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Year: 2018

Photo: Kurupt FM @ Flickr (Leo Reynolds)

Preview: Kurupt FM – The Warehouse Project

Written by Jake Oliver on . Posted in Music.

DJ Beats, MC Grindah, Steves and Chabuddy G are gearing up for their last tour ever – probably – taking everyone’s favourite pirate radio station on a whirlwind tour across the country. What better place for them to stop off for a massive party than at the equally legendary Warehouse Project on the 29th of November?

Following on from the immense success of critically acclaimed TV show ‘People Just Do Nothing’, the Brentford gang have proven themselves to be more than just comedic geniuses. Whilst still managing to inject some wry humour within their production, Kurupt FM have seamlessly transcended their ‘mockumentary’ status to become musical titans in their own rights.

Kurupt FM have managed to create a solid hybrid soundscape reminiscent of late 90s garage and 21st century grime, capturing that nostalgic brilliance that has won them fans far beyond their original TV audience. With a tremendous amount of bass, solid bars and fuzzy, distorted 808s, their Warehouse performance will undoubtedly stand out as one of the biggest events of the year.

They’re not performing alone – the night also boasts a phenomenally diverse line up. The legendary David Rodigan and rising grime artist Ghetts follow closely behind Kurupt FM on the bill, each bringing with them a collection of crowd-pleasing anthems that are sure to whip Store Street in to a frenzy.

Tickets are still available via The Warehouse Project’s website, but I’d advise you to hurry – with a line-up this immense, and with a headliner as brilliant as Kurupt FM, the show is on the precipice of selling out. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement.

Terrance Hayes Photo: Kathy Ryan

Review: ‘American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin’

Written by Amy Hagan on . Posted in Books.

Terrance Hayes’ new collection of poetry, American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin, was recently shortlisted for one of the most prestigious awards in British poetry – the TS Eliot Prize. Written during the first 200 days of Donald Trump’s presidency, the collection of sonnets tackles American politics and social issues which have dominated the early 21st century, including discrimination, hate crimes, and a hope for a better future.

The Manchester Literature Festival welcomed Hayes to perform some of his 70 poems and it truly was an enlightening and powerful performance, followed by an insightful Q&A session.

Kayo Chingonyi, winner of the 2018 Dylan Thomas Prize, hosted the evening at Manchester’s Central Library, introducing Hayes as one of America’s most innovative poets of the last decade. Hayes then began reading 14 of his poems from the collection, all identically-titled ‘American Sonnet for My Past and Future Assassin’. The title for every sonnet is the same in the way that all Mondays have the same name but “they’re all different”; each poem is different in various ways despite their titles.

Hayes, during the Q&A session hosted by Kayo Chingonyi, answered questions relating to the sonnet form and inspiration for his collection. The idea for the project was inspired by LA poet Wanda Coleman, who coined the phrase “American sonnet” and who he dedicates the collection to. Hayes half-jokingly said that this term allowed him “to do anything” because it was “American”.

Hayes does not stick to rigid conventions of traditional sonnets. Hayes’ sonnets all are made up of 14 lines, but he abandons the rhyme schemes of Shakespearian sonnets, opting instead for “voltas of acoustics, instinct and metaphor”. A volta is the poetic term for a change, or a shift. And, for Hayes, there must be a volta, whether it be in writing or life. A sudden turn or change in direction, mindset and course of action – or more, the ability to change – is vital in a social climate where black men’s lives are at risk.

The “assassin” referenced in Hayes’ titles takes on many forms: from Donald Trump to stinkbugs, and even ourselves. The collection is Hayes’ own response to the “chaos” of the political system and media around him. Each poem is distinct, contrary to their identical titles, and the “assassin” is apparent in all of them. Some address Trump explicitly — “Humpty-Dumpty” and “Mr Trumpet” — while in others it is not as clear.

Using humour and portraying compelling stories and images to shine a light on political oppression in relation to race, gender, and the family, the evening reminded me how different yet important it is to hear poetry compared to looking at a page and trying to decipher the black and white text. It simply does not compare.

With his new collection of poetry, Hayes boldly highlights the painful links with a “past assassin” of racially-motivated violence and hatred, and how the “future assassin” is an obscure manifestation of our own fears, prejudices, and outlook on a society deeply divided. He candidly holds a microscope to such ills and delivered a moving, energetic performance.

fallowfield loop Photo: Nicole Wootton-Cane

Woman raped by masked men on Fallowfield Loop

Written by Nicole Wootton-Cane on . Posted in News.

Police have confirmed that a woman was raped on the Fallowfield Loop on Wednesday morning.

The incident took place near the Sherwood Street area of the Loop, where police received reports of a concern for the welfare of a woman at approximately 4:50am.

The woman, who is in her late teens, was said to be in a parked car with a male friend when they were threatened by two men wearing masks. One of them was believed to be carrying a gun.

The woman ran from the car and hid at the entrance to the Fallowfield Loop, where she was raped by another man wearing a mask.

Detective Inspector Chris Potter said: “This investigation is still at a very early stage. While there is a scene in place and officers remain in the area, we need people who witnessed anything to get in contact with us urgently.”

He appealed to members of the public for information but said that at this stage the attack was thought to be an “isolated incident”, adding that he “would like to reassure the public that additional officers will be patrolling the area, whilst detectives are working extremely hard to understand what has happened”.

