WESTWORLD ISSUE 5
Campus Style George Ezra Lower Than Atlantis The Cribs War Horse &MORE
2
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
Editors Dulcie Horn westworld@westerneye.com Mădălina Ciobanu assistantwestworld@westerneye.net Christian Northwood music@westerneye.net Portia Lyons musicassistant@westerneye.net Contributors Ellice Weaver Stephanie Broadbent Danny Cozens Alina Georgescu Bryony Darbon Silas Oxford Amy Rance Beth Randall Sam Walker Scott Clarence Tom Carter Chloe Fry Hannah Ryan Cover photo is Anna Whyte by 3rd year photography student Amy Rance, see her featured artist profile on page 7.
george ezra comes home for sell out show BY STEPHANIE BROADBENT
GEORGE EZRA / COLSTON HALL / 17TH FEBRUARY 2015 As the lights dim and the black backdrop is lifted to reveal “EZRA” up in lights, a sense of anticipation ripples around Colston Hall. The band walks on, followed by the man himself - looking as calm as ever as he strolls up to the mic. He puts his mug of tea down and casually introduces himself, “Hello… so my name is George Ezra and this is my lovely band… the first song we’re going to play for you is Cassy O’”. It’s this relaxed approach that Ezra takes that allows everyone in the crowd, of all ages, to feel personally welcomed. In a matter of seconds, Ezra has managed to turn a show that’s sold 2,000 tickets into a very intimate affair. Halfway through, the band leaves the
stage as Ezra plays three acoustic songs including Bob Dylan’s Girl From The Northern Country, after which he cheekily quips: “I didn’t write that, just in case you thought I was that good”. Throughout the acoustic stint, twinkling star-shaped lights behind Ezra mesmerise the crowd, as his unmistakable voice fills the auditorium with ease, sending the gig into a dreamlike state. The return of the band quickly brings the room back to reality, as the tempo is picked up with Stand By Your Gun – much to the delight of one lone, middle-aged fist pumper in the crowd. Whenever there is a pause in the music, the silence is quickly filled with a chorus of wolf whistles, which Ezra shyly ignores as if he is embarrassed
by the attention – something you would think he would have gotten used to in the whirlwind two years he’s been on the scene; yet despite all the blatant female adoration, Ezra remains modest throughout the evening, politely thanking the crowd after every applause. The show ends with chart-topper Budapest, to which the crowd all join in with the infamous “oohs” before returning to play three final songs for his encore. George then proceeds telling the humbling story of how he saw the hall for the first time four years ago in a lecture and thought: “wow, who gets to play there” - it would seem, George, that you do. And very deservingly so. EZRA IN LIGHTS STEPHANIE BROADBENT
3
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
bristol’s best Music Festivals BY DULCIE HORN, CHRISTIAN NORTHWOOD & PORTIA LYONS
LOVE SAVES THE DAY FESTIVAL CHARLIE BLISS
st paul’s carnival tokyo world th 4th july 24 - 27th june Bristol’s answer to Notting Hill, the annual St. Paul’s Carnival, is a celebration of AfricanCaribbean culture. Expect to see sound systems on every possible street corner, some big names on the Red Bull stage, incredible parades and a lot of jerk chicken. This amazing free event relies solely on donations and you can make a donation simply by texting ‘CARN45‘, followed by the amount you’d like to donate (including £ sign) to 70070.
