Film Review: The Public Image Is Rotten (2017)

Director Tarrbert Fiiller’s documentary on Public Image Ltd. is downbeat, insightful and strangely touching, poking at the open wounds involved when working alongside the inimitable John Lydon. With rare access to interviews with the imp himself, plus ex-band members like Keith Levene, Allan Dias and Martin Atkins, it’s more intimate and candid than your average,Continue reading “Film Review: The Public Image Is Rotten (2017)”

Album Review: Lili Holland-Fricke and Sean Rogan- Dear Alien

This debut is a glorious thing indeed, bringing some much needed sunshine as days get colder. The duo, both based in Manchester, recorded the album in Greenwich, and it’s both melodic and full of improvised energy. Sleepy, feline cellos mesh with tape loops and it’s Holland -Fricke’s unique approach to cello playing that feels soContinue reading “Album Review: Lili Holland-Fricke and Sean Rogan- Dear Alien”

Album Review: Geneva Jacuzzi – Triple Fire

LA musician and performance/visual artist Geneva Jacuzzi has a lot of heat around her…pun intended. It’s clear that she’s ambitious and talented, her synth pop sound coming over like she chewed up and spat out the entire eighties decade. So there’s a Warholian flavour to brand new album Triple Fire . Opener ‘Laps Of Luxury’Continue reading “Album Review: Geneva Jacuzzi – Triple Fire”

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”

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!”

Album Review: Broadcast – Spell Blanket -Collected Demos 2006-2009

When we lost Trish Keenan in 2011, we lost one of indie music ‘s most beloved singers. Her hushed, wide -eyed voice radiated a calm that felt disconcertingly eerie. Broadcast’s retro-futurism both soothed and disturbed in equal measure. This compilation of 36 tracks, from ‘The Song Before The Song Comes Out’ to ‘Spirit House’ showsContinue reading “Album Review: Broadcast – Spell Blanket -Collected Demos 2006-2009”

From The Skinny Archive… Matthew Bourne ‘s Swan Lake In 3D

★★★★★ Review by Missy Lorelei | 27 Jun 2012       This ravishing production from Sadler’s Wells in London is at once contemporary and utterly timeless. Bourne’s re-telling of the classic ballet has more than a slight Freudian overtone to the narrative; the adult Prince (touchingly portrayed by Dominic North) has mother issues; is seduced by aContinue reading “From The Skinny Archive… Matthew Bourne ‘s Swan Lake In 3D”

From The Skinny Archive: Frisky And Mannish

Frisky And Mannish: Extra Curricular Activities @ Assembly Hall ★★★ Review by Lorna Irvine | 31 Aug 2012       Since 2008, Frisky & Mannish have climbed the glitter trail to stadium pop via the Fringe – they have earned their stripes.This is their greatest hits package. They know the transformative power of a pop anthem andContinue reading “From The Skinny Archive: Frisky And Mannish”

Film Review: The Party

In suburbia, it seems, everyone can hear you scream. Sally Potter’s 2018 film makes ‘Abigail ‘s Party’ look like ‘The Teletubbies’. It’s brutal. Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) has been appointed shadow minister for an unnamed political party (I think we’re fully aware which one, though) and is throwing a dinner party. Add her guests, rowingContinue reading “Film Review: The Party”

Podcast Review: Young Again

It’s lovely to have Kirsty Young back on the radio again, after her recent battle with illnesses. She’s a wonderful interviewer, letting her guests speak, asking intelligent questions, and very witty. She also has a warm, honey tone to her voice. Her Radio 4 podcast Young Again, is fascinating, but of course, as with DesertContinue reading “Podcast Review: Young Again”