The Fallowfield Loop is a fully pedestrianised path that leads from Chorlton-cum-Hardy in the west to Fairfield in the east, passing through Fallowfield, Levenshulme, and Gorton. It is a popular cycle route for students, connecting them to Fallowfield and the University.

Cyclists recently held a protest attended by approximately 350 people over the number of muggings on the route, which have been a cause for concern.

The lack of police presence on the streets of Fallowfield is a continued cause for concern for students, who in October last year petitioned the police and politicians to take action over violent crime in the area. The petition reached over 6,000 signatures and was brought to Mayor Andy Burnham.

Photo: Tumisu @pixabay

#itsOKnottobeOK can’t just be a passing fad

Written by oliverstorey on . Posted in Opinion.

In the last two years, society and culture have made progress in the fight against the world’s mental health epidemic. A previously relatively unrecognised type of illness, which affects 1 in 4 people in the UK, has had its social stigma shaken by people with a desire for change. Talking about and educating people on mental health are positive steps towards the solution. However, if you are serious about contributing to the solution, sharing a Facebook post isn’t enough.

Back in October of this year, It’s OK not to be OK campaign was launched to tackle workplace mental health problems. In Manchester, this materialised in the form of Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day. The outcome was a much heightened sense of awareness of mental illness.

As someone who had never heard of mental health, until I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety some two years ago, breaking the stigma around the subject is so important. A greater awareness of causes and symptoms can help you catch your own or someone else’s illness early, reducing months of painful recovery.

And so it was satisfying, to begin with, when the selfies appeared on my Facebook feed in October, accompanied by serious stats on the pervasiveness of the issue, as well as offers of support and understanding. All those posts had the potential to prompt someone into seeking help or information for an issue of theirs.

Unfortunately, my optimism quickly dampened, as I wondered how many of those people were actually doing something proactive beyond that post? Were they going to identify a friend’s illness or make life less daunting for someone suffering?

And yet, how can I expect them to be more proactive? Arguably, an awareness of an issue doesn’t mean a complete understanding.

How could you, unless you’ve experienced it?

However, too many people are still ignorant of the signs of mental illness and how to help those suffering. I’m not suggesting everyone must become a psychologist. But you owe it to your friends, families, and colleagues to be more informed, for their sake.

Now for a quick science lesson. Our brain is controlled by chemicals and hormones which control your responses and emotions, for example, your fight-or-flight mode. Since we have evolved, our rational brain runs most of our life now, however, we still retain those primal instincts in threatening situations. Mental illness, such as anxiety and depression, are caused by an upset in your brain’s chemical balance. Our irrational, fight-or-flight, brain becomes more dominant, which can range from uncomfortable to totally disrupting your life.

And so to be proactive in helping, it is perhaps best to just be understanding. People cannot ask sufferers of mental illness to engage ‘normally’ with life — their brain is literally telling them not to. Day-to-day activities can become heated, harsh and draining arguments within their own head. Instead, maybe take them out for lunch or a coffee? Remember that alcohol is a depressant, so check on your friends who are drinking too much too often, something which is difficult to confront at university. In short, be there for your friends, make sure they aren’t withdrawing from life, staying in bed all day or not eating enough.

By all means contribute your voice to the social media campaigns to raise awareness around mental health, but be aware this is not the end of your responsibility.

Photo: Rachel Docherty @Flickr

GMP to keep a ‘watchful eye’ over Manchester Christmas markets

Written by Josh Sandiford on . Posted in News.

Manchester Christmas markets have opened in the city centre, with the police promising to keep a ‘watchful eye’ to ensure the safety of visitors. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Manchester City Council will be working to make sure measures are in place to keep shoppers safe during the festive period.

Armed police will be making an appearance throughout the city during Christmas events, with the sight now commonplace at large events in the city.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We expect millions of people to visit Manchester during Christmas and we owe a huge thank you to our emergency services who will be visible throughout the season. Their presence is welcome as we all enjoy the festivities and it’s important to remember that it’s their dedication that keeps us safe year round.”

Barriers will be in place at Albert Square, where the markets are located. Police have told visitors to remain cautious during the Christmas period and urged them to report anything suspicious to security and police officers immediately.

Cherie Buttle, Chief Inspector for Manchester City Centre said:  “Security plans are in place for the Christmas markets and visitors can expect to see high visibility policing across the city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

“The safety and security of all those attending and involved in the markets is a priority for us over the coming weeks and I want to reassure the public that Manchester is a safe place to come and enjoy the festivities.”

David Dixon @ Geograph

Debt crisis on the horizon for UK higher education

Written by Sam Honey on . Posted in News.

Recent data suggests that UK Higher Education could be heading towards a debt crisis, with Brexit just one of many financial strains. UK universities have borrowed nearly £12bn since the financial crash, with a majority of sources reported to be American lenders. Last year, the University of Oxford borrowed £750m over 100 years from private investors; Cardiff University sold a £300m bond in 2016.

The total debt in the sector could rise to £1 trillion over the next 25 years, in a grim economic prediction. Cost-cutting measures have already been implemented at a number of institutions across the UK, including handing academic staff short-term contracts. Debt is especially important to deal with considering the vitality of universities to regional economies.

A spokesperson from the University of Manchester re-assured students that the university are taking necessary steps to ensure they remain financially stable, saying “the need for universities to take on debt was a direct – and understood – consequence of the change in funding of Higher Education when government capital funding was removed. The Higher Education sector is facing an unprecedented level of uncertainty, but our university continues to deliver on its financial sustainability ambitions. The 2017/18 Annual Report and Accounts will be published in early December.”

