OhmyGodSuperExplosionsandUnicornsandRainbowswithPies.
What I am about to account has never happened to me before but it is kind of awesome. And I felt the need to tell someone (or people).
Currently, in addition to the mountain of group work and assignments I have to write for HEC, Strathclyde decided to be a nice guy and give me a literature review to complete for tomorrow as well (Such a shite guy). The lowest point was opening an example of a good review and discovering it was over 2,500 words (it may be a paltry word count to you but to me, it still induces winces and tears). So this is not going to be just a simple all-night effort then? Well, I was wrong, in more ways than one.
Firstly, we got to choose the subject we did the literature review about. I cannot emphasise enough how much better it is to be able to write about something you actually have a degree of interest in rather than writing about some bullshit theory that I don't really understand anyway. Additionally, whilst we had to get the subject of our review evaluated, the lecturer who evaluated mine not only consented but said it was an 'interesting subject'. Woohoo, nothing like some faith from the lecturer to spur you on!
So, my subject? I don't want to go into too much detail but basically it's about the impact of violent video games on violent behaviour in children and young adults and how to market video games in this type of fear-mongering environment. And I've discovered it's a hugely interesting subject. So interesting in fact that I have been reading articles for the past five hours and yet, put no words on a page. This never happens to me, ever. I never feel the need to really get into the grit of a subject. I prefer to skim on the surface (usually taking quotations from the abstract. Don't tut at me, we've all done it).
For example, the last three hours have been spent reading about the tragic Columbine School Shootings, which despite being horrific and appalling in equal measure, is also a great source of interest, not only because one of the root causes is believed to be the influence of violent video games in the perpetrators lives but also, just because in general, it is interesting. Specifically, I've been reading the reddit posts from a survivor of Columbine and whilst it has little mention of video games (ironically enough, he now works in the video games industry) it has just been too damn interesting reading his posts and viewpoints. So much so that it is now 8pm and I was supposed to be finished by now. I'm barely halfway.
Therefore, when I saw a post from my lecturer that we could ask for extensions, I have rushed an email away. Not because I have been a lazy bastard and have only started it the night before (I started a few days ago actually) but because I actually want to my literature review justice. Not only because it could prove pretty darn useful for my dissertation next year (if I'm allowed to do one for marketing, developing story, may talk about it later) but because I'm having fun.
Having fun whilst writing an assignment? What even am I?
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Monday 25 March 2013
Sugar Shack: Another Québécoise Experience...
On Friday night, Nana, Aziza, Jungyoon (who convieniently lives next door) and I went to a 'Cabane á Sucre' or a 'Sugar Shack', about an hour outside of Montréal. Believe me, calling it a sugar shack is an understatement but more of that later.
In simple terms, a sugar shack is a front for producers of maple syrup. The 'harvesting' time for maple syrup, typically tends to be between March and April and so, whilst there is still plenty of maple syrup to go around, these producers tend to open sugar shacks during this period so both Montréalers and foreign visitors such as yours truly can sample the delectable delights of a traditional and sweet Quebec meal.
We all got into the coach and made our way there. You have no idea how cool it is to be going places on a coach again. It's like I've been transported back in time to school, where school trips used to induce excitement and happiness. I love having that feeling again. Anyway, we arrived at the sugar shack just as the sun was setting and it was pretty much exactly as I had imagined it. A shack. There was nothing particularly special about it and inside was pretty much your standard log cabin decor (or what I imagine to be a pretty standard log cabin, not that I am an expert in the interior design of log cabins, that might be Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen's field of expertise more than mine).
We were shown into a room where there were large tables set out and we all settled down to enjoy this meal. The process is simply sit down and a waitress will bring you your food (and you can ask for as many helpings as you want). As we had all starved ourselves for this promised meal of majestic quality (and quantity), the bread sitting on the table looked too inviting and we all practically wolfed it down in mere seconds. Alexandre, one of the organisers, told us not to eat too much bread because we would need room for later. Obviously, Alexandre had underestimated the power of my stomach because I can not describe the level of hunger I was feeling.
