A Special Time Creative

November – weekly pictures

As it is almost the end of November, the Christmas time is just around the corner. Even though it is still autumn the weather is getting moodier and colder, perfect to get into the winterly Christmas vibes. However, there are still some beautiful, sunny days that reveal the beautiful glowing autumnal golden colours. These days are definitely a special time and getting rare in the run up to winter.

Richmond Park

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TheCityIsOurs

TheCityIsOurs sold out their hometown show at the Thousand Island in London.

The London based alternative melodic hardcore band TheCityIsOurs was formed in 2015 and comprises vocalist Sam, both guitarists Stuart and Mikey, drummer Louis and bassist Jay. Musically, they mix a heavier guitar sound with both clean and screamed vocals which creates a dynamic atmosphere. So far, they released two EP’s, ‘The Wildfire’ (2016, self-release) and ‘Hollow Hope’ (2017, self-release), as well as two singles in 2018 being ‘Veins’ and ‘Casket’.

TheCityIsOurs

The doors of the 150-capacity venue opened around 7pm to a diverse but rather young audience. First band on the stage was the groove-metal band After Smoke Clears from London who set the heavy sound of the evening with their energetic live performance.

After Smoke Clears

Right afterwards, the London based post-hardcore quintet Tether had their premier as a band, playing their first gig. Third band was the post-hardcore band As Everything Unfolds from High Wycombe comprising vocalist Charlie, both guitarists Adam and Owen, bassist George, Jon on the synth and drummer Jamie. They caught the audience right from the beginning and set the level of energy and excitement high.

As Everything Unfolds

The crowd was highly motivated and engaged in all of the bands’ performances by singing along, moshing and jumping around. Nick (vocals After Smoke Clears) joined the crowd several times himself which was appreciated by their fans and resulted in a dynamic set. The energy in the room was picked up by Tether who were warmly welcomed and well received by the audience. They were overwhelmed by the positive feedback they got from the audience who enjoyed their set.

Tether

As Everything Unfolds surprised the audience by inviting TheCityIsOurs’ vocalist Sam on stage to join them for one of their songs. Finishing their energetic set, they left the crowd excited for the final band and headliners TheCityIsOurs. With the band entering the stage, the atmosphere in the room changed slightly and the energy levels of the audience increased further. They played a good mix of their older and new songs which the audience screamed back to the stage on the top of their lungs, leaving the band speechless. The band invited Charlie to perform one of their songs with them before they joined the crowd themselves at the end of their set.

TheCityIsOurs

All four sets had a good light show which supported the vibe of the music and created an individual atmosphere. The acoustic of the venue was good, and both the vocals and instruments were well mixed.

Overall, it was a highly energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Both the bands and the audience seemed to enjoy the performance. The bands were overwhelmed by the energy and support of their fans who engaged by moshing around and screaming the lyrics back to the stage. It was a special time.

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Chapter And Verse

Chapter And Verse welcome ‘the new breed’ to celebrate the release of their new single ‘Ink’ (2018, self-release) at the Black Heart in Camden.

Formed in 2016, the London based alt-rock band Chapter And Verse currently comprises vocalist Josh Carter, guitarist, Darren Gosling, drummer Ash Morton and bassist Jonny Hopwood. So far, the quartet released their EP ‘The Wolves Back Home’ (2016, self-release), followed by the two singles ‘Magazines’ (2017, self-release) and ‘A Devil In Blue’ (2018, self-release), as well as the most recent single ‘Ink’ (2018, self-release). Musically, they mix heavy guitars with mostly clean vocals, adding screamed elements now and then. Especially Josh’s incredible vocal range and the mix between aggressively screamed as well as soulful calm and clear tones is impressive and adds a unique feature to the band’s sound.

Chapter And Verse

Around 8pm the doors of the Black Heart opened to the audience who previously signed up to get access to the sold-out show. With a capacity of around 150 people, there was a cosy and almost homely atmosphere. Overall, the audience was rather young in their early twenties but there were some older people as well.