Close the summer with one last blowout. This year Tokyo Dub becomes Tokyo World, so expect world class acts. Last year we heard from the likes of Ed Solo, Gentleman’s Dub Club and Bristol’s own My Nu Leng. If that’s anything to go by, 2015 seems promising. One thing you will surely enjoy is the intimacy this festival brings. Music from Drum n Bass, Dubstep, Hip Hop, House and Reggae; don’t miss out. tokyodub.org
stpaulscarnival.co.uk/
Simple Things In many ways, Simple Things is Dot to Dots’ big, nastier brother. It has a similar set up, with artists playing a variety of venues all over the city, including the magnificent Colston Hall. Although nothing has been announced for this year’s festival, last year featured the likes of Mogwai, Black Lips, Death From Above 1979 and How To Dress Well, as well as a whole host of DJ’s to usher you through until the early hours. simplethingsfestival.co.uk
bristol summer series 24th - 27th june Bristol Summer Series returns this year to the Bristol Harbourside following a successful launch last year, with sell-out performances from Paulo Nutini and The Pogues. This year George Ezra will be returning to the city he studied in to perform alongside a stellar line-up of Kaiser Chiefs, Seasick Steve and Jessie J. bristolsummerseries.com
With such a thriving cultural scene it comes as no surprise that Bristol has more than its fair share of festivals. We’ve got art festivals, literature festivals, food festivals and even balloon festivals for you to while away your summer days at. For this feature we’ve decided to focus on the music side of things - here’s WestWorld’s pick of Bristol’s very best summer music festivals.
Dotrd to Dot festival 23 May A festival that really envelopes Bristol. Taking place over various venues all over the city, Dot to Dot is renowned for its championing of up and coming bands. Whether you’re seeing a more cemented artist slay the main stage at the o2, like this year’s headliner Saint Raymond, cramming into somewhere smaller like Thekla to catch a glimpse of Menace Beach or discovering your very own Bristol gem, you better make sure you don’t waste a minute of the day. As an extra incentive, the festival is in its 10th year, so expect a few surprise announcements. dottodotfestival.co.uk
love saves the day rd th 23 & 24 May Love Saves the Day brings you the best in electronic music with stages hosted by a wide range of Bristol promoters, including Just Jack, Crack, Apex, Shambarber and more. Coming into its fourth year now, LSTD will be moving on to bigger and better pastures with this edition marking its inaugural year at Eastville Park. Expect gorgeous décor, plenty of glitter and headline sets from two very contrasting but equally feisty ladies; Azealia Banks and Jessie Ware. lovesavestheday.org
4
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
Dom, BA Graphic Design, 3rd year Jeans, Levi; Trainers, Reebok; Tops, H&M; Hat, Dutty. Spring staple: Corduroy shirts
With London Fashion Week ending just a few days ago, there’s much to look forward to in A/W 2015: ‘70s influence, suede and quilted coats, rich brocades and cut-out lace, to name just a few. Until then, we’re packing our winter wardrobe and starting to dress for spring. Here’s what UWE students are wearing and read about the items they’re most excited about donning come the warm season..
Photography DANNY COZENS Design ALINA GEORGESCU Words MADALINA CIOBANU
5
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
Matthew, BA Property Development, 2nd year. Coat, Nickelson; Chinos, H&M; Shoes, ASOS; Scarf, London Wasps Rugby. Spring staple: Tan overcoat
Felix, BSc International Relations, 1st year. Top, Topman; Coat, Carharrt; Jeans, Superdry; Shoes, Nike. Spring staple: Shorts
Hannah, BA Media and Journalism, 2nd year Coat, Topshop; Jumpsuit, H&M; Shoes, Urban Fox, bits and bobs from charity shops; Spring staple: Leopard print coat
Jake, BSc Business Management, 1st year Coat, gifted; Jeans, H&M; Shoes, Reebook; Spring staple: Shorts
Louis, BA Graphic Design, 2nd year. Coat, vintage market in Totnes; Light up trainers, eBay; Vintage shirt, Think Twice. Spring staple: Beanie
Aglae, BA Illustration, 2nd year Vintage items purchased from France; Spring staple: Little dress
6
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
featured artist #1 Amy Rance STONE MASONARY
Our first featured artist this month and creator of our gorgeous cover image is Amy Rance, a third year photography student.
