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Year: 2018

Live Review: Tramlines Festival 2018

Written by Georgina Davidson on . Posted in Music.

A truly incredible feat of sound, style, and community coming together to honour ten years commitment to Sheffield’s music scene, Tramlines Festival continues to prove itself as a staple festival weekend to rival any other. Held in honour of the sadly late Tramlines director, Sarah Nulty, the weekend had great heart and really sought to share Sarah’s message and desire to create a party atmosphere for all!

The fresh, newly designed festival site, Hillsborough Park contributed greatly to the festivals inclusivity, allowing music fans to move quickly and efficiently between stages with minimal effort and maximum opportunity to see their favourite artists. In previous years, the stages were scattered across Sheffield making the various, sprawling sites far more complicated to navigate.

However this year, I believe they got the balance just right; a single park for music and “fringe” variety events across Sheffield giving people wider and more accessible choices. It was certainly clear to me that there would be no shortage of things to see and do over the Tramlines weekend. From the second I arrived in Sheffield, it was clear that the entire city had been set up and geared towards providing a great weekend for everyone with shops, bars, and cafes all getting in on the festival spirit and creating a really positive atmosphere from the centre of town and across towards Hillsborough Park itself.

On the Friday there were a number of great performances from a range of artists such as energised band The Big Moon at the main stage and the likes of newcomers Oddity Road and the glittering tones of The Orielles at The Leadmill stage. Stereophonics gave a stunning and well-honed headline performance topping off a fantastic day with the power of a band used to playing to huge festival crowds. It was absolute tried and tested brilliance.

Saturday saw the performances only improve with a fantastic selection of live comedy from various local comedians and the hilarious comedic band The Everly Pregnant Brothers, with highlights being their hilarious ‘Chip Pan’ song, set to the tune of Kings of Leon’s 2009 hit ‘Sex on Fire’. However one re-occurring problem I found later in the day was the close proximity of the stages within the site. At times it felt some major event spaces were a little squashed in between stalls and too small considering crowd sizes and stage space. The Library stage particularly saw bands such as King No-One and Black Honey struggling for space. But, it has to be said that the great festival atmosphere made up for this, as everyone hunched together and made the best of the space.

Blossoms gave a fantastic penultimate performance to a huge crowd that night, with hits such as ‘Charlemagne’ and ‘I Can’t Stand It’ really showing the bands fantastic potential to enthuse a strong and pretty raucous bunch. A personal highlight of the festival experience was seeing Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds take to the stage to perform a number of hits from the solid upbeat drum beats of ‘She Taught Me To Fly’ to the classic Oasis tracks that we all know and love. They drew up one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, bringing their quirky and unique style to The Main Stage. As anticipated, Charlotte Courbe did not disappoint as although there were no scissors as instruments this time, we did get an old-fashioned telephone and some typically barbed comments from Noel himself. Very entertaining to say the least!

The final day of a jam-packed weekend brought a real mix of artists to the fore, with three very different headlining acts and plenty of stellar performances on Sunday. Little Comets gave a brilliantly heartfelt live performance at T’other stage as well as fan favourites Pale Waves who brought their intricate flare for style and aesthetic to the stage. In the incredibly hot Leadmill Tent, Tom Grennan and his band of, frankly brilliant musicians, whipped up a storm as they blazed through his set list of soul-infused tracks with ease, bringing my festival experience to a wonderful and almost worn out close.

I snuck away just before the end to catch Jake Bugg’s set which was over at T’other stage and I was not disappointed. I missed a number of Bugg’s earlier tracks but made it in time for some classics such as ‘Trouble Town’ and ‘Lightning Bolt’ from his debut album. It was great to see how Bugg owned the stage, with very little to his performance than his guitar and a drummer to back him up. He handled the weary crowd well and created the perfect atmosphere for a warm midsummer Sunday evening.

Tramlines Festival continues to grow and change every year and it’s great to see how the community spirit and support within Sheffield has developed the environment, making it a great festival experience for young people as well as families.

Interested in experiencing it for yourself? Tramline’s 2019 will run from 19th -21st July. Headliners are yet to be announced but tickets are already on sale and you can get them now here from £59.50.

Live Review: Liam Gallagher at Lancashire Cricket Ground

Written by Yasmin Duggal on . Posted in Music.

The younger Gallagher brother’s almighty return to the stage has been seen and gawped at by most of us over the last year, as he’s growled and parka’d his way through months of impressive gigs and festivals. As support act and friend Richard Ashcroft said on Saturday night, there were “40,000 northern souls in the house, and we will never stop listening to live music”– and Liam’s set not only proved this right, but may well just have been his best yet.

Ashcroft’s crooning left fans in tears before the sunset, emotionally charged versions of ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’ and ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ somehow achieving more impact than ever.

Beginning with classics ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Star’ and ‘Morning Glory’, Gallagher kicked off Lancashire Cricket Ground with a bang and a shake of his tambourine, launching confidently into his smash debut album hits, ‘Wall of Glass’ and the apologetic ‘For What It’s Worth’.

The snarl of his unmistakable tones never fail to send thousands of heads into a frenzy, but it was the unexpected Oasis tracks in the middle of the set which really ignited something special. ‘Bring It On Down’, ‘Listen Up’, and a chilling piano version of ‘Champagne Supernova’ were thoughtful pleasures for hard-core fans. Even Beady Eye lovers were treated with a tribute to Aretha Franklin over the unforeseen and apt ‘Soul Love’.

The encore brought with it yet another surprise: ‘Shakermaker’ b-side ‘D’yer Wanna Be a Spaceman?’ showed off Liam’s softer side, before a touching ‘Live Forever’ provided a tender moment of respect to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

With Richard Ashcroft in hand, while the band played him out, it was clear Gallagher has not only proved his worth as a solo artist as well as a living legend in his hometown but has tapped into a niche which inevitably sweeps away fans both old and new.

