Concert Review: Arctic Monkeys

Marry Me. All of you.

 

Emerging onto the stage through a thick haze of purple and orange, with a smouldering gaze and an air of poise and seduction, the Arctic Monkeys made me want to take my clothes off before Alex even had a chance to open his mouth.

Kicking off the set with “Do I Wanna Know,” it was clear the band were going to take the audience for a ride they’d never forget.

Sex on legs.

 

The set was AM heavy, with nearly the entire album being played. But that came as no surprise, seeing as how popular the record has been for the band. A definite highlight was ‘Arabella,’ in which the crowd, and myself, went wild. With big drums, riffs, heart-warming lyricism and a colourful delivery, it was an unforgettable performance.

The spot lights came on for ‘No. 1 Party Anthem,’ creating a prom like scenario, making audience members grab each other and slow dance. (The chick next to me kept jumping on this guy forcing him to love her, but he was not having a bar of it, it was hilarious). The audience also went mad for ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’ and the acoustic roar of ‘Fireside.’

Old fans were not disappointed however, with a handful of classics making a memorable appearance. A chaotic flashback to ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ sent my handbag flying, and resulted in countless broken toes from all the moshing. ‘Brainstorm,’ ‘Cornerstone,’ and ‘Don’t sit down ‘cause I moved your chair’ kept the energy levels high, and my ultimate favourite, ‘Fluorescent Adolescent,’ ensured everyone was dancing whether they wanted to or not.

Just when I was giving up hope that they’d play it, ‘505’ came bursting through the mist signalling the ending of the show and creating tears in my eyes. I am still unsure whether that was because the show was ending or because the lyrics in ‘505’ really hit home. It was probably both.

The set ended with a massive three-song encore of ‘One for the Road,’ ‘I Wanna Be Yours,’ and an extended ‘R U Mine?’

With that, the quickest hour and a half of my life had come around and it was time to fair well the beautiful boys from Sheffield. Whilst the setlist missed a couple of favourites (‘When the Sun Goes Down,). All five albums were represented and there were no fillers. Every song was bliss!

Ok, ok, I know you may think I am bias because Alex Turner is my future husband, but in all honesty it was one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen live.

Jeffrey gives it:

100 out of 10

 

 

-Giselle

35 Things first year students should know

With my time at university drawing to end, I can't help but feel bitter sweet.

On the one hand....Fuck Yeah no more studying!

 

On the other...Holy Shit I have to be a grown up now.

 

One thing that is for sure though, is that during the time I spent studying I learnt a lot about life and how to survive being a Uni student.

 

So here is my advice:

1.       Get involved. Join clubs. Attend rallies. Support associations. Do it because you’re passionate about it not because you have to.

2.       Take time to hang out with family and friends. Things will change, through no one’s fault. Enjoy the present, don’t take advantage of those who love you. And believe me there ARE people that love you.

3.       Apply for internships. You have to start at the bottom to make it to the top. There is no such thing as short cuts. Spend your summer holidays doing internships and volunteering, the earlier you start the better.

4.       Volunteer. Not just as something to put on your resume, but because it is important to give back to the community. You’ll learn a lot about the world and about yourself.

5.       Be frugal. Kmart and Savers are your new best friends... just tell them its vintage. 
 

6.       If you’re not enjoying something, don’t do it. Don’t let outside forces pressure you. It’s your life and it’s never too late to change your mind.

7.       You’re the idiot who decided to start your essay two days before it’s due, don’t take it out on everyone else. Next time you go to use the excuse, “but I work better under pressure,” try to remember that time you accused your mum of being associated with Nazis because you thought she deleted your notes.

8.       PRESS SAVE EVERY 20 MINUTES! Having a mental breakdown at 4am is not fun. Save it in two locations.

9.       Take some classes just for fun. Even if it’s irrelevant to your degree. It will make you fall in love with learning again.

10.   Travel. Take advantage of your lack of responsibility and commitment. See the world as much as you can. Don’t feel guilty about it.

