Volume XX – Otwo – Issue 5

the university observer culture magazine

otwo

orla gartland

o emperor

arkham origins

street style

transmedia storytelling

peter hook

Tyler Ward

letter from the editors

oh hai, Look at you. You survived Halloween with most of your fingers and dignity intact. Luckily, Otwo is jumbo sized, meaning it’s easier for your six fingers to hold onto. We in the lofty Otwo towers (sounds ominous yet friendly) are feeling none of the November blues, with this issue jam-packed with cultural bounty.

This issue’s Games section sees Niall “Keytar” Gosker interview Josh Nuernberger regarding the fantastic Gemini Rue. Meanwhile, Martin Healy looks at HD re-releases and their effects on triple A titles. Under review are Batman: Arkham Origins along with Null Divide+.

In the Film and Television section, Otwo looks at the varied world of transmedia storytelling, while Thor fever is rampant at the moment, and we have finally made our mind about how excellent we think Thor is. If that doesn’t quite cut it for our indie film fans, Ian Mullholland highly recommends a documentary

called Broken Song that highlights the struggles of northside Dublin rappers.

Music sees Rebekah “Morrissey” Rennick interview the irreplaceable Peter Hook, a founding member of both Joy Division and New Order, while Otwo also laments the late Lou Reed along with interviews with Tyler Ward, O Emperor, Orla Gartland and Tell No Foxx.

Fashion also keeps that ante up as Emily “#JustMulling” Mullen presents a spread dedicated to jewellery. Framed against a stark background, this one truly is a winner folks. Fashion always likes to get everyone involved, and the team bore the harsh winds to check out the latest trends in Street Style.

Honestly, if we keep jabbering on like this, were going to spoil the twenty four page party we planned for you. Get reading.

What’s hot & What’s not What’s hot

What’s not hot

UCD Bird of the Day

Burrito Fever

Chivalry’s dead, rock and roll’s dead and now online sexism is dead. Long live ornithology. With the last remaining bastion of misogyny crumbling underneath our feet, UCD Bird of the Day is the finest example of one university’s love of all things flying and brightly coloured. As long as those things remain soiled with innuendo, then let it live a long and prosperous life.

In a country where the honest hardworking students of the land are left struggling to remove the crumbs of the last breaded chicken fillet roll from the duvet, Boojum, Tolteca and and Pablo Picanté saunter on without a care in the world.

Uppity yuppity types, the last remaining scourge of the embarrassing days of Tiger times, continue on with their Instagrammed vision of “sophistication.”

Vintage Values at the National Print Museum

As we wistfully quote “Careful now” and “Down with that sort of thing” at each other, we’d like to think that we would have moved on from the Catholic conservatism of the 1950’s. Helpfully, the National Print Museum is putting on display a range of prints from the Catholic Truth Society (now Veritas) to give us a gentle reminder, that we might actually have just been, a teeny weeny bit mad, sometimes.

The Wind that Shakes the Party

The sound bastards in Trinity’s DU History Society are hosting Dublin’s only anti-treaty clubnight on Tuesday 19th November in the Twisted Pepper. Although it goes against the ungrounded, but well-preserved UCD tradition of pissing in the general direction of TCD, The Wind That Shakes the Party promises Irish electronica and glowstick hurling gear, with a deadly French lad under the moniker Irish Steph on the decks. Up the ‘Ra!

A means to an end, Jack & Steven

Melissa Joan Hart’s New Autobiography

Nothing more than dismay was felt by O two when we found out that Sabrina the Teenage Witch is 37-years-old. Most probably written by the same ghost writers responsible for Katie Price’s Love, Lipstick & Lies, this book features a proper witching session about every celeb she’s ever kissed and how rubbish they are compared to her, as well that time she did a lad mag shoot while “hungover on ecstasy.”

You’ll learn that magic is real, when it’s taking yips at the Playboy Mansion.

Sculpture by the New Lake

Adding to UCD’s long inventory of Sculpted Blobs Trying to Mimic the Human Form, the recently installed cast tinfoil sculpture by the new lake looks like a poor man’s Children of Lir. This recent effort by UCD has been made to defend the title we hold for largest quantity of barelyhominoid gimp-like figures in an Irish third level institute, ultimately proving that half-arsed efforts will often get you far in life.

mystic mittens

Aries

Leo

Sagittarius

The water shortage has finally given you your long-awaited excuse to not shower. Also, in the event that you require your thirst to be quenched, don’t be afraid to do as Bear Grylls does. Be warned, however, everyone in heaven will watch you do it.

Next time you’re pushing that assignment deadline to the wire, find a mirror, look into it and repeat after Mittens, “Carrot cake, carrot cake, carrot cake.” Do make sure you let Mittens know what happens.

Last Wednesday you were part of a social experiment. Mittens has three questions. 1. Are you male/female?

2. Are you under 25? 3. Has any of your coffee tasted like piss lately?

Virgo

Capricorn

Taurus

When surviving the zombie apocalypse, where remember the rifle club keep their equipment. They won’t do any damage, but a gun makes you look authentic. You’ll be a shoo-in to be the Rick Grimes of Mountjoy.

Did you know that if every person who promised they’d do the Gaisce award actually followed through on it, then world hunger would have been eradicated?

Either that, or we’d all know how to play guitar really well.

You are in a very unique position.

While most of your friends hate their college courses, you are blissfully ignorant since you can’t hate what you don’t show up for.

Libra

Gemini

Although your attempts to become the next Crystal Palace manager have failed, you can take solace in the fact that you will be asked to be a rep for the nightclubs Krystle and Palace. As both sides fight for your time, you will feel strangely empty inside.

Writing #nofilter gives you no excuse. Writing #noface still doesn’t give you an excuse. You should get that no face thing checked out also.

Cancer Art won’t save the world, volunteer at a soup kitchen and feed the world your pretentious cans of soup. Or feed the world your pretentiousness. Either way will put you on the path to enlightenment you beatnik.

2 otwo

this is going to be a cat-egory one shitstorm, son

Scorpio Cows can feel humiliation if people laugh at them. That’s another thing you both have in common! That, and the tendency for drunken people to tip you over.

Aquarius Remember that game of shag, marry, kill you played recently? Well, word has filtered back to Michael Cera and he’s rejected your offer. He’d prefer to be killed if possible.

Pisces One of these days Louis Theroux is going to make a documentary on your life and your activities, and everyone on Netflix won’t be laughing with you.

index 2 Regulars

——————————————— Like always, Otwo is here to spell out as clearly as possible what’s hot and what actually in fact is not, while Mystic Mittens also has some news for you and it’s not the good kind. It’s the terrifying and tragic kind.

3

4 5 6

Soapbox—Buggies

8

Regulars

——————————————— Here you can read your favourite part of the paper, the contents. Oh, look at that, you’ve already started. Also, in Soapbox Caitríona O’Malley launches a one woman crusade against the scourge of aggressive buggy pushers.

12 14

music

19

fashion

22

culture

Travel & Drink

——————————————— The travel destination this issue is Macau, with Eva Griffin on hand to give you the friendly advice you need, while Cian O’Neill extolls the virtues of the Copperhead Coast Irish Red Ale.

Games

——————————————— Joshua Nuernberger, the developer behind Gemini Rue, talks to Niall Gosker about the revival of the adventure game. In reviews, Aaron Murphy fills the boots of the caped crusader in Batman: Arkham Origins and Eva Griffin ends up marooned in an abandoned space station in Null Divide+. The annoying phenomenon that is games companies cynically converting your fond memories into cold, hard cash gets a going over by Martin Healy.

——————————————— Delving into the realms of transmedia storytelling Steven Balbirnie looks at its influence on modern TV, while Conor Potts outlines the ten films which under no circumstances should be viewed with your parents. Broken Song, Carrie and Thor: The Dark World all go under the scrutinous eye of Otwo.

Centre

columns

——————————————— Foil Arms and Hog return, explaining why you should never trust anybody ever. Speaking of people you should never trust ever, @tila herself is back in action, helping out all you needy huns. Trust her, she might be a doctor.

Film

23

We are trapped in the era of the ferocious buggy pusher, writes Caitríona O’Malley, and it is time to end their reign of terror before they end us

——————————————— Our centre sees Peter Hook, a founding member of Joy Division and New Order, sit down with Rebekah Rennick. Hook talks at length about his early life, his reactions to Ian Curtis’ death and his ever broadening playing style.

——————————————— In Album Reviews, new works by Miley Cyrus, Arcade Fire, Orla Gartland and Katy Perry’s are looked at. Orla Gartland talks to Otwo about her new EP and making a music video. O Emperor tackle pressing matters like Oasis or Blur and Tyler Ward tells Stephen Larkin why you shouldn’t laugh in an Air Force College.

——————————————— The fashion team were on the streetz once more presenting the people who bring the colour and pure class to the grey mess that is UCD. The spread this issue deals with all things metallic and shiny, as Emily Mullen presents the Jewellery issue. If you’re not one of those people, don’t fret as Otwo still takes the time to show you exactly what is #winning and #binning.

——————————————— Indulge in the splendour of fin de siècle Parisian fashion with Culture Woulfe or listen in as Ellie Gehlert chats to award winning poet Kerrie O’Brien.

fatal Fourway

——————————————— Remake or mistake? You decide as Fatal Fourway abandon the Queensberry Rules to duke it out in a typically undignified fashion over the best remake.

Picture the scene; you’re scanning the shelves greedily for chocolate and cheap sweets to get you through the two hour film in the cinema. Then you spot the pick ‘n’ mix, an economical choice. You’ve got your chewy, slightly harder, and sugar-coated snacks for an extra kick. Suddenly, something rams into your ankle.

You look up to see an insufferable mother ploughing through the aisles, wielding a screeching child in a buggy like a tank about to invade a city. You leap aside, but it is no use. She has smelled blood and weaves towards you. She won’t stop until she’s ground you into a quivering heap, clutching your crushed packet of pick ‘n’ mix and whimpering.

This malicious breed are called the aggressive buggy pushers. They march through shopping centres nationwide, oblivious to anyone who wanders into their path. If anyone does happen to stroll before them, they’ll be flattened into a bloody pulp on the floor.

These buggy pushers have no knowledge of the world outside nappies and endless discussions about their toddler’s bowel movements. They exist in a dizzying world of soothers, teething, beakers and mashed banana. When they strap their offspring into that seat with wheels, they are possessed by the demon of overbearing, irritating mothers everywhere.

“Fiachra can say full sentences already,” they gush as they hurtle towards a customer browsing through a selection of books. Ankles are their primary target. They shove the wheel into this tender area in their eagerness to grab another colouring book for the child they’re sure is a budding intellectual destined for a Nobel Prize.

The look on their faces is a terrifying one as they sniff out someone trying to avoid the course of their buggy like a bloodhound sniffs out a wounded fox. Is it so hard to drag a child along by the hand or even carry them? Those baby slings are quite fetching and non-lethal, why not choose those? Lose the wheels, for the sake of humanity.

The next time an aggressive buggy pusher decides they want to push their way through you, stand in their way, like that man in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square. Yes, it will be our protest against these tyrants and their monstrous instruments of pain. Let the antibuggy revolution commence.

otwo

3

Foil, Arms & Hog —You Can’t Trust Anybody In the latest instalment of everyone’s favourite Irish three-piece sketch comedy trio named Foil Arms and Hog, Foil Arms and Hog teach you that you can’t trust anybody in life

Our lives are consumed by paranoia; did anybody hear me poo? What did my mum find when she cleaned my room? Does that girl know how many times I’ve checked out her profile, or did I accidentally click ‘like’ while perving her photos? God I’d eat raw meat just to sniff her hair.

