The Smashing Pumpkins dial back their world-beating ambitions to deliver a solid modern rock album

Cordelia Milward speaks to Emmy the Great about writing songs in Hong Kong, finding hope in the direst of situations and controlling emotions

Matthew Cole pretentiously channels Italo Calvino in an attempt to express the reasons why we play games.

Elliot Coen fires explosive teddy bears in his bombastic review of Sunset Overdrive

Matthew Gormley on this year’s festive extravaganza at Manchester Opera House

The raunchy student production delighted with strong writing and hilarious moments, writes Hannah Toeman

Thomas McEvilly and Lauren Wills debate the issue of press regulation, weighing up the need for freedom of expression, a transparent media, and ethical journalism

It might seem like a great idea in order to pay for those Taylor Swift tickets, but is working up to 30 – 40 hours week manageable? Robert Firth finds that it can be (so long as your boss loves you)

If you are currently going through the stage of Christmas losing its sparkle, then have no fear; for Harry Newton is here to remind you of the Christmas wonders only adults can enjoy!

Ellie Howe brings a festive twist to this classic eye liner look

Cordelia Milward is in awe as Sinkane refuse to fit into any groove.

Katie Burns heads to Victoria Warehouse’s first Whisky Sessions festival for an empty but intimate show with Little Comets.

The psych-rockers’ ‘pop-up gig’ suffers from over-familiarity

The Beautiful South singers celebrate their long and winding back catalogue of hits

A man is being held in custody in connection with the rape of a 22-year-old student on Ladybarn Lane on the 5th of December

Dan Whiteley chats to ex-La’s bassist John Power about Britpop, the music industry and the never-ending song

Donald Spencer chats to Ahren Stringer about line-up changes, the British metal scene and their world tour

On Wednesday the 3rd of December West Midlands police violently broke up a peaceful free education sit-in by Warwick students using force and CS spray. Warwick Students’ Union has responded with a move of solidarity organising further protests against the alleged police brutality, now supported by Manchester’s Students’ Union.

George Tomlinson discusses the significance of Bob Dylan’s The Basement Tapes Complete

Callum Lunn gets caught up in the whirlwind of New Found Glory’s energetic live show.