Listen: Zola Jesus - Avalanche (Slow) [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Last year, Nika Roza Danilova aka Zola Jesus was invited to perform at the world famous Guggenheim museum in New York. It resulted in a quite incredible collaboration between Nika and JG Thirwell, who brought an orchestral overtone to her existing electronic music. Such was the strength of their combined work that an album of those efforts is set to come out in August, led by the haunting 'Avalanche (Slow)'.

Telly Text 11: Andy Murray: The Man Behind The Racquet + Bodyshock: The Man With The Ten Stone Testicles

Words: Jordan Andrew

'Andy Murray: The Man Behind The Racquet'

Film Review: The East (2013)

'The East' (UK Release: 28 June '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

Out on Friday, 'The East' leaves Brit Marling's record of never having been in a bad movie intact. Her second collaboration with co-writer and director Zal Batmanglij after the extraordinary 'Sound Of My Voice', it follows a corporate spy's infiltration of an eco-terrorist collective and her attempt to reconcile her burgeoning awareness of corporate crimes with her life as a protagonist of the establishment.

Playlist: Glastonbury Festival 2013 [Ten Recommended Acts]

Glastonbury Festival (Worthy Farm, 26-30 June '13) // Words: Saam Das

It's one of the most famous music festivals in the world, and as usual, sold out well in advance. Glastonbury Festival is upon us. Many eager revellers are already down on the campsite but for those of you who haven't managed to get all the time off work or those less into the longhaul camping, here's a selection of bands to catch.

Film Review: I Am Breathing (2013)

'I Am Breathing' (UK Release: 21 June '13) // Words: Saam Das

For the first thirty-three years or so of Neil Platt's life, breathing wasn't much of a problem. The onset of Motor Neuron Disease (also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) changed everything for Neil, his wife Louise, and their young son Oscar. 'I Am Breathing' documents the final fateful months of Neil's life as he and his wife contemplate past, present and future, seeking to raise awareness of the condition and help Oscar understand more about his father.

Surfacing: Ellery James Roberts [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

WU LYF always troubled me, what with their shrouded identity marketing tactic and their unpleasant interview demeanour, but I must admit enjoying a selection of their self-styled "heavy pop" tracks. The band seemingly came to a rather abrupt end late last year, with band members emerging in new outfits like Los Porcos over the last few months. None have sufficiently interested me thus far, until now. Listen to the return of frontman Ellery James Roberts below.

Album Review: Surfer Blood - Pythons

Surfer Blood - 'Pythons' (UK Release: 17 June '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

Events over the past few days have made me think about whether you can separate the personal views and actions of music artists from their music. It’s one of the reasons I struggle to enjoy Blur having seen and read many accounts of Damon Albarn’s self-importance - an artist who worked with him described him less carefully as ‘a bit of a cock’. This dilemma was raised when I came to reviewing Surfer Blood’s latest album, 'Pythons'.

Event Review: War Of The Worlds @ Royal Observatory Greenwich

'War Of The Worlds' (1953) film screening and talk at Royal Observatory Greenwich // Words: Maxamillian John

The Royal Observatory Greenwich continued their Alien Season with a screening of Byron Haskin's 'War Of The Worlds' from 1953. Not what you'd call a close adaptation, it appends a religious theme onto Wells' original novel and moves the action from Victorian Britain to 1950s California.

Remixed: Arthur Beatrice - Carter (Maths Time Joy Remix)

Remixed is a column that will highlight remixes we actually think are worthy of praise, be they old or new. Because most remixes are rubbish. Words: Saam Das

It's been over a year now since Jack FG introduced us to London's Arthur Beatrice, via their excellent debut single 'Midland'. Since then, I haven't been quite as enamoured with their offerings, including previous single 'Charity' and the forthcoming 'Carter (Cut)'. However, this engrossing Maths Time Joy remix is making me excited for future efforts.

DVD Review: Hitchcock (2012)

'Hitchcock' (UK Release: 17 June '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

It'd be redundant to point out that creative industries have a tendency towards dramatisation, but in films 'dramatisation' is often an excuse for revisionism. More than any others, the film industry glamourises, worships and warps its own history, and this synthesises with the star system to create an introverted bubble of self-importance. Is anyone really surprised that 'Argo', a film that casts Hollywood as an international hero, took Best Picture at the Academy Awards last year?

Watch: Daughter - Youth [New Video]

Words: Saam Das

The debut album from London trio Daughter was easily one of our most anticipated of the year - while it didn't quite meet our high expectations, it did offer some gems. The highlight of 'If You Leave' was perhaps 'Youth', a hauntingly reflective tale of past love, which now has its own video.