The Economics Editor for The Guardian, Phillip Inman, identified two key issues contributing to the financial problem — a reform of fees and re-examination of the international students’ policy by the Home Office. Sir Michael Barber, head of the higher education regulator the Office for Students, has recently warned that institutions in serious debt could be left to “go to the wall”.

Brexit has further accelerated these concerns. The threat to UK research and the financial revenue of international students is a major uncertainty.

The first act of government intervention in the issue has been to consider a review into changing fees to create a higher band for sciences, compared to a reduction in charges for the arts. The proposals have proved controversial, however, with some suggesting they merely re-arrange costs as the total income from fees is likely to be similar to the amount raised without alterations.

Marrow Photo: NolanAnthony @ Wikimedia Commons

Manchester Marrow charity to hold Hero Week to raise awareness for blood cancer

Written by Aya-Zoe Atallah on . Posted in News.

Manchester Marrow,  a group of students from the University of Manchester, are running a campaign to increase the number of individuals on the stem cell register.

Hero Week will run from the 19th to 24th November, and the charity hopes that they will be able to provide the relevant help to those suffering with blood cancer. Working with the organisation Anthony Nolan, a variety of different events will take place all over Manchester.

Every year, around 2000 people diagnosed with blood cancer require stem cell transplants. With blood cancer being the third most lethal type of cancer, charity Manchester Marrow is hoping to raise awareness of ways to help through their Hero Week event.

One of the members of the Manchester Marrow team, Max Tami, was diagnosed with blood cancer when he was just nine years old. He stressed just how important the stem cell register is, explaining how one donor changed his life forever.

He said, “Being told a match had been found for me was as if someone had breathed new life into me, reigniting my will to continue my fight. It provided hope in a hopeless situation and without that hope, I would not be here today. I am completely indebted to my donor’s decision to become a lifesaver. Without them, I would not have even had the chance to survive.”

Manchester Marrow co-president, Matt Smith, hopes that Hero Week will be successful in helping others like Max.

“This Hero Week we are hoping to recruit more potential lifesavers than ever. We want every person with blood cancer to find their lifesaving match and you could be that hero for someone,” Smith said. The group hopes to achieve this by holding multiple events throughout the city.

Tami said, “At our events, students will have the chance to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register there and then. We’ll give students cheek swabs and ask them to fill out a quick form. On the day our lovely volunteers will be able to answer any questions you may have.”

To discover a Hero Week event near you, you can follow Manchester Marrow on Facebook or sign the register on Antony Nolan’s website.

Burnham Photo: Charles Lawley @Flickr

Andy Burnham issues warning over UK’s asylum policy

Written by Sam Honey on . Posted in News.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has waded into the UK’s migration debate, warning that Northern communities are struggling to deal with the pressure of asylum applications.

Burnham has warned that asylum seekers may not be housed in Greater Manchester unless the government conducts an urgent review into arrangements for refugees.

With 25% of UK asylum seekers housed in the North West, an astounding 70% of that figure are placed in Manchester.

Burnham expressed his concerns in a letter to Home Secretary, Sajid Javid.

Joint letters have also been submitted by leaders of 14 councils across Yorkshire and the North East.

The 48-year-old claimed that the city has seen a 102% increase in asylum applications since 2003.

An inquiry into asylum arrangements in the UK was conducted by the home affairs select committee earlier this year.

The dispersal framework used often results in concentrations of asylum seekers in poorer areas, as cheaper accommodation is more widely available.

Technically, Manchester’s participation in the system is voluntary, and Burnham was keen to stress that, as the region is increasingly affected by the issue.

Sir Steve Houghton, the leader of Barnsley Council, called upon the government to get to grips with tackling the situation, saying that, “We hope the home secretary will pause and listen to these real concerns of local areas in the north.

“The clock’s ticking down, but we remain hopeful that in the next two weeks the government will commit to a fairer distribution of asylum seekers around the country, proper partnerships between national and local government and funding for us to support people placed in our local communities.”

tuition fee Photo: Discott @ Wikimedia Commons

“Uncomfortable” learning “essential”, says higher education regulator

Written by Nicole Wootton-Cane on . Posted in News.

The head of the Office for Students (OfS), Sir Michael Barber, has said that “feeling uncomfortable is an essential ingredient of learning and the pursuit of truth”, and confirmed that the OfS will be an “unashamed champion of free speech”.

Speaking at the Wonkfest higher education conference in London, Sir Michael Barber told universities to be “bold” when inviting speakers.

His speech follows years of intense debate at universities around the world regarding freedom of speech on university campuses.

In 2015, the University of Manchester Students’ Union came under criticism for banning radical feminist Julie Bindel and right-wing activist Milo Yiannopoulos from speaking at an event over fears that she would “incite hatred” because of her previous comments regarding transgender people.

UoM is not the only university in the UK where this debate has intensified; also in 2015, Cardiff University students backed a petition calling on the University to ban radical feminist Germaine Greer.

Sir Barber argued that in lectures and seminars there exists “a tendency currently to suggest that students should be protected from ideas that may make them feel uncomfortable”.

“Free speech is one of the most precious freedoms ever established and universities above all should be placed where it is cherished.”

The OfS is the new main regulator of the higher education sector, replacing the Higher Education Funding Council for England last January.