The first course came out, which was a nice and gentle Pea soup to get the ball rolling. However, after one sip, something was not quite right about it. I couldn't really put my finger on it but continued to eat it anyway (refer back to previous paragraph about starvation for more clarification). It was only when I hit the bottom of the bowl that I realised that maple syrup had been added to the recipe. Now, I have a sweet tooth (obviously) but c'mon, really? After the soup was finished (and I did finish it, I am not quitter), there was a small amount of time between the soup being cleared away and the main course, we decided to have a peek at some of the condiments on offer. Now, usually, I'm not a huge fan of pickles but as the ravenous part of my personality came out to play, I decided to try one. I am not even lying when I say that the pickles were pickled in maple syrup. However, there was a lovely chutney that deserves a mention because even though that had maple syrup in it, it was good. Pickles in maple syrup however, are not acceptable.
Finally, after what had seemed like an age, the main meal came out. It was almost like an English breakfast with scrambled eggs, smoked sausage, ham, baked beans and potatoes. Except, of course, everything has maple syrup in it. I'm not even lying, if you were unaware of the fact you were diabetic, you would have definitely known after this meal. It was crazy. Even the baked beans were in maple syrup... And then pudding. Need I talk about pudding? Cake with maple syrup or Maple syrup tart? My heart was racing faster than a fat man in a cake shop (ironic really). Probably the craziest part of the meal though was when Nana discovered the odd but rather tasty combination of Pork scratchings drizzled with maple syrup (yeah, we were pretty much all having heart attacks at this point).
Once the plates were all cleared away, the table was strewn like a battlefield. Everywhere I turned, I could see defeat in all of my friend's eyes. Food had beaten us all once again. And then, some soul announced that they were serving maple syrup taffy outside on ice. Well, didn't we all just stand up and make our way outside? Yes, yes we did and I don't regret a thing.
We made our way around to the back of the cabin where there were troughs filled with snow. Then this guy poured boiled maple syrup over the snow where it cooled just enough so that it became a sort of sticky, pliable consistency, which when rolled with a lolly pop stick, could be consumed easily. Long story short, it tasted awesome. And the guy kept coming round with this jug whilst we were being educated on how maple syrup was made (I can't lie, I wasn't really concentrating). I think the worst part was that I heard someone lamenting how they had had two whilst I was popping my fourth into my mouth (no regrets).
After a small tour of the workshop and a group photo, it was decided that we would all get back onto the bus and make our way back to Montréal.
There's two things about this experience I would like to point out. One, it is probably the only time and opportunity I will have to ever visit a sugar shack as it is very ingrained in the Quebec culture and not necessarily obvious to outsiders. Plus the fact I hope I never come back here in March or April. And two, I did not fall over at all (which is what usually happens during trips with HEChange). Hooray!
In simple terms, a sugar shack is a front for producers of maple syrup. The 'harvesting' time for maple syrup, typically tends to be between March and April and so, whilst there is still plenty of maple syrup to go around, these producers tend to open sugar shacks during this period so both Montréalers and foreign visitors such as yours truly can sample the delectable delights of a traditional and sweet Quebec meal.
We all got into the coach and made our way there. You have no idea how cool it is to be going places on a coach again. It's like I've been transported back in time to school, where school trips used to induce excitement and happiness. I love having that feeling again. Anyway, we arrived at the sugar shack just as the sun was setting and it was pretty much exactly as I had imagined it. A shack. There was nothing particularly special about it and inside was pretty much your standard log cabin decor (or what I imagine to be a pretty standard log cabin, not that I am an expert in the interior design of log cabins, that might be Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen's field of expertise more than mine).
 |
| Yes, the icicles are real! |
We were shown into a room where there were large tables set out and we all settled down to enjoy this meal. The process is simply sit down and a waitress will bring you your food (and you can ask for as many helpings as you want). As we had all starved ourselves for this promised meal of majestic quality (and quantity), the bread sitting on the table looked too inviting and we all practically wolfed it down in mere seconds. Alexandre, one of the organisers, told us not to eat too much bread because we would need room for later. Obviously, Alexandre had underestimated the power of my stomach because I can not describe the level of hunger I was feeling.
