Fatima Clarke 
Initial impressions of these photographs suggest they capture commonplace buildings in a typical urban setting. Each image is taken from the street, enclosed by bold, dark power lines and poles, and surrounded by barriers of barbed wire, street art, and posters that create layers of depth. Above, small glimpses of blue skies and lush palm … Read more
The gaming industry seems trapped in a relentless cycle of distressing repetition. Each month brings a new announcement from a different game publisher about impending layoffs within their development teams. These announcements are typically filled with superficial regrets and commendations for the soon-to-be unemployed workers, all veiled in corporate jargon that obscures the true impact … Read more
Recently, driven by a wave of nostalgia and a certain appreciation for the past, I acquired a VHS player purely for the nostalgic pleasure it brings. This was soon followed by a successful bid on a 32-inch CRT TV at an auction in Shepton Mallet. My main motivation was to enjoy some old video tapes … Read more
A Turbulent Start to 2026 The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic I’ve ever seen. It’s been marked by conflicts that begin, pause, and then restart all within a week. The economic situation is so dire that driving a car fueled by sheer hope is more feasible than affording … Read more
Settled in comfortably? The opera by Britten, The Turn of the Screw, initiates with a tenor who sets the stage by narrating the tale, presenting the facts of the story that will soon become elusive in this ghostly narrative. In the Royal Opera’s latest rendition, the scene opens in complete darkness, enhancing the focus on … Read more
Even if the name Tan Dun doesn’t ring a bell, chances are you’ve encountered his compositions. He’s famously known for his soundtrack for Ang Lee’s film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which garnered numerous awards in 2000. He also crafted the official anthem for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His extensive portfolio boasts concertos for renowned classical … Read more
Elgar’s Cherished Serenade for Strings Debuts In 1892, the beloved Serenade for Strings by Elgar was performed for the first time by the amateur musicians of the Worcester Ladies’ Orchestral Class. This piece, embodying the quintessence of Victorian salon culture, served as the perfect prelude to the explosive and groundbreaking The Immortal by Mark Simpson. … Read more
Tracing a journey from Schubert to Liszt via Chopin, Alim Beisembayev, the 2021 Leeds international piano competition champion from Kazakhstan, showcased a performance that spanned the fervent wave of Romanticism across approximately three decades, starting in the 1820s and culminating in 1853. In his rendition of Schubert’s Moments Musicaux, D780, Beisembayev adopted a reserved and … Read more
20. R.E.M. – Man on the Moon (1992) This song pays homage to the eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman and came out when R.E.M. was at its peak. The song is a bit cryptic and draws parallels between moon landing conspiracy theories and the speculation that Kaufman staged his own death. The bassline is reminiscent of … Read more
As some rock stars resort to questionable diversions during lengthy tours, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers chose a different path during their 2022-24 world tour. Instead of falling into bad habits, the 63-year-old bassist reconnected with the trumpet, an instrument he played in his youth before his career in funky rock beckoned. His … Read more