11.   Do an exchange.

12.   Go on pub-crawls. Even if you don’t study that degree. Even if you don’t go to that university. Everyone will totally believe you study pharmaceutical science.

13.   You will become obsessed with T.V series. It will be a dangerously seductive distraction from study, and your favourite character will die. Don’t worry, you’ll be ok. 

14.   Use those hours between lectures, the long bus rides and lunch breaks to read books you’ve always want to read.

15.   DO YOUR READINGS! And participate in class, even if it is just to agree with what someone’s already said.

16.   Music is vital.  Get to know local bands. Go to live gigs. Go to festivals. Go see your favourite artist. That concert ticket is not a waste of money!

17.   PROOFREAD EVERYTHING! TWICE. THREE TIMES.

 

18.   Get to know your tutors and lecturers. They provide a fountain of knowledge that will help you. Use office hours to your advantage.

19.   Alcohol will make you fat. So will McDonalds. A $2.95 cheeseburger at 3am tastes like sex.

20.   Fuck buddies are never a good idea.

21.   Start writing. Even if you can’t write. Write about everything. Every feeling you are feeling. Every thought. Every idea. Every concern. Write until your pen stops working. 

22.   Thank the bus driver and the lunch lady and the receptionist. Do everything you can to make people smile.

23.   When someone tells you a secret, keep it.

24.   Go out with friends on weeknights, even if you have a test or work the next day. Treat yo self.

 

25.   Accept that you will probably be in debt for the rest of your life. Make peace with this early.

26.   Credit Cards were created by the devil.  Beware.

27.   Mixing vodka, beer and goon is never a good idea.
 

28.    Always use a condom.

29.   Meet people. Introduce yourself to everyone.

30.   Make mistakes. Forgive yourself for those mistakes.

31.   If you’re not interested, say something. It’s rude to keep people waiting.

32.   Laying on the floor of your shower will help you breathe again.

33.   Don’t be discouraged when you fail at something. Like Jake from Adventure Time says, “sucking at something is the first step towards being good at something.”

34.   Listen. Everyone has a story and everyone has something they can teach you.

35.   Don’t give up. I promise things will get better. You’ll get through this, and you’re going to be brilliant.


-Giselle

#OnRepeat - The Neighbourhood

Album: The Neighbourhood - I Love You (2013)

Ever since hearing "Sweater Weather",  I was hooked. An unusual mix of electronic, alternative rock, hip hop beats and R&B vocals. It's the perfect unexpected mix of genres. Dem vocals by Jesse Rutherford are blissfully chilled mixed with guitarits, Zach Abels and Jeremy Freedman, bassist, Mikey Margott and drummer, Bryan Sammis.  

The five dudes of The Neighbourhood from LA, or more specifically as they say, "Califournia", are fairly new to the block or 'hood shall I say. These guys have progressed fast to succeed. The band formed in 2011 with their first EP, I'm Sorry released in 2012, followed by their second EP, Thank You, out in 2013 which was the prelude to their debut album, I Love You released in the same year. 

The general vibe from this album is laid back with a rock edge and a moody, atmospheric electronica feel. Mainly covering the themes of love and relationships, depression and growing up, there's plenty for particularly adolescents to relate to. One of those albums to get you through long car rides, hectic bus trips, or just simply to enjoy whilst chilling out/reminiscing/. Definitely worthy to blare full-blast around the neighbourhood (couldn't help myself, sorry). 

Some of the album standouts include their hit releases "Sweater Weather", "Female Robbery" and "Afraid". My personal favourite tracks currently on repeat, "W.D.YW.F.M?", "Let It Go" and of corse, "Sweater Weather". 

Continuing on from last year's success, they have recently announced on all social media platforms, the latest release of "Honest", which appears on the Spider Man 2 Soundtrack. However, their new album currently in the works, The Black and White, has yet to be announced when it will be released. 

Be sure to keep a look out for what these guys have in stall in the upcoming future. Here's hoping a trip to our 'hood, Australia, is on the cards one day soon. 

