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Month: October 2011

Student crushed to death in nightclub

Written by Ellen Conlon on . Posted in News.

A young woman has died in a “stampede”, in a Northampton night club.

Two others remain critically ill and at least eight people were treated for minor injuries, all thought to be the result of crushing in the Lava & Ignite nightclub.

Nabila Nanfuka, 22, is believed to have suffered a heart attack after being crushed on a landing area halfway down a staircase.

She studied leisure and tourism at Northampton University.

Up to 1,300 students from across the UK attended the event, DNA Presents Wickedest Wickedest, a hip-hop and R&B night.

It was due to go on until 4am but at 3.30am managers began moving everyone towards the exits.

James Adetula, who attended the event says, “It was ‘everybody the coaches are leaving, make your way to the exits,’ so everybody went for the exits. The next minute the fire alarm went off and everybody started panicking. There was obviously a stampede of people in there when the fire alarm went off.”

Over 2,500 people have joined a Facebook page set up in memory of Nanfuka.

Emergency services said they were called to the club shortly after 3.30am. Supt Andy Cox of Northamptonshire police said that officers will be working with the club, the event’s organisers and local authorities to work out exactly what happened.

Officers will also look at CCTV footage from inside and outside the club.

Lava & Ignite issued a statement saying the venue would be closed temporarily. Northampton Council will carry out a review of the club’s licence.

A spokesperson for Luminar, which runs the club, said the company would “cooperate fully with police to find out exactly what happened.”

Album: The Kooks – Junk of the Heart

Written by Jon Taylor on . Posted in Music.

The Kooks
Junk of the Heart
Virgin Records

2 out of 5

Love them or hate them, The Kooks’ 2006 debut album Inside In/Inside Out was admittedly packed full of catchy, toe-tapping pop songs, tracks like ‘Naïve’ and ‘She Moves in Her Own Way’ helping them become every schoolgirl’s favourite indie band and secure two top-ten singles. Fast forward five years and The Kooks return with third offering Junk of the Heart, hoping to make amends for 2008’s critically, and commercially disappointing Konk.

It’ll come as no surprise to most then, that this album once again fails to live up to the mark. Junk of the Heart comes across as a record made by a band who have clearly lost their way, as well as their relevance. Luke Pritchard’s lyrics appear weak, and even his distinctive voice disappoints too, especially in opening track ‘Junk of the Heart (Happy)’ when he struggles to cram in an extra syllable during a cringeworthy chorus of “I wanna make you happy/I wanna make you feel alive.”

The Kooks are clearly desperate to record another ‘Naïve,’ and have pulled out all the cliché 2011 indie tricks in the book. ‘Runaway’ takes a more synth-pop/electronic direction, but like most of the album sounds weak and is instantly forgettable.

There are some high points here, ‘Is It Me’ is as catchy as some of the band’s earlier material and is an obvious choice for lead single despite once again being lyrically poor, whereas other tracks such as ‘Killing Me’ start off promisingly, only to be let down by weak choruses. With this record it seems hard to imagine the Kooks reliving their ‘glory days’ of a few summers back, especially considering that the fan base that propelled them to arena status are now much older and wiser. Junk of the Heart shows The Kooks to be a band who are desperately running out of ideas.

Album: Anthrax – Worship Music

Written by Tom Geddes on . Posted in Music.

Anthrax
Worship Music
Nuclear Blast

4 out of 5

Over the last twenty years, Anthrax have seemingly been the laughing stock of the big four. Metallica had the record sales, Megadeth the pure technical excellence and Slayer had the heavy. Anthrax meanwhile would be off adding guitars to Public Enemy’s ‘Bring Tha Noize’ and changing their frontman every twelve seconds; within the past three years alone, they replaced short time vocalist Dan Nelson with previous vocalist John Bush before deciding to bring back another former vocalist Joey Belladonna. Needless to say, the long awaited Worship Music is make or break time for Anthrax, and they know it.

Long before the intro Worship is over, you realise that Worship Music is going to be the heaviest set of tunes Anthrax have put to record for a long, long time. Smashing you over the head with crisp riffs and, to Belladonna’s credit, still rather powerful vocals, this isn’t the celebration of Anthrax’s past that it could easily have been; more so, it is a statement of intent for the future. ‘Fight ‘Em Till You Can’t’, whilst on paper a ridiculous number about fighting off singing zombies, turns out in actuality to be one of the catchiest thrash metal songs for what seems like an age. But the big treat to find on Worship Music is ‘In The End.’  Both knowingly ambitious and surprisingly delicate at parts, this is where Belladonna really shines through and silences any critics who called for the brief John Bush reunion to be ongoing.

With Metallica noodling around with Lou Reed, now is a perfect time for Anthrax to pounce with the album of their career. With Worship Music, they may just have done this. Heavy, melodic, catchy and confident, it’s time to give Anthrax the respect they deserve.

All abroad!

Written by Richard Crook on . Posted in Features.

My reaction to the idea of the Study Abroad study abroad scheme is the same as most students. Genuinely believing “that’d sounds really interesting I’d love to do that,” then never taking any initiative to actually go for it. But this is a crying shame, for it is a once in a lifetime experience that we should be embracing. So, to try and show you what you’re missing, these are a collection of first-hand stories.

University of California, Los Angeles
Shaurna Cameron

My trip was to the one and only Los Angeles, CA. Initially when I arrived I was taken aback by the palm trees and the friendliness of the people. I was called ma’am so many times that I started to believe that people thought it was my name! But when I stepped out of the airport and into the immense heat that envelops Los Angeles it was love at first sight. After a year in rainy Manchester, feeling the sun beating down on my back was great.

In terms of academics I am finding that everything is more relaxed. You’re allowed to eat in lectures and ask a lot of questions without being told to wait until the end of class. Professors encourage you to come to office hours and are more than happy to help with any issues you have. They especially love an English accent!

