Lost Animals take over Jimmy's in a night of "Who let the whales out? Don't you know that is a bad omen?"

Jimmy's, a Northern Quarter bar and a peak gig spot. Small on the surface but packed full of enjoyment. Black and Red colour scheme embodies you as you walk through alongside, vintagesque seating and microphones hanging above the bar in the underground room. Compact, yet intimate.


Monday night, Jimmy's welcomed back the whales. Orca. This trio bracing the audience with their presence at 8pm with a set unlike one they've done before. Drummer Dan Wright was highly confident that the set that the threesome had created was the best yet. In all honesty as much as I have enjoyed previous sets of there's I would agree. Starting their set off with a mellow ambientesque track that was slow and an introduction 'jam' into their arrangement. Which seamlessly transitioned into a short mechanical segment that led straight into their original track, 'Starfish'. A re-imagined original that is set to be released at the end of February. Easily my favourite track of their set. Highlights of their set...bassist Ben Stott dancing with his bass, I must urge everyone to get yourself a partner that looks at you the way Ben looks at his bass. With an outstanding amount of love.

Guitarist Harry Bathie, grooving and looking entranced by the music and finally Dan, adoring every bang of the drums. Although I do have to say honestly, hand on heart that I felt sorry for those drums they had one rather passionate man sat behind them but at the end of the day, if you're not feeling your own music then is it truly your best work? Orca, what an introduction to the night! An exceptional support act to lead the way for what was to come.

Lost Transmitters were up next. Now I'd never heard anything by them before turning up at the gig so I was highly intrigued. A three piece, Rock band from Leicester. The band consisting of Cameron Thomson (Vocals/Guitar), Fotis Kalantzis (Vocals/Drums) and Tom Dunphy (Bass). With a lot of Rock n' Roll and a slower song or two, Lost Transmitters were a tremendous bridge between Orca and the shining headliner. Highlights of this band... was it hot on stage Kalantzis? I grasped it was, when the top came off and no shits were given. And whilst we are on the topic of the drummer, at one point near the end of the set the faces pulled whilst playing the drums... were highly enjoyable. Another very passionate drummer. And to finish off standing up playing the drums, something that not many drummers do these days, it is a refreshing nostalgia.

However Tom 'ain't got nothing' on Ben with the bass relationship, sorry Tom! Cameron, I think we all thank you for the cutting in before any dad jokes were told. Although, there is still a lot of intrigue behind what was going to be said. A band that I knew very little about prior to the gig, and a band that I've come away from highly liking.

Now, for the headliner. A band that I have seen in the past and instantly grabbed my attention. Animal Omens. A three piece, Alternative Rock band based in Manchester. Ben White (Vocals/Guitar), Jem Renshaw (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Joe Salter (Drums/Backing Vocals). For anyone that has never heard these guys before, they are similar to bands such as Don Broco, Foo Fighters and Queens Of The Stone Age, so if you like any of these bands, there is a massive possibility that this trio are 'right down your ally'. A highly energetic, dancey trio which have some characteristics with a few songs. 'Burning Up' a recently released original. Vocalist Ben does some of the same moves every time that song is performed, the way his hand flicks between strums and the leg kicks that are to the beat of the drums, a vastly wistful musician. 'Goodbye And So Long', 'Gravity' and 'Burning Up', my three favourite songs of this trio, not only are the songs absolute 'bangers' but they are highly memorable and make you want to move. But not enough, for one of their songs, in fact when Ben suggested the crowd to jump around and have even more energy, a 1 man moshpit was created, yes Harry I'm looking at you... and people appeared to move backwards rather than forwards. Then the final song, came along faster than anticipated, and for as far as my eyes could see behind me, there wasn't a single stationary head. Head banging, a 1 man moshpit and a very dancey, lively band...one hell of a night.

Additionally, before Ben went on stage I did recommend to Ben to avoid headbutting the microphone, as he is rather prone to doing. He successfully managed not to bump into his beloved mic, thankfully for his faces benefit and the welfare of his microphone.


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If you want to check out any of these band's music, then head over to Spotify and check out Lost Transmitters EP 'B.A.F' and Animal Omens single 'Burning Up'. You are definitely going to want to keep up to date with future releases from Orca, Lost Transmitters and Animal Omens so go ahead and give them a like on their socials...

Facebook;
Orca
Lost Transmitters
Animal Omens

Instagram;
@ukorcaofficial
@thelosttransmittersband
@animalomens

15 years, and 6 albums, Bring Me The Horizon finally show the world they won't apologise for being who they are!

Dance, Rock, Pop, Electronic, Trap. You name it, this album might have it. From unapologetic vocalists, to cinematiceque orchestral strings and thunderous drums to plummet into the mix, this 13 track album, has a little for everyone. Except those who are too picky.  

