The Hertz Complex – No Control

Following brilliant reviews and international airplay for ‘Maybe I Know’ and ‘Bassy’, from their forthcoming EP ‘A New Habit’, we’re highlighting another track from the EP that shows a very different side to the band.  

The Hertz Complex - No Control

No Control is stripped back to focus on Neil O’Keeffe’s vocals, a simple yet utterly beautiful song that contrasts perfectly with the lo-fi fuzz guitar and shimmering Post-Punk creations the band are known for.


Neil O’Keeffe (lead vocals, guitar) and Paul Keane (guitar) have a songwriting partnership that transgresses borders.  Hailing originally from Cork, Ireland, they have set up camp in the emerging artists’ haven that is Deptford, London. 

Here they draw on a mix of influences from their Irish roots to bands such as The Chameleons, Joy Division, Whipping Boy and Howling Wolf, resulting in their own eclectic version of post punk.  Joining Neil and Paul are Benjamin Balan (drums) and Chris Keelan (bass). Originally from Canada, they form a solid, driving rhythm section that provides the foundation to The Hertz Complex’s dynamic interlacing guitar work.
 
The four-piece aim to bring a forgotten passion back into music and this musical salvation has certainly been delivered – an ever-growing army of fans, festival appearances and a headline slot at LA’s legendary Whisky A Go Go are testament to that fact.  The Hertz Complex’s highly anticipated debut EP comes on the back of news that one of their songs will be featured in a movie soundtrack, another sure sign that this band are making music that is essential listening.

 

 

‘Gentleman’s Wager… A Bet In Which Nothing Is Wagered’

VIS_7352

With the prospect of an exquisite mixture of two of the finest Hollywood actors and the world’s leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, the elegant Bulgari Hotel & Residences in Knightsbridge played host to an intimate group of VIPs and influencers who attended the UK premier of JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™’s ‘Gentleman’s Wager’ Screening on Tuesday evening before its official launch to the public on 30th July. Laura Bailey, Clara Paget, Camilla Rutherford, Natalie Pinkham, Izzy Lawrence, Natalie Coyle, Sam Hoare, Noelle Reno, Lord Harry Dalmeny, Alistair Guy, Yasmin Mills, Ozwald Boateng, Jemma Powell, Beatrix Ong and Joanne Sykes were among the VIPs who were welcomed with Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Gentleman’s Wager’ cocktails, innovative and refreshing, breaking down the barriers of whisky-drinking to bring it to the forefront of summer consumption. Cute little canapés of saffron aranchini, fresh burrata with black olive condiment, salmon rillettes, dill and capers made the perfect accompaniment alongside the pinnacle offerings from Johnnie Walker.

Before the screening commenced, guests were invited to taste the Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Perfect Serve’… straight, no ice. Relishing the enjoyment of this fine blend, the main event was introduced, the silence only pierced by the Propercorn popcorn served for the screening itself. Created by JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™, the world’s leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ stars Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini and tells the story of a wager between two men which results in a truly rare experience as part of their quest for personal progress. Commenting on his involvement, Law says: “The film is about improvement and progress and this is something I try to do in my work and my everyday life. I had to learn new skills shooting this film that combined with the places we visited and shot in, alongside working with Jake and Giancarlo, (this) made it a truly rare experience.” Such is the game of perception and reality…. CLEMXBLUEKELLY_FR

VIS_7329 VIS_7337 VIS_7340 VIS_7344

Understated charm appeared to be the dress code with VIPs opting for sophistication on a warm summer evening in the heart of SW7.

 

Laura Bailey wore a classic pink Louis Vuitton waistcoat paired with culottes, Clara Paget’s gorgeous summer offering was from the Peter Pilotto collection and newly-engaged classical singing sensation, Natalie Coyle, wore a muted nude dress from ASOS, choosing instead to accentuate her beautiful engagement ring given to her a few weeks ago during a holiday in Santorini by her fiancée Zafar Rushdie (son of Salman). Noelle Reno looked stunning in a red V cut French lace dress by Adriana Minari whilst Ozwald Boateng dictated style with key pieces from his own collection.

VIS_7299 VIS_7306 VIS_7333

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is the ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era. Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL. BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate. With just a little hint of ‘The Italian Job’ in the opening sequence of ‘Gentleman’s Wager’, the short film combined inquisitiveness with a smooth solicitous lust for grasping what appears unattainable… epitomising the brand, JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL.

A preview of ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ film can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/johnniewalker

The Bulgari Hotel & Residencies, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1D

Thanks to Harriet at Quintessentially

#GentlemansWager @JohnnieWalker_

Images ©Shane Finn at www.visual-devotion.co.uk

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Really Wild Adventures: Michaela Strachan To Host Live Shows At Howletts

Visitors at Howletts Wild Animal Park, one of Kent’s most popular visitor attractions, are in for a treat on 29th July as one of TV’s most popular and charismatic presenters,Michaela Strachan, hosts the Really Wild Adventures Show at the park.

michaelastrachanathowlettssummer

Michaela will be hosting her popular children’s show on Tuesday 29th July at the wild animal park, near Canterbury.  Inspired by her book, the Really Wild Adventures Show is an entertaining journey into the world of animals for all the family. The interactive show is packed full of music, humour and fascinating wildlife facts.