A proper “biblical” musical moment.

10/10.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 hits console

Written by David Uncle on . Posted in Games.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a sprawling tactical isometric RPG from Larian Studios that was released on PC in 2017. It’s a great game, perhaps almost perfect, and was my game of the year.

Since August 31st, console players have been able to get their hands on the ‘Definitive Edition’ of this excellent title, and it’s worth a shot. As a big fan of more modern RPGs such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the Mass Effect trilogy, I was sceptical going into an isometric RPG, but it paid off.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 took me over 100 hours to complete my first full playthrough, side quests included, and is a deep, satisfying and surprisingly witty experience that I’d recommend to any RPG fan. Unlike most RPGs of its kind, Divinity: Original Sin 2 permits co-op in either 2-player splitscreen or up to 4-player online.

The Definitive Edition makes some serious changes to the final act of the game as well as a large array of minor tweaks. First and foremost, over 150,000 words of voiced dialogue have been rewritten or produced from scratch, bringing closure to some of the weaker and less satisfying story elements of the final act of the game, which was one of its few flaws. In addition, there have been slight balancing changes to make some fights easier and some tougher, with some nerfs to certain character builds that proved to be too powerful

The best change in the Definitive Edition is the addition of a new side character, Sir Lora, the Squirrel Knight. He rides his gallant steed, an undead cat, and seeks to prevent an apocalypse. I don’t want to spoil his story, but he’s another interesting yet unexpectedly funny example of Larian’s story building.

For PC players, the Definitive Edition has been released as a free update to existing owners of the game, making another playthrough worthwhile. This goes to show Larian’s customer-focused business model, seeking to treat their fans with courtesy instead of making them buy the game twice like some other developers do with remastered versions of their games (we’re looking at you, Bethesda).

Photo: Nazionale Calcio @Flickr

The UEFA Nations League Explained

Written by James Gill on . Posted in Sport.

The World Cup may be over but this week saw the start of a new chapter in international footballing competition: the UEFA Nations League. But what actually is it? How does it work? And does it even make sense?

The Nations League is a brand new European competition. The idea, UEFA says, is that adding a new trophy and route for qualifying to the Euros will make international breaks a bit less tedious and improve quality. The competition will be played every 2 years and will replace some existing friendlies, although others sadly remain.

The 55 UEFA teams are split into four divisions: A (12 teams), B (12 teams), C (15 teams), and D (16 teams), based on their coefficient. For those who don’t know what the coefficients are, every other year in November, UEFA releases their rankings (coefficients) for their comprising countries based upon their performances in friendlies as well as the last major tournament, if the team was present. Still following?

Each of those four divisions is then further split into four groups of either three or four teams depending on division size. So we have A1-4, B1-4 etc etc. Now to the actual games. Each team will play the others in their group twice, once at home, and once away. These games will be played in September, October, and November 2018. After all those games have been played, those that top their group in divisions B, C, and D will be promoted to the next division up, while those that finish bottom of their groups in divisions A, B, and C will be relegated to the division below.

That is the end of phase one of the competition, and will be for most nations, the end of the journey for another two years. In June 2019 though, phase two begins. The four teams that topped their group in division A will go the UEFA Nations League Finals. Rather than a round robin style competition to decide the winner, the teams will be drawn into two semi-finals. The winners of each game will progress to the final, and those that lose will play in the third place playoff. Finally, whoever wins the final will be crowned the winners of the inaugural UEFA Nations League.

But wait, there’s more. The Nations League will also allow for another passage of entry into Euro 2020 besides the traditional qualifiers. The 16 group winners will go to the playoffs to play for the final four Euro places. Those teams will be divided into groups by division, so the division one group winners play each other and so on. Again, rather than a round robin this will be done as drawn as two semi-finals then a final. The teams that emerge victorious will gain a place in Euro 2020. It’s getting a bit confusing now isn’t it?

I can hear your questions now, ‘but James, what if the team that wins their group has already qualified for the Euro’s via the traditional route?’. Well, in that case, the next highest ranked team in the division, not the group, will get a place. You read that right, a team in a different group will get the place over a team in that same group if they are ranked higher.

‘But James, what happens if all 12 teams in division A qualify via the traditional route? Where do those four places in the playoffs go?’. A great question, and one where the answer isn’t clear. The emerging consensus is that the four best ranked teams in division B who didn’t win their group would get places, making it eight teams out of 12 in division B getting places in the playoffs.

It would seem then, that division B is the best place to be in terms of probability for making the Euros through the playoffs. The chances of this scenario are very unlikely though, as there is inevitably at least one major team that suffers a pitiful qualifying campaign and crashes out. Italy and the Netherlands are the obvious examples from the last World Cup.

UEFA hopes that if a major footballing nation fails to qualify through the traditional route, they can have a second chance in the playoffs if they top their group. If they don’t top their group, but the team that does win their group has already qualified and if all the higher ranked teams in their division have already qualified or received a place in the playoff from being the next highest ranked team after a team that finished top of their group had already qualified in the traditional qualifying so that they are next in line for a place.

If you’ve read all that and you’re still confused, join the club.

Your Summer break is for you to rest

Written by Cachella Smith on . Posted in Opinion.

After a solid three-month summer break, the last thing I want to be thinking about right now is heading back to Uni. Surprisingly, I’m not worried about the 9 am starts or imminent essay deadlines but instead September is the month when I have to face up to the fact that I have spent the past twelve weeks or so sitting contentedly twiddling my thumbs all the while telling myself that I deserve this ‘well-earned rest’.

Unfortunately, what I am bound to face when I head back to uni is lecturers insinuating I should have spent the summer months reading and advancing my studies, future employers delivering speeches on the value of work experience, and tales of other students travels across the globe. All of these occupations are amazing and incredibly valuable ways to have spent the holidays, but since when did it become an obligation to fill every single moment of our lives with activities aimed at bettering ourselves? Since when did it become a crime to simply relax?