But most importantly, at a time when good friends will gladly waste no time in handing you out the fraping of a lifetime, who can you trust?

Initially this might sound like fear mongering, but we’ve all been bitten enough times to know this paranoia is justified. Like when you say to the hairdresser, ‘Just a trim’ and they hear ‘US army SEAL’. Or the shop assistant who assures you the mobile network does have coverage in your area and that ‘the problem must be that your house has walls’.

So who can you trust? This question presented itself to me in an official capacity recently when I was attempting to renew my out of date passport.

It was day 21 of the 10 day passport express service which I had availed of. I was sitting waiting

for hatch number 5 in the passport office. My flight was in 12 hours. I was anxious, angry and had lost all faith in humanity. I hadn’t felt this bad since that McDonalds salad.

The guy currently at hatch number five wasn’t doing much better. He needed a passport, but had no I.D. to prove he was himself. A tricky situation, you need I.D. to get I.D., but how do you enter the loop?

Fortunately, the lady at the hatch had the answer. “You need your identity vouched for by a respectable member of the community who knows you personally.” She helpfully explained. But who are these pillars of our community? The answer was well rehearsed and nasal “An elected representative, a member of the clergy, a bank manager...”

Hold on right there, what the fuck? A priest, a politician, and a bank manager? So, Bertie Ahern, Fr. Brendan Smyth, and David Drumm?

I don’t think I’m being paranoid in saying that these professions are the bloody axis of evil for modern Ireland.

There hasn’t been a trio so devastating to the global image of

our beautiful country since Crystal Swing. I’m not saying there aren’t a few good eggs amongst them, but you certainly wouldn’t confidently order an omelette.

There were, to be fair, a few professions on the list that didn’t set the alarm bells ringing: doctor, school principal and police officer, although I’m kinda 50/50 on that last one. But still, the list is woefully out of date; it belongs to an age when the bowl haircut and turtle neck sweater combo was considered sexy.

We need some freshening up, bring on the subs.

So, who can we trust? What are the unimpeachable professions we

can turn to? In an age of greed, who has their integrity intact? Plumbers.

If they are willing to put their hands down my toilet, I can trust them with my life.

Also, tree surgeons have been keeping themselves out of the papers pretty well recently. That should be rewarded. While we’re at it, why not comedians? The only thing we ever steal is other people’s material, plus we’re all really sound.

But are elected government officials ever going to remove elected government officials from a list of trustworthy people? Sounds unlikely.

Basically, you can’t trust anybody.

You might as well just shave your

@tila_da_hun

head, delete your Facebook account, hold in your poo, never leave the country and stay away from attractive red-heads.

In case you’re wondering, I got the passport in the end, but the picture they took somehow tripled the size of my teeth. I’m stymied with it for ten years. You can’t trust anybody.

Seriously though, if you can’t get enough of Foil, Arms and Hog in Otwo, why not check out their videos on YouTube, and/or join them on Facebook and Twitter @foilarmsandhog. They also have a fancy website with upcoming gigs and things at foilarmsandhog.ie

Story witcha Hun? Was at the Strauss last week having a rager, the tunes were massive and yer man from phantom waz prob’ly even more massive. I was wearin me C’mere Hun, new block-heel, sandal peep-toe, disco-ball-enI went to the TCD Law Soc Masque rave ther d’other crusted heels and me and the girls were wreckin’ week, since one of the girlos is a Trinners ourselves on the dance floor.

Society hack and cos UCD won’t have me I got dancing with the owner of the boat. Literu ok hun? back at their ragers since I took a slash in ally a wetzer. Was goin grand until I immediately Roebuck. We had a bleerin’ massive one in needed to shneakily get sick off the side of the some class haunted Castle in Tullamore (or boat. What’s the deal with cheeky chundering it could’ve just been one of those Celtic Tiger gaffs, near de ladz? Is all the grind work cancelled out if I dunno cos I was half-binned, and I didn’t wanna you go for a vom or does it carry over?? waste memory card space on a fuckin room like?).

Help @tila, ur my only hope (for gettin the ride, like) All the girlos thought it was class buzz until some Fortuna xx absolute bogey in the Trinity paper slammed us for bein obliterated and getting our gashes out, but like, Howiye love, no mention of the ropey lad who bollocked a window Normally I’m an advocate for an aul cheeky chunder, or the hordes of fellas whizzing out the window of the it’s the best thing that’s happen’d De Sesh since Dutch bus. Is there any good reason for me an’ the girlos to Gold, and the uglier but more craic cousin of the be demure and retiring while lads can obliviously piss Chunder Dragon. But yer main problem there was yer all over etiquette, or is society as daft as the lad who location. A cheeky chunder’s always fair game at prewrote the article? drinks, Lafayettes, the dole queue, Newman building, Serdia xx the venga bus, or any AgSoc event, ‘cause everyone’s all on the same shcaldy page, but unfortunately there Ah here, are too many West-Coast-Cooler-drinking, tote-bagI’m raging over that little string of piss Trinity wanker who donning, Nassau-street-frequenting brazzers to be came out with that bilge, even when I started out deckin’ getting away with a tactical vom.

Singidunumback in the day. I was bein’ glared at by posho Best advice der is, if they didn’t see it, then it didn’t Visigoths for bein loud and obnoxious and using battering fuckin’ happen or I’ll hop ye, yeh? At least that’s what rams. Lads can be arseholes but hunshaveta be demure I said to Naissus when he caught me mid-chunder after Been dealing with da huns problems since 445AD… Ur resident and retiring? Me hole they do. Ignore that lad, he has an deckin’zach Ratiara. There’s nothing to stop ye putting agony aunt & Hunnic Emperor lol! Don’t mess wit my girlos or I’ll arseways view of hunzo equality and I’ll brick his gaff when the blame on some bogey society harlot, an’ then wreck u like I wrecked da city of Aquileia . xoxo. Tweet me!

I find out where he lives swoopin’ in for the ride anyways.

‘Tila xoxo ‘Tila xoxo

4 otwo

Macau—The Dos & Don’ts Travelling to China? Eva Griffin gives you advice on how to enjoy yourself and avoid embarrassment when visiting Chinese Las Vegas

Beer of the

Fortnight

Do

make an effort to visit all the hotels as the Cotai area is China’s answer to the Las Vegas strip. A number of the famous grand hotels found in Nevada such as the Venetian, Sands and City of Dreams have opened chains in Macau. Stepping into the lobby of some of these hotels is truly jaw-dropping. The interiors are decadent to the extreme and though the view may often be blocked by flocks of tourists, it’s a true feast for the eyes.

nerves of steel and a fair bit of cash to throw around. It’s not for the faint-hearted and a generous amount of courage is a requirement if you plan on flying through the air at 75km/h.

While the prospect is highly exciting, spending nearly €200 only to collapse into a bag of nerves at the top is less than desirable..

Do

make use of the complementary shuttle buses to get around the city.

They’re free, comfortable and try to get onto provide a link between the hotels, the airport and the ferry the casino port. While using taxis won’t floor if you’re under 21. While the prospect is appealing, given break the bank, the waves of tourists traipsing around could that there’s one in nearly every mean you’ll find yourself at the hotel, the refusal from security back of a long queue in the is a little embarrassing. Chance scorching heat. your arm if you dare, but most casinos are quite strict about checking I.D. be tempted to waste the day winding in and out of Chanel, go up the Macau Prada et al in the grandiose Tower for one of the hotels. There’s a myriad of other most impressive views you’ll things to do, and you’ll only ever encounter. From the remind yourself that you’re a ground to the highest point poor and lowly student. Look, is an astonishing 1,109 feet.

Walking around the observation don’t touch. deck provides an expansive panorama of the Cotai Strip that visit the Giant Panda is certain to make you dizzy.

Pavilion, nestled away from the glitz and glam of the strip. A cab journey over won’t bungee jump cost you much and entry into off the top the park is a mere €1, with of the tower unless you have

Don’t

Do

Don’t

Do

Don’t

Copperhead Coast Irish Red Ale

the proceeds going towards panda conservation. Plus, those creatures are damn cute. If you’re a child at heart, there’s plenty of precious panda merchandise to be bought too.

Don’t

assume that everyone speaks English. While most of the hotel or waiting staff you encounter probably will, the majority of the locals will stare at you blankly or giggle unashamedly. The two main languages spoken are Cantonese and Portuguese, so either know a few phrases or have the translator on your smartphone handy should the awkward language barrier arise.

Do

hop over to Macau for a day trip from either

Hong Kong or mainland China.

A day is sufficient for taking in the sights and staying the night is bound to be pricey given the lack of hostels; unless you plan on staying at the Venetian. The suggested way to travel is taking a ferry as it’s inexpensive and fast and a single trip should take no more than 40 minutes.

Don’t

forget that the weather can be difficult to gauge; it’s either gloriously hot and sunny or there’s a typhoon on the rampage, usually between July and September. Getting stranded in Macau in the midst of a typhoon while everything shuts its doors in fear is by no means an ideal situation. Keep an eye on that forecast just to be safe.

Irish craft brewing has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in the past few years and the Dungarvan Brewing Company, based in County Waterford, are at its heart.

Founded in April 2010, they produce a range of bottle aged beers with a dedication to quality and their award winning Copper Coast Irish Red Ale is no exception.

A crisp taste with a slight bitterness belies a golden amber exterior. The hops are not overpowering and give way to a subtle fruity flavour that would make this beer ideal for drinking on a sunny day or with food. At 4.3% ABV, it is easy to drink without compromising on flavour.

It is best served just slightly chilled for optimum taste. Available in 500ml bottles in most off-licences, Copper Coast is refreshing while still having the hopsy character of stronger ales.

Cian O’Neill

otwo

5

Batman Arkham Origins

Following on from the phenomenal Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Arkham Origins is definitely more of the same, but this isn’t cause for complaint. The game is a prequel and doesn’t seek to revolutionise itself. It is what it is: a Batman game.

Arkham Origins is, like Arkham City was to Arkham Asylum, very much the same game with interesting add-ons.

The game starts in the Batcave on Christmas Eve, where the then little-known Batman hears word of a break in at Blackgate; Black Mask has broken out eight assassins (Bane, Deathstroke, and Killer Croc among them) whose job it is to kill Batman. The Caped Crusader is in for a long night.

The game eases the player nicely into its style of play and then throws them into the fire. It’s a good storyline, made better by the constant urge to perfect your fighting, and it’s not one you’ll ever feel like walking away from. It does however take time to get going, with a start that’s maybe a little too slow.

The difficulty increases as the game progresses and it can be quite frustrating to keep making the same mistakes. Thankfully, the relationship between the villains and Batman is one that’s interesting enough, or at least aggravating enough, that you want to keep pushing on and destroy them and, crucially, not the controller in your hand.

Graphically, it’s also very similar to previous games in the series and, as such, the visuals might be described as unremarkable, yet it is still a haunting and effective comic book stylisation. The game knows that it’s portraying another world and reality and because if this there’s no need for it to be ultra-realistic.

The gameplay is still fantastic and it’s easy to feel like a badass as you dispatch multiple enemies in 20 seconds of smooth, free-flowing combat. There are even more super fun gadgets here that you can earn and unlock, and all can be used to perform satisfying takedowns in some form or another.

It’s thrilling to enter a room and think of the many possible ways to clear it. It’s not all fighting though. The side missions are worth playing, and new features such as the crime scene investigation can truly make you feel like the world’s greatest detective.

If you were a fan of the earlier games, Arkham Origins should satisfy your bat urges. It’s a solid story that gives a lot of background and setup for the future events in the series. The gadgetry is excellent, the fighting is still enjoyable, and the villains are interesting antagonists. As Donald Dunne in The Blues Brothers said, “If the shit fits, wear it.”

