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INTERVIEWs Simon Dobson / Andy Ford
MUSIC Brunel / Reviews
Fashion Spring/Summer 2013
TO TS KE RLD TIC WO ! WO ER AL N T TH TIV WI ANO FES
6 April 2013
editor’s letter
Contact PS: 07811 343335 hello@ps-zine.com Published by Us As One Many thanks to all who’ve supported and contributed to PS Issue 06. Editor, Designer & Writer Naomi Girdler naomi@ps-zine.com Contributors Chris Girdler, Simon Dobson, Tim Creswell, Andy Ford, Jim MacGregor, Melissa Thomas, Neoma Stanford, Dave Kendall, Lucien Harris, Georgia de Lotz, Tim Farndell, Andrew Girdler, Lola Webster, Brent Zillwood, Chris Muirhead, Richard Thomas, Seth Haney, Matt Girdler, Ross Bennellick
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Hello! Another term, another issue. However, like a fair few of you, come the next issue I will no longer be a student! 2013 is my graduating year from Plymouth College of Art and what an incredible three years it’s been. Juggling PS and university work hasn’t been easy, but keeping both alive and healthy has been worth all the stress and mini mental breakdowns! Don’t worry though, Plymouth Student will still be hitting your streets, shelves and favourite shops, cafes and bars this coming September with a huge 2013 Fresher’s edition! If you’d like to be involved in that issue, get in touch via email at naomi@ps-zine.com - get your requests in early, it’s set to be a big one! But back to issue number six, and what treats we’ve got for you this term! With a vast array of talented locals, from Simon Dobson, an incredibly gifted composer, with high hopes for crazy collaborations and a community funded new record, as well as Andy Ford, PCA student and photographer extradoinaire, who’s latest feat is going on tour to South Africa with one of the UK’s biggest metalcore bands, Bring Me the Horizon! So keep those pages turning and I really hope you enjoy issue number six!
Naomi Girdler Editor
Advertising: If you are interested in advertising in PS, please contact us at debbie@ps-zine.com or call 07989 301331 Printed by Newsquest Weymouth The views expressed in PS are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in this publication. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ PSzineplymouth Simon Dobson Photographer: Tim Creswell
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contents
BuBBles launderette
C O N T E N T S 08/09
04/05/06: The Big List: A what's on guide to Plymouth 08/09: PS speaks to local brass and punk inspired composer, Simon Dobson
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10: Brunel, four piece rock band talks inspirations and aspirations to Naomi Girdler 12/13: Local photography legend Andy Ford talks about Bring me the Horizon, South Africa, NME and much more!
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14: Plymouth College of Art illustration student Melissa Thomas submits her work for feature 15: Creative writing student at Marjons, Neoma Stanford shares a short story
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16: We catch up with Plymouth University graduate Georgia, and find out why she’s gone into the party business! 16: Naturally Ethical Trading talks to us about their venture into clothing and Fairtrade products
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18: We meet up with Dave Kendall, the man behind local music zine All Seeing Eye and a huge new venture! 20/21: Lola Webster treats us to some Spring/Summer fashion predictions 22: Plymouth Student reminsces about Jack Chams, our favourite local bar.
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23: We share a great, cheap recipe to start your summer with! 24: The latest film and game reviews, as standard! 25: And of course, the same goes for music!
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26: Agony Uncle Ross is in Thailand, but still keen to help P-town in their woes 27: We share some memories and expectations for the upcoming local festivals of the summer!
232 albert road, stoke tel: 563382 56 Wilton street, stoke tel: 562686 serVICe WasHes aVaIlaBle Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1pm selF serVICe WasHes 7 days per week 8.30am to 9pm last wash 8pm drY CleanInG aGents all sIZe QuIlts WasHed
THE BIG LIST four
what’s on
It’s almost summer, and almost the end of another year of university, so why not stick around for a little while and check out some of the great events coming in P-town?
The Skints
A great mixture of music, arts, culture and opportunities to get involved, as well as some big names coming to the White Rabbit and Plymouth Pavilions, there’s something for everyone this season...
APRIL Plymouth Knitters Social Every Tuesday, 7.30pm The Fortescue Pub We’re open to all crafts and abilities, and emphasis is on the ‘social’. Find us in Facebook at ‘Plymouth Knitters Social’ Open Mic Night Every Wednesday James Street Vaults The only pub on the campus. Kicking off at 9.30pm with All Folked Up and Blue, hosted by Welshy, sit down and enjoy four and a half hours of talented performers and bands. Details 01752 267799
Kate Nash
Whack Jams Every Friday White Rabbit New room layout, guest DJs, guest live sets, new seating areas and a whole lot of party! Details 01752 227522 Fuzzy Logic Mondays Oceana Plymouth’s biggest student night! Expect mayhem, games, cheap drinks and some of the best music around including the best in mainstream dance and electro, R’n’B & Indie. For details ring 0845 293 2864 All Things Vintage & Lovely 27 Apr Plymouth Guildhall Biggest vintage event in the
South West with over 70 vintage, retro, antique and handmade stalls. There will be a huge selection of vintage fashion sellers including Vintage Meets, Vintage & Retro and lots more. All eras are covered from the 1920s up to the 1980s. For more details see www.missivy.co.uk
veteran of the music world. Ring 01752 660564 for details
Ashes to Ashes 27 Apr Kitty O’Hanlons All the songs you tried to forget about are back! Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, Madness, Queen, Simple Minds, Blondie, The Pretenders....great music with more dodgy hairdos than you can shake an eye liner pencil at. Ring 01752 661624 for details
Barracoodas 27 Apr Black Jacks Classic and contemporary rock and punk covers, from the late 1960s through to the current day. For details ring 07999 685064
Rusty Angels 27 Apr The Walrus A highly energetic and experienced 4 piece band, actively gigging on a regular basis around the Plymouth area. Playing everything from Elvis to Metallica. Ring 07576 728065 for details. Also at Thistle Park Tavern on 04 May and The Live Lounge on 18 May Matthew Finnish 27 Apr The Friary Vaults From appearances on ‘Top of the Pops’ to live radio, to theatre and cabaret work, here is a
The Tiny Face Experience 27 Apr The Junction Powerful classic rock originals and covers. For details ring 07799 295013
Envy 27 Apr The Cock’n’Bull Brother and sister vocal duo. For details ring 07779 818323 Michael Ball 29 Apr Plymouth Pavilions Britain’s leading musical theatre star hits stages across the UK. For details ring 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions. com Kate Nash 29 Apr White Rabbit Kate was a Myspace phenomenon before she even had a record deal. She found mainstream success and a legion
of fans who snapped her up as their post-punk feminist icon. For details ring 07916 127298 Benny Guitar Carr & The Hot Rats 30 Apr The Brass Monkey Funky rock band plays as a hot guitar and vocal/bass/drums 3 piece and also as a bigger line up including saxophone and keyboards. For details ring 01752 260442. Also at The Refectory, Plymouth Gin on 09 May and Bar Rakuda on 13 May and 20 May
MAY Comedy Night 01 May and 05 Jun B-Bar Light relief with the best standups on the UK circuit. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk Plymouth History Festival 01 May to 31 May Over 100 special events celebrating Plymouth’s heritage and history. For details visit www.plymhistoryfest.wordpress. com Ladykillaz 02 May
five B-Bar Featuring Lily & Meg, an alternative folk duo blending banjo, guitar, harmonica and vocals. Part of a new strand of programming featuring female musicians exclusively. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk
Thomas Crown Affair. Noel and Phil Rossiter play country, folk, swing, tex mex and other eclectic delights! For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk
Campus Market 02 May Roland Levinsky Building The finest products from local traders, with everything from chutneys and jams to fishcakes. For details visit www.upsu.com The Story So Far + The American Scene 03 May White Rabbit Story So far are a five piece punk/rock band from California, also featuring The American Scene, who blend a dark, mature indie rock sound with their punk rock roots. For details ring 07916 127298 The Vibes 03 May The Live Lounge Five piece indie band who play high energy, high quality indie anthems. For details ring 01752 672127 Craft Fayre 03 May Roland Levinsky Building A range of local handmade products at fantastic prices, with unique gifts that you won’t find on the high street. For details visit www.upsu.com Noel Harrison 03 May B-Bar Noel Harrison is best known in the UK for his Oscar Winning performance of The Windmills of Your Mind in the original Neville Staple
what’s on Sky Ride 2012
Less is More 03 May Thistle Park Tavern Kris & Dave Hacker with Mike Isaac on bass mixing original material with blues/rock covers. For details ring 01752 204890 Banana Thieves 03 May Annabel’s 5/6 piece band playing an eclectic range of songs and styles. For details ring 01752 260555 Facemelter 03 May Voodoo Lounge High energy band paying tribute to 70s and 80s rock era. For details ring 01752 262288 Rockafella 03 May Black Jacks Four piece covers band playing storming rock tunes from the 90s through to today. For details ring 07971 262996. Also at The Live lounge 04 May and Kitty O’Hanlons on 18 May Edge 03 May Roland Levinsky Building Exceptional dancers perform an electric evening of dance. For details ring 01752 585050 or visit www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Neville Staple Band 03 May C103 Best known for his work writing & composing, the lead singer from The Specials, and as one of the founding members of Fun Boy 3, Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice. Visit www.c103.co.uk Phil Lewis 04 May The Minerva Multi talented performer covering a wide range of musical styles. For details ring 01752 223047 Trapped Under Ice 06 May White Rabbit Total aural brutality form the
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five piece band from Baltimore. Also featuring US hardcore band Backtrack and Manchesterbased Broken Teeth (UK). For details ring 07916 127298 Code Red 05 May The Marina Bar Rock covers band playing classic rock. For details ring 01752 209431 Good Food Market 05 May and 02 June Royal William Yard The market showcases some of the best local food and drink in the South West. Visit www.royalwilliamyardnews. wordpress.com Joker 05 May Boomerang Sports Bar 4 piece Indie/rock covers band regarded as setting the standard for the local live music scene. For details ring 01752 669812. Also at The Live Lounge on 10 May Beng Beng Cocktail 08 May White Rabbit French acoustic crack hoppers Beng beng cocktail specialise in a sub genre which is ideally named crystal-core. Also featuring The Eriksons. For details ring 07916 127298 Café Acoustica 08 May and 22 May B-Bar Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by
singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk Lukas Drinkwater 09 May B-Bar Lukas is best known as bassplayer with 3 Daft Monkeys, the folk power-trio. Lukas regularly performs solo, playing strong original material and choice covers from a broad musical spectrum. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk Plymouth University Orchestra Concert 09 May St Andrew’s Church Featuring music for strings, woodwind and brass. For details ring 01752 585050 or visit www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Dance Gavin Dance 10 May White Rabbit California based post-hardcore/ experimental band signed to Rise Records. Also featuring Closure in Moscow. For details ring 07916 127298 The Flamenco Thief 10 May B-Bar Craig Sutton, aka The Flamenco Thief is a fast rising star of the UK acoustic scene. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk Plymouth Tattoo Convention 11 and 12 May The Guildhall
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100+ artists, trade booths, tattoo competitions, custom car & bike show, 10 live bands. Details www.plymouthtattooconvention. com Blackbird 11 May Boomerang Sports Bar Two piece acoustic duo from Plymouth. For details ring 01752 669812 Beholder 11 May White Rabbit Birmingham quintet bristling with thunderous tunes, a string of festival appearances and a debut album The Awakening. Also featuring local metal bands Warcrab and Cambion. For details ring 07916 127298 Rock Against the Machine 11 May The Junction Human rock jukebox street rock busking show. For details ring 01752 665895 Will McNicol 11 May Sherwell Centre Famed guitarist presents original compositions taking inspiration from a wide range of genres. For details ring 01752 585050 or visit www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Hamer & Isaacs Gypsy Swing 11 May The Cock’n’Bull Volcanic, swinging gypsy jazz. For details ring 07779 818323
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what’s on
six City Centre This popular annual event will again be taking place, welcoming the new Lord Mayor into their role. ‘Plymouth’s Hidden History’ is the theme for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Day and will see the whole city centre come alive in a celebration of music, fun and a colourful carnival costumed procession.
