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Letter from the President Travel Centre closes after another year of losses Union President Steve O’Reilly gives the low down of the academic year. e As you will all now know, earlier this year we closed the highs and the lows with the best bits and the not so glamorous moments. Union Travel Centre.

As an independent travel provider, we have been un-

What an amazing year, and what a privilege to serve hiccups. e “Grad Ball Fiasco of 2010” was a major pain der pressure from internet travel operators for many years the students that elected me last year. is year has been in the backside and rightly upset many students for which and it’s clear that the forecast for high street operations is tough, it’s been stressful, but it’s been an amazing experi- I have done, but will apologise again. ere was also the not set to improve. We have always taken pride in the per- ence and the team and I, we’ve achieved a lot. Whether it case of some rather poorly chosen content for a Women’s sonal, professional service we have offered, as well as the was extension of Library hours, ﬁ nally closing down the Day poster, women in bikini’s probably not being one of independent, expert advice we have given, but we were no

Travel Centre, or being a founding member in the creation the best ways to promote a day about international femi- longer able to continue to trade at a loss. of USU a national collaborative network of like-minded nism (who knew?). e Travel Centre has been under threat of closure

Unions, the year has been a busy one. e biggest challenge of this year has by far been stu- for some years. Union Council set clear ﬁ nancial targets in

We smashed the UK record for voter participation in dent apathy. Students seem to forget that they can make June 2008, which required a declining deﬁ cit, accumulat- a student election hitting a turnout of over 7000 people a difference and of course they can. All it takes is deciding ing to £60k over 4 years. In the ﬁ rst two years the com-

(even if we were beaten by Sheffi eld and Edinburgh the to do it. My leaving plea to the students of Southampton bined defi cit was £47k, with a further £25k estimated this following week) and really quite aggressively stamped University, and of course of our Union, as our members year. We had been working with the University to ensure a place on the national scene for a non-NUS affi liated and owners, is to remember you have power, you are the e Travel Centre business was transferred to a third

Union. power. If you don’t like something, make yourself known party supplier of travel products to the University, but the

is year we have tried to make decisions that will put because you are the ones who decide. And if you have University has decided not go ahead with this planned

SUSU in the right shape for the new decade. We have put good ideas, hell if you have bad ideas, get involved. Have travel management project, due to the recently announced in place new staff structures this year, rejigged the budgets pride in your Union, we are you. reorganisation within the University, which will prove too in a fairer and more effi cient way and increased staff sup- So despite the challenges, and despite the hiccups the disruptive to allow the project to work well at this time. port in area’s that will either benefi t from expansion or team has been fantastic this year and really worked hard are severely lacking in the fi rst place. So the Union of next to get the most for students out of their University. So as “In the first two years, the year can look forward to more staff support at Winchester you read over the next few pages please bare that in mind. combined deficit was £47K” and a brand spanking new Democracy and Representa- We are students, for students. tion staff member poised to take student representation to So with much presidential love, and gratitude the next level among many other important changes. Yours, As an organisation, it is important for the Students’ Union

We have one of the best Unions in the country, cer- Steve O’Reilly to improve our efﬁ ciencies and become more cost- tainly top 10. We have one of the largest amounts of clubs effective. We are also keen to ensure that our resources and socs in the country and involvement levels like you are targeted on our core business activities, particularly wouldn’t believe, but the year has not been without it’s in the light of our imminent charity registration, which

precludes the use of charitable funds to subsidise non-

charitable activity. So whilst it was a tough decision for us

to make, we are sure that it was the right one. president

Letter from the President Travel Centre closes after Raving Later another year of losses Union President Steve O’Reilly gives the low down of the academic year. e One of SUSU’s aims at the start of the year was to extend As you will all now know, earlier this year we closed the e Cube’s openning hours to 4am. After hours of meet- highs and the lows with the best bits and the not so glamorous moments. Union Travel Centre. ings and solicitors we applied for the required licence in As an independent travel provider, we have been un- the hope of improving what the Cube has to offer. What an amazing year, and what a privilege to serve hiccups. e “Grad Ball Fiasco of 2010” was a major pain der pressure from internet travel operators for many years Unfortunately, despite the support given to us by the students that elected me last year. is year has been in the backside and rightly upset many students for which and it’s clear that the forecast for high street operations is the University, we were denied our application for a later tough, it’s been stressful, but it’s been an amazing experi- I have done, but will apologise again. ere was also the not set to improve. We have always taken pride in the per- license. We strongly believe that students want a later ence and the team and I, we’ve achieved a lot. Whether it case of some rather poorly chosen content for a Women’s sonal, professional service we have offered, as well as the license and want to patron the club later as many of them was extension of Library hours, fi nally closing down the Day poster, women in bikini’s probably not being one of independent, expert advice we have given, but we were no do in other venues with later licenses than our own. We Travel Centre, or being a founding member in the creation the best ways to promote a day about international femi- longer able to continue to trade at a loss. also think that it would help us to re-invigorate the venue. of USU a national collaborative network of like-minded nism (who knew?). e Travel Centre has been under threat of closure Over the weekend of the 16th of October, Becky Maclean We initially decided to appeal the decision, but then chose Unions, the year has been a busy one. e biggest challenge of this year has by far been stu- for some years. Union Council set clear fi nancial targets in and Steve O’Reilly took a trip to Birmingham for a confer- to withdraw our appeal and direct our attention to work- We smashed the UK record for voter participation in dent apathy. Students seem to forget that they can make June 2008, which required a declining defi cit, accumulat- ence with the other non NUS affi liated universities. e ing on our relationship with the local residents and our a student election hitting a turnout of over 7000 people a difference and of course they can. All it takes is deciding ing to £60k over 4 years. In the fi rst two years the com- conference was attended by us, Aston University, Impe- other community relations until such a time that we think (even if we were beaten by Sheffi eld and Edinburgh the to do it. My leaving plea to the students of Southampton bined defi cit was £47k, with a further £25k estimated this rial College London, Durham and Sunderland with St. another application will be successful. following week) and really quite aggressively stamped University, and of course of our Union, as our members year. We had been working with the University to ensure Andrews sending apologies. e result was the formation a place on the national scene for a non-NUS affi liated and owners, is to remember you have power, you are the e Travel Centre business was transferred to a third of USU, a non-lobbyist, non-political national coalition of Union. power. If you don’t like something, make yourself known party supplier of travel products to the University, but the Union Finances 2009/2010 separate SUs designed to help each other out and allow is year we have tried to make decisions that will put because you are the ones who decide. And if you have University has decided not go ahead with this planned is year as been a year of both positives and nagatives e shop is great news, as per usual with both profi ts each Union to function better than if separate but without

SUSU in the right shape for the new decade. We have put good ideas, hell if you have bad ideas, get involved. Have travel management project, due to the recently announced for SUSU. Cafe SUSU has made another loss despite the increasing from £148k in 2009 to £160k in 2010, we hope political agendas. in place new staff structures this year, rejigged the budgets pride in your Union, we are you. reorganisation within the University, which will prove too make over although it should be noted that the Cafe was that this rise will continue into 2011. Development of USU is going well, and we hosted in a fairer and more effi cient way and increased staff sup- So despite the challenges, and despite the hiccups the disruptive to allow the project to work well at this time. closed throughout the summer whilst building work was Finally, our grant continues to exceed our expenditure a conference for delegates here at SUSU on the 18th of port in area’s that will either benefi t from expansion or team has been fantastic this year and really worked hard taking place. as it did in 2009, a great improvement from 2008 when January which was very exciting. Also we had St. Andrew’s are severely lacking in the fi rst place. So the Union of next to get the most for students out of their University. So as “In the first two years, the e Travel centre made more of a loss than in the past we had an unfortunate year of severe overspend which University Students’ Union attending which was extremely year can look forward to more staff support at Winchester you read over the next few pages please bare that in mind. but this was due to the cost of closure in April and will not damaged the Union’s reserves. e reserves now stand at positive at these early stages. combined deficit was £47K” and a brand spanking new Democracy and Representa- We are students, for students. be a bill that SUSU has to foot in the future. £230k compared to £48k in 2008. tion staff member poised to take student representation to So with much presidential love, and gratitude Your Union is Evolving the next level among many other important changes. Yours, As an organisation, it is important for the Students’ Union Earlier this year we kicked off a survey for all students

We have one of the best Unions in the country, cer- Steve O’Reilly to improve our efﬁ ciencies and become more cost- to have their say as to what they thought a great student tainly top 10. We have one of the largest amounts of clubs effective. We are also keen to ensure that our resources union should do, what we did that was great, and what we and socs in the country and involvement levels like you are targeted on our core business activities, particularly could do better. We had 200 respondents and the data was wouldn’t believe, but the year has not been without it’s in the light of our imminent charity registration, which extremely valuable, which meant that Union staff together precludes the use of charitable funds to subsidise non- with all of the Sabbaticals could come up with a strategic charitable activity. So whilst it was a tough decision for us direction for the organisation as well as a mission, a vision to make, we are sure that it was the right one. and some key aims for the coming years.

Next term we will be making public the document

stating all that we have come up with and will offer all

students the opportunity to respond and give feedback on

this draft. Keep an eye out for it in October; after all, it’s

your Union. education

Hartley Library SUSU’s Accessibility this year To try and make the VP education and representation Your VP academic affairs Becky Maclean explains how she has improved stu- role more accessible, Becky Maclean became SUSU’s blog-

dent resources this year regarding the library. ging star and blogged on scrapbook: scrapbook.susu.org/

vped. She also joined the masses on twitter and has been After hours of talks, we have acheived longer opening Brown, has informed us that part of the library’s strategy tweeting (or is it twatting?): www.twitter.com/VPEduca- hours in the Hartley library. This is something that pro- is to digitise books. They are currently working their way tionSUSU. Here are just a few of her tweets: spective sabbaticals have put in their manifestos for years, through the reserve collection at Hartley and have already without much success after getting into post. We’re very digitised the books that could be done at Avenue campus. Motion on officer manifestos going on proud of this achievement and can confirm that the library This will stop all those last minute book grabs ending is now open from 7:30am until midnight (mon-fri). in disaster! internet ‘passed’

The library also agreed to extend hours from 8th June

– 5th July to cover 3rd year medics’ exams. Previously, after 8th June, the opening hours would be 9am – 9pm don’t forget to vote for your school

Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. However, the president if you’re in Biological hours for 8th June – 5th July will now be 7:30am - midnight (mon-fri) and 9am - midnight (Sat & Sun). We’re Sciences, Social Sciences or Geography hoping that this will make the medics far happier as recently they have been feeling pretty forgotten!

Further to all of the above The Head Librarian, Mark Just interviewed david cameron. Will

be on susu.tv soon Ed and Rep Highlights 2010 last chance to nominate yourself for General election campaign Vice Chancellor’s Question Time With the help of many volunteers, we ran the ‘rock the we organised the Vice Chancellor’s question time in the School President....www.schoolpres. vote’ campaign. We encouraged students to register to Cube to allow students to ask the Vice Chancellor any- susu.org vote, we organised a debate with candidates standing to be thing they like about the University. an MP in the local areas and we put on free busses to take students to polling stations. Know your rights Just met with someone from Uni in

With the revision campaign we included a ‘know your NSW Aus. They wanted to know all Assesment Feedback Policy rights’ document, highlighting what students are entitled A draft policy on assessment feedback has been developed to expect from their time at University and also showing out our rep system. I felt very proud of with the University and we hope it will be passed in Uni- where they can get support from if they need it. ours after disucssion. go susu versity committees and become policy by next year.

Revision Space Education Survey This year we put on extra revision space in SUSU; we had Going to London on Weds to question

We ran a survey on core texts, personal tutors and assess- extra space in the clubs and societies room (above the political parties on Education. Want ment feedback to gauge opinion as we know these are hot stag’s head), and on bar level 3. We also booked out extra topics. We may use these results as a kind of ‘alternative space in rooms across the University so that students me to ask anything for you? Let me prospectus’ where we gather student opinion on what they don’t have to fight as hard for library seats first thing in know think about the schools and university. the morning. education

SUSU’s Accessibility this year Hartley Library School Presidents 2009/2010 15 school presidents elected To try and make the VP education and representation this year. Your VP academic affairs Becky Maclean explains how she has improved stu- With the help of Chris Pidgley (Schools Liaison Offi cer) role more accessible, Becky Maclean became SUSU’s blog- we’ve had a successful year for School Presidents, they’ve dent resources this year regarding the library. ging star and blogged on scrapbook: scrapbook.susu.org/ all worked amazingly hard and we’ve now created Vice vped. She also joined the masses on twitter and has been 0 number of School VP After hours of talks, we have acheived longer opening Brown, has informed us that part of the library’s strategy President positions in larger schools to support the School tweeting (or is it twatting?): www.twitter.com/VPEduca- positions last year hours in the Hartley library. This is something that pro- is to digitise books. They are currently working their way President and ensure students are properly represented. tionSUSU. Here are just a few of her tweets: spective sabbaticals have put in their manifestos for years, through the reserve collection at Hartley and have already 5 Firsts for School presidents in 2010: without much success after getting into post. We’re very digitised the books that could be done at Avenue campus. Motion on officer manifestos going on • Branding: We introduced some branding to help raise 17 number of School VP proud of this achievement and can confirm that the library This will stop all those last minute book grabs ending the profi le of presidents. position filled this year is now open from 7:30am until midnight (mon-fri). in disaster! internet ‘passed’ • Site Surgeries: We ran these at NOC, Highfi eld and The library also agreed to extend hours from 8th June Winchester. Not that well attended but at least we 12 school presidents in place – 5th July to cover 3rd year medics’ exams. Previously, tried! this time last year. after 8th June, the opening hours would be 9am – 9pm don’t forget to vote for your school • Training: We provided training for School Presidents Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. However, the president if you’re in Biological to help them in their roles and we have expanded and hours for 8th June – 5th July will now be 7:30am - mid- improved it for 2010/2011 School Presidents 19 school presidents in place night (mon-fri) and 9am - midnight (Sat & Sun). We’re Sciences, Social Sciences or Geography • Online voting: this year you were all able to vote for throughout 2009/2010 hoping that this will make the medics far happier as your School President or Vice President online. recently they have been feeling pretty forgotten! • Awesomeness (no offence to last year’s School Presi- Further to all of the above The Head Librarian, Mark Just interviewed david cameron. Will 18 good school presidents dents, and despite what our stat says, Bradley was in place throughout 2009/2010 be on susu.tv soon awesome too.) Ed and Rep Highlights 2010 (sorry Bradley Fitchew) last chance to nominate yourself for Representation and your voice General election campaign Vice Chancellor’s Question Time PG Tips. Top changes. With the help of many volunteers, we ran the ‘rock the we organised the Vice Chancellor’s question time in the School President....www.schoolpres. Chris Pidgley (Schools Liaison Offi cer), Martin Under- dent voice on a number of issues. e main points are: vote’ campaign. We encouraged students to register to Cube to allow students to ask the Vice Chancellor any- wood (PostGrad Offi cer) are working hard with Becky • e University strategy and Education strategy susu.org Martin Underwood (post grad offi cer) writes of this vote, we organised a debate with candidates standing to be thing they like about the University. Maclean to make sure you are all represented on academ- • Course cuts year’s three top changes at the University and at the an MP in the local areas and we put on free busses to take ic issues. We’ve strengthened and expanded the course rep • Compulsory fi eld trips Union that will affect post grads thanks to him and Becky students to polling stations. and school president system but also: • Late coursework penalties Know your rights Just met with someone from Uni in Maclean. • Developed a representation plan for reps for • Timetable clashes/lecture hours With the revision campaign we included a ‘know your Top 3 changes at the University: NSW Aus. They wanted to know all PostGrads as well as Undergrads • Postgraduate space Assesment Feedback Policy rights’ document, highlighting what students are entitled • PG space now recognised as a priority for invest- • Are currently re-vamping the website to have • Video conferencing for students at satellite sites A draft policy on assessment feedback has been developed to expect from their time at University and also showing out our rep system. I felt very proud of ment next year! Whoop. up-to-date information about who your reps are On top of this, SUSU has arranged 2 large scale de- with the University and we hope it will be passed in Uni- where they can get support from if they need it. • ere’s a review of Postgraduate Taught courses ours after disucssion. go susu on it. bates that students were invited to attend and pose ques- versity committees and become policy by next year. and provision! • Have passed a paper at University Education tions to various panels. e fi rst of these debates was Vice • Recognition of the paper arguing for Alumni Revision Space Committee (where education policy gets passed) Chancellor’s question time where students could pose any discount for postgraduate courses. Education Survey This year we put on extra revision space in SUSU; we had Going to London on Weds to question to ensure that we measure how good each school questions to the VC regarding future plans for the univer- Top 3 changes at the Students’ Union: We ran a survey on core texts, personal tutors and assess- extra space in the clubs and societies room (above the is in allowing the student voice to be heard. sity. political parties on Education. Want • Students Union committed to actually holding ment feedback to gauge opinion as we know these are hot stag’s head), and on bar level 3. We also booked out extra • Are looking towards developing a system of e scond was the Rock the vote debate (for which a postgraduate student events topics. We may use these results as a kind of ‘alternative space in rooms across the University so that students me to ask anything for you? Let me international course reps for Winchester and spin off campaign was also run). In this debate we invted • Developing a new representation plan prospectus’ where we gather student opinion on what they don’t have to fight as hard for library seats first thing in potentially other schools. on represetative from all parties in the Southampton area know • Planning a Freshers’ Week for all postgrads think about the schools and university. the morning. Further to all of the above, Becky has also raised the stu- to accept questions from the fl oor. comms