With an ever-increasing pressure placed on students all throughout term time with essays, exams and job applications, the summer is supposed to be a time dedicated to relaxation and recovery before restarting the following year. If you have the energy and the motivation to storm through summer completing volunteering placements, working, or travelling the world, then by all means go for it. Summer is an incredibly useful period of time for earning some extra cash to support your studies and prepping that CV for future job applications. Nonetheless, rest is equally important and arguably for some people more beneficial in the long run.

Valuable ways to spend your time include catching up with family and friends, taking some time for yourself, maybe working on a skill you’ve previously cast aside, or even just catching up on your favourite series. This is important both for your mental well-being, and to ensure you are in the best possible place for the coming academic year. Just as we need to not forget our priorities during term time and get lost in the world of examinations and future employment, it is important to do so over summer as well.

All these extra-curricular activities are meaningful, but they need to be considered as just that, as ‘extra’. They should be seen as an advantage, but you should not be considered negatively for a lack in them. At the ages of nineteen, twenty, or twenty-one nothing is too important that it cannot be left until later on. You have the rest of your life to work, to earn a living, or to travel, there is absolutely no rush to tick every box before reaching the age of twenty-two.

Since this article marks the end of summer, I am obviously not trying to influence how you spend your holidays. Instead, feel positive about whatever it is you have chosen to do during the past few months. Equally remember that these are lessons on rest and taking time for yourself are relevant for the summer, but equally during term time, and over exam period. You do not need to justify yourself to lecturers, parents or even future employers. Rest and enjoyment should always be priorities and sometimes doing absolutely nothing is the most productive thing that can be done.

From Freshers to Fringe: A Graduate’s Advice

Written by Chris Pope on . Posted in Theatre.

I have always wanted to write something in The Mancunion. Since hearing about the student newspaper in my freshers’ week in 2015, I had always wanted to make regular contributions. I did not do this, of course. I never got around to it.  I have now graduated and left and this will be my first and only contribution.

When I got to university I was determined to set up ‘Manchester Revue’, a student sketch troupe. Again, however, I never got around to doing this. I got distracted. I got heavily involved in The Drama Society and Musical Theatre Society (UMMTS). I barely had time to do anything else. In my second year, I set up the Shakespeare Society which again prevented me from starting the revue. It did, however, teach me a lot about leadership and organisation, and I do hope that it continues to gain professional attraction in the years to come.

At the beginning of my third year, I saw that UMMTS were advertising for a director in their brand-new musical troupe, Manchester Musical Revue (MMR). Although ‘musical’ was now in the title, I felt that this troupe could satisfy my initial goal so I applied and somehow got the position. I was then given the very talented Bonnie Schwarz to be my musical director.

We created our first production in November called Where Dreams Come True, a Disneyesque cabaret. Following the positive reviews, we decided to put on my self-written musical, The Fear. This, written with the help of Calum Pearce and Tom Carswell, also received positive reviews. This prompted us to perform it Edinburgh Fringe. Here, we received a five-star review from Musical Talk, our own podcasted interview, and various offers to help take the musical further.

It is strange now to reminisce back to when I was a young pubescent fresher. Given how far it has gone, it is also strange to think that The Fear started out as a hungover idea my flatmates and I had one Saturday morning. MMR has truly been a wonderful and vibrant group to help set up. I hope it continues to be a platform for directors and musical directors to explore their talents with likeminded creatives. To incoming freshers, I would say grab uni by the horns and make the most of it. Sign up to bizarre societies, explore your own creative outlets, and question your own views. If you do, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. You will make contacts and friends with people you will want to stay with for the rest of your lives.

Anyway, I’m now off to look for a job.

New Brunswick Park opened by Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell

Written by Ethan Davies on . Posted in News.

The campus’ newest park, Brunswick Park, was opened by President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, in an official ceremony today.

Located just off Oxford Road opposite the Whitworth Hall, Brunswick Park is the largest green space on campus and includes seating areas, trees, wildflower planting, and pedestrian and cycle paths. The parkland was created on the site of the former Brunswick Street, and took 16 months to transform.

The ceremony saw Professor Dame Rothwell perform her customary tree planting, followed by live jazz performances, a choir and a range of free health and well-being taster sessions, including Tai Chi, yoga, street dance, yogalates, Zumba, hoops and cardio-blast.

Photo: Andrew Brookes/University of Manchester.

Professor Dame Rothwell said she hoped to see “many students” at the park, and to view the park “as a gateway to the university”. Continuing, the Vice-Chancellor outlined that “student well-being is really at the heart of [the university’s] aims and there’s nothing better than relaxing in nice weather in green space”.

Additionally, a major donor for the park was 1960 University of Manchester economics graduate who, according to Professor Dame Rothwell, “wanted to do something for student well-being, so he loved the idea of this park, so he contributed to it”.

The President also commented that she believed the park could act as a link between the university and the locals of Ardwick and Brunswick, by allowing locals to “get them closer to being able to see what they could do at the university, the museum is open to all of them, we have lots of public events, the big hope is that local communities will see this as their university”.

Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “Brunswick Park is a fantastic new asset, creating a heart of the campus for everyone to enjoy. We were proud to welcome staff and members of the local community to this event to celebrate our new green space and public realm”.

Richard Madden

Review: Bodyguard

Written by Adrian Kanyoli on . Posted in Film.

After years of Channel 4 and ITV eating the BBC’s lunch in the high drama department with outstanding shows like Utopia, Downton Abbey, Broadchurch, and National Treasure, the Beeb is back to acting like a competitor. It adapted Wolf Hall, harnessed Natalie Dormer’s talent in Picnic at Hanging Rock, produced the topical A Very English Scandal, and now there’s Bodyguard.