Bring Me The Horizon (BMTH), British rock band from Sheffield, South Yorkshire have recently released sixth debut album 'Amo'. A 13 track album, featuring artists Grimes, Dani Filth and Rahzel. Originally set to be released January 11th, got pushed back 2 weeks to January 25th as the band wanted to perfect things on the album, and bring out and album they can fully, stand behind and be proud of.  

'i apologise if you feel something' is the opening piece on the album, that introduces the album in all it's glory with its theme of love. This track has an overwhelming rush of emotions relating to the feeling of love, which leads seamlessly into Mantra. The song, is more of a jam than a full song and is the perfect way to open up the album because it shows a classic BMTH sound, which draws in the fans. "I saw you staring" at the song list and although some fans feel fooled by the first single on the album to be released this album is exactly what many have been "waiting for". 

'MANTRA' substantially the comeback song on the album. This single was the first song released off this album, and excited fans new and old for new music after a long awaited 4 years. With roaring guitar riffs and crashing drum beats this song "will set you free" from waiting for music since the 2015 album That's The Spirit. "Could I have your attention please?" This song without a doubt showcases typical BMTH roots, which for the fans may be a good thing. 'Nihilist Blues' the first track on the album to feature another artist, the one and only Grimes. This electronic dancesque rock track is the first official song on the album that showcases the different sound paths the band wanted to explore, like "I'm going white, I'm going black, I'm going blue". 

'in the dark' is a melodic shift in the album in a heavy instrumental way, with it's fetching lyrics it was a pivotal observation into the dark pop BMTH brought to the album, which arguably was inspired by bands such as Tame Impala. "Jesus Christ you're so damn cold" to believe that this new era of BMTH isn't a fresh euphoric adventure to scrutinise.  

'wonderful life' there's "no need for the obvious" but the {thunderous} drums on this track make it one of the heavier ones on the album. A refreshing throwback to their roots with some elements, and "I'm on the edge" with this weird yet wonderful song because this song was another one on this album that featured another artist. Dani Filth was the featured voice however it is hard to tell whether he adds anything to this track or not. 'ouch' is one of two interludes on this album. It typically is a filler "jam" track that has been used to split up the different sounds, and foreshadows the upcoming songs. Using this track as an interlude, creates a coherent transition into Medicine, "I always knew" this album would be a lot different from the previous albums in their discography however it is only after listening to this album that it truly shows. 

'medicine' is the most pop song on the album. This song is a positive spin on a toxic relationship, an example of being blinded by love but not being angry at it, just needing to voice how it feels when someone "dragged me through the mud" because "some people are a lot like clouds" and others aren't. This vastly memorable pop song, is most likely fans guilty pleasure song on this album, as they don't want to stray from their genre roots, if they're stuck strictly in one genre. 'sugar honey ice & tea' is yet another heavy song on this album and delving "too close for comfort" into the cliche of a head bopper. It visits the societal beliefs and ideas on love alongside a personal touch of people's personal choices. 

Trappy beats, and a mix of genre sounds 'why you gotta kick me when i'm down' is a juicy connotation into the relationship that frontman Oli Sykes has with fans, using a heavy element of rap on this track stemming back to the original roots of the band, "why you tryna put me in the ground" which despite being written in 2018 sounds like it should be the soundtrack for the characters in Pretty Little Liars, it is a memorable song that is sure to stick in your head with the repetitive chorus and the rather enjoyable riffs. 

Time for another interlude? Apparently so, with the trippy melodic beats that have a vibey beat drop a minute in 'fresh bruises' is the groove to make you move. 

The only love song you have ever heard Sykes write, with the heart on the sleeve vibe alongside the; there's no better feeling than love. 'mother tongue' is the "I didn't see it coming" from BMTH love song despite it's heavy instrumental led background and its rap segments. Now it's time for a song for the haters, 'heavy metal' A self referential song pegged at the haters and the social media trolls that spark an up rise from the band. "I keep pickin' petals" listening to this classic rap element of BMTH who are clearly very unapologetic to the haters, and rightfully so. 

Finally, we come to the end of the album with  'i don't know what to say' which is the longest song on this album coming up to almost 6 minutes long, and is the only song to use orchestral strings in it's backing track. It was written about Sykes' childhood friend who died from Cancer, and it explores the strength that his friend had during his life and how at the weakest point in his life, he was at his most powerful. This song is not a song that dwells on the heartache or the anger but is a way of remembering how "I saw the universe hidden in your heart" and is strictly a celebration, of his friends life.

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My overall thoughts on this album?

