Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Narc Academy member and writer Jake Anderson tells us what he liked and disliked about 2021
So, how was your 2021?
Surreal, it’s been full of weird things that I’d never have expected to happen in my life – some good, some bad.
What was your best moment?
Getting my first pieces printed in NARC magazine. It seems pretty small in the grand scheme of things but it was a pretty exciting experience.
And your worst moment?
Probably being assaulted and robbed – that takes the cake I think ahahah. But I like to think I’ve come out of it as a stronger person.
Who was your favourite band/artist this year?
MF DOOM. I was a big fan of MF DOOM before the announcement of his death on New Year’s Eve 2020. But since then he’s never left my rotation (DOOM, Geedorah, Viktor, Madvillain, all his personas) and this year has just felt like one big celebration of his massive discography for me.
Your favourite song of the year?
Life of the Party with Kanye West and Andre 3000. I haven’t listened to it as much as my other favourite songs from this year, but this song is heart-wrenching. Andre 3000’s verse is just incredible and a real tear jerker, then the track ends with a sample of the late DMX and his daughter, over one of the cleanest beats from Kanye.
Recommended album?
Does a compilation album count? Kero Kero Bonito combined two of their EPs into one album in 2021 called Civilisation. It’s some of the best synth based indie pop I’ve heard – especially the newer 2021 half. The Princess and The Clock is the best song from it and what I’d recommend from it, it’s synth pop perfected.
Favourite TV show of the year?
Invincible probably had me the most hooked. I was early on the train for it, before all the memes, and I loved it. It’s the type of deconstruction the superhero genre has been desperately needing.
Your favourite film?
James Gunn knocked it out the park again with The Suicide Squad. With an incredible mismatch of a cast, the bombastic humour is great and it’s evident that a lot of care and attention went into it – especially when rewatching Suicide Squad (2016).
Best book you read?
I wish I could read for fun, uni didn’t just kill that hobby, it was straight up execution. So, I’ve got to say Place and Placelessness by Edward Relph because I read it for my dissertation and I must’ve thought ‘yeah, that was interesting’ at least twice.
Best podcast?
The Weekly Planet – I find James and Mason to be really funny hosts and it keeps me up-to-date with entertainment news. You listen for their reviews, which always give new perspectives on the newest films or shows, but you stay for the pair’s chemistry.
Favourite venue of the year?
Bobiks, it housed my first gig back after the lockdown and it will be the venue of my last gig. On top of the fact all the gigs I’ve been to there this year have been for quite a few of my favourite local acts. Also that 2 Ales for £4 deal was DANGEROUS.
What was your favourite gig/show of the year?
Plastic Glass @ Independent, me and my mates had tickets for this for ages and it was such a fun night seeing the lads play again.
Any upcoming artists we should keep an eye out for in 2022?
Holiday in Tokyo, their EP from 2020 has become one of my all time favourite releases from the local scene and I’m incredibly excited to see what they have in store next.
Any predictions for next year?
Hmmmm, I think, and I know this might be a bit of a risky prediction, but I think there will be 12 months next year, and not to sound crazy, but there could also be 24 hours in each day.
