Tag Archives: Lorna Irvine

Despot: The New Cologne

GRUFF VOICEOVER: What do you get for the man who has… everything? More of the same, of course. With top notes of masculine pepper, hamburger grease, piss and lies, Despot is the cologne for the president -elect who’s going places. Prison, hopefully. Despot, the new cologne, for tomorrow ‘s asshole… today. In 250ml and 500ml.Continue reading “Despot: The New Cologne”

Freelancer’s Blues

It isn’t easy being a freelance arts writer. While I’m fully aware there are worse jobs to have (I previously worked in a call centre, a hotel and in retail, uggghhh) there are a few issues with this bizarre occupation. Firstly, some publications insist that they will pay you, only to renege at the lastContinue reading “Freelancer’s Blues”

Vintage Films: Cabaret

If Sally Bowles was around today, she’d most likely be chronically online, binging on TikTok make-up tutorials and dance crazes.She’d be oblivious to the outside world, unaware of the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, or the orange menace that is Trump. Bob Fosse’s film has endured, because the theme of “divine decadence” amid the encroachingContinue reading “Vintage Films: Cabaret”

Oh No, It Isn’t/Oh Yes, It Is: Good Panto/Bad Panto

Panto, pantomime in its shortened form (like porno, ha ha ha!) is where kids in the UK often first witness theatre. Sadly, it’s often the ONLY theatre they ever see, because it’s mostly bloody awful. Don’t fight me on this, I’ve been a critic almost fifteen years now, and have seen more panto than many,Continue reading “Oh No, It Isn’t/Oh Yes, It Is: Good Panto/Bad Panto”

The Future’s Here Today: Mrs Frighthouse

Mrs Frighthouse are my new art crush. Heavy as hell and really beautiful, their music is the real deal: churning industrial goth metal that leaves you punch drunk. My friend Gareth tipped me off about them, for which I’m so grateful. If I had any discernible musical ability, I’d be clawing at their door, beggingContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Mrs Frighthouse”

Lost In Music: Cocteau Twins – Pearly Dewdrops Drops

This song is older than some of my band T shirts, but as with Cocteau Twins at their sweetest, it always feels like a warm room on a frosty day. It’s perfection: they pretty much invented dream pop, after all, with the music box twinkling, and ethereal beauty. But, as ever, you can make upContinue reading “Lost In Music: Cocteau Twins – Pearly Dewdrops Drops”

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”