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”
Tag Archives: Review
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”
Dance Review: Eidos/Rules To Live By
This wonderful double bill by dance artist Suzi Cunningham couldn’t be more perfect for this blog. Eidos was created by Cunningham in tribute to both the late,great Mark E Smith of The Fall, and Cunningham ‘s own grandmother, who like Cunningham herself exuded glamour and independence. Cunningham is like a shapeshifting sorceress. She is, variously,Continue reading “Dance Review: Eidos/Rules To Live By”
Album Review: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy
These days, bands can ride a tidal wave of hype, long before even their debut album hits Spotify. Taste makers are always clamouring for the next big thing. So it is with The Last Dinner Party. They’ve been everywhere over the last year. Unfortunately, they don’t feel like worthy recipients of such praise. This debutContinue reading “Album Review: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy”
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”
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)”
Why The Traitors Works
Warning: spoilers ahead… Farewell then, to the unmissable second series of The Traitors UK. Presented by everyone’s favourite glam auntie type, Claudia Winkleman, it’s the BBC’s biggest cash cow in years, and with good reason. It’s great fun, and very smart. Essentially, a game like Mafia or Cluedo, but framed as a reality show withContinue reading “Why The Traitors Works”
Hit The North 