David Sims sings the praises of a band so unknown, Google didn’t know who they were. Jai Stokes. Mat Russell. Ian Faragher. Ever heard of these three musicians? No, of course not. And this is a real shame. When you think of early 2000s British music, we think of corny pop, early Coldplay, Travis...
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Isobel Cowper-Coles hopes to bring Bach education in schools of classical music. When asked about their music preferences, the average adolescent might not immediately mention Bach, Beethoven or Handel. An enjoyment of classical music is generally seen something for the more aged among the population, or those who are not ‘cool’ or ‘with it’....
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Joe Walsh looks at three bands who epitomise a certain unique musicality. There is one question which always plays on my mind when listening to music: what defines them as a band? Every artist is defined by their melodies, lyrics or their sound, but it leads me to question how each area demonstrates some kind...
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I have always been fascinated by one composer I consider to be the most dominant figure in twentieth century music – and culture as a whole – both through creative accomplishment and influence over others. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian composer who infamously followed three compositional styles: Nationalism, Neo-Classicism and Serialism. Stravinsky first...
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Isobel Cowper-Coles considers the significance of one of Handel’s most well-known works. During my choir rehearsal on Wednesday night, I was bemused to discover a somewhat unusual addition to our repertoire. The tune I knew very well, it being that of Handel’s Messiah. However, the words had been changed, creating a piece that was...
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Joe Walsh travels the world with his iPod Let’s face it, music says a lot about how cultural you are. I have always wanted to be a man who could appreciate classical music, but I fear I’m not wholesome enough an individual, since despite my efforts it still leaves me cold. However, the introduction to...
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Tom West combats our ill-informed conceptions of the emo genre. The emo scene has been over-run. The fact is that now most people would class My Chemical Romance and Panic! At The Disco as emo bands, whilst classing The Jazz June as a record from the 1950’s, or referring to Harriet the Spy as...
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Chris Dietz shares the painful experience of British band The Wedding Present. I’ve often wondered whether I am alone in believing The Wedding Present’s Seamonsters to be a perfect concept album.  To find out, I have compiled a chronology of events that are described in the 1991 masterpiece, with the hope of opening up the...
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Guy Wilson fills some space by reviewing Arthur Rigby and the Mariner’s Children. With long flowing hair and beautiful flowing melodies, Arthur Rigby’s music has been described as ‘gorgeous’ by 6music’s Tom Robinson. Having been beamed into your living room through the magic of the telly box during T4’s Orange Unsigned Act, this Leeds...
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With a reunion imminent, Tom West  reflects on the history of Pavement. Back in 1989, “when they were called Jivement and sounded like bees,” Pavement released their first EP, Slay Tracks (1933-1969) . The two friends from Stockton (California), Steven Malkmus (a.k.a. “S.M.”) and Scott Kannenberg (a.k.a. “Spiral Stairs”) both on vocals and guitars,...
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