• Frank Ocean – Blond

    Fame is a funny thing; mercurial, fickle and often fleeting. Once back in the mists of time people became famous just for what they did but now, in our pervasive, insistent culture it’s hard to even distinguish between what someone is and what they actually do. And that’s Frank’s story, ever since his rise as the most credible member of internet championed dysfunctionals OFWGKTA Frank has existed in a place where he and his music are scrutinised, obsessed over and disassembled. Yet it is a wave that Frank doesn’t just ride, but seems to have actively tamed. Ever since the comments on his sexuality, the…

  • Premiere: Autumns – Blonde EP

    Fronted by Christian Donaghey, Derry noise-pop trio Autumns are easily one of our favourite live acts from Northern Ireland. Their shows are generally compact, explosive affairs; whirlwinds of feedback-soaked noise and jangling gusto. Released via Belfast’s CF Records, the band’s new four-track EP, Blonde, manages to contain the fervent, kinetic essence of their live show, bursting out of the traps on ‘Je Vous Être’ and crashing back down to earth on ‘You’re Not Tough Enough’. The follow-up up to their Downwards-released debut mini album, the EP was recorded in a single day at their first ever studio recording at Belfast’s Start Together. Blonde…