The series follows ex-Forces PS David Budd, a specialist protection officer working for the Home Secretary, who tackles a bomb threat on a train in Episode 1, starting the series off with a bang. The entire sequence is a feast for the eyes and ears due to the cliché-busting narrative, the Hitchcockian suspense, the unnerving sound mixing, the gripping dialogue and the casts’ emotive performances, especially the protagonist’s.

The heroic but volatile PS Budd, who has traded one battlefield in the Middle East for another in London, brings a Chris Hedges quote to mind: “The rush of battle is a potent and often lethal addiction, for war is a drug.” From Budd’s introduction, it’s obvious he’s in the throes of PTSD – but you won’t see war zone flashbacks or hellish nightmares like in other shows, since Budd’s tortured mind is shown solely through the award-worthy performance of Richard Madden (Sirens, Game of Thrones, Lady Chatterley’s Lover). The Scottish actor does a magnificent job of playing a stoic with near-superhuman efficacy, and evokes great pathos through his mismanagement of personal relationships, his tearful private moments and his antipathy to politicians. Although Budd is often stony-faced, thanks to Madden’s subtle expressiveness you can easily decipher his hidden rage, sadness, disgust or sarcasm – common emotions in Westminster.

Deuteragonist Julia Montague MP is played by Keeley Hawes (Ashes to Ashes, Line of Duty, The Missing). Her performance as Home Secretary is something else, switching from Machiavellian politician to horrified terror victim to brusque boss so effortlessly you can’t imagine her in another role, possibly because she’s a powerful woman playing a powerful woman. Thomas Vincent’s direction keeps you on the edge of your seat, perfectly simulating the claustrophobia of the earlier train carriage scene with close-ups that also give you a window into the tension and mortal fear the characters are enduring. Vincent shoots action like he was born to do it and in the subsequent episodes, as the terror attacks escalate, each disaster is approached with its own personal creativity and made to feel uniquely terrifying, even when they threaten to slip into the realm of predictability. For this, due credit must also be given to the show’s creator.

If you look up showrunner Jed Mercurio, the internet will waste no time telling you he’s one of the UK’s leading television writers and, having penned every episode of Bodyguard, he shows this praise is merited. His mature writing style ensures the scenes play out like a novel with what the characters aren’t saying proving to be as essential to their complexity as what they are saying. His history in medicine and the Armed Forces shows in the highly technical, acronym-laden jargon; while most writers might have stopped at simply using authentic insider-speak à la John le Carré, Mercurio goes that extra mile by building a world so tactile it could pass as a dramatisation of true events. Without alienating the viewers by simply seeking nail-biting thrills and complicated sexual entanglements, Mercurio rewards the viewers who understand the culture of the Westminster bubble, especially those most critical of it. There’s verbal sparring between the Home Office, the Met Police and the Secret Service, each ready to burn careers to the ground over one perceived slight or another, and there’s the scene where PS Budd cleverly shuts down a rude MP who called him a “monkey” by lying about being mixed-race, leaving the politician to prepare for a racism scandal that will never come.

You’ll find Bodyguard is the best of British television with its high production values, slick direction, breathless pacing, engrossing writing, astringent humour and more. If you’re not already watching it, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Bodyguard Episode 5 airs Sunday 16th September 2018 on BBC One. Episodes 1 through 4 are available on BBC iPlayer.

4/5.

A flashback to first year food

Written by lauraswain on . Posted in News.

After I was left alone to settle into my accommodation in first year I was definitely nervous about meeting my flatmates. Isn’t everyone? However, this worry I had instantly disappeared when I was surprised by a knock at the door and an offering of tea by one of my new flatmates. A great start! Despite many shops visibly being located nearby, we then decided to divert away from unpacking and venture across Fallowfield to Aldi to do that all-important, exciting first food shop. Engrossed in conversation about holidays to Zante and summer jobs, we forgot the essentials, but did purchase a bottle of sickly sweet Peach Schnapps. Definitely a necessity.

The breezeblock décor of our Oak House kitchen was, like the majority, complimented by the stereotypical student littering of noodle packets and a vast array of unwashed saucepans, left for days on end with the remains of an experimental pasta dish or a now congealed substance no longer identifiable, let alone edible. One of my flatmates made endless cups of tea, managing to spill his brew every time on transporting it to his room. Left in his wake was a constant trail of spilt tea that would reappear daily, confirming he had briefly vacated his room that day.

Our kitchen was perhaps not the cleanest or most aesthetically-pleasing, but it was where many memories were created, most of them concerning food. There was always someone there with an excessive supply of chocolate to nurse your heartache or supply you with a comforting slice of toast, ready to hear all the details about your recent Tinder date.

Whether suffering from a hangover or a full day at university we would all congregate in the kitchen in the evening. Fajitas became a staple meal, but we also worked our way through every pizza we could find at our local supermarket. It wasn’t until the end of the year we discovered one of our freezers was stocked with over 200 sausages that were never consumed, perhaps due to their unappetising appearance.

The best evenings were when we would all decide to collect together our loose change and trek to Sainsbury’s in order to purchase an indulgent chocolate fudge cake to devour together. Equally Pancake Day did not only bring out our competitive sides, as we exhibited our pancake-flipping skills, but also ignited a love for pancakes which would result in our Shrove Tuesday celebrations being extended to a number of weeks.

When we couldn’t face cooking or the effort of heating something in the oven, ‘Spoons was naturally our number one destination where often a meal would quickly lead on to the suggestion of going out and a round of drinks would be purchased. The takeaways that filled our drunken hunger such as Kebab King and Venice Pizza may no longer be with us, but the memories of nights out ended with laughter over Paz’s famous cheese, chips and gravy, or of deep conversations and new friendships formed in the queue for a pizza, are something we all remember when we look back to our first year.

