Vegan-Connections_Nov18_V3

Lifestyle

2
Editors
3
“This will be my last issue at the helm of VC. Over the years that
I’ve had the blessing to work with this disparate crew of madyins
I’ve learnt an incredible amount. From turning a magazine around in
Note
a couple weeks to organising massive festivals which are borne
out of a chat over a cup of tea and a desire to see something
positive in our environment”
KATHRYN BLAKE
There as many reasons to embrace the winter months as there are excuses to stay
indoors and memes about pumpkin spice lattes. But the dreich days and nights don’t
have to lend themselves to moping and longing for warmer weather. The pace of the
next few months might seem hectic but can be used for quiet reflection of the year gone,
and a space to think where you’d like to go, what you’d like to see change.
Contents
02 Editors Note
16 Winter Warmer Drinks
Our featured interviews with the passionate women behind the businesses that make
up the vegan market are what really draws this issue together. They are the change, in
their aim to inspire through ethical business, to put forward passion before profit. This issue
we’re essentially going back to basics and telling you all to refocus on what it actually
means, this whole vegan thing. As VC gets bigger, we want to remain true to what we set
out to do. Connect and inspire people through positive, realistic acceptance, and tolerance
of everyone and everything which more often than not means having to fight your corner
and start difficult conversations. Making the change to go vegan and having then to defend
and justify it till the cows come home (lol) is something our lifestyle editor, Josh, writes about
this issue. How to encourage empathy, acceptance, tolerance through genuine humanity
and just a little humour.
It might appear odd at first amongst all of this heavy chat to give space to present
buying and gift guides. But in gift giving there stands the elements of our radical proposal:
to give more of what you would like to see in the world. This doesn’t have to be monetary.
Charitable gifts are suggested by our environment editor as an eco alternative to a plastic
wrapped Christmas, but gift giving doesn’t have to be monetary at all and our music round
up celebrates the true spirit of christmas by way of a few black metal stocking fillers.
This will be my last issue at the helm of VC. Over the years that I’ve had the blessing to
work with this disparate crew of madyins I’ve learnt an incredible amount. From turning a
magazine around in a couple weeks to organising massive festivals which are borne out of
a chat over a cup of tea and a desire to see something positive in our environment. Vegan
Connections is small but mighty. Its outreach far surpasses what was ever anticipated and it
continues to grow. I’m proud of it, of everyone that writes, edits, reads the mag, scrolls online,
wanders down to our festivals and supports us in all the myriad small ways that they do.
In my last act, I’d like to say thank you and welcome as many of you as possible to our
market at Glasgow’s BAaD this December. Details will be announced throughout the coming
months so keep an eye out on www.vegan-connections.com where we’ll also be uploading
news and more full length features.
04 Rekindle clothing
06 Saving Face. Vegan Skincare
for Winter Skin Woes
08 Boodi jewellery
09 Let the Good Times Roll
10 If tofu be the food of love swipe on
12 The Roaming Vegan Baker.
14 Roasted Squash & Celeriac Soup
by Laurianne Gateau
16 Salted Caramel Protein Brownies Recipe
17 Loop & Scoop Review
20 Taste it don’t waste it
21 Huel Review
22 Music editors choice
24 In Review
26 The Gift of Giving
28 How minimalism can help you keep your
cool this holiday season
30 What the F*ck is a Nut Roast .
A Vegan Connections Guide to Christmas
Vegan Connections
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Vegan Connections

REKINDLE
4 5
Words: Kathryn Blake
Images: Rekindle
Shopping without compromising your ethics is an almost impossible feat. Mass produced clothing and non-vegan
materials are the default while questionable and unsustainable practices within the industry are rife. If you’re looking
to update your wardrobe while also championing your views and wearing your ‘art on your sleeve so it were, well you need
look no further than ReKindle clothing.
Brighton based Lisa Skelly of the sustainable clothes and accessories brand ReKindle took time out to answer some
questions about the hows, wheres and whys behind starting up an ethical fashionable business.
You’re a young female creator prominent in the
vegan scenes so I’m super excited to chat to you
about your work. Could you tell me a little bit
about the background of your work and how the
brand got started?
I began Rekindle Clothing at a time of change in my life. A
few years prior to the beginning of this new adventure, I had
ended a career I no longer loved and was taking some time to
work out who I was and which direction I wanted to move in.
During this time, various aspects of my life and my outlook
on life changed, but one major change was my decision to
adopt a vegan lifestyle. I researched, and learned so much
about the many industries that exploit animals and felt like
I needed a way to share everything I had learned. I knew
I wanted to do something to encourage positive change
but I wasn’t sure what or how. I was in a charity shop one
afternoon (as I often am!) and I found a denim jacket. I took
it home and decorated it with pretty fabric from old clothes
that I didn’t want anymore- just for a bit of creative fun! But
that was the moment I realized what I wanted to do. The idea
was particularly exciting because it combined my creativity
with my love of second hand clothing, my passion for animal
rights and the environment. It just seemed to click!
Am I right in thinking you started with repurposed
jackets and have now moved onto tote bags and
patches? Is there anything else in the line so far
(or in the works) you can tell us about?
Yes! Initially, I began with just the repurposed jackets and
have now added the tote bags and patches. The tote bags
were added as I became interested in plastic free living. I
wanted to have a product which could encourage people to
shop without plastic bags and to be more mindful of those
‘small’ decisions that have a huge impact on the environment
and the sea life. All of my tote bags are made from organic,
fair trade cotton as well, so there are no harmful pesticides
involved in making them. The patches are cute and I love
painting them and making them all unique. They are all made
from second hand jeans! I do also paint denim shirts and I
have a range of A4 art prints on recycled card available too.
At the moment, I don’t have any plans for new products.
I just want to keep creating lots of jackets, patches and shirts
and focus on spreading as much compassion as I can!
Do you have a favourite product?
The jackets! I spend a lot of time painting, sewing and hand
embroidering each one, so, naturally, I care for them more. I
also think that out of all the products I offer, they are the most
eye catching and are the most likely to get a reaction from
a passer by. The main point is for the artwork to encourage
an emotional response in people - people who are walking
behind someone wearing one of my jackets. People who may
be on their way to a supermarket to buy a beef burger or a
pint of milk or a cheesy pizza. They may not have made a
connection yet, and I hope that my jackets can encourage
them to make that connection and question the way they
view these beautiful animals.
