wickedtonguemedia-blog

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The Cusp of Something Great

The constant, grey smog always seemed thicker the closer you got to the station where the freaks hung out. The rumbling sound came from the human and mechanised traffic just passing through the central junction apex. There was always talk of the stables, music venues, bars and market stalls destined for demolition for shiny new shopping malls. Would-be gangsters regularly approached you offering all sorts under a constant grey shroud dispersed by sleazy lights. Not Vegas baby but the Camden I remember.

I smile as I see now the tourist trains coming to see what all the fuss is about and wonder if they realise the unrivalled heritage of music in this place. After a thirst quenching gulp from the icy bottle top, I put it down to rest along with my contemplative thoughts to witness the music in front of me.

I was invited down to Sunday Live at Bar Vinyl to see Jordan Andrews play. Promoter’s Zarathustras have been hosting events all over London for fourteen years! Every Sunday they allow a dozen singer/songwriters from all walks of life to play the afternoon and evening away.

I caught a bit of Irish troubadour Pete Gardiner’s set - his lyrics funny, insightful and a little bit dark. Check out the recently uploaded new video Idols.

Follow up act Lauren Rich livened up the atmosphere when the crowd joined in on chorus to single The Drink Talking which can be downloaded off The Same Sky EP.

The main event Jordan Andrews offered up James Morrison-esque acoustic singer songwriter vibes but put a more contemporary twist on it. As he sang stand out song of the night Invasion the soulful and emotional tone of his voice came through.

JA has recently secured artist management and with more gigs in the pipeline is on the cusp of something great.  In the meantime, look forward to his confirmed slot at theSunday Sessions with the East Collective at Proud Camden on June 14th.

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com June 1st 2015

http://blog.walloh.com/post/120431449820/the-cusp-of-something-great

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The Sister And The Saint

“Just give me a minute,” I said as I plonked down my amp on the pavement where Wardour Street meets Oxford Street. It looked like a TV, sat in between the bustling shoppers and waiting for someone to snatch it. Beer sugar kicked in and I picked up the cement block music box and carried on. Stringfellows, Starbucks and the Film House passed us by but we arrived, albeit a little shorter.

A faint rumbling of the London based indie/garage four piece Sisteray sound checking intensified as we descended the cavernous basement of the famous St. Moritz club. Soundcheck is like two tribes meeting for the first time and instead of exchanging wild boar meat and penicillin, it’s guitar and bass amps.

The walls of the famous club were decorated with music posters, postcards and pictures of famous musicians such as Lemmy, who seemed to frequent the place the most. 

Sisteray were sounding ace and I managed to bag their new single release No Escape. The lead track, also called No Escape, is a happy three chord road trip with the sun roof down.  Either that or it’s about being locked in somewhere and becoming wise to the fact that you can’t break free.  Both are alright with me.  

Track two, She Likes The Drama, continues the same vein but with a more melancholy vocal track intersecting between catchy riffs and cool drum fills. The accompanying video on their official YouTube channel has a staggering 27,300 views solidifying their definite rise to the top. Big shout out to Blow Up for hosting an amazing night. It is an unstoppable weekly force that has been around since the nineties Britpop glory days and long may it continue every Friday night. Thanks to Sisteray for their support and who have gigs all over London in March and April so check them out on their tour dates, including gigs in London at the Proud Camden and the Underbelly in Hoxton Square.

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com March 30th 2015

http://blog.walloh.com/post/115035764205/the-sister-and-the-saint

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Just Like Alice & The Lovers Do

Valentine’s Day creeps up fast doesn’t it?  I actually thought I could afford that stress free (and thought free) popular card and flower deal off the internet. My wallet also says I’m going to be £60 short of that £65 dinner for Saturday too. If there’s anything love related it will grabbing a ticket to Alice & The Lovers this Thursday, February 12th at The Dublin Castle, Camden in preparation for their EP release.

I remember sharing a bill with the all-female ensemble Alice & The Lovers at The Monarch some time last year and just being enamoured with their cool sound and slick look. We were outclassed and out-girled in every way. There was something quite new and fresh about them. It turns out lead singer/songwriter and front woman Alice Offley is accompanied by guitarist sister Amy, as well as Rio Tasia and Rosie Lefevre, completing the line-up on second guitar and drums respectively.