I'm not going to sit here and pretend like the first time I heard this album, I fell for it because I didn't. In fact out of 13 tracks, and 9 of them I hadn't heard before I wasn't exactly blown away. I didn't hate the album but equally I wasn't in love with it either. To me only 3 of the songs I hadn't heard pleased me straight off the bat. 

• in the dark
• sugar honey ice & tea
• why you gotta kick me when i'm down

But I was so quick to judge! I was putting my expectations for an album too high. It use to be very rare that I liked every song off an album until I began to listen to an album all at once and, I couldn't tell if I was growing or if albums were just being made better and better. To be honest I still haven't figured that part out yet. However this album. What can I say? If I had been asked to rate this album, I would most likely have given it atleast a 7, and considering Bring Me The Horizon are one of my favourite bands, that is far from high but the more I listened to the full album and watched interviews about the album, the more me and the album became acquainted. Needless to say I love this album now. 

Yes, this juxtaposes massively with my first reaction, however I was willing to give this album a chance because it was Bring Me...it was a band that I have grown up listening to and although Sempiternal will forever be my favourite, Amo has a lot to say for itself. 

For starters this album is polarising! Fans, are going through the typical love-hate relationship stage like they did back when Suicide Season was first released and to be fair, I can totally see why. Nevertheless despite the polarising feature that seems to be sparking attention, it's roaring riffs and raspy vocals are reminiscent to those fans of Linkin Park in the early stages of their careers. Fans are merely lashing out with their hatred on this album because it is not deathcore, or metalcore like ones had hoped but not every band can succeed like The Beatles, where the same sound works for them and their fans. Bring Me The Horizon are in a versatile genre where their sound will change and adapt, unfortunately some fans just can't handle that for the time being, there isn't going to be another 'Suicide Season', 'There is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret' era. That's not to say somewhere in the future there won't be, but they are experimenting with sound and it's clear that fans must like it in someway or another as they are rising through the charts, potentially rising to their first number one spot.

Crowd Surfing, Moshpits, 'As It Is' at rock concerts!

The bitterness of a cool breeze invested itself in the extensive line of fans waiting to head into the o2 Ritz, Manchester. I among them. A rather helpful security woman, directed me to the VIP line. VIP...A word that when it came to concerts I was familiar with, but never experienced until tonight. There were no expectations, simply just swarms of excitement and a lot of fangirl moments. As It Is, playing Manchester Ritz. One of the biggest shows on tour, fans were told. Just mere days earlier, the band had switched up their set, for the remaining 3 UK shows they have left on this tour.

Stood outside the venue, eager for the warmth that I knew was awaiting, nostalgia washed over me. The nostalgia of seeing As It Is perform on stage, the overwhelming joy and happiness from seeing them perform, from being in the atmosphere but also being at one of their concerts. I'd worked out that I have been a fan of As It Is for 6 years, and that is one hell of a long time. In fact, that is how long the band have been together, forming back in 2012; so to have seen them grow and to have this new era it is something quite magical.

Close to 5pm, and VIP had finally been let into the venue, of course by this point I was just happy to be warm. We walked into a large room, where (as obvious as it may be) the gig was taking place, to be greeted by the remaining soundcheck of Holding Absence. They sounded pretty great, so I was then excited. They are a band that I had heard of, but never listened to. Then once the Holding Absence guys got off stage, the lovely Claire got on stage to talk to us about what was going to happen. 

Soundcheck. 3 songs that were not going to be in the set. 3 songs that I love. Definitely can't complain that the last of the 3 songs was Patchwork Love. A tune, that most of the fanbase can happily get behind. When they sang speak soft, they had to start over again because of technical issues...it was an authentic soundcheck they stated, because that is what soundcheck is usually like for them.

Photo Op. Something that I am familiar with when it comes to concerts, because it essentially runs the way a meet and greet works, stand in line, eventually get your turn to meet the band, hug them, speak to them, scream internally or maybe even externally if you've managed to pass the amount of overwhelming feeling inside. Then when you've finally met the band that you never thought you would ever meet, you go ahead and make your way back up to the stage where your place at the barrier is waiting. Right at the front, stage left was where I was parked and you could definitely bet that there was no chance I was leaving. To have moved me, you probably would have to of had security carry me out, because there was no way on any planet nevermind earth that I was moving.

Holding Absence then came back on stage to finish off soundcheck, shortly followed by Courage My Love. A band whom, I both knew of and heard music by. And let me make this as clear as humanly possible. They did not disappoint! I never go to gigs with an expectation to like a support act or to even become a fan but I was already a fan of Courage My Love and to have seen them perform, set the night off to the grandest of starts.

