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Southampton Solent University's student magazine, SONAR
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SONAR2013
helloWelcome to this year’s SONAR magazine.
Over the years, SONAR has changed shape, size, editors and style - but still remains a great little magazine. SONAR first began 15 years ago and as the years have past, Southampton Solent’s student magazine has become a modern and impressive example of Solent’s talent and has given many people a chance to experience the great feeling of seeing their name in print. It’s opportunities like this that we must grab hold of and
make the most of whilst we can.
This year the magazine aimed to give the readers the best we could possibly give. Whilst working on this issue, I have become inspired by the new people I have been lucky enough to work with. I hope that this issue inspires you to do something new, whether it be listen to a song you’ve never heard of or go to a place you’ve never been before.
Whatever you may do, make sure you let us know.
This issue is liaising with The Joiners Benefit Show that SONAR magazine is hosting at the venue on March 25th. As many of you are aware, the venue is unfortunately in a financial crisis and faces being shut down. The Joiners has been a live music venue in Southampton for 45 years and as we love it so much, we’ve got a bunch of great rock ‘n’ roll bands to play in order to raise money to avoid the venue being closed. It is guaranteed to be a great night with great music, so buy your advanced ticket for £5 online at joinerslive.co.uk and
tell your friends. For the full low-down check out our poster on page 21.
If you want to be involved in SONAR, there is always room for more so just drop us a line. In the meantime, be inspired, be happy, be positive and we’ll see you at the show!
love, Laura
Contributors
Emma Siu Mae ChuDessy Baeva
Charlotte CoxJay Wennington
Lucy MacdonaldJodie Morgan
Denni HarrymanKillian GallagherTasha Raffermati
Misty RixBecca Chaplin
Heather GhanouniWarren BoyleNik Wolfman
Julia SumiFrancesca Stephens
Connor CrooksSteph Powell
Jack Bevington
Editorial Team
Laura NichollsOffline Editor
Amy RoseOnline Editor
Suzi KingCulture Editor
Chloe DyerMusic Editor
Georgia WatsonFashion Editor
contentspage 5
page 9
page 13
page 23
page 26
alt-J
Dark Heart
Brit Kids
Hadouken!
SONAR Reviews
sonarmagazine.co.ukfacebook.com/sonarmagazine
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shit them all festival, laugh at the beautiful, it’s just a nod to the canon. simple man stan can’t stand up on the beautiful, it’s just a nod to the canon. stickle brick, tickle quick, laugh at the beautiful, it’s just a nod to the canon. hustle over hot muscle shower, twitch off the beautiful, it’s just a nod to the canon now.now dissolve me, two tabs on your tongue, a herd of shepherds to herd the sheep, sleep now my only one. broken sweethearts who sleep apart both still pine for the other’s side spine, spoon as sleep starts. and pulse to pulse, now shush. she makes the sound, the sound the sea makes to calm me down. i am see-through, soap sliver you’re so thin, as i begin rubbing lathers up your state worsens on my skin. and gold, fatless finger to lip, one two three four hush. and pulse to pulse, now shush. she makes the sound, the sound the sea makes to calm me down. she makes the sound, the sound the sea makes, i am tired now. she makes the sound the sea makes, knee-deep in the north sea. bite chunks out of me you’re a shark and i’m swim-ming my heart still thumps as i bleed and all your friends come sniffing.triangles are my favourite shape three points where two lines meet. toe to toe, back to back, let’s go my love it’s very late. til morning comes, let’s tessellate. go alone my flower and keep my whole lovely you. wild green stones alone my lover and keep us on my heart. three guns and one goes off - one’s empty - one’s not quick enough one burn - one red - one grin search the graves while the camera spins. chunks of you will sink down to seals blubber rich in mourning. they’ll nosh you up, yes they’ll nosh the love away, but it’s fair to say you will still haunt me. triangles are my favourite shape three points where two lines meet. toe to toe, back to back, let’s go my love it’s very late. til morning comes, let’s tessellate. she may contain the urge to run away but hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks citrezene your fever’s gripped me again never kisses all you ever send are fullstops - la la la la do you know where the wilds things go they go along to take your honey - la la la la break down now weep build up breakfast now let’s eat my love my love love love - la la la la muscle to muscle and toe to toe the fear has gripped me but here i go my heart sinks as i jump up your hand grips hand as my eyes shut ahhh ahhh ahhh ah ah - ahhh ahhh ahhh ah ah do you know where the wild things go they go along to take your honey - la la la la break down let’s sleep build up breakfast now let’s eat my love my love love love - la la la la she bruises coughs she splutters pistol shots but hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks she’s morphine queen of my vaccine my love my love love love - la la la la muscle to mus- cle and toe to toe the fear has gripped me but here i go my heart sinks as i jump up your hand grips hand as my eyes shut and ahhh ahhh ahhh ah ah - ahhh ahhh ahhh ah ah ahhh ahhh ahhh ah ah - ahhh ahhh ahhh ah ah she may contain the urge to runaway but hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks germaline disinfect the scene my love my love love love but please don’t go i love you so my lovely please don’t go, please don’t go, i love you so, i love you so please don’t go, please don’t go, i love you so, i love you so please break my heart - hey please don’t go, please don’t go, i love you so, i love you so please don’t go, please don’t go, i love you so, i love you so please break my heart - ah ha please don’t go, i’ll eat you whole i love you so, i love you, so i love you so please don’t go i’ll eat you whole i love you so, i love you so, i love you so, i love you so. some- thing good, oh something good tonight will make me forget about you for now. get high, hit the floor before you go. mat-ador, estocada, you’re my