Aaron Murphy

Publisher Warner Bros. Developer Splash Damage Interactive Entertainment Platforms PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC

6 otwo

Null Divide +

“Your ship has run out of fuel. Your only chance for survival lies within an abandoned space station...” This is the premise of MTMB Studios’ delightfully retro and completely free Null Divide+. A top-down shooter distinctly inspired by classic NES games, this simple quest for fuel is short but surprisingly enjoyable.

The aforementioned deserted space station is, naturally, not empty at all. Mysterious alien machines lurk throughout the hallways, actively impeding your innocent search for fuel. Five missions await you, each one requiring the tracking down of keys to open a variety of doors and, as tradition dictates, the end of a level ultimately leads you to a boss battle. Defeating each of these various super-machines results in the acquisition of new co-ordinates for you to explore.

The formula is elementary, but refreshingly effective in its execution. At first, the controls are simple as you tentatively direct the ship around with no weapon to combat enemies.

Thankfully, progressing through the missions and exploring every route available leads the player to find various upgrades.

These provide the once humble starfighter with greater offensive, defensive, and strategic abilities. This renders the controls more complex as you struggle to manage the broadening array of tools at your disposal.

Attempting to dodge incoming attacks and retaliating as the number of threats grow soon becomes a difficult task. Given the

lack of an intricate story line, the evolving shape of the difficulty curve is welcomed.

The ever-tantalising view of seemingly unreachable destinations lying beyond sometimes damage-inflicting barriers is a frustrating tease. The aim of this, however, is to encourage the player to return to previous areas later with advanced gadgets in tow.

Traipsing backwards to triumphantly move past obstacles is repetitive, but rewarding, as hidden artefacts and further nifty upgrades are waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, this is the extent of any sort of development.

Of course, the lack of an enthralling storyline will repel some, but others will openly indulge in the mindless fun of shooting enemies, hunting down items, and navigating the expanding game world.

The minimalistic graphics are archetypal NES aesthetics, though the vivid colours and sharp quality lend a modern touch. Even the use of old-school fonts is reminiscent of vintage 80s games.

The infectious synth of the chiptune soundtrack ties the whole package together neatly. The constant stream of endearing tunes is so reminiscent of soundtracks gone by that any sentimentalist, or committed hipster, will no doubt get the sudden urge to root through their old cartridges and further indulge in the kind of nostalgic atmosphere that Null Divide+ does so well to invoke.

Eva Griffin

Platforms Windows, Mac, Linux, Developer MTMB Studios Android

Lone adventurer Joshua Nuernberger talks to Niall Gosker about going it alone on the cyberpunk, retro inspired adventure game Gemini Rue

gemini rue

Combining the past and present to make the future is a daunting and ambitious task yet, when done successfully, it often yields the best results. Adventure games, which were quite popular in the eighties and nineties but faded quite a bit at the turn of the millennium, have still remained a constant fixture in gaming’s agenda.

Gemini Rue, from American developer Joshua Nuernberger, blends the old and new to great effect, illustrating the power of simultaneously looking back while drawing on contemporary sources.

Speaking of his first interactions with the genre, Nuernberger says, “I played a few adventure games growing up, in the 90s albeit, mostly from the Sierra and LucasArts catalog. Games such as King’s Quest and Space Quest. But what really captured me for the genre was after I played The Secret of Monkey Island.

“I couldn’t recall at the time whether any other video game gave me such an experience of joy, empathy, and involvement in a story and characters in a digital world. From that point on, I knew I had a desire to make video games, specifically adventure games.”

Gemini Rue, released originally in 2011 to a great reception and again earlier this year on iOS, turned out to be the culmination of that creative desire. It tells a gritty, cyberpunk tinged tale of the future.

Nuernberger credits some of the inspiration behind the game to both classic and modern influences, ranging from Blade Runner to Lost. “A lot of various pop culture went into it, ranging from TV, anime, book, game, and more. Lots of science

I couldn’t recall at the time whether any other video game gave me such an experience of joy, empathy, and involvement in a story and characters in a digital world

fiction and film noir.”

As the sole individual behind the project, Nuernberger worked in a rather unique scenario where, for better or worse, he had only himself to rely on. “From idea to reality, it took about eight months to get a working skeleton in place, then about two years total to get a fully-fledged, playable game.

“Then, another year to smooth out the edges and to make it presentable. So about three years total. As far as working on it alone, it helps

to build things in layers and to have a solid work ethic. Otherwise, you can get lost in the production aspect and lose sight of the ultimate vision.”

Nuernberger’s design process is reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe’s philosophy regarding short story writing: to work towards a certain effect or experience and then construct the framework, which allows for that to be imposed on the reader, or player in this case.

Speaking of it he explains, “I

didn’t think of designing it as an adventure game per se. What more concerns me is the experience the player goes through, not the set of puzzles, characters and dialog trees that are going to be incorporated in the design of the gameplay.

“These experiences, however, just happen to be within the set of adventure game genre mechanics. Besides that, the aesthetics of the game pull from different contemporary and more classic sources [such as film noir and cyberpunk] giving a more

heterogeneous mix to the atmosphere of the game.”

Many of the game’s mechanics are certainly wrapped in an older cloth, but not for superficial reasons.

“I would say it’s also conscious of adventure game tropes, so it doesn’t particularly embrace those for nostalgia, but simply adapts whatever is necessary to tell the story.”

Games aren’t Nuernberger’s only passion. His interest in illustrative work has had a great impact on his creative process. “I like working from a visual standpoint because when something looks right, in terms of atmosphere, it can set the bar for what the game is trying to achieve, even extending into the gameplay realm, wrapping up the player’s entire experience.”

It’s no surprise then that Gemini Rue feels like such a cohesive whole, the harmony between its presentation, writing, and gameplay all combining to make an atmospheric and striking experience.

Gemini Rue stands in very sharp contrast with the more accessible adventure games that have gained massive popularity in the last few years, favouring narrative momentum over puzzle solving, with Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead a prime example. Nuernberger gives his thoughts on adventure games from the polar opposite design philosophy.

“The element of choice in The Walking Dead is very appealing.

Figuring out what choices and permutations thereof are significantly affecting the narrative in ways that other games don’t really offer.

But as far as from a gameplay or experiential standpoint, I didn’t find it particularly striking.

“I really like Cardboard Computer’s Kentucky Route Zero. In terms of gameplay it’s very minimalistic, if at all, yet it encompasses so many interesting and varied narrative and visual devices that it’s a joy to simply be present in.”

Nuernberger partnered with Wadjet Eye Games to publish Gemini Rue in order to help it get more exposure. They’ve become something of a haven for retro-infused adventure games and it’s comforting to know that there’s a larger entity willing to help independent developers in realising their visions.

Now might be the best time for fans of adventure games since the golden years. The market is big enough and players enthusiastic enough for these two very distinct branches of the genre to exist side by side. Should creators remain as fruitful as they have been recently, the prospect of another adventure game lull is very unlikely indeed.

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Remastering nostalgia

With the video game industry preparing to enter a new console cycle, Martin Healy looks at a hugely popular trend of this current generation: HD re-releases

We’re also running into the problem of upgrading out-dated games and ruining the nostalgia

Shadow of the Colossus

It’s a trick that Disney has been pulling for a number of decades: mining nostalgia. As generations of children grow older and classic heroes like Mickey Mouse become a distant memory, Disney finds another way to reintroduce their stable of characters for a brand new generation and their empire carries on.

In video game terms, this has been a hugely popular idea powering modern Nintendo. The recent release of Pokémon X & Y will attempt to become a cornerstone of childhood for modern kids just like it did for youngsters in the late 90s. It’s always someone’s first Pokémon game. Such business practices have helped keep media empires alive and well, but a related trend has appeared in recent years, that of HD re-releases.

This generation of consoles has gone on longer than any other in the industry’s history. As evidenced by the all too common news of lay-offs within the industry, publishers are running out of money, ideas, and reliable franchises to milk. With

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their backs against the wall, they came to embrace the idea on banking on people’s nostalgia for games of yore and thus the HD re-release was born.

Dozens of such releases have appeared since the concept’s inception around 2010. Various franchises from the PlayStation 2 era have been upgraded with better performance, smoother textures, and sharper HD graphics.

The idea of the HD re-release, which can be appealing based on your fondness for the franchise in question as well as the quality of the HD upgrade, has been mishandled by game publishers as time has worn on.

The concept began with a number of huge, last-gen series like God of War and Resident Evil, but the quantity of games left to remake has dried up, leading to remakes of obscure and forgotten games as well as unremarkable entries in major franchises, such as the remastering of the two Zone of the Enders games for example.

One issue regarding HD rereleases has been the drop in quality of the ports. The God of War Collection and The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection are highpoints of the area. These games have seen their looks drastically upgraded by developers who were given the appropriate time and resources.

For every well-crafted release, however, we see others that seem to have been pumped out in a few months just to bolster a publisher’s financial bottom line. The Silent Hill HD Collection on the Xbox 360 was a technical mess and was never actually fixed post release. The lazy re-releases cast a bad light on the concept, like some of the cut-rate arcade ports seen during the early days of Xbox Live Arcade.

While plenty of franchises have been restored for the current generation, for better or for worse, we’re also running into the problem of upgrading out-dated games and ruining the nostalgia. Games are not films; films age relatively gracefully while games do not.

A movie from the 1940s can still be very enjoyable today but the same is rarely said about games from 1983. This problem extends all the way up to the last decade.

HD re-releases look to upgrade games from the late 90s and early 2000s, but even these relatively recent games can be very tricky to sell to an audience (whether new or returning) in 2013.

Game mechanics get dated quickly and are constantly refined by newer releases. Unless you hold incredibly strong nostalgia for a particular game, playing a HD version of something like Resident Evil Code: Veronica X is inherently difficult, with the mechanics and controls incredibly frustrating compared to modern Resident Evil games, or any modern release.

It is only when these games are actually remade or heavily overhauled that we get a facsimile of how they were to be originally played. Sadly, publishers find little time for such endeavours.

The HD collection represents an easy method to earn some quick turnover in these uncertain times.

Nintendo have a good track record regarding HD releases, as seen with their handling of the Zelda franchise with Wind Waker HD. With this, they did more than just a visual overhaul and addressed many of the big design complaints of the original release, making for an objectively better game overall.

Trying to capture the joy of older video games is a hugely common feeling for all gaming enthusiasts.

It’s difficult not to yearn for games of the past. While the intentions of the HD re-release are sound, publishers have shown an unwillingness to properly give these games a preverbal “new coat of paint”.

It appears that developers need to completely re-tool older franchises or remake them from scratch in order for them to appeal to modern industry standards. In the meantime, publishers will happily continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel looking for games to update, so don’t be surprised if Microsoft announces a Blinx: The Time Sweeper HD Collection any time soon.

It’s All Connected With transmedia storytelling gaining greater prevalence, Steven Balbirnie looks at the influence of this technique on the modern television series

Transmedia storytelling may sound like an unfamiliar concept, but it is a narrative method that you have probably experienced already. According to Professor Henry Jenkins of the University of Southern California, transmedia storytelling represents “a process where integral elements of a fiction get dispersed systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience.”

Taking a multi-platform approach

to a franchise assists in the worldbuilding process by allowing the audience to see alternative perspectives or aspects of a fictional world.

In cinema, the accompaniment of the release of The Matrix Reloaded with the videogame Enter The Matrix and the animation The Animatrix, provides a prime example of transmedia storytelling in action.

