Friday 1 November 2013

MUSIC: Clean Bandit @ Digital – 27th October 2013



This weekend I found myself as the happy recipient of a last minute ticket for a band that I’d heard a whisper of but didn’t know nearly well enough to know what a live show would be like. I usually like to know a brief history and at least half of a bands’ back catalogue to not only inform myself on who exactly I’m watching, but also to know what songs I can afford to miss when my Red Stripe runs empty.

Clean Bandit were a band introduced to me by my housemate, and for the first time in a long time I find myself faced with a conundrum – they’re an act so obscure that I have no point of reference to recommend them.



Usually it’s relatively easily to conjure at least a vague image of what to expect by comparing what two bands would have birthed said artist had they copulated – for example London Grammar could easily be the result of an unprotected fumble between The Eurythmics and The xx. However with Cambridge-born Clean Bandit, there are not so much two parents but more a rich back history of cross-breeding more commonly seen in mongrels than in musicians. You wouldn’t think that electric pop, hints of garage and classic strings would work well if all sloshed together, but somehow Clean Bandit manage it.

With a reputation almost as underground as the leaky seafront venue, I was surprised not only to see a full house but also a support act that actually held my attention rather than encouraging me to slope off the smoking area where my housemate is bargaining a roll up from an eighteen year old. Mausi, a London-based electro-pop outfit, churn out tunes that are irritatingly catchy and impossible not to dance to. Their energy apparently knows no bounds, and a post-performance investigation on SoundCloud proves that this positivity isn’t just limited to live shows; you can hear more of their material here.

After a brief break and a fifteen year old fan faceplanting the floor, Clean Bandit ascend the stage with barely an introduction and immediately throw themselves into the show. The band holds no bars during their performance, combining an almost endless list of influences in a genre broadly coined as “folktronica”. Clean Bandit perform with the passion and timing that you’d expect from a band that have been doing this for years, let alone from a fresh-faced group that look as if they could have just left their first practise session in a garage in Greenwich after handing in their dissertation.




I find it surprising that NME damply rated their 2013 single Dust Clears as a song that “gently requests that you shuffle on the dance floor for 10 seconds or so rather than demand you hit up an all-night rave”. Whilst admittedly I find their recorded releases a little lacklustre when compared to their live set, the less-than-enthusiastic reception wasn’t entirely deserved.

Several singles are available through Spotify which I would recommend to those who have a healthy set of bass amplifying headphones and an active imagination. A favourite track from the set could possibly be “Wildfire”, a song with a beat that vibrates the gyrating crowd and doesn’t seem at all out of place at Digital, a dance den that hosted Disclosure only months before.

As this was the closing night of their recent tour, those looking to witness Clean Bandit at their genre-bending best may have a worthwhile wait ahead to see them at their best.

MS



Tuesday 29 October 2013

Mac DeMarco - Ode to Viceroy

So I'm addicted to Mac DeMarco's 2 album; in particular "Ode to Viceroy". After a year hammering highly produced albums, this mishmash of early Fleetwood Mac/ Sergeant Peppers is nicely understated. Here it is - enjoy: 


Thursday 24 October 2013

FASHION: Kate Moss: Roll 1


Anyone that knows me is well aware of my obsession with Kate Moss. As a 90s girl I've never grown out of the mindset that sees Kate Moss as the epitome of beauty; wide eyed, toothy and just a little bit grimey her look is both completely ethereal and yet somewhat in reach.


So working with David Ross, the photographer who shot Moss for her first ever professional photo shoot, age just 14, has been an exciting experience. The images - which go on show for the first time ever at the new Lawrence Alkin Gallery next week -  are fresh and exciting, showing the Moss Sarah Doukas scouted for the newly formed Storm agency. The show promises to be a far cry from her upcoming shoot with Playboy, which she recently confirmed for their 60th Anniversary issue.


It's hard to find a new angle on such a photographed face, but these images are set to cause some real excitement, especially on the eve of Ms Moss' 40th Birthday.  Opening to the public from 30th Oct - 3rd Nov this is a must see-exhibition for anyone with a passion for Kate Moss.