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

7:15pm, Courage My Love, a 3 piece Rock band from Ontario, Canada. The trio, twin sisters; Mercedes Arn-Horn (Lead Vocals), Phoenix Arn-Horn (Drummer) and Brandon Lockwood (Bassist). They were the first opening act, with a half hour set of all original songs, energetic and wild. Before they started playing on stage, to the left of the stage Mercedes was jumping around to warm up, and brought that energy straight to the stage.

Now, I am not one to moan about support acts much less audience members, but I also don't appreciate the girls that stood right next to me not even paying attention to the band. It was rude and quite frankly if I wasn't enjoying my time, or the music and being respectful of others then I would happily have spoken to those girls and spoke my damn mind...however they couldn't have been any older than 16 which explained a lot. Courage My Love were a memorable act, and one that I would see on a headline tour. Additionally they played my favourite song off their new album, "Remission" so that made me even happier than I already was in that very moment.

Then things got heavier. 8pm,,,or the set of Holding Absence? I was incredibly excited to see the girls around me's reactions because if they hadn't liked Courage My Love they'd more than likely dislike these guys more. Pleasantly I was surprised that atleast 1 of the 3 gave them a chance.

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

Holding Absence, a 5 piece Rock band from Cardiff, UK. James Joseph (Bassist), Ashley Green (Drummer), Lucas Woodland (Lead Vocals), Scott Carey (Guitarist) and Chris Smitheram (Guitarist). These guys and their energy, it was contagious. From Woodland and his air kicks to Green and his attention grabbing beats. Every single one of these guys showed Manchester all they had, and it was a lot of fun being a non fan of theirs because I got first hand experience into what being a fan of theirs looks like. Holding Absence are going to be a band that, you are going to see more and more often, it was an honor being in the crowd of fans stood at the front who knew every lyric. It meant so much to the band as well, as Woodland pointed out that he recognised a few friendly faces, from smaller shows they'd played before.

If there's one thing in rock concerts I don't understand, it is crowd surfing. Each to their own, I don't have a problem with it, until it gets dangerous. To the drunken guy last night that started off the crowd surfing, you go boy! I'm happy you are having the time of your life, but at the same time I felt incredibly sorry for the hard working security trying to ensure the safety of everyone. Especially the drunken crowd surfing fans, they were done with all that bullshit half way through the 3rd and final support act, and quite frankly I don't blame them. However from crowd surfing to moshpits, this night was one that can only be given justice to, if you were lucky enough to be there and witness it.

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

Now, if I thought that the crowd surfing and moshpits were crazy during the set of Holding Absence, I was sorely mistaken by the time 8:45pm rolled round. Trash Boat. A 5 piece pop punk/post hardcore band from St. Albans, UK. Tobi Duncan (Lead Vocals), Dann Bostock (Guitarist), Ryan Hyslop (Lead Guitarist), James Grayson (Bassist) and Oakley Moffatt (Drummer), to say they raised the room, would be an understatement. It was clear that there were a lot of fans there to see Trash Boat as well as, As It Is which was moving to see the band getting recognition for their work. Like the other support acts, there were people bouncing around, bopping heads, head banging insatiably, starting massive moshpits and having the time of their teenage lives. For me, Trash Boat were a great final support act before As It Is came on because they got people moving and (EXCITED) for As It Is. With a wild filled set, by the time Trash Boat left stage I was more than ready for As It Is.

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

As It Is. Patty Walters (Lead Vocals), Ben Langford-Biss (Guitarist/Vocals), Alistair Testo (Bassist), Patrick Foley (Drummer), Ronnie Ish (Guitarist). 9:45pm, was my extreme favourite time of the night. Apart from early that night when I got to meet these guys! Externally screaming for minutes, days, months, even years after. The atmosphere in the room was phenomenal. I really didn't care that I was basically kissing the barrier, or that I barely had proper movement, because I was in an experience that was magical. Although Foley is part of As It Is, could you tell that on stage? Not really, this tour he was further back and higher up. In soundcheck he joked that it was because he didn't want to be too close to the other members, of As It Is. The entire show, he was hidden behind clouds of smoke, so stayed pretty much in the background. However, you could feel the emotion everywhere you turned, playing a series of bopping tunes amongst some of my favourites like 'Dial Tones', 'No Way Out', 'The Fire, The Dark' and more. I never dislike any songs within sets, but the atmosphere changed my entire night. From the people crowd surfing, to the people in the moshpits, to me, one of the lucky few right at the barrier close enough to touch the band if they lent over. Everyone was bouncing, head banging, crying but over all having fun. Even the parents in the crowd. I've been to that many gigs where I have screamed to the point of exhaustion in my voice, I would without a doubt say that my night would have been totally worth a hurting voice but much to my surprise, I didn't have a sore throat at all. Through every lyric in every song I sung, to the mass amount of girly screaming the only thing I was in desperate need for was water. Some nice, ice cold refreshing water.

