Author Archives: loreleiirvine

Overlooked Classics: Marc Almond With The Willing Sinners- Mother Fist

Much more than just beautifully crafted filth, Marc Almond’s third studio album from April 1987, created with backing band The Willing Sinners, is a doozie. Taking inspiration from Jean Genet, Judy Garland and the Weimar republic, Almond ‘s musical palette was ever widening, full of left turns and his trademark bon mots- he’s always hadContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Marc Almond With The Willing Sinners- Mother Fist”

Are You Loathsome Tonight? Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla

There is a scene in Sofia Copola’s very fine film Priscilla which sums up her sad predicament: she’s about to give birth to her daughter, but rather than focusing on her breathing, she stands at a mirror and carefully, almost as if in a trance, puts on a full face of make-up. Cailee Spaeney portraysContinue reading “Are You Loathsome Tonight? Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla”

Another Sequel..

That Nobody Asked For… Like a cup of warm vomit books by Richard Madeley, or that time that U2 gave away a free album to hapless *insert branded device here* owners , a sequel to Beetlejuice is finally upon us, apparently. Yay. Hold me back. O yes, it would appear that Tim Burton is releasingContinue reading “Another Sequel..”

Overlooked Classics: Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band-Safe As Milk

Running the gamut of genres- from Delta blues to experimental psych- the magnificent debut album from Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band is all about the inimitable singer songwriter and musical fruitloop, aka Don Van Vliet, finding his feet after an attempt at popularity with the swampy hit, the cover of Bo Diddley’s Diddy WahContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band-Safe As Milk”

Album Review: Xiaowang-Kachakacha

What an exciting debut from this young Bejing band. Xiaowang make music that’s as unexpected as it’s exhilarating. They’re described as “kawaiicore” and that’s a perfect term, as their music is often pitched between the fun and the terrifying. Steal vacillates between deadpan choppy postpunk and death metal roars, whereas Duck Song is slicing, staccatoContinue reading “Album Review: Xiaowang-Kachakacha”

The Future’s Here Today: Tether

As summer approaches,so too does the prospect of festivals. And Tether , a post-hardcore band based in London, have a brilliant live reputation, tailor- made for festival crowds. Their debut, a new EP, Mirror Work which is self released, comes out next month and there are a series of live dates. The EP captures aContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Tether”

Album Review: Indoor Pets- Pathetic Apathetic

Grunge influences and 90s alt rock nods are still around in contemporary music. Indoor Pets definitely channel the energy of Nirvana, Pixies and Jane’s Addiction, while retaining their own 2020s sound. It’s so well executed that it feels like a great big shot of adrenaline. ‘London’ and the title track are fuzzy, pile-driving songs asContinue reading “Album Review: Indoor Pets- Pathetic Apathetic”

Congratulations Switzerland!

Amid a political storm (Palestinian supporters were vocal in their protests outside the venue) and controversy (Netherlands artist Joost Klein was disqualified after allegedly “inappropriate behaviour” towards a camerawoman) Nemo, Switzerland ‘s entry, won with a great song and heartfelt, energetic performance. The Code, which tackles Nemo’s non -binary identity, won public and cross-continental votesContinue reading “Congratulations Switzerland!”

Steve Albini Was A Contrarian

Goodbye Steve Albini, you sonic wizard. The obituaries have rightly praised the music legend as a brilliant producer and musician. What I found most fascinating though, were his many contradictions. He wrote offensive lyrics and named his band Rapeman after the manga comic, but championed many female feminist artists. His music was pure punk; butContinue reading “Steve Albini Was A Contrarian”