SUSU Media stars 2010 SUSU became rather Gift-Ed Tom Stacey: Tom’s outstanding work

with SUSU TV and Surge since he joined Our all new Gift-Ed card has been well received by stu- Southampton have been a real asset and he dents with over 3,500 online sign ups. Whilst this is great, 3,500 the number of has supported SUSU in all of it’s media endeavours. we know we can offer you more. and bring you some students registered on website fantastic deals. We are now working with Gifted them- Surge radio: e good and the bad Dax Wood: Recognition is deserved selves to improve the card and its services to ensure that 150+ number of deals e Bad here purely as a result of a stirling effort at next year you’re all ﬂ ashing your cards all over the shop available on the gifted card AM transmitter broke. directing elections night live from behind (or shops hopefully!). e card carries zero risk to the Servers Crashed leading to temporary death of the studio. the scenes. Dax is also an incredibly dedicated com- students’ union and gives you lot that discount that you

mittee member. all need to protect the wallet, so it’s a win win situation all e Good round. is is a great venture of SUSU and all of its mem- ‘SUSU TV set the standard’ An awesome, very professional committee that dealt bril- Lydia Teague: e Scene’s assistant bers as it can potentially give great deals and create SUSU liantly with every hurdle they were faced with. We salute Your VP Media and Communications, Jamie Ings explains how SUSU TV editor whose writing is different, out there, an extra income, so keep an eye out as we’ll be pushing you. and brilliantly put together. Her eye for this lots next year too! could lead the way for UK student Media through pioneering technology. Superb FM broadcast lasting two weeks. Leading to the creative design shows up professionals! securing of funding from the University for more FM time After many hours or bureaucracy this year I secured e team also went to the National Student Television next year. Huge surge in student interest for shows. £28,000 of funding for SUSU to build a TV studio for SUSU Awards in March and were constantl y congratulated on Charlotte Woods and Dan More listeners than last year TV. the quality of the elections broadcast. Unfortunately we Webb: e twosome that always pull is year’s Wessex Scene has been rollercoaster of ups lighter this year as our money saving idea was to trim More long distance listeners (furthest to date is New e aim of this studio was to increase the amount of didn’t win any awards this year but we’re feeling extreme- together a sports section to perfection. and downs. Due to the current economic climate there is some weight off each copy, saving us enough over the year Zealand) student engagement in SUSU TV. For the last few years it ly positive about next year. much less interest in print media advertising than there for all 9 issues. ree nominations for student radio awards in November has been the most poorly engaged and neglected depart- Emily Sheldrake: is year’s news has been in previous years. Seeing as the Wessex Scene’s Year highlights for the scene and e Edge have been Broke the highest listener number on surge twice!!!! ment, despite those that were involved working extremely show has been fantastic and Emily has income is made through this channel, the situation is far the expanded sex issue, the fantastic blog, the new design hard. managed her news team with ﬂ are. SUSU Media Conference 2010 from ideal and over the summer, it looked as though we of both publications and of course the huge range of out- is year’s break through has already had an impact e aim was to set this up for this academic year but due were going to have to drop at least one issue due to lack of standing interviews that have been printed. on student involvement within the station with student Harriet Ellis: Surge’s assistant to various logistical and ﬁ nancial issues we have post- funds.

The University of Southamptonís Finest Entertainment Pub Issue 1 24th September 2009 The University of Southampton’s Finest Entertainment Publication numbers skyrocketing. We used the studio to broadcast station manager who has shown faultless Issue 4 3rd December 2009 poned to November 2010. SUSU is working hard this term We looked into various ways we could work round elections night 2010 and became the fi rst organisation commitment to the department and always to ensure that this event is benefi cial for all students inter- this and the end result was genious! If you have super to carry out an online high defi nition broadcast. Ahead rises to the challenge. ested in a career in the media. We’ll be pulling in the pros powers then you may have noticed that the paper is of the BBC too, which is pretty big news. is broadcast During the Summer break we produced the DVD and The University of Southampton’s Finest Entertainment Publication Issue 8 29th `Àpril 2010 from TV, Radio, PR, Marketing and of course, print media. alone led to a variety of other opportunities for the SUSU magazine for all freshers for the third year running. ere Will Hay: SUSU TV’s tech guy who is TV team, including the fi lming of a question time event in was more footage than ever before on the DVD and we so committed, he was willing to strip half £28,000 Juicy SUSU Media stats London with the former secretary of state for education, implemented a new format for the magazine which made naked and run into the Bournemouth Sea the amount of money 2grams Ed Balls. it go from good to awesome. ese were circulated to in mid winter. All in the name of good TV I suppose. people the number donated by the 6,000 5 the weight we 7,000 students and really set the standard for SUSU Media tuned in to watch of hours we were University for our trimmed off each “We became the first organisa- for the rest of the year. Fortunately we have maintained Ryo Tabussa: SUSU TVs own elections night live wetting ourselves new TV studio copy of the scene to tion to carry out an online, high our great record for producing slick publications and are theatrical guru. Ryo has gone above and when the Surge save money for all definition broadcast.” constantly asked for advice from other student unions beyond the call of duty to ensure the PAU servers crashed 2,500 the nine issues across the UK, which makes us feel very special. has had maximum coverage on the station. 2 the number number of students It is safe to say that SUSU TV is in a positive position of clinical nervous that responded to to become the UK’s leading student TV station and with Matt Whitaker: DJ of the year at 7,000 the number of DVDs Photo:breakdowns Jon Speed during the Wessex Scene 36,000 copies of the Wessex Scene some fantastic material currently being produced, it would the EVAs, head of production on the Surge and magazines produced elections night live sex survey. printed this year appear that this has already started to happen. committee and an all-round nice bloke. comms

SUSU Media stars 2010 SUSU became rather Gift-Ed Tom Stacey: Tom’s outstanding work with SUSU TV and Surge since he joined Our all new Gift-Ed card has been well received by stu- Southampton have been a real asset and he dents with over 3,500 online sign ups. Whilst this is great, 3,500 the number of has supported SUSU in all of it’s media endeavours. we know we can offer you more. and bring you some students registered on website fantastic deals. We are now working with Gifted them- Surge radio: e good and the bad Dax Wood: Recognition is deserved selves to improve the card and its services to ensure that 150+ number of deals e Bad here purely as a result of a stirling effort at next year you’re all fl ashing your cards all over the shop available on the gifted card AM transmitter broke. directing elections night live from behind (or shops hopefully!). e card carries zero risk to the Servers Crashed leading to temporary death of the studio. the scenes. Dax is also an incredibly dedicated com- students’ union and gives you lot that discount that you mittee member. all need to protect the wallet, so it’s a win win situation all e Good round. is is a great venture of SUSU and all of its mem- ‘SUSU TV set the standard’ An awesome, very professional committee that dealt bril- Lydia Teague: e Scene’s assistant bers as it can potentially give great deals and create SUSU liantly with every hurdle they were faced with. We salute Your VP Media and Communications, Jamie Ings explains how SUSU TV editor whose writing is different, out there, an extra income, so keep an eye out as we’ll be pushing you. and brilliantly put together. Her eye for this lots next year too! could lead the way for UK student Media through pioneering technology. Superb FM broadcast lasting two weeks. Leading to the creative design shows up professionals! securing of funding from the University for more FM time After many hours or bureaucracy this year I secured e team also went to the National Student Television next year. Huge surge in student interest for shows. £28,000 of funding for SUSU to build a TV studio for SUSU Awards in March and were constantl y congratulated on Charlotte Woods and Dan More listeners than last year TV. the quality of the elections broadcast. Unfortunately we Webb: e twosome that always pull is year’s Wessex Scene has been rollercoaster of ups lighter this year as our money saving idea was to trim More long distance listeners (furthest to date is New e aim of this studio was to increase the amount of didn’t win any awards this year but we’re feeling extreme- together a sports section to perfection. and downs. Due to the current economic climate there is some weight off each copy, saving us enough over the year Zealand) student engagement in SUSU TV. For the last few years it ly positive about next year. much less interest in print media advertising than there for all 9 issues. ree nominations for student radio awards in November has been the most poorly engaged and neglected depart- Emily Sheldrake: is year’s news has been in previous years. Seeing as the Wessex Scene’s Year highlights for the scene and e Edge have been Broke the highest listener number on surge twice!!!! ment, despite those that were involved working extremely show has been fantastic and Emily has income is made through this channel, the situation is far the expanded sex issue, the fantastic blog, the new design hard. managed her news team with fl are. SUSU Media Conference 2010 from ideal and over the summer, it looked as though we of both publications and of course the huge range of out- is year’s break through has already had an impact e aim was to set this up for this academic year but due were going to have to drop at least one issue due to lack of standing interviews that have been printed. on student involvement within the station with student Harriet Ellis: Surge’s assistant to various logistical and fi nancial issues we have post- funds.

SUSU Media stars 2010 Tom Stacey: Tom’s outstanding work

with SUSU TV and Surge since he joined

Southampton have been a real asset and he

has supported SUSU in all of it’s media endeavours.

Dax Wood: Recognition is deserved

here purely as a result of a stirling effort at

directing elections night live from behind

the scenes. Dax is also an incredibly dedicated com-

mittee member. ‘SUSU TV set the standard’ Lydia Teague: e Scene’s assistant Your VP Media and Communications, Jamie Ings explains how SUSU TV editor whose writing is different, out there,

and brilliantly put together. Her eye for could lead the way for UK student Media through pioneering technology. creative design shows up professionals!

After many hours or bureaucracy this year I secured e team also went to the National Student Television

£28,000 of funding for SUSU to build a TV studio for SUSU Awards in March and were constantl y congratulated on Charlotte Woods and Dan TV. the quality of the elections broadcast. Unfortunately we Webb: e twosome that always pull

e aim of this studio was to increase the amount of didn’t win any awards this year but we’re feeling extreme- together a sports section to perfection. student engagement in SUSU TV. For the last few years it ly positive about next year. has been the most poorly engaged and neglected depart- Emily Sheldrake: is year’s news ment, despite those that were involved working extremely show has been fantastic and Emily has hard. managed her news team with ﬂ are.

is year’s break through has already had an impact on student involvement within the station with student Harriet Ellis: Surge’s assistant numbers skyrocketing. We used the studio to broadcast station manager who has shown faultless elections night 2010 and became the ﬁ rst organisation commitment to the department and always to carry out an online high deﬁ nition broadcast. Ahead rises to the challenge. of the BBC too, which is pretty big news. is broadcast During the Summer break we produced the DVD and alone led to a variety of other opportunities for the SUSU magazine for all freshers for the third year running. ere Will Hay: SUSU TV’s tech guy who is

TV team, including the ﬁ lming of a question time event in was more footage than ever before on the DVD and we so committed, he was willing to strip half

London with the former secretary of state for education, implemented a new format for the magazine which made naked and run into the Bournemouth Sea

Ed Balls. it go from good to awesome. ese were circulated to in mid winter. All in the name of good TV I suppose.

7,000 students and really set the standard for SUSU Media

“We became the first organisa- for the rest of the year. Fortunately we have maintained Ryo Tabussa: SUSU TVs own tion to carry out an online, high our great record for producing slick publications and are theatrical guru. Ryo has gone above and definition broadcast.” constantly asked for advice from other student unions beyond the call of duty to ensure the PAU

across the UK, which makes us feel very special. has had maximum coverage on the station.

It is safe to say that SUSU TV is in a positive position to become the UK’s leading student TV station and with Matt Whitaker: DJ of the year at 7,000 the number of DVDs some fantastic material currently being produced, it would the EVAs, head of production on the Surge and magazines produced appear that this has already started to happen. committee and an all-round nice bloke. comms

‘Why I killed Housing Week’ Campaigns at a glance Your VP Welfare & Societies Sophie Paterson explains why she ditched the age old tradition of Housing Week, and how she changed it for the better.

Just before the January exams there has always been a ﬁ nd rats in the kitchen; and even how to ensure you get

mad panic, as people try to sign up for houses for the fol- your deposit back at the end of it.

lowing year. On the tail end of this panic came Housing I also ran talks in the evenings at every single hall of

Week, our campaign to inform students about the pitfalls residence for a week, meaning we still kept the most help-

of rented accommodation. ful part of the Housing Week format.

is wasn’t good enough. For some students it was

too late, as they had already found houses. Other students “Since launching the scheme, took it as a signal that they should hurry to ﬁ nd a house. SUAIC has seen a two-fold In reality there’s no rush. increase in housing inquiries.” Grub Club: On the 29th October we launched a To tackle this problem, I introduced a series of hous- healthy living initiative in conjunction with the BBC ing days, to better reﬂ ect the needs of students throughout We hope to continue this format next year, expanding the and with celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine. e grub club the year. scheme to take excellent housing advice to students at promotes healthy (and cheap) home cooking and is covered signing for a house; moving in; sharing satellite campuses too. is year has demonstrated that is seeks to address some of the taboos surrounding bills; what to do when you come back after Christmas and worth persuing . mental health. We also had some great feedback

from a series of delicious Grub Club dinner parties.

