It’s coming to that point in the year when music takes a step back and film comes to the fore. With the last couple of major releases, new albums from Julian Casablancas and Biffy Clyro, due early November, labels instead turn their attention to the new artists and albums set to make a splash in 2010. Alongside the aforementioned releases, we also rule over Bob Dylan’s Christmas album, AA Bondy’s new LP and the debut from one half of the bands in our features section, The Romany Rye. Alongside uncovering singer/songwriter Luke MacMaster’s solo project, we also give you the lowdown on one of the most likely bands to make an impact from next year, new wave, piano-heavy Marina And The Diamonds.
As the Oscar hopefuls come out to play, at the London Film Festival we caught some of the best films due out in the tail-end of 2009, and though our full round-up isn’t due until next month, this issue we review Michael Haneke’s wonderful new film The White Ribbon, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Men Who Stare At Goats, Precious and many more. We also preview the likes of Youth In Revolt, the split personality role film could make or break Michael Cera’s chances to diversify, superhero comedy Defendor and Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s next collaboration The Other Guys. The big Halloween release this year comes in the form of straight-to-DVD Trick ‘r Treat. Pass up on the latest Saw film and check out this creepy tale instead, plus you can win a copy in our monthly competition.
In our art section, we have the fantastic work of Kevin Cyr and his run-down trucks, John Malloy’s future visions and Matte Stephens’ city walk. Weighing in at 30 pages, our style features makes an equally big impression. Cover contributors Anoush Abrar and Aimée Hoving take a trip to the desert, bird of prey in hand, Valentina Vos turns on the flash for a wintery-white spread and Sebastian Szwajczak puts on some shades as the rain pours down.
You can read the issue above, or download it here.