Television series have now jumped on the bandwagon as well. The most prominent current series to implement this technique are The Walking Dead and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

With The Walking Dead, this has taken the form of the web series that have appeared on AMC’s website in between each season of the show. These webisodes flesh out the wider world of the series by following stories that intersect with the plight of Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors.

The first web series, Torn Apart, follows the backstory to the first walker that Rick kills, while the most recent series, The Oath, is set in the hospital where Rick was comatose at the beginning of season one and explains the origin of the iconic “Don’t Open. Dead Inside” doors.

The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series has been designed to complement the feature films of the Marvel cinematic universe. The show follows the background characters that provide the support network to the Avengers. Agent Coulson takes centre stage, thus developing the story arc of a character that played a pivotal supporting cast role in several of Marvel’s recent film adaptations.

Taking a multiplatform approach to a franchise assists in the worldbuilding process by allowing the audience to see alternative perspectives or aspects of a fictional world

So, what are the advantages to taking this transmedia storytelling approach, and why is it becoming increasingly common? There are several reasons.

One is that it allows the creators to explore unused ideas just as the film Serenity did in regards to the series Firefly, and how the Dark Horse comic series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer continued the storyline of the television show.

Another reason is that it gives the audience a greater feeling of participation, as they have to piece the intertextual links together. Channel 4’s Skins did this by maintaining fictional profiles for the show’s characters on social networking websites.

The two reasons of greatest significance, however, are that transmedia storytelling sates the appetites of fans in between major instalments of a franchise, and it also helps to generate hype ahead of the next major release.

Transmedia storytelling represents not just a new artistic approach, but a pervasive method of marketing and thus its rise in television and in other media trend that continues to revolutionise the way we enjoy media.

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carrie

broken song

Director Kimberly Pierce Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer Release Date 29th November Modern horror movies often seem confined to played out tropes; such as the found footage, the zombie apocalypse, or the slasher flick. It can be safely told that Peirce’s Carrie isn’t any of these. In fact, it doesn’t even warrant the moniker of a horror movie. As reimaginings go, Carrie takes on a different feel compared to the original.

The film is set in the American suburbs, with the usual high school thrown in. While this seems normal enough, in reality, Carrie’s home life is ruled by the fanatical religiousness of her mother, Margaret, played by a precise Julianne Moore. Under this oppressive regime, all aspects of Carrie’s coming of age are abhorred. While she is pretty, she is shy and deals with issues of self-esteem.

One of the most infamously disturbing scenes in horror history is recreated here, with a nice addition. Capturing the complete and utter terror that Carrie feels, Moretz manages to keep the recycled moment a true horror to the audience.

Director Pierce should be commended for her use of technology and the internet, which was a well thought addition that also serves to raise the spectre of online bullying.

While that is a single moment of shock, it does not seem to stack up to true horror. Audiences are more likely to react with belly laughs, and not suspense-induced ones at that. Several well-created awkward moments are quite funny, but can feel weak and completely out of place.

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Ultimately, this is not a horror movie, but a coming of age story with thriller elements. Carrie is desperate to become a “whole person before it’s too late.” It is only because she rampages that she can accept her powers and, in a way, growing up. Characterisation is particularly weak in describing the prototyped mean girl, Chris.

The titular Carrie’s instant change from a girl calling to her daddy for help to dangerous and evil she-wolf isn’t very believable. Carrie’s mother is one dimensional and lacks the fullness of character that allows her to be effectively counterbalanced by Miss Desjardin’s (Judy Greer) care for Carrie.

Does this stack up to the horror movie test? Does it keep you awake at night looking for the shadows? Unfortunately, not at all. The acting is fantastic, but the setting and premise of the now clichéd American teenage high school movie with paranormal snippets thrown in is mediocre, unsurprisingly.

Those same clichéd, over the top elements combined with the odd laugh make Carrie relatively enjoyable. Just don’t go expecting to be scared.

In a nutshell A good try at recreating the original, but ultimately doesn’t match up to its horror story origins. Carrie is more a teen thriller with fantasy elements Rónán Schütte

Director Claire Dix Starring James Costello, William Lee Release Date 15th November The young people of Ireland have never been considered to be connoisseurs of hip-hop. They may have a certain idea of the genre, but there is always a certain lack of empathy and a notable cultural divide.

Claire Dix’s documentary Broken Song, about hip-hop musicians from the suburbs of Dublin’s north side is, in essence, an attempt to bridge the cultural gap by exploring the art form in a place that is so instantly recognisable.

One of the most striking things about the subjects of the film is the sense of community among them. Rather than the selfaggrandising lyrics that rap is often associated with, these men are more interested in discussing their lives and struggles.

Their rap is their outlet for expressing their frustration with society. It’s also a bonding experience. Small groups congregate in fields and estates to listen as each takes their turn to vent.

They offer constructive criticism to their peers. Even when a little unimpressed by the subject of one boy’s lyrics, which can only be described as rap-as-porn, the focus is on his enthusiasm, his lyrical ability and on encouraging him to develop himself further.

Dix wisely focuses on two musicians in particular, William ‘Willa’ Lee and James Costello. As much as the film is about music, it is about these two men, their relationship with each other, and the different paths that they have taken in life.

Both share a passion for their music, but while Costello appears to have lived his life on the straight and narrow, Lee’s past is more

complicated and still affects his present.

It is in the discussion of Lee and Costello’s journeys, and in illustrating the effect that their music has on them, that the film is at its strongest. We never hear the voice of the director or any interviewer; the subjects talk either to each other or directly to the audience.

Lee tells us that Costello is a kind of saviour to him, having entered his life at just the right time. He seems like a brother and father-figure rolled into one.

It’s frustrating to watch a man of such talent and passion for his music as Lee come close to letting control over his future slip away from him. It is Costello that is willing him to overcome his past, to change his behaviour and write the future that he wants for himself.

The music featured in Broken Song significantly shapes the story of these men, with the rappers’ song writing somewhat granting true access to their inner monlogues about the struggles of life in the Finglas and Ballymun.

Despite not balancing the audiences’ exposure to each rapper and failing to focus on the more interesting Lee, this documentary does have that interesting human interest angle that leaves people wanting more.

In a nutshell Not just one for hip-hop fans. Broken Song gives comprehensive insight into the role music can play in the life of a troubled youth Ian Mulholland

Thor: The Dark World

Top 10—

Movies You Shouldn’t Watch With Your Parents

10 Director Alan Taylor Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Christopher Ecclestone Release Date Out Now Help! The Dark Elves are attempting rollercoaster. Whether it is the romance to revert the universe to darkness. Thor: between Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) The Dark World is not a movie to be and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the losses taken too seriously. The film throws itself suffered by some central characters, the headlong into the Asgardian myth with hilarity of the Stonehenge incident or the little to no regard for the viewer’s belief plight of Loki (Tom Hiddleston), viewers in such a world. will constantly be torn between laughter Although this may seem like a bad and tears. idea, it is actually the films’ greatest Comic relief is frequent and well-timed strength. By completely disregarding throughout the film, usually coming from reality and the constraints it provides the less important characters in timely and engaging fully with the mythical and well dispersed intermittences. A nature of the Norse Gods, the film gains scene with a ranting Loki is bound to credibility. split the sides of any viewer.

From the off, this film is a different This ten minute stream of sarcasm, beast to Thor, or even The Avengers. The Marvel Universe references and bufstoryline follows the attempts of Malekith foonery encapsulate the character of Loki (Christopher Ecclestone) to revert the completely. Proving that mischief is his universe to the darkness that came nature and he can never truly be trusted, before. Questions on this matter are best no matter how much the audience left at the door. believes they can.

A large part of this movie requires A full-blown bells and whistles affair that the viewer leaves reality behind from start to finish, this film never and follows the film into the Asgardian pretends to be something it isn’t. It takes viewpoint, jumping into the swashbucka mythological tale and crafts it into ling mayhem with naught but a care in an explosive and visually appealing the world and a flagon in hand. piece of entertainment, the modern day Whilst Thor divided its time between incarnation of Viking stories around a Asgard and Earth, this time the charcampfire. This was how the Norse myths acters are continuously flitting between were meant to be enjoyed, with a sense of all nine realms, occasionally making it wonder and disbelief. difficult to keep up with what is actually going on in the story. Some viewers may In a nutshell find that, unless they have at least a basic Nine whole realms of exposition can’t knowledge of Norse mythology, a lot of stop this blistering blockbuster, filled to the film will be almost incomprehensible. the brim with trademark charm This is counteracted by the fact that the viewer is taken on an emotional Michael O’Sullivan

Black Swan

You might watch this with your parents because on paper, it looks like a harmless retelling of Swan Lake, and it’s about ballet.

What could be more family friendly?

Well, the creepy mother/daughter relationship, disturbing bird transformations and that infamous sex scene beg to differ.

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American Pie

After watching this movie you’ll never look at apple pie the same way again. We’re pretty sure that you wouldn’t want to experience that revelation while your parents are in the same room. This movie is about teenagers looking to get lucky and that description enough should steer you away from having an American Pie family movie night.

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Team America: World Police

It’s a movie with puppets in it. Puppets are tame. Well, also keep in mind that puppets can get away with more. There are many reasons you really should just watch this by yourself, but the only reason you need is puppet sex.

Oh, and songs about AIDS.

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Boogie Nights

Why would anyone in their right mind watch this with their parents? It’s about the porn industry, with countless awkward scenes filled with innuendos.

No matter how cool your parents are, don’t tempt fate.

American Psycho

Chainsaw chases, axe murdering, and threesomes. This movie is certainly not for everyone, but it’s also certainly not for you and your family to watch together. Unless you want to ruin Huey Lewis’ songs for yourself, Otwo recommends staying away.

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Borat

Naked wrestling, extremely racist scenes, and Borat’s antics outside Victoria’s Secret make things extremely awkward. Bruno may have gone further, but Borat came first, so it shocked us that little bit more.

Basic Instinct

This movie is a well-known Oscar nominated thriller, so it could easily find it’s way into the family DVD player, but interrogation scene does not need to be shared with parents.

Requiem for a Dream

Darren Aronofsky appears on this list for the second time. Before Black Swan, he gave us this gem. The poster appears tame, but instead we get strong drug usage, disgusting arms and horribly awkward scenes involving an ass or two. If the final five minutes don’t make you cringe, nothing will.

Wild Things

Blood, guts and gore; nothing is more awkward than nudity and Wild Things has it in spades.

Watching graphic female and male nudity seems like the worst way to spend family time with your folks.

Unless you love experiencing social discomfort, no one should put themselves through that. rld is dead.” Seriously? Seriously?!

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

You and your parents have read the book, so now you’re watching the movie. You are completely mistaken if you think that it won’t be as bad on film. There’s a terrifying rape scene that’s arguably worse than the book with the addition of those awful sounds.

Conor Potts

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“It was just all about the music, there was no bullshit” The legendary Peter Hook takes a moment to chat to Rebekah Rennick about new beginnings, lost friendships and life without Ian Curtis

Photo Julien LachaussÇe

Ian [Curtis] always said you had to finish everything you started because someone, somewhere, will love it.

That’s a great way to look at being a musician

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Every musically inclined teenager has been there. Standing in the blackened pocket that is a concert pit, slack-jawed and mesmerized by what they’re seeing on stage; a musician claiming their arena.

A sweeping notion glides through their mind, “I could do that.” This idea passes through many teenage minds watching a gig and this is exactly what happened to Peter Hook while at a Sex Pistols show circa 1976 in an unobtrusive hall in Manchester.

But not every adolescent goes on to form one of the most influential post-punk bands of the 1970s. “We left that gig thinking we can be musicians too, and the next day we formed our band,” says Hook. And that band was Joy Division.

