First Week Video

So during my first week of university we were given the task of producing a video on whatever we wanted, just using mobile phone technology. This is what we created.

Album Review No.2

Testament Dark Roots of the Earth Album review

My jaw drops and my head bangs as soon as I hit the play button. Did we really expect anything less for the tenth album from American thrash metallers Testament? They’re one of the bands that make me wish I was about in the 80’s to enjoy. But here we are in 2013 enjoying an album that seems to be sprung straight out of the decade of Def Leppard, drainpipes and old school thrash. With a ‘special guest’ slot booked for Bloodstock festival this year, Testament are out to prove that they are not going anywhere soon. Phew.

This album is gloriously dark and angry, with themes on death and war that are poignant throughout. Sitting down and doing my usual ritual of listening to an album in it’s entirety, I can honestly say I enjoyed every track on the record. It has all the elements that a good thrash album needs. Face melting solos, extreme drum fills, grumbling bass lines and powerful vocals from an amazing front-man.

Firstly the opening track of the album lets us know straight away that this Testament and you’re in for one hell of a ride. It’s delicious speedy with catchy gang vocals, ‘When I say rise up, you say war! RISE UP, WAR!’ etc. The title track slows things down a little, but it’s a stomping song that really reminds you of their back catalogue.

From the outside, Dark Roots of the Earth may look like a relatively small album, but all nine tacks combine together to create one giant masterpiece.  It’s good to hear they’re still throwing out massive hits like in the good old days

Album Review no.1

HellYeah- Band of Brothers Review

My review (as featured on The Metalheadz page!) 

This is one super-group that never fails to impress. Catchy riffs upon catchy riffs mixed in with that feel good- HellYeah attitude. This new album, Band of Brothers is no different. With the first five tracks hitting you straight in the metal, like an unrelenting train, you’re sucked into the sound. This is studio album number three for the ‘Southern Metal’ Dallas guys, following success after success on tours and playing Download festival both in 2010 and 2012.
It’s a much heavier album than the previous two, and you know this from the first track onwards. It’s nice to hear the band members going back to their heavy roots on this heavy, beefy album.

Firstly, the title track ‘Band of Brothers’ pushes Chad’s vocals to the max, strong growling vocals mixed with sung sections that I can imagine would go down a treat at their live shows, ‘Just a band of brothers raising hell’ that lyric really sums up the feel of the album.
However if you want a low down filthy song to drink to then I’d recommend the fourth track ‘Drink Drank Drunk’ (try saying that when you’ve had one too many Jager Bombs!). This song is definitely for the party mood, but then again, so is the majority of the album. They do however tone the whole mood down by the 6th track, which opens with bluesy, country style acoustic guitar. It splits the album up nicely into two halves, the party half and the more serious, technical half. But that’s not to say the second half isn’t as enjoyable.
Unfortunately, It cant be all praise for this album since I couldn’t help getting a little bored with the overused riffs on some typical album filler tracks.
Overall, Band of Brothers is an album not to be sniffed at from HellYeah, granted its not going to be your album of a lifetime, but it is awesome nonetheless and will certainly get you off the sofa stamping your feet.

My Press Release Article

GAMERS GATHER FOR XBOX ONE

Thousands flocked to GAME on London’s Oxford Street to get their hands on the latest console from Microsoft this Saturday. Even some eager fans of the gaming industry camped out two days in advance to snap up the latest tech. The Xbox one, Microsoft’s latest console, is due to be released today as a follow up to the previous generation, the Xbox 360.

Sam Jones (21) lifelong fan of Microsoft told us he couldn’t wait to take home his new console to play the exclusive games. “I’ll be the first out of my mates to have one of these. It’s more exciting than Christmas!”

Although kept secret for a while, since the revealing of the new console fans worldwide have come together in the countdown for its actual release. Microsoft’s online forums have been swamped with responses and many dedicated fans have given their opinions on Facebook and Youtube.

Microsoft employee Patricia Smith (41) explained how she couldn’t believe the size of the reaction. “I knew it would be popular but this is crazy. We’ve all been so overwhelmed, it’s really great! Xbox fans won’t be disappointed when they take the Xbox One home.”

This new console differs greatly from the previous generation. It uses up to date technology to create a more dynamic gaming experience. Competitors Sony are soon to be releasing their answer to the Xbox One with the Playstation 4 which will fuel the continuous battle between the game giants. 

My Advert Script

Vision	Dialogue (Stephen Fry Voice)	SFX
People are sat on sofas looking angry and confused. They each pull out their phones and shake their heads at the phone screen. Close up of Facebook and Instagram pictures on their phones. Shot of phones on tables, sides, in pockets. Close up of a man’s face looking fed up Split screen with him daydreaming of the pub. All turn and look at the camera. Nodding Their heads. Shot of the app itself, how it works. Shots of people looking at their phones and walking in through the front door of the pub. People sat in the pub with drinks all around, getting drinks from the bar. They look at camera and have a toast. Logo screen of Instapint, contact details etc. Man takes a picture of his pint and peanuts.	“There is a problematic epidemic sweeping the nation. It is causing grief for many social network users. That old friend from Secondary school is posting pictures of coffee and food on their social network again. Oh yes, here’s another post about…bangers and mash? Great. Fed up of seeing updates from apps that you really don’t care about? Don’t you just wish you were in the pub instead, chatting with mates, engaging in real, mature conversation about politics, economics, society and life? Alright, well maybe not all that rubbish but you definitely want to escape the online stupidity? Then download our essential new app INSTAPINT. The best mobile app that gets you directly to your nearest pub no matter where you are. Simply by using WiFi our clever little application sends you on your way to the nearest pub. With drink menus and reviews it really is a nifty little guide. CHEERS. Instapint. Instantly refreshing. Don’t you dare think about uploading that online!”	(Intense Music) (Happy, playful, upbeat music) (Phones bleeping, sound of a Facebook notification coming through) (Music suddenly stops, like scratched record.) (Music starts up again) (Sound of Pouring and clinking glass) (Electronic Beep)

Task: Mind-map and Poem

White Noise

White noise,

Imagine if you can, if you will,

White noise,

An empty, blank sound,

White noise,

Filled to the brim with nothing,

White noise,

The creaks of a static stillness

White noise

Without notation,

Without rhythm,

Without tempo,

Without pitch,

Without passion,

Without love,

Without music, white noise is all we'd consist of.