My name’s Amy Rance and I am from Bromsgrove, the town where Buckingham Palace’s gates are made (I’m afraid that is as exciting as it gets). I am from a very academic family; however, my academic knowledge is questionable. I have always been very arty and remember my mother always telling me off when I carved images into the wooden furniture or drew on her tan sofas in biro. It’s a shame that my drawing skills have somewhat faded over the years; however, my photography allowed me to rekindle that love of art and finally put my creative thoughts into something good (as opposed to wrecking my mum’s furniture). I’m not going to say that I love photography because it captures the moment, because it does. I love photography because I love how when you are a photographer, you notice places and people more so. You walk past a building everyday of your life, but never do you really care what that building is until you need to photograph it. Or until you want to photograph it. Photography allows me to understand the details that constitute the everyday; details I feel too frequently escape us.
MORGAN CARS FACTORY
The image on the cover was taken in my second year module called Obsessions. I have always had a love for the colour yellow, a love that has only grown through the duration of that project. Although it’s my favourite colour, I never really wore yellow, as I felt that it was too much of a bold statement to wear on a daily basis, so I was intrigued to see if people had the same view of their own colour. I explored people’s colour palette with the lighting on their face personifying their favourite colour. Throughout this project I began to understand the relationship that people have with their colours and clothing, presenting a colourful project. Despite the love for this project, over the past year I have developed myself as photographer and have gone the route of being a location photographer. My work is now rooted in the spaces around me. My final year project continues my preoccupation with how we perceive the spaces around us. My photographs explore the (non) places of staff rooms and interrogate our immersion within these seemingly characterless spaces. I have been inspired by the work of Franck Bohbot and Lynne Cohen, whose work explores these non-places and are shot in such unique and extraordinary ways.
HARRIS BRUSH FACTORY
Through my engagement with spaces, I have naturally developed an interest in curating. I enjoy building relationships with other photographers and artists working with varied mediums. After graduation, I hope to stay in Bristol working as a curator while also freelancing as an interior photographer and eventually moving to London.
Find out about the photography graduate shows and help them with their fundraising on their page facebook.com/exclave2015. If you would like to be a featured artist in the future please email us on westworld@westerneye.net.
EMPTY LIBRARY
7
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
Beth Randall Our second featured artist this month is also a photography student - Beth Randall is a third year from Cardiff.
Beth’s work is a contemporary interpretation of subjects that inspire and engage her. Each image is an astute statement based on her investigations into social, political and cultural interests. Still life is her preferred medium, as it places no limitations on her creativity. Every detail of the image is in her control, enabling her to construct the image from top to bottom, fulfilling her artistic vision. Always looking to the art world for inspiration her ambition is to compose clean cut, engaging, quirky images that subtly illustrate a narrative as well as catch the eye.
featured artist #2
8
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
Willem de Rooij at the Arnolfini BY SCOTT CLARENCE
INDEX: RIOTS, PROTEST, MOURNING AND COMMEMORATION / ARNOLFINI / 21ST NOVEMBER 2014 - 8TH FEBRUARY 2015 Dutch artist Willem de Rooij is known for his installation, sculpture and orchestration of artifacts and imagery and bringing them together creating a population of emotion. He recently held an installation at the Arnolfini, consisting of two separate works both playing with the possibilities of representing humanity.
Bouquet V, which consists of 95 different types of flowers arranged casually in a cylindrical vase. They represent people from all religions, nationalities and struggles; the images within each panel can seem random and chaotic at a glance, yet each panel works as a harmoniously arranged whole. Your eyes are taken on a visual journey.
The first of these, Index: Riots, protest, Mourning and Commemoration, consists of photographs taken from newspapers from 2000 to 2002, arranged and displayed in 18 large panels. This is accompanied by
Index illustrates the energy and diversity of human civilization. This notion is complimented by Bouquet V - each flower different from the next, vibrant colours in a variety of forms and still held together by our need to
survive and live in freedom. This work is very politically driven, asking questions about what it means to be an individual. I think whilst viewing the journalistic photographs, you are placed in a voyeuristic scenario, just as we are when watching protests and global events on the news. It is interesting to see how people are portrayed by the news when in protest. The installation was well suited to the space in Arnolfini, providing a calm, open area to view the work.