Your work is incredibly beautiful and detailed - I
know that if I tried anything like this it would look
like a Jackson Pollock inspired child. Do you have
a professional artistic background?
Thank you! I did A-Level art but nothing further than that. I’ve
always loved drawing and painting - I’m a creative person.
I have had to teach myself how to use a sewing machine
though since starting Rekindle Clothing!
How do you see yourself/how do you think others
see you as a young female in business relating to
the mainstream market?
I don’t really think of myself as a business woman so it is
difficult for me to get in to the ‘business’ mindset for this
question! I think of myself as an animal rights advocate,
environmentalist and an artist. Whenever people ask me
what I do for a living, that is what I say and that is what I
feel is most true. I don’t want to think of myself as a business
woman, because I am not. I am someone with a deep desire
for justice in a world where humans have taken what they
believe is theirs, for money, for taste buds, for fun, for fashion
and for sport, with little regard for the animals and with little
thought for the lasting environmental effects. I am one of
the many people finding my own way to stand up and say
that is not ok. My artwork is my activism. My Etsy shop is a
platform for my art and a way for my artwork to travel and
influence people in all areas of the world.
How do you think ethics and small business can
collaborate and forge mainstream success? When
you look to the high street it’s hard to find a business
that hasn’t lost its way in terms of sustainability/
fair wage/scandal/general unethical behaviour
in pursuit of profit. Do you think values have to
be compromised to become bigger?
Unfortunately, yes in most cases. I do think that growing a
business to meet the kind of demand that large high street
chains have results in compromising morals. Recently more
and more people are supporting smaller businesses because
they are aware of this. I think that more people are also buying
second hand. There seems to be much more awareness
of issues revolving around the environment.
This gives me hope that we can move away from the
era of massive chain shops selling cheap at the cost of the
environment and the people working to make their products,
and move in to a new era, where lots of small ethical and
environmentally friendly businesses can support each other
through a joint interest, and dedication to making positive
change.
At the moment, I think it’s lovely how almost all of the
vegan shops and café’s are independent and small, but there
is a growing community of vegans excited to support them
and keep them alive. I definitely feel like I have that support
and I am very grateful for that. I also think that most people
who are vegan or mindful of the environment, are much more
likely to shop on Etsy or other similar platforms as opposed
to mainstream chains, as it gives them the option to be specific
about what they need. So I feel that, as the ethical and
environmental awareness grows, people are turning to the
smaller shops and Etsy shops and we can all support each
other to encourage the rise of smaller, ethical businesses.
Your messages are blunt when it comes to the
ethics of veganism. What would you say to other
small businesses who want to succeed but are
afraid of remaining true to their values incase it
puts people off?
I was afraid to begin with. My boldness has grown as I’ve
nervously tested the boundaries. The first few jackets I made
had no messages on them. They weren’t specifically vegan.
They were open for interpretation. I remember the first time
I made a vegan cow jacket. I created a fabric collage cow
and embroidered the word ‘vegan’ and ‘Love’ around the
cow. It was heavily embellished and there was no mistaking
the message I was putting out there! I was nervous to put
it in my shop. I was worried I would get hateful messages.
I didn’t want people to tell me I was ‘preaching’ through
my art. But, regardless, I took a deep breath and I posted
it on social media and put in the shop. Within one hour, it
had sold and I had 100 more followers than I had had 60
minutes ago. I realized at that point, that there are a lot of
people who are as passionate about animal rights as I am
and want to stand up for those poor animals, just as much
as I do. And so I stopped worrying about what people think
and starting fueling that passion that I feel every time I see
footage from a slaughterhouse or painful images. There will
be people who don’t agree with my art work because they
don’t agree with veganism, or rather, they don’t understand
it. But those are not the people I am reaching out to. I am
reaching out to the people who are going to help me make
a positive change. So my advice is, to be bold! If the whole
point of your business is to raise awareness for something
you care about, like mine, then you need to give it every
ounce of passion you have!
When it comes to clothes and shopping, what can
people do to reduce their waste and manage the
sustainability in their own lives?
Firstly, I would say reduce the amount of clothing you have.
I think I’m pretty safe in saying that most of us have far more
clothes than we need. Enjoy the simplicity of less! Have a clear
out and take your unwanted clothes to your local charity shop.
Secondly, buy second hand. When you need some ‘new’
clothes, browse around the charity shops, ebay auctions,
vintage shops or swap clothes with friends.
Lastly, if you buy brand new, research before you buy. If
you understand which materials are eco friendly and which
are not, you can make better choices.
Where you do you see you and your business
growing over the next years?
I don’t like to plan too far in to the future. I know that I am
comfortable doing my art in my studio, creating awareness
and raising money for sanctuaries, vegan groups and charities.
I would like to continue! I feel like part of a wonderful
community of compassionate individuals and I have had so
much support from them and so many encouraging comments
and wonderful conversations. My main goal with my work is
to encourage people to take positive steps towards creating
a better future for the animals that we exploit and for our
incredible planet. I just want to be able to do this all the time!
Do you ever take time off? In my own experience,
running a startup is incredibly demanding and
it’s hard to separate work from life sometimes.
What do you do to relax and have fun?
Oh yes it’s hard to find that line definitely! I practice yoga
every day and just adore it! I love cooking and experimenting-
making up my own vegan recipes and making my kitchen
messy! Finding woodlands to explore and standing on the cliff
top, looking out at the sea with a fennel tea in hand and my
bare feet on the grass. It’s the simple things make me happy!
Thanks!
Vegan Connections
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Vegan Connections

6 7
At the end of a long day, smearing on your
cleanser and removing the days pollution
from your pores is always a great feeling.
However, finding one to suit your skin whether
it be normal, dry or oily/combination can be a
chore — especially if you’re unsure it will work.
A crucial step in your routine should be
toning. Toning protects the skin; restores pH
balances and reduces the appearance of pores.
It is a brilliant preparation for moisturisation
and contributes immensely to your moisturiser
penetrating the skin properly.
Of course, every great skincare routine ends
with the holy grail - moisturiser. The most popular
of all skincare products, we are lucky to today
have a vast range of lotions and potions on the
market to choose from.
Finding the perfect products can be stressful,
especially for the skincare-obsessed, and
especially if your skin is prone to inflammation
or breakouts. However, with a range to choose
from tailored to your skin type (and recommended
by both consumers and experts), you’re sure to
be in good hands.
