themanythings

[themanythings]

Vittorio Angelone, Work In Progress June 30th

On a hot summer day, nothing sells me on an evening out quite like air conditioning. Yes, it's about the comedy, the opportunity to see Vittorio Angelone doing a WIP... But ultimately the promise of A/C really is a selling point sometimes, what can I say.

Vittorio Angelones WIP show was succinct, the perfect amount of callbacks and a through line which was engaging. Angelone tackles his origin story and the nuances of growing up in Northen Ireland, to the wider world in these trying times. I accept that 'trying times' is putting it lightly.

I shall resist touching on specifics; I feel it is not fair to do so, when talking about work in progress shows. But hopefully your interest has been piqued. You can see Vittorio Angelone performing at Edinburgh Fringe.

Venue: Top Secret Comedy Club on Drury Lane, is an unassuming venue surrounded by imposing theatres.

[themanythings]

LCD Soundsystem

The penultimate night of LCD Soundsystem's residency. A steamy, energetic and nostalgic night.

Opening with Get Innocuous from Sound of Silver, sending the audience into a frenzy, running from the long bar queues. They followed this up with I Can Change, after an introduction of The Model by Kraftwerk. If you have the modular synths, flaunt them!

The bands songs are enduring and infectious. It is surely no coincidence that they share guitarist and synth-player Al Doyle, who is also part of Hot Chip.

One of the many things which LCD Soundsystem do well is setlists; there truly is something for everyone. Some long running artists fall into the trap of only playing new works; luckily this was not the case.

My favourite moments throughout the night included You Wanted A Hit, Oh Baby and Yr City's A Sucker. Accompanied by the omnipresence of the trademark mirrorball and atmospheric backlighting.

A testimony to the success of the band who have existed for 23 years, is the diversity of their fanbases age. Bright eyed twenty-something year olds, through to the newly retired.

[themanythings]

Cherry Cola

Summer is here. It's the time to be social, stereotypically speaking. Or perhaps you want to spend a warm evening with the windows open, dancing around your front room. Well, you're about to add a song to that playlist. Cherry Cola By Gavin James.

A cheerful summer tune, another foray into a different genre by singer-songwriter Gavin James. Co-written with Dan Dare and Mark Prendergast, Cherry Cola is reminiscent of the guitar tone which appeared across Circa Waves early music.

It is cheerful and springy- bouncy coils, not the season. Lyrically, it is not as sickly as Cherry Cola, it is just right.

You will find yourself nodding and humming along with its infectious hook, a smile growing on your face. It is a true song for the summer and a slice of the summer to carry forward.

[themanythings]

Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight By Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher

Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight is a love letter to a problematic ex. It reminisces, humorously, about the characters and their many, many flaws. As well as addressing the real world impact, and lack of impact, created by S. Meyers creation. From the Quileute Tribe to the actors. The series created damaging perceptions of real people, Indigenous people and romanticised controlling relationships.

Sarahs book, Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight, is a continuation of her popular reels, shorts and TikTok content. It turns out that applying critical thinking and analysis to Twilight, is delightfully funny and at times, harrowing. Her analysis makes you sympathise with the characters, even if you find their logic to be flawed.. which it often is. It also makes you ponder key elements of the plot.

Would Edward like Bella if he could hear her thoughts? How does a doctor of multiple centuries miss so many things? The list goes on..

Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight, is an analysis which acknowledges the minutiae of the series, alongside the larger issues. Sarah manages to call out the problematic behaviour of the characters, creators and more. All with a sense of humour, taking the edge off of any sour notes.

You can purchase her book in a reputable book-store near you.

[themanythings]

Niamh Regan at The Folklore Rooms

On a immensely humid evening, sometimes the last thing you want to do is sit in a room full of people. Well, the gamble sometimes pays off.

The Folklore Rooms in Brighton is an intimate independent venue; stools around round tables, packed together in front of a cosy stage, surrounded by a backdrop of greenery and fairy-lights.

Niamh Regan is a singer-songwriter from Co. Galway, Ireland. Her first album Hemet was released in 2020 and was well received, leading to support slots with artists including, Villagers, Sorcha Richardson, Damien Dempsey and CMAT.

Fast forward to 2025 and Niamh is touring Come As You Are, her sophomore album, a continuation of her trademark folk, infused with Americana and wistful lyrics. Every song reminds the listener of a who, what, where, when or why. And the where on Friday, was Brighton.

Ella Clayton, a fellow singer-songwriter, and the sonic lovechild of Damien Rice and Lucy Rose- if I do say so myself- opened the night, the audience were enthralled. A special shout-out to the venue staff who were pointing people in the direction of spare stools, encouraging people to share tables, building a transient sense of community.

After a short interlude between acts, Niamh Regan began her set, performing a mixture of songs from both of her albums. The audience enjoyed some friendly patter from her.

Notably 'I like swinging.. my guitar' whilst wearing a Hippie Cream t-shirt. Get your head out of the bin; they're a band and we're all children, going by the chuckles in the room.

For the audio minded-The guitar swinging comment was in relation to a microphone being used to pick-up the guitar, in case you're curious. Moving it aside allowed for happy swaying and performing.

Niamhs songs: Save The Day, Sweetest Drop, Music, and Paint A Picture were particularly enjoyable.

Performing solo highlighted her talent as a musician but also added a depth to the songs, stripping them back to their bones. A truly wonderful evening.