Jason Manford
Suffocation 18 May White Rabbit American death metal band who have released seven studio albums as of 2013. The band’s raw death metal style uses guttural vocals with a downtuned guitar sound, fast complex guitar riffs and drumming, and a sophisticated sense of songwriting. For details ring 07916 127298
Sky Ride 2013 12 May Central Park The free event is part of a national campaign to get more people cycling regularly, inspiring and helping people to get back on their bikes to re-discover the fun they can have. More information at www. visitplymouth.co.uk Sons of Dirty Lil 17 May Kitty O’Hanlons 4 piece covers band, with music ranging from The Jam and The Human League all the way up to Arctic Monkeys and The Killers. For details ring 01752 661624 Jonathan Gee 17 May B-Bar The Jonathan Gee Trio is ‘a brilliant gem‘ of contemporary jazz piano, and its leader has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz.For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk Al Murray
The Buzzcocks 18 May C103 Legendary English punk and indie rock band. Supporting act The Beacons. Visit www.c103. co.uk Leona Lewis 18 May Plymouth Pavilions Leona Lewis is touring the UK for the first time in three years. Since her meteoric rise to global fame, Leona’s incredible voice has captivated millions of people across the world. For details ring 0845 146 1460 or visit www. plymouthpavilions.com May Ball 18 May Marjon’s One of the highlights of the annual SU calendar. For details visit www.marjons.co.uk Lord Mayor’s Day 18 May
Adam Piggott & Jayne Freeman 24 May B-Bar Adam Piggott and Jayne Freeman combine powerful acoustic guitar and ukulele with their own take on the genres of folk and Americana. Live shows also feature unique versions of well known and often unexpected covers. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk
top live acts, DJs, funfair and so much more. For details visit www.upsu.com Hot Candy 26 May Porter’s Funky pop rock band with sassy female vocals. For details ring 01752 662485 Scott Ian’s Speaking Words Tour 27 May White Rabbit Founding member of Anthrax and heavy metal legends bring his entertaining show, filled with stories from 30 years of travelling the world. Includes a Q&A session. For details ring 07916 127298 Thomas Ford 30 May B-Bar Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer. For details ring 01752 242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk The Skints 30 May White Rabbit East London ska and reggae band who have established a formidable live reputation. For details ring 07916 127298 Eat The Rich 31 May Kitty O’Hanlons Kick-arse band with a fiddle and a lead guitar, and arguably, the tightest rhythm section in Devon! For details ring 01752 661624
Volksfest 24 May to 26 May Newnham Park, Plympton Festival line-up includes The Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Alabama 3, Hazel O’Connor, Mad Dog Mcrea and many more. For details call the ticket hotline on 07547 358 686 or visit www. plymouthvolksfest.co.uk
JUNE
Summer Ball 25 May University Campus Thousands of party goers will get together on campus for this unique one night only festival featuring huge music arenas,
Ladykillaz 06 Jun B-Bar A strand of programming with a women-only, monthly (of course) session. For details ring 01752
242021 or visit www.b-bar.co.uk Strictly Confidential 12 and 13 Jun Plymouth Pavilions Strictly Confidential will give theatre audiences the chance to get up close and personal with stars of the smash hit BBC One television series. For details ring 0845 146 1460 or visit www. plymouthpavilions.com The Moody Blues 18 Jun Plymouth Pavilions The Moody Blues, whose legacy spans four decades of hit-making and sell-out tours, will continue to entertain audiences with their timeless music on their brand new UK tour. For details ring 0845 146 1460 or visit www. plymouthpavilions.com Al Murray 19 Jun Plymouth Pavilions Broken Britain may be staring into the bottom of an empty pint glass, but don’t lose hope – Al Murray The Pub Landlord is back to fill it up again, with a brand new show of epic proportions. For details ring 0845 146 1460 or visit www. plymouthpavilions.com Jason Manford 21 and 22 Jun Plymouth Pavilions The show promises to feature a wealth of comedy anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and audience banter delivered with Jason’s likeable charm and teasingly intelligent wit. For details ring 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions. com If you would like your event featured, or for more information, get in touch by emailing info@ps-zine.com
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/ Interview By Naomi Girdler / Photography by Tim Creswell /
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Plymouth Student talks to Simon Dobson, local brass composer and recent winner of British Composer of the Year award. He talks to us about his new album, what it’s like to see music in colour and how he writes his music. How’s life? S: Life’s wicked. Life’s busy. It’s kind of going in a different direction than it has done before. There’s lots to keep me busy, lots of grand schemes! When did you realise you wanted to be a musician? S: I knew I wanted to be a musician, literally forever. It’s one of my first memories, being one of the first things I did. I knew I wanted to be a professional musician around the age of 16, but I didn’t really know what type of musician to be. I knew I wanted to play, but I didn’t know if I was good enough and I wanted to conduct and compose purely because the music I was playing used to bore me.
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Yeah, I was 16 then and it all went from there. Who are your favourite composers? S: I always love listening to Olivier Messiaen, because he’s the shit. There are also some composers in London who are working at the moment, a couple of mates of mine, younger than me, and I just love their music so much. I listen to everything I possibly can though. What process do you go through to compose a piece? S: There have been lots of ways that my music has started, especially with my contemporary pieces, but I find that because composing takes such a long time, and is such a slow burn, it’s very easy to lose your original idea and emotional drive for the piece. So, over the last seven or eight years I’ve developed a way that I tend to start every piece. I try and draw the shape of the piece I want, so if I’m angry, it’ll be really scribbly and hard, whereas if it’s a more fluent piece, it’ll be nice, smooth lines for example. I then annotate that, drawing
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with ideas of what I want the orchestration to be and add a timeline so I know where in the music I am, until I eventually have a graphic score in front of me. I then add my ideas of harmonies to that. That’s the most common way I go about creating a score. What have you been up to recently? S: There’s a few things I’ve been up to, I’ve been writing for a flute quartet, in Switzerland. I’m also writing for a saxophone quartet up in Manchester. They’re kick ass, called the Apollo Saxophone Quartet. I’ll be writing a piece for them called Rage. I’m really excited about that. I’ve also got a few bits of conducting work, bunch of playing, loads of gigs in the summer too! What have you got coming up? S: I’ve got a crowd funded album coming up called Euneirophrenia. A lot of the work I do with brass is considered quite left field, but I’ve got a lot of people in the brass world backing me up, so that’s why
nine I wanted to make it crowd funded, so everyone who’s into me can help me try and push for change! The name comes from the feeling of waking up in a good mood after having a good dream the night before. I spent five months once having dreadful nightmares and if you wake up after a horrible dream, you feel terrible for the rest of the day. That’s called malneirophrenia. So anyway, I didn’t want to make a negative record, so I decided on the more positive opposite! I saw that The Skints crowd funded one of their records so I thought it was a good route to go down. It changes the game a bit. I’m looking to raise £5,000 and I’m currently 45% funded, so it’s getting there. It’s going to be way more than a brass band record, it’s going to be accessible for everyone. With some crazy collaborations, I hope I can help a lot of people find their way into the world of brass bands. A group called the Haggis Horns, who used to be Amy Winehouse’s horn section, were Mark Ronson’s horn section and is now Jamiroquai’s horn section, they’re gonna do a track with the Badcore Horns on the album. I don’t want to purposefully make a wide record, but I want it to have myself as the theme then lots of different styles added to it, to show people what I can do. If you’d like to find out more about it, go to www.sponsume.com/project/euneirophrenia. You have synesthesia, can you explain more about it and how it affects your music? S: There are lots of different types of synesthesia and a variety of different levels and I know composers that have it really pronounced and for me, it’s the way I see textures in music. If you can remember old Windows visualizers, that’s pretty much how I see music. Who would you love to work with locally? S: Well, I’ve recently worked with Patrick James Pearson, doing brass on his new record. I’m also working with a group at the moment called the Badcore Horns. We gig and work for various people. Also, although it’s not quite a musical gig, I’d love to work with Pete Miles, and see what he’d think of my kind of music. If I produced a record with him, I’d like to know how he’d see it. There’s
always lots of musicians I’d like to work with though, everyone, just everyone! Everything needs brass!