The EP, which is available to pre-order now (released Feb 14!) includes lead singleValentine, which oozes in understated honesty. Alice’s cool, distorted, intimate vocal performance shines in delay and reverb. Valentine is also complete with anthemic repeating poetry to get your singing chops into. All in all a worthy lead single. Mother’s Bedroom and its slick drum groove keeps the rhythm pushing forward and is accompanied with ear-catching flourishes of great descending harmonies. There is a sense of anxiety present as Alice sings with almost trembling diction “what did you do?” Final track Fucked Up feels like a mash up between classic 60s and a pop punk tune. It still exudes that earlier honest feel with an open-letter tone to the lyrics and melody. Overall, FU is a sure-fire live firecracker. Show some support and get love struck by Alice & The Lovers at the ace Dublin Castle, Camden this Thursday. Doors at 7.45pm.

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com February 12th 2015

http://blog.walloh.com/post/110800877080/just-like-alice-the-lovers-do

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The War on T-Shirts

The diamond encrusted toilet seat? Check.

The girl(s)? Check.

The money? Cheque.

The fame? …Well, I did drop that cigarette once and never paid the fine.

What happened to my Rock ‘n’ Roll list? Instead, I’m skint, older, a little overweight and I fold t-shirts for a living. Ten years in this industry and 3000+ hours rehearsal time later has shown me that the plans (or lists) you make may, let’s just say, ‘evolve’ over time, amongst other things.

I realise that some think musicians just rock up to the show and play. Unfortunately, that is not the way things works these days. Musicians and bands have to adopt a ‘360’ (do everything) approach to survive on the scene or get eaten by sharks.

Take our last Harlots gig for example at The Silver Bullet, Finsbury Park. We had to worry about all of it and I mean all of it - from finding a venue by emailing promoters, maintaining an active online presence, handling physical promotion of the show to deciding what colour the red carpet is on arrival.

When all you want to do is write and write and write and write and rehearse and put on a great show there’s all the other stuff that seemingly comes first. It’s like coming home from school and all you wanted to do is play computer games but you had to do your homework, empty the rubbish, walk the dog blah blah blah.

So, what makes it all worth it? Harlots toured Europe back in 2012, performed the Club NME stage at KOKO (twice!) and teamed up with PledgeMusic earlier this year to release the Why Lie EP. Lastly and most recently, Harlots headlined Death 2 Disco’s Xmas show on Dec 20th. And, yes, the carpet was red… actually… more of an Alabama Crimson.

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com December 31st 2014

http://blog.walloh.com/post/106698414170/the-war-on-t-shirts

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Spellbound For Glory

In a music industry saturated by bands of all shapes and sizes, many often wonder how to positively differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. Whether it be an outlandish look, a sonically unique vocalist, or even just good ol’ catchy tunes, what will make them stand out from the rest?

Walloh managed to get a copy of London folk duo Any O’Neill and Cee Cee’s EP Admissions a week before launch and it is safe to say they have that aforementioned uniquity.

Opener Spellbound Or Hellbound is rightfully first because, not only is it the best track on the record, it sets the tone for the EP and manages to encapsulate the duo in one fell swoop. It has a good acoustic melody with great harmonies accompanied with many tonally shifting musical parts.

Most of all they, themselves, have an overwhelming sense of theatricality, which sets them apart. It is truly interesting, if not a little bonkers, to play kick and snare with your feet while singing and playing guitar.

The background harmonies of Times Of Change and Dear Future Self manage to shine through here. The clever song writing allows the music to build up to the dramatic choruses. Evolution In Disguise is more of a straightforward affair with a great rhythm section and a flowing vocal ad-lib in the middle eight. Be sure to check out the live acoustic version’s raw and more honest performance.

The EP was also ‘ethically’ produced with a DIY attitude to the whole production process. By using reclaimed and home-made instruments they truly understand, not just what music is about, but all creativity – creating something from nothing - and applaud their work ethic.

This is a case where the tried and tested pillars of vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar and dramatic strings work well together and Admissions ends up being an enjoyable theatrical romp.

