Category Archives: Lorna Irvine

The Peel Sessions: Radial Spangle

Radial Spangle never got their dues. The band, who originally formed as a trio, from Oklahoma, made music that was forever pitched somewhere between the dreamy distraction of shoegazing and waywardnes of neo-psychedelia. Such was the early nineties, and they were, after all, friends with Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips. The session they recorded forContinue reading “The Peel Sessions: Radial Spangle”

Why Series 4 (2022) of Drag Race UK Is My Favourite

Not all drag queens are created alike. RuPaul’s Drag Race was in danger of becoming a little bit safe, until she (legendary queen RuPaul Charles) and the producers (World Of Wonder) sent it to the UK. No judgment, but to me, it felt like our American sisters on their shows were more about looks, glamourContinue reading “Why Series 4 (2022) of Drag Race UK Is My Favourite”

Je Deteste Amelie

I’ve a confession to share: I really hate Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 film, Amelie. The rom-com, with its insufferably childlike lead character, portrayed by the beautiful Audrey Tautou, is often cited by cineastes as revitalising French cinema in the millennium, but I find it nauseating. It seems I’m not alone in this. Savages ‘ lead singerContinue reading “Je Deteste Amelie”

Film Review: Kneecap

What’s the craic? Directed by Rich Peppiatt, this fictionalised account of the West Belfast hip-hop trio, has not been without controversy from, unsurprisingly, certain sectors of the British press. However, the band deny they’re pro – IRA, and define their film as a satire, a provocation mocking every Irish trope ever committed to film, particularlyContinue reading “Film Review: Kneecap”

One From The Tempo House Archive: RM Hubbert/Aidan Moffat, The Old Fruitmarket, 2019

Celtic Connections Review: RM Hubbert/ Aidan Moffat February 4, 2019 • Spoilt Victorian Child Reviewed at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow Who doesn’t like beery songs from teary places? The percussive, flamenco- inflected guitar of RM Hubbert, affectionately known in indie circles as ‘Hubby’, in collaboration with arch Arab Strap frontman, Aidan Moffat, scored unexpected ‘chart’ success last yearContinue reading “One From The Tempo House Archive: RM Hubbert/Aidan Moffat, The Old Fruitmarket, 2019”

Album Review: Jasmine.4.t- You Are The Morning

It’s not even out until January, but I’m calling it already: this thing of beauty will be one of 2025’s finest. Based in Manchester, Jasmine Cruickshank, who writes and records as Jasmine.4.t , makes music that disarms through its intimacy and hopeful, wistful intensity. Produced by Boygenius, it shares sonic DNA with early Perfume Genius,Continue reading “Album Review: Jasmine.4.t- You Are The Morning”

The Inexorable Rise Of Waitrose Indie

Alternative music with the crusts cut off, Waitrose Indie is really having its moment in 2024. The reasons for this are many and complicated: firstly, the music industry is a tough one to crack, so if you attended a posh school or had musician parents, you already had access to insiders who could provide businessContinue reading “The Inexorable Rise Of Waitrose Indie”

Overlooked Classics: Betty Davis – They Say I’m Different

In her spacesuit collars, hot pants and big boots,prowling around the stage, Betty Davis made Tina Turner look something of a shrinking violet. With her wild, hard -living reputation and unrestrained presence, Davis was allegedly too much for husband Miles, from whom she divorced after just one tempestuous year in 1969. This second studio album,Continue reading “Overlooked Classics: Betty Davis – They Say I’m Different”

Pop Perfection: Miso Extra- Good Kisses

The best pop is always out of leftfield, eccentric and seems to burst out of the speakers. So it’s no surprise that pop maverick Miso Extra has teamed up with the equally glorious Joe Mount of Metronomy, no stranger himself to creating genius indie pop. Of the track, she says it’s all about “this crushinglyContinue reading “Pop Perfection: Miso Extra- Good Kisses”