“ With some crazy collaborations, I hope I can help a lot of people find their way into the world of brass bands”
simon dobson award, I wouldn’t have made the decision to take months out of my life to make a record. I won that and I thought, okay maybe now’s the time to try and show everyone what I can do. I only know one composer who’s won it and so I feel like I’ve got to do it this year, until September, to make an impact with that title behind me.
What local bands are you digging at the moment? S: I go through phases of listening to everything. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz. There’s some music that I listen to, and I get stuck with and I listen to it until my head explodes and then I move on. I got really obsessed with the new Everything Everything record, I thought that was incredible. The new Skints album; I thought that was a work of art. Narcissistic as it may seem, I play brass on the album, I still listen to the new Patrick James Pearson record, I think it’s brilliant. You recently won British Composer of the Year award, how has that helped you? S: It’s been really good for me, publicity wise. It’s difficult turning something like that into work though to be honest, since the scene itself is so varied, yet at the same time quite narrow. To be up there with the list of the other winners on the night though, some of the best composers in the UK in the other categories, but I brought home the award. That was a sick few days. I think if I hadn’t won that
If you would like to listen to Simon’s music or to add your contribution to his crowd funded album, please visit www.sponsume.com/project/euneirophrenia or find him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Peacekidxxx
brunel
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/ Interview by Naomi Girdler / Naomi Girdler speaks to Jim MacGregor, front man of Brunel, who have exploded onto the local music scene in Plymouth. Describing themselves as hard rock and roll, we wanted to find out more... How did Brunel come to be? J: I’ve known the other guys in the band for some years, and have been an admirer of the bands they played in previously. I heard they were jamming together, John (Guitar) and Craig (Bass) were initially gonna sing but neither was 100% positive about doing vocals and writing lyrics. I offered to help write some lyrics, and it just very naturally came about that I should “sing” these songs. They recorded some practice room demo’s and just left me to write. The guys invited me down to have a go and the rest kinda fell into place. It’s been a terrifying and exciting experience, but I’m happy to say it’s rooted in friendship and our mutual love of music.
guitarist in Bedroom Project, but they are far flung now so are on a hiatus you could say. Craig also plays in Guns Under The Table, and before Brunel they both played together in Machete. Craig also used to play bass for Consolation Prizefighter and Three Day Rule. Rusty played drums in Quarantine many years ago, and played in The Rooftop Gambler with Neil and Karl from CPF. I play Drums in The Man Who Loves You and I’ve been quietly making music for the last seven years as Head of Programmes.
“ We h ave a c o m b i n e d a ge o f 12 6 , s o I t h i n k we ’ re t o o o l d t o h ave gu i l t y p l e a s u re s , I f u l ly e m b ra c e mi n e n ow. ”
How would you describe your sound? J: It’s kind of an abstract idea, trying to explain something which seems very unpremeditated. I think we have more in common with 80’s and 90’s alternative bands than modern punk or hardcore or whatever it’s called this year. We’re just a hard rock n’ roll band. What process is behind writing your songs? J: Rusty (Drums), Craig (Bass) and John (Guitar) work on the music together. John comes up with the riffs and Craig and Rusty build it up around that. I help with arrangements, and write the words.
What are your musical guilty pleasures? J: We have a combined age of 126, so I think we’re too old to have guilty pleasures, I fully embrace mine now. Friends of mine laugh at my Dwight Yoakham records and I like R Kelly, but those guys are cool aren’t they? What are your aspirations as a band? J: Oh we don’t aspire to be anything other than a good live rock n’ roll band. We don’t direct our hopes into anything other than that, make good music, enjoy the process, the goals are always creative, everything else is a smokescreen. What are your plans for the future?
What do you think of the local music scene?
J: We start recording a full length LP with Rich Robinson in May. After that we hope to tour in the Autumn with our friends United Fruit, then we just keep playing shows and start all over again...
J: There are some great bands here that I like very much, however I feel it lacks diversity. It’s tough for bands that don’t play punk/ metal, and it’s sad that it’s so male dominated too. I have personally, always fiercely detached myself from being part of any “scene”, it’s sounds too close to fashion, and I know nothing about that. One thing I would like to add, is that there is an awesome Rhythm and Blues movement here in Plymouth, some of the best shows I’ve seen come out of them guys.
Brunel will be playing the White Rabbit, on Tuesday 24th April along with Grappler and Calvalcades, and again on Thursday 9th May with Cheating Jack Ketch and Last One Out. To find out more about Brunel and further details on their upcoming shows, follow them on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/brunelband
What are your inspirations? What bands have you all come from? J: We have all played in too many bands to name. John is the
writing of D.C Berman, Cormac McCarthy and Townes Van Zandt. Most other writers pale in comparison.
J: I wouldn’t want too speak on behalf of the band here, but I know we all like a lot of different music. I’m always inspired by the
Win tickets for
two great shows Plymouth Pavilions is hosting two of Britain’s best known comedians in June – and four lucky PS readers will be there. We’ve teamed up with the Pavilions to give away two tickets to see Al Murray on June 19 and two tickets for the Jason Manford gig on either June 21 or June 22.
All you have to do is send an e-mail to: competition@ps-zine.com with the word ‘Pavilions’ in the subject line. Four entries will be chosen at random after the closing date on June 1 2013
Jason Manford
Tickets for Al Murray and Jason Manford are still available. Call 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com
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/ Interview by Naomi Girdler / Above: Oli Sykes of Bring Me the Horizon
After hearing about his amazing opportunity to work with Bring Me the Horizon, jetting it off to South Africa to casually go on tour, we couldn’t pass up the chance to chat with local photography legend, Andy Ford when he got home.
NME last year, and although I don’t feel that it was necessary for it to feature to ‘legitimise the scene’, but for everyone who’s been at those shows down in Cornwall and at the Rabbit to get some acknowledgement is really cool.
How’s life? A: All good! Everything’s been really busy lately. That’s a nice problem to have. I’ve just come back from South Africa, touring with Bring Me the Horizon, which was very cool. I’ll be going up to London for a little bit for a placement with The Guardian. Summer’s got me a few wedding’s coming up as well. Yeah, it’s all going pretty good.
You’re currently at Plymouth College of Art, how’s your experience been there? A: For me, Plymouth University was a bit too academic, so PCA was a great option. There’s some great lecturers and facilities at the university though, but the College of Art was a bit more open to my ideas and my interests. At the end of the day though, it’s about your portfolio. A degree is just a piece of paper and it’s what you do with it that matters. When you approach a magazine for example, they’re not looking for what grade you got on your degree, they want to see your portfolio, but education is a great opportunity to have the access to other things you might not get the chance to do otherwise.
When did you realise photography was something you wanted to do professionally? A: When I was younger, I had an old film SLR that I used to mess around with, but it was quite expensive to keep buying film and getting it processed in those days, so I didn’t pursue it that much. I spent most of my 20’s travelling around and stuff, so most of my money went on that. It was only when I moved down to Cornwall and settled there in 2007, when I finally had some spare money, so I bought a laptop and a digital camera and started getting into it. Pretty much went crazy for it. Then it got to a point where I wanted to see where I could go with it. I didn’t want to end up old and bitter and thinking, what if? What’s your favourite photo? A: It was taken at Hevy Fest last year of Josh Scogin, vocalist for The Chariot. My music work is always about trying to find that peak moment, capturing it and sharing that energy. I had a feature on my work and about the South West music scene in
Josh Scogin, of The Chariot
Oli Sykes of Bring Me the Horizon You’ve been featured in NME, and a variety of surf magazines, and more recently gone on tour with Bring Me the Horizon, how was that experience? A: It was very surreal, being thrown into this whole new world. Sony looked after us really well and definitely enjoyed the very swanky hotel! The guys from Bring Me the Horizon were really down to earth, Northern guys. Everyone’s like, What was Oli Sykes like?! but he’s just a normal, quiet dude. It’s quite inspiring, because the whole time we were out there, when he wasn’t on stage, he was literally just working. He’s been working on his clothing line, Drop Dead Clothing and more recently a graphic novel, so he’s a busy man. It can’t have been easy, being thrown into the limelight quite young, and getting a lot of hate from people, the attitude easily becomes well f**k you then! It was pretty cool though, South Africa doesn’t get a lot of big names so they were playing to 10,000 people or so.
thirteen
What advice would you give someone going into photography? A: Be obsessed by it. Work hard and be dedicated, my advice is literally just to get out there and take photos. I think being a really harsh critic of your work isn’t a bad thing either. Thinking back to when I first picked up a camera, I was looking at all these photography magazines, and thinking, right, my shot doesn’t look like that, and then simply finding out why. You’ve gotta know what you want your photo to look like, but you’ve also got to understand the technical skills to be able to get that shot. It’s also what you do after you’ve taken the photos, what you do with them as well, editing etc. Using my music work as an example, I made a conscious decision early on to do it all in this black and white, quite high contrast style. When you go to a hardcore show, it’s not all colourful and bright, it’s dingy, dark, gritty and grimy, so I think it works to capture that atmosphere within my style.
“ If you’d asked me when I first picked up a camera, what I’d want from photography, a couple pictures in a surf magazine would be awesome, so my expectations have already been met ”
andy ford
Andy Ford
expected. If you’d asked me when I first picked up a camera, what I’d want from photography, a couple pictures in a surf magazine would be awesome, so my expectations have already been met. Just want to keep building on that, and to get to the point where I’m a working photographer and don’t have to put up with shitty part time jobs. I’ve got a lot of wedding stuff booked for this summer and hopefully get a decent amount of festival stuff too, with some possibilities of some festival gallery work for The Guardian, of whom I met the music editor while waiting for a cancelled flight after the Bring Me the Horizon tour, so we bonded over some G and T’s in the Virgin lounge! Just gotta keep hustlin’!