For Normal/Dry skin: Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser is
a luxurious product packed full of nourishing and gentle
ingredients such as Comfrey Root Extract and Rosewater
to soothe and hydrate the skin. (Available at glossier.com)
For Oily/Combination skin: YourGoodSkin Blemish Clearing
Calming Cream Cleanser is a brilliant oily and blemish-prone
skin saviour, infused with Green Tea and Salicylic Acid to
soothe and clear the skin, restoring it’s natural balance.
(Available at Boots.com)
For Normal/Dry skin: Weleda’s Refining Toner is infused
with Witch hazel, lemon and essential oils. This product
will freshen, deeply cleanse and hydrate your skin prior
to moisturising. (Available at hollandandbarratt.com)
Saving Face
Vegan Skincare For Winter Skin Woes
Words: Olivia Espie-Peters
For Oily/Combination: Sukin’s Balancing Clarifying
Facial Tonic is an excellent oil-balancing toner and totally
budget-friendly, containing White Tea and Willowherb
with soothing cucumber it aims to renew your skins appearance
and limit shine. (Available at boots.com)
For Normal/Dry skin: Nip + Fab’s Glycolic Fix radiance shot
is an outstanding product, with a refreshing grapefruit scent
that is featured throughout their Glycolic range is a lovely
way to wake up in the morning. This product can also double
up as a primer with its thick, mattifying texture. However,
don’t be fooled - it will leave you with the softest skin you
could imagine.
For Oily/Combination: Lush’s Enzymion moisturiser is
a brilliant, non-greasy formula containing cocoa butter,
enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids all contributing
to keeping your skin clear, supple and calm. (Available at
lush.com)
Vegan Connections
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Lifestyle
Vegan Connections

B oodi
8 9
Words: Emma Cooper
Images: Boodi
For the full experience of Boodi and to find out more about
Sarah, visit www.vegan-connections.com where we’ll
release the full interview.
Finding a gift, or a cheeky payday treat that is as ethical
as it is beautiful is often a challenge. Luckily, brands like
Boodi are on the rise and now looking stylish whilst keeping
your conscience clear has never been easier.
I spoke to jewellery designer and founder of Boodi, Sarah
Marafie, from her home in Hackney, London. With her slight
East London accent, chunky frames and a beachy up-do, she
has that effortless style which reflects in her non-fussy, uber
cool jewellery collection. Boodi jewellery has got the sort of
'more is more' vibe that lends itself to piling on geometric rings,
layering pendants and grouping together chunky bangles.
But it's the stories and the ethos behind Sarah's designs
that make them truly special. I chat to her about forgotten
stories, keeping it ethical and giving back to charities that
are firmly rooted in her vegan lifestyle.
What inspires your designs?
I would say that ancient culture inspires me. I do say that
it's history a lot of the time but it [history] is so broad, isn't
it, and I'm not really inspired by factual history, it's more of
a feeling that you get from historical objects or buildings.
I've always really been interested in found, old objects and
then I start to think about their stories and where they come
from. Everything I've always done, even when I went to art
school before the jewellery, it's always been about found or
abandoned objects and buildings that have some sort of
story or unknown story.
There's the spiritual side too, like the ancient Egyptians
and how they had sun temples and moon temples. And also
symbols, there are a lot of symbols in ancient history which
I just love because of the spiritual meanings behind them or
even the unknown meanings behind these things that were
just written everywhere. It's that lost or forgotten meaning.
Even animal cave drawings, that presence of someone being
in that cave, at that time, so long ago and writing things on a
wall. Those sorts of things really inspire me, I guess I wanted
to create objects that have that look, that element of being
old and create my own symbols that have their own meanings.
I try to create new symbols based on old symbols, adding
in things. Like, crescent moons and suns are symbols that
have been around for thousands of years already, I just add
something to them. Or if they're based on nature anyway, like
a mountain, I make it into a symbol. Like the family symbol
I've got in my collection is based on crescent moons and a
sun. I've got a new one coming out which is Animal Utopia
- I've put the letters together to create a symbol.
Do you also keep an eye on the fashion world? Your
jewellery feels very current.
Obviously trends are always in your face, I see them on Instagram
or on programmes and in the media so I guess I'm
influenced subconsciously by them. But I don't read fashion
magazines or follow the seasons, or whatever it is you call
them. (She laughs). I've never ever been a follower of that sort
of stuff. I went to London College of Fashion and did styling
- I didn't really know any designers! Everyone was coming
in with bags from designers and knew everything from the
fashion world. I still don't know anything about any of that.
I definitely see trends and if I really like one I might use it,
like signet rings are a trendy thing now but they're also hundreds
of years old. These are the sorts of things I might pick
up on and incorporate with a more ancient looking design.
What made you start doing jewellery?
I started making jewellery from broken pottery shards, I
think I first did that 7 years ago. That was purely out of dog
walking! In the ground near Hackney Marshes, there was this
one path with loads of pottery in it. So I just started to collect
it and I ended up having a massive collection so I started
experimenting with making jewellery. I sold a few here and
there and got onto the Princes Trust enterprise programme
and decided to make a business out of it.
I got onto another programme where I got free jewellery
lessons and learnt to solder and silversmith - so yeah! It all
started from dog walking.
Do you have a favourite piece?
I think out of the silver stuff I've done, my favourite piece is
the Dea Dia bangle (https://boodijewellery.com/product/
dea-dia-viking-bangle-gold/) which I wear every day. It's a
really solid, really heavy piece and I love the detail on it. It's not
one of the most popular ones I've sold but it's my favourite.
It's quite Viking, like with the rope.
You grew up in the middle east (in Kuwait) how did
that influence you?
I was born there. My dad's Kuwaiti, (my mum is English) and
I lived there until I was 18 with my brother and sister. You get
3 months of summer holiday there because it's so hot, so
we'd come back to England for the whole summer. It's a very
international place, so growing up in a school like that was
great. My mum loves Arabic decor and so we'd go to markets
and that's probably where I get it all from. She would buy so
many old rugs and ornaments. At home I'd go through all
of it, bags full of stuff she’d got from a market. As I became
a teenager I'd be like, 'why have you got so much crap!?' I
love it now though. As a little kid, I'd always go through her
jewellery box which was a massive influence because there
was so much colour and so many different materials. I’d think
about where they were from.