The first course came out, which was a nice and gentle Pea soup to get the ball rolling. However, after one sip, something was not quite right about it. I couldn't really put my finger on it but continued to eat it anyway (refer back to previous paragraph about starvation for more clarification). It was only when I hit the bottom of the bowl that I realised that maple syrup had been added to the recipe. Now, I have a sweet tooth (obviously) but c'mon, really? After the soup was finished (and I did finish it, I am not quitter), there was a small amount of time between the soup being cleared away and the main course, we decided to have a peek at some of the condiments on offer. Now, usually, I'm not a huge fan of pickles but as the ravenous part of my personality came out to play, I decided to try one. I am not even lying when I say that the pickles were pickled in maple syrup. However, there was a lovely chutney that deserves a mention because even though that had maple syrup in it, it was good. Pickles in maple syrup however, are not acceptable.
Finally, after what had seemed like an age, the main meal came out. It was almost like an English breakfast with scrambled eggs, smoked sausage, ham, baked beans and potatoes. Except, of course, everything has maple syrup in it. I'm not even lying, if you were unaware of the fact you were diabetic, you would have definitely known after this meal. It was crazy. Even the baked beans were in maple syrup... And then pudding. Need I talk about pudding? Cake with maple syrup or Maple syrup tart? My heart was racing faster than a fat man in a cake shop (ironic really). Probably the craziest part of the meal though was when Nana discovered the odd but rather tasty combination of Pork scratchings drizzled with maple syrup (yeah, we were pretty much all having heart attacks at this point).
 |
| English breakfast or Quebec Tradition? Only one way to find out... |
Once the plates were all cleared away, the table was strewn like a battlefield. Everywhere I turned, I could see defeat in all of my friend's eyes. Food had beaten us all once again. And then, some soul announced that they were serving maple syrup taffy outside on ice. Well, didn't we all just stand up and make our way outside? Yes, yes we did and I don't regret a thing.
We made our way around to the back of the cabin where there were troughs filled with snow. Then this guy poured boiled maple syrup over the snow where it cooled just enough so that it became a sort of sticky, pliable consistency, which when rolled with a lolly pop stick, could be consumed easily. Long story short, it tasted awesome. And the guy kept coming round with this jug whilst we were being educated on how maple syrup was made (I can't lie, I wasn't really concentrating). I think the worst part was that I heard someone lamenting how they had had two whilst I was popping my fourth into my mouth (no regrets).
 |
| Showing how it's done! |
After a small tour of the workshop and a group photo, it was decided that we would all get back onto the bus and make our way back to Montréal.
There's two things about this experience I would like to point out. One, it is probably the only time and opportunity I will have to ever visit a sugar shack as it is very ingrained in the Quebec culture and not necessarily obvious to outsiders. Plus the fact I hope I never come back here in March or April. And two, I did not fall over at all (which is what usually happens during trips with HEChange). Hooray!
Friday 22 March 2013
Internet Manners and Etiquette: The Social Schisms of Getting it Wrong...
Welcome to the Internet, prepare for excommunication!
Of course, not everyone feels this way and that's a good thing. But there are people out there who overthink their activities on the internet. And ashamedly, I used to be one of them. I say 'used' loosely because I'm still confronted with these issues even now. I've just learned to get a grip and not take things so personally. But that can be hard.
It can be said that every comment you post, every status you like, every message you send can be over-analysed to the point of insanity. I know there are some people who genuinely don't care and I praise these people. However, in a world where we are constantly craving the acceptance of our peers whilst maintaining a sense of individuality, I know that people will confront these issues in this mind frame. And it's unhealthy. I was inspired to write this blog because I have been confronted with many of these issues before and one recently, really got me thinking.
A few days ago, a girl added me on Facebook. I did not know her personally and I have never spoken to her in my life but she is also on exchange in Montreal and because she comes from the British Isles, I decided to add her. I thought perhaps she maybe wanted to open a dialogue with me which I was happy to provide (I'm a nice person like that). Now, usually, I do not add or accept people who I do not know and because this girl did not contact me in anyway, I decided to delete her today. Yet, when I went to delete her, I found she had already deleted me.
And yet, I'm the one who feels like an idiot. Am I oversensitive or over-thinking it? Perhaps. And I will gladly admit that I am a sensitive person and an over-thinker. But there are questions that have been raised. Why did she add me? Why did she delete me? Was she being nosey? Was she unimpressed just by looking at my profile? All these questions have been brought since this silly interaction and its genuinely ridiculous. However, the worst thing was feeling like an idiot and it actually made me feel slightly angry. Then I got over it and decided to channel it into a blog.