PICTURE TAKEN BY KAYLEIGH LOUISE

One thing I found the most moving about the entire set, was Walters went up t each of his band mates during the course of the show saying "I fucking love you". The love and the relationship that this band have, is undeniable and very resonating with the audience. They feel like a family, and with the fans it feels like a community. A sense of belonging; where it is ok to who you are and be individual. It is ok to be a goth, or an emo, or be gay or transgender. Everyone is equal, and the band couldn't stress that enough.

As It Is, did not disappoint one bit! Even watching Ronnie (Guitarist) on stage was a dream come true, he may not have had a microphone but he really didn't care. Their entire set from start to finish was energetic, mesmorising and overall one highly extraordinary night. I want to relive that night over and over again because being in that room, for those 5 hours of my night was the best way to end my gigs for 2018.

Bands to watch out for, Courage My Love and Holding Absence. These 2 bands are going to make it big within the next few months, I am more than sure of that. If you are into Rock then I couldn't recommend any 3 bands more, than these 3 supporting acts.

As for As It Is, if you're not already a fan then you are missing out on 5 very talented men who have a story to tell.   

Whales, moshpits, memories and a bit of groovy disco...

In the city life, you don't wake up to chirping birds or to look outside your frosty window to see fields of green, dusted in ice. In the city life, if one isn't woken up to the sound of cars passing or to sirens echoing through the streets, then there's the biggest chance that you are woken by a noise of sorts. To look out the window and see a large concrete jungle of buildings, is both successful feeling and an odd sense of belonging.

Stepping outside to be attacked by the raw, vastly bitter, cold air that is winter welcoming you into it's arms. My day seemingly planned out. University lecture, food shop... For those who unfortunately have to live the adult life that yes, you probably guessed, or maybe know from experience really sucks! However to end my night, I was going to a gig. A concert that had been hyped up for more than a week. The lead up to the night was exciting, and excruciating pain both at the same time. I was going to support my friend, who as you could imagine was highly exciting to be getting on to a stage in Manchester and play for the first time in months to an audience. Yet painfully so leading up to this night, because there is a stage in which you get yourself very pumped up for the gig and then it flashes by in the blink of an eye. The only unfortunate, evil feeling that one can feel about gigs, if you are a gig goer and a gig lover, like myself.

So, like any other rational person I lived out my Monday partially as planned. Leaving my cozy room, and flat on Lower Ground of an 8 story building, casually walking out into the bitter breeze that I had highly prepared myself for, I begun my route to University. Now BIMM, to the outer eye is far from anything special. Hell, it is the underdog of all the universities in Manchester. You look at information on all Manchester universities, you can bet you won't find this private sector. In fact I am almost certain. But to the people inside BIMM, when you let go of the fees, and really delve deep into it, it is a home. Sure, we aren't as fancy as those redbrick educational universities...and frankly probably not as academic but one thing is for sure, that in BIMM, you network. Musicianship students, Business students, Events Management students, and of-course my favourite because it is my course, the Journalism students. Not going to lie to you, music journalism students are the bottom of the hierarchy but arguably out of the lot, we underdogs surprise those ego driven musicians who think they are the dogs bollocks when in actual fact, every person is equal. Do I personally give a shit that you can play a "killer" riff on your fender guitar...no. For 1...the fact you own a fender guitar, really doesn't impress me, most guitarists in the industry do because it's sound, amongst other reasons; and 2...I can name atleast 5 other people out of my friends alone that can. BIMM is full of networking, but it is also family. It's community. No matter who you are, or what you look like you serve a purpose, and to be part of it, in itself is a success that no one will ever take away.

Strolling into a naturally lit reception building, drenched in orange, black and white, I make my way up to the first floor where my lecture room is; to walk into a room that was sweaty and (drenched) in heat. Why do the musicians in that room stink? They hadn't even been playing, yet you could smell the odor and the musky scent of them. To say they like the heat, might just be an understatement. On a Monday afternoon, I certainly do not look forward to that (sweaty) encounter. One hour and a half later, and a lot of laughs over watching my lecturer try to remove permanent marker from the whiteboard, it was time for adulting. Food shopping. I'm not going to bore you with that trip, but I did buy a rather delicious ciabatta roll that had chicken and stuffing filling. A well deserved lunch.