Photo: The Mancunion

Restaurant review: San Carlo Manchester

Written by Catrin Stewart on . Posted in Food & Drink.

San Carlo is known to be one of Manchester’s high-class celebrity favourite restaurants. The food is classic Italian, the menu extensive, and the atmosphere lively. But don’t be put off by the prices or star-studded clientele. Whilst it is busy pretty much every day of the week, you’ll find yourself surrounded by all manner of guests – from families with young children to sophisticated date nights or business meetings.

My most recent trip to San Carlo was for an anniversary. Whilst every course was delicious, the standout dishes were the fresh pasta lobster ravioli and the mille feuille dessert which was recommended by our waiter. Although, with the restaurant being so busy, we had to wait half an hour for our table, we passed the time quickly in the bar. It still feels part of the restaurant, and the staff made up for the delay with their impeccable service.

At San Carlo, the evening is what you make it – most classic Italian dishes are reasonably priced, but still retain the top quality. If you fancy it you can splash out on the truffle gnocchi (a personal favourite), but order a pizza and a glass of house wine instead and you have a meal that can be enjoyed by anyone – student budget included.

The extensive menu, incredibly friendly staff and large volume of guests means there is something for everyone at San Carlo. This is what makes this award winning, chic restaurant perfect for a meal with your family or friends. Wear and eat what you want, but the evening will always be special.

Keep this place in mind for a farewell meal after moving in to your flat, or a place to go if your family visit. Guaranteed, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, and it will make any event into an occasion.

Recipe: best ever scrambled eggs

Written by Catrin Stewart on . Posted in Food & Drink.

My favourite part of a night out is the next morning (when the hangover isn’t too bad). This is when my friends and I lie in bed assessing how much of a shambles our lives may have become.

There’s only one thing that always seems to fix any problem. Scrambled eggs. Hot, comforting, and filling. There’s nothing else quite like it.

So here is my recipe for the best ever scrambled eggs. The risk-takers and rebels among you may cook yours in the microwave, but I’ll stick to the hob, please and thank you.

(Serves 2 people)

Ingredients:

  • 5 eggs
  • crème fraiche
  • salt and pepper
  • butter
  • bread
  1. Whisk up your eggs in a bowl (add an extra yolk for even richer, creamier eggs if you’re feeling decadent).
  2. Melt a large knob of butter in a (preferably non stick) saucepan on low heat.
  3. Once the butter has melted, add the eggs and begin to stir. Don’t be impatient here, low and slow is best.
  4. Add a tablespoon of crème fraiche once you see the eggs begin to cook. I like to use a wooden spoon or spatula to get larger curds, but a fork will give you much smaller, with a looser silkier texture if that’s what you prefer.
  5. Keep cooking and stirring constantly. When the eggs look about three quarters done, take them off the heat and season with the salt and pepper. Keep stirring till they’re fully cooked and serve on buttered and toasted bread.

Scrambled eggs can be varied so much: I like mine with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or made with fried mushrooms stirred through, but feel free to load up on the hash browns and bacon and tackle that hangover head on.

Police arrest two men in connection to street party shooting

Written by Sam Honey on . Posted in News.

Greater Manchester Police have announced this morning that they have arrested two men in connection with the attempted shooting in Moss Side last month.

A street party on Claremont Road, linked to a nearby Caribbean Carnival, was targeted around 2:30 am on August 12, leaving 12 injured.

Police said it was lucky that there were no life-threatening injuries as a result of the shooting which they called “completely reckless”.

With no suspects identified at the scene, police say they have been “trawling through all available CCTV and Intelligence to try and piece together the events of that morning”.

Nearly a month on from the attack, officers from the major incident team and the force’s tactical aid unit made the arrests in Fallowfield and Baguley on Tuesday morning.

Two men, aged 24 and 30, were taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a fireman.

They are currently under investigation in relation to their involvement in the incident.

Despite the arrests, Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin has appealed for further evidence.

“I would still urge the community to come forward with any information as our investigation does not stop here. If you know anything, please tell us”.

Manchester is the UK’s second most congested city, new research reveals

Written by Sam Honey on . Posted in News.

A new study by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has ranked Manchester 2nd in a list of Britain’s most congested areas

The research was conducted as part of the NIC’s National Infrastructure Assessment.

Nearby Liverpool completed the top three, with the likes of Birmingham, Leeds, and Leicester also featuring in the Top 10.

It takes a new approach that focuses on the real-life experience and ease of driving during peak and off-peak hours, compared to analysing average speed in city centres.

With all of the top 25 spots taken up by urban areas, the NIC has called for greater devolution to allow local councils to tackle the issue.

Greater Manchester’s directly-elected mayor, Andy Burnham, echoed these suggestions by calling for increased funding for the region.

The introduction of a congestion charge to tackle the issue has long been suggested and was rejected in a referendum back in 2008.

Last year, Burnham announced that he had no plans to introduce such a charge.

He has however mooted the possibility of a ‘Clean Air Zone’ in the city and plans to tackle pollution could be boosted by the NIC’s suggestion of an extra £43bn of funding for urban transport improvements up until 2040.

Your freshers guide to some of Manchester’s grooviest music venues

Written by davidaugusto on . Posted in Music.

With Manchester being such a musical hotspot, you’ll soon find that it offers some amazing venues that leave you eager to explore all that this eclectic city to offer.

Here is a short list of places that might help:

1. The Castle Hotel: M4 1LE (70 person capacity for music room)
Despite the name this is a pub/live music venue. There is a jukebox to the left of the main bar area, a downstairs room with a piano and additionally a live music space. This is in an intimate back room with a stage where many local acts play. Whether you go to see a gig or just for a drink at the pub, it is a solid choice and is even open for an extra hour till 1 am every Friday and Saturday.

Full music listings and prices (for entry to backroom only) available here.