Photo: Brooke Cagle @Wikimedia Commons

56% of female survivors of sexual violence in Greater Manchester are not able to access support

Written by Josh Sandiford on . Posted in News.

A new report has revealed that over half of all women that have survived sexual violence in Greater Manchester have not been able to access the support services they need.

The Voices of Survivors: Hearing Women for Change report, produced by the Voices of Survivors (VOS) Partnership, is made up of MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health), Manchester Rape Crisis, Trafford Rape Crisis, and Manchester Metropolitan University.

The new report states that 56% of female survivors of sexual violence in Greater Manchester are not able to access support. It also found that the main barriers facing women in accessing support include where they live, women’s perceptions of their experience and inconsistent support.

Some women claimed that their reasons for not speaking out are due to fear of being judged, and some said they were not able to access support in their area.

The report found that where women live is particularly important when assessing the likelihood of receiving the aid they require, with those from Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside less likely to be able to find help.

According to the report, specialist charities are the most helpful source of support for those that might have experienced sexual violence.

VOS are calling for long-term change, bought about by the “establishment of a Greater-Manchester wide network of survivors, third sector organisations and statutory partners”.

Cate Allison, CEO of MASH, said: “In this report we hear the voices of hundreds of brave women in our area who have experienced sexual violence.

“Throughout this research it has been shocking to hear that so many have been unable to access the help they need.

“The VOS Partnership sees this important research as the beginning of a step forward for the better in Greater Manchester which will mean female survivors don’t face these barriers to accessing vital support.”

The research has been compiled from the responses of almost 400 women, gained commission by the VOS Partnership and has recently received funding by Lloyds Bank Foundation.

Photo: Darren Robinson Photography

Review: ‘Cinderella’

Written by Emily Cushlow on . Posted in Theatre.

‘Cinderella’ was a perfect fit for the welcoming and cosy atmosphere of the Oldham Coliseum. Clearly a family friendly venue, the audience was filled with people of all ages and groups: families, work outings, and friends. At a time when pantomime could be considered a dying art and with a very varied audience to entertain, director and writer Kevin Shaw worked hard to pair the traditional slapstick and improvisation of the pantomime with more current references, by no means an easy task.

However, the pairing worked well for the most part, the cast transitioning easily from a rendition of YouTube hit ‘Baby Shark’ to a good old-fashioned round of “He’s behind you!” There were moments perhaps too crude for much of the older audience (and in all honesty, too crude for me), thanks to the Ugly Squeezepocket Sisters. But for the most part the fine line between humour and crudeness was balanced well. The sisters (played by Simeon Truby and Fine Time Fontayne) were a dynamic duo, and played off each other very well – anything that slipped over the line of crudeness only further delighted the younger audience members!

Such a varied script could only be carried off by a strong cast, and Shaw presented a diverse cast that clearly relished working with one another. Shorelle Hepkin played a vibrant and energetic Cinderella, with a radiant smile rivaled by nobody else on stage. Her Prince Charming, Chante Faucher, provided a strong performance, made even more impressive in the pin-thin high heeled boots she flitted across the stage in with ease.

The stand out performance of the night came from Sue Devaney, a veteran of the Coliseum, who carried out a brilliant performance of the wicked stepmother Vyella. Devaney played to the crowd’s response well and fuelled her performance further with humoured interactions. Her vocals added further to her performance, a step above what might usually be called for in a pantomime.

Devaney also featured in arguably the best scene of the night, even if it was accidentally so; a seeming lapse in memory amongst the stepmother and sisters created a moment of improvisation that led the audience to laugh out loud, myself included. Pantomime lends itself well to moments like these, and credit should be given to how well this scene was carried out.

Further mentions should be given to the beautiful scenery, and to the back-up dancers who performed with energy and elegance throughout the show, displaying a level of professionalism above their age. Overall, a light-hearted and fun night for anyone looking for a laugh, and a way to ease into the festive spirit. Definitely worth the trip over to Oldham!

Extended Play Photo: The Mancunion

EP Review: Extended Play by I Don’t Know How But They Found Me

Written by Eleanor Roberts on . Posted in Music.

The two-man band I Don’t Know How But They Found Me, self-styled as iDKHow, have released their debut EP – wittily titled Extended Play — and it has definitely not disappointed. Whilst the majority of the tracks had been heard previously, either as singles or live, the long-awaited studio version of ‘Social Climb’ is a pleasing addition to those who have been fans since the days early in 2017 when the band denied even its own existence.

The jaunty, 1980s-esque nature of Extended Play adds to the mysterious nature of what has been called ‘the band out of time’ as part of its concept as an obscure group from that era. ‘Bleed Magic’ and ‘Do It All The Time’ are particularly striking at fitting this aesthetic, and the brief ‘Introduction’ features a bizarre (and somewhat unsettling) voice which briefly transitions from an album introduction to what appears to be the start of a children’s read-along book.

The only previously-unheard track other than ‘Introduction’ on the EP is ‘Absinthe’. The witty wordplay in which Dallon Weekes, the bassist and lead singer, declares that “absinthe makes the heart grow fonder”, adds to the song’s charm. Additionally, the darker undertones of “burning all the witches” reflects the continuing theme within the band’s tracks of more morally questionable lyrics and an upbeat tune; this is particularly noticeable in the first proper track on the EP, which was indeed one of the first songs to be released as a single by iDKHow – ‘Choke’. As the title may be taken to imply, the lyrics discuss their addressee’s death by choking, which Weekes sings that he would be happy to observe. Indeed, ‘Bleed Magic’ has been stated to have been based on a fictional narrative based solely around Weekes’ desire to write a “happy sounding dark song”.