Money Doctors: A joint ongoing project with the

University for proactive money management. e

5-week waiting list to see a debt advisor in SUAIC

shows just how important this kind of campaign is.

For budgeting tips, visit life.susu.org/money

Breast Cancer Awareness Day: We kicked this one

off in our bras & pants, raising money for Wessex

Cancer Trust. It’s a local charity providing unparal-

leled support for families affected by cancer. £200

was raised thanks to some enthusiastic cross- ensuring students a single point of access to all volunteer- dressing. ing at the University. As a result, volunteering in South-

ampton is stronger than ever. If you want to volunteer or

want to recruit other students for a project get onto the Marrow Clinics: 743 people signed up to the Bone Community Volunteering website: cv.susu.org. Marrow Register at Southampton University Stu- Last summer, Sophie joined her predecessor Dan Francis dents’ Union this year. e event proved so popular in meetings with University staff to discuss the future of £125,000+ the value it even received coverage on local TV. A huge thank volunteering at Southampton University. e result was of time given by our volunteers you goes out to everyone who signed up! the Community Volunteering department, a joint venture welfare

THE ‘Why I killed Housing Week’ Campaigns at a glance Clamping down on Chlamydia Your VP Welfare & Societies Sophie Paterson explains why she ditched the MAY An outstanding team effort from the AUC and Welfare age old tradition of Housing Week, and how she changed it for the better. Committee saw over 300 students peeing into pots up

and down Portswood high street. This may sound like an Just before the January exams there has always been a fi nd rats in the kitchen; and even how to ensure you get 2010 ordinary Wednesday night, but it was infact the ‘Great mad panic, as people try to sign up for houses for the fol- your deposit back at the end of it. Chlamydia Pub Crawl’. lowing year. On the tail end of this panic came Housing I also ran talks in the evenings at every single hall of As the poster (left) attests, it was merely a matter of Sam Ling writes... Week, our campaign to inform students about the pitfalls residence for a week, meaning we still kept the most help- posting their samples to the hospital and awaiting a text This year Sophie and I set out to build on the success of of rented accommodation. ful part of the Housing Week format. message. We also gave out loads of condoms on the night. last years Community and Societies Festivals. We com- is wasn’t good enough. For some students it was Acondom is the only surefire way to protect yourself from bined the two, getting a whole host of societies, sports too late, as they had already found houses. Other students “Since launching the scheme, sexually transmitted diseases like this. clubs, and student groups involved to put on SUSU’s big- took it as a signal that they should hurry to fi nd a house. SUAIC has seen a two-fold gest ever festival. In reality there’s no rush. increase in housing inquiries.” Grub Club: On the 29th October we launched a With funding from the Cultural Olympiad, we were To tackle this problem, I introduced a series of hous- 300 of you completed healthy living initiative in conjunction with the BBC able to create a vast and varied selection of entertaining days, to better refl ect the needs of students throughout We hope to continue this format next year, expanding the chlamydia tests in March and with celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine. e grub club ments and interactive workshops. From rock climbing to the year. scheme to take excellent housing advice to students at promotes healthy (and cheap) home cooking and salsa dancing & ice-cream making, there was something is covered signing for a house; moving in; sharing satellite campuses too. is year has demonstrated that is seeks to address some of the taboos surrounding 16 of you tested positive – for everyone. bills; what to do when you come back after Christmas and worth persuing . mental health. We also had some great feedback that’s half the national average In spite of uncharacteristically wet May weather, the from a series of delicious Grub Club dinner parties. We don’t mince our words when it comes to STIs... event was a huge success and we were delighted to see so

many students and local residents enjoying the event.

Money Doctors: A joint ongoing project with the Performing Arts stage a profitable return University for proactive money management. e SUSU’s underwritten performing arts societies – Theatre 5-week waiting list to see a debt advisor in SUAIC Group, Showstoppers & LOpSoc – worked closely with shows just how important this kind of campaign is. Sophie Paterson & Sam Ling this year to ensure that their For budgeting tips, visit life.susu.org/money shows made a profit.

This meant some stringent budgeting and innovative

Breast Cancer Awareness Day: We kicked this one marketing ideas were needed, but thanks to their hard off in our bras & pants, raising money for Wessex work, shows by these three societies have generated a

Cancer Trust. It’s a local charity providing unparal- combined profit of £8,000 so far this year. leled support for families affected by cancer. £200 Performances included Showstoppers presents Foot- was raised thanks to some enthusiastic cross- loose; Theatre Group presents Whitechapel; and LOpSoc Nick Beall writes... ensuring students a single point of access to all volunteer- dressing. presents Princess Ida. None of these performances could This year we helped the University to retain its Fairtrade ing at the University. As a result, volunteering in South- have gone ahead without the hard work of StageSoc, so a Status, showing that as consumers Southampton students ampton is stronger than ever. If you want to volunteer or huge thank you to everyone involved. can make the socially aware choice to benefit producers in want to recruit other students for a project get onto the Marrow Clinics: 743 people signed up to the Bone the developing world. Community Volunteering website: cv.susu.org. Marrow Register at Southampton University Stu- In other news, we helped set up the Allotment society, Last summer, Sophie joined her predecessor Dan Francis £8,000 profit has been dents’ Union this year. e event proved so popular who aim to find space around the Uni to grow sustainable in meetings with University staff to discuss the future of created by our Performing Arts £125,000+ the value it even received coverage on local TV. A huge thank produce. You can find them on facebook if you’re inter- volunteering at Southampton University. e result was Photo: Jon Speed societies so far this year. of time given by our volunteers you goes out to everyone who signed up! ested in getting involved. the Community Volunteering department, a joint venture Students alarmed by SUSU After a frightening attack on Church Lane, we responded by launching the

‘Safer Students’ campaign in November.

As the clocks went back and the nights grew darker in

November, we ran a campaign across satellite campuses Rebecca Hall writes:

to promote student safety. is included selling subsidised e highlight of the year has to be Southampton Uni-

attack alarms and promoting free self-defence classes versity’s ﬁ rst ever RAG week. It was an amazing seven

at SUSU and in Halls of Residence. e alarms were a lot days, jam-packed with fundraising activities and loads of

more attractive in their design than in previous years, with students who’d never done anything with RAG before got

a few people mistaking them for sex toys. Nice. involved. It was brilliant to see so many new faces helping

We also created business cards with local taxi out.

numbers and promoted the sale of the attack alarms in the We also have a shiny new Street Team, which anyone

Students’ Union Shop, where you can get them today. As can join. At one rain in Southampton City Centre recently,

ever, we joined forces with martial arts clubs to teach self the team managed to raise over £1,000. at’s a fantastic

defense classes in the Students’ Union. We hope you feel achievement! C

safer as a result! M

£1000 was raised in a CM single RAG-raid on the city centre MY JCRs are super-charged this year. Let’s beat it next year! CY CMY

We’ve made loads of changes to the JCRs this year, to make them even better K for everyone they represent. Max writes...

One of the biggest changes we made this year was to

move the JCR elections to before Christmas. is means

they hand over at the end of semester one, so your JCR

now lives with you in halls for half of their time in ofﬁ ce.

As a result they are better placed to represent you, and

have more experience by the time the new intake arrives.

We’ve also made great steps towards empowering

the JCRs this year. Instead of being at the bottom of the

union’s hierarchy, your JCR representatives now have the Emily Rees writes:

knowledge and contacts they need to deal with issues as As Equal Opportunities Ofﬁ cer, I worked with our Dis-

they come up. abilities Co-ordinator Frankie Fry to organise the Dis- 9456 the number of I’ve been working with JCRs to write a new JCR con- ability Awareness Day in February. It took place on the condoms given out by VP Welfare stitution, put RAG representatives in halls, and for the ﬁ rst union concourse, and we got the University to attend and & Societies so far this year. Don’t time in years, JCRs are no longer in debt! ank you to all provide information about how you can get support dur- forget they are available in the involved for helping us to achieve this, it has been a key ing your time at University for disabilities of all kinds. e bars as well as from the Sabbs year for JCRs moving forward. day was brilliantly well received. Good news! C

CMY

K Fighting for sport in the AU AU Events at a glance AU President Allan Steynor and AU Ofﬁ cer Will Harvey explain how they AU Ball: A huge success yet again and as per usual have put the gloves on and fought for sport this year. we had alumni superstar John Inverdale making an

appearance to present awards and deliver one of

is year we heard the unfortunate news that the Univer- work. e University and Vice Chancellor have made it his renowned speeches. sity were to close the Sports Programmes here at South- known however that they are keen on the topic of Uni- ampton. With this impacting on numerous individuals and versity sport and will support teams in any way they can. Athletic Union the future of sporting academia, we felt it important to Awards show our feelings at the decision in the hope of preserv- Ball 400 the number of students 2010 ing the courses and supporting not only participation but affected by course cuts studying sport.

e decision was eventually made during March 2010, and despite opposing the option taken with the support of lecturers, students and a range of Unions , action was Bunﬁ ght and taster weekend: the yearly events ran taken to implement the withdrawal from sporting degrees. smoothly as ever and were key to the clubs recruit-

A lot of time and effort was dedicated by a great deal ing new members. of people, all of whom deserve recognition for their hard New AU Exec Varsity: is was a highlight for the AU in 2010 just as it has been in many previous years. Once again is year we introduced a new AU Executive team which we took on pompey on our own turf and saw a includes three positions, all elected at the start of the year. commanding victory. It’s always nice to show up e positions are: the rivals! • AU Club Development Ofﬁ cer,

• AU Media & Promotions

• AU Social & Events.

e idea is that they will provide more direct support to

the AU President and AU Ofﬁ cer in their speciﬁ c areas of

interest, hopefully making a more productive Athletic Un-

ion. We elected these positions in October and they have

been a huge asset this year,.

Medics vs Wessex: A New event for 2010 saw the Figures from the AU sports teams from MedSoc take on clubs in the AU. e event was received extremely well and plans

are already starting for next year’s competition. 300 Number of 1 The number of public committee volunteers apologies made by John trained by the AU Inverdale to the Vixens Alumni Day: Another ﬁ rst for 2010. We invited ex- students back to play on their old home soil. ere 1,500 Number of is much potential for future development for this 18-52 This year’s students participating in event. varsity score sport this year The University of Southampton’s Finest Entertainment Publication Issue 9 20th May 2010 EDITORIAL WHAT’S GOING ON IN THIS ISSUE OF THE EDGE INSIDE.. Records - Meatloaf - Foals - Against Me! + More! Live - Shy Child - John Butler Trio + More! Film - Iron Man 2 - A Nightmare On Elm Street

+ More! First Listen To Foals’ New Features Album ‘Total Life Forever’ - Ash Interview - The Paciﬁ c + More! THE EDGE PLAYLIST Games What’s Been Playing On The Edge Radio Show.. - Super Street Fighter IV Edge Radio Playlist (Surge) The Edge Team.. - Saturday 1pm - 2pm

Editors - Tom Shepherd & Emmeline Curtis 1. Katy Perry - California Guurls Features Editor - Dan Morgan Records Editor - Kate Golding 2. Example - Kickstarts Live Editor - Hayley Taulbut Film Editor - Stephen O’Shea 3. Gaslight Anthem - American Slang Games Editor - Joe Dart Editor-In-Chief - Jamie Ings 4. Canterbury - Gloria 5. The Morning Of - Ones That Fall Apart 6. Kids In Glass Houses - Undercover.. 7. LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls 8. Not Advised - The World’s Not Ready

We are constantly on the look out for new writers that want to get Want To Get Involved? involved with The Edge. For more info email; [email protected] EDITORIAL ENTERTAINMENT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THIS ISSUE OF THE EDGE INSIDE.. Records - Meatloaf - Foals - Against Me! + More! Live - Shy Child - John Butler Trio + More! Film - Iron Man 2 - A Nightmare On Elm Street

+ More! First Listen To Foals’ New Album ‘Total Life Forever’ Features THE EDGE is almost sure - Ash Interview it looks like these people.. - The Paciﬁ c + More! THE EDGE PLAYLIST What’s Been Playing On The Edge Radio Show.. “This show continues MTV’s history of saulted by an unknown male, Games documenting various subcultures, rites of transporting my feelings of passage of young people, and the ways they complete disgust toward this - Super Street Fighter IV self-identify.” JERSEY SHORE reality show to new levels. If only self-identification didn’t include On the edge of New Jersey sits the Jer- Pauly D is joined by an equally obnox- That MTV can dare to trivialise ethnic stereotyping, bar brawls and light mi- sey Shore, a hotspot of youth culture on the ious, over-pumped and over-tanned group such acts of violence is deeply disturbing Edge Radio Playlist (Surge) sogyny, then MTV would have certainly clas- East Coast...or alternatively, the ideal place of men and women, scantily clad and de- and more importantly, reducing a serious in- sified its latest reality show,Jersey Shore, in for this culture to exhibit various examples claring their fervent respect for their Italian cident to so-called ‘reality’ entertainment is The Edge Team.. - Saturday 1pm - 2pm a befitting manner. of either hilarious, or sometimes frightening, roots. Whilst housemate Snooki surprises ultimately unforgivable. depravity. Typically this would fail to merit her new housemates in a leopard print bi- Perhaps there is something deliciously much controversy...but, reducing the ethnic kini and forces herself upon them in the hot- addictive in watching a bunch of morons Editors - Tom Shepherd & Emmeline Curtis 1. Katy Perry - California Guurls “The summer comes identity of the entire Italian-American com- tub, self-proclaimed Guido ‘The Situation’ is spending their summer together fist-pump- Features Editor - Dan Morgan munity to a debasing stereotype just might. describing the appeal of his tight abdominal ing, punching and grinding...and a newly Records Editor - Kate Golding 2. Example - Kickstarts to resemble a tragi- The eight housemates selected for MTV’s muscles. It’s going to be a long summer at commissioned second season of the show Live Editor - Hayley Taulbut ‘documenting’ each inform the audience of the Jersey Shore... and one that comes to seems to suggest its effects. Maybe these Film Editor - Stephen O’Shea 3. Gaslight Anthem - American Slang the true Italian–American, or to use their resemble a tragically infantile display at its self-proclaimed ‘Guidos’ and their female Games Editor - Joe Dart cally infantile display equally courteous and in no respect restric- most devastating levels. counterparts the ‘Guidettes’ feel positive Editor-In-Chief - Jamie Ings 4. Canterbury - Gloria tive terminology, the ‘Guido’. Housemate about their self-identity, but I feel uncom- at its most devastat- Pauly D apparently perfectly encapsulates fortable with it. If modern rites of passage 5. The Morning Of - Ones That Fall Apart the identity of a ‘Guido’. Concealing my “They trouble my en- involve drunkenly slipping down stairs in a ing level.” laughter toward his over-zealous: “I have a thong then I mourn the representation of 6. Kids In Glass Houses - Undercover.. tanning bed in my house...that’s how serious joyment in a dizzying youth culture. And if I was Italian-American, Following the aftermath of Jersey Shore’s I am about this lifestyle”, his later gestures I’d give these kids of history lesson – mi- 7. LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls pilot episode, sponsor’s Domino’s Pizza im- toward hair gel and a Scarface poster fully mix of both repulsion nus the Protein shakes and the tanning mediately pulled their advertising. Clearly the informed me of the complex cultural identity bed. “I’m going to the Jersey Shore bitch!” 8. Not Advised - The World’s Not Ready rites of passage, or hot-tub frolics depicted, that MTV can faithfully represent. I also have Snooki excitedly declares...all I can say is weren’t quite to the respectability and taste to question if Pauly D knew that although Al and laughter.” thank goodness I’m not. of even capitalist ethics...and to be quite Pacino may in fact be Italian, that in Scar- We are constantly on the look out for new writers that want to get frank, they trouble my own enjoyment in a face he portrays a Cuban immigrant? But the In a later episode of Jersey Shore, fe- Hadley Middleton Want To Get Involved? involved with The Edge. For more info email; [email protected] dizzying mix of both repulsion and laughter. ignorance only becomes more astounding. male house-mate Snooki is physically as- INTERVIEW THE EDGE CAN DO A MEAN IRISH ACCENT...