Since leaving that smoky venue, Hook has accumulated quite a collection of life-experiences. Like all great stories, however, there are humble origins, and in Hook’s case these were rooted in Salford. “I am very much from a working-class background. We didn’t have a lot growing up, so that meant that I

did develop a sort of do-it-yourself excess partying. We were just all mentality from a young age. very focused on the band. This “I think that definitely helped me changed when we were in New to make it in the music industry, Order.” which is famously a very dog-eatThe troubled landscape of Ian dog world and quite a ruthless Curtis’ mind is a familiar concept to environment. I did spend a few years any Joy Division fan. An incredibly of my childhood in Jamaica.” emotionally-tuned human being, He recalls, “Over there we were his premature death continues able to live a lot more comfortably. to fuel the varicosity of love and I couldn’t believe we had an inside appreciation his audience have for toilet, for instance. We ended up him and the band. moving back to Salford and although Hook, however, remembers all it wasn’t as comfortable it did feel too clearly the first time Curtis’ like home. I think experiencing such epilepsy raised its brazen head. “He a different culture at such a young was our mate and he was in trouble. age was great.”

Remember that this is the late Touching upon the much-narrated 1970s, so there was nowhere near as and intricately dissected quartet much awareness of Ian’s condition that was Joy Division, Hook reflects then as there is today. fondly on the organic nature of those “None of us knew what was going beginnings. “It was just all about on with him or what he was going the music, there was no bullshit. All through. We didn’t understand the everybody wanted was for the band seriousness of it, so we just thought to succeed. once he had come round from his “Ian [Curtis] was a great leader first seizure that would be it, it in the sense that if there were bad was a one off, none of us knew the times, he would pick everyone implications and none of us thought up and say ‘come on we can do it would be the start of an ongoing this’. There were no drugs, no problem.”

Early recordings of Joy Division aligned with those of New Order and Hook’s newest project, Peter Hook & The Light. They are a timeline of his growth and development as a musician. “I had only just picked up the instrument and so my playing was very limited at first; easy riffs and basic chords” confesses Hook of his early bass playing.

Even in those early stages, he asked himself why the bass could not be a lead instrument too. “My playing became more and more sophisticated as I got more and more of a hold on the instrument, I wanted the bass to be in the mix just as much as the guitar, not just sat in the background as part of the rhythm section.

“I first started playing on the high strings because my initial equipment was so bad that they were the only notes I could hear, and Ian would say ‘That sounds great Hooky, keep doing it’, so I did, I guess you could call it a happy accident, and then I developed it from there.”

Stepping out of the loaded legacy of Joy Division, not to mention

Photo Eric Swalens

picking themselves up following the loss of such an integral friend, was never going to be easy for the remaining members of the group.

Yet, that is exactly what they did.

In 1980, Hook, Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and new recruit Gillian Gilbert arose from the ashes as New Order. With Sumner taking vocals, the band exploded from the basic, echoing melodies of Joy Division and cascaded into the new world of electronic, synth-infused dance.

Take a handful of New Order classics and they would fit seamlessly into our music collections today, a testament to the innovative minds and perpetual talent dripping from the members “The songs sound as fresh today as they did over 30 years ago when they were written and recorded,” Hook reiterates. “The work I did in Joy

Division and New Order certainly shaped who I am and how I play.

Looking back on it all now, I can’t ever imagine doing it any other way.

With The Light, it is just fantastic to be able to play this old material again” Hook is certainly a man that marches to the beat of his own drum.

This inclination saw him through the tumultuous highs and lows of New Order’s 25-year reign, before ultimately breaking up in 2006.

No longer on speaking terms with Sumner and Morris, Hook and his bass have continued touring and playing selections from his complete discography in their entirety to audiences far and wide. “You do get a bit tired of answering the same old questions about my relationship with the others, but it’s only natural that journalists will want to ask you about it.

“I don’t think you can overemphasise it really because it’s a massive thing. [We] were together for over 30 years and wrote a lot of great material, that’s a big thing and shouldn’t be overlooked. But for various reasons, it just was not working anymore.

“It’s like a marriage in a way, and we got divorced. But I understand why people always ask about it, it’s unavoidable. All I can say is that we have gone our separate ways and I am a lot happier as a result.”

Filling the weighted shoes of Ian Curtis and Sumner, Peter Hook & The Light sees Hook in the vocal limelight. Tracing from 1976 to 2013, the emergence of the once quietly confident bassist hidden between drum beat and guitar natter, to the tenacious vocalist we see now is quite remarkable.

“Working with The Light really is fantastic because they are such a great bunch. I have never enjoyed touring as much as I do with this project. We have a real laugh and enjoy ourselves on tour, but then when it comes to the gigs everyone is focused on delivering the greatest show that we possibly can do.”

While he has toured much-loved Joy Division albums Closer and Unknown Pleasures, including a scatter of New Order tunes, this new project has produced a wellanticipated EP. “Doing the EP was nice because it meant we could immortalise the project on a record and it also meant that we could finish the last ever Joy Division song, ‘Pictures in my Mind’, which at the time was an unfinished demo before we went in and finished it off. I am very proud of it.”

This transformation was not without its own trials and tribulations, as Hook was continuously berated, with critics and fans alike deeming his solo decision as sacrilegious and a last chance saloon. Not to mention the catalyst in his silent protest against past band members following the announcement made by Sumner, Morris and Gilbert that they were reforming New Order without Hook.

Unsurprisingly, Hook was undeterred and has been selling out shows with no signs of the drive to

My playing became more and more sophisticated as I got more and more of a hold on the instrument, I wanted the bass to be in the mix just as much as the guitar

perform dwindling anytime soon. “I think if I ever lost that excitement [to tour] then it would be time to pack it all in.

“Going on the road is tough at times simply because the schedule can be very gruelling, but then all the shows we have done have been great in their own unique ways so that picks you up all the time.”

Adding to his already distinguished legacy, Hook has published a first hand account of Joy Division’s entire history in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division.

Similarly, he is in midst of a follow up with Power, Corruption & Lies: Inside New Order.

“I’ve been blown away by how well the first two books were received by the public, so it has spurred me on. I think it’s important to tell the stories because it gives people an insight that they may not ever get without you doing it.”

It’s been a long road since that stimulatory Sex Pistols show, but the impact Peter Hook has made, not only for bassists, but musicians alike, is profound.

Still, he channels his dedication to the cause to one special person, whose influence reverberates through to this day. “Ian always said you had to finish everything you started because someone, somewhere, will love it. That’s a great way to look at being a musician.” His accomplished career is a fitting tribute to his fallen friend.

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On autopilot to fame From the bedroom to the stage, Tyler Ward chats to Stephen Larkin about becoming an overnight sensation and why he wants to work with Taylor Swift

Every musician sits in their room dreaming of being the next big thing. It seems like an impossible dream, but Tyler Ward is proof that it can happen. Creating original sounding covers and collaborating with others via YouTube, Ward has made a unique path for himself out of the bedroom and into the spotlight.

Ward’s links with social media are an aspect of his success that he deeply values and likes that it helps him maintain a strong, tangible connection with his fans. “Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram; all the social medias are so important to keep engaged with your fans daily to just remind them that you’re there.”

Ward has an infectious positivity, an aspect of his personality that led to trouble in his time at an Air Force College. “I was laughing too much so they made me clean floors and scrub toilets, it was just crazy.”

Despite this being reprimanded for his effervescent charm, he is thankful for his experience there. “I learned how to instill discipline in me, it taught me how to work hard even when I didn’t feel like it. I always tell that to young artists; you got to find what you like and work hard.”

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For Ward, music seems to have picked him, no matter how much he tried to get away from it. “I just fell in love with how it made me feel and there was just nothing like that. I was starting out to become a teacher, I felt this pull towards music and I was like ‘I got to do it, I got to do music.’”

Ward’s online presence started out small with videos “just for fun, friends and family… I didn’t think anything of it.” That changed quickly, almost by accident as he explains, “In 2010 I thought I’d do a cover of ‘We Are The World’ with some of the people I was working with and it hit a million views really quick.”

It didn’t take long to figure out why. “The Winter Olympics was on that year, it was on like February 10th or February 11th, something like that and I uploaded my video the day before and the Winter Olympics put out a video of ‘We Are The World’ with all these famous celebrities and that was the most searched video in YouTube history and mine was right below it, so it got really popular.

“So I started covering a bunch of songs and it allowed me to have this

It’s so funny because my fans know those details about me …

It’s weird, it’s almost like my fans are my girlfriend

growing fanbase and then I started to put out originals here and there and that led to touring and more music. I didn’t realise it was going to get so big, I wake up every day going ‘Is this real?’”

While he is a solo act, Ward is equally impressive when collaborating with others. “One of my favourite collaborations was with Jason Derulo, we got to do a song together. Going from a kid in his dad’s basement to working with megastars is overwhelming but really exciting.”

One artist he really wants to work with is Taylor Swift. It’s been well noted that he has a bit of a thing for the boyfriend-hating star. “I once wrote a song for her called ‘Tyler Swift’ and the lyric was “I even promise you this, I’ll change my name to Swift”… I would love to collaborate on a song with her called ‘You’re the problem.’”

Although covers and co-operations with other artists are what made him big, original music is where he wants to head and his new album will highlight this intention. “The album’s called Honestly and the cool thing about the album to me is that they’re all my original songs and

it’s mostly a story about my failed relationships. Not to say I always suck at relationships, but I kind of do.”

Most new artists are usually nervous for their first record, but Ward has no fears about it. “I put out a six song EP last year, it was all original music and that’s when I was really nervous… but for my first album, it only made sense to do all original music because that’s what a true artist would do.”

With a blossoming fanbase, Ward seems to be adamant that he’ll keep that personal touch with them all. “It’s so funny because my fans know those details about me so they know me really well and it can feel overwhelming sometimes, but they get it and they know me.

Like when I’m upset, they can sense that. It’s weird, it’s almost like my fans are my girlfriend, kind of bizarre.”

Bizarre maybe, although no fan seems to be complaining about the situation. And who wouldn’t want Tyler Ward as a best friend?

Tyler Ward is playing Whelans on the 16th of November. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ie.

Emperors strike back

From rural upbringings to sharing the bill with some of the best musicians, Paul Savage of O Emperor chats to Conor Conway to discuss the age old debate, Oasis or Blur?

It’s kind of a cheesy thing, but to see your name on a poster with massive bands is particularly cool

“Development in an artistic sense never really stops. You always only think you are as good as your last work,” asserts Paul Savage, frontman and ringleader of folk/rock outfit O Emperor; his words a mixture of contemplation and conviction.

It has been three years since the Waterford natives graced the threshold of the musical world with their critically acclaimed debut, Hither Thither. From once humble beginnings to playing Benicassim Music Festival and garnering a Choice Music Award nomination, Savage’s band has evolved considerably.

2012 saw O Emperor shelled up in Cork recording their sophomore contribution, Vitreous. Having parted company with major record label Universal, the band has since moulded their own perspective on what they hope to do musically.

cutting out a lot of the excess stuff that we used to put on.”

O Emperor is a band refusing to compromise their art for commercial pressure. This is reflected in the bands they cite as influences on Hither Tither. At the start of the recording process, the quintet turned to 80s new wave art rockers Talk Talk, who always expressed discomfort with the requirements of the music industry.

Talk Talk similarly had full recording control over their record Spirit of Eden, something that definitely resonates with Savage. “I guess the sound and almost the chaotic beauty of the whole thing was a nice approach that we thought was good for recording ourselves. They spent nearly a year, two years, locked in a darkened room recording it.”

Likewise, growing up in Waterford pays homage to the way this band uncovered youthful music inclinations. The Irish town provided a platform to listen to and indeed play music without the stresses of living in a big city.