The shows will run throughout the day at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Entry to the show is free with a valid day ticket, Howletts Passport or Gold Card. Michaela will also be holding a book signing after each show.

Michaela is best known for presenting wildlife programmes such as ‘The Really Wild Show’, ‘Michaela’s Wild Challenge’, ‘Orangutan Diaries’, ‘Elephant Diaries’ , ‘Michaela’s Zoo Babies’ and ‘The Great Penguin Rescue’ as well as ‘Countryfile’, ‘Autumnwatch’, ‘Springwatch’ and ‘Winterwatch’ for the BBC.

The live shows kick off the start of the summer holidays at Howletts which will see different activities and themes taking place throughout July and August 2014.

For more information please visit
www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/forthcoming-events or call 0844 842 4647.

PARK DETAILS

Howletts Wild Animal Park
Bekesbourne
Nr. Canterbury
Kent CT4 5EL

 

 

Introducing Munki: A Cocktail & Champagne Lounge Launching In Putney

munkiPutneyOn Saturday 26th July, cocktail and champagne lounge, Munki, will open at No.12 Putney High Street, adjacent to Putney Bridge. Munki will serve innovative cocktails within a speakeasy style setting with a colonial twist. The venue has a luxury finish, with paneled walls, soft lighting and antique furniture, to create the illusion of an informal library and invite guests to relax and unwind over while savouring a drink.

 

Munki is split over three floors, with a total of 100 covers. The ground floor bar is glass fronted, with an intricate tree design etched into the windows. Towards the rear is the library room, an intimate snug area ideal for a date, with additional seating on a mezzanine level seating with a view of the River Thames, suited to groups and available to reserve for get-togethers and celebrations. A walled garden behind the venue provides a sheltered spot for a drink under the stars.

 

Cocktails at Munki, created by Bar Manager Sophia Lysaczenko, strike the perfect balance by using a few quality and fresh ingredients to create the definitive drink. At Munki, focus is upon the quality of the drinks: with premium spirits, infused syrups made on site, fresh juices, and organic ingredients chosen where possible. Munki’s ethos is to be service orientated, always going above and beyond to provide an unrivalled personalised touch.

 

The playful cocktail menu will offer a selection of original creations split into different sections including Heritage,Martinis and New World. Heritage cocktails will include well-honed classics such as Old FashionedNegroni andNuclear Daiquiri. The iconic Martini is given a creative twist with the Putney Petal Martini (pink grapefruit Belvedere vodka, dash of rose water, lychee and guava juice poured over crystallised violet petals and topped with Veuve Clicquot Rose and floating rose buds) and Our Breakfast Martini (Tanqueray London Dry Gin, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and a spoonful of orange marmalade). New World cocktails will offer the classics with a modern spin including Rhubarb Flip (Bacardi Gold Rum, Rhuby Rhubarb Liqueur, whole egg, splash of cream, rhubarb infused sugar syrup, rhubarb bitters), A Lady Sour (Belvedere Pure Vodka, apricot jam, lemon juice, egg white, vanilla sugar syrup with a maraschino cherry garnish and a splash of Angostura Bitters) and Black Mineral Margarita (Illegal Anejo Mezcal Tequila, Tuaca Vanilla Citrus Liqueur, spoon of agave honey, lime juice) to be served in a black mineral salt rimmed glass.

 

A ‘Cocktail Shot Lab’ will provide a little magic to any party with miniature cocktails served in potion bottles. Some signature cocktail shots are Wishing Powder (herbal sweet and sour, frozen Agwa De Bolivia coca leaf liqueur, green chartreuse liqueur and lime juice) and The Elixir (aromatic, a sovereign remedy, belvedere vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, rhubarb sugar syrup and juicy berries).  For those wishing to keep a clear head, ‘Play it Safe’ alcohol free cocktails will be available including the Peach Punch (peach puree, fresh raspberries, thyme sprigs, rhubarb infused sugar syrup, lemon zest and lemonade top).

 

To complement the drinks, a bar menu will also be available offering a selection of appetizers, ideal for grazing on whilst sipping a cocktail. Munki has partnered with the Putney Pantry, situated over the road, to provide a more substantial selection of light bites such as locally sourced organic stuffed peppers. Bespoke food packages for events and occasions will also be offered.

 

Guests visiting on a Thursday evening will be treated to live music sessions from 7pm to midnight. Munki will also play host to fun-filled events and experiences such as singles nights, outdoor film screenings, cocktail master classes and exclusive venue hires.

