Music News: Alt-J Win The 2012 Mercury Prize

Cambridge-based quartet Alt-J were the bookies’ favourites to take this year’s Mercury Prize – and they did indeed scoop the award at the Roundhouse tonight, despite tough competition from the likes of Plan B and The Maccabees. ‘An Awesome Wave’ received a 5-star review from us when it was released back in May, with our editor describing it as “strikingly original”. The art-rockers, who have been... Read More

Cinema Review: The Sweeney

Leon Nicholson reviews the big screen version of The Sweeney starring Ray Winstone, Ben Drew and Damian Lewis. Currently on General Release at UK Cinemas. For the younglings out there who are unaware of its history, The Sweeney was a British cop drama that aired in the UK. Spanning over four seasons from 1975-1979, this highly popular programme, with Harry South’s  iconic theme tune; starred the fantastic John Thaw as D.I. Jack Regan and Dennis... Read More

Music News: Mercury Prize Nominees Revealed

Favourites: Art-rockers Alt-J The nominated acts for 2012′s Mercury Prize have now been unveiled, with the usual mix of expected heavyweights and leftfield surprises among the shortlist. Last month we brought you the news that Alt-J were this year’s nailed-on frontrunners, so it’s no real surprise to see the Cambridgeshire-quartet nominated. Django Django and The Maccabees also feature, but there are notable snubs for Florence... Read More

Music News: Plan B’s Ill Manors Shoots Straight To Number 1

Acclaimed rapper Plan B’s new album Ill Manors – an accompaniment to his big screen debut of the same name – has proven a hit in this week’s album charts. Following the success of his soulful second record The Deformation of Strickland Banks, Plan B landed straight in at the Number 1 spot, seeing off competition from The Gaslight Anthem and Jennifer Lopez, whose latest releases debuted at 2 and 4 respectively. Ill Manors... Read More