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contents
C O N T E N T S 16/17
06/08/09/10: The Big List: A what’s on guide to Plymouth’s best venues, bars and clubs, written by Andrew Girdler 12/14/15: Editor Naomi Girdler gives us the lowdown on the best local and national festivals on offer this summer. Don’t miss out on the fun!
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16/17: Naomi Girdler interviews Patrick James Pearson, about his new musical endeavour San Felu, as well as his writing and producing work and a quick chat about the Plymouth music scene 18: Naomi Girdler also meets up with local riff masters Guns Under The Table to talk about their new release Monoaural and what they’re up to 20: Brand new columnist Esther Osbourne talks about the dangers and facts of eating disorders, taking inspiration from her own battle with the mental illness
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22: We check out local tea room, gallery and charity hub RumpusCosy to find out what exciting food, exhibitions and future collaborations they have for the students of Plymouth 23: Andrew Girdler is on the hunt for Plymouth’s best burger. This issue he visits What’s Your Beef on Ebrington Street to see whether they’ve got what it takes 24/25: Enya Richards gives us another great insight into the fashion world, this time getting us prepped to party in style at this year’s best festivals
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26: What better way to feed yourself and your housemates than with a cracking chilli? Follow Andrew Girdler’s recipe to find out how to fill your tum with Mexican happiness! 28: Game reviewer Matt Girdler tells us all about The Divison in this issue, a bleak open world, third person shooter.
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28: Chloe Smith is back again with another great book review. This time find out about The Tiger and the Wolf, a new fantasy novel by Adrian Tchaikovksy 28: Seth Haney brings us his favourites including current, classic and local - with this issue featuring local indie pop group Worried Shoes 29: Those naughty little Dust Piggies are at it again... 30: Resident Agony Aunt Ellie tackles serious issues amongst silly ones this issue
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editor’s letter
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Contact PS: New Media House 2A De La Hay Avenue Plymouth, PL3 4HU 01752 424133 hello@ps-zine.com www.ps-zine.com
Hello! Is it summer yet?! Summer is my favourite time of year, especially when there’s so much going on in Plymouth as well as a ton of super local and national festivals on offer over the next few months. We’ve done our best to give you a taste of the outstanding events the UK and closer to home have to offer.
Published by Vivid Collective Many thanks to all who’ve supported and contributed to PS Issue 15
We’ve also got a ton of local music in this issue, starting off with an exclusive interview with Patrick James Pearson. We talk to him about his new solo project San Felu as well as the music scene, his old band The Patrick James Pearson band and what the future holds. We also met up with Jim, Craig and Steve of Guns Under The Table to see what they’ve been up to. We have a chat about live music, their album “Monaural” and what influences them to keep doing what they do best.
Editor, Designer & Writer Naomi Girdler naomi@ps-zine.com Designer & Writer Andrew Girdler andrew@ps-zine.com
Other articles include an honest insight into the reality of eating disorders, thanks to the super Esther Osbourne who’s recently joined us! She lays the facts bare and wants to see changes made to the treatment of those in need.
Contributors Chris Girdler, Patrick James Pearson, Craig Smith, Steve Brown, Jim Saunders, Esther Osbourne, Zuleika Donkin-Greene, Enya Richards, Darren Johns, Matt Girdler, Chloe Smith, Seth Haney, Ellie Ward, Garry Hunt, Mike Bromage & the Dust Piggies
We’ve got the usual reviews, Dust Piggies and Agony Aunt articles too, as well as some great reviews of local eateries RumpusCosy and What’s Your Beef. Definitely check those places out, you won’t be disappointed! We’ll see you again in September! Enjoy your holidays! Naomi Girdler Editor
Advertising If you are interested in advertising in PS, please contact us at les@ps-zine.com or 07835 495881 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/ plymouthstudentmagazine Find us on Twitter www.twitter.com/PSzine Find us on Instagram www.instagram.com/ plymouthstudent
Patrick James Pearson Photography by Zuleika Donkin-Greene
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the big list
THE BIG LIST Listings by Andrew Girdler
The days are getting longer, the sun is showing its face and the anticipation of a summer jam packed full of fun is already getting too much. Don’t fret though, as Plymouth has got a ton on offer to keep you busy until the summer break. You can choose from theatre, live music, entertainment, comedy and cabaret, so fill your boots this spring season!
April Jonny and the Baptists - The End Is Nigh 29 March - 2 April Theatre Royal - The Drum The End Is Nigh is a new show with songs and music about family, friendship and environmental disaster from the fivetime award nominated musical comedy stars of Radio 4’s The Now Show, following their acclaimed national tours with Stop UKIP and Rock The Vote. Box Office 01752 267222 The B-Bar Comedy Night April 6 & May 4 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Based in Plymouth, MSQ is a quartet of musicians who share a passion for swing and jazz and the great American songbook writers. From Gershwin and Porter to Goodman and Ellington to Nat King Cole and Sinatra they play a wide range of music and styles mostly from the
Dylan Moran
swing, jazz and songs of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and even the 60’s. Details 01752 242021 The Dishonoured 12-16 April Theatre Royal - The Drum Professional ambition and private life collide when a high flying new recruit to an intelligence agency must make a life changing decision that will have far reaching consequences for the future of his family and his country. Box Office 01752 267222 Cafe Acoustica 13 & 27 April, 11 & 25 May B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre B-Bars fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singersongwriter Jessie Mullen. Details 01752 242021 BRB’s Romeo & Juliet 13-16 April Theatre Royal Kenneth MacMillan’s adaptation of this famous play continues Birmingham
Royal ballet’s 2016 Shakespeare celebration. Set to Prokofiev’s soaring score, Romeo and Juilet tells the familiar tale of two young lovers at the mercy of powerful families and their own hearts. Box Office 01752 267222 Tom Baker 14 April B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Tom’s writing talents have been noticed by many a producer, having been approached by Scarlett Entertainment (one of the country’s leading musical agencies) for representation, as well as Freejak, who is a radio championed producer with some recent material of his being used on ITV’s popular Saturday show ‘Take Me Out’. Details 01752 242021 Black Tree Suns & Pseudomorph 14 April The Nowhere Inn Black Tree Suns are an alternative rock band, with a bluesy twist, finished off with a High Voltage kick of filth, and Pseudomorph are an old-school hard rock group with a modern approach! Details 07878 460500
Cafe Acoustica’s Jessie Mullen Soulstone 15 April B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Dynamic acoustic duo with folk influences and a pop edge. Details 01752 242021 First Steps: A Child’s The Dream 15 April Theatre Royal Birmingham Royal Ballet’s introduction to this delightful ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, has been specially made for children aged 3–7 years. Box Office 01752 267222 The Bug 15 April The Hub / dbs Live
Straight from Berlin, a distinguished pioneer of the Acid Ragga / Dubstep genre. One of the most forward thinking music producers of the modern day era and a don in his own right, accompanied by a host of special guest MC’s and vocalists! Details 07966 626490 Cabaret Heroes 15 April The Voodoo Lounge Burlesque in the Basement are back with the latest installment of their Cabaret Showcase night, bringing cabaret acts from Plymouth and beyond to the stage, including some making their stage debut! Expect burlesque, music, comedy, pole, circus, and everything in between! Details 01752 262288 Omni Selection 16 April The Voodoo Lounge Omni selection providing you with some broken breaks, sinister drum ‘n’ bass, and some eerie jungle. Details 01752 262288 CONAN 16 April The Junction Self-described ‘Caveman Battle Doom’ band Conan are returning to Plymouth, with support from The Bendal Interlude and Warcrab. Details 07916 127298
South African dates Dylan Moran, star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Calvary, will bring his latest show Off The Hook back to the UK for a limited run. Expect a master class in comedy. Box Office 01752 267222 Hairspray 18-23 April Theatre Royal The smash hit musical comedy Hairspray is coming to Plymouth with a brand new production, guaranteed to have you dancing the night away! Don’t miss this all-star cast in an irresistible feel-good show that will have you smiling for days – let your hair down! Box Office 01752 267222 National Theatre Connections 500 Festival 19-23 April Theatre Royal This year the National Theatre celebrate the 21st anniversary of Connections. 500 youth theatre companies and 10,000 young people from every corner of the UK, working with 43 partner theatres, will perform twelve outstanding plays drawn from the 150 works written for young people since the festival began in 1995. Box Office 01752 267222
The Diversion 16 April Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Stompin’ 6 piece brass fuelled indie rock band! Playing the best Rock and Indie hits from the 60s to today. Details 01752 260555
Alex Hart & Becca Langsford 21 April B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Alex Hart and Becca Langsford are both well known on the South West music scene in their own right, but have now come together with a blend of country, blues and folk, featuring acoustic guitar, mandolin and close vocal harmonies. Details 01752 242021
Dylan Moran - Off The Hook 17 April Theatre Royal Due to overwhelming demand following his recent sell-out UK, Australian and
Alley Cat Kings & Midnight Gamblers 21 April The Nowhere Inn A night of rockabilly from the fantastic Alley Cat Kings and Midnight
eight
the big list Alex Hart (R) and Becca Langsford
Rockin’ The Joint 29 April Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Rockin’ The Joint have worked alongside Little Richard, The Comets and The Crickets and along the way have made seven studio albums, the latest being “One Night Only”, recorded in 2011. Details 01752 260555 Lionize 30 April UPSU Based in Maryland, USA, Lionize are a hard rock band, although expect more than just that. With experiments in reggae, dub and funk, Lionize’s appeal spans over a huge audience. Support TBC.Details 01752 588388
Gamblers! Both bands play a mix of rockabilly, rock’n’roll and blues tunes with a 21st century twist. Details 07878 460500 Gregory Porter 22 April Plymouth Pavilions Gregory Porter, continues to perform to sell out audiences across the world and has achieved international recognition and acclaim with his Grammy winning selling album ‘Liquid Spirit’ In the UK alone, the album is certified gold and has had staying power in the Official Album Charts - for 80 weeks since release. Box Office 0845 146 1460 ’93 til Inifinity - In Loving Memory of Alex May 22 April The Hub / dbs Live In loving memory of Alex May, who was taken from us too young, his old band mates and friends have gotten together to put on a memorial show with his band Elithia. Featuring other local giants such as Moorhaven and Ship of Fools, it’s the perfect event to celebrate his memory and raise money for a charity of his families’ choice. Details 07966 626490 Swingology 22 April B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Swingology perform gypsy swing in the style of guitar legend Django Reinhardt. The swinging guitars and soaring clarinet solos are evocative of the soundtrack to 1940’s Paris. Details 01752 242021 Club Fandango Comedy Night with Alex Hart 22 April, 27 May, 24 June Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque A hilarious night hosted by 3 top comedians. Details 01752 260555 Zapoppin’ Record Release Party 23 April Plymouth Social Club The power skiffle folk cacodemons Zapoppin are back with a brand new album courtesy of Last Shop Standing Records. With local support from primitive punk brutes Bastard and psycho surf rockers Pedestrian. Ed Solo 23 April The Hub / dbs Live One of the finest engineers and producers in the dance music industry, Ed Solo honed his skills as a jungliest beforore his ducking and diving through every style of broken beat going. The drum and bass legend visits The Hub this spring with support from Darkcity Sistas, Empire, Tee, Chappy, Hitfiend, Easum Twit and Broth B2B Bowselekta. Details 07966 626490