Thursday 1 August 2013

Going Out: National Orgasm Day with LELO at Sh! Hoxton



So who knew? - July 31st is National Orgasm day, and I was invited along to attend a party thrown by luxury lifestyle brand LELO at Sh! Erotic Emporium in Hoxton to celebrate. Alongside fizz, strawberries and a whole load of vibrators, we listened to an orgasm masterclass by the founder of Sh! - Kathryn Hoyle, which was inspiring as much as exciting; Kathryn founded Sh! in 1992 to combat the idea of sex shops as sleazy, and to create a place where women could share sex stories whilst stocking up on their latest rabbit.





Central to the evening were the amazing LELO range- which I have only recently stumbled upon (as it were). LELO prides itself on hi-end luxe products, and being introduced to their Smart Wands, Luna Beads and Tiani 2 I couldn't help but feel that these guys are the Beyonce of sex toys. If you're just starting off in the world of rechargeable sex look no further than their MIA2, small, pretty yet helluva powerful, the MIA2 disguises itself as a lipstick and charges via USB: ideal for the woman on the go. After last night however, and hearing Kathryn's take on it all, I've got my eyes fixed on the INA2 - a dual action vibrator which offers G-spot and clitoral stimulation. Ummmmmm.


The evening certainly got us thinking about how much fun can be stylishly had 'in the bedroom'. The LELO girls explained about their remote-controlled range which adds a nice new dimension to foreplay, with your partner being put in control of any toys you might use. The Lyla2, Tiani2 and the Oden2 all come with LELO's sense motion remote control, so with the flick of the wrist pleasures can intensify or lighten.

At the end of the evening I left with an amazing goodie bag, which amazingly included a LELO 'Pleasure Set' - complete with Tiani, a feature tickler and silk blindfold. I'll let you know how that goes down...





Friday 19 July 2013

Music Review: Frank Ocean at 02 Academy Brixton


This summer Frank Ocean returned to the UK for two sold out shows at the O2 Academy Brixton; his first headline appearances since the release of his debut studio album Channel Orange in 2012. Between the release of said album, a publicised confessional blog post confirming his love for another man and a car park scrap with the human scab that is Chris Brown, Ocean has more than built a name for himself outside of his previous affiliation with offensive outfit Odd Future. Following his success at ceremonies such as the Brits and Grammy’s, hype stood at its highest, leaving Frank with a lot to prove.

The first thing that instantly hits me about Frank Ocean performing live is the odd sense of calm and sensibility. He doesn’t appear with the swag that one might presume from the friend of the infamous Tyler the Creator, but almost seems to apologise for his presence as if it were an intrusion; his demeanour is oddly reminiscent of a boyfriend when you first introduce them to your parents. Frank’s performance begs for instant forgiveness.

Positioning himself directly between a stage-side spotlight and a passing cloud of dry ice, Ocean is obscured as his vocals emanate eerily unseen. Purposeful to never be pigeon-holed, his voice ranges with an ethereal ease – soul, hip hop and RnB roll together without so much as a pause for breath. Ocean flows seamlessly between tracks with a lack of audience interaction which admittedly is a little irritating, only briefly stopping to announce the performances of previously unheard tracks “Feel California” and “Anything for You”. Alongside singles from Channel Orange, Ocean digresses to his backlog of early mix-tapes throughout his set, featuring an acappella version of “Swim Good” from Nostalgia, Ultra where his lyrics are echoed by the audience, his own vocals almost drowned out.

Clearly not forgetting his past as Christopher “Lonny” Breaux (as he was known before changing his name), Ocean includes the little known track “Acura Integurl” from The Lonny Breaux Collection, that although lasts less than two minutes could possibly be one of the most beautiful songs I’ll experience this decade. “Pyramids” receives the biggest reaction of the evening, having become somewhat of a cult classic without ever selling well as a single (only reaching No.129 in the UK chart), and the audience sway in synchronicity, hypnotised by the hook of the synthesiser.