Although losing the familiarity of Manchester is a little hard to get used to, I can honestly say that I could complete my degree in LA. You miss your friends for a while but everyone is so polite it’s easy to meet new people.

I think Manchester could definitely benefit from the sense of belonging that UCLA students feel to their university. The “Bruins”, as they are known, see their university as a family despite the fact that it so big. If Manchester’s students had that kind of kinship it could make for an even better experience.

Have I got any advice for people thinking of studying here? Well, firstly Americans find the English accent really difficult, so make it easier on yourself by learning the idioms. Throw out your trousers and embrace the pants!

Also, you come here not knowing anybody and you can’t go home on weekends. As such, I’d really encourage you to make an effort to speak to people and take part in the international programs, clubs and activities the university offers.

Study abroad is not just something that looks good on your CV. It’s an opportunity to mix with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and hopefully learn things about yourself that you never knew before. If for nothing else coming to UCLA gave me the opportunity to meet Spiderman in Hollywood!

Sydney University
Imogen McRoberts

Welcome to Sydney University. ‘Arrive and thrive’ is the motto, which repeatedly rolls off the tongues of the very witty, very helpful and very ‘Australian’ Study Abroad team. However, at that point I was more thinking ‘Hello bed!’ with the jetlag. The first two weeks were a daze, a hazy blur of confusion. Frustrating though it was, it was also very thrilling. Upon arrival I was struck by an excess of warmth from various different people from an array of ages and backgrounds. I thought, “You don’t find this in England, no one’s that helpful.”

Since being here, I have discovered the wonders of good weather and the impact that has on University life. There is usually a free BBQ somewhere on campus and a range of activities and events going on throughout the semester, much of which take place outdoors. Walk to classes and there is music is playing; kids are flyering about one issue or another, free t-shirts during the elections and free sweets. Even the most British of Brits couldn’t moan about that.

Probably the most enjoyable aspect of life at Sydney so far has been the diverse subjects I have been able to take. Whilst being here I have studied MEN: Masculinity, Mateship and Men’s Lives (yes boys, we’re on to you!). This seems to be a subject that, although not strictly Australian, has much focus within Australian intellects. I have also taken two subjects with regard to the Indigenous people of this country. One about their contemporary art and another regarding their place in ‘Modern’ society. These two subjects have opened my eyes and my mind to an issue I would have never been aware of. I have been introduced to some amazing Australian culture, whether it is film, art or people in general. It’s a far cry away from the stereotypical Ozzie that I had preconceived before I arrived! There is some truly inspiring creativity taking place here.

In my semester break I took a ten-day holiday and without exaggeration, it has been one of my favourite holidays yet. I went up the coast, chasing the sun and found the beaches and the sea. There were three main parts to my travel, a sailing trip, a tour on Fraser Island (‘Oh no, a Dingo ate my baby!’) and lastly to Byron bay, the land of love and freedom! On this adventure I met some beautiful people, mostly backpackers but the few Ozzies I met were gracious and generous. This includes the three inbreeds who were attending a wedding – ‘Yeah we’re, like inbred, you know. It’s kinda weird but we’re a close family.’ The trip made me want to travel and see the rest of Australia because it is so large and so diverse from place to place.
Overall, the experience I’ve had in Australia has been heart-warming. I have had the opportunity to interact with people from many parts of the world and have been shown generosity beyond belief. Although I have missed friends and family, it is important to step outside one’s comfort zone and by doing this in Sydney, I have reaped many rewards!

Singapore University
Oliver Reynolds

I arrived in Singapore on 29th July 2011, as term starts in early August here, flying straight from Ho Chi Minh City and thus experiencing a double culture shock as Singapore was unlike either Vietnam or the long-distant UK. A megacity-state with a population of 5 million: ultra-clean, green, organized, urbanized, modern and overwhelmingly humid.

I was shown around by my Welcome Buddy, but spent the rest of the first day milling around trying to infiltrate a group of exchange students or else target a loner and form my own group. I found one in the shop at my new halls, but as I desperately tried to start a conversation with him I discovered he was the 14-year-old brother of another student! After that fail, I just went back to my room to unpack. Luckily, I met my next-door neighbour, a Canadian guy called Sam, who introduced me to his new friends.

From there it was fine, as I’d done the whole meeting people and heavy socialising in Freshers’ Week (or Welcome Week is it nowadays?) in first year.
The first couple of weeks felt like being in Disneyland. We went to the well-kempt Botanic Gardens, to a beach party on the heavily-manicured and artificial (but nonetheless fun) Sentosa island, hiking round the MacRitchie Reservoir Nature Reserve among cute, yet teeth-baring, macaques and sampled a collection of very plush but extremely expensive nightclubs (where I purchased one bottle of Tiger beer for $20 – or £10! It was no Fifth Ave).

Singapore has so many laws, including no spitting, public speeches, jay-walking, or smoking/drinking/eating on the immaculately clean MRT (metro) system. I frequently forget about the no drinking law, which incurs a fine of $250 (even for water), always glancing around guiltily and hoping nobody will report me. Yet on the other hand, drinking alcohol in the streets is perfectly legal, as is prostitution. It’s a bizarre country of contradictions.

The National University of Singapore campus itself is absolutely stunning: dotted with exotic banyan trees and set among gentle hills with hi-tech and state-of-the-art academic and sports facilities all served by (usually) efficient shuttle buses, which also visit the main halls of residence.

Finally, arguably the best thing about Singapore is the incredible opportunity to travel around Southeast Asia very cheaply, taking budget airlines and staying in hostels even just for the weekend due to its proximity to some of the world’s best travel hotspots. It’s only halfway through the first semester and I’ve already been to Malaysia, Brunei, Bali, Java and Bintan (Indonesia) with trips to climb Mt. Kinabalu and tour Thailand on the cards. And I’m not at all rich, especially after having my wallet (and all cards) stolen in Bali.

The food is immense, the culture diverse, the transport cheap and efficient and most of all it’s a very safe city. It makes a pleasant change from living in Longsight.