This made me think about other things that make people feel ostracised from the internet. Here are a few examples.
- Bad Grammar: I'm not massively critical of people who spell the occasional word wrong or get the occasional grammar rule mixed up. It happens to the best of us (like me). However, there are some people on the internet who go out of their way to persecute these people (The Dreaded Grammar Nazis).
- Adding Friends: You know when Michael McIntyre talks about the handshake/hug thing? When one person is going to greet a person with a handshake and the other is going to greet them with a hug and they meet in the middle and its horrendous? Well, how do you know when you're ready to add someone as a friend on Facebook? And why is it so nerve-wracking waiting for the acceptance? AND WHY DO YOU BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF WHEN THEY ACCEPT?
- Friend Number: I know this affects a lot of people (and if it doesn't, I envy you). But then again, that's what it boils down to. Why do we measure the success of our peer's social lives on the number of Facebook Friends? Why are we so jealous if someone has more friends than us? Does it mean they have more friends than us? Are they better loved than us? Do they have better social lives than us?
- Birthdays on Facebook: When it's someone's birthday, if they didn't say 'Happy Birthday' to me, I don't say 'Happy Birthday' to them. How do I find this out? I look at our friendship page. I think this is a pretty common law in the world of Facebook.
- Instagram Hashtags: If you have twenty hashtags, you are seen as an attention-seeking weirdo. And you're automatically jealous of people who have sixty likes with one hashtag.
- Arguments: Expect to lose your argument if you spell something wrong. Even if your argument is invincible. Also, expect to lose your right to an opinion if it conflicts someone elses and a whole day lost to arguing.
There are loads more I could list. I mean, basically every action on the internet has a consequence. However, the point I'm trying to get at is that why are there are so many unspoken norms about internet etiquette? Why do we need to think about every action?
Nowadays, I don't care. However, when I was younger, I did and I think it's horrible thing to feel ostracised at such a young age, especially from a place where everyone is supposed to be 'welcome'. The internet can be a cruel place and we need to stop the judgement and the measuring of our self worth by statistics.
Yeah, this blog was pretty pathetic, I know.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Scottish Independence: How does one decide the fate of a nation?
Today, First Minister Alex Salmond (or maybe 'not so affectionately' known as 'Big Eck') announced in parliament the date for the Scottish referendum on Independence. In 547 days, on Thursday 18th September 2014, the good citizens of our great nation will come together and decide the very future of Scotland with a single 'Yes' or 'No' question. I think it's a huge responsibility that weighs heavily on our shoulders and with the knowledge that the whole world will be desperately awaiting the result, it really has the potential to change the face of the British Isles as we know it.
As I have mentioned before, I am a patriotic bastard (I'm actually the worst person you could ever meet). Therefore, my knee-jerk reaction is to vote a loud and resounding 'No'. Perhaps it's due to my half English, half-Scottish heritage, perhaps its due to fear, I don't know. But then, I remembered that I don't really have enough information to formulate an opinion yet. Therefore, maybe I should sheath my opinion until after I have vanquished my ignorance.
Personally, I don't think there is enough information being provided to the general public about the referendum. And it's not a simple decision either. The independence of Scotland would have such an impact on the entire running of our country, with the far-reaching consequences of our actions being felt by our descendants, the next generation of Scots. However, the lack of information is from both sides. You have one side telling you 'Independence is Bad' but not really going into detail why and vice versa with the Scottish government.
I'm concerned with the lack of transparency thus far. And I think a lot of it is to do with a complete lack of trust in our governments, both British and Scottish. The expenses fiasco, the lies, the corruption; it all feeds the public's contempt for the government. We all feel like we're not being given the full story, all of the time which is very counter-productive when attempting to make a decision like this. In short, we just don't know who is telling the truth or not.