Any O’Neil and Cee Cee launch their brand new EP on November 28th at The Montague Arms, Peckham. Don’t miss this…

Sherwin Clardige

Originally posted on Walloh.com November 27th 2014

http://blog.walloh.com/post/103713848340/spellbound-for-glory

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Alice in East London

BEHOLD! Feast your eyes upon what was an audibly audacious occasion, an eclectic electric event, a marvellous musical mayhem, a whirring wondrous land, a wonderland in… Hackney.

Sold out music festival Hackney Wonderland took place last Saturday 11th October and Walloh was there to see it play out.

After partaking in a wristband queue more stringent than a Somerset festival I made my way into The Brewery which was one of three events playing host to the festival. The Brewery had on offer beverages brewed in-house and to add insult to injury all the alcohol distilleries were on show. I felt like I was in a barn or something with the flow of golden beer all around me like warm hoppy blanket.

First band right off the bat were Electric Child House. That divinely awesome glow emanating from the stage was just the lead singer’s striking silver shoes! Great. Their 90’s influenced sound was consistent of really heavy reverb on vocals and guitar. At times a bit much but the strong vocal lines and northern soul foot stomping groove was enough to keep the attention.

Storms, who having been recently making waves on the scene (couldn't resist but still true!) followed ECH in a somewhat scatty set in between tightly performed songs. A surprisingly nice-voiced lead singer belted out stand out tunes Special and Shame which sounded refreshingly different. Expect to hear more from this Pumpkins-meet-Pixies four piece.

Over at the second venue, The Laundry was an art installation more reminiscent of an action movie car park shoot out with its light grey concrete walls. Eden Royals sounded at times like a Northern Grammar with their dubbed guitar licks. However, the co-singer’s amazing vocals seemed underutilised in the verses and choruses.

O Children have been on the scene for a couple of years now and were definitely the most interesting and diversely sounding band of the night. A few songs in I realised just how good the music was and how diverse the rhythms and grooves were from song to song. O Children showcased an ultra-modern, dark and urban musicianship with a simplistic main vocal which grew on me.

It seemed third venue Oslo closed early and missed out on most of the footfall because it was a good 10 minute walk away from the other two venues.

Hackney Wonderland had a great kind of independent vibe about it. It was a sold out success with the promoters already booking for next year’s festival. It should keep that city within a city feeling by having closer venues and maybe even genre-specific venues.

See you next year.

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com October 16th 2014

http://blog.walloh.com/post/100148449975/alice-in-east-london

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The Life Less Ordinary

Love interests come and go as money, fame and youth all fall by the way side but what is the one thing that is constant? Last month The Ordinary Boys played a sold out show at London’s Birthdays to a roaring mob revelling in their rightful return to form.

The boys are back in town! What a seeming tumultuous decade they have had. Rewind back to 2004’s debut album Over The Counter Culture and 2005’s follow-up Brassbound, which spewed out hit after hit after hit. I remember watching and listening to the tunes such as Boys Will Be Boys and Week In, Week Out playing on repeat on indie music channel The Amp. Who remembers The Amp!? Anyway, with their indie status cemented as Jam-esque boys-about-town with a touch of indie-Englishness (indishness?) they were to continue their ascent. But wait… In 2006 lead singer Preston made the somewhat surprising decision to enter the Big Brother house. For reasons unclear, probably money, the decision was made and with that their cool indie reputation kind of died. Preston fell in love in the famous house and tabloid celebrity status followed. Preston famously walking off BBC’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks indicated just how much he was in the public eye and how much The Ordinary boys really were not. That whole period aptly summed up by Preston’s own words from 2006’s single Lonely At The Top: “I want fame, I want to live for fifteen minutes.” The band split shortly after and Preston pursued an underwhelming solo career. Love interests come and go and money, fame and youth all fall by the way side. But what is the one thing that is constant? It is great to see The Ordinary boys playing music together again and hopefully their experiences will make them tighter as a unit. It would not be right to just criticize the events of the past but I wanted to celebrate the realization that the music is paramount. Be sure to check out The Ordinary Boys play London's XOYO on November 26th.

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com September 22nd 2014

http://blog.walloh.com/post/98134833055/the-life-less-ordinary

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The Boat That Folked

Exposure to Pale Seas and double A-side ‘Bodies/My Own Mind’ happened sometime last year when it came upon the work playlist. It was a “who is this!?” followed swiftly by an “I’m nicking that!” That personal composition has since fallen through but Pale Seas have marched proudly on having recently been featured in the Guardian and BBC Introducing.