Giles Robson & The Dirty Aces 23 April, 18 June Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Their steaming mix of alt-rock, classic punk, garage rock, rhythm & blues and rock & roll is reminiscent of The Black Keys and The Strypes but also influences from 60’s / 70’s Stones, The Stooges and Dr Feelgood are clearly audible. Details 01752 260555 The 39 Steps 25-30 April Theatre Royal Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage as the smash hit Olivier Award winning comedy is now on tour after nine years in London’s West End. Box Office 01752 267222 Pim & Theo 26-30 April Theatre Royal - The Drum From the makers of Past Half Remembered and North North North. Using sound and film design as well as live performance, these award winning theatre makers join together to make Pim & Theo – a promenade theatre show about culture and identity, life and rules and the limits of tolerance in our society. Box Office 01752 267222 Slow Down World & Say It Like It Is 28 April The Nowhere Inn A night of rock and metal from all girl rock outfit Slow Down World and 5-piece local metal band Say It Like It Is! Details 07878 460500 The Last Tango 28-30 April Plymouth Pavilions Fresh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet as they prepare to dance in their final ever show. Box Office 0845 146 1460 Thomas Ford 28 April B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Born in a field twenty something years ago, Thomas Ford is a one man blues storm – a delta guitar picker, a blues shouter and a harmonica fire breather. Details 01752 242021 Korn Again 29 April The Hub / dbs Live Korn Again are Europe’s premier live tribute to Korn capturing the look, the raw, aggressive sound and energetic stage performance of the original band. Support TBA. Details 07966 626490
Garage Nation presents: Oxide & Neutrino 30 April The Hub / dbs Live Garage Nation promotions brings another huge night of garage to the Hub. Headliners this time are DJ and MC duo Oxide and Neutrino, with music on Ali G’s In Da House and associated act So Solid Crew in the mix, along with support from DJ Cartier, one of the most active and influential DJs in the garage music scene in the UK. Details 07966 626490 Malavita 30 April Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Plymouth’s own Malavita blends funk and latin into infectious dancefloor beats. Details 01752 260555 The Fallen State 30 April The Underground A whole night of heavy rock is hitting the Underground with The Fallen State, a hard rock band from the UK, taking inspiration from Daughtry, Papa Roach and Alter Bridge. Local support is from Embers of Eden and All Guilty Parties. Details 07878 460500
May Barbarians: A Trilogy by Hofesh Schechter 03-04 May Theatre Royal Infinitely unpredictable and riotously dynamic, Shechter returns to the Theatre to present three wildly different takes on intimacy, passion and the banality of love. From the elegant and nervy baroque-inspired choreography of the opening, to a poignant duet via a trancelike underground groove; Barbarians showcases the singular and wry voice of Shechter together with the versatility and talent of his dancers. Box Office 01752 267222 Labels 03-07 May Theatre Royal - The Drum Worklight Theatre’s award winning solo show is a funny, moving and honest story about mixed heritage and immigration. Joe Sellman-Leava uses comedy, poetry and storytelling to recount his childhood in 90s rural Devon, changing political attitudes and a global refugee crisis. Box Office 01752 267222 Surf Dads 04 May The Underground A night of surf garage rock! The two piece indie/alt band Surf Dads are coming to
the Underground with support from Smiling Politely and Nova Grey. Details 07878 460500 UB40 05 May Plymouth Pavilions UB40’s three founding members will be making a triumphant return to UK shores early next year having wowed audiences stateside with a massive North American tour. Proving they are still a worldwide tour de force, Britain’s biggest reggae band of all time will be satisfying demand for more UK shows – performing classic hits and gems from their seminal albums’ Labour Of Love Parts I & II’. Box Office 0845 146 1460 UK SUBS & The Bus Station Loonies 05 May The Junction Legendary UK punk bands UK SUBS and The Bus Station Loonies are coming to the Junction alonside local favourites Bad Credentials. Details 07916 127298 Manipulated & Secrets and Lies 05 May The Nowhere Inn The wonderful, Plymouth based Manipulated will be taking the stage with their heavy, thrashy tones! Support is from Nowhere regulars Secrets and Lies, playing an eccletic mix of rock, punk and goth - or as they say ‘Weird Dark Heavy Stuff’! Details 07878 460500 Ed Byrne 06 May Plymouth Pavilions Top Irish comedian and Mock The Week panellist Ed Byrne is bringing his brand new tour, Outside, Looking In, to the Plymouth Pavilions this May! Box Office 0845 146 1460 Andy Quick 06 May B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre
Andy Quick is a sensational singer and songwriter with a rich, soulful voice and a reputation for wild live shows. Details 01752 242021 Nederlands Dans Theater 2 06-07 May Theatre Royal Artistically directed by award winning choreographer Paul Lightfoot, NDT2 presents 18 international dancers aged 18-23. Last at the Theatre Royal Plymouth with two UK premières in 2009 the company bring a winning combination of fresh exuberance and astonishing athleticism that promises to thrill and entertain with a vibrant mixed repertoire of work. Box Office 01752 267222 Company B 07 May Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Company B are a “rowdy” jump jive band playing music from all the “Louis’” (Jordan and Prima), Bull Moose Jackson, Wynonie Harris and Tiny Bradshaw. You’ve got an extra day to rest up this year so there’s no excuse not to come down and shake your tail feathers! Details 01752 260555 Craig Campbell 07 May & 04 June B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre This internationally acclaimed comedian is one of stand-ups most charismatic and inventive performers with his hilarious tales of globetrotting adventure never failing to impress! Details 01752 242021 Jason Donovan 08 May Plymouth Pavilions By popular demand, star of stage and screen, Jason Donovan is returning to his roots for a solo tour of his debut 5 X Platinum, 1989 album ‘Ten Good Reasons’ and ‘Greatest Hits’. Ten Good Reasons’ became the biggest selling album of 1989 and remains a massive fan
Surf Dads
nine favourite with two solo No.1 singles “Too Many Broken Hearts” and “Sealed with a Kiss”. Box Office 0845 146 1460 Qui 08 May The Underground A night of noise rock is brought to you by Americans QUI. With support from Plymouth own’s grind metal band Helpless, Falmouth and Plymouth’s bass and drum noise rock duo Antithesis of Man and new kids on the block Caracals, who produce spooky alt rock bangers. Details 07878 460500 Priscilla: Queen of the Desert 09-14 May Theatre Royal Based on the smash-hit movie, the feel-good international hit sensation Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. Box Office 01752 267222 Keith James - Cat Stevens/Yusuf 10 May B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Keith James presents an honest and loving reflection on the insightful and timeless music of Yusuf - Cat Stevens. Proceeds and audience donations from this tour of concerts will go to the UNICEF UK Government matched, Syrian Children’s appeal. Details 01752 242021 Malcolm Holcombe 12 May B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Malcolm Holcombe’s grizzled take on folk blues and country has graced nine albums with each one adding to his reputation as one of the finest exponents of the genre. His new album “Another Black Hole” released in February 2016 promises to enhance this reputation. Details 01752 242021 Losing Victory 12 May The Nowhere Inn The female-fronted British Rock Band are signed to Soundhub Records. The band pride themselves on their authentic, fast paced high energy performance. Their anthemic melodic rock sound has earned them both praise from industry professionals and a well-deserved spot on various radio playlists including BBC Introducing Devon. Details 07878 460500 Rankin’ Vibes Presents: Roots ‘n’ Bass 12 May The Voodoo Lounge 2 floors of Reggae, Dub, Dancehall, DnB, Jungle, Bassline, & Grime music. Brought to you by some of the South West’s finest DJs, all in aid of a great charitable cause, Care 4 Calais. Details 01752 262288
the big list
Dan Walsh 13 May B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Touted as one of the finest banjo players in the UK as well as being a superb singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dan Walsh is described as ‘the real deal’ (UNCUT). His high energy performances and witty banter have made him one of the most exciting new talents around. Details 01752 242021
Ed Byrne
launderette 232 albert road, stoke tel: 563382 56 Wilton street, stoke tel: 562686
Russell Sinclair & The Smokin Locos 13 May Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Scottish born singer songwriter Russell Sinclair has gained a great reputation for his live shows within the South West. Performing with local favourites The Smokin Locos. Details 01752 260555 River Dance 13-15 May Plymouth Pavilions With an incredible two decades of global success since the show first burst into the public’s heart at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin 1994, this is an unmissable chance for UK audiences to reconnect a show that the Irish Times rightly described as ‘the original... the best’. Box Office 0845 146 1460 The Blue Bottles 14 May Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque None of this cliched sharp suit business – just uncluttered grooves aimed squarely at the dance floor! Details 01752 260555 As It Is 16 May The Hub / dbs Live Brighton-via-Minneapolis pop-rockers As It Is have spent the past two years moulding, melding and meddling with their craft, steadily building a reputation as one of the UK’s brightest new names. Support from Jule Vera and With Confidence. Details 07966 626490 Twelfth Night 16-21 May Theatre Royal This story of romance, satire and mistaken identity is crafted into one of the most exciting and accessible Shakespeare productions of recent years. Experience the madness of love in this heady world where riotous gig meets Shakespeare. Box Office 01752 267222 The Nightjar 18 May B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Nominally, The Nightjar are a folk band, or at least inspired by various traditional musics, but their sound has developed to include free improvisation, field recordings and live electronics. Their sound and the intensity of lead singer Mo Kirby’s vocals will lure the listener into a
BuBBles
serVICe WasHes aVaIlaBle Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1pm
dreamlike world, that is often eerie and haunting. Details 01752 242021 Freshly Squeezed 20 May Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque An 8-piece funk fuelled barnstorming behemoth. Details 01752 260555 The Correspondents 20 May The Hub / dbs Live The Correspondents are well established as one of the must see acts on the UK festival scene, if you havent yet seen these guys then this really is something you will not want to miss! Support from Double Denim. Details 07966 626490 Atomic Daze 21 May Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque A brilliant 5 piece band revitalising the best music from the 80’s! Details 01752 260555 Dirty Dike & DJ Sammy B-Side 21 May The Voodoo Lounge Waves is proud to present one of UK Hiphop’s most prolific duos - Dirty Dike & DJ Sammy B-Side will be making their debut in Plymouth for the much anticipated “Sucking On Prawns In the Moonlight” album tour. Details 01752 262288 Bermuda 21 May The Underground Californian Metal/Hardcore band are stopping off at The Underground during their European 2016 tour, alongside the brilliant Red Enemy, Monolith, and Halflight! Details 07878 460500 Mad About The Musicals 23 May Theatre Royal With a host of your
favourite
numbers from the pen of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander & Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Boublil & Schonberg and many more, the talented cast of Mad About The Musicals will evoke the true spirit of the stage, with brilliant vocals and West End musicians to bring you the very best show in town! Box Office 01752 267222 Fort Hope 25 May The Underground Three-piece rock band Fort Hope are ending their 2016 UK with an intimate show at The Underground! Details 07878 460500 Duke Johnson & The Scorchers 28 May Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Over the last 20 years Duke Johnson & The Scorchers have become an institution in the live music scene & have rightfully gaining the reputation of one of the best Rock & Roll bands in the UK. Details 01752 260555