7pm rolls around and to Night People we roamed. Passing the rock aesthetic that would make any hip hop 'gangsta'esque person bleed from ear to ear, Satan's Hollow. The holy grail for any Rock n' Roll night. And finally Night People. Not much from the outside, until you're met with a dozen stairs down into the basement where the magic happens. 10 minutes went by, and I made it to the guy behind the desk. A friendly face, to talk to. He drew a small 'X' on my right hand, asked if I had a flyer for a free shot...and bam. Ready. Now, I am that person who has an undeniable love for a double vodka and coke but the shot of vodka I had, needless to say I was not a fan. That shit, burned for 10 minutes but at least I was gig ready with a free shot in my system. I walked under the arch into a room playing disco tunes, to be greeted with a warm hug from a friendly face. Daniel (Dan) Wright (Drummer of Orca). The friend that had invited me to his first gig in Manchester and the one that was as excited as a child on Christmas day at 6am when they found out that Santa left them presents to open. But to have an energy like his in my life, makes a refreshing change. Now I knew how talented he was, but damn...some of the audience members were in for a treat. Standing grooving to some undeniably good disco tunes, surrounded by my friends, I was ready for the night to begin.

"BIMM Presents" written in bold block letters on a light board behind the bar, to the right of me. The first act, Anya. An illusion of a woman I had heard so much about, but never had the honor of meeting or even hearing until tonight. It was Anya's first time playing in Manchester, but would you have known if she hadn't told us? No. In fact, the audience responded to her, rather well considering she was the first act, which I can only imagine must be more nerve racking as the first act sets the pace for what is to come. Apart from the small crowd of people, somewhere behind me talking through her set, which frankly a little rude to do so when Anya was only playing mostly acoustic she did not disappoint. A fresh voice, with a husky twang, and a large set of lungs on her that's for sure. Out of her entire set, it had to have been my favourite song of hers, purely for the fact she had a band behind her, I loved the acoustic set she had, but she really suited the band vibes. Joe Berry (Guitarist) and Charlie Morris (Drummer), 2 members of the audience politely asked if they would join her on stage. In the semi crowded room, everyone knew everyone. Or at least knew of each other.

When your friends get pulled up on stage to play spontaneously, you kind of have to become less distracted by the talking and drown out the people that weren't invested in the set. For two guys, who had no clue they were going to be dragged up on stage, they did a very exceptional job. The audience loved it!

8:15pm cruised by and the band that evidentally, almost everyone came to see, began to play. Orca. Harry Bathie (Guitarist/Lead Vocals), Ben Stott (Bass) and Daniel (Dan) Wright (Drums). 3 extremely talented guys, that form a band who's sound can only be described as being similar to Radiohead and Tame Impala. Stage presence. Stage presence for me, is something that either brings the overall performance of a band up, or sadly down. For these guys, stage presence was definitely not an issue! Ben, was highly energetic with the crowd and because of the communication between the crowd and the band, the atmosphere in the room changed drastically. The crowd instead of standing 1/3 of the space away from the stage, like we had in the beginning; had rushed to be as close to the stage as possible. You could feel the imaginary barriers between the small stage and the crowd, that is how close the crowd were. If it weren't for the photographers, like Ryan Trevalyn Osborne and Piran Aston the crowd would have basically been on stage with them. The crowds reaction to Ben saying he wants to see movement...create a circle and begin a moshpit. Moshpits. I don't have a problem with them whatsoever. Would I join one? Hell no. Do I enjoy being the barrier for one? That unfortunately is also a no. Was it funny and fun to watch? Definitely! It is always fun, seeing people enjoy themselves and to see the audience react the way they did, is arguably one of the most rewarding things to be part of when going to a gig.

Orca's set. The half hour set, consisted of all original songs. Enjoyable. Dancey. But most importantly you could see the guys shine on stage. They were enjoying what they were doing, what they were playing and they were getting into the songs, the way musicians should. Movement, you'd expect on a small stage like the one they were on, it would be limited but, there was not a single moment that I looked over at Ben and he wasn't dancing or Harry where he also wasn't dancing. If you ask me, I think they were trying to see who could dance better with their instrumental partners. Sorry Harry, but Ben wins. Dan...definitely not forgetting Dan. The drummer, who evokes all his passion into hitting the drums. Watching his reaction when he hit his symbol, and watching it swing, was a memory for the books. Go hard or go home, should be Dan's motto because when he sits behind that drum kit, he gives it all he's got and then some.

If I had to pin point some of my favourite memories of their set, picking only 3. In order of the events happening my first, would be watching Ben almost knock Dan out with the head of his bass before the set began, because who doesn't love watching that. The second would be Dan pulling faces every time he hit the symbols harder than anticipated and the last. The last is one to be remembered forever at the first gig of Orca. Ben jumping off stage, into the circle the crowd created to do a big finisher and slipping as his feet met the ground. To say that the crowd were pumped, would be a large understatement.