getting sweaty with wakefield’s finest BY TOM CARTER
Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing The Cribs before will certainly understand why my expectations were high on this cold Sunday night. Always one of the best live bands around, I have never been disappointed leaving one of their gigs. No, never disappointed; but always sweaty. I mean, really sweaty. Yorkshire’s finest are back and with new album ‘All My Sisters’ ready for a March 23rd release. “This was the first venue we ever played outside of Wakefield”, Gary tells the soldout crowd, sweetly and sincerely, in a tone that quite frankly makes you wish that he was your best friend forever. Opening with ‘Mirror Kissers’, from second album The New Fellas, the pace was furious - a sign of how the set was going to play out. We were to receive a pretty comprehensive 21 track set-list that included a wealth of new material. The problem with new material is always the same: nobody knows it, and therefore nobody sings along or dances and the atmosphere can change as everyone waits for
THE CRIBS / THE FLEECE / 15TH FEBRUARY 2015
the next anthem. This phenomenon isn’t a problem for The Cribs. New track ‘Ivory Hand’ followed the openerand six further new tracks followed. I was particularly impressed with the instantly stand-out tracks ‘Different Angle’ and ‘Pink Snow’, both encapsulating everything that is great about this band and both I imagine will become future staples for live shows. Most importantly, all new material seemed to fit in seamlessly with the fan-favourites. In the immortal yet slurred words of the drunken man I had the pleasure of speaking to at the bar, we did not leave without hearing ‘the ones we know’ (he was really eager to hear the ones he knew). ‘Hey Scenesters!’ just never gets old and has the ability to transport old guys like me back to the summer of 2004. ‘Men’s Needs’ never loses its irony, or its ability to make everyone sing the ‘Oh-oh! Ohoh!’ part in the wrong place. Unbelievably, it has been ten years since their debut album. They certainly have nothing to prove. I
mean, this is a band that has a ‘best of’ compilation in their discography these days. You could forgive them for taking their foot off the pedal a little. No way. The energy levels were stratospheric. The crowd swelled forwards and backwards, jumping and bouncing into each other like sweaty drunk atoms. I read an interview with Ryan recently. where he expressed his concerns over the current state of the music industry, stating that “there’s no way out for the working class these days”. If this is true, then it is a serious problem. The Cribs have working class roots, and what they bring is a commitment to music; a commitment to progress, but also a refusal to never forget where you came from. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the band following the gig and, regardless of the numerous things I may have wished to have talked about, was able to hold an extremely informed chat with Ross about his favourite pot-noodles. Says it all, really.
9
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
A TOUR DE HORSE WAR HORSE / HIPPODROME / 12TH FEBRUARY 2015 BY CHLOE FRY 100 years after World War One, 33 years since the publishing of Michael Morpurgo’s legendary novel, eight years since the opening of National Theatre’s stage production and four years since the award-winning Spielberg film, the stage production of War Horse is now closing its first ever tour of the UK and Ireland at Bristol’s Hippodrome in a spectacular manner. For those who haven’t seen War Horse before, its brilliance hinges on the one-of-a-kind puppets created by The Handspring Puppet Company. The horse frames are beautiful and extremely captivating as you struggle to take your eyes away from their every movement. The three actors who each make up the bodies of the horses are fantastic. The movements and sounds which they create are ridiculously convincing and entrancing as they manage to transform an incredibly detailed frame into a living and breathing creature before your eyes with grace and pure beauty. There are no words to explain just how breath-taking the actors’ movements are. They deserve nothing but respect and applause as they are what makes the production so fantastic. The setting and props used in this play are brilliantly basic and beautiful. Everything upon the stage
is strategically placed, which allows for an efficient, quick and clever scene-setting. For example, the mechanical birds held and controlled by cast members looked incredibly realistic and are a stunning feature, despite being such a minor part of the production. The use of props such as the trenches and guns help to completely surround audience members within the environment and tensions of the war, allowing for a chance to become completely engaged with the story before you. This production features a gorgeous variety of upbeat and happy numbers, such as ‘The Scarlett and the Blue’ and a variety of haunting and heart breaking numbers, like ‘Crossing the Channel’, which work brilliantly to, again, create the most perfect mood and atmosphere amongst the audience. The combination of Irish folk songs and the patriotic numbers work hand in hand seamlessly, bringing the perfect amount of emotion exactly when needed with ease and grace. The voices of each and every cast member work together wonderfully to create the perfect tone and power lead flawlessly by Songman played by Bob Fox.
