehouse, free. Enjoy some tasty treats and settle in to watch a classic.
Insight into Hinduism, Common Room. Learn the basics of what it means to be Hindu.
Bardon Growing Drop in. Try your hand at gardening, working alongside other students, staff and community gardners. Dress for mess.
Midwifery Society Formation, Business School Westen Lecturn Theatre (G.01) £5. Be part of the first ever Midwifery meeting as they set up this new society. [Carina Derhalli and Maddy Keating]
Society Snaps: RAG Week
In The Middle
Brave students step off the top of the Michael Sadler Bilding for RAG week photos: Will Stanley
Society
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Columns
The Queen’s Parklife
Jen Pritchard I’m from Essex. That looks odd all spelled out, I can’t remember the last time I wrote it down. Essex: that word that I learned in junior school, just the fourth line of my address. Back then we all thought it was hilarious because it was partly a rude word. I’d write SEX, nudge whoever was nearest, then quickly add an ES at the beginning before the teacher saw. Naturally everyone thought I was way cool and rebellious and not at all weird. But at secondary school it became clear that being from a Essex meant more than just hysterical
laughter every time we had to write addresses. When I say Essex, I don’t mean those adorable villages where residents pretend they’re in Cambridgeshire, either. We were informed when we were 13 years old that our area was deprived, that we had the highest rate of chlamydia and teen pregnancy in the country. That was the expectation set up for us, which I found thrilling at the time because I thought it meant I’d get loads of underage sex. I didn’t, because I was fat and nerdy, but I didn’t get chlamydia either so it’s swings and roundabouts.
That is, until you get to what’s happening recently, and that’s the whole “PARKLIFE” thing. To be honest, I found it pretty funny at first: take his verbose and inaccessible writing and reply with PARKLIFE! à la Phil Daniels and Blur. But one glance at Twitter and you can see that people are saying it in reply to everything he says.
Most of the time my accent isn’t that strong. I learned early that people don’t take you seriously otherwise. At times when it does come out, when I’ve been back home or around my family, there’s no shortage of “Essiiix” or “Inniiit” as a response. I don’t really mind, it makes me feel like my working class roots are validated, and anyway, I pretty much thrive on any and all forms of attention. But it does make we wonder what about my voice is so funny.
There are plenty of intellectuals out there who talk like utter nob ends. You’ve probably encountered a lot of them this week while reading for your essays. And they don’t get this kind of treatment. And while I agree with very little of what Russell Brand actually says, I resent the fact that people can dismiss it so easily by just going ‘heh heh heh. Silly voice.’
I think part of it is that, other than TOWIE, you’ve got no people from Essex appearing on the telly, and that lot aren’t really doing that much to counter the stereotype. You’ve certainly not got many of us up saying clever or witty things on panel shows as you do with other much-mocked accents like Brummie, Cockney or Welsh. Actually that’s not true. We’ve got Russell Brand. Sure, he’s got some pretty unhelpful views on voting, but he’s also from Grays in Essex, and most importantly he sounds like it. Because hearing someone with that voice talking about politics, philosophy and literature in mainstream media is actually pretty inspiring.
Maybe I should try harder not to mask my accent, because we certainly need more people challenging how the country sees us. It’s 2014. How is it still a thing that people judge how important what you have to say is by what voice it comes out in?
Euphemistically speaking But are we really as frank as we like to think? What about expressions we use all the time, like ‘hooking up’, ‘getting with’ and ‘picking up’? We define romantic relationships with innocuous phrases such as ‘getting to know’ or ‘seeing’ someone. The pervasive expression ‘going out with someone’ is extremely Victorian if you think about it, conjuring images of stepping out together, arm in arm, in puffy dresses and wigs, parading your relationship for public moral judgment. Interpreted literally, our relationship terminology seems like a load of meaningless nonsense. Ellie Parkes We’ve become a lot more candid in the last 150 years. I think my mother might be one of the few people left in the whole world who still uses the Victorian euphemism ‘to spend a penny’ to express her desire to, well… you know – go for a slash. (The expression apparently originates from the debut of the first public toilets at the Great Exhibition of 1851, where, for the first time ever, one could pay a penny for the thrilling experience of relieving oneself). Generally, we would admit that we can be a bit crass, but at least, we’d say, we are direct.
In The Middle
Sometimes it’s about sensitivities. Yet, absurdly, you can end up being far more graphic and offensive when you are trying to avoid the explicit truth. For example, ‘blowing chunks’ is much more graphic than the much more euphemistic words ‘vomit’ or ‘throw up’. Ironically, some euphemisms are vivid to the point of ridiculousness (ehem, ‘hiding the sausage’, ehem). Euphemisms can sometimes even take on an offensive meaning – take the faintly racist terms ‘swarthy’ or ‘tribal’. Describing someone as ‘curvy’, or ‘BBW’ (Big Beautiful Women) can also be taken very wrongly – the irony being that they are largely employed with the intention of being sensitive or complimentary [pun unintentional]. In fact, it is quite tragic how bad we are at expressing what we really want to say – not just to other human beings, but to ourselves. As I said earlier, this
makes relationships an absolute minefield. Instead of asking someone directly if they would like to have a conversation one-on-one with us, instead we put up a buffer. We say ‘do you want to go for a coffee?’ That way, if the other person says no, we can at least pretend to ourselves that it’s because they don’t have time to pour a hot drink down their throats, rather than accept the reality, which is that they don’t have time for you. It probably says quite a lot about our generation’s anxieties that we are at our most euphemistic when it comes to relationships, political correctness and foreign policy (but I won’t get into that here) – arguably, all cases where our real feelings, meanings and intentions are censored, whether consciously or subconsciously. We’d rather not explicitly speak the truth because we feel it wouldn’t be polite or appropriate. But sometimes I feel we should just make our minds up about what we want to say, make that decision, and really commit to it – or just not say it at all.
Columns
“You know it’s there, you know it’s worth something but you never actually feel the debt. - Richard Humans of Leeds humansofleeds.tumblr.com