Which is why, now that the date has been announced, I hope that this opens the floodgates to some serious debate on the subject. I don't wish to live in ignorance and I'm sure most of the Scottish population don't want to either. A series of healthy, CLEAN debates are desperately needed, which will help us all to see the benefits of becoming an independent Scotland and the disadvantages, coupled with some concrete facts which will hopefully give us a clear picture of whether Scotland is ready to become an independent nation or whether she is to remain within the UK. Then and only then, will we be able to make well-educated and rounded decisions about the fate of our nation.
However, until such a day comes where I see a strong argument for Scottish independence, my vote currently is a 'No'. And also, a strong point for the argument against independence is that the Union Jack would just look weird.
Anyway, Watch This Space!
As I have mentioned before, I am a patriotic bastard (I'm actually the worst person you could ever meet). Therefore, my knee-jerk reaction is to vote a loud and resounding 'No'. Perhaps it's due to my half English, half-Scottish heritage, perhaps its due to fear, I don't know. But then, I remembered that I don't really have enough information to formulate an opinion yet. Therefore, maybe I should sheath my opinion until after I have vanquished my ignorance.
Personally, I don't think there is enough information being provided to the general public about the referendum. And it's not a simple decision either. The independence of Scotland would have such an impact on the entire running of our country, with the far-reaching consequences of our actions being felt by our descendants, the next generation of Scots. However, the lack of information is from both sides. You have one side telling you 'Independence is Bad' but not really going into detail why and vice versa with the Scottish government.
I'm concerned with the lack of transparency thus far. And I think a lot of it is to do with a complete lack of trust in our governments, both British and Scottish. The expenses fiasco, the lies, the corruption; it all feeds the public's contempt for the government. We all feel like we're not being given the full story, all of the time which is very counter-productive when attempting to make a decision like this. In short, we just don't know who is telling the truth or not.
Which is why, now that the date has been announced, I hope that this opens the floodgates to some serious debate on the subject. I don't wish to live in ignorance and I'm sure most of the Scottish population don't want to either. A series of healthy, CLEAN debates are desperately needed, which will help us all to see the benefits of becoming an independent Scotland and the disadvantages, coupled with some concrete facts which will hopefully give us a clear picture of whether Scotland is ready to become an independent nation or whether she is to remain within the UK. Then and only then, will we be able to make well-educated and rounded decisions about the fate of our nation.
However, until such a day comes where I see a strong argument for Scottish independence, my vote currently is a 'No'. And also, a strong point for the argument against independence is that the Union Jack would just look weird.
Anyway, Watch This Space!
Music Review: 'Every Weekend' by Hadouken!
So, on my old blog, I tried doing reviews and I actually really enjoyed writing them. Personally, they helped me to sift through all the good and bad points of a specific piece of media whilst having the potential to inspire at least one person to watch or listen to what I review which is always good. Therefore, I have decided to begin it again (I really want to blog more) so here's my review of Hadouken's new album, 'Every Weekend'.
Band: Hadouken!
Album Name: 'Every Weekend'
Formed: 2006
Album Number: 3
Released: 18th March 2013
Genres: Electronic, Dance, Dubstep, Drum and Bass
Hadouken! burst onto the grimey, underground dance scene in early 2006 before releasing their first mixtape, entitled 'Not Here to Please You' in 2007. The mixtape, initially released on a USB stick instead of a CD featured many songs with the age-old themes of sex, drugs, drink and 'Rock n' Roll', designed to appeal to the young, teenage generation of rebellious teenagers and 24-hour party people. The success of their mixtape lead them to release their first album, 'Music for an Accelerated Culture' which firmly established them in the dance/rave genre. However, with the release of their second album, 'For the Masses', their music began to move away from the immaturity of singing about crashing house parties and drinking to oblivion to a more mature style of electronica. Now, with the release of their third album, 'Every Weekend', Hadouken! have gone even further, finally gaining such a mature level of electronic dance that they may finally be ready to hit the mainstream.
Album Artwork
Hadouken! have really left the themes of teenage life behind and have embraced their new concept of futurism with the design of their album cover. The electric hues dancing on the face of the female is really eye-catching whilst suggesting that this album is sure to get a rave going. Definitely more original than their previous two album covers and easily identifiable as a Hadouken! album.