mini single reviews
Fox’s stunning and raspy voice is a masterful tool in this production. War Horse is one of the best and one of the most revolutionary pieces of theatre I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. This is a show which is built on pure beauty, emotion, power and suspense, that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats in anticipation. A wonderful and respectful representation of not only the Great War, but the work and efforts of all involved, including the work and suffering of the animals, this is a show not to be missed.
KANYE WEST FEAT ALLAN KINGDOM, THEOPHILUS LONDON & PAUL MCCARTNEY/ALL DAY
BY CHRISTIAN NORTHWOOD
IMAGINE DRAGONS/ It comes back to you BY PORTIA LYONS
Imagine Dragons take us on a emotional journey of therapy, easing us in gently with an instrumental intro. A perfect feel good song that hits home with a catchy chorus that will certainly “come back to you”.
HEEMS FEAT. BLOOD ORANGE/ Home BY CHRISTIAN NORTHWOOD
Easily Heems’ most fragile and honest offering yet. The ex-Das Racist man enlists the help of Blood Orange’s spare but funky beats, to create a song that’ll challenge Kanye’s “Only One” for the emotional-rap-song-ofthe-year crown. Plus it features the timeless line “Listen shorty, quit your bitchin’, be my remix to Ignition”.
It never rains, it pours in Yeezy Season. In the same week Kanye tore apart the Brits, cried in front Zane Lowe and gave a lecture at Oxford Uni, he also had time to drop this huge track. Previewed at the aforementioned Brits, it seems like ‘Ye has lost none of his fire, spitting verses over heavy, glitchy, industrial beats. Not only that, but Allan Kingdom of The Stand4rd fame also nearly steals the show with his chorus. It’s fried my brain and it’s the only thing I can listen to now. All Day.
10
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
Westworld meets eastworld We catch up with Bryony Darbon, a second year Drawing and Applied Arts student who has swapped Bower Ashton campus for Hong Kong on exchange this year. BY BRYONY DARBON
When I first thought about applying to study abroad two years ago, my choices were very different; I only looked to study in places I had been before and I knew I loved - these had some sort of safe familiarity, and thinking about it now, have a lot of similarities with Bristol. But after another year of living in Bristol, the feeling of wanting to be close to my comfort zone vanished. I was craving an adventure, another culture as well as completely different surroundings and people too. And now, after two moths in Hong Kong and having just returned from a holiday in the Philippines, I know I made the right choice. Hong Kong is a super shiny metropolis of towering skyscrapers, combined with traditional Chinese culture and superstition. Amongst all the gleaming, tall buildings, you will still find many people practising their religion in temples that have stood the test of time and shops selling traditional Chinese medicine. Even the skyscrapers are built with a traditional foundation - they must all follow Feng Shui, a system of laws that govern the spatial arrangement and orientation when siting and designing buildings. One of the skyscrapers in Hong Kong has a massive square hole in the centre, so that there is a passage for the dragon in the mountains to pass through!
BRYONY AND FELLOW EXCHANGE STUDENTS HONG KONG & THE PHILLIPINES
But beyond the city, Hong Kong has miles of green space and hiking trails - an hour from campus and you’re up a hill with monkeys and a staggering view over the city, or you can find yourself at a beautiful beach! It is one of my favourite things to do here, you feel so much freedom after being cramped in the MTR in rush hour!