University of Tennessee
Jessica Higham

Before I left Manchester for Knoxville, Tennessee I thought it would be no competition. I have always loved Manchester and felt that it could never be kicked off its number one place in my heart. It was a case of city vs. campus, my own room vs. sharing, and rain vs. sun (though that latter competition wasn’t too hard fought).

However, Knoxville surprised me and won me round. Those who know me know that this took a while – I was incredibly homesick for the first month or so and found it hard to be somewhere where I only knew a few people, but I don’t think I could have been anywhere more welcoming. The school spirit at Tennessee is mega, and possibly something Manchester could take on board. Everyone is dressed in swathes of orange, with big T’s emblazoned across their chest. You can’t avoid it and it definitely helps that you feel a part of the university.

Sharing a room might seem outrageous to most people back home, but you really do get used to it. Yes, you have to learn to embrace the other person’s alarm and their strange sleeping habits, but after a month or so it becomes second nature. In fact, when I came home to my room it felt strange to be on my own. You get so used to having someone else there. There was one thing at Knoxville that I didn’t succumb too, and that was the backpack and gym shorts combo that everyone sports. When we arrived in Knoxville it was snowing, so I went for the shorts and tights look that many of us in Manchester wear when the weather gets a bit chilly. The stares I got. They had barely ever seen tights before, let alone paired with shorts. If you ever have a doubt about whether you’re fashionable or not, head on over to Knoxville and be put at ease, they adore the English way of dressing (not to mention the accent).

If going to America on study abroad has done one thing for me, it’s completely boosted my self-confidence and what I know I’m now capable of. I would recommend it to everyone, even those home birds who think the idea is a bit daunting – you do come home eventually, and when you do you’ll feel like a new person.
Jess Higham, American Studies, went on exchange to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in semester 2 last year.

If you are feeling inspired by any of this and would like to find what options you might have to study abroad as part of your Manchester degree, then here’s a date for your diary! The annual Study Abroad Fair will take place Tues 25 October, 12 – 4pm in the Whitworth Hall. There you can chat to Manchester students who’ve already been abroad on exchange as well as Study Abroad Unit staff to find out more about the programme. There’ll also be representatives from the Study China and Seoul Summer Study programmes, and the Careers Service who can help advise you on internships abroad/ postgraduate study abroad. Do remember though, the application deadline for many destinations are 15 December 2011. For more information see: www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/studyabroad or email: [email protected]. Nothing to lose by having a look.

Live: Shadowsphere @ Warehouse Project

Written by joe smart on . Posted in Music.

‘The Beginning of the End’
Warehouse Project
17th September

For some, Warehouse Project is a passion, for others, a religion. In what will be its final year at Store Street, WHP have devised a refreshingly different line up which still maintains a comfortingly familiar feel to previous years.

An example of this would be ‘The Beginning of the End’, WHP’s first outing this year. Manchester favourite Skream was steady, not monotonous or boring but consistent, rather than spectacular. Jackmaster offered a more enthusiastic effort, and despite being lumbered with the latest set time of 4am, his quirky and often frantic persuaded many to jump out of the cloakroom line and stick around.

SBTRKT, having released his critically acclaimed self-titled LP this year had much to live up to. Despite an energetic effort, and some inspired mixing, a faulty soundcard somewhere in the depths of his set-up hampered his rhythm, with blotches of silence plaguing the set from start to finish.

Hudson Mohawke was one of the highlights despite drawing smaller support than expected, dropping some beats from his new EP Satin Panthers, which were as unusual as they were crowd-pleasing.

So far, those who had attended the night had been treated to an above average Warehouse, decent slots from all DJs were complimented by a friendly, if a little quiet audience. Then came the arrival of the Shadowsphere, and everything changed.

DJ Shadow’s electrifying display utilised what appeared to be a startlingly complex and detailed light show, centered around a giant orb, almost floating on stage. Taking the shape of a baseball one minute and the Death Star the next, you were hurtled from one banger to another at breakneck speed – scarcely leaving any time to catch your breath.

Shadow’s mesmerising performance was undoubtedly the highlight, with admirable support from a stellar line-up. If WHP has started how it means to go on, it can only mean they are going to leave Store Street with a bang, rather than a whistle.

Column: Top of the Flops?

Written by Tom Hickman on . Posted in Music.

Over the summer I made it my main ambition to maximise whatever spare time I had to catch up on a couple of years of lost literature. Whilst at university, your free time tends to be far better spent trawling through the depths of BBC iPlayer’s back catalogue for something that doesn’t feature Michael McIntyre, or the latest addition from Brian Cox. In spite of going out with good intentions, I soon caught eye of Alex James’ autobiography sitting on the shelf whilst at a friend’s house. I decided to ditch my half-hearted attempts to challenge another Jane Austen and instead learn of the Blur bassist’s incessant quest into drink and drug-fuelled self-indulgence. I took great pleasure in reading of his relentless hedonism throughout the nineties, as he ferried himself from gig to gig, bar to bar, and woman to woman. But what resonated with me more than anything else was not his lifestyle or his constant globetrotting, but how much it meant to him (as a relatively unknown artist) not just to perform on Top of the Pops but more so, to be featured in Smash Hits! magazine.

Both institutions have since ceased to exist, as they both ended production shortly after the turn of the millennium, an ode to the digital age of free downloads. The demise of the top 40 chart has coincided with this downfall, and obviously the declines have been widely attributed to the influx of digital music and its ready availability on the internet. Although NME is still considered by many to be the ‘indie bible’, there has not been a publication that represents popular chart music. And even this sacred offering has seen an unremitting decline in sales in recent years, with the magazine now only having just over 33,000 copies in circulation (as of June 2010), a figure 53% down on the 72,500 of 2003.

With the recent release of magazine ‘We Love Pop’, we have seen an attempt at a return to the days of old, as hoards of teenagers follow their favourite pop stars’ every move. Nevertheless, with this release comes a series of pertinent questions: Will it survive or did Smash Hits! get out at the right time? Has music journalism begun the slow death march towards non-existence?