If you’d like to view any of Andy’s work, or to get in touch, visit his website at www.andyfordphotography.co.uk
Who influences you? A: In terms of music, there’s a guy called Sheep that photographed a lot in the late 90’s, early 2000’s who’s been a direct influence on me. Plus, obviously, guys like Glen Friedman, Edward Colver and Charles Peterson, who covered a lot of the earlier grunge scene, a prime example of being in the right place at the right time. He didn’t know that the grunge scene was going to be so big, he just wanted to take pictures of local bands he was watching. Those bands just turned out to be Pearl Jam and Nirvana! What have you got coming up? A: I’m just trying to keep this momentum of work going, so there’s no set plan, but things keep coming up that I never
J A C K
C H A M S
W A K E
You can see more of Andy’s photography in our Jack Chams article on page 22. A hectic and emotional night was incredibly captured by the talented photographer as a community of individauls came together to party one last time in the bar on Ebrington Street. Flick ahead to find out more!
melissa thomas
fourteen
M T
E H
L I S S O M A
Plymouth Student catches up with Plymouth College of Art third year illustration student, Melissa Thomas. How’s life? M: Life’s pretty good, sailing along a bit too fast for my liking at the moment!
a little while and experience different cultures, and return influenced and ready to design. What would be your ideal job? M: I would love to have a illustration/design job within a record company and be their in house designer, have a little studio next to the music studio and be able to listen in while I work.
When did you realise you wanted to be an illustrator? M: I think I realised it was the profession I wanted when I finished 6th form. I looked into the course and it’s description sounded like exactly what I wanted to do. What made you choose Plymouth College of Art? M: I chose the college firstly because of how good the course layout and modules sounded, and also for its ideal location and the amount of resources available. Who inspires you? M: If we’re talking big illustrators, I have to say Quentin Blake, because I love the style of illustration and how the characters are child friendly but also really comical. How would you describe your style of work? M: I would say that my style is one of two ways. Either sketchy and loose or very precise line, colour and pattern, depending on my subject. I like layering ontop of watercolour
A S
Where can we find your work/how can we get in touch? M: You can email me at: melissakthomas91@gmail.com and I will have a website launched by the summer. and also do a lot of children’s illustration style pieces. What advice would you give other illustration students out there? M: Don’t feel like you have to be pinned to one style. The more you can do, the wider your market will be. What are your plans for the future? M: I haven’t really made plans but I really hope to get some interesting commissions in the near future, maybe expanding illustration on a larger scale and I would love to branch out to do some 3D work too. But for now I want to travel for
fifteen
neoma stanford
N E O M A S T A N F O R D M r
&
M rs
T eac u p
A sickening tale about two teacups who share a cupboard Mr & Mrs Teacup can be imagined in any way the reader sees fit. They
when it was just the two of them. There were less spoons around in
could come to life in the form of two trees, two splatters of oil on
those days as well; a simpler time. The man and woman they belonged
concrete, two minds in a vacuum for all it matters. Hell, they could
to had clearly only felt a need for the essentials back then, a teacup
even represent themselves as two teacups if one so desired. A pair of
each, a spoon each, a plate each, a bowl each. Now the house was full
cups. A couple of cups.
of all sorts of frills and pointless fancy, the passing of time seems to have served as a means to acquire material wealth, and not a lot else.
Mr and Mrs teapot have lived in the cupboard for nearly ten years, they
The Teacups find this a confusing prospect on the face of it, but remain
often leave, but always return, and nearly always simultaneously. They
steadily aware that they are not of the same breed as these people,
like to think of themselves as leading meaningful existences - they
they are probably missing some vital figure in the equation. They can’t
have purpose and responsibility, a generous life span, and comfortable
complain anyway, the company is something they had always secretly
lives all in all. Attempting never to cross the line between satisfaction
longed for in the hours of solitude and darkness in the cupboard.
and nonchalance, both man and wife point out each other’s flaws from time to time, though very rarely with any hostility. A great many experiences and opportunities have fallen upon them, they feel, over the years, and they consider themselves grateful for all of them. Sometimes the cupboard is opened at sunset and a warm fiery light floods in, in these moments all of the cups in the cupboard close their eyes and smile. To them, nothing is more beautiful. On Sunday afternoons Mr Teacup and his wife are taken from the cupboard and placed with others of their kind on a tray, with a plate, a small bowl full
As darkness descends, the cupboard falls silent and the cups shift
“ Dark, brooding liquids are mixed with light and creamy ones, causing strange patterns and an odd sensation... ”
of sugar, and several spoons. This is
peacefully into sleep. The door is a luxury to them, one that they feel they do not need, and yet are extremely grateful for. When it is closed they are confined to their own space, amongst their own kind, and what more could they ask for? One night as the cups are sleeping, a child comes lumbering down the stairs two stairs at a time. The cups are confused as they are roused from their sleep and the cupboard door creeps slowly open. No one opens the door at night usually, what’s special about
the task entrusted to them in which they hold the most pride. Dark,
tonight? They can’t see anyone, but a hand reaches up, grasps Mr
brooding liquids are mixed with light and creamy ones, causing strange
Teacup’s handle, and slides him down from the shelf, what strange
patterns and an odd sensation, some are sweet, others not so much –
happenings.
sometimes a large bag of herbs falls in. These occasions are the perfect opportunity for Mrs Teacup to socialise with the other females from the
Moments later Mr Teacup is a thousand shards of china on the floor.
cupboard, particularly those she doesn’t often see, and as she does so her husband is always off somewhere or other talking to the other men
Mrs Teacup looks down, sees what has become of her husband,
(probably about the washing up bowl, or the times narrowly escaping
and jumps to her own destruction. The pieces of each cup are
a fall to the floor, which nearly every teacup has experienced at some
undistinguishable.
point). When the cleaner clears away the mess the next morning, she assumes Mrs Teacup sometimes reminisces about the early days in the cupboard,
that it was one cup, rather than two.
Nem Stanford, 21, is a second year degree student, studying Creative Writing with English Literature at Marjons. She hails from Plymouth, and hopes that one day she will own a little dog, that she can name Frederick (after Frederick Nietzsche).
flingers / naturally ethical trading
sixteen
Na t u r a l l y E t h i ca l T r a d i n g Tim Farndell has a life-long passion for Fairtrade and environmental issues. Now the former City College Plymouth student has turned that passion into a business with the launch of Naturally Ethical Trading. Tim, 32, runs his company from Plymouth City Market, starting nine months ago with a single bench, then growing into a single unit and recently moving to an even bigger stall (No 55 & 56). “Things are going pretty well and I’m delighted to have a bigger stall in the market as I have a lot more room to display our products, which also means I can expand the clothing range,” said Tim. He set up Naturally Ethical Trading after many years working in various retail outlets and in customer service roles.
Par t y g i R L g eor g ia / Chris Girdler talks to a former Plymouth University graduate about her role in the family business / Plymouth University photography graduate Georgia de Lotz is a party animal – in every sense of the word! Georgia’s family have run the popular Flingers Party Shop in Bristol for nearly 25 years and she is now helping the business develop an increasing online presence. A brand new website for Flingers was launched in March and Georgia has also ensured that the company makes the most of social media opportunities with a presence on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Georgia has also started a regular blog offering advice and tips on party planning and introducing customers to the huge range of products the company offers. Georgia, who graduated in 2012 said: “Having achieved a 2:1 in photography I was hoping to get work in the photographic field, but there are so few opportunities out there. “I had not originally intended to work in the family business and my dad certainly didn’t push me into it. Work was already under way on the new website when I finished at Plymouth so I asked my dad if I could help in any way,” said 22-year-old Georgia. “It was an opportunity to get involved with a whole range of creative opportunities so I started working at Flingers in September. Social media is obviously increasingly important for most businesses these days, particularly one like Flingers which has so many customers and products. “While work was progressing on the new website I launched our regular blog in November to create an online presence. We already have more than 300 followers on Twitter and I ensure that both our Facebook and Twitter sites are regularly updated. “I try to post new blogs as often as possible to generate increased interest in Flingers and to provide not only party tips and advice but also updates on our latest party products. “We have just launched an online range of life-sized cardboard cut-outs which are perfect as photographic props or party pieces. We’ve got everything from Spongebob Square Pants to Doctor Who and Kate and William.
“Our fancy dress costumes are hugely popular and we have a selection of the top costumes for less than £20. I’m sure there are loads of things on our website that will appeal to the party animal students in Plymouth,” she added. “People can buy 24/7 from the comfort of their own home and get it delivered to the door within a few days. We’re also happy to deal with inquiries via e-mail or phone. Our staff are really experienced and can offer lots of advice and guidance.” Georgia’s dad Guy is delighted that she is working in the business. “She has brought lots of fresh and innovative ideas and knows how to make the most of social media and online opportunities,” he said. Although Georgia is now based in Bristol, she likes to get back to Plymouth as often as possible, particularly as her boyfriend Ash still lives in the city. “I loved studying in Plymouth because it’s great being so near the sea and the moors.” Flingers Party Shop, 73-75 Gloucester Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5JQ Tel 01179 312206 web www.flingerspartyshop.co.uk
“I saw a gap in the local market for the sale of Fairtrade giftware, jewellery, body care, textiles clothing and other products, such as Buddhas and Buddhist inspired items. I also want to grow further and sell organic and vegan products in the future. “I have a vision that one day enterprises like ours will have no need to exist as all companies will sign up too ethical policies, but until then you have Naturally Ethical Trading,” added Tim. He was given huge help and support in setting up Naturally Ethical Trading by the Prince’s Trust. “They are a brilliant organisation, helping me to develop a business plan, providing mentoring and setting up networking opportunities,” he added. “I couldn’t have done all this without the help and support of the Prince’s Trust, the guys here at Plymouth City Market and, last but by no means least, my mum Lynda.” Tim said: “I get quite a lot of students who come to the stall and I would love to see more of them down here. The City Market has a brilliant selection of independent and specialist retailers: most people are really surprised just how many different businesses operate from here.” He is a regular trader at the Campus Market and also plans to get involved in charity and fund-raising events. “I don’t make a huge amount of money running the business. I buy most of my products from India and it’s great to know that we are helping artisans and farmers there are in other parts of the world. “I have been blessed with the help and support I have had and I want to give something back if I can. I hope to take on an apprentice in the next year or so and am also providing work experience for a young person.” For more information, pop down for a chat with Tim at Stall No 55 & 56 at Plymouth City Market or visit www.naturallyethicaltrading.co.uk. He is open 9.30am to 4.30pm Mondays to Saturdays (3.30pm Weds) and would be happy to have a chat on 07864 048693.
daggers and hearts
eighteen
/ Interview by Naomi Girdler / Photography by Lucien Harris /
D A GG E R S & H E A R T S Dave Kendall has recently thrown himself onto the local music scene with his new independent music zine,All Seeing Eye, but not satisfied with only this new venture, he’s soon to open new alternative boutique and coffee shop, Daggers and Hearts on Mutley Plain. We went to find out more... How did the All Seeing Eye come about? D: Well I have been writing freelance on and off for around 4-5 years for various publications but it had pretty much gone stale due to working full time. I managed to get a job working for The Herald and thought ‘great, I can start up again!’ Even though I worked on advertising, they were pretty good when it came to creative input so I was allowed to commission a supplement named Alternative Culture, ha-ha! Unfortunately, it didn’t take off. It was commercially led which means it was governed by advertising revenue and The Herald prices are way out of the league of many of the D.I.Y and small independent businesses I was appealing to. Also, a lot of the guys I spoke to couldn’t justify spending money on a platform that wasn’t appealing to their immediate target audience. Mainly though, the editorial content in the Herald is embarrassing when it comes to appealing to the lifestyle that the people in our scene live. What’s On is about as close as it gets and unless you’re interested in Joey The F*cking Lips or Mad Dog McRae, then you’re about 20 years too young to read it and have it bear any relevance to your life.