Last night the Southampton four-piece played on Tamesis Dock to showcase their brand new EP Places to Haunt. The venue was a quaint 1930s Dutch barge (apparently) that sat, unimposing, along the Albert Embankment and it was hard not to walk passed the damn thing. Support band Early Ghost expressed gypsy-esque chords and sweet harmonies on mandolins but the atmosphere was for the Seas. I was rammed in there – both tiers of the boat – and couldn’t swing a cat. If this boat goes down tell my wife I love her very much.

It was easy to fall in love with Pale Seas’ dreamy, reverb-heavy style. It is not necessarily pushing boundaries or doing anything new but it has its appeal. It is uncomplicated melancholy, almost other worldly and at the centre, emotive evocation. The set kicked into gear three songs in with their stand-out tracks including new entryWicked Dreams, which demonstrated a percussive urgency and catchy vocal hook. Unfortunately, My Own Mind was performed a little too fast and lacked the subtlety of the recorded version. However, that could be put down to adrenaline and what have you. Acoustical beast Bodies received the biggest cheer and deservedly so. It is unquestionably their best work to date and a personal favourite. At this level, it is still surprising how sometimes the sound can fluctuate between good or bad and this show was no exception. I’m sure all it takes is a tweak to the mix to let the vocals punch through the wall of sound of guitars and bass, especially, in the case of a style such as Pale Seas, where the vocals and melody are the focal point. Places to Haunt solidifies Pale Seas’ style in reverb-drenched guitars and uncomplicated percussion brought together by Jacob Scott’s yearning vocals. At the same time, there is steady evolution in their song writing as their confidence continues to grow.  Definitely keeping an eye out on this one and more tunes please!

Although more Pale Seas London gigs have yet to be announced, they will be playing next with Alessi’s Ark on August 17th at the Ventnor Fringe Festival.  Check out the link for tickets.  

Sherwin Claridge

Originally posted on Walloh.com August 8th 2014

http://blog.walloh.com/post/94147956710/pale-seas-places-to-haunt-ep-launch-boat-party

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X-Men: Days Of Future Past Movie Review

Movie | Review

Spoilers Ahead!

X-Men: Days Of Future Past is the next instalment in the X-Men franchise to hit movie screens this week. Director Bryan Singer returns as director with a super-stellar cast of Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Halle Barry, Nicholas Hoult, Evan Peters and Peter Dinklage. The combination of characters from ‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011) and the main characters from the first X-Men Trilogy results in arguably the best cast ever assembled for a comic book movie. Days Of Future Past carefully and cleverly interweaves two plot-narratives that play out in parallel which has the future X-Men send Wolverine back in time to help stop a devastating apocalyptic future-war and save the fate for all mutants.

As the intro credits roll it takes me back to those initial movies Singer directed and it is clear from the offset his mark on the series. Singer was responsible for establishing the X-Men’s cinematic universe with the genre-defining ‘X-Men’ (2000) and incredible follow-up ‘X2’ (2003) and introducing the comic-book movie genre to the mainstream. His direction and vision was definitely missed in ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ (2006) and is absolutely welcomed back in DOFP as he shows confidence and flare in the story and action.

X-Men movie fans have been waiting to see action like this! The X-Men have to unite against a menacing foe called Sentinels to which their only objective is to seek out and kill mutants. They are menacing, unrelenting and a fully realised shape shifting evil. You definitely feel an amount of helplessness for the X-Men and makes for great tension.

On the surface we see the plot unfold through Wolverines eyes, however, the real emotional weight emanates from Professor Xavier and Magneto’s tumultuous relationship, played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender respectively. Their relationship has friction and history, they always question each other’s morals, motives and ideologies but at the heart of it lies respect and an unconventional friendship that makes for a gripping watch. One of the most emotional scenes in the entire movie involves Xavier and Magneto exchange passionate dialogue upon a private jet that almost ends very abruptly.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique shines with many great fighting action sequences in which she brings physicality and a feral energy. Also, THAT scene with Quicksilver who arguably steals the show was very reminiscent of the opening Nightcrawler sequence of ‘X2’. Expect to see more of him in the next instalment slated for a 2016 release.