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No Altars & DCA 28 May The Underground If you’re into your hardcore and beatdown, The Underground on Mutley Plain is playing host to No Altars and DCA. Support TBC. Details 07878 460500 The James Plays 28-29 May Theatre Royal This exhilarating and vividly imagined trilogy brings to life three generations of Stewart Kings who ruled Scotland in the tumultuous fifteenth century. Like watching a box set, you will be able to see the entire story unfold over one thrilling day of theatre, making it an entirely unique and unforgettable experience. Box Office 01752 267222
Freshly Squeezed
Call
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ten
the big list Jessica & the Rabbits 04 June Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque If you like music with a pulse you have to come and shake a tail feather with this band that’s sure to shake, rattle, and roll. Details 01752 260555
The Electric Swing Circus
The Electric Swing Circus 29 May UPSU With stomping electro beats and saucy 1920s swing, The Electric Swing Circus is a live six-piece fusion of breakbeat, house, reggae, dubstep and swing. With support from Madame Electrifie’s Discotech and Pragmatik, they’ll also be a fancy dress photo booth, jugglers, hoopers, steam bunkers and as well as frolicking and flirtatious fun with face painters and clowns. Details 01752 588388 Guys and Dolls 31 May - 4 June Theatre Royal Direct from the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End, this highly-acclaimed and ‘exhilarating’ (The Guardian) production hailed as ‘the greatest golden-age musical of them all’ (The Times) heads to Plymouth. Box Office 01752 267222
Death Remains & Lay Siege 31 May The Underground The London based metallers Death Remains come down to Plymouth, still going six years later after a tragedy resulting in the loss of life to two members shook the band in 2010. With crushing rhythms and devastating riffs, these guys are not to be missed. Support from Lay Siege and local support TBC. Details 07878 460500
June Blues Brothers Collective 03 June Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque 10 piece tribute band to the legendary Blues Brothers band of Jake & Elwood Blues! Details 01752 260555
Tell Me On A Sunday 05 June Theatre Royal Following her acclaimed performance in the Watermill Theatre’s 2014 production of Calamity Jane, Jodie Prenger now steps into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical, Tell Me On A Sunday. This iconic show, with a wonderful original score, features the chart-topping Take That Look Off Your Face and title track Tell Me on A Sunday. Box Office 01752 267222 The Hunna 05 June The Underground Following their sold out March/April tour, The Hunna are heading back out on the road in June to do it all over again! One of the most exciting indie/rock bands on the circuit now, the London 4-piece were swiftlly snapped up by High Time Records and are rapidly developing a loyal fanbase! Details 07878 460500 Rod Stewart 07 June Home Park Fresh from his Hyde Park Radio 2 show where he played to more than 50,000 people, and following the release of the brand new studio album ’Another Country’, Rod Stewart announces an eight date UK stadium tour for June 2016. Box Office 0845 146 1460
Lionstar 10 June Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque Lionstar are a Reggae/Rock/World Fusion band based in the South West. Lionstar have recently enjoyed playing with such artists as UB40, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Happy Mondays, Buzzcocks, The Skints, plus many many more, as well as appearing at and even headlining shows and festivals throughout the UK. Details 01752 260555
as a stage play with music in a sparkling, sophisticated production starring the multi award-winning Pixie Lott as Holly. Box Office 01752 267222
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 15-19 June Theatre Royal Watch out! The most fantasmagorical musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, lands in Plymouth in 2016. One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Box Office 01752 267222
The Dreamboys 24 June Plymouth Pavilions If you’re looking for the very best girls night out in the UK, look no further than these incredible stripping hunks. An action packed 2 hour show from start to finish, these boys will literally have you begging for more! Box Office 0845 146 1460
WWE NXT 17 June Plymouth Pavilions Featuring the next generation of WWE superstars comes WWE NXT, a chance for up and coming stars to have their chance in the ring. With it’s captivating storylines and high quality wrestling, enjoy the next Jon Cenas and The Rocks battle it out. Box Office 0845 146 1460 Breakfast At Tiffany’s - The Play 20-25 June Theatre Royal Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life in 2016
Irk 24 June The Junction Noise rock courtesy of the boys from Leeds, Irk, with local support from the heavy riffs of Guns Under the Table and Dawlish noise trio Tendrils.
DispersE & Destiny Potato 30 June The Underground With influences of progressive metal, jazz and electronica, DispersE are a dynamic Polish band visiting Plymouth on their first tour of 2016. Supporting them are pop sensations Destiny Potato, with more local support announcements to come. Details 07878 460500
If you would like to have your event or show involved in the next BIG LIST, email hello@ps-zine.com
the big festival list
twelve
THE BIG F E S T I VA L L I S T / Listings by Naomi Girdler /
Festival season is upon us! We give you the lowdown on the best festivals to hit up this year, from down the road to across the sea, there’s something for everyone.
LocAl
Lemonfest
MTV Crashes Plymouth
Masked Ball
Lemonfest
Masked Ball 20th - 22nd May £85 - Porthleven, Cornwall With humble beginnings back in 2007, The Masked Ball has grown phenomenally. This biannual party likes to celebrate not only Halloween with costumes and festivities, but also marks the dawn of summer with a party on the May Bank Holiday. With eight themed areas, a focus on fancy dress, a grand ballroom and a killer line-up, this summer’s Ball is guaranteed to be a party. With dance legends such as 2manydjs, Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada headlining, you know the party is going to go late into the night. Just don’t wander too far from the fun, the location is set practically on a cliff edge! You can also win tickets to this event on the next page!
4th June £35 - Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon Returning for its seventh year, this one day festival features an eclectic mix of music to suit all taste buds. What it loses with its day-long span and small scale, Lemonfest makes up for with a diversity of acts, a range of stages and final touches such as locally sourced ales and ciders, great food options and more. Acid country house firebrands, The Alabama 3, multi-vocalist beatbox legend, Beardyman, and local giants such as Mad Dog Mcrea all feature on the packed line-up. Complete with a drum and bass arena and a busking stage, you can’t say no to this cheap but jam-packed all-dayer. NASS
NASS
Freedom Fields Community Festival 28th May - 3rd June FREE - Freedom Fields Park, Plymouth One of my personal favourite highlights of the summer is getting together with all my pals and stretching out over the grass of Freedom Fields Park, listening to kids laughing, the sound of bands playing and revelling in the good weather that always seems to bless this community festival. Run entirely by volunteers, the festival is reaching its 15th year and with increased funding from the Big Lottery, it’s now bigger than ever. With local legends The Scribes and Dubclass headlining, the festival celebrates local talent and the diverse communities Plymouth has to offer. Don’t miss out on the activities earlier on in the week, encouraging support for local charities and projects in the community. Not only a great festival for all the family, but a community event for all to enjoy.
8th - 10th July £129 - Royal Bath & West Showgrounds, nr Bristol Combining extreme sports, a huge music line-up, and art and culture, NASS promises to be a party worth a visit. Brought to you by the guys behind Boardmasters and the Masked Ball parties, you can be reassured that there’s quality and quantity of all kinds at NASS. Whether you’re a raver or a BMXer, the theme of the weekend is to go hard or go home. From vert ramps to dirt jumps, and with graffiti battles, fairground rides, an official NASS barbershop and even MC workshops, you’re guaranteed to be kept busy. With the line up featuring Andy C, Stormzy, Knife Party and the colossal Jurassic 5, this isn’t just your average music festival, but a weekend for music and sports fans alike. NASS
MTV Crashes Plymouth 28th - 29th July £27 - The Hoe, Plymouth After the monumental success of MTV Crashes in 2014 and 2015, it’s been announced that Plymouth Hoe will once more be home to music fans from across the country this summer. With Rudimental, Jess Glynne, Example and Tough Love all on the line-up, pop music lovers will have a chance to get up close and personal with their favourite chart toppers. Hosted on the edge of Plymouth Sound, one of the world’s greatest natural harbours, an average of 20,000 music fans flock to the Ocean City for this monumental music event. Just don’t forget to check out the Live and Local line-up for a great taste of local talent too. Port Eliot
Port Eliot Festival 28th - 31st July £165 - St German’s, Cornwall Nestled within the Eliot Estate in St Germans, Port Eliot Festival is a celebration of words, music, nature, food, fashion, laughter and fun. With names such as Ralph Steadman, Jarvis Cocker and Harper Simon having visited the event, you can expect luscious scenery, fantastic food, intimate gigs, creative workshops and much more. This year you can be treated to wonderful words by Noel Fielding, musical treats by Andrew Weatherall and a host of activities such as yoga, meditation, foraging and even stargazing. A truly delightful festival celebrating fun and exploration, where it’s okay to dip your toes into the estuary, picnic under 300 year old trees, catch an intimate
show in the church or dance until the early hours of the morning in the Boogie Round this festival is unlike any other. Boardmasters
Boardmasters 10th - 14th August £134 - Watergate Bay/Fistral Beach, Newquay Boardmasters is set to be huge this year, with a line up bringing big-name artists to the surfing town of Newquay. With Chase & Status, Deadmau5, Primal Scream and James Bay making the trip to sunny Cornwall, Boardmasters has managed another insane line-up alongside the vast array of surf, skate and BMX events keeping you busy all weekend. Stretched out over Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach, you can watch surf competitions and sink some beers by the beach and enjoy the music and after-parties by the bay. As well as all that, you can shop till you drop in the Fistral Surf Village, check out some new bands at the Beach Bar or even try your hand at surfing with lessons on offer throughout the festival. Sweet, dude. Beautiful Days
Beautiful Days 19th - 21st August £135 - Escot Park, Devon Entering into its 13th year, The Levellers are bringing another Beautiful Days to
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Beautiful Days Devon. This family-friendly festival boasts six stages, walkabout theatre, art and crafts, comedy, theatre and real ale bars run by a local brewery. With no corporate sponsorship or branding, Beautiful Days prides itself on its independent grass roots festival status and with a themed Sunday every year (this year’s being stars and all things cosmic), you can expect a lot of dressed up, happy campers as well as decorations and art installations to match. Alongside the Brighton-born Levellers are Leftfield, The Proclaimers, Mariachi El Bronx, Billy Bragg and Ezra Furman. This festival sells out year after year, so don’t wait up!
The Ramones and the Sex Pistols played at venues throughout the county, New Rose promises a bank holiday weekend of mosh pits and stomped feet. As well as all the mosh pits, there’s locally sourced food, top quality beers, ales and ciders and even art workshops and other activities for the little rockers. With legends, Sham 69, 1977 punks, The Members, and anarcho-ska-punkers, Culture Shock, headlining – with more to come – no punk rocker could resist. Looe Music Festival
them before they were cool’, then The Great Escape is just for you. Hosting a huge 400 bands over 35 different venues, you just have to trust me that you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. This festival is all about the music, so expect secret gigs, club nights, after-parties and spontaneous collaborations popping up around the city. With Oh Wonder, Shura, Mura Mura, Stormzy and Songhoy Blues headlining, you’re treated to riffs from rock bands, beats from electro acts, soulful lyrics by acoustic acts and word mastery by MC’s and hip-hop artists. Enjoy the Escape!
Derby. This year plays host to Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Rammstein and Deftones as well as a huge mix of rock artists over the three day event, so just be careful not to induce any whiplash from too much headbanging.