Nobody cares about the fact that Stereophonics are playing or Will Young or some shitty band like The Feeling is at the Pavilions and it pissed me off. So, I decided to do something about it and make my own publication. I offered advertising rates with an ethos of large space at LOW rates. I decided to make it non-profit so that only the cost of printing was covered and yeah, people got behind it!
Tell me a bit more about yourself. D: I am 27 years old, originally from a seaside, tourist town called Great Yarmouth. As much as I tried, I never really fitted in there and I remember getting bullied a bit. I also however, remember getting in trouble for almost setting fire to the year 5 cloakroom so it can’t have been too boring! We moved to Plymouth when I was about 13 and I went to Estover Community College. Within about a year I was wearing nail varnish, eyeliner and Nirvana shirts. I had always been interested in alternative music as my parents were 80’s goth-punks/ 90’s grungers. Bands like The Damned, Souxie and the Banshees, Adam Ant, The Cure, the Smiths, Jesus Jones, Sound Garden, and Pearl Jam played a big part in my childhood surroundings growing up (not to mention the fact my dad bestowed a few Iron Maiden LP’s and a Green Jelly single on me when I was probably 6 or 7) so I was always around that sort of image and culture. I had been really into indie and Brit pop throughout the late 90’s (Blur, Pulp, Oasis, Stone Roses, Ocean Colour Scene etc) and was just getting into bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Hole and Nirvana when I joined Estover. I quickly moved onto Nu-Metal and started getting into gateway metal and hardcore bands like Killswitch before moving onto Screamo! The creative environment of Estover mixed with discovering new bands, genres, environments like The Phoenix and JFK’s and having awesome friends blew my mind, opened my eyes and I never looked back! I started writing as my head teacher, Mr Brown thought it would be a good creative outlet for my misbehavior/attention seeking and through playing guitar I started going to The Phoenix to watch local hardcore shows. That lead to much heavier bands like Norma Jean and Poison The Well and from there, I got into metal and hardcore punk! My life as it is now, my personality and my passions all really stemmed from a mixture of my parents musical influence and my time at Estover basically. It made me the person I am today. I love heavy music (although those who know me well will also know I love a good pop song) and I love the D.I.Y ethos and mentality. I don’t always go to as many shows as I used to when I was younger and at times that does bother me but I do my best. I live with my beautiful girlfriend Tracey, whom I love dearly and I run a local alternative music and arts magazine called The All Seeing Eye. I think it is now safe to also reveal my lifelong dream of running my own business and announce the ownership of soon to open shop, Daggers and Hearts Tell me a bit more about your new shop, Daggers and Hearts? D: Daggers & Hearts is an alternative, independent boutique establishment selling clothing, accessories,
nineteen fresh coffee and cold drinks and snacks. All clothing is sourced ethically from independent and D.I.Y sources and all food and drinks are sourced from local, independent companies. Fresh coffee is sourced from a local provider and the beans are triple certified as not only Fairtrade and organic, but also part of the Rainforest Alliance. Everything stocked at the shop is priced based on a responsible, moral basis. The idea of only sourcing independent stemmed from knowing so many people on the D.I.Y scene. We wanted to set up a platform to help, support and grow the independent, D.I.Y culture that Plymouth is so proud of but it was very, very important to us personally to enrich and help it grow without exploiting or corrupting the essence of it. It was from that ethos that we developed the boutique theme. The glue holding that together really is our policy to never buy in bulk. As well as only supporting independent trading, we will only ever have one or two items in a size per design for clothes, and usually only one (maybe two) in a style when it comes to accessories. This means that what you buy is not only original but as unique as possible so that we can give you a true boutique experience. It is not always as easy as it sounds to just stock local so we had to be sure that the most important thing to our business plan was the sourcing of only independent and ethically charged suppliers. Not only does this result in the sourcing of cool designs as D.I.Y businesses make clothes for the love of it and not appealing to a mass “alternative” audience (there isn’t a day-glo strip or a hoodie with cat ears attached in sight), but it means that the designs are credible, authentic and appeal to the market that we are targeting as we ARE the f*cking market! For example, we stock a company called R.S.I apparel. The owner, Rob (who studied in Plymouth and is now living in Reading) is an awesome dude and he even came down to meet me before formally agreeing to stock with us. Not only does he produce insanely cool clothing, but the thing that he prides himself on the most is the way he treats the designers/artists. The company pays EVERYONE. Basically, if the company has enough money to print a design then there is enough money to pay an artist for it. They pay the people that help make the designs that float your boat and also pay the artists for any reprints they do. The more you buy, the more money goes to the artist and I think that that strong moral trading policy is incredibly admirable. The business also houses a coffee shop, and everything served in terms of food and drink is independent and local.
Dave Kendall
What are the future plans for the All Seeing Eye and Daggers and Hearts? D: Basically, to never lose sight of what we set out to create. The point of both projects is to offer a platform to help and support the scene that we are a part of and to help other alternative D.I.Y businesses.
daggers and hearts I can’t see either projects EVER going national but if they were to ever get close, we would always have to do it on a level that maintained the essence and values that we had in our hearts when starting out. It’s difficult to answer this question as it is such early doors for both TASE and Daggers & Hearts. Our main aim I suppose as a business is to not go under in the first year, haha! What local bands do you rate? D: Brotherhood of the Lake do an amazing job. I know the guys very well and I despite the bands image (whether that was forced upon them or not) they are all funny, friendly and awesome guys. They take heavy to a new level and they have evolved and grown so much over the years that I think they are really where they need to be at the moment. I remember in 2005 or 2006 watching them support The Bled and thinking, these guys are going to go far. Damerels are brilliant. I love the vibe of that band and I love the energy. It’s kind of quirky rock and roll but loud and fast at the same time and I think that they are a refreshing touch of individuality in what can sometimes feel like a rather stale scene. Woahnows have that kind of new wave punk thing nailed. They remind me of a more American sound along the lines of Such Gold or Title Fight and they are at the top of a bunch of really cool bands in a growing scene that I firmly believe is the next major step in punk rock! I’m not sure what’s going on with The Deering as they seem to go quiet for months on end and then re-emerge (maybe something to do with Dan and Carl’s new project, Medowlark?), but they are an awesome band. They make beautiful, inspiring, melodic rock music and I really rate them as talented musicians. I don’t even need to mention Crazy Arm! Those guys have it sorted hands down. I saw them I think around December or January and they still have the same energy and passion that they did when I first watched them in around 2007/8. Incredible! What magazines/zines do you find inspiring? D: I think that anyone who takes the time to produce a zine is inspiring. So many people moan and bitch about a lack of scene in Plymouth but I say that if you are that f**king bothered, then do something about it! PS is a stand out for me though and not just because I’m in it today, haha! The zine is fresh, original and professional. It is produced on such a high quality level that it rivals mainstream publications in my opinion. I think you guys do a great job and on a more personal level, the publication was the tipping point that inspired me to produce my own zine! You guys rule! How do we find out more/get in contact? D: If you want to get an article into TASE, ask for coverage or put in an advert then you can email theallseeingeyeeditor@gmail.com or call my mobile on 07507677501. You could of course always pop into the Daggers & Hearts shop after the May 1st which is at 1 Alexandra Road, Mutley. It’s round the corner from Boomerangs where Quee Queg used to be. Both projects have a page on Facebook so you could always search and contact us that way. If you want to talk about stocking at the shop, then you can email me at daggersandheartsshop@gmail.com.
TAXIFIRST
22-22-22
SupplyIng you wITh A 24 houR on demAnd TAXI SeRvIce wheelchAIR vehIcleS AvAIlAble
we looK FoRwARd To beIng oF SeRvIce To you
fashion
twenty
S P RING / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 T h e
P r e
R a p h a e l i t e s / Written by Lola Webster /
Florence and the Machine
I’ve heard it said that the ‘noughties’ have been a period of fashion throwback - with trends taking inspiration from previous eras rather than creating our own, new looks; leading to the glamorous vintage look that so many of us adopt, but it seems that Spring/ Summer 2013 is set to take retro to a new level in terms of fashion thieving. Predicted trends for the sunny seasons this year have taken a U-turn from the sharp, minimalist looks sported on the catwalk last year, and entered the world of the ethereal, with designers putting a modern spin on the influential Pre-Raphaelite movement of the 19th Century. The movement was founded in 1848 by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The style of painting they adopted during this period was a rejection of the current techniques, and instead they returned to the intricate, detailed styles of the Italian Renaissance. Out of this era came an inspiring and iconic group of jewel coloured paintings of beautiful women in mythological settings. This year, the movement is revisited with a subtle nod in the direction of Gothic Damsels in Distress, seen by the likes of Chanel in their Spring/Summer ‘13 show. Their classic 1940s tailored two-pieces were softened with draping lace headdresses and a lot of accentuating black eye liner, which gave that forlorn, wide-eyed,
Topshop Light Blue Pattern Dress
Chanel SS13
Florence and the Machine
‘languishing in a tower’ look that really defined the wavy red hair and brilliant bone structure are so way that the Pre-Raphaelite women were painted. typical of Rossetti and Millais’ women, not to mention Valentino had a similar look in their Spring/Summer ‘13 show, the way she adorns herself in swathes of lace and does with an army of models dressed in floor length gowns with her hair in intricate plaits with flowers. She epitomises the perfect way to dress with delicate inspiration from lavish classical patterns. this time period. There are so many ways to add a few features of the Pre-Raphaelite women into your look. Whenever anyone thinks ‘hippie’ they are French Plaits have been revived in recent months, as well as more complex looking hairstyles, including probably conjuring up an image of men fishtail plaits and braids. They are really easy to learn to do and women with long hair decorated with and as the festival season approaches, are a great way to keep your hair out of your face and look like you are still making flowers, and sitting barefoot in a forest - some sort of an effort while wading through mud and having not bathed in a few days.
well, J.W. Waterhouse’s Ophelia did it first.