It’s clear that Savage was subjected to a typical 90s Irish upbringing, rife with opera-loving dads and Blur-orOasis type best friends. “Dad was always a Pavarotti fan. I probably got it from other outside influences like going to school and hanging around with people that liked Oasis.

I probably started off on Oasis and then progressed on to Radiohead.

I still would very much listen to By opting to take on the their music sounds like it was Radiohead. They’re kind of the Led responsibility of producing written at a picnic attended by Robin Zeppelin of the era.” their second album alone, while Pecknold and Thom Yorke. With O Emperor are grounded, simultaneously resolving to build Vitreous, the quintet have “learned unassuming lads. Indifferent to their own recording studio to do so, how to cut out a bit of the fat” and the happenings of popular culture, the band have set themselves up for a truly “go for the jugular of just they are a breath of fresh air in a long future of music making. really getting to the essence” of their world replete with One Directioners Taking charge of production, even musical vocation. and Kanye-filled feuds. Having down to designing the album artwork, It embellishes some of the sounds played support slots with the likes was a process Savage enjoyed. “If heard previously on Hither Tither, of Villagers, Mumford and Sons and I was to save one of our albums out retaining the dense harmonies the most recently MGMT, Otwo wonders has there been any particular of my house that was burning, I’d listener has come to expect from milestone that stands out for the band. probably take this one rather than the the group while also introducing “I guess playing Benicassim was other one.” synthesizer to the bands musical particularly cool. It was great. It’s Almost afraid to insult his previous vocabulary. work, he backtracks, “They’re both At just 29 minutes, it is genuinely kind of a cheesy thing, but to see your name on a poster with massive something that you cherish, but all-killer-no-filler; a fact Savage bands is particularly cool.” Sharing for different reasons. I think this is not shy in admitting. “[On such slots will soon become a usual one is something that we would Hither Tither] there was a lot of occurrence for these Irish lads as certainly stand over more because it’s instrumentation and stuff and then completely our own work from start to when we played it live as a five piece a possible American adventure flickers in the near future. The finish and we’re proud of it.” it was little bit more rockier, more future is indeed looking tasty for O For those unaware of what to rougher. We wanted to capture that Emperor. expect from an O Emperor record, in a record and that meant just

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root to the top

Fresh off the release of her debut EP, Orla Gartland sits down with Kevin Beirne to talk about recording a music video and the origins of her arch-nemesis

Growing up in Ireland, there is a clear path that many people follow for the first 20-odd years of their lives. For most, the natural progression after the Leaving Cert is to move onto college, and anyone who bucks that trend is looked on with suspicion.

For Orla Gartland, a singersongwriter from north Dublin, the usual path just didn’t make sense.

Although she describes herself as “a nerd in sixth year”, it had always been Gartland’s intention to pursue her musical dreams.

“I was the oldest child, so when I was four or five, my parents asked me if I wanted to play an instrument.

I said I wanted to play the violin… I was under the impression that you held it [like a guitar]. In hindsight, I must have thought it was a ukulele. I must have seen it on Spongebob, or something.”

Despite this early setback, Gartland finally “pursued the original dream” at the age of twelve, as she took up guitar and then the ukulele. It would be a few years before she began doing gigs.

“When I started gigging, I was 15,” she says. “I found after a while that I was just organizing everything

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In preparation, I had watched all the Harry Potter behind the scenes things, because obviously when they’re casting spells, there’s nothing there.

They had to train their eyes to look where the animation would be

myself. I just began to get really frustrated with the fact that small gigs are in pubs; they’re not really keen on having 15-year-olds coming in and playing gigs.”

It was this frustration that led Gartland to uploading her first video to YouTube, a decision which seen her become one of the most popular young artists in the country.

She admits that, at the time, she viewed it as “just an alternative way to broadcast [my music] and get feedback.” Now, she boasts almost 10,000,000 views and over 80,000 subscribers on the website.

As she got older, she admits that there was a shift in focus towards establishing herself outside of the YouTube community. “I was reaching the age when people were taking me a little more seriously, and the first question any musician, or anyone, would ask was ‘What have you released? Have you released an album, or an EP?’ and I’d be like no, I haven’t released anything… I realised I wasn’t going to be taken fully seriously until I had something.”

In summer of last year, she released her first single, ‘Devil On My Shoulder’. Although she can laugh about it now, Gartland admits, “The

night of release, I was really excited.

I was there online, it was midnight and I was refreshing iTunes like ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m going to see my name on iTunes for the first time’, so excited.

“My whole family was there, and they’re just as excited. I was typing in my name and it was five past midnight and I’m starting to really panic… Something’s gone wrong. So instead of my name, I just type in the song name, and my name had been misspelled by iTunes.”

When she finally found her song, she realised that it was attributed to an artist called Orla Gartl. “It was just ‘Gartl’, the ‘and’ was gone... I was just staring at it… I didn’t want to promote it; the wrong name was on it.

It charted in Ireland with the wrong name and I was just heartbroken.”

A year removed from the event, she says, “It wasn’t funny at the time, but in the end, I just began joking and I made Orla Gartl into this arch-enemy… It took us like a week to sort the name out.”

Gartland reflects back on the event as a learning experience, one that has helped her release her very first EP, Roots. On the night of its release, it charted third on iTunes in

Ireland, behind only Lady Gaga and Eminem.

So far, two of the songs on the four-track EP, ‘Roots’ and ‘Clueless’, already have music videos to accompany them. Both involve Gartland as herself wandering around in an animated world.

This made things a bit difficult to shoot, although she admits to doing some training beforehand. “In preparation, I had watched all the Harry Potter behind the scenes things, because obviously when they’re casting spells, there’s nothing there. They had to train their eyes to look where the animation would be.”

The videos carry a certain charm that seems to flow through everything Gartland does, from her personable nature to the energetic EP. Roots undoubtedly represents a milestone in her career, and there’s no telling how far Gartland can go.

Orla Garltand’s EP, Roots, is available for download on iTunes now.

Tickets are still available for her gig with Hudson Taylor in the Academy on December 12th and tickets are also on sale for her Roots Tour in February 2014. Visit orlagartland. me/tour for more details.

album reviews

Miley Cyrus Bangerz

The twerking, wreckingball-straddling Miley we’ve all recently been (un)willingly exposed to laid down great expectations of what to expect from her newly released album Bangerz.

They say controversy sells records, and that certainly applies to this 16-track explosion.

Collaborating with a plethora of big names including Pharrell and will.i.am, from the onset she had a clear, focused outline; to create in her own words, “dirty south hip-hop.”

Opening the album with ‘Adore You’ features some remarkable vocals sung by an obviously gifted singer. Yet this gentle, swaying opener is almost a mockery of what comes next. While ‘We Can’t Stop’ is a crippling guilty pleasure, reaching number one in 24 countries, it’s an undeniable pop hit.

The much applauded and appalled ‘Wrecking Ball’ holds audible merit, particularly in its lyrical choices. Strip away the ultra-blue eyed white knickers clad video, Miley should be commended for pulling no punches in her striking display of love forcibly lost.

The remainder of the album contradicts ‘Adore You’ completely. While ‘4x4’ is reminiscent of ‘Hoedown Throwdown’, it seems to be a tribute to her father Billy Ray’s country roots.

Although there are certain ear-catchers, many are lacklustre and fall short of causing any sort of commotion, including ‘Drive’ and ‘#GETITRIGHT’. Similarly, some absolute catastrophes like ‘Love Money Party’ and ‘My Darlin’ linger, somewhat out of place on this indulgent release.

Hellogoodbye are back with their new indie-pop album, Everything is Debatable. This band is best known for their catchy top 40 hit ‘Here (In Your Arms)’, but while this feels like it was released only a few years ago, frighteningly enough 2006 marked their debut appearance with Zombies! Aliens!

Vampires! Dinosaurs! that included exclamation marks for effect.

While the band did infact release a follow up album in 2010, entitled Would It Kill You?, it failed to make as strong an impact as its predecessor.

A noticeable gap in album production, along with limited artistic progression from album to album, is also apparent.

Yet, this album does have some serious peaks including opening tracks ‘And Everything Becomes a Blur’ and ‘Summer of a Lily Pond.’

It labours, however, with an incessant amount of synth pop that initially makes you want to block your ears. But following a few more synthetic openings, the song writing and vocals start to redeem the bubble-gum layering.

There are moments when it is difficult to tell when one song ends and another begins, as some of the tracks are so similar sounding. Yet it remains a relevant album and will fit nicely into the contemporary electro-indie scene, although it just might not stand out from it.

Always eclectic and varied, with three stellar releases behind them, expectations demand that Arcade Fire keep delivering.

With the mammoth Reflektor, the Canadian big picture ensemble has done just that.

At 75 minutes, Reflektor is their longest LP to date, yet flows with a purposeful sense of pace.

None of the songs are overly lengthy or self-indulgent, with the possible exception of 11 minute closer ‘Supersymmetry’, half of which is an abstract ambient outro that asks a bit much of the listener.

The splitting of the album into two distinct sections is appropriate, each one reflecting a different type of Arcade Fire.

The former is a playful discorock infused romp while the latter shoots for the tender epic, with producer James Murphy’s electronic influence used sparsely to great effect. The halves come together to form a cohesive and immensely satisfying whole.

‘Afterlife’ is an undeniable highlight; the kind of speedy, soulful refrain many have come to love the group for. ‘Awful Sound’ and ‘It’s Never Over’, a thematic pair, act as the album’s powerful emotional anchors, while ‘Normal Person’ thankfully suggests the band hasn’t risen above straightforward fun, the song driven by a delightfully heavy, grimy guitar riff.

Reflektor marks another successful evolutionary step for Arcade Fire, a process that isn’t showing any signs of fatigue or hesitation. Their confidence and sincerity is as infectious as ever.

In A Nutshell Miley’s passion and raw talent resonates the truly great artist she will become if only she would stop trying so damn hard

In A Nutshell If you liked their early stuff, or you’re just generally a big fan of keytar filled music, then it is definitely worth a listen

In A Nutshell Inventive and touching, this album is a reminder of everything that has made and continues to make Arcade Fire special

In A Nutshell A surprisingly diverse four-track EP that will leave you wanting a full album

Roisin Culligan

Sara Holbrook

Niall Gosker

Kevin Beirne

Arcade Fire Reflektor

Hellogoodbye Everything Is Debatable

Orla Gartland Roots EP

Dublin-born singersongwriter Orla Gartland is no stranger to those of you who have been reading Otwo this year.

For anyone who hasn’t yet heard of the 18-year-old, don’t worry; you’ll be hearing her name an awful lot in the coming months.

Roots is Gartland’s debut EP, and it is sure to delight both her loyal followers and those just discovering her. While many young musicians will choose to keep their early releases as basic as possible, Gartland has not been afraid to supplement this four track EP with an array of instruments.

This gives Roots a much fuller, more mature sound than you might expect. Simple effects, such as the ticking clock in ‘Human’ or the echoing vocals of ‘Roots’ add to the atmosphere of the entire EP. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re listening to a much more established artist.

The second track, ‘Clueless’, is a poppy delight that you’ll most likely find yourself humming days after last hearing it. That’s if you can last that long without sticking it on again, of course. There’s a certain charm in hearing someone confidently singing with such an evidently clear Irish accent.

As it progresses, the songs get darker, with the emotional ‘Empty Man’ concluding Roots in a satisfying manner. It will be interesting to see what Gartland can do when given the freedom of an album of ten or so songs.