The show ends rather abruptly, the house lights return to full beam and the lack of encore is a little disappointing but perhaps not surprising, given Ocean’s reluctance to engage despite his obvious brilliance. Although his vocals never falter, I couldn’t help but feel the need to clamber onstage to offer a consoling cuddle and a promise that everything with be alright.

Despite this, it is Frank Ocean’s sheer gift as a rapper, poet, singer and songwriter that enables him to still stand tall as a truly unique and unparalleled talent. 

Tuesday 2 July 2013

ART: Nuart 2013 Preview

Can I just take a second to preview the amazing lineup at this year's Nuart festival in Norway!?

You might remember that I lost my Nuart virginity last September, and ever since I've been a complete fangirl. 2013 looks set to be brilliant - with more artists yet to be confirmed; here's a quick DSD round-up of our favourites.

DALeast

I'm familiar with DALeast after working with him earlier this year at his DALeast London Dare show. The Chinese artist's 3D images prove that urban artists are in no way lacking in technical skill. Seeing is believing:

DALeast - Art Basel


Aiko

Always good to see a female among the cockfest which can be Nuart (although the amazing ms. Swoon has been one of the favourite artists ever shown here). Aiko, or Lady Aiko to give her full title, has done some of the prettiest murals I've ever seen - which means it came as no surprise when Louis Vuitton asked her to collaborate on a silk scarf for their Spring/ Summer 2013 collection. The Japanese artist used to work for Haruki Murakami and appeared in Exit Through The Gift Shop. 'Nuff said.

Aiko for Louis Vuitton S/S 2013
Aiko Spray Cans


Ernest Zacharevic

The disappointment that he didn't chose a slightly more zany pseudonym over his (albeit also catchy) real name, soon fades when you're hit between the eyes by one Ernest's striking urban pieces. Combining the humour which distinguishes street art from much of its gallery-hung counterparts, with his enviably beautiful artistic skill, Ernest reminds us that graffiti is not just for those who 'can't paint good':

Ernest Zacharevic - Malaysia


Martha Cooper

Though not strictly a street artist,  Martha was integral to the spread of US graffiti culture during the 70s and 80s - and beyond. After a chance encounter with a young graff enthusiast, Martha decided to document the art she came upon during her day-to-day life in New York. 2013 saw a mural painted in Martha's honour by several street-artist (including my 2012 pick HowNosm), christening her the queen of Bleeker street - if only temporarily. We expect Nuart 2013 will be showcasing some of her most striking photographs whilst paying tribute to this fantastically talented photojournalist:

Martha Cooper


The above list is by no means exhaustive and we'll be keeping you informed of updates. Meanwhile, let us know who you're most looking forward to catching at Nuart OR Numusic festival below, and check out Nuart 2013 here.

GC

Thursday 27 June 2013

MUSIC: M.I.A Brings the Noize - gold edition

Um so M.I.A. has dropped two brilliant videos for Bring The Noize and DSD's are buzzing.

First up is the straight video, all blue lights, pink hair and gold nails.




Then came the Matangi Gold Edition - a blinged out, 24k video which reminds us why she does promos so well.




Were still not quite sure when the fourth album (Matangi) will come out, but we're waiting with baited breath. Up until then this'll keep us nicely pumped. 'Paul Simon' on acid indeed.

Monday 24 June 2013

ART: Break Glass For a New Beginning - Magnus Gjoen





This is the last week you can catch Magnus Gjoen's striking show 'Break Glass for a New Beginning' at artrepublic Soho. Hailed as 'Exodus for Generation-X' the exhibition debuts original works produced and exhibited by Gjoen, from prints to sculptures and ceramics.




My interest was initially sparked in Gjoen due to his history working as a designer at Vivienne Westwood. It's nothing new to see the arts and fashion worlds collide, but there was something particularly delicious in noticing an ostensible touch of the Vivienne Westwood punk-sensibility in Gjoen's weirdly beautiful pieces. 










'Break Glass for New Beginning's twisted sense of humour makes the show a bit of a must see for art fanatics and cynics alike, so make sure you pop down to the New Compton gallery before this saturday and check it out; never has Genesis looked so f***ing trendy.