As the musical juggernaut that is The X Factor enters its eighth year, I’m struck by not just the sheer number of past acts that feature in the upper echelons of music’s hierarchy, but the utter dearth of talent in popular music away from the said programme’s endless production line. I know it’s an easy copout to belittle the X Factor culture within contemporary music, but the constant stream of (attempted) Mariah Carey replicas are going a long way to eradicate any sort of individuality within music. Long gone are the days of a voice and a personality being what you needed to succeed in pop music. You’ve just got to wear a suit of lamb chops or writhe around in skin-tight leather and you’re halfway to getting yourself a number 1 single. The removal of the joy of being young and talented instead being replaced by a “tick-box of what the marketing department wants, with a liberal dash of clod-hoppingly obvious sex on top.”*

Gone are the days of every adolescent etching the Ziggy Stardust lightning bolt across their face. Gone are the gender bending days of Culture Club. Tulisa Contostavlos’ extensive musical achievements are now the adjudicator for what deserves to top our charts and mould the teenage generation. Looks like I might have to dig that old Jane Austen out again.

*Quote – Clair Woodward (Sunday Express)

Vice Magazine launches at Deaf Institute

Written by Edmund Alcock on . Posted in Music.

When: Tuesday 25th October, 8pm – 3am

Where: The Deaf Institute

Boys and Girls, a very, very fun party is coming to town on Tuesday.

Vice: [mass noun]

* immoral or wicked behaviour: an open sewer of vice and crime
* criminal activities involving prostitution, pornography, or drugs: a mobile phone network is being used to peddle vice
* an immoral or wicked personal characteristic: hypocrisy is a particularly sinister vice
* a weakness of character or behaviour; a bad habit: cigars happen to be my father’s vice.

According to my editor, myself and all other decent professional journalists, what I just inserted above is cheating, disgusting journalism and downright laziness. You may think so too.

However! As I am writing this in relation to Vice Magazine’s new launch night at the Deaf Institute on Friday, I am taking free reign in journalistic customs and etiquette – just as Vice would love me to.

In case you are unaware of this anti-establishment, disruptive and highly contrary publication, they happen to be super funny too.

Born in Quebec, now living in NYC, Vice is the king of the bizarre satire in the western world, nay, the Globe.  Like their 27 country worldwide magazine, this night is also free, so there is no reason to not come along and check out what’s on offer.

A new force in ‘future pop’, Purity Ring descends upon Manchester for their first ever gig in the UK.  A hot topic from the streets of Manhattan, they represent Vice’s hometown for good reason. Only a year old, their stammering beats and synth loaded tracks are ever growing in popularity of progressive pop, and are building a catalogue toward a forthcoming 7” and an album within the next 4 months. “Hopefully” by January, says front man Corin Roddick.

Not only that, but the wonderfully named  Boredom are playing as are the melancholic Greatwaves.

Vice are also giving away free American Apparel goody bags for the early birds ‘pon arrival, and what’s more, are also giving away drinks tokens at www.vice.com/issuelaunch. Woohoo!

But what I’m most looking forward to is good ol’ North American college favourite – Beer Pong.

God Bless.

Manchester Young Greens off to a Flying Start

Written by Ceri Wills on . Posted in Societies.

Written by Manchester Young Greens

 

The student population of Manchester is Greener than ever before. At the University of Manchester freshers’ fair in late September, approximately 185 students signed up to become members of the newly founded Manchester Young Greens student society. It seems likely that the principled and consistent stance of the Green Party against the rise in tuition fees carried out by the coalition government has played a role in this apparent surge in Green student support.

A committee of ten members has been established, and several projects are already in development. Notably, the Young Greens are working with other environmental societies to start up a student food cooperative which will – in the words of committee co-chair, Nick Wilkinson – ‘not only combat climate change, but also student poverty by supplying students with affordable food. The Young Greens don’t just agitate for change. We are bringing the change right now.’

What’s more, a food recycling campaign is underway, to supply appropriate food recycling bins to students who do not possess them and to encourage those who do to use them. Manchester Young Greens will be participating in the Student Union’s Climate Action Week, find them in the Students’ Union all this week.

Outlook Festival 2011

Written by Hugo Nicholson on . Posted in Music.

Outlook Festival

Fort Punta Christo, Pula, Croatia

1st – 4th September


Standout Act:

With over 800 artists booked over the 4 days of the festival, choosing one standout act is an extremely difficult task. Everyone had a favourite, and for me this was Jah Shaka, of the South East London-based Jah Shaka Soundsytem. His 6-hour set on the final night kept people going long after they would otherwise have been able to; it was nothing short of phenomenal.

Biggest Flop

This title must surely go to Skream; perhaps the only impressive thing about his appearances on either the Main Stage or the boat party, which he was supposed to be hosting, was his ability to drink. During the latter, this skill rendered him unable to play at all, while on the Main Stage it led to him being forcibly removed, numerous times.

Surprise Package

For those that hadnˈt heard of them, Manchesterˈs very own Broke ˈNˈ English (who run their own night, Ballin’ On A Budget, at Mint Lounge) played one of the most surprisingly good sets at Outlook this year. Whether you’d heard of them or not, they were sublime.

Atmosphere

Despite having to queue for almost everything, the official campsite, overlooking the clear and bright Adriatic Sea, was a beautiful place to be during the day, with various performers playing sets on the beach from sunrise to sunset. The abandoned fort, venue for the late music (6pm to 6am), was indescribable, and the individual venues in and around the fort were all superb in their own right.

Worth the money?

Completely.

Occupy Everything

Written by Jak Dyehouse on . Posted in Opinion.

Manchester. New York. Taipei. Brisbane. Rome. Hong Kong. Buenos Aires. Just seven of the 951 cities in 82 countries where political occupations broke out in October. Though the exact aims of the occupants are fuzzy and unrefined, the reasons for social unrest are plain to even the most isolated of observers – worsening living standards in the face of a sluggish global economic recovery and increasing displeasure with current political practices that leave the “99%” feeling underrepresented or even ignored due to the prioritisation of the interests of business leaders and other elites above the concerns and problems of public.

