Working music bloggers, journalists and A&R men into somewhat of a sticky mess at the moment are a young pop band with more than a knowing knack for causing a stir, with their refusal to commit to interviews, photoshoots of them as a gang of balaclava clad revolutionaries and tales of winding up London’s preying record labels by supplying misinformation to their chief A&R scouts. Their method of releasing music has also been somewhat unconventional – a sabotaged MySpace page had previously redirected to their World Unite page, which until recently was a labyrinth of propaganda imagery with hidden downloads, and their debut EP, released in a hand-made edition of 14, retailed – to the exploited few – at an astonishing £50.
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Self styled, flame haired, penchant for sounds of days gone by…. inevitable La Roux comparisons out of the way, and with no disrespect to the wonderful Elly Jackson – and of course Ben Langmaid, LoneLady, is an altogether different beast. Julie Campbell, a Manchester based singer, songwriter and guitarist, harks back to a slightly different 1980s to that of Heaven 17 or Yazoo… LoneLady’s inspiration is clearly a darker, jerkier, tighter and altogether more Factory Records 80s, with more than a hint of the Bunnymen from just down the East Lancs. Produced in an abandoned mill on the outskirts of town in just a few weeks with Breeders, My Bloody Valentine and Stereolab producer Guy Fixen, we’re sure you’ve an already an idea of how Campbell’s nervous, awkward debut will sound…. well you’re wrong, it’s even better than that. An early rival for These New Puritan’s hold on record of the year, ‘Nerve Up’ is a truly brilliant record… we’re positive you’ll be hearing more from this unique talent.
We’re loving the sharp graphic portfolio of Manchester based freelancer Chris Gray, his crisp, distinctive style having a charming retro tinge that we just can’t get enough of. Having worked for the likes of Nike, Umbro and Freitag and had work featured in publications such as Creative Review and idN, Chris is carving somewhat of a name for himself and the international illustration circuit… a forthcoming collaborative exhibition on the 26th of this month in Berlin’s trendy UNDPLUS won’t do that ascendancy any harm either.
Following in similar footsteps to those of Nando’s, Manchester, and now Liverpool, based Barburrito is a refreshing alternative to the dirge of modern high-streets, the ‘Fast Food’ outlet. There’s times we all need a quick on-the-go bite to eat, but so often the choices are repulsive enough to leave us going hungry, that’s why we’re so excited about Morgan Davies and Paul Kilpatrick’s delicious brainchild, a no frills, stylish homage to classic Mexican street food. Listed in the Guardian’s top 50 healthy fast food establishments and winner of a rapidly increasing number of awards, Barburrito is a brand that we think you’ll be seeing a lot more of in the near future, and our stomach’s for one are relishing that thought.
Call us old cynics (go on, we like it), but to us, the phrase ‘Urban Design’ is as overused an oxymoron as Friendly Fires or Civil Servants. The landscape of post-war Britain is more ‘Civic Sprawl’ than anything remotely following a design aesthetic. So it’s refreshing to see Will Alsop’s big, fat rebuke to all those me-too urban loft developments choking up our great cities. Piled up like a tower of chunky chips in a swanky gastropub, these colourful apartments are clad in newspaper print, echoing the area’s industrial heritage. But, crucially, Alsop’s pulled off the tricky task of creating high density housing with a lightness of touch: with all residents grabbing a view, and access to, the new canal link. Alsop’s an architect with joy in his soul: and that’s something even Prince Charles would approve of. Wouldn’t he?
Oi Polloi’s ‘Rig Out’ Zine
"Not something for fashion numpters, but for chaps that appreciate good quality schmutter"
June 12th, 2009
Started in 2002 as ‘a reaction to the mass of bland, uninspiring men’s fashion stores lining the UK’s high streets’, Steve Sanderson’s Oi Polloi in Manchester is a pioneer in the revival of traditional British gentleman-type garb with names like Barbour, Belstaff and Nigel Cabourn sitting alongside equally blokey international labels such as Atelier LaDurance, A.P.C. and Lee. Currently being given away in a limited edition with all orders, ‘Rig Out’, a naval term, is a small and well written fanzine produced by the boys at Oi Polloi, with some brilliant design and photography, that gives their customers an insight into their interests, sensibilities and buying policy.
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from The Import
We caught up with New York based artist Devin McGrath who, in his beautifully crafted, unique style, bashes out darkly inspirational artworks with an enviable ease……
Clean and crisp, thoughtful illustration is a strong presence in the delightful portfolio of Welsh, Manchester based graduate Gareth Hughes.....
They love fellow Bristolian Banksy – in no small part due to making them a lot of money – but rate Tracy Emin as “nonsensical shit”. Here's our studio spotlight on Taxi Studio.....
The Dead Photos is an inspiring collection of macabre, touching, humorous and enlightening images that offer a delicate insight into the fragility of human life.
Half English half Japanese, London-based Jiro Bevis knocks out record covers, club flyers and editorial pieces with a ridiculously cool, 1980s retro vibe to them....
It’s great to see a company have a strong visual identity running throughout their brand – and that’s just what Stockholm based Bedow Creative have achieved for Sweden’s largest organic grocery store, Eat! Ekoaffären.
Founded by the rather talented duo of Mark Tappin and Simon Gofton, Tappin Gofton is a London-based studio that knock out some wonderfully distinctive work
We asked the Portland studio some questions, which they blindly ignored – instead providing us with a delightful insight into their wonderfully twisted minds. Enjoy…..
Decidedly Brazilian, thanks to it’s colour and vibrancy, Rubens LP’s style is the perfect accompaniment to summer – and anyone who uses bulldogs in their work is sure to receive high precedence with us…..
Rolling out across Europe in coming weeks is this, rather difficult to watch, advert for Sony’s new range of 3D TVs – courtesy of Sexy Beast director Jonathan Glazer....
Devin McGrath
Gareth Hughes
Taxi Studio
The Dead Photos
Jiro Bevis
Eat! Brand Identity
Tappin Gofton
The Official Manufacturing Company
Rubens LP
Sony 3D TV Advert