Ash Interview

With a massive 8 million albums sold ic releases, like Podcasts but for music. We studio and record again.’ creates a bigger range of songs that are dif- worldwide, ASH are one of Ireland’s most approached iTunes with this idea but they ferent.’ successful exports ever. THE EDGE’s turned us down as they said they didn’t have MH: ‘Its good to dip in and out of the stu- Alex Payne caught up with bassist Mark the infrastructure to do it. I just think they’re dio.’ Do you miss writing an album? Hamilton and drummer Rick McMurray waiting for a bigger band, like a Coldplay or for a chat. someone like that.’ RM: ‘An album feels like you have two MH: ‘Songs that get written don’t neces- separate jobs; one in the studio and one out- sarily have to link together.’ First of all, you have a new album out, In order to create an album of singles side the studio.’ A-Z Vol.1, which is a collection of singles, you had to create your own label. How RM: ‘We have always been seen as a sin- where one will be released every two did you find that process? gles band anyway. When we first started out weeks, rather than an album. Why did as teenagers we only recorded singles as you decide to do it this way? RM: ‘It was a lot of work, a lot of admin.’ “We’re criminally that’s all we could afford at the time.’ MH: ‘There was a demand for the sub- MH: ‘It was a lot of logistics involved.’ MH: ‘Songs recorded for previous albums scription to download the music [but also] under-rehearsed; that didn’t fit were cut but this way it creates there was a need for an album; a digital and RM: ‘For our last album, we didn’t quite more diversity.’ a physical demand.’ get marketed right. Now we have more con- it gives us an edge...” trol but there is more financial risk involved.’ Do you think you have accomplished RM: ‘A physical copy of the singles was what you set out to do? needed as downloading music isn’t as big MH: ‘There was a lot of logistics, [for ex- What has been the response of the in some cultures, such as Japan, Europe or ample], we had teething problems in the first fans? Has this new concept gone down RM: ‘Yeah, we originally were going to South East Asia and there was also a de- week or two with the subscription service well? release a single every month but found out mand for artwork.’ that had to be ironed out, but it turned out it that Wedding Present have already done was down to the distribution company.’ RM: ‘The fans were sceptical at first, this so we decide to release a single every Do you think more bands will follow mourning the loss of the album. There were two weeks instead.’ you and release material in the same Did you find writing 26 singles hard essays posted on our website about why we way? work? shouldn’t drop the album. It took a while.’ MH: ‘We recorded over 50 songs, more than ever before and they will get released.’ RM: ‘Yeah, some bands have said to RM: ‘It was a huge challenge – every one MH: ‘A band makes an album every three us they wish they could do it like this. We had to be good quality.’ years and this creates anticipation, a buzz RM: ‘We took our time and the music were just lucky we have our own studio [and] for a while. However, releasing a single eve- started flowing.’ we’re able to do it.’ MH: ’54 songs were recorded in the end.’ ry two weeks creates a buzz for a longer period, it becomes something to look forward MH: ‘We originally wanted to have period- RM: ‘We could go straight back into the to, like your favourite TV programme. It also What would you say are the stand-out tracks? RM: ‘Yeah, but we haven’t played them in the order of the setlist.’ MH: ‘Return of the White Rabbit’ – it’s good live and we’ve got a good response Do you ﬁ nd playing uni gigs different from it, however, we should have gone with from other gigs? ‘Arcadia’ as the ﬁ rst single instead of ‘True FEATURE Love 1980’. MH: ‘No, not really but it’s good to hang out with the students. We’ve played a lot of RM: ‘Dionysian Urge’ is a good song but f***ed up places though.’ we haven’t played it live yet, only an acoustic version.’ RM: ‘Yeah, this place is quite nice.’ BLACK POWER:

You’ve just started touring again, how What’s next for Ash? does that feel? MH: ‘We still have 5 months of releases 30 years aft er RM: ‘It feels good. Russell from Bloc Par- and touring the rest of the world with some ty has joined us live to make it a four piece, festivals lined up, then Vol. 2 at the end of which ﬁ ts really well. Having two guitars the year. We’ll probably be touring until the again has become a big talking point.’ festival next year then try and record again.’ Back in Black

RM: ‘We do have a new plan but we can’t So it’s 1980, your band is riding high on ably one of the most famous AC/DC songs, say what it is yet.’ your last album release and you are pre- ‘Back in Black’. The song ‘Back in Black’ is “We’ve played some paring to record again, until the unthinkable simple yet effective, following the style that MH: ‘Yeah, it’s very novel.’ happens. Your lead singer dies, who just made AC/DC famous, and is a great song pretty f*****-up happens to be one of the greatest front men and tribute to the legendry Bon Scott. RM: ‘We just try to keep challenging our- of all time. What do you do? Do you disband Back in Black showcases AC/DC at their places though; yeah, selves.’ and give up? Or do you go onto to record the height of song writing. To complement An- second biggest selling album of all time, only gus and Malcolm’s raw guitar sound, John- this place is quite MH: ‘If we were still signed we wouldn’t be beaten by Michael Jackson’s Thriller? Well, son added more sleaze and bite to the lyrics able to do this kind of stuff. We approached AC/DC did exactly that. and gave us songs such as ‘Shook You All nice” the music company with the A – Z idea but This year marks the thirtieth anniversary Night Long’ and ‘Let Me Put My Love Into they didn’t like it.’ of Back in Black, an album that not only de- You’. Along with this, classics such as ‘Have fi ned an era but the entire genre of rock and A Drink On Me’ and ‘Shoot To Thrill’ gave the Do you still get nervous before a gig? Do you have any plans to retire? metal. AC/DC’s own brand of pub rock, as album more bluesy credentials. they called it, was simple rock ‘n’ roll, but it MH: ‘You still get a little anxious before MH: ‘No, not a set plan’. had intensity, entertainment and a feeling of playing. You start getting anxiety dreams just euphoria that epitomises rock. But it almost “A great song and before a tour starts, such as being naked RM: ‘If we did retire we would prob- came to an abrupt end when their singer, on stage or there’s only three people in the ably have to get other jobs and I don’t think Bon Scott, died of misadventure, or rather tribute.” crowd or things just aren’t working.’ there’s any other job I like.’ pulmonary aspiration of vomit, at the age of 33 after a heavy night out drinking in London 30 years on Back in Black is as fresh as it Do you miss the stage when not tour- on 19th February 1980. ever was and the album almost seems time- ing? Bon Scott was part of what made AC/DC less. It still has a major infl uence on bands what they were. His lyrics were idiosyncratic today, especially one called ‘Airbourne’, who RM: ‘You can’t beat the reaction from the and his voice was very distinctive. However, have taken the AC/DC formula and cranked crowd. You end up missing the countdown AC/DC was left with a dilemma. To continue it up a notch or two. AC/DC are one of the to the soundcheck and start looking forward with a new singer, or disband? Fortunately, few bands who have left a lasting mark and to it.’ they continued and in stepped a Geordie by infl uence on music and it shouldn’t be for- the name of Brian Johnson. Johnson fi tted gotten that this album nearly didn’t happen. Are you all ready for tonight? in with ease, and although his voice wasn’t With the music scene the way it is, with quite the same as Scott’s it was nevertheless downloading songs and a drop in albums RM: ‘Yeah it’s the fi rst date of the UK tour distinctive and gave AC/DC a new sound. sales, I can’t see Back in Black being beat- and we’re criminally under rehearsed, but it The band immediately started recording en and it shouldn’t. It is one those albums gives us an edge.’ the follow up 1979’s Highway to Hell. Two where every song is great and everything tracks on the album were dedicated to Bon comes together for that one special mo- MH: ‘I wouldn’t say we’re criminally under Scott. Firstly, ‘Hells Bells’, which is one of ment; I doubt AC/DC will ever reach that rehearsed, we’ve played all the songs live.’ the few rock songs that has bells in it, it is a point again. great opener for the album. Second is prob- Alex Payne

Editor Suggests: It’s very rare that a cover version com- At the risk of sounding needlessly Knocking on Heaven’s Door pletely outclasses the original, and even mo- Some Might Say ﬂ owery, Cometh the hour, Cometh the reso when the original was recorded by one band. There can be no better example of a Guns N’ Roses of the greatest artists ever. Guns n’ Roses Oasis band arriving just when it was needed than managed to do so in such spectacular fash- that provided by britrock legends Oasis. ion in 1987 however, with this cover of the The Gallagher brothers’ strutting arrival Bob Dylan classic. into the pop wasteland of the mid-nineties This song perfectly showcases the world- sent ripples through the whole music beating combination of Axl Rose’s howling industry. vocals and Slash’s virtuoso guitar playing. Some Might Say, released in 1995, gave Despite the absence of a classic riff, such Oasis their ﬁ rst No. 1 single and cement- as that on Sweet Child o’ Mine, Knockin’ on ed them as the greatest true rock and roll Heaven’s Door contains two of the best so- band in a decade. With Noel’s over-gained los ever to issue from under Slash’s trade- guitar track and Liam’s sneering, arrogant mark silly hair-hat combination. A true rock vocals, this track is one of Britain’s best classic. ever bands best songs.

It’s true! You can now follow Follow Us On Twitter! The Edge on twitter; @theedgesusu FEATURE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BAND OF BROTHERS..

who are being portrayed by the actors on hop their way closer to Japan. With Band screen. And yet again the names of the vet- of Brothers, although there were specialist erans are not revealed to maintain the sus- episodes and episodes which concentrated pense of who will make it back home alive. on certain characters, you saw the same THE PACIFIC The programme also maintains the winning men week in week out fighting and dying formula of a cast of relatively unknown ac- side by side. With The Pacific you can go In 2001 Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, The Pacific moves away from the war in tors with a couple of sterling cameos. entire episodes without seeing some char- the pair who together brought you the war Europe and instead focuses on the war in acters and so although you may not forget epic Saving Private Ryan, introduced us to the Pacific against the Japanese after Pearl about them they do slip towards the back the ten part mini series Band of Brothers. Harbour. The story is told through the eyes of your mind. Band of Brothers is undeni- This series chronicled the allied invasion of of around five marines who vary in when “If Band of Brothers ably one of the greatest television shows Nazi occupied Germany in World War Two they enter the war and in how much screen ever created and so almost anything would by following the fortunes of E Company, a time they have. However, despite this slight was 10/10, The pale in comparison, but such comparisons group of paratroopers who were amongst difference with Band of Brothers the battles were always to be expected with the arrival the first to drop into France. The entire series and cinematography of the series is no less Pacific is 9/10” of The Pacific on our shores. Although the was a huge success and was some of the graphic or powerful than its predecessor. series has not finished yet and it would be greatest television ever produced. It thrust Real footage begins each episode and a Despite its great aspects and often nail wrong to write off this still brilliant piece of the audience straight into the action with Tom Hanks narration describes how the war biting scenes The Pacific feels like there is television as lacking something, especially the soldiers and made them feel every bit of is progressing and some of the challenges something missing, something which put when, arguably, the best Band of Brothers the horror of war. But what made the series many of the soldiers faced. This whole as- Band of Brothers above anything else made episode was its penultimate one. However, great was how you began to feel and care pect is not only interesting but also neces- before. It may be because the war in Eu- at least for now, it may have some notable for the characters as you watched them and sary as a lot less is known about the Pacific rope is so much more familiar in Britain and performances from James Badge Dale and hoped for them on a regular basis. This was war than the one in Europe, especially on so much more prevalent in our culture, but Jon Seda but it is still a programme of indi- made all the more epic by the fact that you this side of the pond. However, these pieces when watching there feels a distinct distance viduals and not one of a team in which the never knew who was going to survive and often feel like a history documentary and can with the characters and the world in which true heart of such a programme lies. And so who wasn’t, an appeal not present in shows detract from the connection that the audience they are inhabiting. I believe that this comes if Band of Brothers is ten out of ten then The such as 24. The success of the series left feels to the characters. The Pacific has kept from the very core of the programme. It is de- Pacific is nine out of ten. people crying out for more, and now almost one element, among many, that made Band rived from the fact that we are not watching nine years later our prayers have been of Brothers great, with brief interviews and a group of men fighting as a unit across Eu- Jack O’Neill answered with The Pacific. discussions with actual war veterans, many rope but instead watching individuals island ExclusivE studEnt offEr only £26* dinnEr suit hirE Two piece (normally £35) only £30* dinnEr suit hirE Shirt and bow tie (normally £49) only£129* vEntuno dinnEr suit to buy Ventuno suit, shirt and black bow tie (normally £214) 15% off* moss purchasEs Suits, shirts, ties & accessories

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MBH_SOUTHAMPTON_260x320.indd 1 06/04/2010 13:03 Good: FlyLo returns with an improved sound which contin- ALBUMS ues to excite. Meatloaf Bad: Flawless! 9.