GC







Saturday 15 June 2013

MUSIC: Preview: Getting some Faith in VV Brown

I was lucky enough to catch a showcase of VV Brown's new album in Shoreditch a couple of months ago and I've been hooked to her new sound ever since. Though you can't deny the radio-appeal of her first album 'Travelling Like the Light' - which dropped singles 'Crying Blood' and the very successful 'Shark in the Water'- ultimately it just wasn't for me.

Following a few years hiatus (she's been starting her own clothes label and judging awards for the Observer, amongst other things...) Vanessa is back with a much darker, moodier and dirtier sound which showcases her kick-ass vocals perfectly. Brown has suggested her love for opera influenced this change in direction and the production, alongside her killer voice, certainly gives the album a theatrical feel - despite its generally stripped back sound. My absolute favourite so far is Faith - which has already been getting a lot of love on Twitter. Check it out below:



It's great to have such a talented british female singer back on the scene, alongside the recently reformed MKS (aka the original Sugababes), giving the US superstars some proper competition. Check her out now, before everyone gets involved...


Let me know what you think about VV's comeback in the comments section - and make your vote for the next single at Paco Rabanne here.

GC

Wednesday 12 June 2013

BEAUTY: Preview: RiRi Hearts Summer preview

The MAC/Rihanna Summer Collection is set to be released online on June 20th! I'd like to say I can see past celebrity collaborations, to the money spinners they really are, but both the Rihanna River Island line and the Ri Ri Hearts MAC ranges aren't to be sniffed at.

From the RI range I've managed to get two of my favourite wardrobe pieces this year: a black floor-length dress with a sexy thigh-high slit (modelled by the Diamonds singer herself below!) and a see-through floral shirt.

RiverIsland.com

instagram @badgalrihrih


RiRi Woo lipsticks was pretty similar to MAC's original Ruby Woo shade but I still wouldn't mind getting my hands on it when it's 'rih'-released (it sold out within hours on its debut). RiRi Boy and Heaux now join the lipstick line-up, a matte purple and a deep berry matte, respectively (I'm leaning towards Boy).



Also on the Good Gal Gone Bad's summer menu is a blush duo called 'Hibiscus Kiss' and lustre drops named 'Barbados Girl'- naturally. 




Sharpen those claws for June 20 guys - the heat is on! Meanwhile, I'm off to see the gal herself this Saturday! - #phuckme #rihrihNavy #watyagon'do etc etc...

Tuesday 5 March 2013

REVIEW: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Tower of London


Being complete Londonphiles, me and my latest squeeze (what does that even mean?) love nothing more than booking a weekend together in the big Smoke. Of course, this isn't always cheap or easy, and we've stayed in some "interesting" places. Recently, however, we found the DoubleTree Hilton by the Tower of London and booked it last minute - and I really couldn't recommend it enough (in fact I'm back this weekend for my birthday!). After realising we'd booked an 'accessible room' which was sadly bathtub free - I have to bath at a hotel - they helped me upgrade to a 'city suite'.


The suite is really worth the upgrade fee if you fancy a bit of understated luxury. Floor length windows provided a unexpectedly fantastic view across the Thames and Tower Bridge from the lounge area - which meant that, instead of going out for an afternoon drink after check-in, we opened up our welcome bottle of Red and enjoyed the space for a bit.

After dinner at Bodega Negra (which is fabulous too) we came back to try out the DoubleTree's top floor bar. With an amazing roof terrace for the warmer months the bar must take some beating for views. Going recession chic we tried their bottle of Prosecco which finished off the night perfectly.


The room was more than comfortable and breakfast in bed the next day, whilst looking out over the Thames, was a great indulgence! With Apple TV/computers in all the rooms we lounged around, watched the Labyrinth on DVD (cant get enough of Bowie and his codpiece) and surfed the net till late check out. It was all so relaxed and easy, it truly felt like a little mini-break.