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Life Without Lou Following the untimely death of Lou Reed, Rebekah Rennick looks back on a life worth living in the heyday of the musical sphere

Radar— tell no foxx Wicklow natives, Tell No Foxx, talk to Jack Walsh about the pressures of the first EP, playing the Other Voices festival and being the Irish contender to Bastille’s crown

An anabolic love for poetry and literature, this interest fuelled the power of his songs “Lou had chosen the perfect day to Obvious examples include the set sail: the day of poets, on Sunday fleeting, swooping escalations morning, the world behind him.” mirroring the effects of shooting Patti Smith’s resonant, but up on ‘Heroin’ to the tunes such as touching obituary for her dear friend ‘White Light/White Heat’ and ‘What and resolutely talented human Goes On’ that subconsciously trigger being Lou Reed was one of many your groovin’ button. cascading messages that flowed in Reed’s unusually appealing flat following the death of the musician vocals and soothing guitar is a on October 27th. honeycomb of delight. Clicking on Whether it is down to the strength any Velvet Underground album is like and unavoidable awareness of the curling up in your favourite childhood media, Lou Reed’s passing was one blanket; heavy yet comforting. that grounded the musical world The effect Lou Reed has had momentarily. Where does one begin since his debut is something that is with Lou Reed? lost in today’s musical hemisphere of From The Velvet Underground pop plasticity and crooning saps that beginnings to an equally powerful make you cringe with every awkward solo career, this Brooklyn native chord progression. was always going to make waves.

When you look at the artists The influence and legacy traced by today causing the loudest impact, this post-punk progenitor stretches including Miley Cyrus and Lady confidently to the vast corners of the Gaga, their influential lyrics fall music world. flat and limp against the laconic yet An anabolic love for poetry and profound words of Reed. literature, this interest fuelled the Lou Reed achieved his level of power of his songs. His ability acclaim without the unnecessary to weave images from simple and pungent tool of puppetcollaborations of words has been controlled controversy typical of any something rarely matched since. successful musician today. Yes, he

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dabbled in drugs and boozed and partied, but this did not shadow once the individual resonance of his records, and as it shows now following his death, their immortality.

Laurie Anderson, longtime partner and wife since 2008, poignantly wrote about their relationship together and Reed’s final, peaceful moments in this world. She believes, “The purpose of death is the release of love,” and this is exactly what has happened since that quiet Sunday evening last month.

Her adoration for this man is echoed in anyone who had the pleasure to appreciate what Reed created over the years. From euphoric dance numbers such as ‘Hangin’ Round’ to trembling affections seen in ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ there is a tune for every mood.

So, if you’re a new listener or a dedicated follower of the Lou-train, I think we can all agree when Anderson sweetly concludes what we’re all thinking. “He was always so gorgeous.”

For a band that only formed in early 2012, Tell No Foxx have come a long way. Johnny Flood, Luke Lacey and Brian Bucket appear to be very levelheaded in their approach to music. This isn’t a band that deals in riff raff.

Speaking to Otwo about the origins of the band and how they got into music at a young age, the group felt the foundation of Tell No Foxx was “pretty standard, Luke grew up in a musical family and started learning classical guitar, Brian began singing in a local choir from a young age and Johnny started learning how to play guitar very badly; that’s why he now plays bass.”

Although they are remarkably down to earth, Tell No Foxx they definitely come across as three highly driven perfectionists who always push themselves to fine-tune their sound. “We are three strong-minded individuals. It took a long time to find a sound that defines us.

“Finding our sound consisted of making loads of mistakes. It was the happy accidents that directed us to what we sound like today and were pretty happy about it.”

The first recorded work for any band requires a lot of toil over equipment and defines the future of any band, while also requiring the confidence to convey years of work into 40 minutes.

Tell No Foxx, by admission, have taken a grinding approach to the process. “The past six months we have just been in a groove,” they say.

“We get together every day and work on our music. This allows us to really take our time at what way we want it to sound. Influence comes from everything: music, film, surroundings, people, social life.”

Regarding their first EP, the Wicklow group is taking things on a day-by-day basis. “Our EP is still pretty much under construction. We have been recording demos off Luke’s laptop for the past few months to work out all of the kinks.

“We often change up a song or re-record it until we get a sound that we’re happy with. This is the pre-production stage, and it can be quite tedious. Next step is to record in a proper studio, which we’re set to do in December. If all stays on track, we hope to have our debut EP out February 2014.”

For an Irish band, inclusion in the annual Other Voices festival is a reward as much as it is a trial by fire. Undeterred, the band believe the that “Other Voices was an absolute blast, we didn’t know what to expect.

“We were playing the music trial. It’s where they got Ireland’s newest bands and had them playing in local venues around the city. It’s pretty surreal walking around the city in awe of the amazing talent this little county has to offer. Some bands got venues with nobody there. We got thrown in at the deep end and played to about 150 people.”

After being described by GoldenPlec.com as the “Irish contender to Bastille’s crown,” the band has been invited to do a leg of the FMC Tour with The Funeral Suits, Le Galaxy & Dathi. With their confidence firmly in place, the Tell No Foxx are firmly on their way to becoming more than mere contenders.

street style

Jamie Mann

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2

Studying Sociology & Economics Wearing: Shirt – Vintage shop, Shoes – Nike, trousers – Penneys, Knitted Jumper – River Island, bag – bought at a reggae festival in California.

Style Inspiration: London street style.

Biggest bargain: An oversized shirt from Fresh Temple Bar for €15.

Most expensive purchase: Barber jacket €200.

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1 Eoin Hinkson Studying: Politics & Sociology Wearing: Jeans – Hollister, Jacket – Hollister Jumper – Farrell & Brown, T-Shirt – Penneys Shoes – Converse, Scarf – Guy Laroche, Gloves – Penneys Fashion Influence: Comfort

2 Mathew Jones Studying: Arts Wearing: Jeans – Penneys, Shirt – Thrift Shop London Jacket – Topman, Shoes – New Balance 1500’s, Bag – Found Fashion Influence: The Streets

3 Cara Spellman Studying: Music & Philosophy Wearing: Trousers – Chaotic, Shoe – Urban Outfitters Jumper – Topman, Jacket – Bershka Fashion Influence: Lady Gaga & Berlin Fashion

4 Ruth O’donovan Studying: International Commerce Wearing: Shoes – Aldo, Jeans – Topshop, Knit – Zara Coat – Zara, Necklace – Owned Since She Was A Baby Fashion Influence: Mixture of Magazines & Blogs

5 Laura Peters Studying: Commerce Wearing: Leggings – River Island, Shoes – River Island Jacket – River Island, Scarf – Market¸ Hoodie – Topshop Beanie – Topshop, Ring – Made by Mother Fashion Influences: Asos

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Bejewelled and beautiful Models Alexandra Archbold & Fionnuala Kenny MUA Gill Lambert Photographer Joanna O’Malley Hair Stylist Christina Orwell Chief Stylist Christin McWeeney Words Lucy Coffey

Alexandra Silver Necklace – Topshop – €27.00 Grey Multi-Draped Chain Statement Necklace-River Island – €37.00 Grey Filigree Diamante Statement Ring – River Island – €13.00 Silver Tone Diamante Hinged Ring – River Island – €13.00

Fionnula Gold Tone Diamante Dome Ring – River Island – €10.00 Statement Necklace – River Island – €26.00 Statement Earrings – River Island – €17.00 Gold Hair Piece – H&M – €3.50

The jewellery and makeup trends this season emphasises the va-va-voom factor of a long-gone world of glitter and glamour. A matt foundation, bold lip and a subtleyet-defined eye serve to complement the three looks. The way in which makeup and accessories compliment and tie in with one another is of the utmost importance with any look.

As seen from the 60s-inspired, clear-eyed and flawless diamond look to the romantic-chic chains that dangle from the necks of many a couture catwalker, the winter season promises a definitive shift towards big and bold statement pieces.

Not to alienate the sophisticatedyet-classic look of simple pieces, of course. These are still prevalent during this period of cold merriment.

These simple pieces bring an edge of fresh, untempered style to everyone’s winter woollies; soft knit set alight

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with the gleam of your metallic obsession.

Big pieces are in this season and the bold, blue-eyed and beautiful Fionnuala turns our attention to the stunning coral and comely gold chain effect that seems to have grasped designers by the ankles and shaken them into perfecting the style.

Her look is reminiscent of a 60s youth with a hint of baroque adornment. The subtle blend of soft gold, creamy pink and tremulous turquoise make her necklace an exquisite blend of the Victorianesque feminine and a modern day sheer-drop of sweetness.

The pink coral earrings serve to add flare and sharpen the contrast between the black fur wrap that practically sings the word ‘timeless’ in this very cold and bold season.

Similarly, the romantic looked sported by the timeless features of

#winning #binning

/

or

#winning

#binning

Fionnula Head Scarf – Lush – €5 Gold Tone Heart Stud Hoop Earrings – River Island – €10.00 Gold Watch – River Island – €33.00 Arrow Midi-Ring – Topshop – €6.50 Midi Gold Rings – Topshop – €6.50 Gold Chain – Rhinestones – €45.00

Christmas Jumpers

Cowl necks

Worn strictly in the ironic sense of course. The jumper must be vintage, circa 1990s sardonic Santa phase, worn whilst pushing a retro bike, en route to a vinyl flea market, accompanied by at least six Instagram uploads using the 1977 filter, for that old timey vibe. #soindividualithurts

Boys, why? Why would you even put that thing over your head, and let that flappy bit of material just lie there?

Whoever informed you that this was fashionable should rightfully be hung, drawn and quartered publicly. #kantevenstart Last year’s cardigans

The wool bobbles from over-wearing and a whole year in the cupboard without mothballs are frankly offensive. #franklymisterShanklybuyyourselfanewjumper Tissues

The best new accessory yet and revolutionary in design and functionality. Try using one, those sniffly snot mounds under your nose and the charming rhythmic snuffling that follows the snot are trés #binning #yeahimtalkingtoyou Black tights

Alexandra is another key element of this season. Sweeping, darktinted metallics play the favourite across the fashion board, as they seem to drink in the feel of this holiday season. Chunky or thin, when standing alone or paired with other pieces, chains make a definite statement and the red lips, dark eyes and soft blush that paints the face.

This said, some looks persevere through the seasons and the plain perfection of a simple bracelet made of a twist of gold can enhance, without overwhelming, some outfits.

The 70s rock-chick look seems to rise from the ashes of its former glory every few years and its enduring popularity has been the cause of many classic looks. As with Fionnuala, we see a warm, gold motif arise and slip itself over and around the heads of many a bodice.

The sweeping effortlessness of the

simple gold band, chain watch and crisp, autumnal-patterned headband provides an outfit with a spoonful of elegance and a fistful of 70s warmed charm.

As the frost-fired gusts of winter blow away the last of the Halloween nylon and zombie-esque rags from your wardrobe, move your sights to the next event of the season: Christmas.

The parties will rain down on you from a far height and jetting through the ice and snow to find that perfect dress or suit ensemble will seem completely worth it, when you take into account how, even though you look fiercer than a stallion on fire in them, your December jumpers might leave a little too much to the imagination than you would like. The accessories, however, combined with a complimentary eye and lip colour, will take the outfit to whole different level of perfection.

These are God’s brand new disciple on earth. Bang on underneath any summer dress or skirt and bish, bash, bosh; you’re #winning. N.B. Don’t you dare go near shorts with these bad boys, don’t mess with the system. #choochootiktikshorttrain

Slovenly dress code

Ssrly, it’s bad and there is no sign of improvement ether. Plz for the sake of The Aesthetic stop dressing so shit. Although it’s cold and the assignments are eating away at your soul like a nasty strain of venereal disease, stop putting your hair in greasy, greasy, #greeeezy buns and wearing skaghag trackies, there is literally no excuse for this reckless behaviour. #sortyizlivesouvih #getoutohthelibraryandintoTopshop4Christsakes

The Heating

So warm in fact it allows us to wear summer clothes inside and then winter clothes outside.

