Amy McDaid works as a neonatal intensive care nurse at Starship. Her first novel is about loss that erodes and the kindness that – eventually – comes after. The accumulation of daily disappointments is a tragedy in itself; a series of pleasures consistently denied, joy deferred and kindness deflected. All the things we hoped for … Read more
Is it worth forking out for deluxe snacks for your pooch, or are budget brands the business? Critic reviews eight dog food varieties, rating each on appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, taste and the all-important ‘aura’. This article was first published in the Otago University student magazine Critic Te Arohi. Luxurious images and buzz words like “succulent” and “delicate” … Read more
A bottle of the (former) PM’s Pinot All Noir came into our correspondent’s possession via a shady route of backdoor deals and dirty politics… but no ponytails were harmed. This weekend, I sat in my rented Grey Lynn villa as the wind blew literal puddles of rain through the huge gap under the front door, … Read more
longtime U2 fan Eddie Johnston (Lontalius, Race Banyon) reviews the band’s latest album, Songs of Experience. I have two very strong beliefs: U2 are a great band Rock music has never sounded more stale U2’s newest album Songs Of Experience leaked into the world last Monday and my initial reaction was very positive, mostly because … Read more
The Spinoff Music weighs in on the only song that matters, Lorde’s ‘Green Light’. Amanda Robinson Lorde’s ‘Green Light’ is perhaps the perfect pop song. It’s the kind of track you can sing along to after the first listen, and – like the reflection of the traffic light on the wet road – it signals … Read more