Until now, unified global action had been a distant pipe-dream due to the range of problems unique to each country – yet it’s easy to see the general source from which the widespread international action has sprung. In the context of social and political unrest following the recession, the recent wave of occupations represent a break from traditional methods of protest. But why occupation? What does the act of bunkering down in one location represent? And why has it become the current popular means of protest?

There are obvious advantages that occupation has over other forms of action. The longer the occupation lasts, the greater the amount of coverage the occupants are likely to accrue – and given the essence of an occupation, protesters must be prepared for the long haul. This provides dissenters with an arena in which they can hold meetings and discussions which are practically impossible in the context of a boisterous march, or a heavily pre-planned static protest in which much of the discussion is already meted out between close groups. By allowing the protest to adapt organically according to the tone and volume of press attention, the protest can more effectively react to the concerns of non-protesters. Moreover, occupation engenders political debate as well as addressing logistical concerns: it is an opportunity to educate people in alternative means of association and politics, who may be new to political activism. A semi-permanent, social media-savvy, widely publicised gathering of dissenters and protestors is, therefore, bound to be a greater thorn in the side of those being targeted by the protests.

The method of occupation can, however, be a double-edged sword. Joe Heffer, Chair of International Students for Social Equality, told me that whilst his organisation encourages “mass discussions of political alternatives and social issues,” occupation alone is simply not an effective form of protest – the general lack of long-term planning, combined with the inevitable wane in enthusiasm and the threat of government intervention can often overshadow the cause of the occupation itself. What’s more, occupations can easily be hijacked by more vocal, well-established activist groups, who may attempt to divert the occupations into “safer channels”, such as trade unions and political parties.

This is not to say that the ongoing Occupy protests have been without success. Suzanna Dickson, a member of Manchester Autonomous Students and participant in the much-publicised Roscoe Occupation, explained that perhaps the protest’s biggest strength was “the great range of creative people involved, who managed to organise some great and unusual events with very little resources. You can’t just occupy somewhere without creating something from it as nobody will take you seriously.” Perhaps, then, a genuinely purposeful occupation can be a potent form of protest.

The Occupy Wall Street protests have proved that, having developed remarkably quickly in an incubation period of only a few weeks. Tens of thousands of people have gathered at the heart of New York’s financial centre to voice their disgust at what they see as the grossly unjust excesses of capitalism. Protesters say that attempts to infiltrate and steer the group towards other channels by established organisations are a major threat to their autonomy. However, there are inherent problems within the movement which are yet to be addressed. Some have argued that the bulk of the OWS protesters are promoting their own, alternative ideology – whether that takes the form of anarchism, socialism, or some other anti-capitalist paradigm. If this is the case, surely commitment to a single ideology would be deadly to the protesters’ legitimacy, particularly given that it rests upon their claim to representation of the embittered majority? If those behind Occupy have such a strategy in mind, it may be a fatal mistake. To adopt such dogmatic, ideological tactics would be to leave the movement open to a volley of criticism by those who would cherish the opportunity to marginalise their growing cries of dissent.

Squatters are not criminals

Written by Maya Oppenheim on . Posted in Opinion.

Despite the great controversy that inevitably surrounds them, squatters are not who you may think they are. Squatters are generally the most vulnerable people in society; the people who cannot keep up with the rat race and who fall through the cracks instead. No, not the ‘middle class dropouts’ like tuition fees protestor Charlie Gilmour. I’m referring to the homeless, the physically disabled and the mentally ill. The vast majority of those who squat do so out of necessity. What’s more, the decimation of housing benefits and public services – a result of the Coalition’s savage programme of cuts – is bound to leave increasing numbers of people with nowhere to go.

The criminalisation of squatting therefore fails to consider, let alone address, the underlying problems which the poorest people in our society are facing. There are a number of common misconceptions about squatting, most of which are fuelled by a callous and unforgiving press. Despite much media distortion, tough laws against squatting already exist and are frequently utilised. The home invasion horror stories espoused in the tabloids are simply untrue – squatting should not be mistaken for home invasion, which was made illegal in 1977 in a law established to protect ‘displaced residential occupiers’. Nevertheless, the media coverage of this vital issue continues to be shrouded by a lack of facts, as onlookers refuse to accept the complexity of the issue.

With 737,000 empty and abandoned properties across the UK, why should it be deemed acceptable for the homeless to sleep rough? Squatting is far from an ideal solution to homelessness – but it is an imperfect solution to an imperfect problem. Rather than criminalising the most vulnerable in society, we should instead confront the gross inequality engendered by the thoroughly exploitative housing crisis which is crippling Britain. Numerous charities, such as Shelter and The Big Issue, warn that the criminalisation of squatting will drag the country’s most vulnerable people through the criminal justice system. Where are these homeless people expected to go? It seems deeply immoral to criminalise people for having nowhere to live.

Furthermore, we must remember that the financial crisis was partially caused by a housing crisis – it was, after all, the reckless banks who lent extortionate amounts of money to poor families so they could fulfil the fictitious dream of house-ownership. This unsustainable, unaffordable dream quickly collapsed. Now, properties are being widely repossessed all over the country. Britain’s housing conditions are among the worst in western Europe, with five million Britons currently sitting on council housing waiting lists. The current situation is a travesty, and it is simply horrendous to think that property speculators, unscrupulous landlords and buy-to-let parasites should allow their ubiquitous properties to lie empty, whilst others have nowhere to go.

Contrary to popular belief, squatters invariably improve the conditions of the houses they inhabit. According to the charity Crisis, the vast majority of squats have been empty for ten years or longer and are in terrible condition, with broken windows, lacking water, heating and electricity and crawling with vermin. Time and time again, squatters dramatically regenerate these properties, transforming them into liveable spaces. Can transforming these desolate, long-forgotten buildings into communal hubs, which host workshops and film-screenings, really be considered a crime?