blood sport. but something good tonight will make me forget about you for now forty-eight thousand seats bleats and roars for my memories of you, now that i’m fully clean the matador is no more and is dragged from view. get high, hit the floor before you go. matador, estocada, you’re my blood sport. forty-eight thousand seats bleats and roars for my memories of you, now that i am clean the matador is no more and is dragged from view. but something good tonight will make me forget about you for now. this is from this is from this is from matilda just like johnny flynn said, ‘the breath i’ve taken and the one i must’ to go on. put the grenade pin in your hand, so you under- stand who’s boss. my defeat sleeps top to toe with her success. oh this is from this is from this is from matilda and she needs you this is for matilda and she needs you this is for matilda just like johnny flynn said, ‘the breath i’ve taken and the one i must’ to go on. put the grenade pin in your hand, so you understand who’s boss. my defeat sleeps top to toe with her success. oh this is from this is from this is from matilda and she needs you this is for matilda and she needs you this is for matilda and she needs you this is for matilda and she needs you this is for matilda this is from matilda matilda matilda matilda. we can’t lose touch but we can let go, blue and white gun made from lego. all the vowels vow to hold your name, keep your estate clean of me. i’ve pillowed you so many times this week, close eyes, open, close again, forget and fall asleep. the dark seeks dark, the dark seeks dark, darker,darker, the nights of all my youth pressed into one glass of water. scattered truths, bewildered beast boohoos, we have our weight: ten thousand lady-birds. all the vowels vow to guard your name, keep your estate clean, happy. some things lie too deep for tears to well, close eyes open, close again, feel as my body spells dark seeks dark, dark seeks dark, darker, darker, the shadow burns across like embers tide paper. darker, darker, darker, darker. tralala, in your snatch fits pleasure, broom-shaped pleasure, deep greedy and googling every corner. dead in the middle of the c-o-double m-o-n, little did i know then that the mandela boys soon become mandela men. tall woman, pull the pylons down and wrap them around the necks of all the feckless men that queue to be the next. steepled fingers, ring leaders, queue jumpers, rock fist paper scissors, lingered fluffers. in your hoof lies the heartland where we tent for our treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux, it’s all in your eyes. in your snatch fits pleasure, broom-shaped pleasure, deep greedy and googling every corner, blended by the lights. c-o-double m-o-n a wave, an awesome wave, that rushes skin and widens in blooded veins. breath in, exhale, i’ve poked a nerve he’ll slap me like a whale slaps the sea-o-double m-o-n. tide out, tide in, a flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams. breath in, exhale, i’ve poked a nerve he’ll slap me like a whale slaps the sea-o-double m-o-n. flood of blood to the heart. indochina, capa jumps jeep, two feet creep up the road to photo, to record meat lumps and war, they advance as does his chance - very yellow white flash. a violent wrench grips mass, rips light, tears limbs like rags, burst so high finally capa lands, mine is a watery pit. painless with immense distance from medic from colleague, friend, enemy, foe, him five yards from his leg, from you taro. do not spray into eyes - i have sprayed you into my eyes. 3:10 pm, capa pends death, quivers, last rattles, last chokes all colours and cares glaze to grey, shrivelled and stricken to dots, left hand grasps what the body grasps not - le photographe est mort. 3.1415,
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Thanks to their album “An Awesome Wave’, Alt J are the winners of this years Mercury Prize. SONAR’s Amy Rose and Becca Chaplin interviewed Gus during their 2012 UK tour.
After exchanging pleasantries we sat with Gus and started discussing the tour so far.G: It’s been going really well, its really nice to come back to the UK after being away for ages in the US and Australia so getting back home and playing to home crowds is lovely.
What is your favourite song from ‘an aWesome Wave’?G: Taro, it was the last song we wrote before making the album. It was only written about a year ago. I really like my part in it so I enjoy playing it on stage and I really like the lyrics.
as you all met at leeds university What Was your student house like?G: It was a really big Victorian terrace. It was really nice actually. We practised there in Gwil’s bedroom. But it was always pretty messy.
What Was the Worst thing you did there?G: Errrm Gwil never used to clean out his rice cooker, he would just leave it for months until it got really crazy in there but the more he didn’t clean it the more he wouldn’t look in it and it kinda got really really bad.
do any of you have bad habits?G: Joe always trims his beard in the sink then doesn’t clean it out. That really winds me up. But I like to drink out of communal vessels like big cartons of orange juice. Not right now because you’re here but if you weren’t I’d probably just be pouring it all over myself.
do you still get along like you did When you Were at uni?G: Yeah I do I think it’s more like a married couple vibe. We’ve said a lot of things to each other and often if it’s just the four of us in a pub or something nobody will be talking. Not in a bad way there’s just nothing that needs to be said.
if there Were a zombie apocalypse What Would you do to survive?G: We used to talk about this and we agreed that if you were in Leeds you’d just go to the Royal Armoury museum and suit up. Get a sword, some sort of maize and a suit of armour. We think no one else would think to go there.
so you’d be fighters not hiders?G: Yeah. Arm yourselves, don’t go looking for trouble - but when it inevitably comes to you because they can probably smell you out, fight them.
if you had to have only one condiment accompanying your food for the rest of your life What Would it be? G: Ermm probably Dijon mustard. Yeah I really like it, it goes with a lot of things. I would just avoid puddings. That would be my way of getting round it. I’d just eat savoury food.
