Music: Chvrches new single "Gun"
30 May 2013
Chvrches "Gun"
They are fast becoming one of the most talked about bands of 2013 and their album is one of the most anticipated, being released later in the year.
They have now given us another little taste of their electropop sound with "Gun," have a listen and see what you think! Just click on the Soundcloud tab below.
Fashion - Return of the Jelly
16 May 2013
Return of the Jelly
Every now and then there's random trends that makes a little comeback and this year is no exception. We've already seen denim dungarees, crop tops and pinafore dresses appear on the catwalks and high street but now it's time the ultimate in 90s footwear came back, the Jelly.
I remember when I got my first pair of jellies for school - back then health and safety wasn't an issue for these kinda things - and I felt the ultimate cool kid. Comfort, style and colour is everything you want from a good pair of shoes now we're all grown up and the jelly offers you that.
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| pink and blue jellies, Topshop, £20 |
Online offers a whole host of sites to get your must-have fashion trend this season. From American company Jelly Beans to our very own Northampton brand JuJu and of course the bang on trend Topshop there is no excuse to be without this nostalgic, classic piece of footwear.
Fashion: Summer Staples
14 May 2013
Summer Staples
The Shorts and the Midi
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| Shorts: Urban Outfitters £32, Midi Dress: Topshop £29 |
Shorts are a tough thing to pull off in the summer season. Too short with flashing bum is not a good look, neither is too long and looking like you're off on a cycling ride, you want that perfect happy medium. After scouring the web I found the best ones were from Urban Outfitters, at £32 they are a tad on the more expensive side - you're paying a lot for not a lot - but they are well made and distressed to utter perfection. As for one of the hottest dress shapes of the season, it has to be the midi. This loose t-shirt one from Topshop combines the dress length trend and the tie-dye/ dip-dye colouring which is perfect for that casual festival/ beach wear/ doing nothing look.
The Arm Candy and the Sun Shields
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| Bracelets: River Island £12 Sunglasses: ASOS £12 |
One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to add a bit of instant colour to your outfit is with some bold bracelets. Make it stand out as much as you can with bright pinks/ blues/ golds/ reds, perfect for festival season. NB: if it's hot and you're tanning, take 'em off! Nobody likes an awkward tan line. Sunglasses are a given for summer, if we manage to get some much needed sun then they will be your saviour. Personally I whack them on come rain or shine to hide those baggy eyes, especially at a fest! The best shapes for all face types would be some retro wayfarers like these ones from ASOS or some aviators, not everyone can pull off the Lennon round ones.
The New Cute and The Token Blouse
The New Cute and The Token Blouse
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| Pinafore Dress: River Island £45 Blouse: Zara £29.99 |
Everyone has gone crazy for the kooky but cute look this year, partly due to that New Girl Zooey Deschanel and partly because it's just a really simple and easy trend to pull off. Dungarees are in all the stores from your Primark to your Topshop but if you fancy something a little more girly then the pinafore dress is the way forward. This one from River Island holds a lovely jacquard print, something different from the just denim ones out there. Blouses will see you through the year, but summer is where you don't need to add a cardy into the mix, a time to show off the whole print. This one from Zara is perfect teamed with little white hot pants and some gladiator sandals. Speaking of which...
The Summer Must Have and The Skater Skirt |
| Sandals: Office £40 Skater Skirt: George at ASDA £8 |
Probably the thing that every girl is after, the pair of the perfect sandals that can endure anything from climbing rocks on the beach to dancing in the holiday bar. As someone who hates flip flops - on anyone - sandals are my fashionable alternative and a lot less annoying than the flip flop sound. The skater skirt has been around for a couple of seasons but we are now seeing some colour being added to the mix. This bright orange one from George at ASDA will be a fail safe addition to your wardrobe. Teamed with sandals and a crop top you'll be ready to catch the rays.
Music: Vampire Weekend "Modern Vampires of the City"
13 May 2013
Vampire Weekend "Modern Vampires of the City"
Track List
1. Obvious Bicycle
2. Unbelievers
3. Step
4. Diane Young
5. Don't Lie
6. Hannah hunt
7. Everlasting Arms
8. Finger Back
9. Worship You
10. Ya Hey
11. Hudson
12. Young Lion
Their self titled first album and "Contra" now seem like just mere warm ups with the release of album number three "Modern Vampires of the City." After putting the album's date back for extra production time the album is a welcome sight for those avid Vampire fans. The upbeat tones and warm lyrical harmonies of MVOTC from the well educated foursome mask the heavy undertones of politics, death and New York City itself.
The album artwork is the first sure sign of what you are going to be getting from Ezra, Rostam, and the two Chris'. A bleak and depressing scene of New York back in 1966 was taken by New York Times photographer Neal Boenzi. Even though the image was taken over 45 years ago the band believed it showed some kind of relevant future, smog was resolved but the air has grown more polluted.
"Darker and more organic" and "very much the last of a trilogy". - Ezra for Q magazine 2013
Frontman Ezra Koenig sings of finding the existence of hell and how half the world wants Americans like him dead in the oddly upbeat track 'Unbelievers.' The juxtaposition of a happy backing track not dissimilar to a fairground ride and lyrics such as, We know the fire that waits/ if I'm born again I know the world will disagree are just what the band do best. 'Diane Young' is the first single taken from the album, singing of how short youth is and 'Diane Young' sounding more like dying young the lyrics are pretty clear, whilst of course keeping the upbeat Vampire sound. A slower pace comes with "Step" - the second single released, The gloves are off/ the wisdom teeth are out/ I feel it in my bones/ I can't do it alone. Probably one of the most complex from the album. The song talks of that girl from his youth, that first love and how he wasn't ready then but now he's stronger but can't do what he wants alone.
In every song there is a hint and sometimes more than a hint of how much the band love where they come from. The love to make a statement and create a poignancy through lyrics of politics, death, first loves and the place you live. MVOFC is a finale for the band, the last in a trilogy.
The album is out today!
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