This proposed legislation also poses a serious threat to popular protest tactics, which could conceivably make occupations a thing of the past. Criminalising squatting would have a fundamental impact on students, as rather than occupations being a civil matter, dealt with by the university and the courts, occupations would be dealt with by police who would hold the power to interrupt such a protest by arresting each and every occupant. Last year, occupations were held on campuses across the country in response to the rise in tuition fees – including our very own occupation here at the University of Manchester’s Roscoe Building. The National Union of Students has joined the campaign against the criminalisation of squatting, promising that it will “mount a campaign which will make it politically impossible for the government to introduce such a law”. Whether or not the NUS succeeds remains to be seen.

There is clearly a more sinister logic behind this legislation, as the government hopes to put a stop to struggles for social justice in our cities. Today we are living in increasingly divided, unequal and unjust urban settings; the squat is one of the few remaining places where people can live communally and creatively. The criminalisation of squatting will solve nothing. Instead, it will further burden the criminal justice system, the police and charities – not to mention the squatters themselves, who will be criminalised for their own vulnerability. If the government wants to find a genuine solution, they must see squatting as a welfare and a housing problem rather than a criminal issue.

 

Live: Kurt Vile @ Sound Control

Written by Rebecca Cocking on . Posted in Music.

Kurt Vile
Sound Control, Manchester
5th September 2011

‘Angel/demon/human’ sings Kurt Vile on the title track of his most recent album. It’s an unnerving hybrid but also an apt reflection of Vile himself and the eternally revolving nature of his music. Onstage at Sound Control, the Philadelphian guitarist alternates between menacing stares and gentle ‘thank you’s whilst strumming even more confusing loops around each other. It’s this distinctive (if slightly schizophrenic) personality, underpinned by solid Americana sensibilities that has set Kurt Vile apart from the slew of other lo-fi soloists and earned critical acclaim for his fourth album, Smoke Ring For My Halo.

Tonight’s performance shows that much of this is owed to Vile’s backing band, The Violators who not only manage to keep up with their front man’s volatility but also respond with equal innovation. Consisting of just guitar, bass and a basic drum kit, they untangle original compositions and re-plait melodies into even more mind-boggling arrangements than those of their recorded counterparts. The Violators’ modest set up also lends itself well to Vile’s acoustic tunes. Spine-tingling love song, ‘Baby’s Arms’ suddenly sounds far more sinister when punctuated only by a pounding war drum and Vile’s evil stare over the microphone.  

Angels and demons aside, it’s Vile’s human side that prove to be the most powerful tonight. He spaces out during the show and occasionally sings in incomprehensible monotone but somehow this fallibility only serves to highlight the transcendental nature of the music he creates. 

 

Parklife Festival 2011

Written by joe smart on . Posted in Music.

Parklife Festival

11th-12th June

Platt Fields, Manchester 

Standout act 

Despite D/R/U/G/S offering a decent effort and the hoards telling everyone that the sun shone out of Katy B’s arse, the standout, for my money, was DJ Shadow. Making great use of visual effects in a show rumoured to have cost £10, 000, Shadow proved he’s still a major player in beat production with a masterfully mixed, electric set.

Biggest Flop

Poor Kelis. Not sure what she was aiming for, but her set consisted mostly of borrowed beats. Listening a mile away, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d missed a set including Tinie Tempah, David Guetta and, strangely, Nirvana. Despite sounding like the Top 40, crowd favourites ‘Millionaire’ and ‘Milkshake’ still made an appearance, thank God.

Surprise Package

Not much of an unknown these days, but Darwin Deez fulfilled his hype with a high energy set, which the crowd responded to readily. DOOM so nearly won out, but his well-attended show was hampered by quiet vocals and a surprising lack of a DJ – it looked like the mask-wearing rapper was flicking through an iPod for half the set.

Atmosphere 

Despite looking like a festival-edition of Hollyoaks, Parklife is close to the hearts of most Fallowfield residents, becoming an end-of-exams tradition. With most attendees being students, there’s a chance you’ll run into familiar faces; fingers crossed it wasn’t that last-resort you were hoping you’d never see again.

Worth the money? 

At 60 notes, loans wont be rationed too strictly for this excursion. It’ll get bigger and better, but probably more expensive.

 

 

 

My Political Hero: Clement Attlee

Written by Rob Fuller on . Posted in Uncategorised.

He is noted for his dry sense of humour and rampant wit, but there was one joke that Winston Churchill enjoyed telling more than any other. “An empty cab pulled up to Downing Street – and Clement Attlee got out.” Classic 1940s humour I’m sure, but Churchill’s jibe stumbles upon a serious point: Clement Attlee is far too often the forgotten man of 20th Century British politics. Attlee had none of the rhetoric of Churchill, his great political rival, and none of the public relations schmooze of Tony Blair. In the unlikely event that your ‘British Politics since 1945’ textbook is made into a film, Attlee will probably be played by someone unnervingly dull. Like Gary Oldman. But, much like Gary Oldman, deep down Attlee was a fascinating character with a career worth celebrating.

Attlee was born in 1883. He left school with conservative views but after working for a charity that helped to alleviate the poverty of working class children he was converted to socialism, joining the Labour Party in 1908. His first ‘political’ role saw him cycling around England explaining and promoting the National Insurance Act, one of the first pieces of major social legislation in British history. He then served in World War One, narrowly escaping death during the Gallipoli campaign. He returned to the country as Major Attlee and quickly rose through the ranks of local politics, becoming an MP in 1922. In 1935, Attlee finally became leader of the Labour Party, a post he would hold for 20 years.

