Over the years, Manchester has produced a multitude of exceptional musical talent. Oasis, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, New Order, etc – the list of bands slowly emanating out of the northern city reads like a who’s who of musical rock royalty. Delphic, a Manchester four-piece, look set to continue this trend and their debut album Acolyte could well be the perfect springboard for further success.
Shortlisted as one of 15 acts for the BBC Sound of 2010, Delphic are set to take the UK indie dance scene by storm. Described by many an expert as ‘the new New Order’, Delphic are able to produce a sound eerily reminiscent of their Manchester forefathers and Acolyte is a magnificent first up effort, with soaring melodies and ridiculously infectious dance hooks.
Doubt, the second song on the album, immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece with lead singer James Cook’s vocals taking the listener to euphoric highs and he matches the intensity of the chorus melody tone for tone. Red Light is another contagiously brilliant song in that as soon as the main riff kicks in it’s almost impossible not to get off your feet and dance along to the free-flowing beats. It’s a song typical of the entire album - not necessarily one for the ages but one to immediately set pulses racing.
Listening to Acolyte is one thing. Seeing them live, leading their audience on a trail of brilliant indie melodies, is another treasure altogether. Their recent UK tour culminated in an intimate but no less thumping performance at Southampton University and they wowed the packed in crowd with a flawless set. It’ll be interesting to see where Delphic can go from here. Following up an album as instantly popular as this one could prove to be a Herculean task. But for now, they need not worry. Acolyte has put them on a wave of immediate success and it’s difficult to see that wave dying out anytime soon.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
23 March 2010
Southampton voted friendliest city
Prospective students moving to Southampton need not worry about settling in on the south-coast as the city has been voted the friendliest and most welcoming in the country.
The study was commissioned by hotel chain Jurys Inn, as part of National Tourism Week, and saw Southampton top a list of 30 UK cities. Fellow south-coast city Portsmouth was voted 10th on the list whereas capital city London came bottom of the pile.
4,000 people from the 30 cities were quizzed on their views and it emerged that Southampton citizens are viewed as having excellent etiquette and superb customer service skills. Residents in the south-coast city also believed it’s more important to have good manners than anyone else polled.
Student Chris Hilton, 20, studies at Solent University and has been a resident of Southampton all his life: “I think it’s excellent that Southampton has been named the friendliest city in the UK and it’s definitely deserved. I’ve lived here all my life and can’t imagine a nicer city. It’s an excellent environment in which to both live and study. It doesn’t surprise me at all that residents in this city are considered the most welcoming. Students coming to Southampton should look forward to living in such welcoming atmosphere.”
A spokesperson for Jurys Inn said: “With London’s spot at the bottom of the list and the Olympics only two years away, the capital may need some tips from the friendly people of Southampton. It’s interesting that the top five most welcoming places are all coastal cities. First impressions are so important when travelling to a city - a lot can be learnt about a place simply walking down a street, and carrying out daily tasks helps you gauge how receptive the people are.”
UK’S MOST WELCOMING CITIES
1. Southampton
2. Norwich
3. Exeter
4. Brighton
5. Plymouth
6. York
7. Oxford
8. Nottingham
9. Derby
10. Portsmouth
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
The study was commissioned by hotel chain Jurys Inn, as part of National Tourism Week, and saw Southampton top a list of 30 UK cities. Fellow south-coast city Portsmouth was voted 10th on the list whereas capital city London came bottom of the pile.
4,000 people from the 30 cities were quizzed on their views and it emerged that Southampton citizens are viewed as having excellent etiquette and superb customer service skills. Residents in the south-coast city also believed it’s more important to have good manners than anyone else polled.
Student Chris Hilton, 20, studies at Solent University and has been a resident of Southampton all his life: “I think it’s excellent that Southampton has been named the friendliest city in the UK and it’s definitely deserved. I’ve lived here all my life and can’t imagine a nicer city. It’s an excellent environment in which to both live and study. It doesn’t surprise me at all that residents in this city are considered the most welcoming. Students coming to Southampton should look forward to living in such welcoming atmosphere.”
A spokesperson for Jurys Inn said: “With London’s spot at the bottom of the list and the Olympics only two years away, the capital may need some tips from the friendly people of Southampton. It’s interesting that the top five most welcoming places are all coastal cities. First impressions are so important when travelling to a city - a lot can be learnt about a place simply walking down a street, and carrying out daily tasks helps you gauge how receptive the people are.”