The animal influence is also from Kuwait and my mum.
My mum was a massive animal lover. Growing up, we had so
many animals at home that we’d recused. She would rescue
all the cats and dogs that she would see. Going to the house
next door, because it was abandoned, we would go to see
a dog and her litter that we would feed. There were a lot of
empty houses around after the war in 1990 so there would
be stray animals everywhere. There still are. One morning
I remember waking up and there were so many dogs in the
garden, it's like they'd all spoken to one another and said -
this is where the lady lives that feeds everyone!
That love for animals, that came from my mum, I guess
it’s definitely made its way into the jewellery.
Is that what inspired you to be vegan eventually?
Oh yeah, definitely.
With the animal coins, you give some of the proceeds
to Friends Animal Sanctuary. You've said it makes
sense to you to give back, what inspired the decision
to give to that particular place?
I knew I wanted to donate, it was just a case of deciding
where to. Before the coins, I spent a lot of time researching
charities and what they do. So I already had Animals Asia
and I picked Born Free for the landscape ring and then I
wanted an ocean conservation one because I had some
whale earrings, so I did some research on that and chose
Whale and Dolphin Conservation. So all that took quite a
bit of research.
So then when I made the coins I felt like I wanted it to
be smaller and more local. I'd already heard about Friends.
I'd been to other farm animal sanctuaries which are also
amazing but I felt like they were bigger and already getting
some help from other brands. I really like that Friends are
vegan and I loved what they were doing. They're a no kill
sanctuary so every animal will either find a home or stay there
and they also do a lot on vegan educating and spreading
the message. I loved what they were doing and that it was
local, so it worked well.
I love that, even with the bigger charities, all the people
are always the same. Compassionate, friendly, caring people
- it’s great to be a part of that. I wanted to move away
from the jewellery world and be more involved in the vegan
world or animal world. It feels more 'me' and everyone you
meet through it is so lovely.
I love doing vegan events and markets. The vibes of those
places and being around like-minded people is so different to
anything else. I love that people are there trying to do good.
All the people behind vegan brands are such kind people.
I recently did a vegan festival in Brighton, and one last
weekend called Plant Based Live. I’ll be doing No Planet B
in October and then there's Vegfest at the end of October as
well which I'm considering, and Vegan Nights In December.
Yeah so I'm trying to do more, definitely.
Are you loving the vegan revolution?
Yeah of course, absolutely love it. So many more options when
you're on the go. And such a good feeling to see veganism
growing and know that it's helping animals because that's
the name of the game. Especially where I live, it's amazing.
Hackney is crazy! Anything I could want to eat, it's there for
me. Like pizza, curry, donuts, puddings, tiramisu, lasagne
(she laughs as she reels them off) - anything at all. I can
always have a vegan option. It's crazy how it's all changed
around me because I've been in Hackney now for about 12
odd years and just in the last 2 years it's completely vegan
everywhere, a new place on every corner and vegan events
and nights. So I’m absolutely loving it, so cool.
For a vegan business owner do you have any tips
to get started?
I think from experience of everything that I've done and tried
and not tried, and everything that I'm going through at the
moment I would say - don't try and be led by things that you
think you should be doing. Sort of do things that come from
the heart. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s so important
to do things that you're passionate about rather than the
things that people tell you you should be doing, because
those are what is usually done. And I guess just start simple,
like really simple. Even if it's with one good thing that you've
researched really well. Just start with one product and go with
that, rather than trying to do a million things.
When I started I was like, I want to do this and I want
to do that, and I have to do this and I have to do that, but
then you've also got so many other things to do like sourcing
suppliers and then other bits and bobs you didn’t think
of, and it can all get a bit much. Then your energy goes on
the things that aren't really what you wanted to do to start
with. Now I'm trying to bring it back to basics again. Keep
things simple. You really need to try to go with your heart
and what feels right and enjoyable, rather than what you
think you should be doing.
Where can we find your jewellery?
I have an online shop at https://boodijewellery.com/ but I'm
always working on new stuff and some of the pieces are oneoffs,
like the coins, so it's best to keep an eye on my instagram
at @boodi_jewellery or email me: info@boodijewellery.com
Also I plan to do a few events from now until December,
so you can keep an eye on my social media for where I’ll be.
Vegan Connections
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Lifestyle
Vegan Connections

10
IF TOFU BE THE
FOOD OF LOVE,
SWIPE ON
Words: Josh Graham
Linda McCartney
Hoisin Duck Pancake Kit
Words: Elisha Martin
The Linda McCartney Hoisin Duck Pancake kit comes with a pack of shredded duck,
a sachet of hoisin sauce, and a pack of ten Chinese pancakes and preparing it
couldn’t be easier. The cooking instructions suggest that you fry the duck in a little oil,
but I actually just microwaved mine for 2 minutes and didn’t need to use any added oil
whatsoever. The pancakes also just need to be microwaved for 40 seconds, and alongside
some extra veggies, you’ve got a decent meal pretty much sorted.
I prepared each pancake as I went along, scooping up some of the shredded duck,
some of my mixed vegetables, and drizzling some of the hoisin sauce on top. I was so
impressed! I couldn’t quite get over just how meaty the shredded duck pieces were - and
I don’t say that lightly whatsoever. I really don’t know what alchemy they’re using to get
that texture, but they’ve definitely cracked it. I’m also usually constantly adding extras
to my dinners as I go along (I add about half a tub of nutritional yeast throughout
each meal) but this really wasn’t missing anything at all – it was so tasty just as it was.
Even if you’re not a fan of hoisin sauce, I’m sure you’d still LOVE the shredded duck
and pancakes with another sauce drizzled on top. I’m thinking I might try some satay
sauce with it next time…
Overall, I would 100% recommend giving this a try. I purchased mine for £5.00 at
Waitrose, which is a bit steep, but it really is delicious. I’m not aware of any other supermarket
stocking it currently, but hopefully some will introduce it soon! I know it’s been a
struggle for people recently to find the packs of shredded duck on their own (not as part
of the hoisin duck pancake kit), but I actually spotted the shredded chicken recently in my
local Morrisons. I’ll definitely be stocking up on some of that if I can get my hands on it!
11
To start this off, I actually really enjoy going on dates.