However, perhaps due in part to its biting sarcasm and much more realistic nature than, for example, ‘Choke’, the closing track ‘Do It All The Time’ truly shows a cynical yet entertaining dig at others. Its theme of mocking those who do as they please is vindictively pleasing, but the character and energy within the song gives it its shine. Part of this energy is reflected in the unusual flourishes added within the tracks; for example, ‘Bleed Magic’ features a small “oops” which Weekes left in after he knocked over a glass. Similarly, the same song has a sound strongly reliant on heavy breathing to create its effects.

I Don’t Know How But They Found Me have achieved a remarkable level of success given that this is their first release of anything other than singles. Both Dallon Weekes and Ryan Seaman have placed time and effort into this project, and this definitely shines through on this EP. Now, all that is left to do is to wait with anticipation for the full-length album…

9/10

Photo: Kacper Kosmaty

Live Review: Bugzy Malone (WHP x MIF)

Written by Shivani Kaura on . Posted in Music.

Bugzy Malone demonstrates just why he is King of the North, as he puts on not one, but two shows to promote the opening of The Factory as part of Manchester International Festival. This special edition saw Malone, a somewhat outsider of the traditional London grime scene, make a confident return to the stage since his tour almost a year ago.

The Crumpsall-born 27-year-old MC, named after the 1976 children’s gangster musical, earned himself a name after featuring on Fire in the Booth with Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Listing inspirations from Tupac Shakur to Quentin Tarantino, Malone grew up merging his influences of rap music with his struggles in prison as a juvenile.

Using his narrative lyricism to put “Manny on the map”, there was no better place to see the man himself. Malone’s quick tongue with a deep Mancunian accent to capture the pressures he faced growing up in Manchester, facing admissions of criminality, depression and debt, compensated with pop song hooks, left the young audience roaring for more.

Although the venue was somewhat chilly and WHP drinks prices raided my back account to keep me warm, Malone sure whipped up a sweat in the crowd, beginning mosh pits that would have left heavy metal fans jealous. The physical presence on stage, exemplified by Malone’s captivating energy and sweat-soaked clothes, showed that he had given this well-thought-out performance his all.

Blending his hard edge with the likes of soul sensation Rag ‘n’ Bone Man to create ‘Run’, Malone demonstrated that grime doesn’t just belong to one stereotype. Shifting from the crowd-pleaser ‘Memory Lane’, sharing lyrics from Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’, there was no better way to end the night for a crowd of Mancunians.

As someone who has seen Malone a handful of times before, this gig was undoubtedly the best I have seen so far. It was a privilege to be in the presence of the man who gave grime a name up North. A self-made trendsetter, unique and confessional, Buzy Malone really has shown his contribution to the evolution of grime.

10/10

Photo: Bicep @ The Mancunion (Jake Oliver)

Live Review: Bicep (WHP x MIF)

Written by Jake Oliver on . Posted in Music.

Whilst The Warehouse Project continues to deliver a stellar season of events, a collaboration with Manchester International Festival sees The Mayfield Depot play host to some of the industry’s biggest and brightest stars. This special edition series is poised to hype the opening of The Factory, a brand new cultural centre being developed in Manchester. Joining previous headliners Bonobo and Bugzy Malone, it was now down to techno titans Bicep to wrap up this series of special events – and they most certainly delivered.

As headliners go, Bicep are more than deserving. The duo, comprised of Matt McBriar and Andy Ferguson, have been a formidable force on the scene for just over a decade now, having progressed steadily from an online blog to a now seemingly-unstoppable powerhouse of musical and visual delights.

The Mayfield Depot was a perfect emulation of classic underground rave scenes – a spacious, slightly chilly, warehouse with a charming, derelict aesthetic. It seemed like an apt place for Bicep to perform, having blossomed from such similar settings.

‘Rain’, a track from their beautifully produced debut album, opens up their performance. The duo appeared in the middle of an expansive set design full of hypnotic visuals, courtesy of lighting designer Stuart Bailes. Swirling, vibrant colours enhanced the entire experience, drenching the audience in a sea of blues, greens and reds. Later, the piercing synths of ‘Opal’ earn Bicep a riotous scream from the crowd below them, before the visuals shift dramatically to an almost foreboding orange tone. The atmosphere was one of both tangible electricity and tranquillity.

It was, however, the encore that solidified the night as a triumph. Re-emerging from the darkness, McBriar and Ferguson launched the crowd in to ‘Glue’ for one final celebration. This was their defining moment – a moment that unified everyone within the vastness of the Depot.

As someone who rarely dabbles in techno, Bicep undoubtedly left a profound mark on me. It was a privilege to have witnessed such a performance, which in itself only reaffirms the sheer talent that the duo possess. Any artist that causes a shift in perspective deserves to be praised, and I cannot praise Bicep enough.

As festival lineups begin to come to light, keep a look out for Bicep on the bill and then immediately buy your ticket to see them. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

10/10

Kurt Vile Photo: Bella Fleming @ Mancunion

Live Review: Kurt Vile

Written by Bella Fleming on . Posted in Music.