In fact, Hong Kong has been way less of a culture shock than I first imagined. For starters, the fact that everyone speaks English at my university helps, plus everyone is so friendly - I'm one of about 200 exchange students at HKBU (and this is one of the smallest universities in Hong Kong) - in total there are thousands of international students, so you never feel alone. People come from all over the world to study here. In fact, I have more friends from different countries in Europe than I do those who are local. The girls I travelled to the Philippines with came from four different countries: Menoushcka is from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Julie, who is also my room mate, is from Copenhagen in Denmark, Charlotte is from Hamburg in Germany and Anna is also from the UK. One of the biggest adjustments though has been going back to living in halls. It is a great way to meet people, as you live so close to one another, but sometimes it can get a bit intense, as you share a room and then a kitchen with about 50 other exchange students! This is why here we eat out all the time, it’s a very sociable way to hang out and try new things when you don't have your own space to cook and chill out in, plus it’s relatively cheap - today I spent HK$100 on a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter, and the same money would buy me a meal in a nice restaurant. Though saying this, if you eat at super cheap restaurants, it can sometimes lead to pretty bad (disastrous) consequences...the likelihood is that you’re going to get food poisoning at least once while you’re studying here! I've been a victim twice already.
My classes are also very different to those back in Bristol - here I choose four subjects within Visual Arts that I want to study (out of a possible 60), then I have a project for each class. I have an experimental drawing class, metal jewellery, wearables and Arts of Asia. It's so much fun learning different things, but it can be quite tricky trying to keep up with all the different deadlines. The tutors are usually very understanding and want you to spend as much time exploring and discovering as you do learning. And you get to do exploring while you study too, as all of my classes have offered field trips and opportunities outside the studio, so you never feel like you’re restricted to the classroom. I thought at first that it might take a while to settle in. I love to travel, but living somewhere is different; that place becomes your home, and if you don't feel at home and are constantly feeling home sick, then you risk not making the most of being there and missing out on an amazing opportunity. I feel guilty sometimes that I haven't stayed in contact very much with friends and family at home, but most people and anyone who has travelled will understand that it can be difficult with a big time difference and lifestyle. Plus ,five months is such a short amount of time. you really need to make the most of it. I'm so jealous of those who got to spend the whole year here. But saying that, I've still got a long way to go - once term is finished, I've got four months of travelling through Asia. Thanks to Hong Kong’s geography, the whole of Asia is only a few hours away! It is a life changing chance to travel - I recommend anyone to do it; you never know what or who you might discover.
11
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
lupe fiasco tetsuo & youth review BY SAM WALKER
has azealia banks’ mouth overshadowed her music? BY SILECTA “You gon trip, slip, fall, land and lick on ***....”, the most recent tweet posted by Azealia Banks as this article was being written. One may say that sums up Banks’ blunt and prolific tongue. That same tongue has drawn all sorts of attention to Banks and the topics of her expression in the last few months. It’s that same tongue that featured at the forefront of the shot in that viral music video for “212”. That same record that enticed us and got us all singing the implicitly explicit “I guess that **** getting eaten” in unison for four bars straight. That same record which seemingly lead to the misinterpretation of Banks’ creative intention by major labels. That was four years ago. Three years ago, after a couple more releases, it was announced that Banks would be releasing an album that same year. The end of last year saw that album, Broke With Expensive Taste, finally reach the market. Before homing in on the album itself, it’s necessary to focus on the main perpetrator, the artist/human being herself. Azealia Banks comes across as one of those musical artists whose character on social media and in interviews exceeds the volume of her music. As touched upon earlier, her brash tongue alongside her sexual boldness leave us stunned, yet purring for more. Over the past five years or so, there has been a host of disputes and disagreements surrounding Azealia Banks, which have arguably tainted her image in the public eye. Most notably, Twitter feuds with other female rappers quickly escalated, involving a circus full of musical artists, journalists, celebrities and even human rights organisations. Banks has jumped at every opportunity to passionately express her controversial, yet well-educated opinions on racial tensions, cultural smudging and modern capitalism to her avail. She is now an established public figure. It is very easy to overlook her musical endeavours; there is absolutely no denying that she is a very talented musician. Further disagreements and complications have caused her debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, to be delayed for two years. Nonetheless, with all that’s been said thus far, it seems only right to depict and explore the album and recognise her for her craft as opposed to her social exploits. We begin with ‘Idle Delilah’, where we’re hit