9/10
Track-by-Track Rating
1. The Vortex
A Slow build up with an electronic fanfare introduces the album before breaking down into the fast-paced beat that immediately gets the head banging. Before the verse starts, we are reintroduced to lead singer's James Smith's fast-paced lyrics that have really defined Hadouken!'s sound. A good start to the album.
7/10
2. Levitate
In my opinion, 'Levitate' is the best song off the album. The drum beat at the beginning and the quiet verses really build up to some top-notch electronic music. The music is really emotive and drives the imagination. I think it could even be one of Hadouken's best songs of all time and may yet become the song that defines them.
10/10
3. Bliss Out
'Bliss Out' has the anthemic qualities that will definitely get a crowd going at a gig with its resonating lyrics and more mellow sounding beat that will be ultimately bring the crowd together for a raucous sing-along and light dancing.
7/10
4. As One
Another song that builds up to the dizzy heights of electronic strings and synth with Smith's vocals at the beginning telling us that he won't 'let us down'. And so far, he hasn't. Another immense tune to go with the others.
8/10
5. Parasite
I really liked the radio edit of Parasite and although the single doesn't really match the epicness of 'Mecha Love' or 'Levitate', it's still a decent song that almost seems to relate the old Hadouken! and the new Hadouken! together in one song. Plus, I love the breakdown. However, I think the album version is not as catchy as the radio edit and perhaps, they should have stuck with the edit.
6/10
6. Bad Signal
I love 'Bad Signal'. Sampling Kim Wilde's 'You keep me Hanging On' really gives the song a different feel whilst fitting perfectly with the song's subject matter. The lyrics are excellent and whilst the beat is more toned down, you can get a better sense of the concept behind this song rather than just getting a good sample of dubstep or electronica.
8/10
7. Stop Time
Probably my least favourite track on the album. I don't like the vocals or the melody in the song very much and is a forgettable moment in the album but no album is perfect. I could imagine, with the alarm-sounding notes, being quite popular in clubs but it doesn't really fit with Hadouken!'s style. However, in saying that, it's still not a bad song.
5/10
8. Spill Your Guts
'Spill Your Guts' is definitely one of the highlights on the album. It's 80's - sounding synths sounds like it's straight out of an science fiction - action movie. The alien-sounding main body of the song and the haunting vocals really makes the song stand out. A great moment during the album.
8/10
9. The Comedown
'The Comedown' is probably the one song that will grow on people on this album. It's perhaps one of these songs that one is unsure of at first but has the potential to be one of the best songs on the album. The song starts with the guitar which is reminiscent of the big summer dance tracks that you hear in clubs during holidays abroad before launching into a dubstep-rich beat. One to watch out for.
7/10
10. Daylight
At first, I wasn't sure about this collaboration with Drummsound and Baseline Smith. However, the more times I listen to it, the more fond I become of it. It's very drum n' bass, sounding very like early Pendulum stuff (from Hold Your Colour) and once I made this connection, I respected the song more. Again, another song that grows on you.
7/10
11. Oxygen
I never really thought much about 'Oxygen' when it was first released as a single and I still don't think much of it. I think because it was released after 'Mecha Love' (which I will talk about afterwards), it could never attain the same level of gravitas as it, which sort of set it up to fall anyway. It will never be a favourite of mine and probably one I'd skip.
4/10
12. Mecha Love
Ending the album on a high to end all highs is the track 'Mecha Love'. Not only is this Hadouken!'s best ever song but is also one of my all-time favourites too. Everything about it, the introductory notes, the vocals, the build-up to the beat, the final push and the ultimate finale of the song are all perfect, absolutely perfect. One of the best displays of electronic music of all time and definitely the one to put on loud.
10/10
Final Word
'Every Weekend' encompasses everything Hadouken! is trying to change about its image. You really get the sense of the growing maturity amongst the band members, who are no longer the rowdy, rebellious teenagers they once were. Most of the songs are excellent and whilst with their first two albums, which both have their highs and lows, this album is a complete and utter high. Although there are a few minor blips along the way, overall, the album is anthemic and epic. I hope 'Every Weekend' provides the platform that Hadouken! needs to attain the real levels of recognition and success that the band really deserves.
8.5/10
Band: Hadouken!
