Events & Social Manager Needed! Posted on January 31, 2012 by Jason Slack Unfortunately we have lost a great Events and Social Manager. We are now on the hunt for the next in line. It is easy to apply, just send an email to alex@purefm.com with a short manifesto with why you think you are suitable for this role. Anyone student from the University of Porsmouth is able to run for this position however the following are required. Must attend a weekly committee meeting to help communication and make discussions on behalf of the radio station. Attend at least 1 UPSU training event This role involves the organisation of all Pure FM socials, outside broadcasts and events. Socials are important for getting all Pure FM members together. The major events Pure FM are involved with are Fresher’s Fair, Pure FM Charity Event, The Isle of Wight Pub crawl and summer carnival. Other smaller events include broadcasting from various night clubs and other union events. This role is fairly open to innovation. You will need to be organised and have strong communication skills. DEADLINE: Monday 6th February 2012 All members will then get the chance to vote for their chosen candidate at the next Extended General Meeting.
The Maccabees – Give Into The Wild Posted on January 27, 2012 by The Music Team When listening to Given to the Wild the only word that comes to mind within seconds of the first track is ‘sublime’. From start to finish, the Brighton-based band The Maccabees refuse to disappoint; easily producing one of the best albums of January 2012 alongside other acts, such as Lana Del Ray, who’ve had similar success. Keeping their unique sound from the two previous albums, The Maccabees cannot fail to impress their fans, yet a lot of us were waiting for something different from the five boys and so the synthetic chords and vocals are appreciated but missing inimitable sounds which led to such hype around Given to the Wild. The album begins with the track ‘Given to the Wild Intro’, which has soulful vocals from lead singer and vocalist Orlando Weeks, combined with matchless guitar chords that are rarely heard in such beautiful synthesis. The introduction follows immediately into ‘Child’ setting a peaceful, indie tone for the album. The other tracks all share in the sublime quality and each is as equally enjoyable as the one before. ‘Feel to Follow’ particularly stood out and screamed next single with it success pouring out from the guitar chord changes. Yet we are left wanting; as each song shared the same quality, it lacked originality. The first single released from the album is the track ‘Pelican’, which closely resembles previous songs the band have released. However, this is nothing to complain about as far as fans are concerned as the unique indie sound generated by the band isn’t achieved elsewhere, and the more upbeat tempo than the other tracks gives the single it’s great potential to be loved especially when the band are on tour. One successful song is the final track on the album, ‘Grew up at Midnight’, which depicts the beautiful movement from child to adult, and in doing so the lyrics impeccably mimic the young adult fan base which the band themselves are a part of, and the changes behind student life most people reading this review will be aware of. The Maccabees have demonstrated some progression and maturation in both their lyrics and musical changes with this third album as a whole. For example, a song worth noticing where the group seemed most comfortably experimental is ‘Glimmer’, with new instruments involved creating a glimmering effect and a much needed change of sound. There is only so far you can praise a band, and The Maccabees are no exception to that rule. Given to the Wild is a definite progression and the success the band has experienced has given them the option to create music dedicated to being at its heart ‘good,’ rather than popular. However, the group have not yet taken advantage of this. The 13 tracks on the album may be beautiful, but the similarities between tracks do begin to get repetitive and leave you waiting for more than Week’s mystical vocals blended with electric guitar. ‘Unknow’ especially felt like a space-filler, combining the same chords and tempo into what felt like the rest of the album merging into a bland bore. So The Maccabees have achieved limited success with their third album, producing some beautiful music which should not go unnoticed, although it’s lacking in variation that the band’s previous achievements should have brought them the courage to progress to. Given to the Wild is an album which will always be looked on as synthetic indie art, but fans want more from the band’s next album which will be eagerly awaited. 7/10 By Rachel Hughes