Joe walked through the door.
J: I heard your condiment question, that’s great.
What Would yours be?J: Probably mint sauce.G: You know what, soy sauce. Why didn’t I choose soy sauce. Yeah put soy sauce. Its like liquidated MSG.J: But it gives you head aches.G: Yeah it does if I eat too much but cest la vie, something weird is going on if we’re only allowed one condiment - like some parallel universe where I don’t get headaches from MSG, I’d gamble on that.
Where do you see the band being in 10 years?G: I don’t know if we’ll still be together.J: Yeah if the music is lagging behind then we would probably put it out of its misery you know, take it to the back of the house and shoot it in the head.G: I think what Joe is trying to say is that we’ve always been motivated because making music together interests us. But if we got interested in other stuff then we would probably not do the band. Things are going really well right now but it’s not easy to make plans in this business.
before We leave do any of you have any Weird tattoos?G: Joe and Tom do, quite interesting tattoos.J: Yeah well it’s a bit silly really. We just got tattoos of full stops on our fingers. So did Gwil but it came off in the bath.
facebook.com/altJ.band
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Illustration by Matt Jacobs 7
‘Follow Re:So shop’s journey of progress, visuals and inspiration and enter a world where punk collides with decaying elegance
through the power of art, fashion and music.’
October 2012 saw the opening of Southampton Solent’s pop-up shop, Re:So. The fascinating little shop stocks furniture, fashion, accessories, art, photography and publications - all from individual handmade sources. Everything available to purchase in Re:So has an independent
creator behind it which makes this simple shop concept a more personal and innovative experience.
what’s in Re:so
stagheadphoto frames by Rebecca Kidd
daRk matteRcanvas bags by Matt Jacobs
Raggnecklaces by Sophie Hannah Richardson
lemonadereworked vintage clothes by Alicia White
emma’s pRintsdigitally printed handmade scarves, cards, gift wrap and retro patterns by Emma Armstrong
URbangoldvintage army jackets by Lucy Macdonald
facebook.com/SOpopupshop
twitter.com/SOpopup
so-blog.tumblr.com
The Marlands shopping centre, Southampton
ModelMichelle Drew
PhotographyChris Aadland
Make up and StylingLucy Macdonald
Dark Heart
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Fresh out of Southampton Solent University, Carrie and Kirsty Lee are pursuing their dream- designing and running their own
luxury childrenswear and accessories brand. The label Made in England is a rare sight in
today’s fashion and so, Brit-Kid was born.
Brit Kid
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as both of you have done different degrees, kirsty-fashion photography and carrie- fashion management and marketing, hoW do you combine your skills in order to build a business?K: This is what works really well – we both have different skills and we enjoy different aspects of the brand. I have a passion for social media and love making our customers feel involved and a part of the Brit-Kid story. Whereas Carrie has yet to form a love for the social media sites, she much prefers the more serious business aspects of Brit-Kid.C: We both completed the Solent Entrepreneurs programme with ‘Solent Creatives’ where we had the opportunity of learning extra skills such as how to write a successful business plan, pitching techniques along with legal aspects of setting up a business.
What Would be the first fundamental advice you Would give to an aspiring student Wanting to start their oWn fashion brand?K&C: We strongly recommend networking. Begin building up a number of connections before starting a business. This will help everything run a lot more smoothly as you have people you can trust to get the jobs done. We would also recommend looking into finances at an early stage so you don’t have anything holding you back. Securing a business loan and writing a successful business plan is much more time consuming than it sounds! A good business plan is vital in securing a business loan and people taking you seriously.
What inspired you to get into childrensWear?K&C: The idea for Brit-Kid came from the lack of fashionable childrenswear available today and with the renewed interest in British manufacturing we formed this business idea for Brit-Kid. When shopping for a childrenswear gift it was not long before the realization that luxury children’s accessories made in Britain was an unfortunate rarity. We felt it was time to bring British manufacturing back to life.
as sisters, hoW do you find Working as business partners?K&C: Not only are we sisters but we are best friends. We have worked well in previous jobs together and since the beginning of University we always wanted to exploit our fashion degrees by launching our own fashion brand.
Where do you hope the brand Will progress to in the future?K&C: We believe the future is bright for Brit-Kid. In August we had a meeting with AlexandAlexa - The UK’s leading online luxury childrenswear retailer to introduce our brand to the buyers. The meeting was successful in the way that they loved our brand and our imagery. We are hoping to have our accessories launched onto their website in the near future. Within five years we aim for Brit-Kid’s well-designed accessories to be internationally recognised.Another ambition is that one day Brit-Kid will be stocked in the world’s most famous luxury department store, Harrods.
What exciting projects are you noW Working on?K&C: Brit-Kid’s first ever collection consists of adorable accessories made solely from high quality fabrics. The small collection features bow ties to ensure boys can look and feel like
Prince Charming. For girls, elegantly designed collars are available which will add the finishing touch to any outfit. The accessories are timeless, making them investment pieces that parents will want to cherish.
if you could design for any celebrity child, Who Would it be?
K: I think I would choose Mason Kardashian. He is always looking so dapper and I love that look for little boys. His parents are quite adventurous with what they dress him in so I think the design process would be very enjoyable! C: I would love to design for Kate and William’s future children. They are the typical British elegance that we hope our brand portrays. Our products are named after the Royal family and so for the Duke and Duchess to choose Brit-Kid would be my dream.