2. Night and Day Cafe: M1 1JN (220 person capacity)
This is a medium-sized live music venue which also runs club nights. The venue is focused in one room that comfortably holds a dancefloor. If you are in the hinterland between drinking and dancing, you will not feel out of place doing one or the other (without feeling like you have to do both). Special mention for the Manchester Songwriter’s Festival on the 19th of September which is a North West semi-final.

Full listings and prices available here.

3. The Deaf Institute: M1 7HE (70 downstairs, 175 main area & 260 upstairs person capacity)
This is a large venue with a small basement room, main bar area, and a large upstairs music hall.  Deaf Institute host bands, DJs & promoted club nights. It also hosts slightly larger acts than the previous venue and you often find acts travelling to play here. Their website also usefully link to music videos of the artists to give you a feel for the act (and the price).

This is available here.

4. Band On The Wall: M4 5JZ (340 person capacity)
A music venue that is something special. As a charity, they have a diverse programme: including free showcases, workshops and premium events. The main stage room is split across two levels with seating above and a dancefloor below. This is a great place to see talented international musicians that may only play a handful of events this year in the UK. However, the roster includes plenty of talent with roots closer to home that equally deserve attention.

As always, use the website as a guide.

5. Manchester Albert Hall: M1 7HE (1900 person standing capacity)
Situated in a restored grade 2 church building which really does seem bigger on the inside. There is a cascading ring of benches overlooking the large stage and dance area on the floor below. However, despite the massive space, the queues for the bar, cloakroom, and toilet can get serious but the experience is worth the wait. As they are not part of a chain like the O2 venues of similar size they are free to book whatever they want.

For more information visit their website.

University of Manchester partner up with Chester Zoo to protect threatened species

Written by Lucinda Obank on . Posted in News.

The partnership between the University of Manchester and the UK’s number one zoo, Chester Zoo, will see a £1.1 million investment into two research areas, to help prevent the extinction of threatened species across the planet.

The first will focus on improving the future outlook for some of Africa’s most endangered species, e.g. Eastern black rhinos and Grévy’s Zebra. Habitat destruction and hunting has led to more than 60% of mega herbivores such as these to collapse in numbers. The joint research project aims to explore further how these species are affected by environmental change and human disturbance.

The second area of research will focus on finding new ways to manage animal populations outside their natural range to increase their conservation value and promote animal welfare. The research will also focus on ‘safety net’ populations ensuring animals are fit to be reintroduced into the wild and continue to improve animal reproduction and welfare in zoos. The aim is to build these projects and continue establishing them worldwide.

Head of Applied Ccience at Chester Zoo, Dr Sue Walker, said: ‘The partnership with the University of Manchester brings together skills sets from both institutions and is a crucial step towards protecting some of the most charismatic species on our planet”.

The projects will be delivered by 10 doctoral/post-doctoral researchers over the next seven and a half years.

Chester Zoo Science Director, Dr Simon Dowell, commented: “Species across Africa are threatened with extinction. Conservation is critical and urgent. We have worked with the University of Manchester on a number of projects over the years but this important new partnership takes our collaboration to a new level”.

Professor Susan Shultz, a Royal Society University Research Fellow from The University of Manchester, said: “This partnership represents the best of collaborative applied science. The university is combining its expertise, facilities and technology with the conservation experience and global conservation reach of the zoo to find innovative solutions to the global biodiversity crisis.”

Immediate projects to be delivered include:

–          Why some black Rhino populations in Kenya fair better than others
–          How environmental change affects Grevy’s Zebra in Kenya and Cape Mountain Zebra in South Africa
–          How large mammals in Tanzanian National Parks are Impacted by resource extraction and land use change
–          Establishing a new physiology lab in Kenya

Other studies include research into management of bird song in the Javan sparrow, social behaviour in the endangered Sulawesi crested macaque and genetics in Eastern black rhinos. The aim of these research projects is to explore new ways of maximizing reproductive success and delivering world class animal welfare.

Soundtrack of the Summer 2018

Written by Olivia White on . Posted in Music.

1. The Likeness of Being – Jamie T
Jamie T blessed our late summer with his B Sides (06-17) album of previously unreleased material,
written in his youth and since forgotten about, uncovering gems such as ‘The Likeness of Being’.
Sombre yet filled with classic Jamie T charm, it’s the perfect nostalgic soundtrack for these last few
summer nights.

By contributor Winona Newman

2. You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall and John Oates

This song has been in the background of my car, in the garden, in films on holiday and blaring out of
my bedroom windows throughout the summer. That unmistakable keyboard riff fills me with sunny
joy whenever I hear it – this is one of the happiest, catchiest summer songs there is, yet its simplicity
never takes away from its credentials as an all-time 80s classic.

By contributor Phoebe Flys

3. Greatest Comedian – Matt Maltese

Matt Maltese’s debut album burst onto the music scene this June treating listeners to an intriguing collection of summer sounds. The stand out track is ‘Greatest Comedian’, a unique love song filled with quirky compliments providing an uplifting vibe fit for any summer occasion.

By contributor Peter Varley

4. Charcoal Baby – Blood Orange

The recent release of Blood Orange’s brilliant fourth album Negro Swan has certainly rekindled my love for Dev Hynes. The mellow groove and smooth vocals of ‘Charcoal Baby’, the first single from Negro Swan, has soundtracked many days cloud watching this summer.

5. Shake Your Bam Bam – RDX

This track definitely isn’t to my usual taste, yet after a month of hearing it non stop while volunteering in Fiji, the infectious dancehall beat from the Jamaican duo never fails to get me in a party mood.

By contributor Alice Berkeley

6. So Good At Being in Trouble – Unknown Mortal Orchestra 

Words can’t fully justify how incredibly good this song makes you feel. Characterised by simple lyrics, a dubbed synth beat, keys, and a nifty guitar lick, there’s nothing but raw talent.  Nielson’s uniquely soothing vocals provide the perfect backdrop to your warm and dimly lit summer evenings.