First act on the stage was the British solo acoustic artist Luke Rainsford who already released two full-length albums and an EP, mixing pop punk and emo influences with intimate and deeply honest lyrics. Even though there were some technical issues, once they were solved everyone enjoyed the set and sung along. Turning up the volume with their electric guitars and slightly heavier sound, second band of the evening, the British sludge pop quartet Bellevue Days, mixed heavy sludgy music with melodic hooks and catchy choruses, creating a unique and dynamic vibe. Their slightly heavier alternative rock-ish sound prepared the audience for the final band of the evening, Chapter And Verse. As their music in general is very energetic, they captured the audience right from the beginning and transferred the energy from the stage into the crowd which resulted in a mosh pit at towards the end of the set. They played a good mix of their older songs such as ‘The New Breed’ and their latest release ‘Ink’ which was highly appreciated by old and new fans who screamed and chanted the lyrics back to the stage. The vibe of the set changed with every song depending on the energy and emotions. Especially when the first note of ‘Ink’ hit the audience, there was a electrifying shiver going through the room.

Luke Rainsford

Bellevue Days

Despite some minor technical issues, all three sets had a good acoustic as the sound was well mixed. The light show was kept rather simple and dark which helped to create a mystical and dark but homely atmosphere.

Chapter And Verse

Overall, it was a special time, an amazing evening with talented artists, hones and beautiful music, as well as a great atmosphere. Both the bands and the audience had a great time. The audience enjoyed the sets and engaged by singing and dancing along which was highly appreciated by the artists. Everyone seemed to be happy.

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‘Trick Or Treat’ – Happy Halloween

Halloween origins from the Celtic holiday Samhain which over centuries turned from a pagan ritual to a week of costumed parties, trick-or-treating and jack-o-lanterns.

Whereas adults tend to celebrate Halloween with costumes and parties, children often walk from door to door in their neighbourhood, dressed as witches, ghosts or vampires, to ask homeowners for treats, as they will get punished or tricked if they don’t hand over sweets. The trick-and-treat practice is probably rooted in medieval practices of mumming which is related to souling. Some cultures associate the presentation of mumming plays with feast days such as All Hallows’ Eve, Christmas or Twelfth Night. Other cultures combine mumming with fancy dresses and street parades, or groups of soulers going from parish to parish begging rich people for soul cakes in exchange of prayers for the souls and friends of the donators. In other cultures, children went from door to door for food and coins which was recorded as traditional Halloween tradition starting around 1895 in Scotland. They were dressed up and carried lanterns made from carved turnips, expecting cakes, fruits and money in return.

Halloween seems to have many different traditions and practices, originating from different cultures. Nonetheless, it definitely is a special time of the year and I hope you had a great Halloween night!

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Autumn – weekly pictures

“Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves and withered hedges, and from repeating to herself some few of the thousand poetical descriptions extant of autumn–that season of peculiar and inexhaustible influence on the mind of taste and tenderness–that season which has drawn from every poet worthy of being read some attempt at description, or some lines of feeling.” – Jane Austen, Persuasion

Every season has its own characteristics and specific features that everyone finds pleasure in. However, autumn always seems to be a bit more special than some of the other seasons in my opinion. Even though I really love winter and spring, autumn is a special time of the year that feels cosy, offers lovely foods, features Halloween and gets everyone in the mood for winter and Christmas. The nature turns into lovely warm yellow-orange and golden colours as the weather becomes more rough, windy and wild. Unfortunately, it (increasingly) seems to be more rarely to actually experience a lovely autumn since summer often leads into winter and the other way around leaving spring and autumn out. Hence, it is even more important to cherish the rare autumnal days and to enjoy its lovely features while having a walk in the colourful forest, watching the leaves flying through the air, carried by the mild but wild autumnal storms, and getting soaked from the heavy rain after which one can snuggle under a warm blanket next to the fire place with a cup of tea, watching Halloween movies 😀

Tulip Tree

Sweetgum

Linden

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Something a little different…

‘I guess after so long she’s learning to realise more often than not when I’m silent it means that I’m already sorry
For not speaking up, for not using my voice
To talk about what I’ve been going through ‘– Casey

As today is the #worldmentalhealthday I thought it is important to share some thoughts about the topic since I believe that almost everyone might have experienced some sort of mental health problem. Whether it’s a lack of self-confidence, feeling worthless or useless, not feeling pretty enough, not living up to one’s expectations – or a mix of all of the above and beating oneself up for feeling that way – or even just by having a down-day… All these thoughts can affect one’s mental health. It definitely is hard enough to come clear with oneself and accept one’s flaws, accepting an unproductive way or not hitting one’s goals every day without beating oneself up all the time. But it is even more difficult to open up to others and talk about one’s problems. It feels weak, embarrassing and makes one vulnerable.