Words by Tasha Raffermati and Misty RixImages copyright of Brit-Kids Ltd
brit-kid.co.uk
“We felt it was time to bring British manufacturing
back to life.”
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PostcardsTwo unique cut-out postcards designed
by Jodie Morgan and Charlotte Cox
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want to be involved in
?SONAR is run as a Solent society and so anyone can join in with the creation of our magazines.
If you fancy doing something towards the magazine or have any work you’d like to get
published, just email either:
and we’ll get straight back to you!
You can also check out our website for more information on Solent’s other great societies.
SONAR
22
HADOUKEN!LAURA NICHOLLS
MET CHRIS, DAN AND NICK FROM HADOUKEN! AT SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY.
23
HAVE YOU BEEN TO SOUTHAMPTON BEFORE?Yes, for our first album and in this very room! We came in earlier and we were like ‘hang on a minute…’
YOU PLAYED A FEW FESTIVALS LAST SUMMER- HOW DID IT GO?Yeah it was our 4th time at Reading and Leeds festival, which was definitely the highlight. We had to move quickly between festivals but we still managed to catch some cool artists.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A GIG WHERE NOBODY DANCED? WHERE EVERYONE WAS FAR TOO COOL?We’ve had a few tough shows. There was this one time at Liquid and Envy in Jersey where kids were doing knee slides at the back. It was almost as if their parents had said they could come to the show only if they took their younger siblings.
IF YOU WERE TO CREATE A DECLARATION OF WAR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE FIGHTING FOR?We don’t really feel that passionate about anything! Maybe justice? Or for the right to party but that’s already been done.
NOT ALL OF US HAVE A LEGO-HAIR CUT AND WEAR A POLKA-DOT DRESS. WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE TIPS?Black. Just black. All the time.
HOW DOES ALICE FIND IT BEING WITH THE LADS ON TOUR?Oh she thinks that we’re all handsome, inspiring and talented. Only joking, she finds it alright! She’s the one to get in the wine spritzers.
FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER HAD A DRUNKEN MISHAP, WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING THING YOU’VE DONE DRUNK?Ahhh, there was this one time that I (Dan) had a few drinks. Actually I had all the drinks and so thought it was best go to bed. Not realising there was somebody also in the bed once I had decided to use the bed as a toilet.
AS A BAND WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?Wherever we go we always request a picture of
Alan Partridge. He’s just so inspiring and cool. You’ve got to understand.
AS YOUR MUSIC HAS MATURED FROM THE MYSPACE DAYS, HAS YOUR FAN BASE ALSO MATURED?What?! MySpace is dead?! Haha. As our music has changed slightly we’ve lost the old fans and gained new ones. So yeah, our fan base has changed but it all comes with the music.
YOUR LATEST SINGLE, ‘BAD SIGNAL’, DARE I CALL IT DUBSTEP?Yeah I guess, it’s not a bad word but we just don’t want people to assume we’re going in that direction, because we’re not.
THE LYRICS IN ‘BAD SIGNAL’ HAVE MANY REFERENCES TO FACEBOOK AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES. CARE TO ELABORATE?They’re James’ lyrics about how everything is broadcast nowadays. Everybody just knows everything because of social networking, especially after a break-up.
HOW HAS SOCIAL NETWORKING AFFECTED YOU AS A BAND?It just acts as another platform we can reach our fans through. We came through MySpace so we have to appreciate social networking. The majority of the stuff on our sites is things that we’ve posted ourselves.
LATE LAST YEAR YOU SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH MINISTRY OF SOUNDS. WHAT ARE HADOUKEN!’S FUTURE PLANS?It was an easy decision, we signed the contract straight away, as it’s what we want to do and it supports the direction we’re heading as a band. We’ve got a new album for early next year, which is all very exciting.
hadouken.com!
Cloud Nothings - Cut You
Peace - Bloodshake
Bastille - Haunt
Hey Sholay - Burning
Pure Love - Beach of Diamonds
Cloud Nothings - Cut You
Flight Facilities - Crave You
Mount Kimbie - Before I Move Off
Swim Deep - Honey
The 1975 - Sex
Disclosure - White Noise
alt-J - Breezeblocks
Tom Odell - Another Love
Foals - Inhale
Jessie Ware - If You’re Never Gona Move
Us Baby Bear Bones - You
SONAR playlist
SONAR reviews
Everything Everything
Willy Moon
Pissed Jeans
Foals
Les Misérables
Django Unchained
Lincoln
Ed’s Easy Diner
Lennons Nightclub
26
As of late, futuristic music has become a fashion. With the likes of Britain’s alt-J, Bastille and Swim Deep receiving a lot of attention for their individual and refreshing sounds, Everything Everything are also getting a look in. After a year’s break, the band could have been easily forgotten - but with the release of ‘Cough Cough’, a song about society’s mindless lust for money that made NME’s 50 best songs of 2012, Everything Everything have returned with a more refined sound enveloping the distinguished voice of Jonathan Higgs.