UK’S MOST WELCOMING CITIES
1. Southampton
2. Norwich
3. Exeter
4. Brighton
5. Plymouth
6. York
7. Oxford
8. Nottingham
9. Derby
10. Portsmouth
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
12 March 2010
Carberry Makes Solid England Debut
Hampshire’s Michael Carberry may not have stolen all the headlines on his Test debut this morning but he certainly made a positive impression and rewarded the selectors' faith in him.
Opening the batting with the stand-in captain Alastair Cook, Carberry wasted no time and immediately set about attacking the Bangladeshi new ball bowling. He took three fours in an over from Rubel Hossain and gave England an assured and fluent start that they would later build heavily upon.
With the opening partnership on 72 he was given out for 30, lbw to Mahmudullah attempting to sweep. But despite missing out on the big score his excellent start had merited, Carberry can be satisfied with his morning's efforts and will hope to progress further in his next England innings.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
Opening the batting with the stand-in captain Alastair Cook, Carberry wasted no time and immediately set about attacking the Bangladeshi new ball bowling. He took three fours in an over from Rubel Hossain and gave England an assured and fluent start that they would later build heavily upon.
With the opening partnership on 72 he was given out for 30, lbw to Mahmudullah attempting to sweep. But despite missing out on the big score his excellent start had merited, Carberry can be satisfied with his morning's efforts and will hope to progress further in his next England innings.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
9 March 2010
David vs Goliath: a south coast university rivalry
Local rivalries are a curious phenomena. Born primarily out of geographical proximity, the hatred between opposing camps can verge from the jovial to the fiercely passionate. There can be other factors involved, too - factors that add extra spice to the already sizzling cauldron of dislike. Class wars. Sporting achievements. Academic pedigree. All of these contribute to the somewhat inherent nature of the standoff. And when it comes to Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton, one can expect much of the same.
I’ve been at Solent for almost three years now and have only ever had sporadic encounters with ‘them lot up the road’. Not having been part of any University sports teams, I’ve had no personal experience of the sporting enmity between the two sides, even if friends have described the derby games as ‘unfriendly’. But I have discovered from my occasional meetings with students from the University of Southampton that there is an apathy between the two educational institutes.
It’s a rivalry so strong that nicknames have been coined by the opposing sides. Solent revel in their reference to Uni students as ‘V-Necks’ and the Uni doubtless have a similar choice nickname for Solent students. The V-Neck nickname stems from a class rivalry – the stereotypical Southampton Uni student seen to be privately educated, upper class and pompous. The belief is that Southampton Uni students look down on the Solent public - an article for their online paper Wessex Scene last year rudely described Solent students as the ‘Kaos rabble’.
However, it must be said that there certainly is a small element of an inferiority complex on the Solent side of things. Being only a recently established University, they fall under the considerable shadow of Southampton University’s long-standing reputation and accomplishment. It’s a hard old slog competing for acclaim when your neighbours are one of the most reputable universities in the country. But where Solent may fall behind in academic achievement, where else does the abhorrence come from?
Let’s examine it from a sporting perspective. Derby clashes between the two universities are the highlight of the sporting calendar. Many a Solent student has fond memories of the famous 2008 rugby varsity victory over the V-Necks – a win that sparked wild and vociferous celebrations from Solent fans in attendance. Third year student Tom Tainton has dined out on his last minute winning try in that game for almost two years now and he considers the derby to be of utmost importance to all Solent students. “It’s one of the games that everyone gets themselves up for. Beating the V-Necks is a special feeling and the players put in everything they possibly can, as I’m sure is the case across all the sports. Southampton take it just as seriously, I can assure you. I think they see losing to us as something of an embarrassment.”
But if sporting achievement is the yardstick by which bragging rights will be judged, then perhaps Southampton Uni still hold all the aces. Solent currently lie in 83rd place in the BUCS Overall Championship points table – a full 64 places behind their neighbours. The V-Necks have also enjoyed their fair share of derby success since that Varsity victory of ’08. The most recent Solent disappointment came from a rugby defeat administered by the Southampton University 3rd XV over the Solent firsts and relations were further strained by the dissolution of the previously merged American football team, the Southampton Stags. With the growing sense that the Uni are continually staring down their noses at their Solent counterparts, the rivalry isn’t set to go away anytime soon.