Isle of Wight Festival Glastonbury
Glastonbury
Sea Change Festival 26th - 27th August £45 - Totnes, Devon Curated by Totnes’ own Drift Record Shop, a brand new festival, Sea Change, brings a host of film, literature and music to a variety of venues throughout the Devon town. Indie rockers British Sea Power and TOY will be headlining the event with locally-grown Matthew and Me as well as psychedelic beats from DJ collective, Bizarre Rituals, all visiting venues such as the 15th century St Mary’s Church and Totnes’ Civic Hall: a venue that’s previously seen The Cure, Blondie and The Fall make an appearance. This festival has no camp site, but the town of Totnes is known for its welcoming nature, and you can check out loads of lovely locations to stay on Airbnb. More announcements are still to come, so keep your eyes peeled.
Looe Music Festival
Isle of Wight Festival
23rd - 25th September £89 - Looe, Cornwall The last of the summer’s festivals, Looe Music Festival brings a host of bands to the Cornish coast. From the croonings of Bryan Ferry to the rhythm and blues of Wilko Johnson, as well as the hip-hop, jazz, soul genius of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Looe’s shoreline is prepared to party. With the whole town on board for the festival, you can enjoy food, drink and accommodation throughout Looe with pubs, bars, restaurants, holiday parks and hotels all available to festival goers for the weekend. Looe Music Festival transforms this seaside town’s beach and streets into a hot destination for fun and laughter, so finish off your festival season with a trip to the seaside.
9th - 12th June £195 - Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight With a huge line-up in 2015, boasting Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys and Blur, Isle of Wight Festival just doesn’t know how to disappoint. Things are no different this year, with Isle of Wight veterans, The Who, headlining as well as Queen ft. Adam Lambert and Faithless. It’s safe to say you’ll be dancing, singing and shouting the weekend away. With rides, a huge host of stalls and food options, hidden stages, an intoxicated tea room and a shisha lounge, you’ll be busy enough even without the music. Make sure you book your ferry well in advance as things can get a little pricey closer to the time. But don’t let that put you off, this small island off the coast of Hampshire knows how to party.
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2000 Trees
19th - 21st May £59.50 - Various locations, Brighton If you want to expand your musical horizons and be able to say without irony ‘I liked
26th - 28th August £70 - Penzance, Cornwall Having been passed the punk rock baton from 3 Chords Festival, New Rose promises to bring the same pure punk mayhem to the Cornish countryside. Celebrating the region’s punk rock heritage, when bands such as
2000 Trees
Download Festival
The Great Escape
New Rose Festival
22nd - 26th June Sold Out - Worthy Farm, Somerset What else can be said about Glastonbury that hasn’t been said before? A monolith in the festival game, tickets for Glastonbury sold out, once again, in a second. And rightly so. Never mind the line-up (although Muse, Adele and PJ Harvey doesn’t sound half bad), the festival itself is a mecca for 135,000 people every year and continues to grow. With a perimeter of 8.5 miles – around a third of the distance from Dover to Calais – expect to be transported to a whole new world where everyone parties for five days straight. Sounds alright.
The Great Escape
Download Festival 10th - 12th June £215 - Donington Park, Derby The UK’s biggest rock and metal festival, Download has been active since 2003, taking over from the Monsters of Rock festival that made its home in Donington Park spanning the ‘80s and the ‘90s. Now with five stages, including the newly named Lemmy main stage (and a whole new festival in France), it continues to bring the big rock names to
7th - 9th July £95 - Upcote Farm, Cheltenham Another great independent festival, dedicated to celebrating the world’s best new and underground indie and rock acts, 2000 Trees is set in the rolling Cotswold Hills and is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The 5,000 capacity festival is an intimate change from some of the larger, more corporate festivals, but still has loads on offer with five stages, a trader village and lots of locally produced food and drink. Started by six friends in 2007, who had grown tired of paying through the nose for festivals,
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Reading Festival
they decided to create their own, with an emphasis on value for money as well as creating an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues. With Twin Atlantic and Refused headlining this year’s festival, plus loads more to be announced alongside our very own Crazy Arm, I’d definitely consider checking out the festival circuit’s best kept secret. Latitude Festival
the neon lights of DSTRKT 5 and the latino beats of Barrio Loco, you are spoilt for choice as to where to spend your weekend. With around 22 main stage areas, there are major line-ups whatever genre you’re into. With reggae legend Damian Marley, dub sevenpiece Fat Freddy’s Drop, ska rockers Madness and electronica duo Leftfield, you’ve got a plethora of musical magic to choose from. Of course, there’s still plenty of other activities happening, each district featuring its own themed entertainment from showgirls, walkabout theatre, arcades, a speaker’s corner, healing and workshops. A city is born for a weekend and it knows how to make its inhabitants feel welcome. Green Man Festival
Latitude Festival 14th - 17th July £205.50 - Henham Park, Suffolk Hidden in the woods by a lake just asking to be swam in is Latitude Festival: an idyllic musical beacon a couple hours outside of London. This year features the monolithic New Order headlining the Sunday, with the rest of the weekend playing host to bands such as The National, Chvrches, Maccabees and Beirut. I know the line-up is exhaustive and will definitely keep you busy, but make sure to find time to wander the site, where you can find a flock of multicoloured sheep, big screens hidden in twinkling thicket and hammocks secluded in the Faraway Forest. And if that wasn’t enough, look forward to an abundance of comedy, theatre, art installations, poetry and cabaret that means there’s always something to catch your attention at Latitude Festival. Boomtown Fair
Green Man Festival 18th - 21st August £175 - Brecon Beacons, Wales Nestled in a valley in South Wales, the landscape dominated by the mountains of Brecon Beacons, Green Man Festival likes to fill the air with the sound of live music, comedy, theatre, poetry and film. Now a major event for the Welsh community, Green Man has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2003. Divided into ten areas, with different stages, tents, workshops and activities, it’s worth visiting even if you aren’t tempted by the immense line-up on offer this year. With Belle and Sebastian, James Blake, Wild Beasts, Warpaint and Battles, you can enjoy indie, alt rock, folk, dance and Americana all in one weekend. Beautifully decorated with an intimate feel despite its 20,000 capacity, not one to be missed. Green Man Festival
Boomtown Fair 11th - 14th August £170 - Matterley Estate, Hampshire Imagine, if you can, a man made city, split into nine districts where anything can happen. From the gold mines of the Wild West and the dilapidation of OldTown, to
Leeds Festival
Reading/Leeds Festival 26th - 28th August £213 - Richfield Avenue/Bramham Park Another year, another massive line-up from the Festival Republic minds behind the Reading and Leeds Festivals. Taking place simultaneously between Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds, you can be treated to some of the biggest names in pop music during your August Bank Holiday weekend. This year sees the likes of Foals, Disclosure, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy and The 1975, with stages covering all bases from hip-hop and underground punk to comedy and cabaret. These two festivals are all about the music, and pride themselves on line-ups that, in the past, have made history. Get your tickets quick though, as both festivals have a habit of selling out fast.
End of the Road
End of the Road 2nd - 4th September £195 - Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset Taking place in the idyllic Larmer Tree Gardens, a location well suited for such an eclectic and enchanting festival, End of the Road signifies the end of festival season. Fear not, however, because for three days you will be treated to the musical delights of Joanna Newsom, Animal Collective and Bat For Lashes to name a few. With a capacity of 11,000 and a laid back vibe, you can enjoy wandering the workshop Wonderlands, wind down with a little literature in the Woodland Library, or indulge in the satirical condescending wit of Stewart Lee headlining the comedy stage this year. With no VIP areas, don’t be surprised to see your favourite bands strolling round, and enjoy the surroundings, complete with roaming peacocks.
Bestival
Bestival 8th - 11th September £190 - Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight Set in the beautiful Robin Hill Country Park in the heart of the Isle of Wight, is Rob da Bank and wife Josie’s spectacular festival, Bestival. With the couple’s combination of musical pioneering and creative direction, they’ve managed to create an eclectic, boutique festival experience on a huge scale. Unsurprisingly winning awards left, right and centre for Best Major Festival, Best Innovation and Fan’s Favourite just to name a few, Bestival bridges the gap between major and indie festivals with a huge line-up that maintains an intimate and unique festival atmosphere. This year plays host to The Cure, Major Lazer, Hot Chip and Fatboy Slim (just to mention a few), but don’t miss out on the huge colourful parades, the wedding chapel (yes, you can actually get married) and the Love Bot art installation that converts the posi festi vibes into a bionic light display. The theme this year is ‘The Future’ so get your cosmic costumes on and get ready to enter into a new space age of festival fun. Bestival
san felu
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san felU / Words by Naomi Girdler - Photos by Zuleika Donkin-Greene & Tim Langsford / PS: So, Patrick James Pearson, where does the name San Felu come from? PJP: The name doesn’t necessarily mean or stand for anything. I found out later online that it was a city in the south of Spain, Sant Feliu. I didn’t mean to name it after that, and I didn’t actively spell it differently. I used to listen to a band called Bullet Union, and I remember singing along to it and the lyrics included ‘san felu’. From then, it just stuck in my head. I was starting to write alone again after the band and I wanted to go under an alias. PS: How would you describe San Felu? PJP: San Felu was an outlet to start writing again, mainly on guitar, but not with any intention of playing live. It was more a studio-based project, exploring production techniques and song-writing. I wanted to create something delicate. I remember listening to the latest Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds record, ‘Push the Sky Away’ and I’d never really been a Nick Cave fan before. It’s not that I didn’t like him, I kinda just didn’t get it. That album turned everything around, and I started exploring his back catalogue. That album especially made me think about lyrics before music, focussing on the attitude of the piece. Lyrics are at the forefront of this project. The subject matters choose how the song forms, but going back to that delicate disposition, I chose finger-picked guitar over something more heavy. I wanted clean and crisp. It was also something flexible, I wanted to be able to play live, on my own or with a bigger outfit. Moving back down here after spending some time in London and time away travelling just made me want to write about this area, the moorland, the coast, nautical themes, those ideas seem to creep in. It looks like a big painting, with heavy textures and contrasts. I like that there’s no pressure with it so it can be a real slow burner. I’m not one to rush it. PS: Who’s involved with San Felu? PJP: The first track, ‘Cape of Good Hope’, was entirely done by myself with the exception of the mastering, done by Pete
Miles at Middle Farm Studios. He also worked on the Patrick James Pearson Band record, ‘And So It Goes’. I capitalised on getting another two tracks done, this time with drums by Tim Langsford (of The Patrick James Pearson Band, Vince Lee, Worried Shoes to name a few). We worked with James Bragg on those tracks, who shares the studio with Pete, who’s worked on some incredible records. He has a slightly different approach to Pete and myself, and he offered to help. We recorded ‘Quantum Entanglement’ and ‘Sanctuary Blues’ at the studio. Whilst we were there, Tim Rowing Parker of Woahnows was giving a hand engineering and he said ‘Mate, if you ever need a bass player, I’ll do it’, so I held him to that. He used to help with The PJP Band playing guitar so it was great to hang out with him again. I know he’s a busy guy, but hopefully he can be around so we can play more shows as a three-piece. I also write with an artist called Grace Lightman, and she featured some vocals on ‘Sanctuary Blues’, so she’d be the only other person involved in the project, thus far.
wish I could have done with the PJP Band, and it helped fill a hole. It isn’t quite the same when you’re playing for someone else and playing someone else’s music, but I still felt like I’d accomplished something. Coming back to Plymouth and beginning to write under the name San Felu was really like seeing things with a fresh set of eyes.