Seriously. I’m not anything close to a serial dater, in
fact, my total date head count is somewhere under ten, but
it can be a fun thing. Learning about new people is always
nice, and putting yourself in situations moderately outside of
your comfort zone can be character building. If it goes well,
then great, if not, you can still enjoy cringing at something
you said the next day. However, if you’re like me and you like
that stuff but you find the idea of asking someone out in real
life absolutely terrifying then, like me, you’ve probably spent
a fair bit of time on dating apps.
If you’re at all familiar with these apps you’ll know the
basic premise: a few pictures and a bio that for all intents
and purposes sums up the person you see yourself as in the
hopes that someone like-minded will match with you. Since
going vegan, I have for the most part included it in my bio
- it’s an undeniably large part of my life these days - but it
was at that moment I wondered: “gosh, wouldn’t life be so
much easier if I didn’t have to type out exactly five characters
more than anyone else in order to specify one of my lifestyle
choices?” So with that in mind, I downloaded Grazer, “The
Herbivorous Dating App”, in the hopes that maybe the right
person for me might be easier to find if I limited the search
a little more. “Connecting Local Vegetarians and Vegans”
read the caption - what a nice idea. I mean, there’s already a
pescatarian dating site (Plenty of Fish), so why can’t veggies
and vegans join the fun? Let’s dive in.
In terms of how it works as an app, it’s pretty straightforward,
with a very similar system of swiping left and right
as seen on Tinder. In terms of how it actually feels though,
the nicest way I could possibly describe it is...grassroots. In
fact, it’s not that different to how I feel about eating in most
vegan restaurants, as in, everything feels like it could fall
apart at any minute (the app often just doesn’t get past its
loading screen), and has a distinct “just be grateful we exist”
sort of feel. Small initial gripes aside, I still felt positive - I’m
not averse to putting in effort when it comes to love and
companionship, so I pressed on undeterred.
I punched in a modest 30 kilometre
radius, and off I went, buoyed by
the prospect of finding myself a new
plant-based suitor.
After getting to grips with the app’s layout, I went into
the settings. Here I was met with a suite of filters that would
help make my search for romance easier: age/distance/
sexual preference selection sliders, and the piece de resistance:
an “I am: vegan/vegetarian” option. Once I selected
my preferences, I punched in a modest 30 kilometre radius,
and off I went, buoyed by the prospect of finding myself a new
plant-based suitor. A whole minute later, I had completely
exhausted my options. I had found about six or seven people
that I already knew (I’m big in the scene); among their ranks
were a couple of people I’d met in passing, a fellow Vegan
Connections writer, some I had already spoken to on Tinder,
and my own ex. Terrific.
Anyway, upon completion of my swipeathon, I closed
the app and played the waiting game. This in itself taught
me another cool feature of the Grazer app, which is that it
doesn’t notify you when you’ve matched with someone or if
they’ve messaged you unless you open the app first, even if
you’ve opted to turn notifications on. To my mild chagrin, I
had acquired just three matches after the best part of a week.
I reappraised their profiles, wondering how I could break the
ice. Saying something relative to veganism felt superfluous, so
that was out the window, but what I was also able to observe
was that much like myself, very little effort had gone into each
candidate’s bio, (I can only assume due to the feeling of utter
futility one receives while using such a buggy app) so it was
slim pickings for opening lines there too.
And that was it really. To cut a short story shorter, I
had a very mild conversation with one person and the others
are yet to reply. Presumably they deleted Grazer, and I
don’t blame them. What became abundantly clear after a
week or two’s use is that if supply and demand is anything
to go by, the world just isn’t ready for a vegan dating app.
Even if you wanted to speak to vegans and/or vegetarians
exclusively, you’d probably be quicker being eagle-eyed on a
more conventional dating app due to the Grazer’s ridiculous
loading times, lack of notifications and the simple fact that it
is so sparsely populated. Maybe five extra characters in my
Tinder bio isn’t such a hassle after all.
Good Times Roll Review
Words: Natacha Woods
Images: Good Times Roll
A`
fter being open for only a few months, new cafe on the block, Good Times Roll, is a
hit with locals and visitors alike. Owners Steven Eddie and Sheri Scott have created
a really cool “roll shop” where they can try out their own unique ideas and recipes for roll
fillings that people flock for - be that the droves of football fans on their way to a game at
Ibrox Stadium or locals who visit regularly. Luckily for us, they have even added a few vegan
options to the menu! I was honoured to try the Veggie Deluxe roll which consisted of: Linda
McCartney sausage, homemade tattie scone, and veggie haggis. All topped with sriracha
mayo - an accompaniment suggested by Steven and well received by me.
Everything is cooked then and there for you, served atop a Morton’s roll with the option
of adding a dairy-free spread too. The vegan option that I tried was genuinely one of the
tastiest filled rolls that I have ever tried, the combination of it all brought such joy to my
heart and my taste buds that the memory of it flashes before me every time I am hungover.
If you do visit and try their veggie deluxe, you will be delighted to know that there are
plans underway for them to soon stock vegan square sausage supplied by none other than
Rose and Grants.
The shop also stocks Dear Green coffee and offers oat, almond and soy milk as alternative
options. They also boast the fact that they always have at least one vegan cake option for
customers as well.
The cheery aesthetic of the mascot on their hand-painted sign, created by Glasgow
based illustrator Conzo Throb, is immediately eye catching and unforgettable. In fact, the
whole place is extremely stylish, described by Steven himself as having an “80s meets the
50s in Miami” vibe.The cafe is also dog friendly and is known by locals for playing good
music and creating good vibes. Nestled quite comfortably near Glasgow’s Ibrox stadium
and just a five minute walk from the nearest subway station, this funky place is easily accessible
for all and I highly recommend that if you have the time or live nearby, it is definitely
worth checking out! Be sure to also check out their new website at www.goodtimesroll.co
Vegan Connections
Lifestyle
Food
Vegan Connections

The Roaming
Vegan Baker
12 13
SUGAR SPICE AND ALL THING NICE.
THAT’S WHAT VEGAN ACTIVISM IS
MADE OF.
Words: Kathryn Blake
Images: Vegan Baker
Alex - the wunderkind behind Roaming Vegan Baker is going from strength to strength this year, baking up a storm and building her brand. With
appearances at our very own markets and stockists piling her wares across Scotland I contacted Alex ahead of her birthday in September to chat
all things activism, ethics and chocolate.
It might seem like you’ve always been vegan
at this point but we never get bored of hearing
about that moment where everything clicked
and somebody stopped consuming animal
products. What is your vegan story, how did
it come around?