It’s an interesting subject. Southampton Uni is clearly the more established institution but the sense is that the power of this reputation may have gone to a few heads. The arrogant sneering of a number of their students towards Solent attendees has only served to cause further friction and their continual mocking of Solent’s recent history as an ‘institution’ and not a university is surely starting to get old. In a city that houses thousands of students there must be an element of the students being able to co-exist. I myself know some Southampton Uni students who live and socialise with Solent students. If this can be the case and the petty bickering can cease in these examples, it begs the question: why can’t we just all get along?
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
I’ve been at Solent for almost three years now and have only ever had sporadic encounters with ‘them lot up the road’. Not having been part of any University sports teams, I’ve had no personal experience of the sporting enmity between the two sides, even if friends have described the derby games as ‘unfriendly’. But I have discovered from my occasional meetings with students from the University of Southampton that there is an apathy between the two educational institutes.
It’s a rivalry so strong that nicknames have been coined by the opposing sides. Solent revel in their reference to Uni students as ‘V-Necks’ and the Uni doubtless have a similar choice nickname for Solent students. The V-Neck nickname stems from a class rivalry – the stereotypical Southampton Uni student seen to be privately educated, upper class and pompous. The belief is that Southampton Uni students look down on the Solent public - an article for their online paper Wessex Scene last year rudely described Solent students as the ‘Kaos rabble’.
However, it must be said that there certainly is a small element of an inferiority complex on the Solent side of things. Being only a recently established University, they fall under the considerable shadow of Southampton University’s long-standing reputation and accomplishment. It’s a hard old slog competing for acclaim when your neighbours are one of the most reputable universities in the country. But where Solent may fall behind in academic achievement, where else does the abhorrence come from?
Let’s examine it from a sporting perspective. Derby clashes between the two universities are the highlight of the sporting calendar. Many a Solent student has fond memories of the famous 2008 rugby varsity victory over the V-Necks – a win that sparked wild and vociferous celebrations from Solent fans in attendance. Third year student Tom Tainton has dined out on his last minute winning try in that game for almost two years now and he considers the derby to be of utmost importance to all Solent students. “It’s one of the games that everyone gets themselves up for. Beating the V-Necks is a special feeling and the players put in everything they possibly can, as I’m sure is the case across all the sports. Southampton take it just as seriously, I can assure you. I think they see losing to us as something of an embarrassment.”
But if sporting achievement is the yardstick by which bragging rights will be judged, then perhaps Southampton Uni still hold all the aces. Solent currently lie in 83rd place in the BUCS Overall Championship points table – a full 64 places behind their neighbours. The V-Necks have also enjoyed their fair share of derby success since that Varsity victory of ’08. The most recent Solent disappointment came from a rugby defeat administered by the Southampton University 3rd XV over the Solent firsts and relations were further strained by the dissolution of the previously merged American football team, the Southampton Stags. With the growing sense that the Uni are continually staring down their noses at their Solent counterparts, the rivalry isn’t set to go away anytime soon.
It’s an interesting subject. Southampton Uni is clearly the more established institution but the sense is that the power of this reputation may have gone to a few heads. The arrogant sneering of a number of their students towards Solent attendees has only served to cause further friction and their continual mocking of Solent’s recent history as an ‘institution’ and not a university is surely starting to get old. In a city that houses thousands of students there must be an element of the students being able to co-exist. I myself know some Southampton Uni students who live and socialise with Solent students. If this can be the case and the petty bickering can cease in these examples, it begs the question: why can’t we just all get along?
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
2 March 2010
The Speaker comments... The fall and fall of Portsmouth FC
There must be something in the water on the South Coast. Either that or just a long series of catastrophic business decisions.
Last week saw the spectacular fall from grace of Portsmouth FC who, after months of speculation and a season of terrible results, finally entered the dreaded realms of administration - the first Premier League team to suffer this fate.
Almost a year after the similar decline of fierce local rivals Southampton, Pompey have paid the price for a string of questionable financial moves. A multitude of inflated player wages and expensive signings have piled on the misery for the Hampshire club and the arbitrary nine point deduction has effectively sealed their relegation to the second tier of English football.