As the guys, got off stage a swarm of people rushing to congratulate them on their set. I only managed to catch Dan as he got off stage, but he was one extremely grateful, adrenaline induced drummer who looked like he enjoyed every second of being up on that stage. As a journalist, who knows what it feels like to be on stage in front of a crowd, I don't know how they do it, but there wasn't a single frowned face that I could see.

Unfortunately my night ended there, I did not manage to see the final 2 acts that were up on stage but if the first 2 were any indication, they would have surely smashed that stage.

What can be expected from Orca in the future? A little birdy announced last night that there is a new track, next year to be released which is always exciting. From the band themselves, I think that we will be hearing a lot more from them in the future. A trio, that fit well and who give it everything they have. If BIMM was to have an up and coming band, I would highly say that these guys were one!

A short explanation to my thoughts of Orca. As a band; devoted, driven and highly enjoyable. As 3 individuals, talented, motivated and vastly driven. A band to look out for, in the future, and a trio who played one audience pleasing first show.

TRACK OF THE WEEK - "Just Like A Pill" by P!nk

Metaphorical pills, contagious drum beats, a massive sense of resonating nostalgia and of-course the main ingredient...PINK (Stylised at P!NK).

P!nk (born as Alecia Beth Moore), American RnB/Pop Rock singer, songwriter, dancer and actress known for hits like "Get The Party Started", "Don't Let Me Get Me","Just Like A Pill" and "So What".  Her discography consisting of 7 albums, and more impressively Pink has sold over 42 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide. In America alone she has sold over 16 million albums.

Is Pink still relevant? Making her start actively in the industry in 1995, it is apparent that by the number of records she sells and how wide spread her music is, that indeed she is still relevant even in 2018. Even with albums like 'M!ssundaztood' which was released in 2001, her music is still vital in today's society because of how much of an influence she is to her audience, and to her daughter Willow Sage Hart.

'Just Like A Pill' a relatively moderate paced song with a major scale is a throwback track for sure. With a attention grabbing instrumental introduction, and a fading out end it is everything in between that makes the song. The strong sense of symbols, kicking in, as the song leads up to the chorus, which keeps the beat catchy and dancey. "I think I took too much"  from this song, as dancey and enjoyable as it is it also has the obvious metaphor of pills being taken however, Pink has used them as a way of describing her boyfriend at that current time. The relationship went sour, and she used the metaphor to signify how she felt; making the main theme of the song about a painful relationship and the sub theme about drug abuse as, it almost romanticises drugs. 

There is always a point in the week where "I...Run just as fast as I can" to listen to this song, as it is a song that resonates highly with the audience. For some, the song resonates with them as they have had similar experiences, whereas for others it is simply just a song of their choosing. "I swear you're just like a pill" because of how catchy this song is, and how it is a song that always leaves the audience member wanting to listen to more. 

Would I recommend this artist/song?

Pink is artist that I always go back to. Whenever anyone asks my favourite song or favourite artist my mind draws a blank, because I can't choose a favourite, much less have a favourite. However if I was asked atleast one of my favourites Pink would definitely be within the mix. Her music both earlier stuff and recent stuff are for a desired person but I would highly recommend Pink. Her songs are extremely deep and meaningful additionally they are a healthy mix of fast paced and slow paced songs and almost every song of hers, is a highly energetic dancey tune.

Would I recommend this song in particular? Yes. Who knows, after listening to this if you aren't already a fan, you could be. 

MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW - LET YOU LOVE ME BY RITA ORA

Feel like dancing? Like a little bit of RnB action? Or simply just want a decent tune, that is played fairly often on the the daily radio stations? Then Rita Ora has all of that!

Rita Ora, British singer, songwriter and actress. Known mainly for debut singles such as "R.I.P", "Hot Right Now", "How Do We Party" and "Shine Ya Light".  Additionally known for her recurring role on the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy as "Mia Grey".

The 27 year old, RnB, more recently expanding into the pop genre as well, has welcomed a new debut single "Let You Love Me". This track reflects the insecurities that she is feeling, which are causing problems within a relationship. Essentially, these insecurities are pushing her away from her partner, meaning that she is not letting him love her when that is what she really wants from him. However it is still unclear to fans on whether the song is from a personal experience or written on behalf of someone else's experience. Another way that this song can be perceived is the song, depicts a self-destructive relationship, singing over a set of  programmed drums and a group of atmospheric synths.

As a whole this song has arguably annoying classic pop conventions, with it's under laying beat however still initiates the typical Ora RnB sound. It is a memorable, catchy yet extremely dancey song, that includes a fast start and a averagely abrupt end. "I wish that I could"  express how much this song makes an audience member want to dance. For a RnB fan, this song would most likely be up their ally.