In fact, this is not the first wave of Pre-Raphaelite inspired fashion. The first time we saw centre partings and see through white floor length dresses since the 1800s was, of course the 70s. Whenever anyone thinks ‘hippie’ they are probably conjuring up an image of men and women with long hair decorated with flowers, and sitting barefoot in a forest - well, J.W. Waterhouse’s Ophelia did it first. When I think classic 19th Century beauty, I think Florence Welch, of ‘Florence and the Machine’ - her
Waterhouse’s Ophelia
1970’s hippies
In terms of high street inspiration, Topshop, especially, have released a number of very, princessy brocade dresses and trousers, among their typical abundance of floaty cream dresses and shirts, perfect for boating across a lake in, ‘Lady of Shallot’ style. Spring fashion, most notably, is always inspired by the stunning florals that appear after winter, and these reflect into the prints seen in the high street. There is nothing more understated and sophisticated than a floaty floral dress, and they are so easy to layer up with jumpers and tights while it is still chilly.
twenty one
bassfunk
BIG NAMES - BIGGER BASSLINES / Words by Harry McIlroy / Photos by Dom Moore /
with beach balls and prizes and reduced entry for fancy dress. “Bassfunk has always been about fun and not afraid to be silly with its themes and competitions. Such as holding Plymouth’s biggest ever pass the parcel with 400 participants,” said Bossa. I remember first prize, in that pass the parcel was a ticket to the South West Drum and Bass awards at the Eden project, my best mate won it. Plymouth based, Falmouth College journalism student Harry McIlroy presents his debut Plymouth Student piece with a review of Bassfunk, Plymouth’s top ‘ghettofunk’ club night Bassfunk events at the White Rabbit, Bretonside, have been my sanctuary for big, heavy, bass lines since before me and my mates were old enough to get in. So when I heard the crew had booked big name, Ghettofunk artist Featurecast, I returned to the Rabbit to catch up with Bossa and the crew for another night of funky, bass fuelled, mayhem. The night not only promised big name artists Featurecast, but also included glitch hop sensation Dephecit teaming up with live saxophone player Summer Bright, who were returning to The White Rabbit, after they were a big hit at the re-launch in February. The night also had a very flashy Miami beach theme, in preparation for the warm(er) weather,
The theme went down a treat, packing a room with a colourful display of Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses and a very convincing turtle. Saxophonist Summer Bright commented: “For a cold march night we have never seen so many Hawaiian shirts, budgie smugglers and flowery wreathes on show.” The night started with disc jockey’s Tuskan followed by Pinz, as always, they warmed up the crowd nicely. Veterans of the Bassfunk crew, they knew exactly what to do to get people in the zone, mixing up the variety of music from hip hop, to soul, to drum and bass. By midnight the event was already off to a great start. Dephicit was next up to the turntables, joined by expert live saxophonist Summer Bright. By this time the crowd were really quite loved up and as is often the case with live music, the expert noise from the horn was met with rapturous cheering. The expert duo
made a great team and as this was their second gig for Bassfunk they’d really worked out their kinks to give a truly brilliant performance. “We found it simply fantastical… Technically it was the best set yet. We had a really competent sound engineer so the sax was loud and clear and the sound system was pumping. The crowd were really happy and responsive, so yeah all in all an awesome night! Roll on the next one.” said Bright. By the time the night was in full swing the true essence of the Bassfunk events I’ve come to love fell into place, a packed dancefloor, smoke, rousing MC-ing and a lot of happy faces. Then the MC made the announcement “We all ready for some Featurecast tonight?” this was met with a huge cheer and an even bigger drop from Feturecast which sent head’s bopping throughout the venue. Bassfunk have been a pioneer in bass and breakbeat nights for nine years and have hosted nights
for the likes of Hospital record’s “High Contrast”, “Pendulum”, “London Elektricity” and Danny Byrd to name a few. They have always prided themselves on being at the forefront of emerging music artists with a strong “quality not quantity” ethos. You might have heard Featurecast who was featured on the iPod adverts, but don’t know Ghettofunk, a fast emerging music genre, consisting of funky samples, at 110bpm. The South West of England has recently become a hot spot, for a huge amount of new Ghettofunk stars. If you haven’t heard of it, ghettofunk.co.uk is well worth a click. If you are one of the lucky people who have heard of it, the Bassfunk themselves have always been experts new and emerging genres so when I heard they booked in Hong Kong Ping Pong for their Relaunch party two months ago I was not surprised. Bassfunk is a crew that have been running for around nine years and have hosted events all around the South West. Pack leader Matt ‘Bossa’ Carpenter tells us “We are planning something epic for later in the year with some big names” - so keep your eyes peeled! The next Bassfunk event is on April 20th at White Rabbit, Bretonside Bus Station with such treats as ghettofunk DJ from B-Side Crew, electroswing, more glitch hop and dub. Entry is £10, strictly 18+
local exhibition
twenty two
RI J C
A H
P C
A
K M
S
Photo by Andy Ford
/ Words by Naomi Girdler /
B U R N T O U T. S P E N T. F O R G O TT E N . / Chris Girdler talks to local artists about their new alternative exhibition / An alternative view of Cornwall will be the focus of a special exhibition at The Last Shop Standing store in Bretonside Bus Station on May 2. Presented by writer/photographer Craig Taylor-Broad, artist Debra Baker and film-maker Chris Trevena, the exhibition provides a visual documentary of ‘the constant battle between man and nature.’ Titled ‘Burnt out. Spent. Forgotten’ the exhibition looks in depth at the impact of industrial activities such as tin mining and china clay extraction on the landscape of Cornwall. Craig and Chris are keen urbexers (exploring abandoned and derelict buildings to take photographs) and the exhibition includes a short film on the subject made by Chris. Photographs by Craig and artworks by Debra will also be on display. Craig said: “We thought it would be a great idea to show people the darker elements of what Cornwall offers to those who live there. I had already built up a portfolio of photographs for the piece, and Chris had created enough footage for an eerie short film which will be shown a couple of times during the night. “From this, I asked Debra, who is a wonderful artist, to create pieces based around my photography and the film, and I think we’ve created a well rounded exhibition. Visitors will see a side of Cornwall not normally seen - it’s not all about beaches and spectacular coastline.” The trio chose Plymouth for the exhibition because they felt visitors would be more ‘open minded’ about the presentation. He said they had chosen Last Shop Standing as the venue ‘because it is such an important store, not only because they are the little guys in comparison to your corporates such as HMV but also because they instill an ethic that we feel is important for our exhibition.’ “You can just hang out, listen to music, be friendly, it isn’t about making as much money as possible. And we want that feel for our exhibition, we want people drinking tea, chatting to us about the exhibition, listening to the music and just generally being relaxed because I find that most exhibitions have
this oppressive snobby atmosphere to them, and that isn’t what me, Chris or Debra are about. Basically, the people of Plymouth are really lucky to have a store like that.” The exhibition is on for one night only on May 2 from 7pm to 10pm
I first turned up at Jack Chams on Ebrington Street, fresh faced and barely eighteen. I don’t really remember what first attracted me to the place, or who even told me about it, but all I know is that there was something that kept me going back. It all began with me and a group of friends, living off student loans (which never lasted more than a couple weeks) making the most of Pound a Pint Tuesdays. We liked it because we could drink all the Carlsberg we wanted and never normally spend above a tenner without having to be walked home and puking back up the Morning Glory baguette we’d just bought from Jakes. It was a winner. I fell in love with the place; the staff and the regulars were friendly, funny people who knew how to party hard and were open to talk about music, politics, local goings on and of course, any drama that had been kicking off. This welcoming atmosphere made me feel relaxed and at home, and it wasn’t long before I was one of those regulars with a rum and coke at the end of the bar, waiting for me before I’d even walked through the doors (thanks Ross). Many drunken nights ensued (sorry mum and dad), with sing a longs to Turbonegro’s All My Friends are Dead, pool tournaments, the legendary quiz (flawlessly done weekly by the ultimate quizmaster, Kit), Give Up Your Day Job craft fairs, Mario Kart play offs, huge effort by all every Halloween, amazing local shows, free pool on a Monday and a load of memories, some of which I can remember, and some of which I can’t. I can easily say though, with a hand pressed strongly to my heart, that without Jack Chams, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s not only been a place for me to meet people, have fun, laugh and drink, but it’s also been where PS has been nurtured and encouraged from day one and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who are now permanent fixtures in my life. My heart was totally broken, as you can imagine, when I found out about the closing of the bar. It didn’t matter to me that I’d lost my bar job, what mattered was making sure that the place went out with a bang. My last ever shift was on the last night of its reign, and she definitely went out in style. With more drinks being ordered than could be handled, dancing and moshing filling up the floor, people writing their goodbyes and memories on the walls, tearing down posters as mementos and opening the first ever and last ever bottle of champagne as eyes welled up at closing time were all part of the wake in Jack Cham’s memory. So, here is my public goodbye and thank you, and I’ve decided (maybe not on my better judgement) to admit that I’m in tears writing this, a fond farewell from myself, PS and every other person who loved Chams like I did. Jack Chams will live on in our hearts forever. RIP JACK CHAMS 2009 - 2013
twenty three
S TIR
Stir-frying veg like this is a great way to keep in maximum nutrients, as well as keeping a lovely bit of crunch. Remember that the secret to a stir-fry
UP
is to have everything prepped and ready for when you start cooking as once you get going, there’ll be no time to stop. Perfect for vegetarians.
food
A
TR E A T !