immediately with a sound, a Pearson Sound familiar in the underground night clubs in the UK. Regardless of what she may be saying, Azealia Banks’ flow is impeccable. She borderline sings the tight melodies before an interlude of vocal chops that precede the intense rapping, seemingly without taking a breath. From here on, the album sporadically dips and dives into different musical pockets, which are hard to contextualise or appreciate hearing back to back. Track two, ‘Gimme A Chance’, is an awkward pop-funk song, followed by another well-worked appropriation of UK Dance Music ‘Desperado’, where Banks majestically spits over an old MJ Cole Garage Beat. The punchy and sharp vocals are the only consistency in the album. 212 needs no mention and, although it was rinsed two years ago, there’s no denying it’s a very good song that ticks all the intended boxes. “Wallace”, arguably the best track on the album, has a stripped back, warm, yet aggressive beat that allows for Banks to home in on what she is best at: creating the lead melody with her vocals and rolling tongue. Again, there is a confusing sequence of tracks following, touching on Ibiza Chart Top 40 House, Trap and Hardcore. Tracks such as “Chasing Time” fit commercially in a similar vein to 212, whereas “Nude Beach A Go-Go” sounds like a One Direction (a complete outlier on the album). The album closes with Banks’ self-confessed best work yet, “Miss Camaraderie”. She touches on her emotional state of mind over a very up-tempo track; it’s nice and sums up the album. It feels like the very peak of the night on a warehouse dancefloor, whether as a ‘lyricist’ she had that intention or not. People will without doubt love the tracks on this album, but I very much doubt many will love the album as full body of work or concept. Azealia Banks has said a lot. And, to be fair, she has the ability to accurately say a lot, in a small space of time. In terms of lyrical flow and delivery, Banks is on point, amongst the best today. In terms of where this fits musically, she’s knocking on the door, but hasn’t quite got inside the house yet. She is undoubtedly still one to watch and her appropriation of UK Dance music shows that Banks is a leader in this revolution of dance-floor rappers. This can surely only be the beginning of Azealia Banks. Definitely watch this space.
LUPE FIASCO/ TETSUO & YOUTH / 20TH JANUARY 2015 Lupe’s original career plan went like this. Release album, release album, release album, bow out. While rapping on his masterful second album The Cool, he even tells the listener what the third one is going to be called. “Now we just got one more to go – L.U.P.End”, he declares. But eight years on, that is not the case. Tetsuo & Youth is his fifth album and his first in three years. You might forgive him for ensuring that this album is near perfection after the Lasers debacle of 2011, when Lupe had to release an album not to his liking due to contractual obligations with Atlantic Records. Unfortunately for Lupe, that put a roadblock in his career and, until now, he has been struggling to get a foothold in the hip hop industry since. Tetsuo & Youth goes some way to reaffirming the status he previously held when he guest versed on Kanye West’s Touch the Sky and released his debut single, Kick Push. Where some rappers may have recruited big hip hop names in an attempt to drive sales, Lupe sticks with the tried and tested method of believing in his own ability on the rapping side of things, while entrusting the vocals to unknown performers such as Nikki Jean and Troi & Terrace Martin.
Starting with mighty nine-minute piano-driven track, Mural, it’s clear that Lupe is making a statement by rapping for the duration and with no hook. Lighter songs such as the eminently hummable Dots & Lines keep the album grounded, but it is the powerhouse tracks such as Body of Work and debut single Deliver that give the album its real identity. The standout track on the album is Prisoners 1 & 2. Another near nine-minute epic with both halves being powerful political parables of Lupe’s disdain towards the justice system and the ongoing problem of police brutality in America. The album sends tingles down the spine as Lupe raps “that’s how it is in a police state, when your life is just a number and release date“, evoking memories of his near perfect flow on The Cool and first album Food & Liquor. Tetsuo & Youth sees Lupe at his intelligent and lyrical best, qualities that has never really been in question. Had he not damaged his reputation so much with Lasers, he might find himself being mentioned in the same breath as Kendrick Lamar and Drake, a position where his discernible talent certainly wouldn’t be out of place.