Heartbreakingly so, the songs of ‘Arc’ all seem to merge into one another. The haunting vocals, uplifting rifts and jingles throughout the album feel repetitive and aren’t accompanied by anything extra extraordinary. The most notable difference between the songs are for example, ‘The House Is Dust’ is heart-wrenching and ‘Kemosabe’ is heart-racing, ‘Armourland’ is riddled with electro vibes and ‘_Arc_’ orchestral. However, ‘Arc’ is an enjoyable and easy listen - the music is moving
and a sense of contentment and overwhelming calm is achieved whilst listening. There is depth to the album, with the lyrics “when you think of me, don’t remember this / not the slow wane of a blinded man”, ‘Feet for Hands’ is a song written about David Rathband, the police officer who was blinded by Raoul Moat in 2010 and later took his own life. ‘Duet’ is a love song and the band’s attempt to emulate The Beatle’s ‘Eleanor Rigby’ - the lyrics “Of all the dead volcanoes on earth / you just had to wretch and roll through mine” are sheer and thought provoking.
The band seem to be in their element, have remained comfortable and haven’t strived to achieve anything extreme or new with ‘Arc’. An appreciation of the indie genre and Higgs’ voice would make ‘Arc’ a worthwhile listen.
RCA RecordsReleased January 14th
Words by Laura Nicholls
ArcEverything Everything
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With a name as memorable as his music, most people will know Willy Moon for his catchy single “Yeah, Yeah” that featured in Apple’s recent iPhone advert. What with becoming a commercial success, it seems easy to assume that this relatively unknown singer will be a one hit wonder. But judging by his debut EP, it seems that Mr Moon will be quite the opposite.
Following the release of his debut single “I Wanna Be Your Man” in 2011, Willy Moon, otherwise known as 23-year-old William Sinclair, became tipped as one to watch by The Guardian and Q Magazine. Since then he has gone on to tour with Jack White, released two singles under his label Third Man Records and is also currently working on a project with Chase and Status.
The EP opens with “Yeah, Yeah” followed by “She Loves Me”, a modern electronic take on the blues. While “I Wanna Be Your Man” is an up-tempo track with country guitar drawls. Accompanied by suave, smooth music videos, his music is irresistibly toe-tapping.
His style suggests that he’s a Fifties revivalist - but there’s more to Willy Moon than just a snappy suit and an impeccable hair-do. Combined with contemporary influences such as samples from Wu-Tang Clan and Kanye West, his EP is no less than 30 minutes of retro-infused genius.
This self-titled EP is packed with short and sweet tracks with a blend of rock ‘n’ roll classics and contemporary hip-hop.
His debut album ‘Here’s Willy Moon’ is due out Spring 2013.
Universal Island RecordsReleased December 4th
Words by Francesca Stephens
Willy MoonWilly Moon EP
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HoneysPissed JeansSub Pop RecordsReleased February 12thWords by Connor Crooks
The fourth album by potent Pennsylvanian post-hardcore quartet Pissed Jeans is their most direct and muscular effort yet. Filthy sludge grooves are pinned to sweaty hardcore to create an assault on the senses that never feels contrived. The four years spent on this album have only found them setting further and deeper into their already signature groove.
On one note blitzkrieg opener ‘Bathroom Laughter’ Pissed Jeans are at their most animalistic. Poised somewhere between Black Flag’s ‘Nervous Breakdown’ and Mclusky’s ‘Lightsaber Cocksucking Blues’, with all the unapologetic bluster of an elephant stampede as lead vocalist Matt Korvette howls about a distantly observed conflict. “You’re in the hallway screaming / people try to get by, but you’re screaming” it’s a snide reminder that no matter how real your suffering is to you, most people are just going to ignore you.
‘Bathroom Laughter’s placement at the start of the record sets the tone for Krovette as he goes on to force his own private woes upon us, wryly observing the tedium and absurdity of adulthood on tracks like ‘Health Plan’ and ‘Chain Worker’. Instead of being the sound of empowerment, punk politics or masculine strength - Pissed Jeans are unique in capturing the melodrama of boredom and indifference. ‘Honeys’ is about the battles within yourself, in the office, at home and late at night.
Generally Pissed Jeans play at two speeds, incomprehensibly fast or torturously slow. The former knocking you for six while the later (their
forte) maintains the concussion and allows the vocals to ride higher in the mix. However, when they deviate from these two paths the result is monstrous riffs such those found on ‘Teenage Adult’ which is enough to leave Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ perspiring nervously in a corner. An anthem of self loathing for an inability to come to terms with the increasingly demanding realities and responsibilities that come with working a nine to five job and raising a family.
Searing track ‘Cathouse’ see’s the everyday horror of pet allergies handled without irony but genuine pain, “I’m done / I’m choking / Daylight / I’m hoping”. It is not all unrelenting though, unrequited ode ‘Loubs’ has a surreal almost brass band quality located somewhere within it’s deceptively complicated bass groove.
While the slow grinding ‘Cafeteria Food’ paints an artfully mundane picture of an office worker driven paranoid on slow stagnant lunch-breaks. The most comical cut on Honeys in it’s tedious description of his co-workers lunch routine, his thick drawl drenched in contempt fury while the lyrics are hilariously banal “Go ahead and use the microwave / It’s an excellent kitchen tool”. While these lyrics would seem comical, banal or both in a lesser bands hands, Korvette’s tortured howl carries the authenticity of the everyman combined with the pained charisma of a deadpan comedian.‘Honeys’ is as darkly captivating, voyeuristic and exciting as house on fire.
Holy FireFoals
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Transgressive RecordsReleased February 11thWords by Steph Powell
With the 2010’s Mercury Prize nominated ‘Total Life Forever’, Foals were thrust into the forefront of popular music, making them a household name that even your dad would like. The album was a game-changer, releasing them from any previously associated genre-boundaries. Returning after a two year break, the Oxford five-piece, are back with ‘Holy Fire’, one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2013.