Listen: Muscles - Ice Cream

Words: Saam Das

You're probably wondering why I'm posting about a track from a 2007 called 'Guns Babes Lemonade'. Well, in London, it's currently a balmy 25 degrees celsius, and today I'm working from home - which is increasingly resembling a sauna. Hence, an ice cream would go down nicely. But alas my freezer is devoid of such treats so instead it's down to Muscles and his seminal electro track, 'Ice Cream'. "Ice cream is gonna save the day" - you said it, buddy.

Watch: To Kill A King - Wolves [Animated Video]

Words: Saam Das

You may well have heard of Jade Hopcroft, a solo artist who released her debut single on the excellent Laissez Faire Club label earlier in the year. You'll probably also know To Kill A King, and the two have combined - Hopcroft crafting a wonderful stop motion animated video for album track 'Wolves'. Watch it below.

Preview: Alien Season @ Royal Observatory Greenwich

Alien Season at Royal Observatory Greenwich (London, summer 2013) // Words: Saam Das

Greenwich has been invaded this summer by a clutch of alien movies, shown at the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory. Tying in with the free Alien Revolution exhibition, which explores our scientific and cultural relationship with extra-terrestrial life, the Alien Season presents classic offerings such as 'The War Of The Worlds' (1953) and 'It Came From Outer Space' in a unique setting.

Competition: Win 2 Tickets To Espoir Voyage @ Open City Docs Fest 2013

We're big fans of London's global documentary festival Open City Docs Fest so we're pleased to be teaming up with them and offering you the chance to attend just one of the several UK premieres that they are hosting at this year's festival. Find out how to win a pair of tickets to see Michel K Zongo's journey of rediscovery, 'Espoir Voyage', in London this Sunday afternoon.

Listen: Austra - Don't Hurt Me Now [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Toronto's electronic maestros Austra just released their second album, 'Olympia', this week and they're showcasing a new track from the record to entice you into a possible purchase. As well as alerting you to their string of new tour dates, across Europe. Listen to 'Don't Hurt Me Now' below.

Listen: Nine Inch Nails - Came Back Haunted [Album Preview]

Words: Rajan Lakhani

The release of a new song from Nine Inch Nails wasn’t the surprise perhaps Trent Reznor was hoping it would be. A tour had already been announced and although Nine Inch Nails haven’t released any new music since 2008, Reznor has remained his prolific self, recently releasing the debut album from his How To Destroy Angels project and contributing to the latest Queens Of The Stone Age album.

Film Review: Man Of Steel (2013)

'Man Of Steel' (UK Release: 14 June '13) // Words: Saam Das

In 2006, acclaimed director Bryan Singer delivered his Superman reboot to mild fanfare and mostly quizzical audiences. 'Man Of Steel' again kickstarts the Superman mythos, with a more divisive figure at its helm - Zack Snyder, an understandable choice considering his relative talent in capturing action as seen in the likes of '300' and 'Watchmen'. Snyder was joined by Christopher Nolan behind the scenes, but does 'Man Of Steel' provide the Superman we deserve? Find out in our spoiler-free review below.

Listen: The Guilty Ones - Conquer The World [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

London four-piece The Guilty Ones are involved with music publishing big hitters BMG Chrysalis, home to the likes of Blondie and Fleet Foxes, so things are looking good for them already. And on the basis of their forthcoming "official debut single", 'Conquer The World', they look like they could do just that. Listen below.

Download: Everywhere - Eddie [New Demo]

Words: Saam Das

Swedes know good pop. I don't even feel the need to qualify that statement. You'll just have to listen to the supremely anthemic 'Eddie' by Swedish quintet Everywhere to realise that their pop tradition is continuing strongly.

Preview: Open City Docs Fest 2013

Open City Docs Fest (London, 20-23 June '13) // Words: Saam Das

One of London's finest film festivals returns again for its 2013 edition shortly, as the Open City Docs Fest begins next Thursday across multiple London venues. This is no ordinary film festival though, its focus on documentaries not simply saved for the big screen but indulged in live music, comedy, theatre, and even guided walks. Check out some of our highlights from this year's programme below.

Surfacing: Zen Mantra [New Artist]

Words: Jack Thomson

Eighteen-year-old New Zealand-based musician and producer Sam Perry, otherwise known as Zen Mantra, spent the majority of 2012 writing and recording songs in his bedroom. His grand vision of wanting to create music with the energy of punk and the atmospheric qualities of psychedelia has left him with a very distinct sound that’s a perfect fit for the summer.

Album Review: Queens Of The Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork

Queens Of The Stone Age - '...Like Clockwork' (UK Release: 3 June '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

Between the late nineties and early noughties, rock music seemed to be thriving. It was enjoying huge commercial appeal, driven by the success of nu metal with the likes of Limp Bizkit and KoRn regularly featured on MTV. Most of the bands have either have split, are on hiatus (although in the case of Foo Fighters, this is probably a good thing) or delivering diminishing returns.

