June: A Memoir

First of all, I have to issue an apology to all of our readers who have had to go a month without their ATS fix. We’ve been ridiculously busy with exams, but are now back to normal, and hopefully our posts will become a wee bit more regular.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH- Good Old War- Good Old WarFor some reason, holing oneself up in isolation seems to be a good way to make some great music- Good Old War is no exception. The album was recorded at a time when the three gents stowed themselves in the Pocono Mountains, learning new instruments and writing some of the most heartfelt material of their career. This album is packed with the usual indie-folk jolliness we’ve come to expect from the trio, but at its heart is a greater emotional vulnerability. You only have to listen to ‘I Should Go’ (below) to hear the true feeling woven into every track. It’s this sense of heart and soul that you can hear in their music that provide the backbone for this immense album.


FILM OF THE MONTH- EclipseYesterday, as we huddled down with our shared popcorn bucket in Row C, there was one question on mine and Chloe’s minds- how the Hell did we end up here?
As many of you will know by now, me and Chloe hate the Twilight Saga and everything it advocates- domestic violence, teenage suicide and Mormonism amongst the worst of it. And yet every time a new film is churned out, we always end up going to see it. I think that says alot about the almost magnetic pull of this franchise- it becomes compulsive viewing for even those who solemnly hate it.
Yet, obviously, the third film in the series (out of five, joy of joys) suffers from the same pitfalls as its predecessors. A shoddily-written source text, pitted full of narrative holes (for instance- how does Edward just ‘get over’ the fact he wants to drain his lover’s blood?), some pretty awful acting at times, and the cheesiest chat up lines I have ever heard.
So how does this film differ from the others? Well, there’s more action, a few extra pieces of guy candy and a few more back stories for the bit parts. But yet for me, this is still overshadowed by the fact that countless tweens will look upon Edward’s emotional blackmail, lies, and coercion into marriage as true love. And for that, Miss Meyer has alot to answer for.

FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH- The Cassette Society
It is often the curse of the young and the cool to be alienated by designers. Most of the designers I could name certainly do not scream ‘young and edgy’- the gently whisper ‘sophisticated and elegant’- and, most crucially, ‘rich’. Step in The Cassette Society- two ladies with a vision of breaking out and designing their own label. A few years on, and they have hipsters everywhere drooling over their unique, sexy designs. And, best of all, you can pick up TCS clothes for comparatively modest prices- the blue fringed dress above, for example, it $14.99. Snap it up whilst you can.

POSTS OF THE MONTHLookbook.nu- A Man Market- The three ladies of At the Sinema share their thoughts on the styles and bods of Lookbook.nu’s finest gentlemen. Warning: may contain shameless objectification.

A Remedy for the Reviser- Exams may be over, but I’m sure we can all still appreciate Chloe’s collection of Youtube phenomena, ideal for procrastination of any kind.

Playlist 13: Instrumental- It’s so easy to convey meaning through lyrics. Yet, when words are thrown out of the window, the results can be just as moving- as proven by this playlist of Tri’s favourite instrumental tunes.

Read More......

Five Male Artists I Have A Man Crush On

Following Chloe's marvellous article, I figured I'd have a go putting together my own list of same sex crushes. I'm not gay either, but there's something about these men that almost makes me wish I was.

Kevin Barnes from of Montreal.
For a white guy, this man sure knows how to dance. He's also a fan of elaborate costumes, overly sexualised lyrics and has been known to show all onstage. Yet he lives happily with his partner, Nina Barnes, and they have a beautiful baby, Alabee. He is probably the gayest straight man ever, and there's something admirable about that.

Zach Condon from Beirut.
There's nothing particularly gay about this man. He's just an average straight guy like me, who ran away to travel...he gained a new passion in Balkan music through his travels, and went on to release two of my favourite albums of last decade. He has a French Horn tattoo'd on each arm, just to make sure he never forgets why he's here. And...well, I think that's fucking rad.

Jónsi.
Not the most attractive or obvious choice for this list, but he's taken his gayness up a few levels with his new solo album Go. The exuberant costumes, the stage shows, the animals...oh the joy! The colour! All of these things have transformed Jónsi from skulky guy you could tell was brought up with metal music and not much daylight (Iceland, duh) and into the cute, gay persona he is now. He's still the shy kid, but now he's actually bothering to make an effort.