"I like the vibe of witchcraft and spiritualism, but I wouldn’t call myself a wizard!"
PS: What’s influenced San Felu? Who are your inspirations, musically and lyrically?
PS: Some people may know you better from The Patrick James Pearson band, having played Glastonbury and appeared on BBC TV, what made you decide to reinvent yourself and start a new project? PJP: We got to the point of saturation, we’d played a lot of shows. I wanted to make music my 9-to-5 job, and I couldn’t just keep doing shows on the weekends and spending money doing it. I wanted to explore music as more of a career and do more writing, and that’s what I like doing the most. After that ended, I moved to London and fell into session playing with Dry the River. I spent a year with them on their second album, touring around the world… well, most of it. I got to see some really cool places and ending up doing things that I often
Coming back to the here and now, I do a lot of co-writing with other artists, so that fulfils my 9-to-5 career in music. San Felu is something completely separate from that, it’s not purposely anti-careerist to rebel in any kind of way, but more because I can’t get away with it in a pop sensibility. Like I said before, lyrics are a big thing. Before, my lyrics had been quite emotionally charged, where now it’s more observational, in an internal sense. A lot like dreaming, worlds that are not quite what they seem, dramatic and contorted, a lot of the tracks stem from a subconscious feeling, ideas that I wake up with in my head. I like the vibe of witchcraft and spiritualism, but I wouldn’t call myself a wizard!
PJP: Musically, I mentioned the Nick Cave record and I was listening to that and The National and that was the first time
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I’d felt an impulse to want to write again. I didn’t want them to sound like those bands necessarily though. The Sun Kil Moon album, ‘Universal Themes’, blew my mind. He really addressed the story-telling aspect and the lyrical form. I listened to him a lot, a long time ago, and have since rediscovered him. Some early Fugazi albums really played a part, Brainiac as well. Rediscovering music I used to listen to has played a factor. Likewise, the landscape around me and the age I am now is inspiring, if you can say an age is inspiring? Experience and history is what’s inspirational, and in some ways, you can’t tell a story without experiences. I’ve only released three tracks so far, so I’m still finding new influences everywhere. I’ve been writing more stories and songs about forestry lately, that’s always a source of lyrical gold. PS: How did you first get involved with music? PJP: It was never a family thing, there weren’t any record collections in my house and I didn’t listen to music as a kid. I was put through my grades early on, so I was made to study music in a classical sense. I rebelled a bit, I stopped wanting to learn all my pieces and scales and I started playing blues music. I played with three chord blues, and with bands around Launceston, where I come from. Through playing shows, I realised I never wanted to play covers, haha. I always thought that wasn’t as fun as just writing your own stuff, so I hit it off with writing really. I couldn’t think of anything better to do with my time. If I had time, I would write or create. I’m lucky enough to be able to say now that it’s my job. The exploration of music just felt like a good idea. PS: What are you up to as a writer and producer? PJP: Currently, me and Tim Langsford are working together with Grace Lightman who I mentioned earlier. We’re about to release another single with her. We play and I co-write with her. I also write with and have produced a band from London called Liu Bei. I’ve been doing some engineering and recording a band called Kone, from Oxford, they’re great. We’re hopefully going to be making a three track EP together. It’s more writing that I’m into though. I’m currently building a studio. I just need a more permanent set up, somewhere I can write and work a little bit more comfortably. Basically, so I can write more San Felu tracks! PS: What’s your opinion on the Plymouth music scene? PJP: Back home, I was playing the pub circuit as that’s all there was at that time. I remember first coming down to Plymouth and seeing bands play at the Phoenix, it was like ‘Fucking hell,
"From my experience in London, mUsic has been geared to be more of a form of entertainment rather than an art form. Gigs Up there don't mean as much as they mean down here." people are cool down here!’ I was surrounded by people who also dyed their hair, pierced their ears and wore baggy jeans. Finally, I wasn’t the only one, because I definitely felt like that in Launceston. You realise you’re not so alone, and I can only say what the Plymouth music scene gave to me, which was a sense of an identity more than anywhere else. A place of close, personal music making. There’s always been a problem about the perceptions of bringing music down to the South West, promoters and booking agents don’t always see this as a viable place for bands to play. People forget that the Bristol music scene is a train ride away, yet there are great bands playing there all the time. I’ve never met such a group of people so passionate and supportive in music than down here though. It was the same in Leeds when I studied – smaller cities breed closer, more intimate communities. Local support is always more honest and genuine, and it’s so much broader than a music scene. Music just seems to be the overriding factor that keeps us all together. For me, it’s the best in the world. I’ve played in the blues scene down here in great quantity and still do. It’s not just a blues scene though, there’s so much crossover from different styles. It’s a shame that anyone could say the scene was barren because they think they can only perform in a certain area, or within a certain genre. That crossover is important because it produces better musicians, you feed off the people you’re working with. There’s so much talent here, and because it’s all so close, it’s shared.
see it in the crowds. When I was touring, we were going to all the major cities and they were boring as fuck. The scene is just as strong down here as it is anywhere else. Don’t be fooled. PS: What local bands are you into? Who would you recommend to people who enjoy your music? PJP: Woahnows are a band that I will always rave about. I miss Head of Programmes, I don’t know what Jim McGregor is up to now, but I always think of him too. Booby Trap are a great all girl band. Crazy Arm, Vince Lee, Becca Langsford and Thomas Ford will always be up there for me as well. I feel slightly out of touch since I moved to London for a while and missed a load of shows in the process. I’m upset that that’s the case! I request that people email me and flood me with local music suggestions as they’re always welcome. Imperfect Orchestra too, how the fuck does that happen? Somebody running an orchestra of random, put together people that just want to play music? It’s awesome. Imperfect Cinema was another big inspiration of mine and I’ve heard it’s coming back. I’m really looking forward to that. PS: What does the future hold for San Felu? PJP: Hopefully shows! We want to play as many shows as possible. Obviously, everyone involved in the live shows has a limited amount of time to spare though. I think it’s more important to do the right shows, it’d be nice to be able to get to the stage where we can pick and choose. I desperately want to play Freedom Fields Community Festival again, it’s been a long, long time. It’s a fucking awesome festival. Organiser, Jon Spurling, has been an avid supporter of San Felu and I really appreciate all his encouragement. The future holds an EP this year too, hopefully. There’s more stuff to come, sooner rather than later. It’ll blow your fucking mind though, I can vow to that, haha.
Listen to San Felu’s latest single ‘Quantum Entanglement’ From my experience in London, music has been geared to be on Soundcloud, iTunes and Spotify. more of a form of entertainment rather than an art form, a lifestyle or an identity. Gigs up there don’t mean as much as You can also find them with a quick search of San Felu they mean down here. When you meet people with passion, on Facebook, on Twitter @SAN_FELU and on Tumblr at it reinforces your own. I don’t think there’s a music scene in sanfelu.tumblr.com a larger city like London, I think there’s a music industry. You
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guns under the table From L to R: Steve Brown, Jim Saunders and Craig Smith
G U N S U N D E R T H E TA B L E Words by Naomi Girdler / Photo by Zuleika Donkin-Greene
PS: So who are Guns Under The Table and what are you all about? CS: Well, there’s James Saunders on guitar and vocals. JS: A name only my Mum uses. SB: Yeah, it’d be Jim instead. CS: And then Steve Brown on drums, and myself, Craig Smith, on bass. We’re a three piece, and have been going for about five years. Our first EP came out in 2011. JS: We’ve had some line up changes, with Nev from Population Pods on drums, but he left to have a baby because he’s selfish. Haha.
he’ll just start recording loads of big bands there. JS: It’s got the best drum room in Plymouth! Just get a good kit and get down the scout hut. We didn’t use reverb or anything like that, just the natural live sound. It’s a lot more affordable for people to do stuff themselves these days. I’ve got a Mac and an interface and it’s still more advanced than a four-track tape machine, that somebody might have had 30 years ago. There’s normally somebody who’s got an interest in recording in some way in the band, so that’d be me, I guess. SB: Yeah, I’d like to but I just don’t have the brain capacity for it. PS: Who are your influences, individually and as a band?
PS: How would you describe yourselves to people who don’t know what you sound like? JS: It’s like Thin Lizzy meets The Melvins. We’re always trying to be as heavy as we can be without being metal. We’re in that alternative bracket of rock but then there’s also a mixture of other genres. We were saying that we can’t pinpoint any one thing that we’re exactly like, but there’s loads of different elements that are reminiscent of something else. So we can say, this riff is kinda descended from, for example, Craig is into loads of Russian Circles, but we can’t go ‘Let’s do Russian Circles’. With our style it sounds nothing like that at all. CS: If you went back 20 years, you’d interview a band and they’d probably all listen to the same music and they’d play one particular type of music. Now the internet exists and everything’s pretty accessible, you can’t really pin it down. For example, we’ve got an entire Motorhead set up our sleeve, haha. I love Motorhead now, I’m a total convert, saving up for a Rickenbacker right now. JS: We always have big ideas above our station and ability, haha. SB: Well, you do, but I don’t. I can do them. PS: How was your experience recording Monaural, your record? Where did you record? What was the experience like? Where did the name come from? JS: The name is just a fancy word for mono. It’s what they used to put on early ‘60s LPs so, we literally just stole the name from the back of an LP. I was looking at them and I was thinking about how we should do a pastiche for the album. Like when records would have stickers on the artwork like ‘Use this cleaning product’ or whatever, and we had the idea that we could do that on our release. CS: We had a lot of discussions about the artwork but when Jim’s friend, Adam Milford, sent through the designs, we thought it was perfect. Nothing like we’d originally thought it would look at all. He also did the artwork for the first EP, which was based on artwork from an old cassette, a blank cassette. JS: You’re giving away where we’ve stolen all our ideas from! CS: When we recorded Monaural, we did it all ourselves in the scout hut by Manadon Roundabout, and at Jim’s house. I think it cost us £60 in grand total. Not, obviously, including all the money Jim spent on equipment 10 years ago. CS: Our pal, Harry Reeves, gave us a hand. We paid him in food. It took us about two days to do the drums and then we did the guitars, bass and vocals at our leisure at Jim’s house. JS: I don’t live there any more, but at the time I didn’t have any neighbours so we could just make as much noise as we wanted to. We did all the guitars, all mixed and everything, there. It probably took us about a month, doing a whole load of mixes and then scrapping it and starting again. CS: I’d finish work and take my bass down and do a couple tracks in a night. Completely fuelled by Fox’s Creams. JS: Craig would pester me for nice coffee. SB: Fair play to him! He is bringing the Creams round. We’d only booked out the scout hut for the drums, so the only real pressure was to do the takes in two days. I figured if I can’t play the songs in two days, I probably shouldn’t be in the band! That scout hut has produced some great records though. If there was ever a documentary about bands in Plymouth that scout hut would be like an epicentre. Plymouth’s SoundCity! CS: Careful, because you’ll get Dave Grohl on the case. He’s really into all that and
CS: I’d be lying if I didn’t say Russian Circles was one of mine, because I’m a huge fan. I’m also a huge Clash fan. The Clash are one of my favourite bands of all time. I love the Constantines, but do they contribute to what I do in Guns? I don’t know. I do tend to get obsessed with a certain bass player for like a year or so and then I musically try to pick out factors that they perform. I think that does wear off on what you’re playing. I stood in on bass for Crazy Arm for a week’s worth of shows and it was hardcore. Playing Jon Dailey’s bass parts was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my entire life. But, actually, taking from that, it’s affected the way I play now. JS: It’s like when we did the Motorhead set. CS: Totally. Since then I’ve been taking hints from things that Lemmy would have done. It’s like broadening your palette, having more experience to draw from. JS: I’d definitely say The Melvins. This is a tough question though, trying to narrow it down to a couple. I’d also say Motorhead and very indirectly, The Police. Not
“...don’t listen to sh*t music just to get laid. Go watch a band.” necessarily with the reggae side of things, but it’s more the idea of three-pieces and trying to make a bigger sound than what three people can necessarily create individually. It’s the idea of no-one playing the same one thing. We write different riffs and write longer songs. SB: For me, anything from the ‘70s. Another one would be Queens Of The Stone Age. Mainly the Joey Castillo era. I like that driving style with drums. System Of A Down as well. There’s a lot of that in our music for me. There’s a lot of the classic drumming. PS: What are your thoughts of the Plymouth music scene as it stands today? How do you feel you’ve contributed or fit in as individual musicians and as a band? SB: My first introduction to the music scene in Plymouth was playing and going to shows at the Phoenix. JS: There was Tramps as well. SB: There’s only ever really been two venues at any one time though. JS: That’s a really good point. When I was first going to gigs, it was either Tramps or the Cooperage, then it became the Cooperage and the Phoenix.