The first two acts of this movie had me utterly gripped but tapered off toward the end. In the 70’s X-men storyline I was left a little disappointed, however, the future final battle sequence made up for it with Blink and Colossus truly harnessing their powers to the fullest and doing their thing. Also, I was not completely convinced of the motives of Bolivar Trask, played by Tyrion Lannister himself Peter Dinklage. I understood that he thought he was saving the world by ridding it of mutants but was there something deeper than this?

The Verdict

This is great movie that can proudly stand next to 'X-Men' and 'X2' with a rich and complex storyline that is backed up with amazing action sequences and a superb stellar cast. It is well worth your money at the cinema. I won’t spoil the end but what they have effectively achieved here is rectify the mistakes made in ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ and ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and revitalise a franchise that can now go forth into the future with endless possibilities.

8/10

Fans should stay for the post-credit sequence and see what is to come for the X-Men.

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Kasabian Announce New Album 48:13

Music | News

Kasabian have announced their new album ’48:13’.

The title of the band’s fifth studio album originates from the runtime of the LP and is released June 9.

In a recent interview with NME, front man Tom Meighan described the band’s sound and inspiration for the new record: “We go out there to make ear bleeding music – but done in a good way. Not done like some s***** metal rock band from America, you know what I mean. We do it our way, probably like the Kanye West way.”

Debut single ‘Eez-eh’ is released tomorrow (June 2) where the official video can be seen on the band’s official YouTube channel.

It was recently confirmed that Kasabian will play a series of intimate Scottish shows culminating in a headline appearance on the In New Music We Trust Stage for Radio 1’s One Big Weekend, Glasgow on May 25.

Below is the track listing of the new album:

‘(Shiva)’ ‘Bumblebeee’ ‘Stevie’ ‘(Mortis)’ ‘Doomsday’ ‘Treat’ ‘Glass’ ‘Explodes’ ‘(Levitation)’ ‘Clouds’ ‘Eez-eh’ ‘Bow’ ‘SPS’

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Chasing The Sun: Oasis 1993-1997 Review

Music | Review

“In 20 years time, people will buy Definitely Maybe and listen to it for what it was. That’s what is important.”

Noel Gallagher, August 1994

  These words were gloriously displayed in clear black lettering on the pale white walls as you entered the Oasis exhibition Chasing The Sun: Oasis 1993 – 1997 and sets the atmosphere for what was to come. 

The Chasing The Sun exhibition had on display unseen photos, iconic instruments lent by previous members, vintage artefacts and merchandise and album sleeves of the band in their early days. There was also rare audio/visual footage showcased in a darkened sound room and a replica set of the album cover of Definitely Maybe for fans to partake with photos. 

As a musician, songwriter and fan, I felt a special affinity for Noel’s handwritten song lyrics on display. Behind the glass and among the pages included ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Roll With It’, ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ and ‘Champagne Supernova’. It is safe to assume how far those immortalised songs have come since being written down and that once upon a time those lyrics were written, re-worked and scribble over almost demonstrating a vulnerability – and a genius at work. I, being the observer and witness to this process of writing a hit song. 

As I walked around and glared upon the artefacts behind shimmering glass, I could not stop thinking about how music has changed from then until now. The walls plastered with album sleeves and artwork, band memorabilia, gig tickets, posters and photos – everything so tangible. We now live in the digital age where a lot of content is based online and was left nostalgic to be right in the middle of the physical, in the middle of the ‘evidence’. 

It’s a shame that on my viewing, the Saturday before Easter Sunday, it was extremely busy because the long queue obscured many of the framed pictures on display. However, the memorabilia I did get to see was a revelation. 

Unfortunately the exhibition ended last Tuesday (April 22) but I am sure many many oasis fans got down to see it before then.

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Chris Martin Opens Up In BBC Interview

Music | News

Chris Martin has opened up about his recent difficult experiences recording Coldplay’s new album ‘Ghost Stories’.

In an in-depth interview with the Zane Lowe on BBC 1 that will air tonight (April 28, 8pm) Martin commented: “Everyone in life goes through challenges whether it’s love or money or kids or illness.”