Christopher Owens from Girls.
This dude was brought up in a cult. A genuine cult. He wasn't even allowed to listen to fucking rock 'n' roll there. So naturally, he ran away and formed a band, which can make for way more emotional music. 'Lust For Life' sums this up perfectly: with lines such as "I wish I had a boyfriend/I wish I had a loving man in my life" and a video that uses an erect penis as a microphone, what's not to love? And he clearly has enough gay to go around.

Ryan Dicks.
Well this guy is fucking rad. Not strictly an artist, but...well, just watch the video. And then all his other videos. The man's an inspiration.

Read More......

Playlist 10: Spring, Part 4 - Charles

My definition of Spring: Who gives a shit? It's like summer but not even as good.

of Montreal - Springtime is the Season
Springtime is the season, ladies and gentlemen, and what better way of saying than through some old school lo-fi of Montreal, that'll never fail to put a smile on your face.

Tears For Fears - Sowing The Seeds Of Love
"Anything is possible" indeed. A feel good song that makes you just wanna jump up out of hibernation and be like "fuck yeah! It's springtime!" Maybe.

Jónsi & Alex - All The Big Trees
You can almost track Jónsi's musical career through seasons; back in the old days of Von, ( ) and the weird baby album whose name I cannot pronounce, it was winter; the music was dark and cold. Jónsi's new album sounds like summer itself, with Jónsi himself describing it as "playful" and "colourful". This leaves Jónsi and Alex wonderfully in the middle, with this beautiful ambient album that could only be spring.

Antony and the Johnsons - Daylight and the Sun
"I cry for daylight and the sun" croons Antony as the raw piano breaks through that thick cloud to show sunshine for the first time this year. Or something like that.

Stuart Murdoch - Another Saturday
Based on the melody from an old folk song, Another Saturday is that lazy song for when you really can't be arsed to go outside, cos the sun just ain't shinin' yet.

Converge - Jane Doe
Nothing says spring like the wailing of "I want out" between frantic screams and punk guitars.

Download: At The Sinema Presents: Spring, Part 4 [RS]
Read More......

Playlist 10: Spring, Part I- Eileen

It's playlist time, bitches!
The most amazing thing happened this morning- as I opened my eyes, I was greeted with golden light shining softly through my curtains. And it was warm! It seems the very second March started, it brought spring with it, which is awesome because I'm sick of the snow. So, to celebrates all things spring-like, may I introduce you to:

Playlist 10- Spring and NatureSome songs to get you in the mood for warmer weather and longer days

1. CHAD VAN GAALEN- Willow Tree
A supremely talented Canadian crooner, who even makes some of the multitudinous instruments he plays, which is pretty damn rad. I have absolutely no idea why this song was the first to pop into my head when I thought of spring- it’s about death, the very antonym of the meaning of spring. Still, it has that peaceful, melancholic tone that sums up spring for me.

2. PEARL AND THE PUPPETS- Mango Tree
There’s nothing massively complex or profound about this song- it’s simply a charming melody, slightly wispy Scottish vocals and a massive dose of sunshine. Yet for all of its catchiness, there is still something delicate and full of promise in there- lovely jubbly.

3. ATLAS SOUND- An Orchid
After having our spirits lifted by Pearl, we plunge straight back into the pensive and melancholy with Atlas Sound. From ‘Logos’, one of my favourite experimental albums of last year, ‘An Orchid’ is rich is shadows and echoes, and sounds slightly like a spectral lullaby, which for me makes it all the more enjoyable.

4. EISLEY- Trolley Wood
For some reason, this song always reminds me of when me and my friend from primary school got lost in the woods, and found a fallen oak, the roots of which looked exactly like a triceratops. I have no idea why that memory popped into my head, but there you go. Contemplate that whilst listening to the exquisite harmonies of Eisley.
FUN FACT TIME! As well as being a talented musician, Sherri Du Pree of Eisley is also a really gifted photographer. Check out her stuff here >>>

5. DREDG- Planting Seeds
‘Look what I’ve found, a seashell in a sea of shells’- nothing like a good bit of dredg to get you feeling jaded about life in the season of birth. Aah.

6. HEADLESS HEROES- The North Wind Blew South
Headless Hero’s revitalise this tune from the 1970’s by adding a gorgeous, uplifting string section. A song to get inspired to.

7. BELLE AND SEBASTIAN- Mayfly
Mayfly tells the tale of a sunny romance with a girl who is second best, and the inevitable heartbreak she feels. A little depressing again, but it bears this line; ‘Your diary’s looking like a Bible with its verses lost in time’, which is exquisite, so I think we can forgive a little heartbreak.