RECORDS Who doesn’t like a bit of Meatloaf? Well we all do, but we really only like one bit of LISTENED TO SOME RECORDS THIS WEEK Meatloaf. ‘Bat Out of Hell’ made Meatloaf more or less a household name, and he’s ridden that concept through a trilogy of albums, a nine year long chart position and all the way into the comfy recliner chair of classic rock fame. Flying Lotus After only a four year break following the platinum selling Monster Is Loose, Meatloaf is back with Hang Cool Teddy Bear, which It’s been two years since the release of tracks such as ‘Recoiled And Dance’ and0 strikes me as a deceitfully cuddly and sweet Flying Lotus’ second album Los Angeles, ‘Pseudo Nymph’. The album is quite easy album title considering that the songs are and it is clear that FlyLo has been using listening after you’ve heard it a few times, as all futures envisioned by a lone soldier. But his time between the two to create some- sometimes it takes a while to get your head apart from the slightly less monstrous or thing good. Although there are hints of his around the rhythm of FlyLo’s beats. paranormal subject matter, you can expect old album in Cosmogramma, FlyLo has ‘Computer Face/Pure Being’ makes more of the same from this album. Aside defi nitely developed his musical talent to a good use of synthesized melodies to cre- from brief contributions by the likes of Jack whole new level. Whereas heavy bass beats ate a mix of laid back uplifting beats with Black, Justin Hawkins and Brian May, this were a common occurrence in Los Angeles, more upbeat tempos. This track then fl ows album is pretty much just Meatloaf being hints of jazz, soul and an orchestral vibe are nicely into track 7 ‘...And the Whole World Meatloaf, bellowing theatrically in some sort more prominent in Cosmogramma. This al- Laughs With...’ which contains guest vocals of competition with the unwavering guitars. bum boasts an array of complex beats and from Thom Yorke. FlyLo does not overdo You may be pleasantly surprised by sounds, showing a fusion of FlyLo’s loves; the vocal element in this track, allowing it to tracks like ‘Love Is Not Real’ which, whilst jazz, hip hop and videogame sounds, creat- compliment the orchestral sounds. Although having an acoustic blues character, has a ing a very unique style. critics have argued that this will be one of dose of spoken word angst that has more of It is hardly surprising that there are so the biggest tracks on the album, my personal a Beastie Boys feel to it. And just when you many jazz melodies and beats in this album, favourite is ‘Do The Astral Plane’ because think the repetitive tempo and slightly pre- as FlyLo is the nephew of famous jazz musi- it contains just the right mix of everything; dictable guitar work of the following ‘Like A cian Alice Coltrane. Harps, piano and slow, synth, jazz, a really good beat, orchestral Rose’ and ‘Song Of Madness’, along comes laid back baselines feature in many of the melodies and slight vocal undertones. ‘Do ‘Did You Ever Love Somebody’, which is the tracks, especially ‘Drips/Auntie’s Harp’ and The Astral Plane’ also works really well hav- closest song to a ballad on the album and ‘Arkestry’, which remind me slightly of some ing ‘Mmmhmm’ (which features Thundercat) helps put some meat on the album’s bones of The Cinematic Orchestra’s creations. before it, as the tracks complement each – if you’ll excuse the pun. There are also The content of the album arguably makes other well. songs to watch out for like ‘California Isn’t it sound more like one complete track. Al- It is clear to say that FlyLo has defi nitely Big Enough’ that have a fairly weak intro but though the fi rst couple of tracks are typical progressed since 2008 and he uses Cos- then have Meatloaf wailing into action about of his overly complex distorted collection of mogramma to expand his inventive musical a minute in, so it’s worth hanging there. beats that can be frustratingly hard to fi nd talent. The jazz and orchestral aspects con- As a result of only three or four tracks continuity in, from about ‘Zodiac Shit’ more joined with carefully manipulated rhythms breaking the classic rock mould, this album continuity is created. ‘Zodiac Shit’ and the make it a perfect laid back album for sum- Cosmogramma doesn’t scream variety and won’t be a fa- 6 tracks after fl ow well into each other, and mer. WARP RECORDS vourite for a fan of the experimental or the Cosmogramma then concludes once more RELEASED May 3 weird. Nevertheless, this is one of those with distorted, fragmented melodies, in Laura Fear rare rock albums that is genuinely fun to listen to, and doesn’t make you feel guilty that you’re not dressed in metal studs or sporting an ear piercing the size of an elephant tusk. It’s not an album to be shocked by but neither is it one by which you’ll be disappointed, Stornoway and that middle ground of enjoyable listening is surprisingly rare in contemporary rock – but an area in which Meatloaf is an indisput- would be forgiven for suggesting that the End of the Movie’ is a poignant, melancholy able master. band had played their best songs too early juggernaut that demands your attention be- but even though they are probably the most cause of its raw power and beauty. On an Sam Thomas mainstream (I use this term fairly loosely), album which lacks any general direction it with both tracks well centred towards the helps bind the whole collection of songs to- pop side of folk, they are not spent just yet. gether with cheeky in-references to earlier Third track ‘Fuel Up’ is strangely reminiscent tracks. Altogether Stornoway’s fi rst offer- Good: of The Beautiful South - the fi rst down-tempo ing is a fi ne one, any lovers of Mumford & A guilt free Beachcomber’sWindowsill track evolves into a powerful ballad about Sons, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver or Elbow would trip to rock heaven, 4AD a travelling man, their lyrics evocative and be wise to give Beachcombers Windowsill a with a few highlights. RELEASED May 24 on par with recent Elbow. ‘The Coldharbour listen, it might just make your summer. Road’ uses rolling melody with some rather Hang Cool Teddy Bear Bad: Some fi ller alternative lyrics to good effect, although Tom McKenna MERCURY RECORDS tracks let the al- 8. Stornoway are a 4 piece band from Ox- more of a 0mens choir than a popular music fails to deliver in the same way the fi rst three Good: Another great bum down slightly... ford. The likelihood is, if you’ve heard of band. Fact is Stornoway are ‘nu-folk’ follow- tracks do. Given that Beachcombers Win- album contributing RELEASED April 19 but come one, it’s them you’ve heard ‘Zorbing’ which is exactly ing along similar veins of popular contem- dowsill was recorded on a budget of around to the growing popu- Mealoaf! where their fi rst album Beachcombers Win- poraries such as Mumford and Sons. ‘Zorb- £250, the sound does not suffer. larity of folk. dowsill starts. The song is a huge opening ing’ delivers a feel good injection which is ‘Here Comes the Blackout’ is the short- statement, clear crisp vocals combined with matched well with their second single and est track and does well to punctuate the fl ow Bad: None - this scintillating harmonies give the impression second album track ‘I Saw You Blink’. You and avoid monotony. Penultimate track ‘The album satisfi es the 9. taste buds. Meatloaf ALBUMS

Who doesn’t like a bit of Meatloaf? Well we all do, but we really only like one bit of Meatloaf. ‘Bat Out of Hell’ made Meatloaf more or less a household name, and he’s ridden that concept through a trilogy of albums, a nine year long chart position and all the way into the comfy recliner chair of classic rock fame. After only a four year break following the platinum selling Monster Is Loose, Meatloaf is back with Hang Cool Teddy Bear, which strikes me as a deceitfully cuddly and sweet album title considering that the songs are all futures envisioned by a lone soldier. But apart from the slightly less monstrous or paranormal subject matter, you can expect more of the same from this album. Aside from brief contributions by the likes of Jack Black, Justin Hawkins and Brian May, this album is pretty much just Meatloaf being Meatloaf, bellowing theatrically in some sort of competition with the unwavering guitars. You may be pleasantly surprised by tracks like ‘Love Is Not Real’ which, whilst having an acoustic blues character, has a dose of spoken word angst that has more of a Beastie Boys feel to it. And just when you think the repetitive tempo and slightly pre- dictable guitar work of the following ‘Like A Rose’ and ‘Song Of Madness’, along comes ‘Did You Ever Love Somebody’, which is the closest song to a ballad on the album and helps put some meat on the album’s bones – if you’ll excuse the pun. There are also songs to watch out for like ‘California Isn’t Big Enough’ that have a fairly weak intro but then have Meatloaf wailing into action about a minute in, so it’s worth hanging there. As a result of only three or four tracks breaking the classic rock mould, this album doesn’t scream variety and won’t be a favourite for a fan of the experimental or the weird. Nevertheless, this is one of those rare rock albums that is genuinely fun to listen to, and doesn’t make you feel guilty that you’re not dressed in metal studs or sporting an ear piercing the size of an elephant tusk. It’s not an album to be shocked by but neither is it one by which you’ll be disappointed, and that middle ground of enjoyable listening is surprisingly rare in contemporary rock – but an area in which Meatloaf is an indisput- able master.

Sam Thomas

Good: A guilt free trip to rock heaven, with a few highlights.

Hang Cool Teddy Bear Bad: Some ﬁ ller MERCURY RECORDS tracks let the al- 8. bum down slightly... RELEASED April 19 but come one, it’s Mealoaf! Catch Foals at this years ALBUMS Reading and Leeds Fests! Foals Total Life Forever TRANSGRESSIVE RELEASED May 10

No one wants to be the guy shouting sell- able power ballad complete with slightly du- rails against an abortion monument, “White row from the best. out; it’s a defunct concept anyway. But lis- bious 80s sounding synthesizers. An ode to crosses on the church lawn/ I want to smash The last word should go to Tom Gabel. On tening to White Crosses, there is a nagging a broken friendship, Gabel sings, “We used them all”, confessing to being “strung out on ‘I Was A Teenage Anarchist’, released as the feeling that this is not the same Against Me! to like all the same bands/ We used to have the amphetamines that you gave to me”. The fi rst single, he sings on the chorus, “Do you that recorded As The Eternal Cowboy. For all the same friends” in his trademark bellow, sense of danger and urgency that informed remember when you were young and you a start, this sounds more like a Butch Vig but the song is simply too mid-paced to re- their best work of the past is palpable. ‘High wanted to set the world on fi re?” The trouble record than an Against Me! record. Every- ally affect the listener. Likewise, ‘Suffocation’ Pressure Low’ is lyrically ambitious, the best is, most Against Me! fans do remember that thing is very big; vocals and guitars are over- begins with a new-wave guitar riff, but ends example of Gabel’s verbose, sometimes time. On their earlier work, the band gave dubbed, every song has a massive hook, up sounding plodding and laboured, while awkward lyrical style. From describing an the impression that they were capable of the mix is aggressive and in your face. Com- Gabel thunders against “Suffocation/ Mod- approaching hurricane to debating forgive- changing the world with their music and their ing from a band for whom production used ern life in the western world”. Stripped of the ness for Robert McNamara, the song is politics. Even for those of us cynical enough to mean turning the treble all the way up to untrammelled fury of their older work though, full of ideas, backed up by enough musical to understand the impossibility of their ten and then thrashing away, this is a big his anger sounds strangely empty. punch to hammer the message home. task, it was an intoxicating feeling. As they change, and one that is diffi cult to get used However, when Against Me! crank up the On an album full of songs striving to sound have grown older, they no longer present to. volume and ramp up the tempo, the album anthemic, the one that comes the closest is that same burning passion, and punk rock White Crosses is certainly a progression; does deliver some impressive moments. ‘Because Of The Shame’, which borrows a is poorer for it. White Crosses is not a bad while New Wave added a veneer of major- The title track provides a powerful opening delicate, tinkly piano part from Springsteen, record; as far as mainstream alternative rock label respectability to the band’s folky punk, to the record, proving that Against Me! can before delivering a rousing tribute to a fallen goes, it’s pretty good. But Against Me! are this record obliterates any notion that this was still draw on the raw edge that made them so friend. The Springsteen worship doesn’t end capable of so much better. once a band that played beaten up acoustic exciting. The band has always been at their there; the “woah-ohs” on the refrain are lifted guitars in basements. This is most apparent best when angry and politicised, and ‘White straight from ‘No Surrender’. Then again, if Duncan Smith on tracks like ‘We’re Breaking Up’, a pass- Crosses’ is no exception. Gabel roars and you’re going to borrow, you may as well bor- Well, good news! There are even more record reviews Want More? Course You Do! available at; www.wessexscene.co.uk/the-edge Catch Foals at this years ALBUMS Reading and Leeds Fests! Foals SINGLES Total Life Forever TRANSGRESSIVE RELEASED May 10