Album Name: 'Every Weekend'
Formed: 2006
Album Number: 3
Released: 18th March 2013
Genres: Electronic, Dance, Dubstep, Drum and Bass
Hadouken! burst onto the grimey, underground dance scene in early 2006 before releasing their first mixtape, entitled 'Not Here to Please You' in 2007. The mixtape, initially released on a USB stick instead of a CD featured many songs with the age-old themes of sex, drugs, drink and 'Rock n' Roll', designed to appeal to the young, teenage generation of rebellious teenagers and 24-hour party people. The success of their mixtape lead them to release their first album, 'Music for an Accelerated Culture' which firmly established them in the dance/rave genre. However, with the release of their second album, 'For the Masses', their music began to move away from the immaturity of singing about crashing house parties and drinking to oblivion to a more mature style of electronica. Now, with the release of their third album, 'Every Weekend', Hadouken! have gone even further, finally gaining such a mature level of electronic dance that they may finally be ready to hit the mainstream.
Album Artwork
Hadouken! have really left the themes of teenage life behind and have embraced their new concept of futurism with the design of their album cover. The electric hues dancing on the face of the female is really eye-catching whilst suggesting that this album is sure to get a rave going. Definitely more original than their previous two album covers and easily identifiable as a Hadouken! album.
9/10
Track-by-Track Rating
1. The Vortex
A Slow build up with an electronic fanfare introduces the album before breaking down into the fast-paced beat that immediately gets the head banging. Before the verse starts, we are reintroduced to lead singer's James Smith's fast-paced lyrics that have really defined Hadouken!'s sound. A good start to the album.
7/10
2. Levitate
In my opinion, 'Levitate' is the best song off the album. The drum beat at the beginning and the quiet verses really build up to some top-notch electronic music. The music is really emotive and drives the imagination. I think it could even be one of Hadouken's best songs of all time and may yet become the song that defines them.
10/10
3. Bliss Out
'Bliss Out' has the anthemic qualities that will definitely get a crowd going at a gig with its resonating lyrics and more mellow sounding beat that will be ultimately bring the crowd together for a raucous sing-along and light dancing.
7/10
4. As One
Another song that builds up to the dizzy heights of electronic strings and synth with Smith's vocals at the beginning telling us that he won't 'let us down'. And so far, he hasn't. Another immense tune to go with the others.
8/10
5. Parasite
I really liked the radio edit of Parasite and although the single doesn't really match the epicness of 'Mecha Love' or 'Levitate', it's still a decent song that almost seems to relate the old Hadouken! and the new Hadouken! together in one song. Plus, I love the breakdown. However, I think the album version is not as catchy as the radio edit and perhaps, they should have stuck with the edit.
6/10
6. Bad Signal
I love 'Bad Signal'. Sampling Kim Wilde's 'You keep me Hanging On' really gives the song a different feel whilst fitting perfectly with the song's subject matter. The lyrics are excellent and whilst the beat is more toned down, you can get a better sense of the concept behind this song rather than just getting a good sample of dubstep or electronica.
8/10
7. Stop Time
Probably my least favourite track on the album. I don't like the vocals or the melody in the song very much and is a forgettable moment in the album but no album is perfect. I could imagine, with the alarm-sounding notes, being quite popular in clubs but it doesn't really fit with Hadouken!'s style. However, in saying that, it's still not a bad song.
5/10
8. Spill Your Guts
'Spill Your Guts' is definitely one of the highlights on the album. It's 80's - sounding synths sounds like it's straight out of an science fiction - action movie. The alien-sounding main body of the song and the haunting vocals really makes the song stand out. A great moment during the album.
8/10
9. The Comedown
'The Comedown' is probably the one song that will grow on people on this album. It's perhaps one of these songs that one is unsure of at first but has the potential to be one of the best songs on the album. The song starts with the guitar which is reminiscent of the big summer dance tracks that you hear in clubs during holidays abroad before launching into a dubstep-rich beat. One to watch out for.
7/10
10. Daylight
At first, I wasn't sure about this collaboration with Drummsound and Baseline Smith. However, the more times I listen to it, the more fond I become of it. It's very drum n' bass, sounding very like early Pendulum stuff (from Hold Your Colour) and once I made this connection, I respected the song more. Again, another song that grows on you.