Jeffrey rates this 4.5 stars out of 5 

http://thenbhd.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheNeighbourhood?ref=br_tf

https://twitter.com/thenbhd 

xoxo,

raq city

-Raquel Gazzola 

Toastie Addiction 101

They say the first step in overcoming an addiction is to admit that I can no longer control my obsession. So here goes:  I can't start the day without a toastie, I can't go a minute without thinking of my next toastie, and I just can't bear the thought of a world without toasties. Basically, life without toasties just does not exist. I hereby admit, I have a serious addiction.

However, to be honest, while this is not the healthiest addiction, I can't bring myself to overcome this. Instead, I just want to continually indulge and explore the many flavour possibilities that the simple toastie presents.

Throughout my lifetime, I have enjoyed many good times over a toastie. Beginning with the classic ham and cheese toastie treat as a kid, which soon evolved into a routine breakfast, then later became my lunch/dinner when there was nothing else I can afford. It's been my drunken snack, my hungover cure and my biggest, never-ending craving.

"standard toastie snap" - my lunch

Through growing up with toasties, I have been able to discover the best flavour combinations. May I present to you my favourite types of toasties (including my secret tricks that make them even more incredible):

1. The Classics - Cheese /Ham and cheese /Tuna and cheese /Cheese and Tomato
2. Slightly healthy - Avacado, cheese, ham, tomato (no butter)
3. The Wog - Salami, basil, capsicum, cheese
(and I've saved the best 'til last)
4. Heart attack - Fries, tomato sauce, cheese

Yet another toastie snap.

Top Secret Tricks
#1: Butter the outside of the bread instead of the inside. Tends to add a golden, crispy edge.
#2: Bega Tasty Cheddar always achieves the best melted cheesy goodness results.
#3: Always cut bread in triangles. Whatever bread suits, but I don't know why but triangles just taste so much better.

The Classic Ham and Cheese 

So yeah, you could say I'm totally a toastie masterchef. However, there is so much more to come, I will continue to strive to find crazier combinations to fulfil my intense toastie addiction .

Stay tuned.

xoxo,
Toastie addict






(a.k.a Raquel Gazzola)

 

Style Crush: Haim

 

 

 

 

Name: Este, Danielle and Alana from HAIM

 

Claim to Fame: American Rock Band hailing from Los Angeles, California.

 

One word to describe Style: Badass

 

 I saw Haim at Laneway Festival and fell madly in love with them. Not only are they amazingly, awe-inspiringly, fabulously talented (my favourite moment was when all three of them had this mini drum off and just smashed the fuck out of those drums), they have this effortlessly gorgeous rock n roll style that just oozes coolness.
 

Rocking vintage denim cut-offs, killer kicks and leather jackets, they are the epitome of festival fashion. Think casual ensembles with vintage-inspired sunglasses and boots.

Each sister has their own signature edgy style. Este, the oldest at 27, is fond of cute crop tops, red lipstick and dresses. Danielle, 23, has the more genderless style, often wearing masculine oversized Tees, jeans and boots. Whilst baby Haim, Alana, 21, wears her signature cropped shorts (showing off her wonderful long legs), ankle boots, sleeveless T-shirts and band vests.
 

However my favourite thing about the Haim sisters is their hair. Long, lushes locks that fall over their shoulders in pleats, parted at the centre and layered just enough for the perfect head banging action (think the Bohemian Rhapsody scene in Wayne’s World).  It’s the kind of long hair that every girl dreams of having at some stage in their life.
 

They are the perfect inspiration for summer festival looks. Also they’re hilarious, which has nothing to do with their style, but I feel should be mentioned just because it makes them even cooler.

I’m so enviously in love.

Style Crush: American Horror Story Coven

 

Name: Every character on American Horror Story Coven.

 

One word to describe style:  Chic.  

 

I get frightened easily; I can’t even sit through Paranormal Activity trailers without covering my eyes. So when American Horror Story first touched down on TV screens, I refused to watch it. Oh the Nightmares that would be had. But then the preview for the third instalment, AHS: Coven, aired with groups of witches rhythmically marching in shooties (a lace-up boot/shoe hybrid), black pencil skirts and chic wide brim hats, and suddenly my attention was caught.
 