12
WESTWORLD 005 / MAR 2014
events listings
BREAK A LEAD presents: Black Amiga & Snare Drum Awareness 11th March Basement 45
A night of techno to raise funds for the third year illustration graduate shows. Keep an eye out for their next installment on 16th April at Cosies too.
Mulo
13th March 2015 Start the Bus
“its better to burn out than to fade away”
BY HANNAH RYAN
With their latest album out late last year, their UK tour imminent and a European tour announced, Lower Than Atlantis are extremely busy boys. Mike Duce took some time out of their packed schedule to have a chin wag with me. Your album came out in October last year, how was the reception? The reception has been amazing -if anything, it’s been better than ever and with more fans. It’s really great to have such loyal fans who have followed us through the 7/8 years we’ve been playing. Would you say your style has developed throughout the years and how? Yeah definitely, we try to change it up as it keeps it interesting for us and our fans. Have there been any particular influences since your first album until now? None in particular that I can think of right now. We just like what we like. So, the UK tour is imminent. Any city you’re most looking forward to playing? We are looking forward to playing them all! They’re all different venues this year as well, so it’s exciting to play new ones. Have the venues upgraded? Yeah totally, the venues are a lot bigger than what we are used to playing. A few of the gigs sold out so quickly that we had to upgrade to fill more people, which is awesome. You’re touring with We are the Ocean, did you hand pick them?
then we kind of pick. We Are The Ocean are really good friends of ours, so we’re excited to go on tour with them. We’ve toured with them before, so it’s like paying them back. Being on the road with the same people for so long, do you get on each other’s nerves? No, not really – we’re all like one gang. We do it all together – except go to the toilet – I’ll do that alone!
This ace new night is headed towards Start the Bus. Packed with the forward thinking DJ’s Sh?m and Max Baaer, prepare to hear some sparse heavy basslines and reimagined classics. Then get ready to see out the night with the resident DJ’s. Come dance and get messy.
Red Bull Academy Tour 2nd-6th April
Red Bull killed it last year with their Culture Clash and look set to do the same with their Tour. Featuring events all over the city, highlights include an intimate lecture with Seth Troxler at the Canteen and Danny Brown and Novelist taking over a 17th century old Manor house for a night of madness.
Wolf Alice 2nd April Trinity
Off the back of two magnificent EP’s released last year, Wolf Alice are setting off on a jaunt round the country to burst all of our ear-drums with their new album. Kind of like if Pixies had been inspired by Nirvana, not the other way around - get tickets soon before they blow up.
Do you have any rituals before you go on stage? We drink a lot. Alcohol is involved before going on stage. So no weird habits before going on, any stories to tell? I don’t want to say any stories, I don’t want to incriminate myself! You’ve also just announced that you’ll be attending Boardmasters and Slam Dunk festival, is there a festival that you dream to headline?
SHAKE Bristol 5th April Start the Bus
SHAKE BRISTOL returns to Start the Bus for another illustration fair: expect a range of tasty wares from comics, prints and zines to t-shirts, badges and patches.
Outlook Launch Party 18th April: Motion
Nah, we’re not like that. We’re just happy to play to our fans no matter what. As long as we’re all happy and continuing to play good music – that’s what matters.
The Blast presents the official outlook launch party! It’s the festival season come early. Line up to be confirmed, but expect class acts. It’s promised there will be “a jungle master class”.
There’s gotta be a dream though, perhaps something at the finish line?
Eat Drink Bristol Fashion 2015
We always want to be on the up. Definitely. It’s better to burn out than to fade away.
We get a list of bands that are available and
You can catch Lower Than Atlantis on their UK tour this April, all tickets and dates are on their facebook page and website: http://www.lowerthanatlantis.co/
30th April – 9th May Queens Square
Bristol’s very own pop up food festival. Take full advantage of a tapas bar and free live entertainment every night. Join famous chefs from all over the country for a chance to indulge in a luxury dining experience.