I understand it is always interesting. It’s
the moment that someone’s changed their
mind on something that will become integral
to their life; especially something that will
make your previous decisions immoral.
I turned vegan with my pal. We were working
at a hotel, in the kitchen, on the Isle of Iona.
At that point I had been experimenting with
cutting out dairy as I was trying to see why I
had certain health problems. Upon working
in the kitchen 70 hours a week, the intensity
of ripping apart crabs and scrapping meat
and boiling prawns alive became too much.
We decided together that it was enough
and we would stop this. We had a lot of
resistance from the hotel, barely feeding us
and resenting our choices. They were mostly
farmers and fishers so discussions came up
often! It was the best decision I’ve ever made
and having learnt quickly to defend myself. I
came to understand the differences of people’s
morals and that a difference of opinion
doesn’t mean it’s bad.
And how did R.V.B come about?
A year ago, I came to Dundee with my partner
who started studying a masters in art. From
the previous summer we had worked a season
on the Isle of Islay and saved up some money.
This is probably one of the first times that I
had a pocket of money that allowed me to
not need to work immediately and make a
decision of what I actually wanted to do. I
took this time seriously. I was bored of being
in jobs that I didn’t enjoy and holding
on financially. I had tried to test out what I
really enjoyed (which is a lot harder to work
out than I thought) and while figuring this
out, naturally kept baking. In Islay the lady
we stayed with was such a traditional cook,
but fully embraced veganism! I learnt so much
from her and it was her that we started trying
to make vegan tablet with.
Do you feel ethics and business can
blend together? i.e. Vegan for profit
vs. Vegan for ethics. Do you think it
makes a difference why people pick
up a vegan product?
Unfortunately, considering the society that
we live in I don’t think that the mainstream
veganism is ethical and that people care
sometimes. I believe, truly, that vegan people
are more aware of making ethical choices but
it’s a constant fight against consumerism. For
instance, coffee, yes we have our keep cups
and choice of no dairy, but we also have our
of habit of going to Starbucks rather than
the smaller cafe because it’s quicker to get to.
The trending is great but the fake cheese and
meats are the new processed food. I fear its
going down a marketing route rather than
teaching ethics.
Personally, I have to think of profit because
it really is my only source of feeding
myself. It’s always a gamble for me to go to
fairs and deliver because I can easily be out
of pocket and not pay my rent. The point
of my packaging is to make you aware that
it’s come from a person, me talking to you.
Do you think there a preferable way
to talk to people who are thinking
about becoming vegan? What are
some things you would say to people
considering veganism - especially
when the word ‘activism‘ can leave a
bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths.
I find this a difficult topic because I believe
there needs to be a variety of opinions in the
arena to create a change. Me personally,
I’m too introverted to debate consistently
without taking damage. I think people need
to be aware that activism is like religious
preaching. If you force it and keep bringing
it up whenever you can, people will stop
listening and render it bad. Allow people to
have their opinion and listen to them. If they
want to change, they will ask and be more
open. If they don’t want to change, it’s near
impossible. Be the example and people will
be interested.
Inclusively is really prominent on your
instagram and social media pages
which is awesome. Could you talk a
bit about your relationship between
radical activism - veganism and a
D.I.Y. approach to starting a business?
I think I may have answered this slightly in
the previous question. I’m glad you think
it’s good! I think it comes from being an
‘other’ in other aspects of my life that I like
to understand the gap between mainstream
thought and new thought. I want to bridge
a gap with hindsight and hopefully do more
of this in the future with difficult topics. I’ve
had so many positive reactions. I honestly
didn’t know if this would work, I just wanted
to ask questions.
With Instagram and Facebook you can
reach thousands of people instantly:
do you think social media has a role is
in a new kind of D.I.Y. activism?
I think social media is the new platform of
politics. Instead of newspapers and gatherings,
this all occurs now on the Internet,
instead it’s harder to see where the opinion
is coming from. I find it interesting that you
call it D.I.Y. activism because I personally class
activism with a physical act (marches, vigils).
I merely want to find answers to questions I
keep thinking about and I don’t understand
why things run the way they do. I want to
encourage questioning your values and reevaluating
your choices. Veganism isn’t the
higher power or the better choice but it does
currently have the highest impact.
Do you have any good vegan baking
tips to share with us? What’s your
favourite vegan sweet treat?
I think my biggest tip to anyone baking
vegan for the first time is to understand the
non-vegan version first! (I’m always trying
to blend oppositions!). For instance, cake,
if there’s egg in it then it needs a binder and
some form of fluffing agent. If it’s buttermilk
then it needs air bubbles. If it has yeast, it really
only needs warmth. Go from there and you’ll
start automatically seeing the alternatives.
Quick tip I know.
“I love the people who
come up to the shop
and openly express
themselves.”
Oh my favourite, that’s hard to pick, I
have such a sweet tooth and it always gets
me in trouble at Christmas parties. Anything
chocolate, even a simple bar and a cup of tea,
or if we’re going fancy like a chocolate tart.
At VC we’re always looking to champion
and support vegan businesses
in unlikely places - could you tell us
about Marwicks, its aims and your
work there?
Marwicks is great, with 4 kids and a shop I’m
not too sure how they juggle it. The thing that
made us work so well together is that they
are truly so honest about everything they do.
They don’t run a shop to be who their parents
dreamed of, they like helping the fringes of
society and starting that with food. They help
out with so many groups around the area, like
Food Not bombs, and make their space so
safe. Being apart of the LGBTQ+ community
myself that is really important to me. I think
what they do is very powerful and they have
no idea how many people they help.
My work in Marwicks is as a staff member,
working with a great crew, and baking the
traybakes when I can (its a busy shop). They
always have no ideas so they’ll are going to
keep growing and I hope I can bake with
them for longer too.
And finally - where can we find Roaming
Vegan Baker products?
In the Dundee area; Marwicks, Health
Store, Wee Mexico and Brewdog. In the
Glasgow area; Rose & Grant’s and Glasvegan.
Talking to more people in Glasgow and
Edinburgh. Also available in my etsy shop all
year round. I’m planning some new products
and getting in help so hopefully be growing
even more into Christmas and the new year.