8. TELEKINESIS- Great Lakes
A track from the marvellous self-titled album released last year, which narrowly missed out on my Top 10 Favourite Albums of the Year. Another quite pensive, melancholic ditty- I’ll cheer up soon, I promise.

9. STUDENT FILM- A Rainy Spring Day in New York
A song to remind you that it’s not all sunshine and happiness from here on in- there’s still rain (and April Showers) to contend with. Oh, and it’s also a CHOON.

10. FRONTIER RUCKUS- Spring Terror Nerves of the Night Mind
I absolutely adore the gently undulating melody, and ups and downs of the vocals- a song to be savoured. Sit back, close your eyes, fall in love.

You can now listen to the whole playlist below- enjoy!

Read More......

Charles' Top 10 Albums of 2009

Following on from Eileen's top 10 albums of the year, this is Charles' thoughts on the year in records:

10. Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport

One of the most prolific experimental releases of the year, Fuck Buttons' second album has had considerable critical success. Released on ATP Recordings (the same people who bring us the ATP festivals), there are few who haven't hailed this as one of the records of 2009.
MP3: Rough Steez [RS]

9. There Will Be Fireworks - There Will Be Fireworks
2009 has been a great year for Scottish music. With new albums from the likes of Idlewild and The Twilight Sad, it has been hard to ignore. Yet many people have overlooked one of the greatest Scottish albums of 2009. Still unsigned, There Will Be Fireworks recorded their self-titled début in a mill just outside of Edinburgh; as well as being a brilliant and cohesive piece of work, it makes you wonder - if they can do it unaided by a label, then who else will venture there?
MP3: Colombian Fireworks [RS]



8. Converge - Axe To Fall
You could almost guarantee another strong release from the Massachusetts hardcore band. What people may not have been anticipating was the almost Tom Waits-like 'Cruel Bloom' and, in what could be their best track yet, the creepy and atmospheric 'Wretched World'.
MP3: Dead Beat [RS]

7. St. Vincent - Actor
Two years after her début 'Marry Me', Annie Clark returns stronger than ever. Her songs sound more mature than her previous record; it would appear Annie has been doing some growing up. Every track is as solid as the last, crescendoing up to the climax and highlight of the album 'Just The Same But Brand New'.
MP3: The Party [RS]



6. mewithoutYou - it's all crazy! it's all false! it's all a dream! it's alright
With their fourth offering, mewithoutYou have departed completely from the post-hardcore days of old, switching distorted electric guitars for acoustics and pianos and the screams and shouts of Aaron Weiss for a more melodic vocal line. This ambitious effort may not quite match 2006's 'Brother, Sister', but you've got to hand it to them for trying. Songs such as 'The King Beetle On A Coconut Estate' are a fond way to remember the band in this, - if rumours be true - their last record.
MP3: The Fox, the Crow, and the Cookie [RS]

5. Noah and the Whale - The First Days of Spring
Charlie Fink was a man of many problems. After 'Five Years Time' was released, Noah and the Whale were at risk of being branded a one hit wonder and, no sooner than it was a commercial success, Fink had been abandoned by former band member and girlfriend Laura Marling. He only had one choice - to create a solemn, heart-filled album of longing and solidarity which fill the tracks on 'The First Days of Spring'.
MP3: Love of an Orchestra [RS]



4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
This band have been described as "bland" and "lacking in balls". In a way, it's easy to see why, but people are forgetting that music doesn't have to be constantly changing and experimental to be exciting, or even good. Sometimes all it takes is sheer songwriting strength, which is something The Pains of Being Pure at Heart definitely don't lack.
MP3: Young Adult Friction [RS]

3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
The Brooklyn-based band burst into the US charts earlier this year with some of their poppiest material yet. Although it may not live up to the masterpiece of Yellow House, songs such as 'Ready, Able' and 'While You Wait For The Others' show Grizzly Bear at their best yet.
MP3: Two Weeks [RS]


At this point I have just realised that I am a complete retard; I miscounted my top ten and there's actually 12 albums on this list. FML. So I'm just going to continue and hope that no-one notices...