CS: White Rabbit came along after that, and there was Jack Chams too. SB: Now it seems to be the Underground and The Junction. Obviously there’s The Hub too, which is a really good venue, but it’s a different market. JS: So maybe Plymouth can only sustain a couple venues at any one time? When it comes to The Hub, they are putting on stuff that is a different market to the Junction and the Underground, so they’re getting an audience out that may not have necessarily gone before. What I would say, in all that time, I don’t think I’ve seen much of a big student or university presence. Didn’t they used to put on gigs? CS: At the same time, mainstream music is so different to the equivalent 20 years ago. There’s no middle-sized record labels any more, or there’s very few. Either you’re on a major or you’re DIY, and I think Plymouth University used to cover that middle ground that just doesn’t exist any more. It’s an international thing, it’s not the universities’ fault. JS: There are universities that put plenty of gigs on though. Perhaps the Plymouth music scene is too insular, which seems unfair, but if we were to put on a gig, we would know roughly who’s going to be there, they’ll all see it on Facebook. What are the chances of that being extended to a mainstream audience? SB: There’s no marketing for it. JS: There’s no in-road with the university to market these things. If you think back to our parents’ generation, when they went to university, you wouldn’t have to worry about this sort of stuff. The amount of bands that you hear about that came from the university experience, free thinking culture and a chance to express themselves as individuals and music coming from it. CS: Now they’re all capitalists like The Kooks. It’s a nightmare. SB: Loads of people have come and asked me, ‘Why don’t you play covers? It’s such a good market!” but I’ve always said that doesn’t matter. There’s something so different about playing your original stuff and how it feels to play that in front of everyone, and then have them come up to you afterwards, or not! It’s an amazing feeling. A lot of people who enjoy covers bands aren’t musicians and it’s hard to explain that. JS: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with covers bands, they serve a purpose and they have their place. It’s fair enough to do the pub circuit and it can be great for them. There’s definitely been times when we’ve thought to ourselves, ‘Shall we just do a covers band on the side to make a little money? We could easily bash out a cover set.’ It’s definitely fun, and we could do it, but it’s a different fulfilment when it comes to music. Going back to the students though, it’s not like there’s a lack of them! Fair enough, you don’t have much interest in seeing bands, but why are they queuing up in a line of 20 to get into Bac Bar? SB: Well, if you haven’t worked that out already… JS: Alright, well aside from the basic desire to shag everything in Plymouth. SB: No-one goes to Cuba because they like it! You’ve got the hormones racing, they’re all out there to impress their mates... JS: Yeah, but you could still see a decent band. Even so, I don’t want to listen to shit music just to get laid. Go see a band. PS: What does the future hold for Guns Under The Table? SB: Hopefully some more gigs, haha. JS: We are quite, I don’t wanna say lazy, but… yeah, lazy. CS: We’re playing with Irk at the Junction on the 24th of June and then Anchored to the Sound Festival at the Guildhall on the 27th of August, but we’re available for gigs. SB: Bah mitzvahs, weddings, all that. JS: We’re trying to write some new songs though. CS: We’ve stay mrted on the new stuff, but it’s a real slow process. We’d also like the opportunity to turn the digital album into an actual physical record, but it’s just so costly. SB: We should do it. It’s a good enough recording and album structurally, I think. Find Guns Under The Table on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ TABLEHEADS or listen to Monaural online at gunsunderthetable.bandcamp.com
twenty
eating disorders
M enta L H ealth AWA R E N E SS :
L E T ' s TA L K A B O U T E AT I N G D I S O R D E R S Our brand new columnist Esther Osbourne starts the dialogue of mental heatlh awareness, with this issue’s focus on eating disorders. Eating disorder awareness is a hard one, forgive me for rolling my eyes out loud, but so often we’re all hit with the same generic and repetitive statistics, the same ‘signs and symptoms to watch out for’ and the same media articles hailing stories of sufferers. You know the ones - emblazoned with the shock factor ‘before and after’ skeletal pictures that actually only ironically serve to be massively triggering and upsetting to sufferers and epitomise the one thing we are trying to prevent or treat.
example? Equally as life threatening and yet often doesn’t exhibit itself in dramatic weight loss. Ergo, harder still to get treatment for. That’s before we even factor in the delays in referral times, assessment times, waiting lists for community treatment, inpatient treatment… need I go on? All the while, the illness becomes more severe, behaviours more entrenched and thus harder to treat than they would otherwise have been at onset.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for awareness. I’ve been a chronic sufferer of anorexia for over half my life now and believe me, it’s no picnic. I would go to the ends of my six inch sub to save just one other person from treading the same path. I guess that’s why I get so fired up about the subject. What we should ACTUALLY be making people aware of is not just these basic facts, which let’s face it, most of us now are pretty aware of. Eating disorders are often splashed across celebrity magazines and social media these days, ever increasing in number and with new variations such as current trends for ‘clean eating’ and the like. What about being aware of the rest of the story though? The fact that even if you get as far as a visit to the GP, it has to be one of the only illnesses where you will most likely be told to go away and get sicker before you qualify for treatment. So forgive my cynicism about a post-haste visit to a professional when the truth is, despite early intervention being so very critical – if your weight isn’t low enough, you aren’t likely to get the help you so sorely need. Not at the fault of your GP but because, sadly, that is the diagnostic criteria that currently exists. Typically, an anorexic goes away and loses more weight and gets dangerously ill. What about the other eating disorders, bulimia for
Esther Osbourne
Treatment – there’s another issue. A big one. Mental illness is often in the media as being desperately underfunded and as an offshoot of this, eating disorders are even more so. There simply aren’t the resources to provide the type of care sufferers need. Again, only the very thinnest seem to qualify for inpatient beds and find themselves in a system that falls short in terms of providing ongoing and follow up care within the community. The type of care that is crucial to a sustained recovery. I am blessed to have a fantastic GP and a care coordinator who have undoubtedly saved
me many times over, when I’ve fallen through the gaps. Most aren’t so lucky and the specialist services are far from ideal. I’m definitely not criticising them directly – they largely just need more funding. So if you’re new to all this - be aware it’s an uphill battle. You’ve made it into treatment. Are you aware that this is no quick or guaranteed fix? Even as a sufferer, I thought it would be. I thought I would go to that specialist unit and come out all fixed and well and ready to pick up my life again. Wrong. Eating disorders are a severe (often enduring) mental illness and there needs to be awareness that you need to prepare for the long haul; a battle with your own mind, that may take many attempts, take years and affect every part of your life and those around you. It’s paramount there is a willingness to engage with recovery and to work hard to achieve health. It’s not a passive process, there is no pill or plaster cast and no two people respond in the same way. Please do watch out for signs and symptoms and please do still seek help. It’s all very well raising awareness and getting more people to seek help but you have to ask yourself where does that leaves us in a system that is already struggling. Isn’t the real issue here, what the Dickens do we do about it?! I don’t have the answer to that one. All I do know is that people suffer and struggle and are unwell for unnecessarily long periods of time. People do die. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses and I’d like to see that change. If you’re worried about your mental health or that of someone you know, you can get advice and support from the Plymouth Eating Disorders Service. Ring them on 01752 228027 or email edsplym@btinternet.com
rumpus cosy
RUMPUSCOSY
twenty two
www.facebook.com/rumpuscosy @RumpusCosy
DerRys cross
/ Words by Naomi Girdler/
In a large glass-fronted building on Derrys Cross roundabout, in the west end of the city centre, is a magical tearoom and restaurant run by a badger named Peregrine, where afternoon tea delights, exquisite baked goods and a beautiful menu of locally sourced suppers are on offer at tasty prices. Transformed from an abandoned bank into a restaurant, tea room, contemporary art gallery, work space and community hub in 2014, RumpusCosy, Radiant Gallery and the charity behind all of it, Effervescent, offer a unique dining and gallery experience for all ages. Treat yourself to a high tea sat in squashy sofas, surrounded by art, antique furniture and gold leaf covering the walls, where you
can indulge in finger sandwiches, a selection of teas and of course, some sweet treats. If that’s not your cup of tea (pun intended), you can satisfy your hunger with colourful seasonal menus featuring produce gathered from Devon and Cornwall’s loveliest forests, gardens and rivers. Either way, allow yourself to be spoilt by the friendly and accommodating staff, who maintain a high standard of food, comfort and presentation, from the flourishes of the food to the quality of service you’ll receive on any given day. With such a beautiful space means you’ll often find people enjoying the exhibitions, poetry readings, film showings, performances, live music, talks and lectures, making the most of the high warehouse ceilings, the serene environment and fantastic central location.
@rumpuscosy Not to be missed too are the exhibitions in the Radiant Gallery, showing rotating exhibitions with support from Plymouth University, BBC Children in Need, BIG Lottery, Arts Council England and Barnados. The Cold Truth, a chilling exhibition of work featuring a display of children’s shoes made out of glass and ice, was, like all of the exhibitions, co-designed and curated with groups of young people, in this instance a group that had lived experience of sexual exploitation. Running until April 29th, you can witness this powerful and chilling production allowing the subject of child sexual exploitation to become a matter of public discussion. The gallery is free for anyone to come along and have a look around, so don’t miss the opportunity to attend this heartfelt display of artistic expression.
