SWEET DREAMS FOR QUEEN BEES
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Laura Bannister

Laura spent the preponderance of her childhood years writing stories, although admittedly never in third person. As a full-time Media student, she now intends to pursue story writing as a career - but hopefully paraphrasing Enid Blyton a little less frequently. Laura's loves include team sport and blatant hyperbole, sitting in quiet places, collecting second-hand Alice in Wonderland novels and obsessively planning the intricacies of each meal well in advance. Yes, really. She cringes upon hearing not-so-cleverly amalgamated words like 'chillax' and 'witticism' - sorry, but they'll never be mildly amusing however you choose to use them.

Posts by Laura Bannister

Something for the small screen
Posted 27th Jun 2008
Filed under: Culture


Though he may not sport that rather capricious comb-over, it seems that the make-up savvy Napoleon Perdis and American business magnate Donald Trump may have a thing or two in common. The charismatic entrepeneur has recently signed up with the folks at Fox TV to star in his own reality show, Face On, in a move to win over the US cosmetics market. Rumour has it that the show will pit aspiring make-up artists against each other in a bid to uncover a new head of US operations for Perdis' iconic label. Sure, it's been done to death, but we bet it'll make for some addictive closet viewing nonetheless.
Anarchy is back
Posted 27th Jun 2008
Filed under: Music


It seems as of late that pure, uninhibited rock and roll has gone a little soft - buttoning up its collar, trimming its split ends and embarking upon a life of mild mannered sobriety. That is, until anarchic Sydney band Hell City Glamours decided that those venerated pioneers of the bare-chested, foul-mouthed, nicotine-loving lifestyle weren't the kind of people to surrender without a fight. After six years of live shows and a handful of EPs, their self-produced, debut album is finally due for release on July 5th. The Glamours produce a distinct, nuanced sound, combining swelling glam rock melodies with a gritty hardness. Embrace your inner renegade, cancel your plans and head to their website for the upcoming Australian tour dates.
Thoughtful Threads
Posted 27th Jun 2008
Filed under: Fashion


If the infrequent and half-hearted polish of your worn leather satchel is the most animal friendly you get when it comes to fashion, then perhaps it's time to take a look at some more eco-friendly garments. Too long has the rather unfortunate image of a hippie in a hessian sack reigned supreme in this category - these days its a whole lot easier to keep your quirk and simultaneously maintain our lovely planet. Skin and Threads is an innovative Australian brand that utilizes organic, natural fabrics to create distinctive basics. The versatile pieces provide clean, crisp silhouettes ready to be molded to your every whim. Check them out and do good ol' Captain Planet proud. 
Not dead yet
Posted 3rd Jun 2008
Filed under: Music



It's not uncommon to hear Armageddon-esque cries by music enthusiasts who claim the end of the Sydney independent scene is imminent. And it's up-and-coming bands like The Small Hours that immediately disprove any such pessimism. The fresh faced ensemble of Western Suburbs gents produce a quality of sound well beyond their years; dreamy, melancholy layers of synthesised reverberations punctuated only by the clean, crisp vocals of frontman Mark Smithers. Immersed in the nostalgic musings of suburbia, they explore issues of youth and companionship via thought-provoking imagery, which is often devestating without being maudlin. Songs like Arks embody an evocative lyrical intimacy that is characteristic of the band's self-relavatory musings. The Sydney music scene isn't in shatters, it's only just blooming.

Sydney-siders can check out The Small Hours, Bird Automatic and Parades on Thursday 5th June, 8pm at Hopetoun Hotel.

Read the fine print
Posted 26th May 2008
Filed under: Art
Cody

If the first thing that enters your head when you hear the word 'silkscreen' is Andy Warhol's multi-coloured Marilyn Monroe, then you really need to see the work of Cody Hoyt. The young printmaker has an impressive array of works under his creative belt, each evoking an atmosphere of quiet catastrophe through the use of subtle pastel colouring, frenzied typography and conflicting geometric shapes. Hoyt's medium is particularly unique - he often overlays prints with gouache and graphite to create interwoven, delicate images. Warhol, eat your heart out.
No death to Death Cab
Posted 26th May 2008
Filed under: Music


Although it's an undoubtedly bold statement - and a rather significant generalization, I'd like to suggest that the preponderance of us have one single favourite band. Yes, dear friends, a lone artist or group that intrigues and inspires you for not only that first, glorious listen that punctures the monotony of silent surroundings, but again and again. You could listen to them every day. On repeat. And you probably have. In fact, the intensity of your attachment means that you tend to get a little defensive at times. It is for this reason that I'm not going to disguise the purpose of this unashamedly bias rant. Whatever band you hold dear to your ears, I assure you that Death Cab for Cutie is better - or at least a significant contender to the position. Sure, they're not the most aesthetically pleasing assemblage of individuals - but who cares? With a career spanning over a decade, their music has evolved to become instantly recognisable. It is both subtle and beautifully layered, occasionally swelling to a glorious height , with the lyrics conveying an explicit vulnerability in their melancholy utterances. Their new album, Narrow Stairs is a little different, but no less captivating than its proceeders. Gibbard's vioce has certainly matured since the band's inception in 1997. Raw, stripped-back and intimate, it has, as Chris Walla describes "some teeth". Death Cab for Cutie are the perfect auditory companion to any emotional state. I urge you to dig a little deeper than the occasional Triple J play and let their seven albums overtake your eardrums. If you don't love them, you should. Catch them on tour in Australia from the 17th to the 22nd August.
Aerosol Art
Posted 23rd May 2008
Filed under: Art


Someone or other of relative importance always seems to be up in arms about the detriments of graffiti. Clearly, they've never seen the work of Melbourne street artist Reka. Inspired by both his natural surroundings and Japanese culture, Reka's work juxtaposes vibrant colours, textures and graphics to create offbeat, thought provoking images. By utilising pseudo human forms and appropriating well-known pop icons, he humorously explores the relationship between man and nature. Sounds a little different to the lackluster tagging graffiti that adorns the local train station. Melbourne folk can catch a glimpse of their home-grown artist's work at his latest exhibition "Tall Oaks", on display until the 13th of June at the No Vacancy Gallery. If you're quick you could also snap up some of the limited-edition prints available. Leave the aerosol at home.
Reka
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