Earl Attlee, as he would eventually become, achieved more in the inter-war period alone that the vast majority of modern day politicians achieve in their entire career. Under his leadership, Labour opposed both Nazi Germany and the prevalent strategy of appeasement. While Churchill is seen as the definitive wartime leader, Attlee was the man who ran Britain. Domestic policy was left almost exclusively in his hands as the Prime Minister focused his energy on the Second World War, and his steady yet dependable stewardship saw the wartime economy mobilise – enabling us to defeat Nazism without society collapsing at the same time. He simultaneously made the Labour Party a stronger electable force than ever in its history – and his post-war achievements as British Prime Minister set him apart as a truly great statesman.

Despite Churchill’s overwhelming popularity, Attlee won the 1945 general election with Labour’s largest number of votes ever. In the six years that followed, he began to rebuild Britain at the same time as forging the welfare state. The National Health Service is perhaps his greatest achievement but it is impossible to imagine today that, before Attlee’s government, there was barely any form of social security whatsoever. That he established the welfare state at a time when many called for severe post-war austerity measures ensures that these achievements resonate even more sharply today.

But Clem, as he was affectionately known, is not my political hero purely because of what he achieved. What seems even more remarkable today is the way in which he did it. Attlee was not a skilled communicator like the politicians of today. He was simply a man of absolute conviction and character, who presided over monumental achievements throughout the nation’s toughest decade. He didn’t seek office for power or money or fame, but rather because he believed Britain could and should be better. Yes, he had his failings. Critics say he should have made more profound changes to education, focused more on house building, or stood down as party leader sooner. But in light of his many and varied accomplishments these minor defects pale into insignificance.

It is almost unfeasible that Clement Attlee would succeed in politics today. He was too disinterested in pandering to the media to really shine now. But it seems to me that politics would be a better place if more of our leaders looked to Attlee to see what can be achieved with the appropriate focus and dedication. Attlee believed that drastic change was possible and could make our society better and stronger. The NHS and the welfare state, in particular, continue to stand as pillars of our community today – a testament to his tremendous vision and ability as a politician and a man.

Honest to blog

Written by hettyscrope on . Posted in Arts.

Creativetourist.com is an essential for any student who wants to explore further afield than Fallowfield. Few and far between that you are. Its got maps, calendars, exhibition and film reviews, and features. I’m currently working my stomach through ‘five of the best: breakfasts’ in Manchester. So far they are not wrong. There’s also an app for the tech-heads amongst you. So to sum up if you like culture (and/or food) and you’re vaguely interested in what’s going on around the city or discovering some soon-to-be not-secrets, this should definitely be your first stop.
Check it out for yourself:

High Voltage Festival 2011

Written by Tom Geddes on . Posted in Music.

High Voltage Festival

23rd-24th July

Victoria Park, London

Standout Performance

As their last ever UK show, it was to be expected that Judas Priest were going to steal the weekend. With over three decades to hone themselves, they blasted out hit after hit, with lead singer Rob Halford still hitting higher notes than an abused cat, despite being 59.

Biggest Flop

Whilst it’s tempting to mock Attica Rage for their ill-judged decision to end their set on a song they can’t play, the band to really suffer were Thin Lizzy; though they cannot be accused of putting on a bad show, painfully quiet mixing ruined what could have been a huge sing-a-long.

Surprise Package

Graveyard and Gentlemens Pistols both impressed with their retro vibes, but the real surprise was Von Hertzen Brothers. Opening the weekend, Finnish prog might sound tedious, but when it’s done well (check out ‘Freedom Fighter’) it leaves you awestruck.

Atmosphere

This is first and foremost a classic rock festival, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it was a bit ‘dad heavy.’ That’s not bad though. The drunken contentedness of the masses is calming and infectious. Though quiet mixing for the first day (thanks Hackney Council) did lower the mood.

Worth the Money?

At just under £100 (OK, £99) you can’t argue. Two days of solid bands, a highly varied beer tent and most important of all, the cheapest festival food I’ve seen all year. Though it would be a little better with the volume pushed a little higher.

Column: A right ruin

Written by Tom Hickman on . Posted in Music.

There are many things a British summer brings to its melancholic public: the eternal quest for something resembling a hot day, an ever-growing collection of comeback tours and an ever more pressing search for a festival without either Arctic Monkeys or Muse somewhere on the bill. This year however, the summer break also brought a disastrous day in the history of British music. Thanks to the riots of August 2011, there was an earthquake within the industry, the repercussions of which will still be being felt for many months to come.

Originally, the biggest fears were of damage to a small number of venues, and although a select few nights had to be postponed, this masked the far greater problem at hand. Along with the mandatory looting of JD Sports and Foot Locker came the tragic torching of the Sony DADC warehouse in Enfield, North London. A major distribution centre for record labels across the country; the leading lights of Britain’s music trade held stock in the warehouse. Such names as Rough Trade, Domino and Modular were all affected, but essentially will battle through. The far greater problem is the damage done to the little men, with a large number of independent record labels and record stores staring liquidation in the face. Closer to home, Manchester’s Piccadilly Records was left on its knees, with dwindling stock unable to satisfy customer demand. All in all, over 200 labels had retained stock in the Sony warehouse, only for the majority of it to be set ablaze.

I know we are now over a month on from the incident, but this single event of mindless vandalism could well have been the decisive nail in the constantly lowering coffin of independent record stores. So, who’s to blame for this? Is it our top columnists such as Alex Curran, writing her ‘insightful’ horseshit in OK! every week about “bargain” tops for hundreds of pounds? Is it the influx of the so-called ‘gang-culture’? Now I’m no politician (we’ll get back to them in a minute), so cannot place judgement on the validity and causes of these social episodes, but I do know that no one gained anything from the sour occurrences of early August. These little fuckwits were inspired to burn down a factory, thinking they would get a free PS3 out of it and the result is UK’s largest stock of independently released records being reduced to mere charcoal.

Obviously there was likely to be a social response, perfectly encapsulated by a tweet from Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) stating: “Where the fuck are the Bullingdon boys? Would you only end your holidays if it were Fortnum & Mason being looted?” Looks like a good step towards our ‘Big Society’ then.