By editor Olivia White

The Mancunion is now on Spotify!

Follow our new weekly Spotify playlist at https://sptfy.com/19kw

Live Review: Idles at FOPP

Written by Tom Allen on . Posted in Music.

Taking to the stage more than an hour later than expected, Idles frontman Joe Talbot thanks fans for their patience – “standing in queues is shit” he laments, though those who had braved the tail end of Manchester’s summer weather are each individually thanked with a handshake by Talbot as his equipment is loaded in.

The band open proceedings in a similar manner to their latest release – Joy As An Act Of Resistance. The relentless, motorik beat of LP opener ‘Colossus’ rattles the ventilation system as Talbot stares ardently into the room. With only a set of monitors separating them from the crowd, this truly is an intimate affair which is appreciated as much by the band as it is by the fans. Though the stage (or lack thereof) is only a few feet wide, the group still somehow find ample room to throw themselves, their equipment, and fans alike around. By the end of the second song ‘Never Fight A Man With A Perm’, any notion of a setlist has been abandoned. Instead, requests are taken from audience members as Talbot menaces his way through the crowd.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the evening comes in the form of ‘Danny Nedelko’, the first single released in support of their current album campaign. Taking its name from a close friend of the band (and frontman of fellow Bristol-based band Heavy Lungs), the song is a vitriolic pro-immigration anthem taking aim at the rising tide of nationalist sentiment that is becoming ever more prevalent in a post-Brexit Britain. Fans yell the lyrics back almost militantly, an impressive feat for a song that has been in the public sphere for such a short amount of time.

Despite the exhaustive touring schedule that the group have embarked upon (with two shows per day seemingly the norm), there is no let up in their energy levels. ‘The Idles Chant’ from 2015 EP Meat sees guitarist Mark Bowen leave the confines of the floor to instead clamber precariously across a book stand, his microphone being lost to the crowd in the process where a group round off the evening by graciously taking over vocal duties.

There is no doubt that Joy as an Act Of Resistance will quite rightfully find itself nestled comfortably in the upper echelons of critics’ end of year album listings. With a fervent live show to accompany and an exponentially growing mass of dedicated fans, Idles tonight proved why they are one of the most relevant and essential young British bands of 2018.

Album Review: Idles – Joy as an Act of Resistance

Written by Olivia White on . Posted in Music.

Overflowing with brutal honesty, a plea to social change, love and the importance of speech, Idles have returned even more impassioned than ever before. And you know why? Because Joy as an Act of Resistance is an outright demonstration of a band reassessing what issues matter to them most and is a matured project with clear efforts of working in total unity.

Despite Brutalism certainly being an acclaimed album of the hardcore post-punk industry (and rightly so), with every listen of Joy I believe it really does start to overshadow the potent Bristol-born quintet’s debut album. This is because it sounds far more sophisticated, polished, and ambitious. Brutalism totally deserves its reputation for being one of the most defining neo-punk albums of the decade. However, after interviewing the lads on their previous stretch of tour dates, they highlighted unity was sometimes an issue whilst recording that debut LP. It seemed, at times, credit wasn’t given where it was due, and members of the band weren’t able to indulge in their own musical contribution.

Whereas Joy demonstrates that while Idles have still very much remained to their roots with their heavy beats and simplistic yet essential lyricism, their overall sound is bigger. It’s louder, it’s more cohesive and as a result, far more taunting than its predecessor.

‘Colossus’, the album’s opening track is a haunting, merciless and pounding confession that comprises of a resounding drum beat. This is later joined by a forewarning guitar riff, immediately ravishing the listener in a warmth of anticipation and thrill.  Soon you find yourself plunged into the echoing chamber of Talbot’s thoughts which are given life to by the musical counterparts merging to create a heavy as hell undertone.

The formidable, full-bodied frontman Joe Talbot has gripped this album by its throat accompanied by a tenacious snarl as he presents lyricism that is infiltrated in sarcasm, desire, and satire. However, there is nothing humorous about the topics of conversation. In an age of Brexit, Trump, a push for mental health support and toxic masculinity, there hasn’t been a more important time for such a musical prodigy to surface.

‘Samaritans’ oozes the importance of talking, the pressures of being male in a modern society and how damaging this ideal can be. Idles, in some ways, are preaching to the largely male music industry about how hegemonic masculinity is absurd and ultimately detrimental. This is later coupled with 9thtrack ‘Television’ which spreads the importance of loving yourself and sticking to what you truly believe in. Again, Idles are showcasing that listening to society’s idea of beauty is destructive. But rather than spreading hate, Idles are spreading the importance of love. Love others and love yourself.

However, what is most hard-hitting and emotive is stirring song ‘June’. A song that is dedicated to Talbot’s late daughter and grief which undoubtedly fuelled and shaped the entire record. Talbot takes this one almost as a healing monologue, repeating he’ll “mend” coupled with the evocative “baby shoes for sale, never worn”. By placing such a raw, personal, and painful song surrounded by tracks preaching love and self-acceptance only reinforces this idea that life can be so fragile. Life is too short. Humans need to love and be loved rather than spreading hate and creating divisions.

Joy as an Act Of Resistance is a landmark. Not only in the music industry, but it should also be a landmark in your perception. It encourages you to re-evaluate the way you treat others. It encourages you to re-evaluate the way you treat yourself. And if it doesn’t, it should.

Photo: Album Artwork

Album Review: Slaves – Acts Of Fear And Love

Written by Jake Oliver on . Posted in Music.

We live in turbulent times and who better to dish up some slightly surrealist commentary on the matter than everyone’s favourite punk rock duo Slaves? Album number three – Acts Of Fear And Love – draws upon those two titular opposites that so heavily plague society in what transpires to be their most competent piece since their rowdy debut.