 

Munki is the ideal destination to appreciate the craftsmanship of a skilled cocktail, or enjoy a glass of champagne, within a relaxed speakeasy atmosphere. Munki invites locals and visitors from further afield to swing by – promising only the best experience from the first to the last drink.

 

 

 

The Launch of Finest Fizz Skinny Rose

This event was one to remember and one that won’t be add the pounds to the waistline! We give you Tribaut ‘Skinny’ Rosé de Reserve Extra Brut from Finest Fizz. This delicious Premier Cru Rose champagne is skinny…Yes we said Skinny, with just 65 calories a glass its spoilt us forever. No other real champagne will top this now. Our taste buds have well and truly been altered. It tasted remarkable and lets just say it was just too good!

We suggest you get some as soon as you can, as this is set to be the best tipple ever created and will become every girls best friend. Oh you boys can have some too, just leave enough for us to enjoy. You boys won’t want it anyway will you….No! Ok well you might but we can ignore that for now. Tempted to keep this a secret and keep it all to ourselves we have been persuaded to let you all know about it… Darn it you sure we can’t just secretly buy the entire lot!

Frost team

Howard and Randi Abernethy are the husband and wife creators of Finest Fizz and they are such a great couple. Howard is so passionate about the creation he just oozes those sumptuous, bubbly and exuberant bubbles himself. We chatted away to him while he topped up our glasses on more than a few occasions. Hey at 65 calories a glass who cares! The best bit….its just £38 a bottle. Thats right you heard me, £38! For an extra £10 you can have it presented in a stunning silk lined, sandalwood box. So decadent and so beautiful it will make the perfect gift for any girl!

Lottie Smith

The secret to this remarkable tipple is that its created with 0% residual sugar, what that basically means is the 3 year process of creating this beautiful, tasty and modish drink isn’t disturbed by added sugars at the end to create the most flavoursome treat, its all done with the ingredients right from the start. We where delighted and as you can see Lottie was rather impressed at the delicate and delicious flavour right from the first sip! No after taste that can ruin a good glass of Champagne. All it leaves you with is the desire to have more, and at just 65 calories a glass a girl can!

 

The Champagne is now only available online but we feel it won’t be long before you see Finest Fizz is a supermarket near you! Keep your eyes peeled for Skinny Rose Champagne!

Finest Fizz

Drink up boys and girls, this is guaranteed to be the biggest thing since Champagne was created. You won’t want to drink anything else we promise you!

Follow them on Twitter @FinestFizz

Order your Finest Fizz over at www.finestfizz.biz

For more fun and fashion from the day visit www.slbstyle.com

Katherine Jenkins Shines In Ian Stuart Blewcoat Gown

Katherine Jenkins looked like a fairy princess on Saturday at the Commonwealth Games concert at Edinburgh Castle in her stunning blush evening gown by British brand Ian Stuart Blewcoat. The stunning Fortuna gown features a Swarovski embellished waistband, and cascading layers of silk gazar.

Katherine Jenkins Katherine Jenkinsgown

Katherine performed a magnificent rendition of Barcelona with English tenor singer Alfie Boe.

Ian Stuart Blewcoat is the new label by celebrated bridal and evening wear designer Ian Stuart. Their stunning central London salon recently opened, selling evening wear, occasion wear, bridal and a full range of accessories.

 

 

The Courtesans Genius Video

We have the video for The Courtesans’ latest single, ‘Genius’.

This hard-hitting video considers the never-ending, unattainable portrayal of ‘the perfect woman’. With unavoidable advertising and mounting social pressure from both sexes, we too often witness childhoods ending all too early in favour of cheap lipstick and chicken-fillet bras as young women rise to the bait of their own growing insecurities overtly and subliminally governed by outside sources.
thecourtesans

Beyond this, we find the anti-ageing army of surgery toters, trading botox and collagen injections that prey on the insecure and the vulnerable. Slimming pills, eating disorders, false hair, false nails, false person, false life. To conform is never enough for as we are judged and criticised for our differences and shortfalls so too are we judged and criticised for owning a beautiful face or a curvaceous body.

The clip sees the band – our four overtly-individual heroines – being burned at the stake for refusing to sacrifice their own opinions of how beauty should be perceived and how this should remain the property and under the control of the individual. Covering tattoos with skin-coloured paint does not alter the truth of what lies beneath the paint and indeed beneath the skin.

‘Genius’ will be released as The Courtesans debut single on 25th August and available from all your favourite online retailers. It’ll be shortly followed by their long-awaited debut album ‘1917’.

 

 

Indie Band Boy+Kite Wants To Marry You

To celebrate the release of their two new singles “Either Way” and “Turned Sideways”, indie quartet Boy+Kite will host pop-up wedding events around the U.S., kicking off in late September.

artworks-000082747405-x70tzy-t200x200

The on-the-spot weddings are open to all couples that want to tie the knot without all the fuss. The officiant, cake, and champagne are included in your ticket, along with Boy+Kite, who will be there to serenade you and your true love on the big day.

For more information, go to http://www.boypluskite.com