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Day: 10 March 2013

Live: xxxy & Huxley

Written by Patrick Hinton on . Posted in Music.

9th March 2013

Sankeys

8/10

Sankeys holds a special significance for Manchester’s own xxxy due to it being the first club he ever attended during his musically formative years. This homecoming subtext adds to the occasion and his return is ecstatically received. With the energy levels starting high, xxxy has no reservations in immediately unleashing a string of anthems. The exultant ‘Tonite (Detroit Mix)’ is one of many euphoria-inducing highlights.

After cueing each track, the DJ’s left hand flicks away in an apparent nervous twitch, yet this anxiety is needless as the enthused crowd conspicuously display their enjoyment through unrelenting dancing. The intimacy of the venue allows for a peek at xxxy’s CD-J screen which reveals he has adapted self-productions for his DJ sets; the confidently titled ‘No More (Super Special Garage Edit)’ indicates his admirable commitment to provide a special show.

Huxley is a man at the forefront of the UK house scene. The reason for this is evident through his own releases drawing the biggest crowd responses of the night. Resident Advisor‘s inclusion of ‘Let It Go’ in their Top 10 tracks of 2012 is justified when the thumping beat instigates rapturous clapping. The range Huxley is capable of is exhibited by the dissimilar ‘Box Clever’ which builds and builds into a dazzling orchestration of piano chords and exuberant synth loops, with an Alicia Keys sample thrown in for good measure.

At times Huxley is guilty of overindulgence. His attempts to whip up a frenzy by dimming the sound before a crescendo drag on too long and this flattens the vibe amongst the assembled revellers. However, if you’re going to choose any song to save a floor then it’d be hard to improve upon the lone release of Daft Punk side-project Stardust. Not only does Huxley’s proficiency shine through with this selection of ‘Music Sounds Better With You’; the song’s title also succinctly summarizes my appreciation of each act tonight.

Live: Egyptian Hip Hop

Written by Johnny Mac on . Posted in Music.

8th March 2013

Gorilla

5/10

We get in late, brimming with the sort of tarmac cider that tastes as though bottled directly from the River Medlock. You’d be forgiven, then, for perhaps starting to suppose that tonight might be a night of youthful abandon, and that is probably the most suitable vantage point from which to talk about Egyptian Hip Hop. Few bands have garnered the sort of attention that these lads lapped up with their new-rave-pop-schtick as 17 year-olds back in 2009, earning favourable comparisons with Late of the Pier and Klaxons. Even fewer have come into any serious regard in their future trappings, but having disappeared from the face of urban Britain, the band resurfaced last year to release a very, very astute debut in Good Don’t Sleep, disregarding their former pop for dwellings of a deeper, more mature nature.

Does this mean to say that Egyptian Hip Hop have grown up, then? The band still look gangling youths – draped in, presumably, Affleck’s finest – and the songs translate well from the album, but overall the sense of fun seems to have been lost. Unlike the ace support Great Waves, who appear genuinely happy to play tonight, Egyptian Hip Hop play it far too cool. Or perhaps too moody. Either way, the snaking melody of ‘Strange Vale’ instead drags, whilst the arpeggio on entrance ‘Tobago’ lacks its usual mystery and playfulness.

There are many cries for yesteryear’s ‘Middle Name Period’, ‘Wild Human Child’, and especially ‘Rad Pitt’, but though seemingly an ideal move, given that the band fail to whip up the haze of the record and that the crowd clearly want to dance, they are never aired. Credit to the rhythm section, however, who are, frankly, tight-as-fuck, playing in semiquavers that relations Dutch Uncles would be proud of, but overall, tonight Egyptian Hip Hop just don’t feel much fun.

Live: Jessie Ware

Written by Hannah Phillips on . Posted in Music.

7th March 2013

The Ritz

Last time she played Manchester – on her first ever UK tour, at Sound Control in November – Jessie Ware noted how she hoped her family could have a box to watch her from next time. Giving a wave to her aunt on a roped-off balcony area, she’s definitely delivered. Now with two Brit nominations and a Mercury nod to her name, it’s no surprise that Jessie Ware finds herself swapping that previous intimate, sweaty room for over-triple-the-capacity venue HMV Ritz. And all within just four months.

But Jessie isn’t the only Brits nominee on the bill tonight. As if one soulful songstress wasn’t enough, Ware has brought Critic’s Choice shortlister Laura Mvula along as support on this tour – and their sounds compliment each other rather remarkably. Welcoming the evening in with her breezy and graceful nature, Mvula and her impossibly cool band harmonise their way through gems from her debut album Sing To The Moon. The likes of ‘Like The Morning Dew’ and ‘Green Garden’ are intact with off-kilter arrangements, rich choral vocals and infectiously spirited handclaps. So effortlessly charming, I can’t imagine it’ll be too long before she finds herself at the same dizzying heights as Jessie.