What really makes DoubleTree Tower of London stand apart though is the excellent service. In the short time we stayed everyone made sure we made the best of our stay and couldn't do enough to help - and in the end that's what matters. A big thank you especially goes to Amy who did all she could to accommodate us!

A big thumbs up for the quietly stylish and swanky DoubleTree London - I look forward to relaxing there again soon!

Monday 4 February 2013

MUSIC: Beyonce Announces World Tour



BadGalBeyBey rocked the Super Bowl last night. We weren't too sure about the way they flung Michelle and Kelly from trap doors onto the stage half-way through (I thought Michelle was going to stack it) but it was also AMAZING to see Destiny's Child back together again. Then, if that wasn't enough, Beyonce announced her Mrs. Carter world tour with a sweet promo vid. Directed by Grammy award winning director Jonas Akurland, who's worked on everything from Madonna's 'Ray of Light' video to Gaga and Beyonce's Tarantino inspired 'Telephone', the short clip shows B rocking full on Royal garb complete with a Jigga-man broach. Check it here:

                                                                            

Friday 25 January 2013

FASHION: Haute Couture S/S 2013

So Haute Couture week S/S has come round again and I'm spending any free moment in my day desperately waiting for snippets of a dress, or an eyelash or even perhaps Lagerfield's Choupette in a perspex and lace 'cone of shame' to escape from the secrecy of the front row. My dedication was thankfully rewarded as slideshow after slideshow of fantastic dresses have appeared since Monday, with definite highlights from Valentino, Chanel, Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier (for me).

I can sit around discussing each look and its merits, but quite frankly only pictures do them justice - so here's a highlight of the catwalks so far...


Dior - EPA
Dior - AFP

Dior almost feels like a lifetime ago. Since disappearing down the rabbit hole with Raf Simon's Alice in Wonderland inspired show, we've trekked through enchancted forests (Chanel) and visited the eastern realms of Turkey (Giorgio Armani Prive) and Morroco (JPG). But Dior's show was one to be remembered. Only the second time Simon's has created a couture collection for the brand (and yes I do still miss Galliano, though not his anti-semitism), Raf has shown real awareness for Dior's legacy. Classic Dior shapes kept the collection cohesive with the brand, whilst see-through dresses and bright colours ensured it remained fresh.

Versace Prive's show also featured bright colours in the form of neons offsetting its statement metallics. It wasn't my favourite Versace couture collection, but it was fun and sexy, as Versace should be.

Versace - Vladimir Potop

Giambattista Valli's third Couture outing cemented his place as a welcome addition to the shows. Beautiful shapes, fabrics and patterns added to a rather dreamy collection.

Giambattista Couture - Vogue.co.uk
Giambattista Valli - Vladimir Potop

Next up was Lagerfield's Midsummer Nights Dream inspired show for Chanel. Combining gothic makeup with white lace, feathers, ethereal pastels, bold patterns and thigh high leather boots, the show was full of contrasts and yet was still Chanel cohesive. Lagerfield's closing statement of two brides holding hands with his little nephew clearly referenced his pro same-sex marriage stance, and whether you think the catwalk is a place for politics or not, you gotta appreciate some lesbian Couture.

Chanel - Reuters

Chanel - Vadimir Potop


Jean Paul Gaultier and Armani Prive injected some rich Eastern influences into both their collections. Where Armani utilised more simplistic styling (to full effect) JPG's line was a mixture between bright almost 70s style maxi skirts alongside more simple and sophisticated dresses adorned with bright veils.

Jean Paul Gaultier - Vogue




Armani Prive - Vladimir Potop

Elie Saab's show was undoubtedly beautiful but lacked the drama of the others. Of course I'm sure it will transate to red carpets everywhere as Saab's creations always do. But the real jewel of the week was Valentino's stunning show. Utilising Valentino red against crisp white's and dramatic blacks the show demonstrated the enduring expertise of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli. I can't do it justice so have a look at the highlights below.




Valentino - Vladimir Potop




I do not own the rights to these photos - they are from Telegraph.co.uk and Vogue.co.uk


GC