With hard copy sales of music already nigh on decimated by digital downloads, and the readiness of music anywhere on the internet, the actions of early August have gone a long way to signalling the end of the beloved record store. A place where you could wile away hours sifting through shelf after shelf, only to stumble across a peach of an album. Yes, we do still have HMV, but it’s just not the same.

Sonisphere Festival 2011

Written by Tom Geddes on . Posted in Music.

Sonisphere Festival

8th-10th July

Knebworth House 

Standout Act

Whilst many would think of one of the headliners (Metallica, Biffy Clyro and Slipknot) as the best of the festival, we all know that Limp Bizkit, however much they’re ridiculed, steal any festival. Who doesn’t seriously bounce as soon as ‘Rollin’’ hits? If that isn’t enough, they also sampled ‘Eye of the Tiger.’

Biggest Flop

As much as it hurts to say this, hands down, the biggest disappointment of the weekend were Motörhead. What would have been an OK set of rushed classics turned embarrassing as Lemmy slurs nonsense between songs, even disappearing during a drum solo to, presumably, down another Jack Daniels.

Surprise Package

Tempting though it is to give this to Led Zeppelin throwbacks Rival Sons, they’ve made their name this year already. The real surprise was Vintage Trouble. A fifties style rock band fronted by a man with all the characteristics of James Brown, the unknowing audience lapped it up. A genuinely pleasant surprise.

Atmosphere

For a large, heavy festival, it’s not bad. Granted, you get the odd few intimidating meatheads running around shouting “SLAYARGH” at 2.AM, but overall, it’s a friendly vibe. No more so than in the pits, where everyone, no matter how preoccupied they are, were quick to help people to their feet.

Worth the Money?

For well under 200 quid, you can’t complain. This year worried many metalheads due to the dreaded ‘Biffy Clyro day’. But other stages always had plenty else going on, with a good cross section of rock and metal covered. With such a good atmosphere to boot, it’s worth an end of year blow out.

Reading Festival 2011

Written by Rob Fuller on . Posted in Music.

Reading

Little John’s Farm, Richfield Avenue, Reading

26th-28th August 

Standout Act

A lot of people reacted negatively to the Reading line-up this year. Anyone who’s seen Muse live will tell you that it was a stupid reaction to have. Now I’ve never been a huge Muse fan but it’s hard not to be convinced when you see their huge live show, performing “Origin Of Symmetry” in full. It’s Rock Opera at its finest, and I’m not talking Mamma Mia.

Biggest Flop

Beady Eye. As much of a rock star as Liam Gallagher is, it just sounds like tired, subpar Oasis. Not “Definitely, Maybe” Oasis either – Oasis that should have retired long a go. Apart from the hardcore Liam fans, the crowd wasn’t falling for it.

Surprise Package

Grouplove, Festival Republic stage. American indie art-rockers whose single “Colours” has had some airplay. Surprisingly, the live show and the other songs were memorable too. Definitely a band to watch for the year ahead.

Atmosphere

It’s Reading. Even though it rained for days on end you know before you arrive you’re going to have a good time. It’s a friendly crowd, if you can handle the occasional bottle of warm piss thrown around and fanatical Muse and MCR fans wearing nothing but band merchandise.

Worth The Money?

Like every major festival, the price has basically doubled in the last decade. But, with three days of quality music and this year having 4 main-stage headliners, as well as 4 other stages, you can’t really go wrong.

I’ve been to Heston’s

Written by Emily Clark on . Posted in Food & Drink.

When I left Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant The Fat Duck, I felt a little dead inside, knowing that I had just eaten the finest meal of my life and that every future meal would be insipid in comparison. Even the adoring words in this article will be pallid to my mind that so reveres that fateful day, Sunday 4th, April 2010.

Though this meal was devoured over a year ago, I remember it clearly. I spent between five to six utopian hours with my parents and three sisters, trotting happily through no less than 16 courses (with coffee and petit fours bien sûr). Being the youngest and thus most spoilt, it was all to celebrate my achievement of managing to live to 18 years old.

The first course, more of a pallet cleanser, was a liquid nitrogen-poached Green Tea and Lime Mousse. There’s nothing like a -196 °C starter to blow your mind. As the waiters poached, they sprayed a lime perfume into the air – an aspect of Blumenthal’s food is to rouse more than once sense. I can’t describe the process of eating it, because as I placed it tentatively in my mouth (after it had been subjected to green tea powder), it disappeared and my mouth was left a palimpsest of distant flavour, recalling nothing more than a wisp of lime hallucination.

It’s evident why this restaurant has three Michelin stars: every course that followed was a gloriously honed pallet of flavours and textures, everything I ate tasted better than anything I’d eaten before.

Another course was Mock Turtle Soup (c. 1850) ‘Mad Hatter Tea’, as seen on television. We were presented with a bookmark alluding to this Alice in Wonderland tale, then given a bowl with tiny amounts of reconstituted egg (essentially a turnip mousse), enochi mushrooms, reconstituted bacon (layered ox tongue terrine), cubes of pickled turnip and cucumber, and finally black truffle. Waiters arrived with a set of gold fob watches, which were actually freeze dried concentrated stock cubes wrapped in gold leaf. We poured hot water over our own fob watch in our own teacups and stirred it to transform into a delicious stock. The stock was poured over our food I delighted in eating such a ridiculously, painstakingly drawn out dish (which, of course, tasted incredible).

We drank golden tea that left one side of your mouth hot and the other cold, we peeled distilled whisky gum bottles from the glass of framed maps, we ate toffees with the cellophane wrappers still on and Queen of Hearts playing cards that were in fact jam tarts, I could go on… One of my favourite moments was on my way back from the bathroom, when I found one haphazard sister in the wine cellar with a waiter, casually discussing something or other.

One of my greatest life ambitions is to be able to afford to eat in as many of the best worldly restaurants as I can fit in. I would love to go back to Heston’s, but I don’t mind spending the rest of my life combing through culinary spheres for restaurants that might touch upon The Fat Duck.