“Oi!” is the first word we’re treated to from the ever-abrasive singer/drummer Isaac Holman on opening track ‘The Lives They Wish They Had’ alongside guitarist Laurie Vincent’s bone-rattling guitar riff that already showcases a much grittier style than usual. As album openers go, this is a smart choice to establish the overall tone here. Dishing up some wry remarks on our social media-obsessed culture, you can practically hear Holman’s grin rising above the fuzzy racket as he berates the futility of online personalities. “Nobody, I repeat, nobody gives a shit”. Now that’s punk rock.

‘Cut and Run’ follows next; it’s a pleasing hybrid of soundscapes, managing to combine a catchy pop chorus with Slaves’ usual ruckus of slashing guitars and hypnotic drumming. There is a distinctive return to their earlier thrashing sound here. ‘Bugs’ is a pulsating rollercoaster, complete will furious guitar shredding and an equally as manic tempo. Overall, production seems tighter and more energetic than ever before.

Lyrically, Slaves have never been masters of subtlety and nuanced thought, preferring instead to cut straight to the point in a rather self-assured fashion. But in a world of such turmoil and fake news, the need for a no-bollocks approach has never been stronger. Acts Of Fear And Love sees Slaves being as astute as ever. ‘Magnolia’ is a clever allegory for everyone’s insatiable desire to be completely perfect, whilst ‘Chokehold‘ takes on a male perspective over a breakup which, when not slightly sarcastic, comes through as sincere. Throughout the album, Slaves present to us a refreshingly honest take on the pitfalls of modern existence and thus, tell a compelling narrative.

Their sophomore album (Take Control) managed to showcase Holman’s ability to actually sing rather than constantly scream into the microphone, and this is something that is expanded upon more comfortably on this LP. Tracks like ‘Daddy’ and ‘Photo Opportunity’ run more like soft-spoken word and the collective power of Holman’s vocals and Vincent’s acoustic-esque strumming is fitting when considering the reflective nature of the songs. Perhaps more importantly though, it shows that Slaves are broadening their musical horizons, which bodes positive things for their future.

With a running time of just under half an hour, Acts Of Fear And Love is a short, but sweet experience. Gone are the frankly useless ‘skits’ from album two, as well as any weaker tracks that bogged down the general flow. It seems that Slaves have made the wise decision to streamline their style both lyrically and musically in order to create a more coherent LP – and it works.

8/10

Review: The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair

Written by Adrian Kanyoli on . Posted in Film.

Sky Witness’ new miniseries wastes no time establishing the stakes of the narrative. It opens in 1975 with the eponymous character falling for a beautiful young girl, Nola Kellergan. The next scene, set later, sees Nola seeking refuge in the house of an old lady, who is promptly murdered by an unseen assailant. Fast-forward to 2006 and a missing poster establishes Nola’s disappearance 31 years earlier.

Based on the novel La Vérité sur l’Affaire Harry Quebert by Swiss author Joël Dicker and adapted for television by Lyn Greene and Richard Levine, the series is primarily set in 2006. The pilot follows Marcus Goldman, a successful young novelist seeking to alleviate his writer’s block by visiting his former professor, Harry Quebert. What unfolds is a murder investigation for the death of 15-year-old Nola with Quebert at the centre of it, when the girl’s corpse is found buried near his home with a manuscript of his book.

The source material proved popular in Europe but faced mixed reviews in the Western Hemisphere for clichés and lacklustre writing. If reading the novel is not evidence enough of how right our North American cousins were, their criticism is further validated by the adaptation. The show hits all the right beats with such accuracy and consistency, it might as well be a blueprint for formulaic plots and easy watching. The characters are written more as caricatures of human beings, devoid of the complexity and identifiable flaws that would make this type of crime fiction iconic. Chief of these is protagonist Marcus Goldman, the newest bad boy of American letters. In Marcus, you won’t find the lucid rhetoric of David Foster Wallace or the political astuteness of Joyce Carol Oates or any realistic depiction of the modern fiction writer, instead you’ll find something in between a parody of a socialite and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 3: the type of character who monologues in a fancy restaurant while fondling his date under the table.

Absent in the script is the problematic depiction of minorities found in the original text but, then again, this is just the pilot, so there’s still time. Lyn Greene and Richard Levine write like experts, elevating Dicker’s novel to a polished TV-ready standard. But they are still stuck with an unpleasant protagonist and a contrived plot line.

Then there’s the director. If the subject truly dictates the form, then Jean-Jacques Annad’s work is a masterclass. Its understated nature clearly reflects the mediocre work he’s adapting. You’ll find no visionary techniques in his style like other crime drama virtuosi – namely True Detective’s Cary Joji Fukunaga or Breaking Bad’s Rian Johnson – and the appropriate creative choices do not distract from the steady pace of the episode, which, despite its flaws, is edited to a tee, with Marcus Goldman’s narration fluidly holding our hands through each scene.

On the bright side, the performances are stellar. Quebert is played by Patrick Dempsey, a Grey’s Anatomy alum, who film-goers will remember from Transformers: Dark of the Moon and as the latest heartthrob chasing Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones’s Baby. Dempsey is reliable as always, capable of conveying fatherly pride, embarrassment and abject fear even when he has been aged-up with a layer of makeup. Ben Schnetzer succeeds in playing Marcus as smarmy and conceited so well you might forget his star turn as a charismatic and morally responsible gay activist in Pride and Kristine Froseth, the Norwegian actress playing Nola, brings more to the table than just model good looks in her brief appearance. She has a convincing American twang and portrays the future murder victim as at once alluring and innocent through her love of the rain and her dreams of stardom in New York.

Overall, much like its source material, the pilot episode is rather a let-down but that doesn’t mean there aren’t brief flashes of brilliance.

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair premiered Tuesday 4th September 2018 on Sky Witness.

2/5 – thoroughly underwhelming.