It is that time of year again, folks. Yes, the festive season means only one thing: Christmas adverts. In particular, the nation waits in anticipation for the unveiling of the new John Lewis advert each and every year, in the past helping artists to achieve number one singles and simultaneously causing the British public to cry into their cups of tea. This year the department store has chosen a Beatles cover for their latest tear-jerking instalment, with Bury boys Elbow taking on the Abbey Road track, ‘Golden Slumbers’.
Live Review / Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice are soaring at the moment, and judging by their live tour, they show no sign of slowing down.Celebrating the release of their sophomore album, Visions of a Life, Birmingham’s O2 Academy saw the enigmatic band take to the stage for an evening of chaotic fun aboard an emotional rollercoaster.
Live Review / Craig David’s TS5
Having listened to Craig David as a child and watched his career fade into the abyss, it is a surprise to both you and I that I found myself attending his most recent tour at the O2 Academy. Who would have thought we would see the return of Craig David? In his own words, ‘that Miami thing was long, but I came back to the UK and everything changed’.
Interview / Ady Suleiman
I’m sat at my desk on a rainy Friday afternoon, my conversation counterpart waiting for a lift to a studio in Staines. This time at the other end of the phone is Nottingham-born singer-songwriter Ady Suleiman, who is on the cusp of releasing his long-awaited debut album next year. Having previously won the ‘Breakthrough Act of the Year’ award at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards and gaining a legion of fans from the likes of Chance the Rapper to Michael Kiwanuka, Ady is set for even higher heights than he’s experienced thus far.
Single Review / Look What You Made Me Do – Taylor Swift
The old Taylor Swift is dead. At least, that’s what she’s telling herself and above all, wants you to believe. In reality, the country-turned-pop star is the same as she ever was – even if she doesn’t realise it – only this time with a new addition: her most controversial single to date, ‘Look What You Made Me Do’. Despite collaborating with Jack Antonoff, a producer on 1989 who has most recently worked with Lorde on Melodrama, the track is a comeback that has truly divided fans and listeners alike.
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TV Review / Orphan Black Season 5
The future is most definitely female, and the fifth and final season of Orphan Black means business.With this being our last outing with our beloved Clone Club sestras, it’s no surprise that the stakes are higher than ever, with the pace, storylines and amount of violence escalating dramatically.
Album Review / Something to Tell You – HAIM
It’s been a long four years, but the wait is finally over: the HAIM sisters are back with their sophomore release, Something to Tell You. Being hailed as a breezy, soft-rock revival, the album sounds a far more polished, glossy effort, which is hard to believe given the high production value on their 2013 debut, Days Are Gone.
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Interview / James Bay
Platinum debut record, singer-songwriter James Bay has turned his hand to fashion design. Collaborating with high street giants TOPMAN, Bay has designed a capsule collection that encompasses his trademark style and‘rock star aesthetic for something that ‘feels quite universal’. ‘It’s not exactly aimed at people’s parents,’ he explains, ‘I mean, they’re welcome, but it’s aimed at our generation. It’s for the folks like you and me walking into high street stores’.