Sydney’s Gang of Youths set to support Sam Fender in Leeds

Imogen Harper on 18 November 2021

Following the announcement of their third album Angel in Realtime, Gang of Youths are out to impress in Leeds later this month. As the guests of Sam Fender on his sold-out arena tour, they have traveled the UK playing to crowds of thousands. They will be making their stop at First Direct Arena, Leeds, on the 24th of November. 

First formed in Sydney back in 2012, the indie rock group are on par with the likes of Arcade Fire, Muse, and The National. With a mix of cinematic soundscapes, stunning vocals and influences taken from indigenous music; Gang of Youths create an unforgettable sound for anyone who listens.

The release of their new single ‘Tend the Garden’ marks their fourth preview of the new album, to be released on the 25th of February 2022. Singles released so far this year include ‘The Angel of 8th Ave’, ‘Unison’, and ‘The Man Himself’; all tracks to be found on the upcoming album. When describing the LP, the band said the album is “about the life and legacy of Dave [Le’aupepe]’s father”. With themes of grief, death, and faith; the album is set to be an emotive and compelling collection.

The group is described by the Guardian as “a band who always swing for the fences”. In addition to their shows with Sam Fender, Gang of Youths have recently announced a headline tour of the UK and Europe in March of 2022, during which time they will visit Leeds again – this time at Leeds Beckett student union on the 8th of March. This tour will be quickly followed by a North American tour, before the group return to Australia to play some shows in July. 2022 is set to be a busy year for Gang of Youths! With the release of their new album and their world tour, fans can expect great things over the coming year.

Gang of Youths are set to support Sam Fender on the 24th of November for the sold-out show at First Direct Arena. If you didn’t manage to get tickets for the show, the group is returning to Leeds in March – tickets for that show go on sale on the 19th of November and can be found via the Live Nation website.

University of Sussex to be investigated after freedom of speech controversy

Ellie Jones on 17 November 2021

Professor Kathleen Stock has recently resigned from the University of Sussex, after 18 years at the university, due to the high-profile debate regarding her disputed views on gender and sexuality. The University is now being investigated by the Independent Regulator of Higher Education due to uncertainty as to whether the institution met its obligations regarding freedom of speech.

After months of death threats, protests and online hate directed towards Professor Stock from students at the University of Sussex as well as other UK universities, due to her opinions that “womanhood and manhood reflect biological sex, not gender or gender identity,” the professor has resigned, despite insisting that she is not a transphobe. 

Whilst many students have been outraged by the Professor’s perceived transphobic views, claiming that her resignation was “a massive win for Sussex LGBTQ+ students,” the university has fiercely defended the right for all professors to exercise their academic freedom. This support was accompanied by 200 academics from other universities who signed a letter, confronting the alleged abuse from “trans activist bullies.”

Consequentially, the education minister for the House of Lords revealed that “an investigation into whether the University of Sussex met its obligations on academic freedom and freedom of speech is being launched,” grounded on the belief that no member of academic staff should have to fear for their safety when expressing their views. 

Whilst the debate originated as an issue at the University of Sussex, it has evolved into a wider, public reflection on an individual’s right to “discuss views about gender and sex without fear of intimidatory reprisals.”

Two Months On…Is ‘Donda’ Kanye West’s Magnum Opus?

Charlie Lake on 15 November 2021

Over two months have passed since the release of Kanye West’s (now formally known as Ye) 10th solo studio album, Donda, which came to life following three performative public listening events. But how does the final version of the album stack up against his past releases, and the other big-name releases of the year?

Why does first year go so quickly?

Finn Laslett on 15 November 2021

If you’ve started university this year, you’re guaranteed to hear someone tell you how quickly it will all be over. It’s a bittersweet phrase not dissimilar to “the best years of your life”, and one that seems to hold true in many, but not all, cases. Regardless, if that does turn out to be your experience, why might that be?

Black Pioneers in the Field of Mental Health

Zehrah Nanji on 15 November 2021

For too long, black scientists’ contributions to the field of mental health have been overlooked and minimized. It is vital to treat everyone equally and to showcase all achievements. Here, Zehrah takes a look at several of the most influential black pioneers in mental health.