Two years ago, Foals attempted to show of the album, with Yannis Phillippakis’ vocals the world that alternative/math rock could almost sounding like Fleet Foxes for the fi rst be delivered in an accessible, mainstream few bars of the song. A fantastic bass line way with their debut album, Antidotes. They then slides in, along with the drums, and achieved this with great success, with the al- the song is carried to the end as a hybrid bum peaking at the number three slot in the of the old and new sound of Foals. The al- UK Albums Chart, bringing the band exten- bum peaks again with ‘Spanish Sahara’, a sive radio play and securing slots on all the delicate crescendo which climaxes with an main festival stages. Antidotes made great epic mix of strange melodies, sounding like use of funk rhythms, math melodies, and re- an entirely different band from the start. ‘This verb-heavy vocals, creating something quite Orient’ is another strong song, beginning like unique in terms of the other music which was some 1960s acid-induced song, but soon entering the charts at the time. The album’s becoming a great up-beat number. successor, Total Life Forever, looked set to But between these three highlights, the be a great follow up, from a band whose mu- space is fi lled with bland indie tracks, creat- sic had an exciting youthful element to it. ing an album which would make more sense Total Life Forever, however, seems to if it had been the band’s debut, before the be a step in the wrong direction for Foals. great Antidotes had been written. Foals have In the two years since their fi rst release, the defi nitely moved on from their math-rock band seem to have mellowed out, and lost roots, but what they have become is not par- that exciting sound which grabbed so many ticularly interesting. Total Life Forever is just people fi rst time round. The album lacks any another indie record, rather than an exciting obvious singles, which is a bad thing when in new collection of songs which would have their place are rather dull songs, almost all of been expected from the band. which seem to go nowhere. That funky dance feel from the fi rst album has gone, and in its Will Hayes place stands an indie sound which could Good: A few high- have come from any other band around to- lights make up for day. The math-rock guitar melodies do make the rest of the al- occasional appearances throughout the album. bum, but they are not coupled with the thrill- The Marina And Example Keane ft. ing energy which Antidotes so brilliantly pro- Bad: A disappointing Futureheads 6. The Diamonds 9. Kickstarts 8. K’NAAN 9. duced. Saying this, however, the album does come back for Foals 7. open on a positive. ‘Blue Blood’ begins with with no stand out the calm sound which is present for the rest songs. Heartbeat Song I Am Not A Robot Data Stop For A Minute Nul Records Atlantic Island Records It seems an eternity ago when The Fu- ‘I Am Not A Robot’ is the third single off up Since his transformation into ‘Dysfunc- Stop. Wait a minute. When did Keane White Crosses tureheads energetically burst onto the scene and coming artist Marina and the Diamonds’ tional Electro-pop’ Example has so far not start flirting with the alluring beats of hip hop? SIRE RECORDS with their self-titled first album, featuring the first full length album,The Family Jewels. Al- failed to impress, his previous two singles, And more to the point, when did this relation- Against Me! RELEASED June 7 classics ‘Man Ray’, ‘Decent Days and Nights’ though this song was originally included in ‘Watch the Sun Come Up’ and ‘Won’t Go ship give birth to a song such as ‘Stop For A 5. and the incredible cover of the equally bril- Marina’s first EP, it has been re-released as, Quietly’, the namsake of his upcoming al- Minute’? Rapping in a Keane song? Really? liant Kate Bush’s ‘Hounds of Love’. Three according to Marina, “people seem to empa- bum, have gained him critical acclaim and Surprisingly, the result is a rather catchy No one wants to be the guy shouting sell- able power ballad complete with slightly du- rails against an abortion monument, “White row from the best. albums later ‘Heartbeat Song’, is the newest thise and relate with the song”. relative chart success, gaining a number 1 track; blending the trademark Keane melan- out; it’s a defunct concept anyway. But lis- bious 80s sounding synthesizers. An ode to crosses on the church lawn/ I want to smash The last word should go to Tom Gabel. On single from the English post-punk band. It’s Regardless of all that excellent PR work, and 3 with the aforementioned singles. cholia with a healthy dose of sunshine from tening to White Crosses, there is a nagging a broken friendship, Gabel sings, “We used them all”, confessing to being “strung out on ‘I Was A Teenage Anarchist’, released as the cute, poppy but seems to push the band fur- the song is actually quite good. In fact, it has New single ‘Kickstarts’ is an absolute Somalian MC K’NAAN. ‘Stop For A Minute’ feeling that this is not the same Against Me! to like all the same bands/ We used to have the amphetamines that you gave to me”. The fi rst single, he sings on the chorus, “Do you ther away from their post-punk roots. It will become a firm fixture in my recent playlists. banger. Produced by Sub Focus, Example is a tragicomedy of a song, with lyrics as that recorded As The Eternal Cowboy. For all the same friends” in his trademark bellow, sense of danger and urgency that informed remember when you were young and you remind you of the disappointing over driven The song is full of contrasts and has a really himself describes it as a mix of Snow Patrol, depressingly emotive such as “Sometimes I a start, this sounds more like a Butch Vig but the song is simply too mid-paced to re- their best work of the past is palpable. ‘High wanted to set the world on fi re?” The trouble anthems found in their last album This Is good upbeat feel to it. Her voice goes from Dizzee Rascal and MGMT, which makes it in want to shout out till everything goes quiet/ record than an Against Me! record. Every- ally affect the listener. Likewise, ‘Suffocation’ Pressure Low’ is lyrically ambitious, the best is, most Against Me! fans do remember that Not The World. It might appeal to the mid- sounding vulnerable and feeble to empow- its own right a track you need to hear, being Sometimes I wonder why I was ever born”, thing is very big; vocals and guitars are over- begins with a new-wave guitar riff, but ends example of Gabel’s verbose, sometimes time. On their earlier work, the band gave dle of the roaders (those people who like the ered and strong. able to appeal to a broad audience. The sin- sung over a sunny synth hook. dubbed, every song has a massive hook, up sounding plodding and laboured, while awkward lyrical style. From describing an the impression that they were capable of generic, safe pop songs which command ‘I Am Not A Robot’ feels inspirational for gle originally started its life as a poem. But The chorus is hope-filled, with a sing- the mix is aggressive and in your face. Com- Gabel thunders against “Suffocation/ Mod- approaching hurricane to debating forgive- changing the world with their music and their most radio air play), but those who wanted a some reason - it feels like she is telling a sto- in all honesty, the lyrics are really a back- along quality to it. The football chant-like ing from a band for whom production used ern life in the western world”. Stripped of the ness for Robert McNamara, the song is politics. Even for those of us cynical enough repeat of the unique hits from early Future- ry. The song goes through clear stages, her drop to the incredible rhythm this song has. riff at the beginning morphs the song into a to mean turning the treble all the way up to untrammelled fury of their older work though, full of ideas, backed up by enough musical to understand the impossibility of their heads, ‘Heartbeat Song’ will surely be disap- voice changing in strength and character. It The power of it hits you straight away - make sort of modern-day anthem; one that is full ten and then thrashing away, this is a big his anger sounds strangely empty. punch to hammer the message home. task, it was an intoxicating feeling. As they pointing. feels like she’s is trying to encourage us to sure your headphones are turned down! of lament but holding on for happier days. change, and one that is diffi cult to get used However, when Against Me! crank up the On an album full of songs striving to sound have grown older, they no longer present Having said this the track does tick some stand up for who we truly are. Indeed Marina The ‘electro’ aspect really works with this K’NAAN’s rap flows really well with the over- to. volume and ramp up the tempo, the album anthemic, the one that comes the closest is that same burning passion, and punk rock of the boxes of what we love about the band: is not shy of the more unusual - check out style of music, with the electric keyboard all composition of the song, and without Tom White Crosses is certainly a progression; does deliver some impressive moments. ‘Because Of The Shame’, which borrows a is poorer for it. White Crosses is not a bad short high energy, sounding angry yet me- the dungarees she wore for her performance ringing out over the pulsating aforemen- Chaplin’s vocals overlayed on the top you while New Wave added a veneer of major- The title track provides a powerful opening delicate, tinkly piano part from Springsteen, record; as far as mainstream alternative rock lodic and serious but light-hearted. If ‘Heart- on Jools Holland recently. Overall this song tioned beat. The low bass which Example could probably mistake it for any other pol- label respectability to the band’s folky punk, to the record, proving that Against Me! can before delivering a rousing tribute to a fallen goes, it’s pretty good. But Against Me! are beat Song’ leaves you disappointed with is great. Not only does it offer a bit more than sings over builds the tension up, but this is ished hip hop track. All in all, Keane seem this record obliterates any notion that this was still draw on the raw edge that made them so friend. The Springsteen worship doesn’t end capable of so much better. the bands latest work don’t worry, this song the usual indie-pop artist, it feels like it in- released nice and quickly and one can con- to have outdone themselves by successfully once a band that played beaten up acoustic exciting. The band has always been at their there; the “woah-ohs” on the refrain are lifted seems to be the anomaly of the album. vokes thought and sending out a tangible tinue enjoying the song! You’ll be tapping managing to branch out and form alliances guitars in basements. This is most apparent best when angry and politicised, and ‘White straight from ‘No Surrender’. Then again, if Duncan Smith message. along without even realising it! A sure-fire hit with genres unlike their own; creating a hy- on tracks like ‘We’re Breaking Up’, a pass- Crosses’ is no exception. Gabel roars and you’re going to borrow, you may as well bor- all summer long. brid genre that could suit a multitude of music tastes. Well, good news! There are even more record reviews Want More? Course You Do! available at; www.wessexscene.co.uk/the-edge Ed Kennedy Kate Golding Tom McKenna Kat Bawmwang

THIS IS WHAT’S IN THIS WEEKS ISSUE THIS IS WHAT’S IN THIS WEEKS ISSUE LIVE LOCAL AND LIVE IN SOTON..

Ash GARDEN COURT SOUTHAMPTON MONDAY, APRIL 19

Ash has been getting some bad public- ‘Neon’, set the premise for much of their their latest release. The song was a good ity in recent weeks, what with it causing the newer material and most likely why they song but perhaps not suitable for an encore, closure of British airspace and leaving many have recruited Russell - he plays the key- and neither is ‘Twilight of the Innocents’. people stranded around the world. Fortu- board lines in the songs. With all this, the Both songs were trying to be epic with Ash nately Ash, the band, were not stranded and song was enjoyable, but with any band if you trying to capture a big soundscape, which made it to Southampton University Garden don’t know the song it’s hard to get into it. they did achieve, but for an encore it felt a Court to kick start their tour in support of their Ash reeled off some of their bigger hits little out of place. However, they redeemed collection of songs they are releasing every including, ‘Goldfi nger’, ‘Petrol’ and ‘Shining themselves with perhaps the ultimate Ash two weeks, and the recent release of A – Z: Light’ before playing another new song ‘Joy song, ‘Burn Baby Burn’, which capped off a Volume 1. Kicks Darkness’. This was probably one of great night. Ash have been off the radar for most peo- my favourites from the new material show- Ash have hopefully returned to form. Their ple in recent years, but they are back and cased and went down well with the crowd. new material has taken them in a new direc- with a very strange concept. Ash no longer This was followed by one of my favourite Ash tion whilst retaining their sound, and fi ts well produce conventional albums; they are re- tracks, ‘Orpheus’, which drew my attention with their older material. Careful set planning leasing music at a rate of one single every to drummer Rick McMurray. His drumming by surrounding the new material with the old- two weeks to download via a subscription was outstanding, with variety of drum beats er, well-know Ash songs gave the new songs service. However, luckily for those who still keeping the songs interesting, and playing some support. On the other hand, they need buy CD’s, that’s me included, a CD with art- with intense ferocity. to re-think their encore as it could be much work is still available. With this in mind, Ash’s Although I wasn’t an expert on Ash’s back stronger and didn’t really do them justice. All new material should be very good if they are catalogue, I found it quite easy to distinguish in all, it was good to see a band that came prepared to release it all. the newer songs such as ‘The Dead Disci- to prominence as I grew up and I would rec- After enduring the support act, El Rac- ples’, ‘True Love 1980’ and ‘Arcadia’, from ommend seeing them live, especially if you coon, I was beginning to doubt the ability of the older Ash material including ‘Angel Inter- were a fan of their earlier albums. the acoustics in the Garden Court - it wasn’t ceptor’, ‘Walking Barefooot’ and ‘You Can’t looking promising. Nevertheless, and to Have it all’. However, what really struck me Alex Payne much satisfaction, when Ash came on my was the diversity in the songs, particularly in doubts were waved away by the sound. Ash the new material. Ash could go from the rath- were also sporting a second guitarist, some- er mellow ‘Return of the White Rabbit’, which thing they’ve not done since the days of they closed their set with, to causing a mosh Charlotte Hatherley, in the shape of Russell pit in the crowd for ‘Girl From Mars’, which, Lissack from Bloc Party. in my opinion, they should have fi nished on. Good: Range of new Ash blasted open their set with an Ash Ash fi nished to a raucous applause, which material with classic classic, ‘Projects’, and then played a new they managed to sustain from the crowd until crowd pleasers. track called ‘Dionysian Urge’, which went the crashed back onto stage with ‘Lose Con- down really well and sounded like the Ash trol’. However, the excitement they had cre- Bad: Choice of en- we know and love. However, the new track, ated became fl attened by ‘Dare to Dream’, core felt a little fl at. 7. LIVE John Butler LIVE LOCAL AND LIVE IN SOTON.. Trio GUILDHALL SOUTHAMPTON MONDAY, APRIL 19

“You’ve been ace!” cries eponymous front man John to the plethora of adoring fans crammed into the Southampton Guildhall, after a set so impressive it’s hard to know where to begin. The atmosphere in the room was incredible. Never have I seen a body of people so engaged with an artist, especially not one who insists on playing for nearly two and a half hours with almost no respite. But tonight, John Butler and his trio truly excelled themselves, capturing the attention and the groove in every person striving to find space Ash to dance in. There is no question that John Butler is a very talented man. On guitar he was perfect, emulating the sound on his many records almost flawlessly, whilst somehow maintain- GARDEN COURT ing the magic of a live performance that is SOUTHAMPTON often so hard to come-by. Challenging num- MONDAY, APRIL 19 bers were tripped over with an ease that only seasoned players can boast of, with a personal highlight coming in the form of ‘Treat Yo Mamma’, whilst lengthy crowd pleaser Ash has been getting some bad public- ‘Neon’, set the premise for much of their their latest release. The song was a good ‘Peaches and Cream’ had an emotive edge ity in recent weeks, what with it causing the newer material and most likely why they song but perhaps not suitable for an encore, that screamed brilliance. Vocally he was closure of British airspace and leaving many have recruited Russell - he plays the key- and neither is ‘Twilight of the Innocents’. also stunning, soaring through the octaves people stranded around the world. Fortu- board lines in the songs. With all this, the Both songs were trying to be epic with Ash effortlessly with his voice straight from the nately Ash, the band, were not stranded and song was enjoyable, but with any band if you trying to capture a big soundscape, which gravelly depths of his soul. It truly was a made it to Southampton University Garden don’t know the song it’s hard to get into it. they did achieve, but for an encore it felt a beauty to listen to. Court to kick start their tour in support of their Ash reeled off some of their bigger hits little out of place. However, they redeemed And considering the Guildhall was packed collection of songs they are releasing every including, ‘Goldfi nger’, ‘Petrol’ and ‘Shining themselves with perhaps the ultimate Ash beyond belief, the mood of the crowd soared two weeks, and the recent release of A – Z: Light’ before playing another new song ‘Joy song, ‘Burn Baby Burn’, which capped off a along with the John Butler Trio from start to Volume 1. Kicks Darkness’. This was probably one of great night. finish, demonstrating not just an impeccable Ash have been off the radar for most peo- my favourites from the new material show- Ash have hopefully returned to form. Their standard of playing, but an acute sense of ple in recent years, but they are back and cased and went down well with the crowd. new material has taken them in a new direc- performance. Absent of huge stage deco- Good: A summery, with a very strange concept. Ash no longer This was followed by one of my favourite Ash tion whilst retaining their sound, and fi ts well rations, or even a light show to write home sugary set that left produce conventional albums; they are re- tracks, ‘Orpheus’, which drew my attention with their older material. Careful set planning about, JBT relied on performance alone to you desperate for leasing music at a rate of one single every to drummer Rick McMurray. His drumming by surrounding the new material with the old- engage the crowd. Although not extensive, more. two weeks to download via a subscription was outstanding, with variety of drum beats er, well-know Ash songs gave the new songs their interaction with the crowd provoked a service. However, luckily for those who still keeping the songs interesting, and playing some support. On the other hand, they need strong reaction, each person hanging onto Bad: Very little... buy CD’s, that’s me included, a CD with art- with intense ferocity. to re-think their encore as it could be much every string bend or half screamed ad- 9. work is still available. With this in mind, Ash’s Although I wasn’t an expert on Ash’s back stronger and didn’t really do them justice. All dress, culminating in a sing-a-long unlike new material should be very good if they are catalogue, I found it quite easy to distinguish in all, it was good to see a band that came anything I have ever seen. Rarely can the prepared to release it all. the newer songs such as ‘The Dead Disci- to prominence as I grew up and I would rec- audience carry a song alone, but the crowd After enduring the support act, El Rac- ples’, ‘True Love 1980’ and ‘Arcadia’, from ommend seeing them live, especially if you this evening were sensational, singing the coon, I was beginning to doubt the ability of the older Ash material including ‘Angel Inter- were a fan of their earlier albums. lyrics back to an astounded trio for several the acoustics in the Garden Court - it wasn’t ceptor’, ‘Walking Barefooot’ and ‘You Can’t minutes. The Best of John Butler.. looking promising. Nevertheless, and to Have it all’. However, what really struck me Alex Payne The John Butler Trio were astonishing much satisfaction, when Ash came on my was the diversity in the songs, particularly in from start to finish, demonstrating how true GRAND NATIONAL THREE doubts were waved away by the sound. Ash the new material. Ash could go from the rath- musical geniuses go about executing a live Atlantic Records, 2007 Independant, 2001 were also sporting a second guitarist, some- er mellow ‘Return of the White Rabbit’, which show, to the extent of which they have ir- thing they’ve not done since the days of they closed their set with, to causing a mosh revocably raised the bar to which I measure Fourth studio album of- Second musical offering Charlotte Hatherley, in the shape of Russell pit in the crowd for ‘Girl From Mars’, which, performances. I’m going to need elephants, fers sing and dance-a-long lasting only eight tracks, all Lissack from Bloc Party. in my opinion, they should have fi nished on. Good: Range of new lasers, and God himself to take up the guitar tracks a-plenty, with ‘Used are highlights. Listen out for Ash blasted open their set with an Ash Ash fi nished to a raucous applause, which material with classic to supersede the performance tonight, and to Get High’ and ‘Groovin’ ‘Media’ and ‘Betterman’ classic, ‘Projects’, and then played a new they managed to sustain from the crowd until crowd pleasers. somehow, it still wont be ‘Better than This’. Slowly’ standing out. and see if you can spot the track called ‘Dionysian Urge’, which went the crashed back onto stage with ‘Lose Con- didgeridoo. down really well and sounded like the Ash trol’. However, the excitement they had cre- Bad: Choice of en- Hayley Taulbut we know and love. However, the new track, ated became fl attened by ‘Dare to Dream’, core felt a little fl at. 7. LIVE Bowling For Soup (Acousti c)