V E G E T A B L E Sea salt 2 cloves of garlic Fresh coriander A thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger 1 red pepper 3 spring onions 1 carrot 1 head of bok choi
to 4 minutes, no longer
2. Peel and finely slice the garlic,
and chilli to the wok
3. Pick and roughly chop the coriander leaves, finely chop the stalks. 4. Peel and finely chop the ginger 5. Deseed and finely slice the chilli 6. Halve, deseed and finely slice the pepper 7. Trim and finely slice the spring onions 8. Use a speed peeler to peel the carrots into long ribbons 9. Snap the bok choi into individual leaves, cutting any
F RY
Serves 2 Difficulty: Easy Cooking Time: 3 mins Prep Time: 15 mins
Method:
1. Put a large pan of salted water on to boil.
13. Meanwhile, add the garlic, coriander stalks, ginger 14. Cook for a minute or so, keeping everything moving around the pan, then add the rest of the vegetables 15. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes 16. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the wok and squeeze in the juice from your lime half 17. Toss for 30 seconds then take off the heat 18. Drain the noodles in a colander, reserving a little of the cooking water
larger ones in half
19. Toss the noodles with the veggies in the wok, adding
10. Cut one lime in half and the rest into wedges for
a splash of the cooking water to loosen the sauce if
serving 11. Preheat a wok or large frying pan on a high heat and once it’s very, very hot add a good lug of groundnut oil
By Andrew Girdler
S TIR
1 lime Groundnut oil 100g dried medium egg noodles A handful of beansprouts 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil
necessary 20. Divide the veggie noodles between your plates and scatter with the coriander leaves before serving
and swirl it around
21. Serve with the lime wedges on the side for squeezing
12. Add your noodles to the boiling water and cook for 3
over
chips chips with dip cod haddock hake plaice hoki china sole lemon sole scampi
1.70 2.15 3.50 3.30 3.50 3.30 2.70 2.70 3.60
2.40 2.85 4.10 3.90 4.10 3.90 3.30 3.30 4.20 3.30
sausage jumbo sausage fish cake
0.75 1.50 1.00
burger in bun cheese burger 1/4 burger 1/4 cheese 6oz burger 6oz cheese burger chicken burger veggie burger
1.40 1.60 2.40 2.60 2.90 3.10 2.30 1.70
1/2 chicken chicken nuggets veggie fritter pea fritter onion rings
2.80 2.10 1.30 1.10 1.30
baked beans curry sauce mushy peas faggot gravy dips for chips roll & butter pineapple fritter banana fritter can of drink
0.70 0.85 0.85 1.10 0.55 0.50 0.50 1.30 1.30 From 0.70
All prices correct at time of going to press
twenty four
film and book reviews
film reviews
by Brent Zillwood Local film graduate, Brent, has reviewed three newcomers To The Wonder, Wreck It Ralph and a local film by PCA student Alex Blackwood called The Tyre Swing. Guess what features in that one? Brent tells us more...
LIT REVIEW by Chris Muirhead
TO THE WONDER
WRECK IT RALPH
THE TYRE SWING
The STRANGEST THANK YOU
Terrance MALICK
RICH MoORE
Alex BLACKWOOD
RICHARD THOMAS
/ DISTRIBUTOR:
Walt Disney Pictures
What is it about?: Af ter visiting Mont SaintMichel, Marina and Neil come to Oklahoma, where problems arise. Marina meets a priest and fellow exile, who is str ugg ling with his vocation, while Neil renews his ties with a childhood friend, Jane.
What’s it about?: A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulf ill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
Directed by Ter rance Mallick, the Cannes Palm Door winner of 2011, who’s a lso known for such work as Badlands, The Thin R ed Line, The New World and The T ree of Life. His latest piece of cinematic ar tistr y is “To The Wonder” I wouldn’t say this was to be the best of his work, althou gh the use of improvisation thrown out with the actors seems to create a f ilm for meditational viewing. Ben Af f leck barely says a line, which makes it much easier viewing for the audience and the camera movement puts you in the position of observing rather than subjecting. The f ilm meshes documentar y aspects, the use of non actors and the look of a per fume commercial in to one f ilm. I say def initely wor th a watch for the f ilm and philosop hy buf fs.
/ PUBLISHER:
/ DISTRIBUTOR:
StudioCanal UK
Okay, as a f ilm g raduate I’m really not keen on animation and family fun f ilms, but if you’re a game nerd and a fan of Pixar’s previous work from Toy Stor y & Bugs Life then you’ll love this. It’s a really smar t little stor y that gives life and character to the old games played in arcades. I found it smar t how they used g litches in games to interact with the stor y and a character with a g litch was treated like a twitch, which as a Tourettes suf ferer I found amusing. A ver y colour ful f ilm that gave me the munchies as 50% of the f ilm is set in a world of ice cream and cookies. Wreck It R alph is now available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray.
Cultured Llama
What’s it about?: Told from the point of view of a T yre Swing and the relationship it has with the little girl that comes to swing on him ever yday, star ring ‘The Dawsons’ (Adam, Summer and Indie) directed and written by Alex Blackwood, with music by Matt Isaac
Plymouth College of Ar t f ilm g raduate and award winner Alex Blackwood pulls another successful shor t f ilm out the bag. Take an inanimate object; give it a personality and a g reat voice over ar tist you’re going to end up feeling something for it. Alex Blackwood continues to prove his skills in zero budget f ilmmaking. You can watch the film online at https://vimeo.com/52881088
The writing of Richard Thomas is playful, self-aware and comical in one strand and artful, ponderous and serious in another. These contrasting approaches wrap around one another through the book in a way that pulls the reader through the highreeds of his sometimes lyrical lake, twisting and tightening until you find your feet in his delivery. These poems are perfect for reading aloud and Thomas’s oratory ability bend the poems from how you experience them on the page, to listening to him onstage, and back again My particular favourite is ‘The Flower Pot’ which takes tiny scenes from an imaginary film and creates a slightly unsettling atmosphere while twisting the narrative to lead you away from its initial premise, I am interested in the visual elements of Thomas’s writing and the quiet confidence with which he extends out from sometimes overtly ordinary beginnings into the weird, the morose or the sly comedy he exhibits throughout the book. Elsewhere ‘Hands’ exposes Thomas’s introverted contemplations while toying with repetition – a tool he uses to great effect throughout the book. The writing here is absorbing, unpredictable and recognisable; the young poet has found his voice during the writing of these pieces and it is one you can imagine chatting to over a coffee or pontificating with about space, with both a tongue in cheek and hand on its chin; marvellous.
twenty five
MUSIC REVIEWS
choice is made even harder.
Effortlessly cool. It would be a cop-out to
to the film of the same name. Depending where you are on the Prince-o-nutter scale, you’ll have mixed feelings about the film. It’s hard work. But it does contain some killer performances both from Prince and his protégés, Morris Day and The Time.
CURRENT
The album though, man, is INSANE.
THE 20/20 experience
Crazy’ through to the sexual fantasy, censor
/ Justin Timberlake RCA
Timberlake has become synonymous with making the kind of music that makes girls weak at the knees. It seems almost second nature to the man nicknamed, “Trousersnake”. On his third album, The 20/20 Experience, he eschews taut, finely crafted pop for longer cuts of mature adult grooves. It’s not a decision that seems to have been made out excess and ego though. Each track has the room to breathe and stretch – rhythms are explored, arrangements are played with intelligently. Nothing feels forced on this record. Props have to be given to beat-meister Timbaland, his beautifully brawny beats pump through the veins of this record from the Latino inspired Body Count, to the sleaze funk of Spaceship Coupe and the
GAME REVIEW by Matt Girdler
T O M B
This record can be summed up in two words:
Purple Rain from 1984 is the “soundtrack”
by Seth Hanney
R A I D E R
PC/XBOX 360/PS3 / DEVELOPER:
Crystal Dynamics
Opening with sermon/manifesto ‘Let’s Go
luxurious opener Pusher Love Girl. If you’re going to treat yourself to a true pop record this year, it’s this. It’ll start your
music and game reviews
is prone to slips in quality control so the
baiting ‘Darling Nikki’ and culminating in the full orgasm of the title track is a ride that few other albums can offer. You really are stupid if this isn’t in your collection.
leave it there though. A real disservice not only to the songs but the hard graft the band have put into writing and arranging this finely crafted jewel. A lot of people struggle to pigeonhole the pop-art rock of the PJP Band. Comparisons to Lennon and Nirvana ring hollow for me. It’s hard to define a band that wear their influences so proudly and yet sew those same influences seamlessly into a rug that really ties the room together. This is a band that is so comfortable in knocking out radio friendly bangers that they should be headlining major festivals this year. It’s the kind of record that you
parties, get you laid and still hold your hair back through your hangover. Timberlake is
hear once, feel your neck hairs rise and
one classy gent.
immediately want to rush out to tell all your friends about how awesome it is. But enough of my gushing. Go buy it!
CLASSIC PURPLE RAIN / PRINCE
Warner Bros.