According to NME magazine, Martin shared how the split with wife Gwyneth Paltrow directly inspired the new album and also discussed Coldplay’s reputation: "Ever since our band came out, we have been a very polarising group because we do a certain thing very well… About two years ago I was a mess really because I can’t enjoy the thing that we are good at and I can’t enjoy the great things around me because I’m burdened by this – I’ve got to not blame anyone else and make some changes."

A preview of the interview can be seen on the official BBC website.

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The Libertines To Play Hyde Park?

Music | News

Rumours are rampant across the internet due to The Libertines posting a picture of Hyde Park on their Facebook page.

According to NME, in an unverified interview with an Israeli newspaper, Pete Doherty commented on the possible reformation: "I don't know if I'm supposed to even tell you this, but we were offered to reform the Libertines for a show this July in Hyde Park. I got the call just yesterday.”

Doherty continued on about his decision and the monetary incentive: "Not long ago I listened to The Libertines songs on YouTube and had a burst of nostalgia so I said what the heck, and then they told me how much they will pay us and I cannot lie to you I couldn't say no, at least not in my state right now.”

The two front men have been busy since their Libertine appearances at Reading and Leeds Festival 2010 with Pete Doherty and Babyshambles releasing their third studio album 'Sequel To The Prequel' last year and Carl Barât recently unveiling The Jackals who will play London’s XOYO on May 15.

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Saturday Tickets Sell Out For Isle Of Wight 2014

Music | Festival News

Saturday day tickets for Isle of Wight Festival 2014 are now sold out.

It was announced back in January that Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline Saturday night, not only meaning this is their first festival appearance since 2007 but it will be their only performance in the UK this year.

John Giddings, festival promoter said: “I am hardly surprised that the Saturday tickets are the first to sell out. The level of excitement for the Red Hot Chili Peppers has been huge since we announced their exclusive appearance this summer but there are 99 (at least) other bands to enjoy, so come on the Thursday and make it a long weekend.”

Biffy Clyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kings of Leon will headline the festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively. Among the many acts confirmed to perform the Main Stage are Suede, The Specials and Passenger, while Travis, Peace and The Strypes are set to play the Big Top over the course of the weekend.

Isle of Wight Festival 2014 runs between June 12-15 and weekend tickets are still available.

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The Dark Knight: A Retrospective

Movies | Review

It is difficult to think back to what the cinematic landscape of superhero movies looked like before The Dark Knight was released in July, 2008. At the time we, as the movie going public, had seen exceptional movies such as X-Men 2, Spider-Man 2 and Batman Begins, many great movies but yet to reach the heights of what The Dark Knight was about to accomplish.

Spoilers ahead…

The Dark Knight stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Morgan Freeman. Christopher Nolan directs with a screenplay penned by himself and brother Jonathan Nolan.

Set a year after Batman Begins the story evolves from a plot conceived by Batman, Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent to take down the mob by going after their most valued possession - their money. This in turn attracts the attention of criminal mastermind and an anarchic menace only known as The Joker and thus chaos ensues in the streets of Gotham.

“...Because you were the best of us!” - Batman

The pace in which this film plays out is enthralling. It unfolds like an investigative thriller with carefully interwoven plot points that always move at a relentless speed. A lot happens in this movie with huge character arcs such as Bruce Wayne and Dent’s demise and the conclusion of Bruce Wayne and Rachel Dawes’ relationship, hence its 152 minute runtime.

Notable set pieces include the car chase sequence where The Joker pursues Harvey Dent’s police caravan leaving a trail of motorised devastation. Nolan completes that sequence by not only flipping an 18-wheeler truck but more importantly The Joker is captured by a not-so-dead Jim Gordon. However, my personal favourite is the Batman in Hong Kong sequence. From the breathtaking opening shot of Batman gliding off the edge of that building and smashing through the window to the awe-inspiring sky hook moment I held my breath.

Also, The Joker’s lack of morals, compassion and understanding perfectly counterweight Batman’s ideals and beliefs and makes for a tense and thrilling watch as these two DC juggernauts go head to head. One of the wisest things the writers ever did happened in Batman Begins – saving arch nemesis The Joker for the sequel. Begins managed to successfully introduce Bruce Wayne/Batman and his origins into a dark and realistic world in which we could be wholly invested in. The Dark Knight fittingly improves tenfold on its predecessor’s foundations.