Seeing Kurt Vile and the Violators live is an experience one will not forget in a hurry.

Manchester’s Albert Hall provided the perfect backdrop for witnessing the god-like Kurt Vile play live, what with its stained glass windows and historical significance.

Although the support acts were unique, they were definitely fitting. Mary Lattimore and Meg Baird playing the harp with beautifully airy voices was a pleasure to watch, intriguing the crowd with their talent and warming them up for Vile’s performance.

Kurt Vile and the Violators opened the show with a bang, playing the leading single ‘Loading Zones’ from Vile’s newest album Bottle It In as the first song. The crowd were immediately drawn in, singing all the words back to him. The quality of his voice and guitar playing live immediately took me by surprise, almost replicating his studio version.

Throughout the gig, Kurt Vile played the perfect balance of songs from his new and old albums, which seemed to please every fan in the room. ‘Bassackwards’, a track from his newest album, had to be one of the best-played songs of the evening as Vile’s deeply strong vocals resonated beautifully throughout the Albert Hall.

Lao worth a mention is Vile’s incredible guitar solos during many of his older songs including ‘Walkin on a Pretty Day’. Vile and his two guitarists played in perfect unison, effortlessly exchanging riffs between the three of them. Despite being rather a long track, the crowd remained mesmerised and seemed almost disappointed when the song finally came to an end.

In complete contrast to the instrumental heavy ‘Walkin on a Pretty Day’ was the song ‘Peeping Tomboy’, a track from Vile’s 2017 album with Courtney Barnett, Lotta Sea Lice. Although Vile performed this song alone on stage with just his acoustic guitar, hearing the song in its rawest form was just as amazing as the studio version. Kurt Vile managed to completely fill the venue with his authentic and almost improvised demeanour.

Closing the show was ‘Wild Imagination’ from Kurt Vile’s 2015 album b’lieve i’m goin down… and it was a sorry sight to see him leave the stage. After a period of intense cheering from the crowd demanding an encore, he came back on the play his hit ‘Pretty Pimpin’, and the crowd were utterly elated.

Kurt’s dedicated fanbase had expectations that were not only met but wildly exceeded.  As he changed guitar after every song, it became clear that despite the slightly wayward and wacky lyrics in his songs, Kurt Vile’s talent and ability is nothing but serious as he guided his fans through his spiritual set.

Kurt Vile is nothing but himself on stage: a guitar-loving, frizzy-haired American musician. His aim is not to appeal to the masses or put on a lacklustre big show that would lose his connection with fans. He is instead there to simply play his music to his loyal fans.

Seeing him live in one of Manchester’s most beautiful venues was an absolute pleasure.

9/10

Education Photo: The Tutor Trust

University students successfully tutoring disadvantaged pupils

Written by Rona McCann on . Posted in News.

A report has found that a scheme which sees university students provide extra tuition to disadvantaged school pupils has been successful in its aim of improving pupils’ academic progress.

The scheme is run by The Tutor Trust, a charity that trains university students and recent graduates to act as academic tutors for small groups of pupils. 80% of tutors teaching in Manchester are students from the University of Manchester.

The report was based on a randomised control trial conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation. The trial involved 1,290 pupils from 105 primary schools across Greater Manchester and Leeds and examined the impact of maths tuition on those in Year 6.

The study found that the pupils who were selected to receive 12 hours of extra tuition as part of The Tutor Trust’s scheme ended up making the equivalent of three months’ more progress than their classmates.

Stephanie Lee, Head of Widening Participation at the University of Manchester, said that The Tutor Trust aims to “reduce the gaps in outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing the type of academic support that is often unobtainable for families from low-income backgrounds.”

Throughout the 2017/18 academic year, 300 tutors provided 17,000 sessions to 3,000 disadvantaged young people from schools in Greater Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool. At the start of the academic year, only 23% of these pupils were working at a level expected for their age. By the end of their time with The Tutor Trust, this figure had risen to 77%.

The report also showed that the work of The Tutor Trust has also had a positive impact on the progress of GCSE-level pupils. 74% of pupils provided with additional maths tuition with the scheme achieved a GCSE grade of at least 4 – equal to the old grading system’s C grade.

Stephanie Lee, Head of Widening Participation at the University of Manchester, has said that The Tutor Trust aims to “reduce the gaps in outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing the type of academic support that is often unobtainable for families from low-income backgrounds.”

Co-founders of Tutor Trust, Nick Bent and Abigail Shapiro have added: “We are transforming tuition so that the attainment and aspirations of the young people we serve can be transformed.

“As a charity, we are unique in Britain in offering a tuition service to schools that is high quality, high impact, and yet low cost.”

Additional tuition to go alongside school studies is usually only an affordance of pupils from more affluent backgrounds, with the average hour-long session costing £27.

To find out more about The Tutor Trust and how you can become a tutor, visit www.thetutortrust.org.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Pollution, Crime, Homelessness: The State of the City

Written by Felix Hanif-Banks on . Posted in Investigations.

Manchester City Council’s annual ‘State of the City’ report has detailed critical pollution levels in some of the city’s key areas, while homelessness figures soar, and crime reaches previously unseen levels.

The report seeks to give Manchester residents a detailed insight into all aspects of life in the city, covering 5 broad aims: sustainability, high skills, progressiveness and equitability, livability (environmental issues), and finally making Manchester ‘a connected city’.