With all of the profits created by RumpusCosy going to Effervescent, they hope to be able to continue supporting young people and raising awareness of real life issues that affect vulnerable children and teenagers. Through Radiant Gallery, they get to explore and present themes that have real importance for them, engaging audiences in what it is to be human, now. So if you’re having a stroll around town and are peckish for some finger sandwiches or in need of a cup of tea, head down to the West End of the city centre for an unparalleled tea room experience. Revel in the antique furniture and china tea cups, gorge yourself on sweet treats and fine dining and finally, explore the artwork that has become such an important outlet for the young and vulnerable people of this city. Not only is RumpusCosy and Radiant Gallery a snug for consumers, it also holds its arms open to those looking for support, and I think that’s what makes the place so truly spectacular. Find out more about RumpusCosy at www.radiantspace.org.uk/rumpus-cosy or find them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/RumpusCosy or on Twitter @RumpusCosy
twenty three
whats your beef
whats your beef?
WYB Burgers - What’s Your Beef?
EBRINGTON ST.
/ Words by Andrew Girdler/
@WYBBurgers @wyb.burgers.plymouth
What’s Your Beef has a good choice of
sit and eat, the staff are very friendly, and
original and delicious burgers, such as the
there’s free wifi which is always a bonus.
ideal hangover meal, the Mornin’ Glory, which
Since this is the Plymouth Student you’ll
comes topped with a fried egg and bacon for
be happy to know they offer a military and
your Sunday morning blues, the WYB Chee’n
student discount if you bring your student
B, which is a stacked double cheese burger
card along with you.
with bacon and their hippie sauce, and
Due to being right in the middle of many
Burger, and Bristol having The Burger Joint,
student houses and just behind Plymouth
I’d say it’s about time that our city got it’s
College of Art, Ebrington Street has fast
own place to feast on some proper burgers,
become a hub for students and for an
and I can say that WYB is now definitely my
amazing selection of unique local businesses
go-to restaurant for it.
they also serve a slider tray, amazing chips,
Avoiding the typical American diner look,
chicken wings and lots more. Don’t worry
WYB has a great interior with it’s brick-
veggies, they also have Vegetarian, Vegan,
wall industrial look. With raw wood tables,
and Pescetarian friendly burgers.
ammunition crates holding the sauces and cutlery, and art covering the walls, WYB certainly has it’s own feel and atmosphere. So if you’re looking for somewhere to go at lunch or dinner that isn’t the usual fast food, this is the place. They also offer a
and restaurants, such as our friends Minerva,
takeaway option, so whether you’re looking
Prime Cafe, Bread & Roses, and more. Now
for somewhere to sit down and eat, or pop
you can make sure to add another to the list,
in quickly and pick up some top quality food,
with What’s Your Beef?, the new gourmet
make sure to try them out!
burger restaurant. With a great selection of locally-sourced food, great prices, and a menu
To find out more about What’s Your
designed with the help of a local Michelin
Beef
star chef, WYB Burgers is the perfect place to
burger bar, and with Exeter having Urban
WHAT FUTURE WILL YOU MAKE? Explore our new degree titles — from BA (Hons) Product Design & Innovation to BA (Hons) Creative Advertising & Brand. Open Days 23 April 18 June Limited places still available to start this Sept 2016. Visit and apply now plymouthart.ac.uk
visit
their
website
www.wybburgers.co.uk or their Facebook
fill up at lunch. Plymouth has been lacking it’s own unique
Burgers,
and Twitter pages by searching WYB Not only do they have a great selection of food, the restaurant itself is a great place to
Burgers.
twenty four
fashion
Festiva L Fashion
Music festivals have long served as breeding grounds for experiments in style. Ever since the ethereal sheer dresses, fringed waistcoats and bell bottom jeans of Woodstock Music and Art Fair shook the world some forty five years ago, the likes of Coachella, Glastonbury and Benicassim have become platforms to catapult developing trends into the mainstream.
Today, festivals are just as much about flaunting your style credentials as they are about catching live performances from your favourite bands. They may not be formal occasions but they do come with a loose dress code and looking the part could be the difference between scoring a date in the midst of a mosh pit and sitting sulking, soaked and mud stained back at base camp. What festival are you going to? Big question that needs to be asked. Are you raving for three days? Are you going to be creative and cultured, building a big wicker man and burning him on the last day? Are you going to be thrust into the biggest mosh pit you’ve ever seen? All these things need to be taken into account when packing your glow sticks. Practical clothing is necessary; nobody needs to take their whole wardrobe to a three day festival. (Although, I’ve been known to do just that) Make sure you are ready for the occasion, whatever that may be!
So here’s how to look the part at this summers festivals. There are lots of factors that need to be taken into account. / Words by Enya Richards /
Weather. Now this should be your main worry; yet, I’ve seen many people knee deep in mud only wearing sandals and a mini dress. Wellington boots are essential; even if it’s glorious sunshine the entire weekend. You don’t want to know what that wet patch by the portaloos is, and you really don’t want to be stood in it wearing your havanas. PACK A MAC, literally, and they’re perfect; easy to store and keep you dry. Warming up after dancing in the rain and mud in a two man tent isn’t ideal, trust me!
twenty five
fashion
Hygiene. Now, lets not beat around the bush here; you’re in a field, you’re likely to be there for a few days. If you’re not fortunate to have a glamping tepee and access to luxury loos and a fully functioning shower and dressing room, chances are you’ll be wet wipe washing in the safety of your tent, or, begging your friend with back stage access to blag you into the VIP, good luck with that one! Basically, be prepared. Glitter roots are perfect for covering greasy hair, wet wipes are essentials, dry shampoo is a given, and whatever you do, don’t get all righteous about it all. You’re not the only one doing this, you not the first and you’re definitely not the last. If you can’t stand the heat get out the kitchen; it’s the price you pay for a weekend of fun and experience!
Ok so you’ve thought about all the factors. Now let’s talk style. Trying to dress around a pair of wellington boots is easy though, trust me. Anything goes. Festivals have no bar; it’s a place of expression. Think colour, think accessories and think fancy dress. Or, if you’re like me, think black, think monochrome. Let’s be honest, will there be beers? Yes. Will there be sun? Hopefully. Will there be unforgettable performances you’ll bear witness to and boastingly reference at parties in the future? Most likely. So, why the hell would you care about what you’ve got on… but in case you do. Here are a few snaps that will start you thinking what’s hot for this coming festival season. Have fun, be safe and dress well. Memories are our most important treasures.
twenty six
food
CHUNKY CHILLI chilli con carne Recipe by ANDREW GIRDLER 1-2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra if needed 400g diced stewing beef 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic clove, finely chopped 1½ tsp ground cumin 1-2 tbsp chipotle paste (or gluten-free alternative)
400g can kidney bean in chilli sauce 400g can chopped tomato 1 lime, zested and cut into wedges ¼ small pack coriander, leaves only cooked rice, to serve (optional)
M ethod Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 2HRs, 15 mins • Serves 4 1. Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the beef pieces for a few mins on each side until browned all over. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Stir well, then return the meat to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then cook, covered, for 2 hrs or until the beef is tender (or bake in the oven for 3 hrs at 160C/140C fan/gas 3).
2. Add the onion to the pan, with extra oil if needed, and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin and chipotle paste, and cook for 1 min. Sieve the kidney beans, reserving the sauce. Add this sauce, along with the chopped tomatoes and a can full of water, to the pan.
3.Add the reserved kidney beans and lime zest, season and warm through. Serve with a scattering of coriander leaves, the lime wedges to squeeze over, and rice, if you like.
chips chips with dip cod haddock hake plaice china sole lemon sole scampi
Senior Citizens Fish and Chips and a nice cup of tea for just
£4.10
Lunchtimes & Evenings (or take it away for £3.75)
How fish and chips have been since 1913
1.90 2.40 3.70 4.00 4.00 4.00 3.00 4.20
2.60 3.10 4.40 4.70 4.70 4.70 3.70 4.90 3.70
sausage jumbo sausage fish cake
0.80 1.60 1.10
burger in bun cheese burger 1/4 burger 1/4 cheese 6oz burger 6oz cheese burger chicken burger veggie burger
1.50 1.70 2.50 2.70 3.00 3.20 2.50 2.00
1/2 chicken chicken nuggets veggie fritter pea fritter onion rings
3.00 2.20 1.50 1.30 1.50
baked beans curry sauce mushy peas faggot gravy dips for chips roll & butter pineapple fritter banana fritter can of drink
0.80 0.90 0.90 1.20 0.60 0.50 0.45 1.50 1.50 From 0.75
All prices correct at time of going to press
twenty eight
game and book review
Game review
by Matthew Girdler, computing graduate from Plymouth University
BOOK review
by Chloe Smith, creative writing student from Marjons
XBOX ONE/PS4/PC
HARDBACK
THE DIVISION
THE T IGER AND THE WOLF / Adrian tchaikovsky / PUBLISHED BY macmillan
/ developed BY UBISOFT / PUBLISHED BY UBISOFT
Black Friday. A day that causes seemingly level-headed people to lose their minds, clambering over each other to grab the last 3D TV with a 20% discount. Fitting then, that this day should be mankind’s downfall. On the day after Thanksgiving, A deadly virus transmitted by banknotes nicknamed “The Dollar Flu” sweeps its way across New York City, leaving it in a state of chaos and quarantine. We’ve seen Manhattan in countless games, but never quite like this. The City That Never Sleeps has become an eerie wasteland. Streets and buildings adorned with decorations of a missing Christmas. To restore order to the city, the U.S. government activates a group of sleeper agents known as “The Division”. As one of these agents, the player is tasked with patrolling the streets, killing the looters and murderers that occupy them, and basically getting the sweetest gear around. At its core, Tom Clancy’s The Division is a standard third-person shooter, but one surrounded by the multiplayer and RPG mechanics of a game like Diablo or Destiny. Story is less a focus here than levelling up your character and finding the best loot. Thankfully, this is an incredibly addictive task and the massive game world is packed with collectibles to hunt down, audio logs to find and missions to complete. The near 1:1 recreation of Manhattan is a joy to explore. Well-known areas like Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square are replicated in immense detail, and there’s something unnerving about seeing them deserted. Unlike most open-world games, many interior locations have also been modelled: offices, department stores and apartment blocks offer an insight into the last moments of those affected by the virus.
At the centre of the map is the Dark Zone, a highly contaminated area that also serves as the game’s player-versus-player setting. Here lies the best loot in the game, but it needs to be decontaminated before it can be used. To do this, a player in your group starts the extraction with a signal flare, which alerts nearby enemies and players to your presence. If you manage to hold off the AI enemies and players attempting to steal your gear, you get to keep it. These are the game’s tenser moments, especially as you size up another player to decide whether or not they’ll turn hostile.
The Division is best played with a few friends. As a Tom Clancy game, there’s a bit more tactical freedom than your average shooter. Flanking and suppressing fire play a key part in combat, so communication is a must, particularly when attempting missions on harder difficulties. The entire game can played solo, but you still need to be connected to the Internet, and it definitely isn’t as fun as playing co-operatively. There’s no questioning the game’s value for money. At launch there are dozens of hours of original content, although some of it can be a bit repetitive. However, with free updates and three expansions already announced, it’s safe to say the future is bright for The Division. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what’s in store.