The music video for this tune, is a narrative perspective which Ora herself is playing the female protagonist, making her relatable to her audience and to the watcher; as they get to see what Ora looks like. Her style. As well as getting to feel connected with her as they are given someone to watch who they recognise.

In relation to mise-en-scene, there are primarily 3 locations used, with a couple of sub locations within 1 main location. This keeps the audiences attention, as the audience aren't fixating on one location, which after a short time could get boring for the audience to watch. Moreover the colours used within this video are muted, dark colours to fit with the theme of 'house party'. The lighting is averagely bright, so that the video can be seen by the audience however the light used is colour filtered so, that it fits with the mood of the song.

Parallel editing, can arguably be seen within the beginning of the video as strategically when the camera switches from Rita Ora to the male protagonist both locations, are circular making it feel like a seamless transition as it doesn't alter much. Apart from in terms of texture and character that the audience sees. Furthermore, product placement. It is worth noting that within this video, product placement has been used to create a personal relationship with certain audience members. Synergy. The media term for product placement, has been used by Ora, to expand the personal connection that she has to fans by introducing the use of Virtual Reality (VR) within the video. This deepens the connection with the audience, as they may feel drawn to this one detail. However it is also a way of marketing the product to her audience, thus creating the synergy; as an audience member may be intrigued enough to either buy the product or atleast research more in to it.

Finally, relating to Mise-en-scene Rita Ora's style stays the same throughout the video. From start to finish, Ora is wearing a plain white cropped top showing off her defined body, a pair of washed out blue denim, baggy, ripped jeans with a pair of black ankle high boots and a black mesh sleeved jacket. This can be relatable to the audience, as Ora's style is the depiction of her music genre as well as who she is as a person. Additionally, an audience member may be specifically drawn to her style, making it relatable and personal to the audience for several reasons; one being that they share the same or similar style. Moreover, her outfit can be seen through the use of the different shot variations but, the shot sequence in particular sticks to 3 main types of shots. Close ups, so that the audience can feel personally connected as they are able to see in more detail things like facial expression. Mid shots, so that the audience get some insight into the surroundings of the protagonists and lastly long shots, so that the audience can see more of the background and can get a feel for locations.

MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW - The Strays by Sleeping With Sirens

“Hood caps”, “Ash trays” and a swarm of fans around the picturesque city of Manchester, UK. Sleeping With Sirens (SWS) music video for ‘The Strays’ features all of the above and more.

Starting out with a birds-eye view of a car junk yard, shortly followed by a close up of a young woman’s face, additionally showing off a lens glare from the camera, showing its authenticity and enhancing the viewers interest. ‘The Strays’ portrays different locations around Manchester, UK. 

Sleeping With Sirens, a 5 piece American rock band from Orlando, Florida filmed the music video for ‘The Strays’ in Manchester, UK on the same day as one of their headlined shows. Using an assortment of willing fans from outside the venue, the band traveled around the city to capture different shots.

Aesthetically pleasing to the Mancunian fans, there’s a range of tracking shots for example a tracking shot of a flock of pigeons flying off, and tracking fans running. It is particularly a effective type of shot to use because it enhances the viewers attention, to the video because they feel as though they are part of the video. Additional to this, using a mid shot of fans running past the camera makes, the audience member feel as though the camera is their eyes, whilst they’re hidden behind an object. Moreover, using fans in the video, has a huge significance to the song, as the song is voicing to the fanbase that as a community, fans are one. They are there for one another and everyone may be unique but they are, all collectively strong.

As a whole this music video is more narrative based rather than performance based, however with the fans do get to see performance in the final third of the video, where the audience watches the audience and the band prepare for essentially what can be seen as a live performance. It is a common convention of rock bands, and bands in general to do performance shots with instruments because it gives new audience members a sense of who they are and how they play. Additionally it helps fans in general relate to the video in a nostalgic way as the audience member may have seen them perform live, so it makes it a more enjoyable experience, being sentimental to when they saw them.

On occasion the different shots, cut to beat which also enhances the audience members attention as they can more often than not feel comfortable watching the video; because it sticks to the motion of the audio. Finally one last thing to note about this video in particular is it reuses the shot it begins with. However uses it in a reverse motion so instead of a track forward, it tracks backwards. This gives a sense of a story like motion, as the shot has been repeated and it is almost as if you have watched a memory or a future event, by repeating the shot the audience feel like they have gone back to the beginning before, it all happened.

“We are the strays”, insinuates Sleeping With Sirens. For the fanbase of SWS, “we” for sure are “the strays”, “we” are a strong fanbase and this video really enhances that for the fans of Sleeping With Sirens.