Vegan Connections
Food
Food
Vegan Connections

14 15
Roasted Squash
& Celeriac Soup
Laurianne’s recipe
One of the best things about autumn is the abundance of squash everywhere (and also persimmons,
but that is not helpful for this recipe!). If you do not know what to do with the flesh scooped out of your
Halloween pumpkin, then look no further - just make this incredibly tasty and warming soup! You can use
any type of squashes for this soup; I used a small pumpkin and half of a spaghetti squash but a butternut
squash would have been great too (and easier to find). Served with a warm and crusty slice of bread, and
topped with vegan butter, you could nearly forget about those dreary winter months coming up… nearly!
Ingredients
• 1 small pumpkin
• ½ squash of your choice
• ½ medium celeriac
• Olive oil
Method
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C.
2. Cut the pumpkin and squash in half. Scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle the 3 halves you are using with olive oil and season with salt and
pepper. Place the halves side down (the hard skin up) on baking tray.
• 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 2 tsp cumin seeds (optional)
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 red onion, roughly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
4. Cut the celeriac in half then roughly cut the half you are using into rectangles.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the celeriac to the baking tray with the squash and pumpkin. If your
baking tray is too small, use a second one for the celeriac. Roast until
tender – this should take around 45-50 mins.
6. Once the squash, pumpkin and celeriac are tender, remove from the oven
and let them cool down.
• 1 tbsp vegan bouillon powder
• 1 litre of water
7. Using a large saucepan, cook the onion, garlic and the mustard and
cumin seeds with some olive oil until tender and slightly caramelised. Once
ready, add in the celeriac and the flesh from the pumpkin and squash.
• 4 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 100g kale, roughly chopped
8. Add the bouillon powder and pour the water into the saucepan. Bring
to the boil and then reduce the heat to a slow simmer for about 20 mins.
Following this, whizz the mixture with a stick blender until smooth.
• Nutritional yeast (optional)
9. While the soup is simmering, put the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan and toast
for about 5 mins (keep an eye on them as they could burn quickly – you
just want them to be a little brown). Once the seeds are slightly brown,
add a bit of olive oil and the kale. Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top of kale
Vegan Connections
Food
Food
Vegan Connections

Salted Caramel Protein
Brownies Recipe
16 17
Words: Elisha Martin
Loop & Scoop Review
Words & images: Elisha Martin
I
’d heard rave reviews of Loop & Scoop for a while from various
non-vegans, so I was very excited when I found out that
they actually offer a whole bunch of vegan options. Not just
one or two boring offerings either, but options which sound
legitimately incredible! Loop & Scoop’s signature dessert
consists of generously sized scoops of ice cream served in a
tub, with a freshly made churro looped around it (hence the
name Loop & Scoop). I’ve been twice already, and I know
for certain that I’ll be back again soon, it’s that good! Their
churros (and a number of the toppings options) just happen to
be vegan already, so non-vegans will be routinely consuming
entirely vegan options and completely oblivious to it, which
I always enjoy seeing. Here’s a few options I’ve tried so far.
The Loop & Scoop
As I mentioned, their signature dessert is the loop & scoop,
so of course this was going to be the first thing I tried. I went
with a vegan friend of mine and we went for two different
variations – a chocolate hazelnut churro looped around
strawberry ice cream, and a chocolate Oreo churro looped
around coconut ice cream. Both ice cream flavours were
lovely, and I’d say the coconut was my favourite, although I
do hope that they extend their range of flavours to slightly
more exciting ones. They usually have three vegan ice cream
options available each day, and often have mint choc chip ice
cream which I’d really like to try, but I’m hoping some Biscoff
and Oreo flavours will be next up! The churros coated in
chocolate, nuts and Oreos were insanely good, like seriously
so decadent and delicious, and they were made even better
dipped into a side of biscoff sauce. Prepare for your hands
to get VERY messy, but when desserts taste this good, who
even cares about the mess? GO TRY IT NOW.
was pleasantly surprised by just how good the MISSFITS
I protein flavours were when I tried them for my protein
powder review article in the last magazine issue, so I was
really excited when I heard they were launching a new vegan
salted caramel flavour. I’m a big fan of salted caramel everything,
and this flavour does not disappoint. I firstly tried it
in my usual frozen banana and cacao protein smoothie for
breakfast, which tasted like a chocolate caramel milkshake.
I was sold. Next, I thought I should try it in my first ever recipe
using protein powder within baked goods. Salted caramel
protein brownies sounded amazing, and I knew I wanted to
make them as healthy as possible, but of course still taste
amazing! The recipe I’ve come up with uses entirely healthy
ingredients; it’s completely oil free, flourless, and refined
sugar free. This makes about six generously-sized squares
but you can adjust it to make however many brownies you
like. The macros on these are great – per brownie there’s
approximately 11g of protein, 17g of carbs, 8g of (healthy)
fats, and just 162 calories. They’re super fudgy and filling,
so make for the perfect snack. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
• 2 medium very ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 2 scoops MISSFITS salted caramel vegan protein powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 (fan oven) and line a baking
tray with parchment paper.
2. Mash your bananas using a fork until they’re smooth,
then add your peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix
well. I used peanut butter made from 100% peanuts, but
if you’re using a thicker nut butter then you may want
to heat it in the microwave briefly to melt it slightly.
Cashew butter would be AMAZING in this recipe too,
or any other nut or seed butter you like! Add around
half a cup of water to thin out the mixture, giving you
a smooth consistency.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the MISSFITS protein powder
with the cocoa powder. I used raw cacao powder for
mine – it’s slightly more bitter than cocoa powder but
it’s unrefined and so it retains all of its original minerals.
4. Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients, and mix
well so that a well-incorporated thick batter is formed.
Pop the mixture into your baking tray and bake in the
oven for around 25-30 minutes.
5. Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Find out more at missfitsnutrition.com
Dipping Churros
The second time I visited Loop & Scoop, I opted for their dipping churros, which is just a portion of freshly made churros –
coated with sugar or cinnamon sugar – with your choice of dips on the side. I went for churros coated in cinnamon sugar,
and I tried each of the three vegan dipping sauces they offer: peanut butter, dark chocolate, and Biscoff. The size of dips
on the side are pretty generous, and all of them are delicious, additionally so when mixed together (HELLO dark chocolate
peanut butter mixtures). They also offer other churro variations with their sauces, including churro bites covered in your
choice of sauce, and even filled churros!
