Culture Diary w/c 26-11-12
Monday – Ninja Scroll 9pm @ FACT
It’s not every day that you get to see a classic 90′s anime on the big screen. And if you’re new to this genre, Ninja Scroll is a great introduction. Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s (Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust) hero, ninja-for-hire Jubei Kipagami is forced to fight old enemies the Eight Devils of Kimon; demons with superhuman powers hell-bent on overthrowing the Japanese government. The love interest is a female ninja whose skin is lethal to the touch. What more do you want?
Tuesday – Mamoru Iriguchi – Hand Wash with Similar (an investigation into the Utopian potential of clothes-swap parties) 7.30pm @ the Bluecoat, FREE (booking essential)
Performance artists’ collective Giving in to Gift are holding a unisex clothes swap party that also promises “an investigation into utopian thought.” Confused? Part of The Horse’s Teeth performances series happening in Liverpool over November and January (with the Bluecoat being the main partner), expect a special art event that will make you explore ideas of generosity and reciprocation. Which can only be a good thing, especially at this time of year. But don’t forget to bring two items of clothing … To reserve tickets contact 0151 702 5324 or info@thebluecoat.org.uk.
Wednesday – Purity Ring 8pm @ The Kazimier £8
The Montreal-based, duo-of-the-moment Purity Ring were recently described by The Line of Best Fit as “captivating live” with “the rare ability to gift electronic music with a beating heart and a soul.” High praise indeed for instrumentalist Corin Roddick and vocalist Megan James. Playing songs from their fairytale-inspired new album, Shrines, with support from Doldrums and Ghosting Season, any fans of electronic, synthpop and/or indie rock will be happy with this one.
Thursday – RUR: a work in progress by Bonk St Theatre 7.30pm @ Metal, booking essential (pictured)
In preparation for their next show, the marvelous Bonk St Theatre act out a script-in-hand performance this Thursday in front of a live audience. RUR (Rossum’s Universal Robots) is a 1920’s sci-fi play by Czech writer Karel Capek, and is apparently accredited for introducing the word ‘robot’ to the English language. If it’s anything like the sci-fi inspired madness of From Beyond Iron Mountain (2010) then it’s well worth booking a place. The performance will be followed by a Q&A session with refreshments. To book email bob@bonkst.com.
Friday – Mugstar album launch 8pm @ Mello Mello £5
Unbelievably, this is Mugstar’s fifth album release. Offering a cauldron of atmospheric, progressional rock, they’re arguably one of the best bands in Liverpool right now. New album AXIS is described by Soundblab as “eclectic, playful and ambitious” and “one of the year’s finest LPs.” Accomplished support comes in the form of Mind Mountain and Eyes.
Saturday – Last Shop Standing plus Q&A 4pm @ FACT
Having just recently watched documentary Sound It Out, it’s hard not to be worried about our independent retail record shops, and be fearful of a future where they just aren’t here anymore. Despite a decline in UK stores since the 1980s (from around 2200 shops to just 269 in 2009), 82% of album sales still come from physical purchases, which makes it all the more confusing. Hoping to give some answers in person after a screening of his film Last Shop Standing, Director Graham Jones will be joined by the film’s stars, Diane Cain and Tony Quinn from The Musical Box (West Derby Road, Liverpool), along with a pop-up record stand from Music Consortium (Bold Street) and vinyl DJ’ing from Matt Critchley.
The Edils Recordings Christmas party 8pm @ The Pilgrim £4
Dig out your most garish Christmas jumper and show some holiday support for local DIY label Edils Recordings. A showcase of “twinkly” instrumental pop from Swedish outfit Moonlit Sailor, with support from indie-popsters Pixels and The Swapsies, and electronic solo act Z.E.B.R.A, all in the cosy surroundings of the Pilgrim pub. Expect live party tunes and cheap ale.