Manchester City Council has published the report each year since 2016 as part of its long-term plan to “be in the top flight of world-class cities by 2025.”

The ‘Progressive and Equitable’ chapter of the report tackles homelessness and rough sleeping. The rate of rough sleepers comes to 0.42 per 1000 households, over twice the average for major cities, placing second only behind Bristol. The report highlights The Longford Centre, opened in January 2018, which has helped 108 previously homeless people find independent, secure accommodation.

Homelessness presents itself incredibly visibly in Manchester with rough sleeping being very prominent across the city, but other forms of homelessness are also rife in Manchester. The use of temporary housing has risen 319% from 2010 as the number of families without a fixed residence now sits at 1,483.

While the council “[anticipates] that 750 households will be rehoused over the next financial year,” it is unclear how they aim to achieve this. Over the last year, the council “has committed to buying 15 properties for larger families,” and a further 100 homes have been made available for homeless families from what are referred to as “Registered Providers,” but there are no further details given in the report.

Pollution remains an issue across the city, mostly affecting those in less affluent areas, as well as students. As far back as 2010 (and most likely longer as these were the earliest published statistics), Oxford Road has been significantly over the limit for NO2 air content of 40 μg/m3, and while slow progress seems to have been made since 2015, NO2 levels still sit at 65 μg/m3.

Alternative modes of transport appear to be slowly rising in popularity, possibly providing an explanation for the equally small fall in pollutants. Metrolink, rail, and walking have all seen slight increases as commuting options, while bus and car users are down by 2% and 3% respectively.

Many Fallowfield residents will be pleased by the council’s acknowledgement that “a quarter of our roads are in poor or very poor condition,” and planned investment will increase the number of roads rated “good/very good” to 64% by 2022. (Author’s note: I will publish an article in 2022 that is just a picture of Granville Road if it stays in its current medieval state.)

Crime has risen across Manchester by essentially every metric available. Overall, victim-based crime has seen a 17% increase from 2016/17, with the more notable increases being with rape offences (which have more than doubled) and “Robbery of personal property.”

The council claims that many of the increases seen in the last year come as a result of changes to how GMP record crimes, but the steady increase in many crime figures would suggest that this isn’t always the case. Crimes recorded as “Violence without injury” have risen by almost 10,000 to nearly 17,500 from 2015/16. The report focuses on GMP schemes to stop knife crime, highlighting schemes for officers engaged in foot patrols to search for “weapons and knives hidden in shrubbery and street furniture.”

There has been a marked increase in the number of hate crimes across Manchester, with figures rising 57% from 2015/16. Most significant among these are hate crimes motivated by religion, with incidents of Islamophobia accounting for 318 of reports in 2017/18. However, an increase in reports is considered to be not entirely negative by GMP, as it indicates a willingness from victims of hate crime to come forward.

Photo: TaxCredits.net

Sex & drugs & rock ‘n’ roll – where UoM invests your fees

Written by miagair1 on . Posted in Investigations.

The Mancunion has looked into which companies the University of Manchester directly holds shares in.

The portfolio includes businesses operating around the world and features brands like Durex, GlaxoSmithKline, and the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

The world of drugs and pharmaceuticals often comes up in debates about access to medicines around the world, animal testing, and exponential price rises in pursuit of profit. Despite the complications, the University continues to invest in pharmaceutical companies around the world.

One of these is GlaxoSmithKline, a global firm with its headquarters in London turning over around £25bn a year through its drugs, vaccines, and consumer products. Some of their consumer brands include good old Horlicks, Aquafresh toothpaste, and everyone’s childhood favourite, Calpol.

The University also invests in another drug company, Bayer Global. As well as drugs and consumer products, Bayer owns brands in crop science and animal health. One of these is Roundup Herbicide, which produces the weed-killer that prompted calls for a ban in the UK.

Another investment choice by the University is in Reckitt Benckiser — a multi-national company that owns many well-known household brands. It sells everything for your perfectly-curated date night. You have Air Wick to create that sensual scent sensation and Dettol to scrub up your Oak House room. If it all goes well you also have Durex to practice safe sex.

Perhaps it’s not so ideal for the University then that young people today are almost three times as likely to opt out of being sexually active. But, alas, being dubbed the ‘sensible’ generation of ‘snowflakes’ may result in a record high of antibacterial sales. Therefore the university might win as much as it loses.

No eclectic range of investment options would be complete though without a bit of rock ‘n’ roll. The University has thankfully got this covered; holding shares in Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The company is famous for its hotels, casinos, and retail spaces.

Some of them include Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Hotel and Casino resort in Macao, China. In America there is of course, The Palazzo and The Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip. The latter boasts an in-house chapel for all your quickie wedding needs, a nightclub housing a 20-foot Buddha statue; and of course, Gondola rides to make guests think they could reach Italy without leaving the US borders. So, if your Oak House date goes extremely well, the University’s investments have you covered for that next marital step.

The University also has a stake in businesses operating in fields such as construction, banking, mining, carmaking and technology. It has shares in Google-owner Alphabet and its Chinese equivalent Baidu. It also has an interest in many Japanese banks, as well as Wells Fargo, the US finance giant which has been mired in a string of scandals. In 2016 it was fined $185m for creating millions of unauthorised accounts to hit sales targets.

Seemingly, it’s a bit of a strange mix of investment options for the University. However,  all are known to be profitable, and help the University to grow from big to bigger. Having said this, investments made up less than 1% of the University’s income in 2017-18. So, while you might question some of its investment choices, they’re a small contribution in comparison to other funding sources.

