Aww. Forgive me for getting all gooey and gushy for a moment. It’s just the power of music again, casting its spell .*Sigh* I just wanna scratch their name in bubbly writing on my pencil case. New York based indie scamps Bodega just make me so happy. They’re intelligent, a bit subversive, and make neonContinue reading “Lost In Music: Bodega Are Brilliant”
Author Archives: loreleiirvine
New Release: Bat For Lashes- The Dream Of Delphi
Here’s some glorious news. Bat For Lashes are back after a five year hiatus with this beautiful synth lullabye, a meditation on motherhood dedicated to Natasha Khan’s daughter Delphi. Drawing upon her more minimalist work from the first two albums, Khan proves she can still surprise with her more pared- back dream pop direction. She’sContinue reading “New Release: Bat For Lashes- The Dream Of Delphi”
One From Exeunt Archive: Jasmin Vardimon Pinocchio
REVIEWS • DANCE • REVIEWSPublished 12 May 2017 Review: Pinocchio at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh MAY 2 A highly original, thoroughly rollicking ninety minutes: Lorna Irvine enjoys Jasmin Vardimon’s multi-faceted dance adaptation of this classic children’s story. LORNA IRVINE Pinocchio, Jasmin Vardimon Company. Photo: Tristram Kenton. Assassins? Beyonce? A brutal subtext about exploitation? It must be choreographer Jasmin Vardimon’sContinue reading “One From Exeunt Archive: Jasmin Vardimon Pinocchio”
Binge
My eyes are circled with the natural kohl of insomnia. I pace the floors. It’s stupid o’clock and yet you won’t let go of me. I can’t go cold turkey. I’ve tried. Please set me free of your grip. Why do you do this? I’m no passive consumer, I review art for a pittance. I’mContinue reading “Binge”
Overlooked Classics: Little Simz- Grey Area
Maybe I’m cheating a little on this one, as it was the album which broke her (third time’s a charm) but I think Simz’ last two albums, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and No Thank You have somewhat eclipsed even this 2019 gem. Grey Area broke the mould for UK hip hop in at leastContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Little Simz- Grey Area”
Album Review: Xmal Deutschland – Early Singles (1981-1982)
It’s strange, but Xmal Deutschland seemed to suffer the same fate as other cult bands like The Stooges, Suicide and Velvet Underground – they didn’t sell many records when they began, but gradually became more influential with time. Bands like Warpaint, VR Sex, Current Affairs and Savages owe them a debt- they definitely share aContinue reading “Album Review: Xmal Deutschland – Early Singles (1981-1982)”
New Release: Drinking Boys And Girls Choir- History
A new single release from Damnably is always worth celebrating. Out today is the brand new single from Drinking Boys And Girls Choir History, and it’s absolutely wonderful. A tangy, effervescent piece of punk by the Daegu skate punk trio , it’s a headrush. They are heading out on a North American tour with OtobokeContinue reading “New Release: Drinking Boys And Girls Choir- History”
The Future’s Here Today: Loren Kramar
Oooh, that is a voice. Eccentric, velveteen and beautiful, the honeyed tones of Loren Kramar are going to be everywhere this year, if there is any justice left. With a background in gospel and musical theatre, these are perhaps not such a conventional route into contemporary music, but the perfectly crafted songs are exemplars inContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Loren Kramar”
Album Review: Beans- Boots ‘N’ Cats
Formed in Melbourne by brilliant percussionist Matt Blach, the quintet Beans are fast becoming one of Australia’s best loved neo-psychedelic bands. This, their third album, takes its name from beatboxing, but that’s as modern a reference as you will find here. It’s retro all the way. Blach has said that themes of introspection are importantContinue reading “Album Review: Beans- Boots ‘N’ Cats”
Overlooked Classics: Cibo Matto-Viva!La Woman
Cibo Matto never got their dues, I think. The Japanese -American duo, who recently reformed, made one of my favourite nineties albums with the debut, Viva! La Woman.. I think humour is often dismissed in music, and there is a lot of humour here, but it’s simply brilliant avant – pop. For a pair obsessedContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Cibo Matto-Viva!La Woman”
Hit The North 