“This is what happens when an unstoppable force...meets an immovable object.” - The Joker

Above all else, after several viewings I was still discovering subtle story points and peeling back the layers of plot The Dark Knight had to offer. As a viewer I had been given the respect by the writers of finding out these plot points on my own rather than having the story given to me on a plate.

To go into specifics, I remember realising that Harvey Dent’s coin at the start of the film is a double headed coin. He comments during the court room scene that: “I make my own luck” because he knows by choosing heads he will win. Later, Dent narrowly misses death from the bomb The Joker detonates scorching one side of his coin. Not only does this notify the viewer this is the moment the coin is converted into heads and tails but also a change in Dent’s physical form, beliefs and motivations.

In the interrogation room scene, The Joker tells Batman the locations of hostages Harvey and Rachel but sinisterly switches them forcing Batman to the wrong address. Even though Batman wanted to save Rachel he inevitably ends up freeing Harvey and leaving the cops cruelly unable to rescue his one true love. The emotion this triggers is unrelenting.

“I think you and I are destined to do this forever.” - The Joker

The Dark Knight grossed over a billion dollars at the box office, uniquely won Heath Ledger Best Supporting Actor at that year’s Oscars and currently sits comfortably at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. To put quite simply, The Dark Knight set the precedent for comic book movies to follow even until now.

Scroll forward to 2014 and we are in a time where even The Dark Knight’s sequel The Dark Knight Rises could not quite reach the same cinematic accomplishment as its predecessor – a film, however, which is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy laced with amazing action but disappointingly riddled with a misstep too many.

The Dark Knight is littered with little gems such as the ones I have mentioned above and is a great example of when screen writing, direction, action, acting and story cohesively harmonise.

Will Batman Vs Superman, released in 2016, do the same?

[wickedtonguemedia-blog]

Arcade Fire & Debbie Harry Share Coachella Stage

Music | News

Arcade Fire were joined on stage by Debbie Harry during their headline slot on the final day of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

NME reported that Arcade Fire and Harry performed Blondie’s 1978 seminal hit ‘Heart of Glass’ which transitioned into Arcade’s ‘Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)'. Footage of the performance can be seen on YouTube.

Arcade Fire closed the first weekend of the festival by taking to The Coachella Stage at 10.20pm last night. During the set front man Will Butler commented on his negative VIP experience: “I just want to say that there's a lot of fake VIP room bulls**t happening at this festival, and sometimes people dream of being there – but it super sucks in there, so don’t worry about it.”

Also, in a possible commentary on the abundance of electronic dance music at the festival Butler concluded the performance by shouting out "to all the bands playing instruments this weekend.”

Below is Arcade Fire’s complete set list from the show:

‘Reflektor’ ‘Flashbulb Eyes’  ‘Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)’ ‘Rebellion (Lies)’ ‘Joan of Arc’ ‘The Suburbs’ ‘Ready To Start’ ‘Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)’ ‘No Cars Go’ ‘Keep The Car Running’ ‘Afterlife’ ‘It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus)’ ‘Heart Of Gas’ ‘Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)’ ‘Normal Person’ ‘Here Comes The Night Time’ ‘Wake Up’

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Liam Gallagher And Bonehead Attend Oasis Exhibition

Music | News

Oasis exhibition Chasing The Sun: Oasis 1993-1997 opened its doors yesterday at the Londonewcastle Project Space in Shoreditch, London. The invite-only preview event was attended by none other than ex-members Liam Gallagher and Paul Arthurs aka ‘Bonehead’.

In an interview with NME  Bonehead commented on the reaction from the attending fans as well as his own: "We didn't get to see [the exhibition] – we got f****** mobbed. But actually going in there with Liam and seeing what I did see was pretty emotional. I spoke to Paul Slattery, who's got a lot of pictures up, and me and Liam gave him big hugs and made plans to catch up. We looked at each other and went, 'Is it really 20 years ago?' Mental, man – time flies."

The Chasing The Sun exhibition has on display unseen photos, iconic instruments lent by previous members, vintage artefacts and merchandise, album sleeves and rare audio/visual media of the band in their early days. The curator of the exhibition photographer Lawrence Watson has himself worked with Oasis over the years and more recently with Noel Gallagher on his solo projects.

The opening of the exhibition coincides with the band’s first ever single ‘Supersonic’ released twenty years ago and is open to the public as of today (April 11).