The album teases in with an instrumental, complete with maracas, before launching into single tracks ‘Inhaler’ and ‘My Number’. ‘Inhaler’ exudes all of the Foals’ trademark characteristics. Fluctuating bass goes from downright funky to harrowing and haunting. The track builds and builds until Yannis has next to no voice left in the screeched crescendo. ‘My Number’ is easily the catchiest song on the album, setting shoulders bopping from the opening bars. ‘Out of the Woods’ & ‘Milk and Black Spiders’ are quite familiar in structure - an energetic mount into multi-instrument crescendos. ‘Out of the Woods’ is not particularly insulting to the eardrums and despite being one of the more fast-paced tracks on ‘Holy Fire’, it is not overly memorable.
The album showcases a darker, more sensitive side to Foals. ‘Stepson’ and ‘Moon’ are more delicate affairs, winding the album down to a suitably impressive end. Drummer, Jack Bevan, perhaps the perfect example of the band’s technical growth, providing a beautiful ambient backdrop.
Lyrically, Foals have opened up and become more accessible. Gone are the ‘Antidotes’ days of mixed metaphors and cryptic fragments; ‘Holy
Fire’ is littered with tales of love, friendship, and the accompanying woes. Yannis’ delivery is also matured, switching his dynamics between tender and soft, to screaming and gruff to create atmosphere in the tracks.
With this record, Foals have evolved into mature stallions, deservedly earning those plaid jackets. ‘Holy Fire’ is a demonstration of their confidence, it’s rockier and although it lacks the contagious element that makes ‘Total Life Forever’ so striking; this is merely trivial to the overall, admirable, sleekness of the album.
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Django UnchainedDirected by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo Di Caprio, Christoph WaltzReleased January 18th
Words by Laura Nicholls
As Quentin Tarantino takes us down through 1850s America, it seems that no gun is left unloaded whilst in the hands of Django and Dr King Schultz. Jamie Foxx plays the black slave Django who is purchased and made a free man by the German Dr Schultz, played by Christopher Waltz, and together they become a duo of bounty hunters. Waltz’s character is instantly dictated as the joker of the duo, able to get Django and himself out of any tricky situation and seems to have an answer for everything. Whereas, Django who at first, seemed a little out of his depth became the serious, admiral hero.
Tarantino’s ability to create a fascinating film and great scenes is unquestionable with his latest release. At times it seems that Django and his partner-in-crime Dr Schultz are rather villainous, but with the quick charm of the Doctor the pair are celebrated for being great bounty hunters. Django is encouraged by the Doctor to leave his slave past behind and embrace the opportunity to become any character he wishes. In a blue velvet suit, Django does just that.
The imagery is captivating as the pair gallop through the rolling valleys of the Deep South and
the snowy winter until they reach Mississippi - and Calvin Candie (Leonardo Di Caprio) the villain. The pair are successful and frivolous when they arrive at Candyland to deceive the wealthy Candie. The troublesome pair manage to escape every situation within an inch of their lives - at which point they are quickly sussed out by Samuel L Jackson, who plays Di Caprio’s elderly right hand man, which results in an astonishing blood bath and ends with the victorious Django getting his great revenge on the villains. It appears that no man or woman that receives a fatal bullet does so without an impressive splurge of blood that proceeds to cover every surface within a two-metre radius. Some gory moments aren’t for the faint hearted and the realism is sometimes questionable - all of which should be left to the cowboys.
The memorable scenes, adventure, violence and undermining love story makes Django Unchained undoubtedly, a great addition to Tarantino’s collection. It is not a film that only a western-film-loving-Grandad can watch, it is a film that can be enjoyed by many. The savvy one liners and impressive cast makes Django Unchained funny, dangerous and savvy.
Imagine a world where nobody no longer talks. A world where everyone must vocalise absolutely everything through the power of song and it is extremely important that even the simplest of sentences take three times longer to express. Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the stage musical Les Misérables is this tuneful world. Unfortunately, this world gets tedious and somewhat boring.
Les Misérables is a passionate display of love, war, death, forgiveness, hope and faith. The story, to put it simply, tells how the saint-like Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) and the incredibly angry Javert (Russell Crowe) continually bump into one another and proceed to sing songs about what an unfortunate event it is. Fantine (Anne Hathaway)becomes a grubby back street prostitute and dies, whose orphaned daughter is heroically adopted by the almighty Jean Valjean and eventually falls in love with a worthy young man. The cast is an excellent attribute to the film and is a cast that we all know so well - but also one that is bizarre to witness painfully singing in one anothers faces and constantly crying.
Les Misérables has been on stage for a good 32 years and is a story that has been told for centuries. The
film adaptation was naturally the next step in a bid to rejuvenate the tale. However, cinema does not necessarily have to involve almost 3 hours of singing and close-up camera shots of grubby, miserable and pained faces without feeling bored and suffering from a headache. It is a good example of how a musical can feel out of place on the big screen. Born a novel, aged as a musical, and a musical it shall remain.
Les MisérablesDirected by Tom Hooper
Starring Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Hugh JackmanReleased January 11th
Words by Laura Nicholls
Over the stench of the American civil-war battlefield and senate debate forums, an intoxicating and far less palatable odour is lingering. Regardless of the Oscar’s final results in February, Lincoln is a high quality film and clearly the work of experienced and accomplished filmmakers and actors of incredible pedigree. With the 85th Academy Awards looming it seems fair to say that Steven Spielberg’s latest blockbuster is in with a sniff. Lincoln has banked 12 nominations and unsurprisingly seen a return on investment, which marks another successful year for the Spielberg-Kennedy movie-making franchise.
