Category Archives: Lorna Irvine

Overlooked Classics: Behind The Candelabra

Wladziu Valentino Liberace, known as Lee to friends , was simply one name only- Liberace: the consumate showman, charming comic, and world- renowned pianist, dripping in furs and diamonds. He was also a narcissist. Steven Soderbergh directs Michael Douglas in the lead role, with Matt Damon (“MATT… DAAAMON!”) supporting as Scotty Thorson. It’s a brilliantContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Behind The Candelabra”

The Future’s Here Today: Say She She

Now this is something potentially incredible. A female -led seven piece band from Brooklyn, Say She She fuse the sass of Luscious Jackson with the rhythms of ESG and the ethereal fluttering harmonies of Cocteau Twins. Three amazing singers- Nya Gazelle Brown, Priya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham- make up said harmonies, and the restContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Say She She”

Album Review: Tess Parks- And Those Who Were Seen Dancing

This is a strange one. Tess Parks, the Canadian singer- songwriter who recently collaborated with Anton Newcombe from Brian Jonestown Massacre, is clearly steeped in retro influences, most notably the Paisley Underground and post- PU outfits like Mazzy Star, as well as the original bands who influenced them like The Seeds and West Coast PopContinue reading “Album Review: Tess Parks- And Those Who Were Seen Dancing”

Album Review: Hatchie- Giving The World Away

Harriette Pilbeam is the singer- songwriter behind Hatchie. This new release is effervescent dream pop, confident sounding, featherlight but with a little bittersweetness. ‘Lights On’ and ‘The Key’ have Cocteau Twins in the shimmering, chiming sound, while 80s and 90s jukebox favourites like Depeche Mode, New Order and St Etienne loom large, in the bigContinue reading “Album Review: Hatchie- Giving The World Away”

Overlooked Classics: Le Boucher (1970)

Written and directed by French thriller auteur Claude Chabrol, Le Boucher is in many ways, something of a curio. Is it accurate to define it as a thriller when the murderer is no mystery to the viewer? After all, the film’s main focus is that of the two leads who dominate most of the screenContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Le Boucher (1970)”

Dance Film Review: Rambert 2- Block Party

Canadian choreographer Megan Lawson has worked with Adele, Madonna and Katy Perry amongst others. Her new short film created in collaboration with the young dancers from Rambert Dance Company, Rambert 2, is called Block Party. It’s an eye-popping, vibrant and surreal film, with the colourfully attired ensemble rippling as one like a snake and topplingContinue reading “Dance Film Review: Rambert 2- Block Party”

Just Step Sideways: My Bloody Valentine – Isn’t Anything

Isn’t Anything is a game changer. My Bloody Valentine had started out as a kind of pale Cramps type, floundering in attempts at slinky garage. It was when vocalist Dave Conway left, replaced by Bilinda Butcher, that things really started to happen. There had always been a swooning, dreamy quality to tracks like Strawberry Wine,Continue reading “Just Step Sideways: My Bloody Valentine – Isn’t Anything”

EP Review: Eydis Evensen- Frost

Inspired by the unique landscape of her homeland, Icelandic composer/ musician Eydis Evensen has created effortless beauty here with new EP Frost . Minimalist but effective, her elliptical piano playing spirals around strings, creating an eerie soundtrack to the famous mountains, geysers and hills. Tracks like the swooning Svartnaetti and Dawn Is Near have anContinue reading “EP Review: Eydis Evensen- Frost”

Album Review: Erasers- Constant Connection

There’s definitely a trend at the moment for indie bands to emulate post-punk bands. I can hear traces of The Raincoats, Wire and Fatal Microbes in current popular bands like Dry Cleaning, Yard Act and Life. So it goes with the incredibly minimalist Erasers. The duo from Perth in Australia, comprised of Rebecca Orchard andContinue reading “Album Review: Erasers- Constant Connection”