2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
It was the album that everyone was talking about this year, but not without good reason. Blah blah blah, you already know it, here's AnCo, in at #4 (not #2).
MP3: Brother Sport [RS]

1. Blue Roses - Blue Roses
Blue Roses sounds just like her name would suggest: a female singer-songwriter inspired by folk and lo-fi. But that description does not do her album justice. In what is one of the best début albums of the year, Blue Roses proves that she is a name worth remembering.
MP3: Greatest Thoughts [RS]



0. The Antlers - Hospice
Another album from an indie folk band based in Brooklyn? Well yes and no. With this stunning breakthrough record, Peter Silberman explores the concept of life in a hospice in a breathtaking 50 minute journey. This album is chilling, depressing, and probably the best thing to come out of Brooklyn all year.
MP3: Kettering [RS]

-1. Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
Based around Natasha Khan's conflict with her city-girl persona of Pearl, a blonde femme fatale born out of the city of New York, the stories and ties between the two characters and the universe around them run deep in these 11 interweaving tracks. Natasha doesn't just create an album; she creates a new world altogether. At any point whilst listening to this record, I dare you to shut your eyes to hear, see and feel Natasha's strange and mystic universe.
MP3: Glass [RS]

Read More......

Grizzly Bear & London Symphony Orchestra w/ St. Vincent (Barbican Hall, 31/10/09)

It is Halloween. A bar owner is repainting the door of his bar in Camden, hundreds of Londoners are queueing up outside fancy dress shops to buy their last minute Halloween costumes and a strange man who tries to sell us some "relaxing scents" thinks that my friend Jessie is my wife. But for some, in all the rabble of hectic city life, there is an anticipation of events to come that doesn't just consist of drinking your own weight in alcohol and sleeping with a woman who you don't realise isn't wearing a Halloween costume until it's too late. For some, they are waiting patiently for Grizzly Bear, the Brooklyn-based psychedelic folk band, and their one off performance with the London Symphony Orchestra. Everyone is excited: Edward Droste, the founding member of the band, as evident from his Twitter; contemporary classical composer Nico Muhly, who scored arrangements for the event; and, presumably, the thousands of fans who are dotted around London, scratching their beards and waiting.

As the occasion grows closer, there is almost a sense of magic in the air, from the zombies and ghouls we pass on our way to the venue to the eerie light bulbs in jam jars that surround the stage as we take to our seats. As the lights dim the audience is thrown into silence as St. Vincent takes to the stage with a guitar and violinist. Playing a stripped down acoustic set of material from her début album 'Marry Me', and this year's follow up 'Actor', she performs with an energy that, whilst showcasing her sincere passion seems almost out of place given the grand surroundings. Layering guitars and violins with looped vocal tracks, Annie Clark's voice sounds heavenly, her small structure rising up to the challenge of impressing the attentive audience of the Barbican Hall. She says little to the crowd in her 35 minute set, but opens up towards the end; "[Grizzly Bear & LSO] are gonna make your jaws drop". Regardless of what Ed Droste & co. would do, Annie Clark had already succeeded in that.

The few remaining seats in the hall are quickly filled up as the lights go down for a second time as the London Symphony Orchestra take to the stage to polite applause. Soon after Grizzly Bear themselves emerge, to a less subdued applause and the occasional cheer. They cruise through a set of songs from their latest two albums, 'Yellow House' and 'Veckatimest', making full use of the orchestra on all tracks apart from fan favourites 'Two Weeks' and, the highlight of the night, 'While You Wait For The Others'. All four band members prove their worth as talented vocalists as well as playing their respective instruments; Chris Taylor pulls off a stunning vocal performance on 'Knife' in particular. Daniel Rossen's voice sounds just as delicate as it does on record, but elsewhere Ed Droste's voice is not always the strong force Grizzly Bear fans are used to; in places it seems weak and does not always hold up well against the orchestra.

Maybe because of the breathtaking performance of the band themselves, the orchestra seems almost unnecessary; Nico Muhly's arrangements in some places losing the momentum of songs. The swirling crescendos in (what I thought would have been a highlight of the night) 'Ready, Able' are at one point replaced by pizzicato violins, which detracts from its beauty. Maybe some would have benefited from a lack of orchestra, but Nico and LSO prove their worth on numbers such as the grand Central and Remote, and the close of 'Veckatimest' and their set tonight, 'I Live With You' and 'Foreground'. Another highlight comes in the magical cover of The Crystals' 'He Hit Me', taken from Grizzly Bear's 'Friend EP'. Despite some of the unnecessary orchestration, the band leave the stage to a standing ovation before coming back on for a dreamy rendition of 'Colorado', the last song from their 2006 LP 'Yellow House'.

It is the day after Halloween. The paint has dried in the door of the bar in Camden, Londoners attempt in vain to obtain refunds on their party outfits from the night before, and Ed Droste, in posting another update on his Twitter account, echoes the thoughts of thousands; "We'll never forget it."



Photos from http://www.flickr.com/photos/jellybean/4062996146/
Read More......