Their demise is eerily reminiscent to what Southampton suffered from last season. Administration brought about their relegation to League One and only a new owner and a mid season flourish have seen them partially recover. Fellow south coast club Bournemouth also entered administration two years ago. Now, with debts of over £60 million, Portsmouth have gone the same way.
So with whom does the blame lie? With their 2008 FA Cup success came the demand from the fans for further improvement. Then manager Harry Redknapp was told he had money to spend and promptly spent it. The likes of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch were signed for tall fees and proportionally tall wages. Having a succession of unsuccessful owners can’t have helped matters either and all the promise of investment couln’t paper over the fact that staff weren’t getting paid.
Relegation will almost certainly see the departure of the handful of decent players Portsmouth have at their disposal. Fans will be praying that their club can recover quickly.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Last week saw the spectacular fall from grace of Portsmouth FC who, after months of speculation and a season of terrible results, finally entered the dreaded realms of administration - the first Premier League team to suffer this fate.
Almost a year after the similar decline of fierce local rivals Southampton, Pompey have paid the price for a string of questionable financial moves. A multitude of inflated player wages and expensive signings have piled on the misery for the Hampshire club and the arbitrary nine point deduction has effectively sealed their relegation to the second tier of English football.
Their demise is eerily reminiscent to what Southampton suffered from last season. Administration brought about their relegation to League One and only a new owner and a mid season flourish have seen them partially recover. Fellow south coast club Bournemouth also entered administration two years ago. Now, with debts of over £60 million, Portsmouth have gone the same way.
So with whom does the blame lie? With their 2008 FA Cup success came the demand from the fans for further improvement. Then manager Harry Redknapp was told he had money to spend and promptly spent it. The likes of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch were signed for tall fees and proportionally tall wages. Having a succession of unsuccessful owners can’t have helped matters either and all the promise of investment couln’t paper over the fact that staff weren’t getting paid.
Relegation will almost certainly see the departure of the handful of decent players Portsmouth have at their disposal. Fans will be praying that their club can recover quickly.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Study shows students cannot name Labour leader
A poll has indicated that a third of students are unaware that Gordon Brown is the leader of the Labour Party.
The survey, carried out by student accommodation providers Unite, also showed found that a similar proportion failed to identify David Cameron as leader of the Conservative Party.
The figures will come as a worry to those concerned about the level of interest in national politics amongst the nation’s younger generation.
And although The National Union of Students have denied students are completely unconcerned with political matters, the poll also suggests that almost half of students will not bother voting in the upcoming general election.
President of the NUS, Wes Streeting, told the BBC: "In many seats up and down the country the student vote has made a decisive difference in previous general elections and will do so again.
“There is a wealth of evidence to show that students care about politics and realise its impact upon their lives such as fees and housing, particularly when it comes to those who seek to charge them more for less.
"Last year, research by Opinionpanel showed that a political party's position on tuition fees would affect how 79% of students would vote in a general election. This is hardly indicative of an apathetic and out-of-touch student population."
In an interesting find, the survey also discovered a quarter of students believed actress Joanna Lumley and business mogul Sir Alan Sugar would do a better job running the country than the current candidates.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
The survey, carried out by student accommodation providers Unite, also showed found that a similar proportion failed to identify David Cameron as leader of the Conservative Party.
The figures will come as a worry to those concerned about the level of interest in national politics amongst the nation’s younger generation.
And although The National Union of Students have denied students are completely unconcerned with political matters, the poll also suggests that almost half of students will not bother voting in the upcoming general election.
President of the NUS, Wes Streeting, told the BBC: "In many seats up and down the country the student vote has made a decisive difference in previous general elections and will do so again.
“There is a wealth of evidence to show that students care about politics and realise its impact upon their lives such as fees and housing, particularly when it comes to those who seek to charge them more for less.
"Last year, research by Opinionpanel showed that a political party's position on tuition fees would affect how 79% of students would vote in a general election. This is hardly indicative of an apathetic and out-of-touch student population."
In an interesting find, the survey also discovered a quarter of students believed actress Joanna Lumley and business mogul Sir Alan Sugar would do a better job running the country than the current candidates.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
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