Fascinating. It makes for interesting viewing as people exit the building, observe the t-shirt being adorned with a sheepskin coat, hat, scarf and waterproof trousers. #whoneedsasociallifewhenyouhavesomebinoculars

Selfies

Selfies in any form should not be tolerated. Unless you don’t have a mirror and have a fear that your make-up is taking a trip in the southerly direction, or you’ve just eaten a protein shake and you worry some of the chemicals are stuck in your teeth, then don’t. #keeptheducksinthelakeplz Emily Mullen

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Culture Woulfe Chester Beatty Library—Costumes Parisiens, fashion plates from 1912-1914 Travelling through time this week, Laura Woulfe explores the defining era of Parisian fashion at the Chester Beatty Library

Costumes Parisiens, fashion plates from 1912-1914 is everything you expect it to be. It is feminine and flirty and embodies wholeheartedly the belle époque of French vogue in the early 20th century.

Despite its focus on the French fashion journal, Journal des Dames et des Modes, the exhibition emphasises the influence of several different countries and their cultural couture on the Parisian fashion world.

Of particular interest to Irish visitors is one fashion plate that shows the use of Irish crochet. Alongside this, the influence of Oriental and Russian design can also be seen throughout the exhibition.

Arguably the exhibition’s emphasis is on the influence of different cultures on fashion, which helps to break down the elitist perception of Parisian couture. This encourages the visitor to view the exhibition as presenting Parisian fashion as a multicultural art form that culminated in Paris, but was established through an amalgamation

of the most beautiful elements of different countries’ prevailing fashions.

This said, the exhibition also exudes a dreamy atmosphere and presents a rose-tinted snapshot of the life of the bourgeoisie. The exhibition in this sense is light and enjoyable for all viewers; even those who may not consider themselves a fashion enthusiast.

From an aesthetic point of view, the fashion plates are executed with precise accuracy and the fine pinpoint details of lace and embroidery are astounding. Art Nouveau dominated the art scene in Paris during this era and this is evident in the overlap between fine art and fashion design.

Even the burly museum steward spoke about the exhibition with genuine enthusiasm and he certainly did not look like a devout collector of Vogue magazine.

As well as presenting the beautiful fashion plates, the exhibition also shows a number of examples of actual Parisian dress, beautiful ball gowns

and a silky green coat inspired by Japanese kimonos. As beautiful as these pieces are, however, they do provide a contrast with the dream-like, candy coloured fashion plates, which were featured in the magazine.

The fashion plates all feature extremely beautiful and elegant women against a backdrop of cherry blossom trees or a mystical night sky that is similar to the way fashion photography is practiced today. By having examples of actual 20th century dress, the exhibition reminds us that fashion design not only

The illuminating poet Poet Kerrie O’Brien talks to Ellie Gehlert about Ireland’s emerging talent and finding her own literary voice

“I think Dublin is one of the best Despite her tremendous success, places to be an emerging writer at having read internationally in Los the moment,” says up-and-coming Angeles, Paris, and an upcoming event poet Kerrie O’Brien as she explains in London, O’Brien says that she is how the supportive atmosphere of still finding her voice as a writer and the writing groups she joined in the that travelling has fostered both this beginning of her career helped her development and her awareness. development. She attributes part of her “I spent most of 2012 reading in success to having been “naïve and, as different cities and it really made me a result, fearless,” even though she has appreciate how talented people are also had to handle rejections. in Ireland and I didn’t expect that.

O’Brien’s persistence has more There’s a really high standard in the than paid off. She has won the 2011 underground writing and music scenes iYeats Poetry Competition, the RTÉ here that I haven’t seen anywhere else.”

Arena Flash Fiction Competition 2012 Her blog project Bare Hands and has been published in the Irish Poetry reflects this appreciation as it Independent and in New Irish Writing. “showcases contemporary poetry from Although O’Brien had always around the world and aims to publish wanted to be a writer, she only started work that is beautiful and accessible submitting work to journals in her at the same time.” final year of college. She names Alongside four other young Irish Sharon Olds’ poem, The Promise, as writers, O’Brien will be presenting the initial spark that set off her own her work in London this November, creative writing process, because it is which she believes will showcase the “so honest and emotional.” talent among Irish writers. “I hope it The majority of her work is based will make people take notice of the on her own experiences, she says, brilliant writing coming out of Ireland “but my main inspiration comes from at the moment.” powerful collections such as Birthday She says that how people take Letters by Ted Hughes, Love Alone notice of her has changed significantly

by Paul Monette, On Purpose by Nick ever since her chapbook, Out of the Laird.” blueness, has been published. “I

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found people took me much more seriously as a writer and it led to bigger opportunities like grants and residencies.”

O’Brien’s next piece of work will be released in February 2014, when her first official collection of poetry, entitled Illuminate, will be published.

While O’Brien also has plenty of plans and ambitions for the New Year, traveling features prominently in her mind. “I hope to do a reading tour with that and then focus on writing a novel.

I’d love to travel more and perhaps [consider] writing a residency abroad.”

Beyond her personal work, O’Brien is rising to become a prominent figurehead for cultural events in Dublin. Between curating a night of poetry and music called Baring Our Ashes with Dimitra Xidous, to organising successful events that were apart of 10 Days Dublin festival and Dublin Culture Night, whatever O’Brien tries her hand at next will no doubt bring success to this talented writer.

You can read Kerrie O’Brien’s poetry at www.kerrieobrien.com and find out more about Bare Hands Poetry at barehandspoetry.tumblr.com

presents an ideal in the same way that art often does, but it also must later be applicable to reality.

Costumes Parisiens, fashion plates from 1912-1914 is a beautiful exhibition housed in the beautiful location of the Chester Beatty Library and provides the perfect means of escapism from 21st century Dublin to the frivolity of pre-war Paris.

Costumes Parisiens, fashion plates from 1912-1914 in the Chester Beatty Library closes 30th March 2014 and admission is free

Fatal Fourway Best remake

This fortnight, Otwo’s band of cronies are deadlocked on the question. The all important question.

The question to end all questions. What is the best remake?

Star Wars

Jack Walsh

The idea that a grand space opera’s humble beginnings came from a samurai movie (The Hidden Fortress) may seem absurd, but we are talking about a movie involving the “This is CNN” man in an all-black leather bodysuit as the bad guy.

The beauty of the original Star Wars was the mystery, the many unexplained notions of a galaxy far far away which were 100% ripped off from the samurai movie. ‘The way of the Force’ and ‘path of the Jedi’ sounds an awful lot like the samurai warrior code of Bushido.

Now imagine a dainty little code of ethics and then BAM! Lucas storms in and adds force lightning and telekinetic powers.

Also imagine a sword, yeah? Now imagine a sword with neon colour and swoosh sound effects. That’s a lightsaber, yo. Don’t touch it though, or you’ll get your legs and arms cut off Hayden Christensen style.

The Hidden Fortress details the lives of two peasants who constantly bicker, help out a great general and accidentally fight bad guys.

That ladies and gents, is R2D2 and C-3PO, the true main characters of Star Wars who actually appear in all six movies.

How does Lucas make his peasants better you ask? He makes one lad completely made of gold and the other one a bin that can whistle; science fiction genius. Oh and that great general from earlier is played by Harrison Ford in Lucas’ world. ‘Nuff said.

Desiderius Erasmus’ Greek Translation of the Latin Vulgate Bible Emily Longworth

As possibly the most ground-breaking remake in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, the 1516 publication of a Greek-Latin Parallel New Testament has changed the face of the Bible as we know it today.

Well not the actual face, scholars probably maintain that no change was made to the cover. But that needn’t matter; not when you’ve pissed off Pope Leo X past the point of forgiveness when you brought it to his attention that an inaccurate and corrupt translation of the Vulgate had been used by him and his kin for over 1,000 years.

Apparently that makes a person a heretic, and so everything Erasmus ever wrote was placed on the Church’s Index of Banned Books (Longworth, 2010).

This Greek-Latin edition even fell into the hands of Martin Luther in Wittenberg, kick-starting him into the Reformation, which incidentally is the second best remake of all time. Erasmus hated this, because he hated Luther. Wasn’t the whole Protestant racket just a fad anyway? Like Furbies, or pogs.

At the end of the day, incurring the wrath of the entire Catholic Church and unintentionally starting the Reformation are what define a success. That, and the fact that Erasmus was also a complete lash, is what makes his Bible the best remake.

Lord of the Rings

The Good, the Bad, the Weird

I’ve probably watched Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy more times than you’ve had hot dinners. Admittedly, the microwave in your student accommodation is broken and you really like those Tesco brand cheese puffs. That still, however, equals a hyperbolically significant amount of time spent crying to “Into the West.”

Prior to Peter Jackson’s truly epic, if creative, take on Tolkein’s trilogy, was a 1978 animated interpretation of the classic tale, directed by Ralph Bakshi. If it was only lacking in quality in some nondescript features of film making, then we may have been able to wash it from our collective unconscious like so many Kirsten Stewart movies.

The poor acting, the score, and the blatant lack of any Viggo Mortenson-grade smoulder can also be forgiven, to a degree. But unfortunately, the combination of hand drawn cel’s, instagram filtered sets, and rotoscoped live action footage make for a truly horrifying viewing experience.

The intense red tint to every scene is not even worth questioning; mainly because the viewer is usually busy asking other questions like, is Boromir a viking? Why does Aragorn look like a Native American? Why does Aragorn also look like Jackie Chan?

The 70s may have given us some truly tremendous things like concept records, art house horror, and that Farrah Fawcett poster, but Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings was not one of them.

As a general rule, remakes are terrible, but once in a while a film will come along and buck the trend spectacularly. The Good, the Bad, the Weird is this film.

Now you might think that a 2008 Korean remake of Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western masterpiece, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly would be sacrilege, but you’d be embarrassingly wrong.

Director Kim Jee-Woon’s ode to Leone is a brilliant homage to the genre, while he firmly puts his own stamp on the classic tale of three morally ambiguous cowboys on the hunt for treasure.

The setting has been updated from the American west during the Civil War to Manchuria, the Wild East, during the 1930s and the competing Union and Confederate soldiers have been replaced by the Japanese Army and Mongolian bandits.

The soundtrack fantastically evokes the brilliant Ennio Morricone music of old, the dark humour of the original is present and Jee-Woon has reproduced Leone’s trademark cinematography with the film’s climactic stand-off providing a perfect example of this.

The Good, the Bad, the Weird shows that a truly excellent remake isn’t a shot-for-shot reproduction. It captures the style and spirit of the original while being unafraid to blaze a trail of its own.

Laura Bell

Steven Balbirnie

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The Back Page “I couldn’t believe we had an inside toilet, for instance!”

Peter Hook on moving to Jamaica from Salford

“I wanna get together with her sometime and be like “Hey girl I know you write all these breakup songs, he hurt me and did this and this but have you ever thought of writing a song called ‘You’re the problem’” YouTube sensation Tyler Ward reveals the meaning behind his crush on Taylor Swift

“I didn’t even know what twerking was until about two days ago. It seems to be a concept that was around long before Miley Cyrus started doing it.

The whole thing is a bit bizarre. Stupid really” Paul Savage of O Emperor gives his insight into twerking

The image on the left is the official promotional poster image for Thor 2, the image on the right is however the poster which subsequently appeared in the foyer of a Chinese cinema upon the film’s release, and it’s caused a bit of a stir on the internet

sudoku

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