It’s hard to separate the man from the hits. There’s dozens. It’s hard to separate the man from the myth. He’s a little eccentric. What’s hardest is to pin down Prince’s best record. He’s been pumping out gold and dung since the late 70’s. A man so prolific
LOCAL SO IT GOES / Patrick james pearson band Ouf Records
Lara Croft is no longer the cocky, cold-blooded killer she once was. After she’s forced to make her first kill in the new reboot of the Tomb Raider series, she doesn’t spout a cheeky one-liner, instead she trembles and falls to her knees, sobbing in horror at what she has done. Moments like this lend a humanity to a character whose personality, in the past, has been mostly one-dimensional. It also sums up the new direction for the franchise, aiming for a more realistic, gritty approach, as opposed to the bombastic, Indiana Jones-esque adventures seen in the older games. The new Tomb Raider resets the story for the series. At the beginning of the game Lara is an archaeology graduate on board the ship Endurance on an expedition to find the lost kingdom of Yamatai. Naturally, things don’t go to plan and the ship is hit by a violent storm, leaving the shipwreck survivors stranded on a mysterious island. From here Lara has to learn how to hunt and defend herself in order to survive. However, it’s not too long before Lara gets into the swing of things and the body count is up into triple-digits, which feels like a missed opportunity to develop Lara as a character and to separate Tomb Raider from every other third-person-shooter on the market. Gameplay has also been given a facelift: in previous Tomb Raider games navigating an environment was a very
deliberate and precise process, while combat was automated using a lock-on system which required almost no skill whatsoever. Things are pretty much the opposite in the latest game - jumping and climbing have been streamlined while the combat has been improved by losing the lock-on system in favour of cover-based shooting and a weapon upgrade system. Lara’s arsenal (oo err) includes the usual - pistol, assault rifle and shotgun - but the real stand-out is the bow. The bow is the first weapon that Lara finds and also the most fun to use, it is also the most useful, with fire arrows later being used in the game to burn objects and rope arrows to create makeshift zip-wires. Puzzles were also a large aspect of previous Tomb Raider games, but this time the puzzles are almost entirely optional, they are also considerably easier than in previous titles. The elaborate
puzzles of old have been replaced by a focus on exploration: Yamatai is a dark and dangerous island filled with plenty of hidden secrets, trinkets and messages to find which help to extend the game’s length. Tomb Raider is not a difficult game, and most players will be able to get through the campaign in 12-15 hours depending on how much of the side content they choose to complete. As a first for the series, multiplayer is included in the latest game, but it mostly feels rushed and unnecessary, suffering from performance issues and a shortage of maps. Overall, Tomb Raider feels like a promising new start for the series: most of the changes that have been made are smart and shouldn’t disappoint diehard fans, while also improving enough aspects to make the game fun for players who didn’t necessarily enjoy Lara’s past adventures.
agony uncle ross
twenty six
Agony Uncle Ross
Ross (right) with a pal Agony Uncle Ross is back, and still having a bloody lovely time in Thailand, and still writing for us despite his daily hangovers, thanks to partying hard in Patong, Phuket. If you would like Ross to help you with your problems, email them to us at hello@ps-zine.com! Dear Ross I’m having trouble with my housemate. It’s not that he parties hard, keeps me up or leaves a mess everywhere, my problem is a housemate with some very obsessive compulsive tendencies! This means everything has to be in it’s place, in a certain way otherwise the poor guy simply has a melt down! It’s getting pretty intense. How am I supposed to deal with this? Oh dear, your current predicament sounds like my idea of a living hell. It’s as if the big man upstairs (An alien going by the name of Qzuztok) is testing your patience and resolve and you would do well to view the situation in this light – a mere test. I’ve had some pretty messed up housemates over the years, (not to mention a few ‘tidy freaks’) but it\s fair to say I was of little help in these situations as like you, I find these obsessive compulsive types to be overwhelmingly draining and I do not have the patience for it... I don’t even have the patience to do my own laundry, truth be told. Once during an intense month-long stand-off over ‘whose turn it was to do the dishes’ my friend Vikki and I had our long awaited pow-wow at the kitchen sink (she said ‘they were my dishes’ I said ‘they were hers’) doors were slammed and I went and got drunk. When I returned at about 4am with my good pals Yarn and Lezly, I decided out of the goodness of my heart to clean the entire kitchen for her (apart from the dishes of course – they weren’t mine!) and thus I set about the task with due diligence, mop in one hand, sponge in the other. We all awoke to a crystal clean kitchen, life was good... for about 10 seconds. The problem being, in my drunken state, I had opted to substitute cleaning products for my very own urine. I cleaned the whole kitchen with my piss, it stunk like a famed North Hill based Gentleman’s WC... the hobs on the oven actually gargled urine when you turned the gas.
Victoria was not impressed and quite rightly set about giving me a hard time. As she was reaching the pinnacle of her verbal beating (I forget what she said, I wasn’t really listening) I turned the gas knob (* ‘knob’ - how fitting) on the oven a few times and we both erupted with laughter at the revolting sound it made, our friendship rekindled and it has remained intact ever since (although that was the last time we ever lived together). So yeah, piss on your cooker would be my advice dude...
than me. It wasn’t always like this, we used to go out on dates and we’d have long meaningful conversations until 4am. A year later, and his ass is moulded into the sofa. Any advice that isn’t the same as my girl friends, just get rid?
Dear Ross Dude, I’m going bald. Help.
When a boy meets an attractive girl and the sex is top-notch the man will for a short while come out of his ‘man-cave’ and he will place the female on a mantle, focusing his attentions (and finances) on her almost completely... for a time. This results in less hours to do the things we men love to do; which is basically – to eat, drink, play xbox, watch football, hang with mates, gamble, watch internet porn and generally f**k about, having a laugh. We are simple creatures.
Male pattern baldness; it comes to you like a shadow in the night. OR sometimes when you are drunk in Spar after a night on the lash and you happen to catch sight of the ‘spot’, illuminating the back of your head on the video security screen (I know a fair number of men who tell that story – me included). In my personal experience, I found that whilst visiting San Diego, my hair had grown long and I was wearing a hat a lot because I couldn’t be arsed to style it everyday particularly because the humidity just made it go all ‘woo-woo’ in 20 mins anyways so it seemed pointless. However, the hat was a shite idea as it tugs at the hair and pulls it out, so my bald-spot got pretty intense for a few weeks, I was very sad. Anyways, when I arrived in Asia I had to get my locks cut off as a pre-requisite for a job I wanted and I’m pleased to say the spot has now completely disappeared, so now I have more time to focus on the gradual recede at the front of my hairline... Just remember 1) Don’t wear a hat. 2) Don’t have long hair (particularly if your bald-spot is getting really bad as NOTHING looks more gross than a dude with long hair, going insanely bald) 3) Get some Alpecin Caffeine shampoo and 4) Move to Pattaya, Thailand and be with all your bald brothers, baking in the heat, failed at life, romancing girls far, far too young for them looking like f**king twats! Dear Ross Okay, I need a male perspective. I know this is the age old story of the sexbox vs the girlfriend, but I really don’t know what to do anymore. I love my man, but he spends more time with his Xbox
I will offer you a male perspective but you may not like what I am going to tell you. I guarantee a lot of men will agree with me on everything I am about to say however, so take note...
After a while the male begins to weigh up having a girlfriend (sex, company, grief, mistrust, beauty, money etc) with the more lonesome but ultimately far easier ‘single life’ (Xbox, f**king about, more money, less talking, no nagging etc). What I am saying here is that your boyfriend has re-entered his man-cave. He is having his cake and eating it. Is this fair? Probably in the eyes of a female – ‘No!’ Is it normal however? Absolutely ‘yes!’ My advice would be to work out some sort of schedule with your partner whereby he can still play Xbox BUT you get to do some of the freaky stuff girls like to do too; you know, ‘go for walks’ and that kinda shit. Also, there is a fairly high chance that you would enjoy at least a couple of Xbox games yourself, so why not try playing with him every now and again? Finally, I hate to sound like a man-pig but the best way to get a dude away from his Xbox and spend quality time in bed, talking and stuff, is to just get naked and jump on the dorky motherf**ker! If that doesn’t work then I would listen to your girlfriends’ advice on this one. Unfortunately some guys fall deep into the man-cave and don’t get out until they’ve been dumped and realise they were acting like a twat for six months of a relationship (we’ve all been there, right guys?). Thanks for reading, I have been Agony Uncle Ross. You have all been saved. F*ck on! xo
A
twenty seven
S U M M E R
It’s not long until summer hits us (hopefully!), and I know that we’re all soaking up the sun at every given opportunity, so we’re psyching ourselves up for a summer of festival fun. We’ve got all the information you need about the best local festivals and their line-ups, so get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
/ Words by Naomi Girdler /
O F
festivals
F UN
only just up the road at Newnham Park, Plympton. Get your ticket now online at www.plymouthvolksfest.co.uk or ring 07547 358686.
A VW van at 2012’s Volksfest
Willy Mason at Knee Deep 2012 Welcome to Boardmasters
Boardmasters:
Plymouth’s Volksfest: This year’s Volksfest, happening on the May bank holiday weekend (24th - 26th) has a vast array of local talent, topped off with Seth Lakeman and The Levellers headlining on the Saturday and the Sunday. Leading the local line up will be Mad Dog Mcrea, Cosmo Jarvis, The Patrick James Pearson band, The Scribes and Land of the Giants, all performing over two separate stages. As always there’s a huge amount of Volkswagen action for all you motor enthusiasts, but if that’s not your thing, Volksfest is still one to check out and it’s
Unfortunately I couldn’t make Boardmasters last year, thanks to my train breaking down and being stranded in Par for two hours, but the line up this year is definitely tempting me to risk using our public transport system and making the trip to Newquay. The line up is incredible, with The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx and Ben Howard headlining over the weekend (however, the party starts from Wednesday the 7th finishing on Sunday 11th August), with more incredible acts all playing over eight different stages. All that plus the usual surfing, skating and BMXing competitions throughout, with some great action to go and see. For more information check out their website at www.boardmasters.co.uk
Knee Deep Festival: August last year saw me in Liskeard with a few friends, watching the famous Willy Mason play an incredible acoustic set, as the sun set behind us. With a capacity of no more than 1000 people, Knee Deep is an intimate festival with a huge range of music and activities to keep you entertained. The line up for this year’s festival, happening on the 9th and 10th of August, hasn’t been released, but considering last year’s line up of Willy Mason, Tall Ships and a host of DJ’s, you know it’s not going to disappoint. With tickets costing £31, it’s a cheap weekend of sun in an idyllic setting. To get your ticket, visit www.kneedeepfestival.com If you’d like to win yourself two tickets to another great local festival, Another World in Somerset, check out the competition below!