Adrian Tchaikovsky is a British novelist who focusing on fantasy and science fiction. His most well-known work is his fantasy series, Shadows of Apt which is set in a alternate universe. It is a series filled with magic and variations on the human species. His latest work of fiction is also fantasy, a new series Echoes of Fall. The first novel, The Tiger and the Wolf was released earlier this year; set in a world where humans are born into animal tribes and have the ability to shapeshift into, and take on the attributes of those animals. However, our main protagonist, Maniye, is different – she is born of two tribes, the Tiger and the Wolf, and her mind and body are at war internally as each animal fights to take control and reign supreme. Alongside her inner struggle, Maniye must also escape capture from both tribes who seek to use her as a tool to suppress and destroy the other tribe. Along the way, Maniye makes many new friends from varying tribes and brings them together in her own pack. There are greater things happening in this world, and she is somehow linked. My first connection with a Tchaikovsky novel was not one to disappoint. His writing style brings vivid and engaging detail from simple, economic language that draws you in from the offset, immediately submerging you into this new world and their politics. The narrative paces out well with a selection of scenes that bring action, conflict and push the narrative forward as well as slower paced scenes that bring world-building and character development. These slower scenes in no way deter the brilliant of this novel allowing you to gain valuable information about the surrounding world. Tchaikovsky also brings a lot of themes surrounding race, segregation, religion, and power which, coupled with the fantasy elements, aren’t forced down your throat.
The main character, Maniye, is very endearing with her naive way about life towards the beginning of the novel as she takes a childish approach to life by going against her father, Stone River, as well as various other members of the Wolf tribe. She is, however, a character in development. By leaving the tribe and embarking on a journey that, to all intents and purposes, appears brave by her standards, she develops into a mature character who truly understands her position in life and begins to realise what she does and doesn’t want to do. She makes enemies, but also friends, and it is her friends that also help to bring about her change allowing her to realise the risks that they are putting themselves in in order to protect her from the warring tribes out to retrieve her for their own gain and malicious intent. With no current date set for the next novel in the series, it’s safe to say that I’m counting down the days until its announcement. If you’re looking for a new series that brings shapeshifting, magic, and mystical powers, The Tiger and the Wolf would be the book for you. And, heck, why not! The cover is just the perfect excuse in itself to pick the book up!
MUSIC REVIEWS by Seth Haney
CURRENT A MAN ALIVE
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certainly don’t sag under that playful palette. The LP opens strongly with ‘Astonished Man’ and by the time you’re delving into ‘Guts’ and ‘Meticulous Bird’, you’re marvelling at the strength of the songwriting and arrangements. A Man Alive will reward your loyalty to it through the rest of 2016 and it’s as perfect an album as you’ll hear all year.
debut album. It takes until the third track, ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ (!) to feel like there’s any momentum incoming. Once they shake themselves down, the rest of the record steams along at a rocking pace with plenty of gratuitous guitar stunts and the party vibes of David Lee Roth’s vocal delivery. VH would go on to blow-up the early eighties and they seemed to find the balance between partying hard and making music on latter albums. Here, they made a passable record and it still sold a fuckton. Flukey bastards.
/ Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
Before we even get to the music, the CV of Thao Nguyen is most impressive. With a slew of community and charity projects, it’s amazing that she even has time to devote to a musical career. With seven albums since 2005, it’s obvious that Thao can put a lot of energies into her passions. On this latest record, she is ably backed by The Get Down Stay Down for a fourth album of beautifully crafted, rhythmically adventurous indie-soulpop. The album was recorded at a few ultrahip San Francisco studios and guided into the world by the ever wonderous Merrill Garbus (tUnE-YaRdS), her deft engineering skills are very evident on this record. Each song feels as sonically thrilling as the next, the songs
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WORRIED SHOES At just over 35 years old, the sophomore release by THE rock n roll titans of the early 80’s unfurls in a most languid fashion. Not many multi-million albums open with a cover and it’s a ridiculous move. ‘You’re No Good’, a big hit for country legend Linda Ronstadt, does nothing to show the band’s power and pomp. Really, they should have subtitled this album, ‘...It Must Have Been The Cocaine’ as it’s very obvious that the band had partied VERY fucking hard after the success of their
music reviews / dust piggies greater and more impressive. In Worried Shoes, here is a band that not only piss over that idea, but stand apart from the posers and the wannabes in part to their driving originality. There are echoes of Pixies and the more esoteric side of 90’s US indie rock but it never feels like a pastiche. ‘Love Is A Demon’s Tits’ (one of the best fucking song titles, ever) showcases the talent of this band, starting slow and brooding with the dual vocals of band leader Dom Parker and bassist (and PS editor) Naomi Girdler, then builds to a triumphant crescendo with the clattering, always masterful, drumming of Tim Langsford and a dual guitar squall battle between Dom and second guitarist Luke Richards. Sadly, this current iteration of the band are no more. They leave behind this perfect snapshot of themselves as a legacy and blueprint for future Plymouth bands: Get this good, and most importantly, stay together, and you’ll do great things. Stick this in your earholes and enjoy being envious of the greatest band you’ll never see live.
/ WORRIED SHOES
What does a band need to stay together in 2016? It’s ridiculous, to me, that an album full of strong songs isn’t enough to at least stick a firework up the ass of the world. Bands in Plymouth can, often, feel like lazy photocopies of something far
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agony aunt ellie
AGONY AUNT ELLIE Ellie likes tea, cats and tie-dye. She doesn’t like snakes and when her friends are sad. We thought that was the best criteria for an agony aunt we’d ever heard. If you would like Ellie to help with your problems, you can email us at hello@ps-zine.com Dear Ellie I’m a 20 year old second year student at the university, and in the last year I’ve put on a load of weight. I’ve gone from quite a confident, slim woman to an anxious fatty from too much boozing, too many late night snacks from the 24 hour Spar and too many money off vouchers for McDonalds. I’ve got a long term boyfriend who insists that he still finds me sexy, but I can’t take my clothes off anymore without having the light turned firmly off. I know I should exercise but I can’t find the time between studying, a part time job and socialising, what should I do?
My advice? Instead of beating yourself up, challenge your thought processes. Learn to love your body. If you want to get more active, do it for the right reasons, and do it in a healthy, safe manner. Maybe substitute the odd pub crawl for a gym session, or a hike with your friends. It’s all about balance.
Ok, firstly, please stop calling yourself a ‘fatty’ immediately. Beating yourself up every time you look in the mirror is only going to cause psychological damage. No matter how much weight you have gained, there is absolutely no need to be horrible to yourself.
You’re brilliant. You’re winning. Keep going!
Student life isn’t a typically healthy one, and like most other students, you’ve gained a few pounds. This is NORMAL. It happens to everyone. Alcohol is rammed with empty calories, and convenience food is full of neon crap. But you’re a busy student with a healthy social life, and by the sounds of things you’re juggling so many things that it’s no wonder you have neglected your waistline a bit. So. Fucking. What?! Yes, being a healthy weight and having a healthy lifestyle is important, and if you are feeling physically unwell, or are dangerously overweight, then it might be time to make some changes. If you’re simply angry about the aesthetics, but are physically fit and well, then you really need to try to focus on what is important. A flat stomach will not pass you your degree, guns of steel will not get you a job, and squats don’t pay bills. What does concern me is that your body image has become so bad that it is having an impact on your relationship. This signals alarm bells; I would wager that a lot of your cognitive effort is invested in thinking about food, diets, weight etc… endless ‘I shouldn’ts’, forever checking your appearance, obsessing about how to get the weight off fast…These thoughts can be all consuming, and if they are not challenged, then you are at high risk of developing an eating disorder. I realise that this may seem a little over the top – nearly everyone I know has some issue or another with their body, and very few of them go on to develop dysfunctional eating habits, but if things are bad enough that you have come to me, I suspect you are sitting on the edge of an eating disorder shaped cliff, and you need to back the fuck off.
Hang in there, and stop beating yourself up. Academia and abs don’t mix! Just enjoy the rest of your time as a student; it’ll be the last time you can get away with drinking like a fish and eating Spar meals on a daily basis!
Dear Ellie I’m currently going through a bit of a “dry spell”; it’s been 6 months since I last got laid! The thing is, a friend of mine is also in the same situation and it’s been suggested that we could help each other out in that department. My only concern is that it may affect the friendship, even though we’ve discussed it and are adamant it won’t change things. Should I just do it?! Absolutely do not ruin your friendship for the sake of a bang. As shit as it is that you’re going through a dry spell, you’re probably better off investing in a decent vibrator/robo-fanny and having sex with yourself. Sex complicates things, and whilst it is possible to have a mutually-beneficial, no-strings attached sexual relationship, more often than not one party will become more attached than the other. Regardless of any conversations you have had, there really is no way of knowing what the other person’s motives are… ”but we’ve agreed that we won’t get attached…” – bollocks. We agree to a lot of things. Remember the last time you had a chat with yourself about a particularly bad hangover? Agreed with yourself that you wouldn’t drink again; that you’d take better care of yourself? How long did that ‘arrangement’ last? And that was with YOURSELF! Ok, I’m speculating here, and perhaps projecting my own appalling willpower on to your situation, but the sentiment remains the same. No matter what you think you will feel or not feel, you cannot anticipate the outcome, and neither can your friend. Of course, it could be that you do it anyway, fall in love, get married and have a couple of babies, but if you’re fucking each other as a last ditch attempt to get some action, chances are there isn’t much of an organic attraction there, and trying to cultivate one is a disaster waiting to happen. If the only drive is to get laid, the chemistry will be all wrong
anyway. You’ll have a few passionless, sticky fix’em- bonks, then probably feel awkward and never want to discuss it again. Go masturbate like the pro you have become, and leave your pals in the friend zone. The genitals of your dreams are probably just around the corner anyway! Dear Ellie I am a man, but I don’t know how to man. How do I man? As someone who relates firmly as a female, I have recruited the men in my life to help me with this question. They man really well, so hopefully we can help you on your way to good manning. We have broken manning down into a few subcategories to make things a bit easier for you. Step one: Guns and guns! Every man needs at least three guns, preferably big ones that hold a lot of ammo. What do you do though, when the ammo eventually runs out, I hear you ask? Fucking punching! This leads us to step two: Lifts, gains and protein! What did you have for breakfast? Cereal?! Fuck you, you need eggs. Eggs and bacon and eggs and steak. A really big fuckin’ plate of dead. Delicious. You’ll be a man in no time. Now, hit the gym. Cardio? NO! You are a MAN. Lift! Lift everything, and do so noisily. Remember to take daily gym selfies, and flex the fuck out of your guns… This will lead you to step three: Burds! Shag’em. All of ‘em. Don’t worry about texting them after either. Men don’t do commitment. Just endless, casual shagging. If a girl wants to see you again, she is probably mental. Stay away…you are a MAN and you don’t need that shit! Step four: Booze and sport! Go to the fucking pub! Buy a fucking lager, men drink lager. Make sure you don’t say thank you when getting it as well, men don’t say thank you and bar burds shitting love it! Whilst you drink in a pub the only thing you are allowed to talk about is sport and burds and do it fucking loudly so everyone can hear how much of a man you are. Congratulations, you are a fucking MAN. ***The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of a twat who likes Top Gear and gets all their education from Unilad posts on social media, and are not reflective of the views of the authors or editor of PS Magazine***