Latest 7 magazine

The most original and innovative piece of club genius lands on our shores once again! Does your mate love to skank while you are the reigning air guitar champ? Then this digital headphone revolution could resolve all your musical war zones. Two channels of party mayhem balanced on top of your pixie cuts and Jedward flicks sees two DJs battle house basslines and techy wobble against booty shakin’ R’n’B. Be your own selector, flick between the channels or slip them right off for some mid-rave banter at audible volumes. Silence is golden.
Saturday 5 June, Honey Club

A fan of the film Save The last Dance, I was excited to see hip-hop and streetdance celebrated in a show from London’s Impact Dance Company. We were entertained with a superb mix of solos and duets, with the most entertaining being a ‘dance-off’ between ’store mannequins’, danced to the likes of JT and Michael Jackson. The darker side was explored through hooded street gangs, but it was the light-hearted performances that won me over. This was a good introduction to the company and many talented dancers stood out in the ensemble pieces. A talented company who displayed their range with impeccable timing; the downside being a blocked view of their moves on the floor in the packed Freerange tent and bizarre sound dips. The hour show was just long enough see the diversity of this young company and for children with a budding interest in streetdance to take note.
The Freerange, 15 May
3/5
Zara Baker

Comedy trio Pluck took on a mammoth idea (literally, being the Titanic) and turned it into a small and fun performance, playing three members of the band who played on ’til the end. Once they’d warmed into the act, they appeared more comfortable, with one-liners delivered more easily, and facial expressions used to wonderful comic effect. The music playing was superb (imagine playing a cello or violin while being chased about the stage) and highlights included putting up a deckchair (yes, really) and two silent movies that played out behind them. Low budget props including an ‘iceberg’ were used for comic effect, and the ideas contained in this show were vast and various. However, I didn’t laugh aloud as much as I wanted to – or had anticipated – and with AV problems putting a halt on comic timing, at times I felt like I was sitting in on rehearsal.
The Old Market, 14 May,
3/5
Zara Baker

The Phillip Glass Ensemble’s second festival outing was a near sell out. The draw of the cult 1983 stronger than that of his amazing ‘Music In 12 Parts’. Or was it simply that at 90 minutes it was an easier option. Well, ‘Koyanisqaatsi’ is easier, but no less exciting or inspiring. Visually it is a treat, magnificent American landscapes slowly changing to scenes of urban decay and industrial waste. The message is clearly no different today than it was then. Hearing the score live was a treat too, but the audience was less gripped than for the previous work and as a consequence, more restless. All that said, this was a massively exciting event that had clearly seized the imagination of Brighton Festival goers. So am I saying Philip Glass Lite? No, not that but maybe Festival Audience Lite.
Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 13 May
4/5
Andrew Kay