Listen: Grouplove - Ways To Go [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Back in 2011, Grouplove delivered the tremendously exciting 'Colours' - taking influences such as Modest Mouse, Pixies, and Arcade Fire in its rousing glory. I must admit that I lost track of the band subsequently but Googling suggests that they had a song feature on an Apple advert, along with a reasonably well-received debut album. Album number two is set to arrive shortly, and here's the first glimpse - the surprisingly synthy 'Ways To Go'.

Win: Tickets To See AlunaGeorge At VEVO Go Show With Lucozade Energy

This post brought to you by Lucozade Energy. All opinions are 100% mine.

Lucozade Energy and VEVO have teamed up to host a series of special exclusive Go Shows - your chance to see some top musical artists for free. The first gig sees AlunaGeorge take their RnB-influenced electronic music to an as-yet undisclosed London venue. Find out how to win tickets for this one-off show below.

Simon Says: Sunday Selection

Words: Simon Opie

Back in February, I started choosing the best new music from the week's Altrock inbox and tweeting the FG band of the week, here on known as our Sunday Selection. There have been 14 winners so far – with a break only for the week Jeff Hanneman of Slayer so sadly died.

DVD Review: I Give It A Year (2013)

'I Give It A Year' (UK Release: 3 June '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

If it's true that whatever doesn't kill you can only make you stronger, this film will kill you. Written and directed by Dan Mazer, one of the many co-writers of 'Borat' and 'Brüno', 'I Give It A Year' follows two boring saps and the people who pass them on the downslope of their marriage. It's out on DVD this week, making it among the most expensive beverage coasters on Amazon.

Telly Text #10: Sweat The Small Stuff + Greggs: More Than Meats The Pie

Words: Jordan Andrew

'Sweat The Small Stuff'

With the success of 'Celebrity Juice' on ITV, the BBC has followed suit by creating 'Sweat The Small Stuff'. Hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw each week he challenges team captains Ricky Haywood and Melvin O’Doom from KISS FM. 'Sweat The Small Stuff' is all making a big issue out of the small things in like. Straight off the bat I did wonder what I had let myself in for on a Tuesday evening.

Download: Bobby Conn - Macaroni [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Chances are, if you're a Bobby Conn fan, you've already heard of 'Maraconi'. It appeared on Conn's 2012 album of the same name - which passed me by, but on the evidence of this track, I should probably get around to checking it out. Download the track below, and revel in its melody, reminiscent of Ray Parker Jr's seminal 'Ghostbusters' theme.

Surfacing: Young War [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

"I can't divulge my real name", says solo artist Young War onstage at Bushstock Festival. He's playing the anonymity angle. But knowingly so. "We're all here to make money, yeah?" I guess. If anyone tells you my name's Thom or anything like that, they're lying." At this point, despite my prejudice against mystery acts, I'm won over by Thom Stone aka Young War. His compelling RnB-tinged acoustica helped the cause.

Review: Bushstock Festival 2013

Bushstock Festival (Shepherd's Bush, 1 June '13) // Words: Raman K & Saam Das

Sun and music descended upon Shepherd's Bush last Saturday, as Bushstock Festival returned for its third year. The Communion Records-led festival brought perhaps its most diverse array of artists to the fore in 2013, from its usual folk fare to more experimental offerings such as the upcoming Pixel Fix. Dare we say it but Bushstock is no longer the young pretender to the bigger budget London festivals.

Listen: Frightened Rabbit - Late March, Death March [EP Preview]

Words: Saam Das

I've been a naughty boy. The latest Frightened Rabbit album has escaped my listening, since its February release. The band are releasing a new EP tomorrow, partly to remind people about 'Pedestrian Verse' and partly to showcase some new tracks - including a collaboration with Manchester Orchestra. Check out a couple of versions of the title track from the 'Late March, Death March' EP below.

Month In Reviews: May 2013

Plenty of reviews to look through from May. Mark Lanegan and Duke Garwood combined to impress Simon Opie with their new record, while Jordan Andrew and Maxamillian John ploughed through TV and DVD reviews respectively. At the cinema, the much anticipated 'Star Trek Into Darkness' appeared, read that review and more via the links below.

Listen: BASTILLE - Thinkin Bout You (feat. O.N.E) [Frank Ocean Cover]

Words: Saam Das

BASTILLE are gearing up for their new 'Laura Palmer' EP release, with live dates aplenty - including recent support slots on Muse's UK stadium tour. Here, they resurrect their version of Frank Ocean's 'Thinkin Bout You', which originally appeared on their excellent 'Other People's Heartache Part 2' mixtape.