With Tommy Lee-Jones in the role of hard-nosed Republican, Thaddeus Stevens he successfully carries over Stevens’ bullish reputation and delivers scathing verbal attacks on the Democrats, making for some well-crafted comic effect. Torn between ending the civil war and ending slavery, London born Daniel Day-Lewis gives us a towering, strong and temperate portrait of the 16th President- a performance that he is nominated for a record-breaking third Best Actor award.
Lincoln may strike viewers as something of a stylistic revision in Spielberg’s recent form- most
notably for its lengthy dialogue sequences and the distinct lack of action for a film set against the backdrop of national conflict. The film remains true to what audiences have come to expect from one of the masters of Hollywood myth production.
Whether factually correct or out-right fiction Spielberg always captures you in to his version of events. In all probability there will be historical pedants who will derive tremendous pride from noting problematic historical continuity or corner cutting and there will likely be those quaffing fanatics who will flatly refuse to take in a 150 minute Hollywood film that depicts one of the constitution’s most defining amendments. To those people it is worth reminding that bringing to life an American icon of global magnificence, reliving these fateful times, and representing the national mood is no easy endeavour and has to be acknowledged. With a front line trio of Hollywood’s most decorated and dedicated professionals (Spielberg, Kaminski, Day-Lewis), Lincoln brings colour to the evolution of American culture and politics for an international audience which does not fail to entertain and sheds some light on a powerful character and his moment in history.
LincolnDirected by Steven Spielberg
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally FieldReleased January 25th
Words by Jack Bevington
Words by Killian Gallagher and Laura NichollsIllustration by Charlotte Cox
Lennon’s
A night out at Lennon’s is like travelling back in time to a decade that knows no-bounds.
The genius, Mr Thomas Lennon opened the alternative nightclub as a watering hole for all the rock ‘n’ roll humans. The people are friendly, the drinks are cheap and the music is splendid. There’s none of this awkward dancing malarky between boys and girls that you find in Southampton’s mainstream clubs. Frankly, everybody just wants to get down and groove which exemplifies the wacky but beautifully eccentric vibe. If you don’t know how to swing, twist and jive- you’ll soon learn.
The music originates from the Mecca of playlists. The artists range from Little Richard to Lulu and the Beatles, from the Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian all the way back to Joy Division.
The club promotes local talent every Saturday with their slightly brilliant Psychedelia night. Every last
Thursday of the month is ‘Sound Of The 60’s and every other Thursday is ‘This is England’ which celebrates the music of youth culture from the past 6 decades. Every night is approximately £2-£4 entry and there are always cheap drink deals.
Please drink responsibly lennonsnightclub.compsychedelialimited.co.uk
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Ed’s Easy DinerWords by Laura Nicholls
Illustration by Charlotte Cox
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Burger with cheese, burger with even more cheese, burger with bacon, burger with onions and a burger for breakfast. Bacon fries, cheese fries, chilli fries and sweet-potato fries. Hot dogs, chicken, milkshakes and a salad.
There is very little green on the menu, so if you feel like being healthy Ed’s isn’t your place. If you want a meal where you can eat attractively that doesn’t involve mayonnaise running down your chin and ketchup dripping out the sides of your burger - don’t visit Ed’s. If you want a posh meal of the highest quality - don’t visit Ed’s.
There is a unwritten rule about eating big burgers. Grad hold and do not let go until all is consumed. If you do let go it could may result in the burger bun slipping off, becoming too small and the contents spilling everywhere. Ladies must put all manners and pride aside and try not to make eye contact with any other nearby big burger eaters in fear of being caught in a saucy situation. Ed’s Easy Diner is a great place to practise burger-eating
skills, make a right mess and then feel that the whole thing was a regrettable decision.
In life we are taught from a young age to not judge a book by its cover - this is very much the case with Ed’s. It is not as good as it looks. Ed’s Easy Diner is on par with the local greasy cafe but just themed nicely with that American decor that everybody loves. The decor is 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll inspired with nifty napkin dispensers, mini juke-boxes and an open kitchen. With complimentary music, the whole experience encapsulates you in the rock ‘n’ roll era - which is quickly ruined once you leave and step out into the busy hustle and bustle of West Quay.
Southampton’s West Quay shopping centre does have a fine selection of restaurants in their newly furbished food court. There is something for everyone and their price range and Ed’s Easy Diner is something to definitely try once and only once.
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Which of these Would you bring to a party?
My horn-rimmed glasses. Although I don’t actually need them.
My other half.
A big smile on my face.
A book. Sometimes parties can get quite boring.
What kind of movies do you like Watching?
Movies with no ending. It’s called Art House.
Rom-coms with a happy ending.
Surf videos. Or skate videos. Or BMX videos. On YouTube.
Documentary movies on the life of pioneers.
date night. Where do you go?
My friend has a gallery, I’d take my date to the opening night of a new exhibition there.
A picnic on the beach during sunset.
I prefer dates during the day. I would take my date kayaking or playing squash.
Definitely to the theatre.
What is your favourite food?
Jerusalem artichokes with nut oil and dried figs.
French cuisine.
I’m always so busy I don’t even have time to eat.
I don’t really mind the food as long as I’m in good company and have intellectual
conversations over dinner.