7/10
11. Oxygen
I never really thought much about 'Oxygen' when it was first released as a single and I still don't think much of it. I think because it was released after 'Mecha Love' (which I will talk about afterwards), it could never attain the same level of gravitas as it, which sort of set it up to fall anyway. It will never be a favourite of mine and probably one I'd skip.
4/10
12. Mecha Love
Ending the album on a high to end all highs is the track 'Mecha Love'. Not only is this Hadouken!'s best ever song but is also one of my all-time favourites too. Everything about it, the introductory notes, the vocals, the build-up to the beat, the final push and the ultimate finale of the song are all perfect, absolutely perfect. One of the best displays of electronic music of all time and definitely the one to put on loud.
10/10
Final Word
'Every Weekend' encompasses everything Hadouken! is trying to change about its image. You really get the sense of the growing maturity amongst the band members, who are no longer the rowdy, rebellious teenagers they once were. Most of the songs are excellent and whilst with their first two albums, which both have their highs and lows, this album is a complete and utter high. Although there are a few minor blips along the way, overall, the album is anthemic and epic. I hope 'Every Weekend' provides the platform that Hadouken! needs to attain the real levels of recognition and success that the band really deserves.
8.5/10
The Home Run
Right Now: 'The Vortex' - Hadouken!
"Day 83 in the big Montreal House". These very words terrify me. I can't even believe it's possible that those many days have gone by since I first set foot in Montreal. And it's been a period of time where there has been a lot of highs and of course, with any new experience, a few lows too.
I cannot lie, exchange life hasn't always a bed of roses. There were the infestations of mice and recently, ants that I've had to contend with, which doubled with my other flatmates 'rocky' relationship with our landlady (she loves me, she gave me a Chinese pear) has not helped. Then, there's of course the weather, which really is nothing short of abysmal, especially when about 12 inches of snow decides to dump all over Montreal at the end of March. It's rather unacceptable. And of course, the most obvious factor is the constant longing to see my best friends and family again. I think, you could travel the entire world, experience and see the most wonderful things the globe has to offer and yet, I don't think there is anywhere quite like home (even East Kilbride, even East Kilbride). It's a deep-rooted connection that can't be broken, you can hear it calling you back and there comes a time when you just can't fight it anymore.
However, and this is a big 'However'. I am now getting to the stage where I'm so settled into a routine here that it almost feels like home. I realised it today when I walked 'home' from university and I didn't have to think about which way to go or which path to take. I just did it automatically and when the experience has entered your sub conscience, it starts to hit you that this place maybe means slightly more to you than you first thought. I enjoy being able to wake up when I want to, choosing when to eat, what to eat, when to shop, where to go out for dinner... The freedom of choice is literally limitless and that for me, is something which is priceless. I have also had great opportunities to travel, the highlight being meeting my family in New York City. It was a dream to go there and usually, when you people say 'OhmyGosh, New York is the best place ever' you wonder, can it really be that good? Well, I can tell you honestly it is. Boston was also a very beautiful place and somewhere I really think I would enjoy living permanently. Finally and the most important thing is, I have met some truly lovely people here who I hope I can be friends with for life. At first, I found it difficult because I missed a lot of fresher's week due to illness and other factors. I admit, I felt out of the loop for a long time. But gradually, you build on it and you meet new people. I mean, if I had to put it in simple terms, sixteen people came out for my birthday and I've known them around two and a half months. Last year, about fourteen people came out for my birthday and I've known them for years. It's nice to know that wherever I go in Asia, I will always have a friend there and I hope these people they will always have a friend in Scotland too.
So, now it's the home run. I have 53 days left to make this exchange the best experience of my life so far. And with events such as Toronto and Niagara Falls and Spring coming, I don't think it will difficult!
NB: As some of you may have seen, I recently became a blogger for Fireball Liqueur Official UK. My first blog hasn't been published yet but I'm really excited! I'm not sure how this is going to affect the frequency of this blog (which you know, is pretty much non-existant anyway) but I really want to try keeping them both going. So, I would really appreciate it if I could see the same level of support for my Fireball blog as I do for this one (plus you might actually win goodies and you'll be getting a guaranteed blog from me twice a month).
Thanks dear readers!
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