Despite the gruesome violence and unsettling story lines, I fell in love with the bloodthirsty sorceresses and voodoo priestesses, and had the urge to wear nothing but black, oversized sunglasses and hats. The vibrant colours of Chanel , Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood (to name a few), mixed with blood and vengeance made for a pulsating visual experience that no fashion hungry enthusiast could turn away from, no matter how terrifying.  

 

Favourites:

 

Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts)- Hollywood wild child mixed with Satan’s spawn. Shimmering heels, bandage dresses, luxe fur vests and figure flaunting skirts. Madison always dresses to impress. Everything she wears is devilishly seductive.  

 

Myrtle Snow (Frances Conroy)- OH MYRTLE HOW I LOVE THE. The flamboyant, red headed, fashionista, who has an outrageously awesome style!  With sparkly cat-eye glasses, luxurious frocks, formal gloves and flattering accessories, Myrtle is always bursting with colour. She lights up the screen with her quirky outfits and compliments the contrasting blacks worn by the other characters, I LOVE IT.

 

Misty Day (Lily Rabe)- Long dresses, knee-high boots and flowery shawls.  She is a bohemian goddess!

 

Honourable mentions:

Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange), dressed in all-black and a striking lip, she radiates wickedness and power. Nan (Jamie Brewer), almost always wears Peter Pan collars, Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) in her gypsy head pieces and colourful maxi dresses, and pretty much anything Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga) wears!

 

-Giselle

Style Crush: Pixie Geldolf

 

Name: Pixie Geldolf

Claim to Fame: Daughter of Rockstar Bob Geldof, International Model and co-creator of funkyoffish.

 

One word to describe style: Experimental.

 

Forever altering her clothing choices and hair styles, (be it bright pink, super short platinum blonde, or devilishly dark brown) Pixie has a daring personal style and is not afraid to try something new.  Consistently dressing up in jackets, layered necklaces, shredded jeans, edgy dress’s and crop tops, her style is somewhat punk rock princess meets 80’s glam. Think Madonna, but more funky. At night or at special events, you can find her wearing suitably quirky outfits that compliment her outlandish look.

I love her ‘I don’t give a fuck, I’ll wear what I want’ attitude. Going from punk rock with dark eyeliner and ripped jeans, to clean cut with pastels and pretty skirts, she can master any look whilst giving it her own little twist, and always looks banging.

Places in Adelaide: A Mother's Milk

A Mother’s Milk, Adelaide

This quaint little cafe` located in Unley is the perfect spot to have a cute brunch date with friends.

The food is AH-MA-ZING!!! So, So delicious. I had the chicken sandwhich. Filled with rocket, a crisp strip of chicken, smeared with avocado and sandwiched between two slices of doughy, perfectly toasted, bread. I devoured every bit of it in just under 2minutes (it was really yummy ok).

I aslo had the apple and pineapple juice which was a tangy slice of heaven.  Definitely a worth while refreshment that will wake up your taste buds (and help nurse a hungover).

The venue itself is cute and quirky, with a with a rustic urban feel. We sat next to the book shelf and were highly entertained by its contents. I’m more then certain the owner just went to an op shop and bought every book with the funniest title. Great attention to detail, I enjoyed it.

Finally the service was great! Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

A Mothers Milk is definitely worth a visit, you can find it at 105 Unley Road and they’re open for breakfast and lunch.

You can thank me later.

-Giselle

Sacred Blue Cenote, Mexico

Bucket List #4

Sacred Blue Cenote, Chichen Itza, Mexico.

The Sacred Blue Cenote (or Ik Kil Cenote) is a natural sinkhole located 2 miles away from the Mayan Ruins in Chichen Iza. The Mexican Yucatan Peninsula is known for its Cenotes and the Mayans believed that Cenotes were portals to the underworld. The gorgeous blue water that inhabits the sinkhole looks even more enchanting beneath the natural sunlight filtering through the roof above.