What is your addiction?
Being in the spot light. And skinny jeans.
I try not to get addicted to anything.
Adrenalin rushes.
Reading the Sunday newspaper supplements.
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Week-end trips are the perfect way to escape the drab
monotony of everyday life and to recharge ones batteries.
SONAR introduces you to four inspiring European capitals you probably haven’t visited yet.
To find out which one suits you best make our test – then pack your suitcases and off you go.
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Mostly Areykjavik, iceland
This northern hotspot with the unpronounceable name is simply hip. Music, food, design, art – Reykjavik is the birthplace of everything trendy. Week after week new DJ’s and bands emerge in the city that never sleeps and fire up the Icelandic party people and international music lovers. Tomorrow’s designers experiment with shapes and materials and dress indie artists and melancholic writers likewise. To see and to be seen is the motto not only in Reykjavik’s eccentric and lively gay scene but its cafés, bars and main streets. Be prepared.
Mostly B ljubljana, slovenia
Ljubljana, surrounded by tree-coated green hills, is pure romance. The canal that divides the pretty town into an older and a newer part is lined with restaurants, whose friendly waiters shower you with charming compliments. They serve Mediterranean inspired, delicious cuisine on their terraces. The old picturesque houses with small front gardens covered in wild rose bushes that perfume the city’s alleys are just as beautiful as the gorgeous mansions turned museums in the parks of the city. Dreamy Ljubljana is relaxing and stimulating all in one.
Mostly C lisbon, portugal
Lisbon is a city for action lovers. It is built on two steep hills that are covered with winding lanes full of surprises and behind every corner a new world opens up. This is also true for the castle on one of the hills overlooking the city. The real action though takes place outside Lisbon. The nearby beaches are a water sports paradise and attract especially surfers. Also climbing, hiking and biking are big in the areas around the city. You’re definitely not going to be bored.
Mostly Dvienna, austria
Vienna is the cultural hub of Europe. Experimental theatre, ancient fine art, geometric architecture and vintage cinema clash and merge in this city. Be it Slam Poetry or a traditional opera that you’re after, Vienna offers a broad range of intellectual and artistic entertainment. The Museumsquartier – a large yard surrounded by a variety of exhibition spaces and museums – is definitely the cultural highlight of the city. During summertime cafés with delicious food and the best lattes in town and pop-up bookshops border the busy square and act as a meeting area for like-minded culturati.A
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what’s onall the info
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40
Friday 1stMo’ClubOn A Mission
Saturday 2ndThe PyramidOf Monsters and Men
Saturday 2ndLennonsBibelots+ Bad Names
Saturday 2ndTalking HeadsAttention Thieves + Neck Deep
Monday 4thThe PyramidThe Courteeners
Tuesday 5thTalking HeadKuelerton
Thursday 7thAvondale HouseHold Your Horse Is + Triassic + Oxygen Thief + Bewilder + Elements
Thursday 7thSouthampton UniversityReel Big Fish
Saturday 9thLennonsThe Black Tambourines + The Harlequin
Monday 11thJoinersWild Smiles
Tuesday 12thThe CellarSaint Vitus
Wednesday 13thThe PyramidFoals
Thursday 14thThe PyramidRumours of Fleetwood Mac
Friday 15thJoiners
Broken Links
Saturday 16thLennons
12 Dirty Bullets
Saturday 16thSouthampton University
Cancer Bats
Saturday 16thThe Cellar
Freddie & The Freeloaders
Tuesday 19thJoiners
Shadows Chasing Ghosts + Hildamay
Wednesday 20thJoiners
Lewis Watson
Thursday 21stThe Cellar
The Travelling Band
Saturday 23rdLennons
Dead Sons
Saturday 23rdSouthampton Guildhall
The Southampton Vintage Fair
Sunday 24thPortsmouth Guildhall
Jake Bugg
Monday 25thJoiners
SONAR presentsThe Lost Souls Club +
Poor Michael + Mamas Lips
Saturday 30thSeaCity Museum
Clock Tower Tours
Saturday 30thLennons
Dead Rabbits
march
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Wednesday 3rdJoinersVoodoo Six
Thursday 4thJoinersBrother Goose
Thursday 4thThe CellarDie So Fluid
Saturday 6thJoinersThe Gallery
Monday 8thJoinersThe Ataris
Tuesday 9thSalisbury City HallEnter Shikari
Thursday 11thJoinersKing Krule
Friday 12thSalisbury City HallSuggs My Life Story
Thursday 11thThe CellarDrowning Pool
Sunday 14thUnit ClubMasked Intruder!
Monday 15thSouthampton GuildhallMatchbox Twenty
Tuesday 16thJoiners
Bleed From Within
Friday 19thSound Circus Bournemouth
Canterbury
Saturday 20thSouthampton University
Big Country
Saturday 20thLennons
Dark Bells
Wednesday 24thThe Pyramid
Lower Than Atlantis
Friday 26thThe Pyramid
We Are The In Crowd + Never Shout Never
Saturday 27thLennonsPixel Fix
Monday 29thJoiners
Trapped Under Ice
Tuesday 30thTalking HeadsKing Creosote
Tuesday 30thPortsmouth Guildhall
Simple Minds
april
The best of
2012
freshers foam partyphotos by Nik Wolfman
freshers ballphotos by Nik Wolfman
movember world record attemptphotos by Heather Ghanouni and Warren Boyle
graduation ballphotos by Jay Wennington