On that note, the time promptly arrives for Ware herself to enter the stage. And boy does she do it in style. Sauntering on just in time to hit the first notes of album title-track ‘Devotion’, Jessie Ware has the look and the presence of a truly established leading lady. In her glittered jacket she emits an elegance so profound that it’s almost disconcerting when, between songs, she turns to hearty chat and an endearing cheekiness. She even playfully accentuates technical issues, pulling faces as she struggles to get her mic off the stand and almost knocking over her drink with the lead. But details like this just add to Jessie’s appeal; despite her ever-growing success, she’s still incredibly grounded.

In between nattering, tracks such as ‘Night Light’ and ‘No To Love’ are rolled out as if second nature to her. Yet her cheekiness still shines through, as she mimes the words to the opening sample of ‘If You’re Never Gonna Move’ (formerly ‘110%’) to mimic the change brought about by a legal dispute. More impressively, though, is that with Jessie you don’t just get a string of album-identical versions.  There’s an extra funk and sincerity in her voice that transforms the mellower songs with more up-tempo, danceable beats. So much so that heart-wrenching ballad ‘Taking In Water’ becomes even more prominent amidst the set. Sung with true vulnerability, the ode to her little brother proves a definite highlight as her unbound vocal almost detaches itself from the surrounding production, spanning an impressive and sensual range.

Yet Jessie is eager to slow the pace even further, as we reach an intimate rendition of her Bobby Cauldwell cover ‘What You Won’t Do For Love’, before drummer Dornik Leigh is welcomed out front to lend his gorgeously soothing vocals to Sampha collaboration ‘Valetine’. “I’m so glad you all got a chance to hear his voice,” Jessie beams to the incessant applause, explaining that this is only the second time they have performed it together. There’s no time to delve into the milder tones for too long though, as the up-tempo beats soon return with the debut of a new collaboration with Julio Bashmore, as Ware attempts to “channel Chaka,” hinting at a more disco-esque direction with new material.

Before the adoring crowd have a chance to really take it all in, the familiar notes of hits ‘Wildest Moments’ and ‘Running’ embrace the room, prompting a deafening sing-along and indicating the culmination of a triumphant return. With a huge grin and a knowing appreciation, Jessie notes that Manchester is like second home to her. And tonight, she made HMV Ritz feel like just that: home.

Style doesn’t have to be seasonal

Written by Susie Coen on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

With student loans dwindling faster than Katie Price’s new marriage, strategic shopping is a must. The best way to increase your wardrobe and minimise expenditure is to make sure your buys can carry you from this coming spring right into the winter winds. Here’s my top picks of the staple pieces that are really worth the investment.

1. Ankle boots are the ideal trans-seasonal footwear choice. Their versatility gives them the green light with almost any outfit: bringing an element of grunge to pretty summer dresses or as it starts to get colder they can be worn with tartan trousers to pay homage to ’70s punk chic. As suspicious as I am that Jeffrey Campbell’s Coltranes (see above) bear a close resemblance to Balenciaga’s Cut Out Boots, at £135.00 they bring this striking design into the realms of the student budget.

2.  A midi-dress is another item that can easily be carried from season to season. Although a length that many avoid in fear of contracting a case of the frumps, if worn right it a midi can look both elegant and trendy. For the warmer season team a tight midi dress such as this one from Topshop with some flatform sandals (no creepers, please) and a fringe bag to create an effortlessly stylish look. As the winds start to change, try wearing it over a long sleeve roll neck and finish with a leather jacket to for a mature edgy look.

topshop.com

3. They were everywhere last season and they are still going strong into SS13: cigarette trousers are a breath of fresh air from the epidemic of skinny jeans and disco pants. This pair from Topshop combines the key styles of monochrome and checks to guarantee that you will look perfectly on trend. For summer, wear with sandals and a sheer top over a bandeau and, to translate into winter, team with a shirt, a fur gilet and inject some colour with red lipstick.

Topshop.com

4. Scarves: an underrated accessory that can bring life to an outfit. For when those summer evenings become a bit chillier a pretty scarf can be wrapped round your arms, giving warmth without the hassle of wearing a jacket. Equally, in winter a scarf can be worn with a coat or jacket to bring some colour into those grey winter days. I think Zara are unrivalled for their choice of scarves and their quality.

zara.com