I’ve only seen pictures, but holy crap doesn’t it just make you want to go there, jump in the perfect blue water and lay there staring up at the beauty that surrounds it. It doesn’t even look real.

Add it to the list.


-Giselle

Places in Adelaide: The Whispering Wall

The Whispering Wall, Adelaide.

The Whispering wall is the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir. There are bushes, a wall and a lot of water.

Why the hell would I want to visit a dam Jeffrey?

Well before you write it off, the Whispering wall is actually a big attraction in Adelaide that a lot of people don’t know about. Why is it so appealing?

Let’s say you got really drunk one weekend and accidently hooked up with your best friends ex, ex-boyfriend, and you want to tell her but you’re too nervous. What if she punches you? Well dear friend, take her to the whispering wall, get her to stand on one side of the dam and you stand on the other side, a whole 100meters away. Because of the dam’s unique acoustic effects, words whispered at one end can be clearly heard at the other. Problem solved. You can tell her what you did, and she won’t be able to push you into the dam because you’re 100meters away!

And really she can’t be angry; you drove her all the way out here, took her on a lovely picnic in the hills, enjoyed the beautiful Australian landscape, saw a kangaroo or two and spoke to each other through a wall. You’re forgiven.

Ok so maybe you could have just called her, but this way is much more fun. The Whispering wall is a great place to visit because it makes you feel like a kid again. Running up and down the dam, whispering things into the wall, having a full on conversation with whoevers at the other end, giggling, “haha helloooo, I can hear you, I’m talking through a brick wall.”

It’s a good laugh, and good place to take kids or adults who still act like kids.

So next time you’re in the Barossa Valley region, head to Williamstown where on the outskirts you’ll find the Whispering Wall.


-Giselle

The Tunnel of Love, Ukraine.

Bucket List #3


The Tunnel of Love, Klevan, Ukraine.

This fairy tale tunnel is located in Klevan, Ukraine. It is a three kilometre railway section that leads to the fibreboard factory.

Known by the locals as the Tunnel of Love, the trees that surround the railway curve into a natural arch, creating a radiating green corridor in the middle of the forest.

It is said that couples who visit the location and make a wish, will have their wish come true.

Not sure about that last part (that could just be because I’m cynical and single), but the Tunnel of Love looks like something out of a Disney movie. It looks like the kind of place that pictures don’t do enough justice. And the pictures look amazing.

Add it to the list.

-Giselle.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Bucket List #2

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

 

 

The Blue Lagoon is a Geothermal Spa in Iceland. The mineral rich milky, aqua blue water simmers at 37-40 degrees, and is said to be very therapeutic all year round. Even in freezing-yo-tits-off-its-so-cold conditions. There is also a sauna,
steam bath carved out of a lava cave and a massaging waterfall at the location.

It’s situated in a lava filed in Grindavilk on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Icelands south-west coast. You have to pay to enter the Lagoon, from research it’s roughly about 35 Euros.

Iceland looks like a majestic place to visit, and god knows I could do with a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Add it to the list.

-Giselle

Salar de Uyuni, Southwest Bolivia.

Bucket List #1

Salar de Uyuni, Southwest Bolivia.

Have you ever had those weird dreams where you’re stuck in limbo and you can’t work out where the sky ends and the ground begins?

Well if you haven’t, this is what it feels/looks like.

And believe it or not, this place actually exists.

This remarkable landscape (known as the Salar de Uyuni) is in fact the world’s largest Salt Flat and is located in Southwest Bolivia.

16,000 years ago a lake covered the area, when it dried up it left behind a 4,000-square-mile basin of salt and created this masterpiece. Why would people travel to the other side of the world to see a massive patch of salt? Well during the wet season the water from the rain creates the world’s largest mirror, reflecting the sky above creating the illusion of walking on thin air.

Imagine. You can see the sky and clouds beneath your feet.

Mind Fucked.

Add it to the list.

 -Giselle.