The Mancunion’s previously reported on ethically controversial companies in the University’s management portfolio, for example Caterpillar, who allegedly supplied the armoured bulldozers that Israeli military forces used to destroy Palestinian homes, and an array of fossil fuel companies. Two weeks ago, it was reported that the University almost doubled their fossil fuel investments in the past year.

In response, a University spokesperson said: “The University works closely with its investment managers to ensure our portfolio complies with the University’s published Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) policy and considers Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues as well as financial factors.

“The SRI policy we have developed allows the University to pursue an ethical investment approach, whilst minimising and potential negative impact on its investment returns.”

Photo: Public Speaking Society.

Shout out: public speaking skills in business

Written by julietteflach on . Posted in Societies.

On Thursday 8th November, students from the University of Manchester rocked up to the Manchester Technology Centre ready for an evening targeted at improving individuals public speaking skills in business. The event was part of  Manchester Entrepreneurs’ skills programme with the evening’s workshops and competition facilitated by the UoM Public Speaking Society.

Rather than make you jealous of all the lucky people who made it to the event, I’ll give you a treat instead. Here come three top public speaking skills you can relate to any of your business needs. Firstly, know your stuff. Secondly, master your style. Finally, think of the audience.

So how do these work in practice?

When you’re using any form of public speaking in business, it is so essential to know your stuff. You need to know your product, business, or personal skills inside out. Not only will this allow you to walk into a pitch, interview, or meeting feeling personally prepared, but this confidence will also come across to those in front of you. As a result, your speech will appear naturally full of passion and based on knowledge rather than blagging!

It is essential to develop your own style. Whether you opt for a professional or informal approach, own it! A good technique is to record yourself giving a speech and watch it back. Take note of your stance, body language, and use of the space. Alternatively, come along to the Public Speaking Society, where we carry out workshops to help you master your vocal and visual speaking style.

My number one piece of advice is to remember you’re speaking to humans. This may seem like a bizarre statement rather than a top tip, but trust me, it can be a key to public speaking. When you remember you’re speaking to humans, you can tailor the information you give them, to ensure key unique selling points or sales statistics are covered. But this advice also benefits your style. When you’re feeling nervous, just remember you are speaking to humans, no more or less important than you or I.

Yet another piece of great news is the fact that you can hear more tips of the trade and put these words into practice. Feel free to come along to the weekly UoM Public Speaking Society sessions every Tuesday 6pm at University Place 2.220 (information can be found on Facebook). You can also develop more business skills through Manchester Entrepreneurs‘ regular events – for up and coming events, keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Fuse FM x Comsoc: A CALM Time

Written by Chloe Hatton on . Posted in Societies.

On a cold, rainy Manchester autumn night, where better to be than the cosy basement of Solomon’s, watching a comedy show? The latest collaboration between Fuse FM and the Comedy Society, the show on the 12th of November was all about having a great time whilst raising money for a great cause.

An eclectic mix of formats and personalities, A CALM Time, had something for everyone. The Comedy Society provided a mix of sketches and stand ups, and was a great chance for performers to showcase their talent before their big show later on this semester. Highlights included an angsty Scottish magician, a ‘whine tasting’ sketch, and some excellent stand up from one of the organisers, Annabelle Devey. Fuse FM presenters also joined in the fun, with a raucous and, quite frankly, bizarre performance from the hosts of Clown Syndrome.

Martha Bolton, Fuse FM’s Head of Events, said “this has been really fun. We’ve never done anything with the Comedy Society before, but we’ve made such good friends and we’re definitely looking to collaborate with more societies in the future!”

A brief interlude in the spoken comedy came from the Student Union’s very own Mathew Kerry, playing an intimate, acoustic set for us. His songs are not just about your typical boy-meets-girl subject matter, no. Highlights of his set included one song about a failed one night stand with a lesbian (from Bolton), a song about eczema, and even one featuring Manchester’s crowning glory – the Magic Bus. Amongst all this, there were some wonderfully poignant moments that really added an extra dimension to his songs.

Photo: Fuse FM

However, the night wasn’t just all about having fun. The £275 raised from the performance is being donated to CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably. CALM are a charity that focus on preventing male suicide, the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. The cause is one that is very close to the Comedy Society’s heart, and one they feel very strongly about.

“When you know someone that will be personally affected by the work that the charity you’re raising money for does, it really helps motivate you to help as much as possible. These issues are more prevalent than people realise,” Devey says.

“University teaches you so much socially as well as academically, and I believe we really do have a duty to be socially conscious.”

“We, as students, are in such a good position,” adds ComSoc chair, Jordan Vincent. “We’re given so much support from the university and the Students’ Union, funding, and rehearsal space. It’s the least we can do to give some of that back to a good cause.

“As for the performance, it was a roaring success. We had such a good turnout, and to see the audience laughing and to see the performances that everyone has worked on so hard for so many months – all our work has paid off.”

Coming up, Fuse FM are looking to release podcasts of Fuse Live events, as well as collaborating with MCFS, a new student-run charity fashion show, giving hands-on aid to the homeless in Manchester. The Comedy Society are focusing on their winter showcase and, even further ahead, their run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

If you want to get involved with either Fuse FM or the Comedy Society, check out their Facebook pages for upcoming events, or tune in to Fuse FM on their website.