Shy Child JOINER’S ARMS SOUTHAMPTON FRIDAY, APRIL 23

Despite being relatively inconspicuous on number, Pete thumped out booming synth however, the show began to bear a defi nite The show was intense, but I wasn’t really the music scene, electronic duo Shy Child lines with an almost hypnotic repetition resemblance to the one at Wembley – I won- convinced. By increasing the pace and ener- have been around for quite a while. At least whilst Nate pounded the drums at almost dered if this was actually all they were going gy, the new songs were just made to sound ten years on from their debut they’re back double the pace of the album version. Gone to offer, and hoped in vain for something a bit like the old ones. Yet if their original mellow on tour, showcasing their latest album Liquid were the gentle falsetto vocals and chilled- more Liquid Love and a bit less Noise Won’t edge had been retained it would have pro- Love – a brilliantly mellow yet buzzy synth- out ambiance found on the record – instead, Stop. vided some variety and a welcome contrast saturated masterpiece. I was curious to see a loud off-pitch wailing from Pete erased all Shy Child closed the set with ‘Criss Cross’ to their more frenetic side, a side which can this shift in their sound translate into a live traces of subtlety and a sense of urgency - a 7-minute drawn-out song on the record, become overwrought and frankly boring setting, considering their music had previ- was put in its place. I was defi nitely not ex- with an almost sinister edge in its electronic when there is too much of it. ously been a sort of delirious nu-rave dance pecting such a change, but the sheer energy drowsiness, but played live it was a different Still. I would defi nitely recommend that style (listen to third album Noise Won’t Stop). and thrill-fuelled drive on that stage was a story. Halfway through the song, the newly- you give Shy Child a listen if you haven’t The last time I had seen them perform was damn good alternative. imposed throbbing pulse of energy suddenly already because they’ve made some great when they supported Muse in 2007 at Wem- The pair raced through the set at light- subsided. Nate stopped playing and lay music, particularly on Liquid Love. Their bley Stadium, where I’d liked their sound but ning pace, playing a selection of new and down on the stage while Pete seemed ob- live show is lacking, however, because they been really bored by the sameness of the old songs, including fan favourites such as livious and intently focused on a synth solo, smooth over every shred of variety and lump songs. ‘Drop the Phone’ and the wonderfully catchy after about a minute of which Nate stood up all their songs – even the very different ones With a modest crowd gathering in The recent single ‘Disconnected’. Pete would oc- and re-entered the song with a drum crash - into one mood and one sound. And really, if Joiners, Pete Cafarella and Nate Smith aka. casionally look over at Nate with a gleeful that could only be called epic; it was the sort you make a new album which is distinctly dif- Shy Child strolled casually onstage in t-shirts grin plastered over his face; he was clearly of moment which can’t help but make you ferent and progressive you should stay true and jeans. Launching into the album’s title loving every second. After a couple of songs, smile. to it, right?

Sarah Colson Editor Suggests... We Are The Ocean - Broken Social Scene - ‘These Days I Have Noth- ‘Texico Bitches’ ing’ Suprisingly chirpy for an Good: Energy...lots Melodic and stunning act that have been notori- of it. vocals, ‘These Days I Have ous for their look on the Nothing’ is a refreshing dark side. Nodding to the Bad: Very samey, track from the post-hard- current electro scene, this and almost no in- 6. core quintet. is pure musical genius. teraction with the crowd. Take a listen. LIVE BowlingBowling ForFor LIVE

to play acoustically. Usual crowd pleasers ‘1985’, ‘My Weena’ and ‘Trucker Hat’ came SoupSoup (Acousti(Acousti c)c) across fantastically, whilst the banter you expect from BFS was not lessened despite the more subdued nature of their performance. They even spent at least the fi rst 20 ing like a show comprised of songs dragged minutes of the set discussing each other’s WEDGEWOOD ROOMS kicking and screaming to the acoustic gui- penises, coming to the amusing conclusion PORTSMOUTH tar. Yet, opening with ‘Ohio (Come Back that they both had ‘inadequate wieners’ in TUESDAY, APRIL 25 To Texas)’, Bowling for Soup demonstrated comparison to Steve from Son of Dork. Their their mastery of the acoustic genre that was relationship with the crowd was also second wholly unexpected. to none, engaging in a repartee with one ‘Bowling for Soup’ and ‘acoustic’ are not settled into his set, it soon became apparent There was nothing at all contrived in their individual that solely involved exchanging two words I would usually have put together. that Bob is anything but generic or clichéd. performance - indeed all tracks sounded like Anchorman quotes with one another. To top Secret track at the end of Drunk Enough to Mixing overnight success ‘40 Dogs (Romeo they were originally written for two men and it all off, they even managed to squeeze in Dance aside, Bowling for Soup hardly seem and Juliet)’, with tracks that describe Bob’s a guitar, whilst the harmonies that are often a cover of Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, to be the act who would be best suited to secret life as Batman or his girlfriend’s yeast lost amongst the plethora of sounds that bolting it onto the end of ‘Two-Seater’ almost a prolonged foray with acoustic music, let infection, I realised that this is a man that is usually populate their records came through seamlessly. alone a whole set. Yet this is what Jaret a master of all genre trades. He even man- with clarity. It was also a chance for Bowl- Overall, it was a set that surprised me. I’m Reddick and Erik Chandler went on a tour aged to grab the attention of the crowd who ing for Soup to show their more sensitive not sure I can say I enjoyed it as much as of the UK specifi cally to do. And somehow couldn’t originally give him the time of day, side, with tracks such as ‘Belgium’ and ‘Me other BFS shows, but for an acoustic set, I it worked. and succeed in teaching them the lyrics to With No You’ sounding absolutely stunning. was deeply impressed and shocked. It was Even the support to the tour came in ‘Tarantula’, a song that turned into a person- It also gave Jaret and Erik a chance to per- hilarious, musically brilliant, and a complete the form of Texan singer-songwriter Bob al highlight of the whole set. form solo, with previously unreleased track success, but for me, nothing can replace the Schneider, who perhaps would never have Yet, despite my endless reservations, ‘Guard My Heart’ sung and played by Erik madness that ensues when a full BFS outfi t been associated with the BFS guys had it nothing could surpass Bowling for Soup this making a beautiful addition to the set, and comes to town. not been for this acoustic tour. At fi rst, Bob evening. With subject matter that refl ects demonstrating vocal talents that go some- Shy Child appeared to be just another generic artist their schoolboy humour, I was convinced that what unnoticed in the usual BFS set-up. Hayley Taulbut with an acoustic guitar that jarred with my this set was going to be a disappointment But where they really succeeded is in expected aesthetic of the evening. But as he from so many different standpoints, sound- subverting the expectations of what it means JOINER’S ARMS SOUTHAMPTON FRIDAY, APRIL 23

Jon Favreau Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Jo- hansson, Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell Released April 29th 2010 Rating: 12 A

Iron Man was a good third of a movie. Fact. Everything after Tony Stark/Ironman (Robert Downey Jr.) was captured by a ter- rorist group in the Middle East and forced to manufacture his company’s own weapons for them, but instead created the suit that he haphazardly used to escape, was devoid of any of the intrigue the first third had created. Sat in the bustling cinema screen, 45 minutes in to Iron Man 2, I couldn’t help but have a feeling of déjà vu. The initial set-up is interesting. We start in Iron Man 2 Russia where Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is nursing his father who is dying due to an as- yet unrevealed history with Stark Industries. After his father passes away, Vanko starts his friendship with Stark and his duty to his growing too dependent on the suit, drinking though, I just can’t see any of this happen- work on creating his own weapon attire to job. and partying too much. He begins to teeter ing with the third instalment in the franchise, avenge the death. Action then moves to However, by the time Vanko has taken his on the verge of self-destruction. Rockwell which is as inevitable as the setting of the Washington as Stark appears in court, en- revenge at a Formula 1 race in Monaco, and also effectively embodies Hammer, a sleazy sun (or a carefully created explosion in an couraged by the Senate to give up his Iron Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson locust to the success of Stark, but is in the Iron Man movie). Man suit because of its potential to cause have turned up as members of secret super- end overwhelmed by the requirement for more harm than good. Stark playfully de- hero organisation S.H.I.E.L.D., the volume drawn-out, bamboozling action set pieces, Adam Vaughn bates with the panel, arguing that he has has been turned up to eleven, multiple story regardless of the pristine special effects in- “successfully privatised world peace”, much archs are introduced and the film becomes volved in realising them. to the disapproval of his long-suffering as- convoluted and somewhat messy, detracting Essentially, then, what I want is Iron Man sistant, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). (yet again) from a genuinely engaging, hu- 2 as a courtroom drama. A slow-burning Good: An engaging Enter arch-rival weapons manufacturer, morously scripted opening segment. thinker that thrashes out the moral predica- and witty opening Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), desperate Robert Downey Jr., however, seems less ments raised from owning and using a nucle- third. for Stark’s technology so as he can create mumbly than in the first instalment (perhaps ar-powered suit, which really scrutinises the Bad: It’s plodding, his own. He is followed into court by Lt. Col. because there is so much else going on) and character of Tony Stark and gets to the heart meandering, convo- Rhodes (Don Cheadle, replacing Terence is starting to hit his stride in the franchise, of his addictions. Ang Lee’s Hulk and Chris- 5. luted and (dare I say Howard from the first film) who provides his deftly delivering humour and weight to the topher Nolan’s Batman Begins, to varying it) a bit dull. report on the situation, visibly torn between character in the first section where Stark is degrees of success, did just that. Somehow Hot job opportunities. Graduate Recruitment Fair

Tuesday 15 June 2010 11.00–3.30 Garden Court, Building 40 Highfield Campus

Open to all Undergrads and Postgrads www.soton.ac.uk/careers

36726_GradRecruitFair_WessexAdvert_v1.indd 1 5/14/10 2:28 PM FILM The Master Of Suspense And