However, in order to get out of the dark times, to find the light again, everyone can find some sort of support in different situations. Music is for sure one of the strongest and most powerful ‘medicines’ to get one through tough times. But also, family and friends who are always there can catch one before hitting rock-bottom or just to give some guiding arrows to find the right path back into the light. No matter how dark, cold, hopeless and unpromisingly or difficult a situation might seem to be at a time, no one needs to go through that phase alone! No one is alone. There are other out there who struggle as well.

For me the most healing and therapeutic way to get through hard and dark phases is definitely the music that inspires me and that I love – either by listening to it or making music myself. However, as much as music helps, my family and friends who are always there for me if I need them are as important and supportive, and therefore, I’ll always be grateful for having them – THANK YOU.

In all the ways that I am weak, I am also strong; learning how to speak gave me the strength to carry on. – Casey

There are always good and bad times. It is however important to learn to cherish the good ones in order to outweigh the bad ones. This makes the good ones even more special and exciting. Life offers so many special times, no matter how dark some might be there are always some sparkles hidden somewhere in the night sky. It just needs time and a strong will to find and get to them!

‘Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.’ – Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter)

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Capsize

The Underworld in Camden opened its doors for another heavy rock night.

A little bit earlier this year, the Southern Californian post-hardcore band Capsize toured through Europe and the UK. Formed in 2009, they are currently consisting of vocalist Daniel Wand, guitarist Nicolas Lopez and drummer Andrew Tamayo. After releasing their two full-length albums ‘The Angst In My Veins’ (2014, Equal Vision) and ‘A Reintroduction: The Essence Of All That Surrounds Me’ (2016, Rude Records) as well as their single ‘Cold Shoulder’ (2017, Equal Vision), they just released their newest single ‘Fragile’ (2018) via Pale Chord. Musically, they show influences of melodic hardcore, post-hardcore and emocore. Especially Daniels voice, the meaningful lyrics, as well as the mix of screamed and clean vocals, underlined by alternating melodic and very heavy guitar riffs are some of their recognisable characteristics.

Capsize

The Underworld in Camden opened its gates around 7pm to a rather young, male audience. First band on the stage was the Canadian hardcore punk band Boundaries, followed by the Welsh hardcore band Brutality Will Prevail and Capsize, right before the two main bands of the evening which were the Californian hardcore punk band Trash Talk and the Australian hardcore punk band Deez Nuts.

Deez Nuts

Trash Talk

Deez Nuts

Right from the beginning, all the bands showed high levels of energy which animated the crowd to open up circle pits and to stage dive. Not even Nick’s (guitar, Brutality Will Prevail) broken angle could lower the energy the band brought to the stage, especially as Louis (vocals, Brutality Will Prevail) had enough energy and joined the circle pit in the crowd. Capsize kept the crowd energy level and excitement high but changed the vibe and atmosphere with their set which had a darker, rather mystical touch to it. The crowd jumped around and screamed the lyrics back to the stage. Capsize played a good mix of their older and newer songs which was appreciated by their fans. With the last two bands the atmosphere in the room changed again. The crowd went mental forming a huge mosh pit across the ground floor with a constant stream of stage divers. All the bands gave their best on stage and seemed to have a great time during their sets, highly appreciating the energy of the audience. The overall sound was good, and the vocals and instruments were well balanced while the light and overall appearance of the set was kept simple and rather dark which helped to create different atmosphere and vibe suiting each individual set.

