Year In Review: Ten Of The Best Films Of 2018

Words: Saam Das

As ever, the recent Oscar nominations lead to discussion of what is and isn't worthy of celebration across the last year or so of film. This list of our favourite films of 2018 may evoke a similar response from some readers. Alas, a number of 2018's acclaimed films have escaped our attention ranging from Alex Garland's Netflix Original 'Annihilation' to Bollywood comedy-drama 'Pad Man', and there's plenty of honourable mentions to address first.

Surfacing: YVA [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

London singer-songwriter Eva Stone has embraced the whole "new year, new you" mantra, emerging with a new guise YVA. The first taste of her new self is unusually a cover, albeit a considerable departure from the James Bay original. Listen to YVA's 'Pink Lemonade' below.

Watch: Lady Leshurr - Horrid [New Freestyle]

Words: Saam Das

In a break from our regular programming, we bring you the latest freestyle from 2016 MOBO Best Female Act Lady Leshurr. Mainly because 'Horrid' appropriates the classic primary school playground phrase "liar, liar, pants on fire". No, really, it does. Having initially shared an unfinished version of the track as a freestyle rap on social media earlier this week, she's impressively managed to bash out an excellent studio version and a video in about 48 hours, which you can check out below.

Listen: Haiku Hands - Dare You Not To Dance [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Sydney threesome Haiku Hands are off out on an Aussie tour this February, and to celebrate, they're putting out their latest spiky dance-fuelled anthem, 'Dare You Not To Dance'. Having seen them play in the UK three times in 2018, we're happy to confirm that they are a flipping brilliant live outfit but in case you've missed out on the Haiku Hands bandwagon, the new single serves as an appropriate introduction.

Exhibition Review: Censored! Stage, Screen, Society At 50 @ V & A Museum

Censored! Stage, Screen, Society At 50 at Victoria and Albert Museum (10 July 2018-27 January 2019) // Words: Saam Das

The Lord Chamberlain's Theatres Act of 1968 brought an end to censorship for British theatre - or did it? The Victoria and Albert Museum (more specifically, curators Anna Landreth Strong and Simon Sladen) are on hand to investigate. The free Censored! Stage, Screen, Society At 50 display reflects on the history of regulation in the theatre setting from the 17th century through to more recent censorship issues across film and music, as well as on stage.

Listen: Sir Babygirl - Everyone Is A Bad Friend [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

We've been eagerly anticipating Kelsie Hogue's debut album as US queer pop hero Sir Babygirl for a lil while now, which will be dropping mid-Feb on Father/Daughter Records. Following the likes of 'Flirting With Her' and 'Heels', Sir Babygirl leans further into synthpop (with an emphasis on the pop) on new track 'Everyone Is A Bad Friend', and we're feeling it. A lot.