Psycho was no exception. Before it even made it into cinemas there was controversy. The theatrical poster, which features Janet Leigh, sultrily poised in her underwear was scandalous. The opening scene oozes sex and infidelity at a time when the American Psycho 50 prudishness of the censors had much more of an authority on the content that could make it into cinemas. People were shocked and appalled. The various plot twists and surprises that lay ahead for Psycho’s audiences were closely guarded. Hitchcock or- dered his team to buy up copies of the novel Years on in bulk to prevent people from reading it and spoiling the shock ending. Movie theatres were instructed to refuse entry to any late- comers – tongue-in-cheek posters placed by the doors read: “The manager has been instructed at the risk of his life, not to admit to the theatre any persons after the film starts”. Hitch wanted people to see every second. Alfred Hitchcock And the result? At the first screening, Anthony Perkins and Vera “sustained screaming” during the infamous Miles shower-scene (from the audience no-less) Released August 4th 1960 drowned out the noise from the soundtrack. It took a week to film the 45 seconds of pure, Rating: X violent terror that followed, equaling one of the most famous scenes in history. Yet ow- ing to the suggestive power of Hitchcock’s Its source material was a little known book montage, we never actually see the knife by a little known crime writer from Chicago. make contact with Janet Leigh. Just a lot of It was initially snubbed by the studios with quick cutting, coupled with the 77 different Paramount reluctant to part with any funds camera angles and the infamous and ever- to finance it, and producers had to fight for it imitated screeching violins of Bernard Her- to get made. Nobody thought it would work. rmann’s score that make this screen classic Yet, 50 years later, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psy- what it is. In the UK it was given an adult cho has become one of the most recognis- X certificate. Yet nonetheless, viewers were able and influential films ever made. So how caught unawares by its visceral power, its did it come about? How did the movie that very ability to shock and unsettle. In com- almost never happened, end up taking the parison to the blood-splattered ‘torture porn’ film world by storm, and keeping things that of the Noughties, the level of violence isn’t way five decades later? to the extent that you couldn’t watch it with Its story is simple: a woman steals your parents on a Sunday afternoon. But you $40,000 from her boss and lays low in an wouldn’t want to. It is erratic and unpredict- isolated motel. It is owned by a disturbing able as well as menacing. Even if you think young man who, after musings on taxidermy you know what’s happening, you can’t help and mental institutions, murders her in the but feel unsafe as you try in vain to anticipate shower. Her sister and the woman’s boy- the next bout of gruesome violence. friend (with the help of a private detective) Hitchcock’s career may have peaked at investigate and the killer is arrested. Credits Psycho, but that isn’t to say that his influence roll. Sounds straightforward enough? How- stopped there. Indeed, despite its legendary ever, where Psycho sets itself apart from status, most critics concede that it was not your average ‘thriller next door’ is not so his best film. But it was his most important; much down to its subject matter, admittedly the first modern horror film. Without Psycho tame by our modern standards, as it is Hitch- there may well not have been a Sixth Sense, cock’s virtuoso direction. a Reservoir Dogs or the many incarnations ‘The Master of Suspense’, before his of Saw. From Bonnie and Clyde, to Jaws, death in 1980, had been making films on to Scream and everything remotely dark or both sides of the Atlantic since the twenties, terrifying in between in video games, novels carving out a reputation as a mastermind be- and of course film; his techniques were revo- hind the camera – his trademark suspense lutionary and his ideas continue to influence and black humour bringing him huge suc- a thousand writers and filmmakers to this cess in the Studio System of post-war Hol- day – and cause countless more to feel on lywood. He was a visionary; a master sto- edge as they stay at home alone, or step into ryteller, gifted with the ability to create pow- the shower and close the curtain... erful atmosphere: white-knuckle rides with sinister, sordid characters; flawed heroes and beautiful icy blondes; complex, perverse Niles Davies psychologies; real edge-of-your-seat stuff. FILM The Master Of Summer FILM Suspense And Blockbusters Psycho was no exception. Before it even made it into cinemas there was controversy. Although it’s coming to the end of the the latest of the Twilight series, Eclipse, is The theatrical poster, which features Janet academic year and only a few exams lie released. The newest film will undoubtedly Leigh, sultrily poised in her underwear was between students around the country and shatter box office records once more, and scandalous. The opening scene oozes sex their freedom for another summer, the movie one of the most successful franchises of all and infidelity at a time when the American Psycho 50 world does not stop. And so as I pass the time will continue to cast its spell over movie prudishness of the censors had much more baton of Film Editor on to Adam Vaughn, I goers. of an authority on the content that could leave you with a tantalising look at what But boys have no fear; despite this blip make it into cinemas. People were shocked great summer blockbusters will be showing the summer looks set to be aimed at the and appalled. The various plot twists and at cinemas all around the country while you guys. With The A-Team and The Expenda- surprises that lay ahead for Psycho’s audi- take some well earned time off this summer. bles shaping up to be two of the most boyish ences were closely guarded. Hitchcock or- First of all, for the kid inside all of us there films ever created, the latter sporting Arnold dered his team to buy up copies of the novel Years on is the absolute must see of the summer Toy Schwarznegger, Bruce Willis and Silvester in bulk to prevent people from reading it and Story 3. That’s right, Woody, Buzz and all the Stallone in the same scene. The trailers for spoiling the shock ending. Movie theatres rest of Andy’s toys are back for another ad- both seem completely outrageous and bril- were instructed to refuse entry to any late- venture with a whole host of new characters. liantly good fun. The only question is…which comers – tongue-in-cheek posters placed by In the third instalment of the original Pixar one will you choose? Continuing the male the doors read: “The manager has been in- creation Andy is going away to college and trend of the summer months we will be pre- structed at the risk of his life, not to admit to has to decide what to do with his beloved sented with Robert Rodriguez’s Predators the theatre any persons after the film starts”. toys. This will undoubtedly be the final chap- which seems set to sweep away the shame- Hitch wanted people to see every second. ter in the legendary series, and I for one am ful memories of the AVP franchise, coming Alfred Hitchcock And the result? At the first screening, hoping that it doesn’t disappoint. back to the roots that made the Predator Anthony Perkins and Vera “sustained screaming” during the infamous Girls up and down the country will once name great and Arnie a star. Angelina Jolie Miles shower-scene (from the audience no-less) again be screaming at cinema screens as steps into the shoes of Evelyn in Salt, an FBI Released August 4th 1960 drowned out the noise from the soundtrack. Jacob and Edward go head to head when agent who must prove her innocence when It took a week to film the 45 seconds of pure, accused of being a Russian spy. Prepare for Rating: X violent terror that followed, equaling one of a very sexy version of the Bourne films. In the most famous scenes in history. Yet ow- completely the opposite direction but still a ing to the suggestive power of Hitchcock’s film undoubtedly aimed at a male audience Its source material was a little known book montage, we never actually see the knife comes The Other Guys. A film that boasts by a little known crime writer from Chicago. make contact with Janet Leigh. Just a lot of some excellent action but completely mocks It was initially snubbed by the studios with quick cutting, coupled with the 77 different the entire buddy cop genre, brought to us by Paramount reluctant to part with any funds camera angles and the infamous and ever- pair of McKay and Ferrell, of Anchorman and to finance it, and producers had to fight for it imitated screeching violins of Bernard Her- Taledega Nights fame. to get made. Nobody thought it would work. rmann’s score that make this screen classic Hollywood’s love affair with the comic Yet, 50 years later, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psy- what it is. In the UK it was given an adult book genre is set to continue through June cho has become one of the most recognis- X certificate. Yet nonetheless, viewers were and July with two offbeat comic based films. able and influential films ever made. So how caught unawares by its visceral power, its Jonah Hex stars Josh Brolin as a cowboy did it come about? How did the movie that very ability to shock and unsettle. In com- out for revenge against John Malkovich, with almost never happened, end up taking the parison to the blood-splattered ‘torture porn’ Megan Fox providing the eye candy. And as film world by storm, and keeping things that of the Noughties, the level of violence isn’t far away from the wild west as it is possible way five decades later? to the extent that you couldn’t watch it with to get there comes Michael Cera’s new film, Its story is simple: a woman steals your parents on a Sunday afternoon. But you Scott Pilgrim Vs The World. In this funny $40,000 from her boss and lays low in an wouldn’t want to. It is erratic and unpredict- actioner Cera reprises the type of character isolated motel. It is owned by a disturbing able as well as menacing. Even if you think that has made him famous as he faces off young man who, after musings on taxidermy you know what’s happening, you can’t help against the evil ex-boyfriends of the girl he and mental institutions, murders her in the but feel unsafe as you try in vain to anticipate wants to date, in fights to the death. shower. Her sister and the woman’s boy- the next bout of gruesome violence. Finally we have what is undoubtedly my friend (with the help of a private detective) Hitchcock’s career may have peaked at pick of the Summer, and it’s a film for both investigate and the killer is arrested. Credits Psycho, but that isn’t to say that his influence the sexes. Inception is the new film from roll. Sounds straightforward enough? How- stopped there. Indeed, despite its legendary Christopher Nolan, the director responsi- ever, where Psycho sets itself apart from status, most critics concede that it was not ble for reinventing the Batman series. It is your average ‘thriller next door’ is not so his best film. But it was his most important; a psychological thriller starring Leonardo much down to its subject matter, admittedly the first modern horror film. Without Psycho Di Caprio as a thief. But as with any Nolan tame by our modern standards, as it is Hitch- there may well not have been a Sixth Sense, film, nothing is as it seems and what Di Cap- cock’s virtuoso direction. a Reservoir Dogs or the many incarnations rio steals is something far more valuable ‘The Master of Suspense’, before his of Saw. From Bonnie and Clyde, to Jaws, than money, he steals ideas. The trailer is death in 1980, had been making films on to Scream and everything remotely dark or extremely confusing and the entire project both sides of the Atlantic since the twenties, terrifying in between in video games, novels has been shrouded in secrecy, but the story carving out a reputation as a mastermind be- and of course film; his techniques were revo- sounds fascinating and some of the visual hind the camera – his trademark suspense lutionary and his ideas continue to influence effects we’ve been treated to so far look and black humour bringing him huge suc- a thousand writers and filmmakers to this stunning. This may prove to be the movie of cess in the Studio System of post-war Hol- day – and cause countless more to feel on the summer, if not the year, and is one film lywood. He was a visionary; a master sto- edge as they stay at home alone, or step into that should not be missed. ryteller, gifted with the ability to create pow- the shower and close the curtain... erful atmosphere: white-knuckle rides with Stephen O’Shea sinister, sordid characters; flawed heroes and beautiful icy blondes; complex, perverse Niles Davies If you love films as much as we do, you can find even psychologies; real edge-of-your-seat stuff. Calling All Film Buffs! more film reviews at; www.wessexscene.co.uk/the-edge Film A Nightmare On

“One, Two, Freddy’s coming for you...” We heard some creepy children chant these words in a movie trailer a few months back and suddenly every diehard horror movie fan started salivating. Classic movie remakes have become staggeringly big business over Elm Street the past few years and it would seem that Hollywood heavy-hitter Michael Bay is ready scarier, but sadly you’d be mistaken. Seeing on Elm Street is no exception. Obviously to cash in yet again. You may remember oth- as this film is a remake and not a reboot as some people would be pining for a sneak er horror remakes that Bay has churned out we found with Batman Begins and the like, peek at what Kreuger used to look like pre- of his production company Platinum Dunes, a lot of people are bound to compare it to face melting, but in my opinion the sequence such as Friday the 13th and Halloween. Well the 1984 original and how true it stays to of seeing him crying and pleading to be left now he’s turned his hand to the Wes Cra- the concept. Luckily, Bay’s remake carries alone makes him a hell of a lot more diffi- ven classic about the dream-invading trilby- enough of the original in iconic scare mo- cult to hate. The problem with films like this sporting burn victim Freddy Krueger. ments, including heroine Kris Fowles (as one and Bay’s other horror remakes is that This time around the nightmare king is portrayed by Katie Cassidy) defying gravity most people want them to be an evolution being played by Watchmen star Jackie Earle and her curfew by being dragged upwards from the original movie, but secretly don’t re- Haley, who discards much of the campiness out of her bed and onto the ceiling. Needless ally want anything to be different. Therefore, that made the original Kreuger so entertain- to say the dream sequences, which were al- in the remaking business where you really ingly sinister, and replaces it with a new kind ways going to be fundamental in making or can’t please everyone or recreate a film just of dark grittiness that makes him just...well, breaking the movie, were masterfully done, right, Bay’s new Nightmare is at least an en- sinister. You’d expect this to make the film being terrifying and beautifully inviting exact- tertaining makeover, and worth watching if ly when they needed to be. It has to be said you have exams right now and really don’t that this film is arguably impressive as a film want to fall asleep. “Bay’s new Night- in its own right, and audiences that aren’t too committed to their 26 year love affair with the Sam Thomas mare is at least an Craven original will doubtlessly enjoy being scared by Haley’s creepy clawed character. Samuel Bayer entertaining makeo- Even so, this is a remake and a lot of Good: A solid re- Producer: Michael Bay horror fans are going to be a little bit disap- make. pointed when they leave the theatres. This ver and worth watch- Bad: Released May 7th 2010 is partly going to be due to our generation’s Won’t be to the Rating: 18 love of flashbacks and back stories to char- liking of those in love 7. ing.” with the original. acters in the films we watch, and Nightmare Film A Nightmare On Super Street “One, Two, Freddy’s coming for you...” We heard some creepy children chant these words in a movie trailer a few months back GAMES and suddenly every diehard horror movie fan Fighter IV started salivating. Classic movie remakes Hadoukens At The Ready, SF Returns have become staggeringly big business over Elm Street the past few years and it would seem that Super Street Fighter IV harks back to a by- characters. Hollywood heavy-hitter Michael Bay is ready scarier, but sadly you’d be mistaken. Seeing on Elm Street is no exception. Obviously gone era. Capcom’s Street Fighter II was This iteration has seen little update to the up to 4 vs. 4 fights, with players taking turns combos for their favourite characters. Ver- to cash in yet again. You may remember oth- as this film is a remake and not a reboot as some people would be pining for a sneak subject to several minor updates in the form core mechanics of the previous game; good to measure a team’s skills. The new Endless sus mode is as strong as ever, good news er horror remakes that Bay has churned out we found with Batman Begins and the like, peek at what Kreuger used to look like pre- of new retail games which added various news for those already accustomed to how Battle mode sees up to eight players enter- for friends who just want to beat the living of his production company Platinum Dunes, a lot of people are bound to compare it to face melting, but in my opinion the sequence new characters and game mechanic up- Street Fighter IV plays. Additional charac- ing a room and watching two of them battle in crap out of each other for a reasonable price. such as Friday the 13th and Halloween. Well the 1984 original and how true it stays to of seeing him crying and pleading to be left dates. The first example of this was Super ters have brought about distinctive new play a ‘winner stays on’ scenario. Waiting players Super Street Fighter IV is a must buy for now he’s turned his hand to the Wes Cra- the concept. Luckily, Bay’s remake carries alone makes him a hell of a lot more diffi- Street Fighter II. With the prominence of styles, whilst older characters have been can chat and watch ongoing matches whilst fighting game aficionados. Sufficient new ven classic about the dream-invading trilby- enough of the original in iconic scare mo- cult to hate. The problem with films like this downloadable content, some may argue that tweaked slightly in the interests of balance. waiting for their turn to battle, which really content has been added for those who al- sporting burn victim Freddy Krueger. ments, including heroine Kris Fowles (as one and Bay’s other horror remakes is that Capcom’s tactic of releasing Super Street Additionally, all characters now have access emphasizes Capcom’s attempts to recreate ready own a copy of Street Fighter IV to This time around the nightmare king is portrayed by Katie Cassidy) defying gravity most people want them to be an evolution Fighter IV (essentially a retooled version of to a second Ultra Combo, which can be se- an authentic arcade experience online. more than justify a purchase. A much im- being played by Watchmen star Jackie Earle and her curfew by being dragged upwards from the original movie, but secretly don’t re- last year’s Street Fighter IV) as a retail game lected before a fight. An interesting addition to the online as- proved online mode with touted free Tourna- Haley, who discards much of the campiness out of her bed and onto the ceiling. Needless ally want anything to be different. Therefore, is an outdated, money-making ploy. Is an The area where the game really has pect of the game is the new Replay Channel. ment mode DLC on the way offers a great that made the original Kreuger so entertain- to say the dream sequences, which were al- in the remaking business where you really updated version of last year’s best fighting made massive strides forward is in its online Fighters are now able to browse a large ar- experience to casual and competitive Street ingly sinister, and replaces it with a new kind ways going to be fundamental in making or can’t please everyone or recreate a film just game worth a purchase? component. The network multiplayer experi- ray of replays from around the Street Fighter Fighter fans alike. of dark grittiness that makes him just...well, breaking the movie, were masterfully done, right, Bay’s new Nightmare is at least an en- Attempts have been made to make the ence has been significantly improved upon community. Players also have the ability to sinister. You’d expect this to make the film being terrifying and beautifully inviting exact- tertaining makeover, and worth watching if package more appealing, even to those who compared to its predecessor. Impressively, save replays of online fights to their HDD Joe Dart ly when they needed to be. It has to be said you have exams right now and really don’t already own Street Fighter IV. The game re- in the matches I have played against those and can upload their battles for everyone that this film is arguably impressive as a film want to fall asleep. tails for a budget price of £29.99 and those within the UK, there was little to no lag, which online to watch. The inclusion of replays is “Bay’s new Night- in its own right, and audiences that aren’t too who have a SFIV save get the added bonus is always a bonus. a neat touch; watching the replays of others committed to their 26 year love affair with the Sam Thomas of two extra character colours. On top of Ranked matches make their return, but in action can be a useful resource for those mare is at least an Craven original will doubtlessly enjoy being that, several new stages have been added with the twist that fighters gain both Player wanting to gain a better understanding of the scared by Haley’s creepy clawed character. as well: the Solar Eclipse level, brimming Points and Battle Points for victories. This competitive aspects of the game, as well as Good: Samuel Bayer entertaining makeo- Even so, this is a remake and a lot of A solid re- with African wildlife, is especially impressive. means that players aren’t punished as much just for entertainment purposes. Good: make. Significantly Producer: Michael Bay horror fans are going to be a little bit disap- The game increases the already impres- for attempting to use different characters as Online play is a pre-requisite for achiev- improved online pointed when they leave the theatres. This sive playable roster of Street Fighter charac- the Battle Points gained with other charac- ing the full SSFIV experience, but a strong ver and worth watch- Bad: mode. Released May 7th 2010 is partly going to be due to our generation’s Won’t be to the ters to 35. This includes eight fan favourites ters are unaffected after a loss. This tends to offline mode is offered as well. Arcade mode Rating: 18 love of flashbacks and back stories to char- liking of those in love 7. from previous games, as well as two new result in a greater variety of characters being makes its comeback, now with the addition ing.” with the original. acters in the films we watch, and Nightmare characters; Korean Tai-Kwon-Do expert Juri used online. The days of constant streams of Street Fighter II style mini-games, as well Bad: Minor updates and Turkish oil wrestler Hakan. These ad- of Kens spamming Shoryuken are seem- as new animated storyline cinematics for all may not justify the 9. ditions to the roster are welcome and add ingly over. characters. Trial mode remains as well, a cost for some. further diversity to an already varied cast of The introduction of Team Battles allows useful mode for teaching players moves and April/May TheGigGuide THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 20 21 22 23

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