Brutality Will Prevail

Boundaries

Brutality Will Preveil

Brutality Will Prevail

Overall, it was a great and energetic evening. Both the audience and the bands seemed to enjoy themselves and giving their best which was highly appreciated by either part. The bands’ performances were on point and showed how much the bands wanted to be there while the fans enjoyed themselves in mosh pits and stage diving.

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Jurassic Coast – weekly pictures

This week’s weekly pictures are less contributing to a certain topic but rather about a specific place I recently went to – the Jurassic Coast.

The Jurassic Coast reaches from Exmouth (East Devon) to Studland Bay (Dorset) which is a distance of about 154km. Since end of 2001, the coast, located at the English Channel of southern England, is listed as World Heritage Site. The rock formations that have been exposed through costal erosion cover Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous period which gave the cost the name. It spans almost 185 million years of geological history. Even today, there might some fossils found that are preserved in rocks as the area has been desert, shallow tropical sea and marsh through out the years. At some places where the sea has broken through resistant rocks, there are now coves, but it also caused landslides. However, these landslides exposed a wide range of different rock types which have their individual typical fauna and flora, fossils, and it provides evidence of the animals’ and plants’ evolution in this region.

There are many different routes for walks and to explore the coast. It was definitely a special time being there and getting to discover some parts of the history the coast slowly reveals.

Jurassic Coast

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Waves – weekly pictures

New week, new pictures 🙂

I always loved the sea and the water. It is fascinating how it can be really smooth, calm and shining some times and then very rough, wild and strong at another time. Especially, the splashing waves get my attention easily and I could spend hours watching them building up, almost invisibly crawling towards the rocks they are crushing into with a huge splash in the end. It can be very strong and forceful but yet looking very light and sensitive.

Here are some waves that I took pictures of at the coast in Cornwall. It was a special time and I absolutely loved it there.

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Modern Error

Heavy rhythms, melodic hooks pared with a lot of energy.

The melodic hardcore band Modern Error from Peterborough, England, comprises all these components with their music, creating a dark vibe and mystical atmosphere through their sound and live shows. Formed in 2017, the quartet consisting of the brothers Zak (vocals) and Kel Pinchin (guitar, keys), drummer Conor Nicholson and bassist Lewis Grant, is currently touring together with the pop-punk band Homebound from Surry, England. So far, Modern Error released their debut EP ‘Buried and Blue’ in 2017 (self-released) and their latest EP ‘Blackout Poetry’ in 2018 (self-released). Musically, they mix rough and screamed vocals in the verses with melodic clean vocals in the choruses, underlined with a heavily distorted guitar sound that is lightened up with more melodic patterns during the chorus and further extended during the breakdown in the bridges. The melodic but still heavy sound creates a dark and mystical vibe.

Modern Error

Around 7pm, the doors of the venue, Thousand Island, opened the doors for a capacity of around 150 people. The first band on the stage was the London based alternative pop-punk band Out Cold comprising vocalist Josh ‘JP’ Parsons, drummer Will Gibson, bassist Paul Mackellar and the two guitarists Jack Clifton and Archie Jacob. Recently having released their Debut EP ‘The Truth Hurts’ they created a lot of energy to start the evening. Second band on the stage was Modern Error right before the main act of the evening, Homebound who are currently touring through the UK after releasing their new EP ‘More To Me Than Misery’.

Out Cold

Homebound

The crowd consisted of a rather young audience who was very energetic and engaged in all three performances by creating circle pits, singing along or jumping around. Each set had individual and different facets which created a diverse set for the evening. While Out Cold’s and Homebound’s set was rather up-tempo and colourful, Modern Error created a unique dark and melancholic atmosphere. All three bands gave their best and seemed to enjoy their time on the stage. Even though there were some slight technical difficulties during both Out Cold’s and Homebound’s set, the fans seemed to have a great time and enjoyed all three bands. The overall sound was well balanced, and the light show was fitted to each individual performance which helped to create the wanted atmosphere.

Modern Error

The whole evening was a great experience with talented and promising musicians, great music and a satisfied audience. Both all the bands as well as the audience seemed to have a great time. Showing a lot of energy and engaging in the performance, all bands were overwhelmed by the positive feedback they received and could not thank their fans enough.
It was definitely a special time.

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