Loop and Scoop is located perfectly on Great Western Road, close to a bunch of lovely bars, vegan cafes, and restaurants
with vegan options. It’s definitely worth a visit, and hopefully with an increase in demand for their vegan options, they’ll
expand the range even further!
Vegan Connections
Food
Food
Vegan Connections

18 19
Winter Warmer Drinks
Words: Natacha Woods
Now that the roasting hot weather is no longer with us, it means that those of us with old souls are using any slight breeze as an excuse to wear a sweater and drink something
hot and comforting. Winter in Glasgow is notoriously rainy and windy, not as romantic as a crisp snow-dusted landscape, but we make of it what we can - all while still managing
to get a hot beverage down us. Here are some lovely vegan winter warmers that I have tried in the hopes that it inspires you enough to add a few to your autumn/winter
shopping list. Since some of you crazy people out there don’t enjoy the taste of coffee, all of these comfort drinks are completely caffeine-free!
Pukka Organic Latte Cacao
Maca Magic
Rating: 4/5
This drink is akin to a spicy chai latte, deliciously warming
and sweet. I tried it both with water and with oat milk, and
much preferred it with oat milk because it brings out those
colourful flavours more. It strikes me as being slightly fancier
than the rest so I plan to use it when guests come visiting.
Cadbury Fairtrade Drinking Chocolate
(don’t) Add Milk
Rating: 3.5/5
I’m not going to lie, I had no idea that this drink was vegan.
Growing up my parents would always chuck this powder and
hot cow’s milk in a mug and serve it to me that way, so I just
always assumed it contained dairy. This drink is perfect for
days when you have had a long day at work or uni and need
something simple to wind down with.
Cadbury’s Freddo Drinking Chocolate
Rating: 5/5
For me, this drink ticks ALL the boxes. This was another one
that took me by surprise by being vegan. I only wish I had
known about it sooner. When made with oat milk, it is pretty
much the perfect drink for me. Perhaps it is mostly nostalgia,
but the creamy smooth taste of this drink just sits right with
me. Though it does conjure up unsettling thoughts about the
rapidly rising price of Freddos in today’s economy...
Sweet Freedom Chocolate Shot Liquid
Chocolate
Rating: 4.5/5
Trying this drink was my first time tasting any Sweet Freedom
drinks and I was not disappointed. Unlike the others on this
list, this one comes in liquid form so it is extremely versatile and
can be used for much more than making drinking chocolate.
It has a deeper and ‘darker’ taste that feels very luxurious.
This product also has the added benefit of being completely
natural so would be a great option for kids. Sweet Freedom
also have a variety of other Chocolate Shot flavours, including
caramel, banana, orange spice, and coconut!
Sweet Revolution Organic Instant
Matcha Latte
Rating: 4.5/5
I am a huge fan of everything matcha flavoured, so was very
excited to try this. This guy is a powder pre-made with coconut
milk so all you have to do is add hot water and - presto! You
have yourself a beautiful frothy drink. A great alternative to
coffee if you are feeling adventurous or are tricking yourself
into thinking you don’t need caffeine anymore.
Of course this list isn’t exhaustive of all the amazing vegan
hot drinks available, so here are a few additional ones you
should definitely check out:
Drink Me Chai Free From Chai Latte
Galaxy Hot Chocolate Powder (make sure you get the one
without milk!)
Whittard Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Powder (amongst
other flavours)
Hotel Chocolat Chilli Hot Chocolate Powder (amongst other
flavours)
Vegan Connections
Food
Food
Vegan Connections

20 What’s in it?
Surprisingly, it tastes pretty damn good, and it went down 21
Taste It, Don’t Waste It
Words: Isabelle Thul
Is it just me or has 2018 been the year that
has shaken up everyone’s reality? All of a
sudden, the nation seems to be... turning
to bamboo toothbrushes, metal straws and
reusable coffee cups. I could be wrong but
I feel like the past year has triggered both
businesses’ and the public’s moral compass,
with us all beginning to acknowledge the
damage done to our planet. As always, there
is continual room for improvement when it
comes to the environment, because as they
say - there is no Planet B. I am so happy to be
living in a world where the progress in recycling
is evident. Yet, while it is incredible to watch
businesses use biodegradable materials and
so on, there seems to be less attention given
to the simpler things - for example, what
about food waste?
The effects of food waste fall into three
main camps: economic loss, hunger, and
environmental damage. To put it bluntly, food
waste is a very expensive way to unnecessarily
produce 3.3 billion tons of greenhouse gases.
In 2007, The Telegraph recorded that people
in Britain were throwing away every third bag
of shopping they bought. And in 2015, The
Guardian estimated that UK households
had binned an average of £13bn worth of
food that still could have been eaten. Once
we waste food the majority of it
The main culprits of food
waste are of course those
businesses working within
the hospitality industry
goes straight to landfill and thereafter
decays. The effect of this carbon footprint
is enormous; surely there is more we can do
to help prevent its consequences?
The main culprits of food waste are of
course those businesses working within the
hospitality industry, as well as households. In
an attempt to understand this issue further, I
interviewed a random group of anonymous
individuals who have worked for businesses
in this industry. Each person revealed that the
matter of food waste is severely important.
When I asked how food waste made them
feel, some individuals explained how, in the
past, they had had difficulties with finances so
when witnessing businesses throw food away
because of a sticker, it made them feel extremely
angry. After speaking to these people I was
shocked to hear that a lot of waste comes from
catering companies and shops that sell meal
deals. One individual explained how in her
place of work, a local restaurant, food waste
recycling had not been part of the business
until she spoke up and voiced her passion for
the matter. Because of that, the restaurant
now has designated bins for each individual
type of waste. Some individuals explained
that their place of work allowed employees
to take wasted items home. However, when
waste is rife in an organisation there is only
so much one person can eat!
I finally asked these individuals if they felt
that their workplaces were doing enough to
tackle this environmental issue. One girl who
worked for a large supermarket cafe admitted
that she felt that the company was lacking in
its efforts. She further explained that these
sorts of businesses could team up with food
organisation charities to help do something
useful with the food waste. This is of course
easier said done, but a step in the right direction
would be appreciated.
Another way that restaurants and shops
can help tackle the issue of food waste is via
a Smartphone App called Too Good to Go.
Too Good to Go aims to tackle food waste
in a profitable and ethical way. The app acts
as a middleman by allowing businesses to
advertise their surplus food at a reduced price
for customers to buy. It launched in January
2016 and has since been operating in eight
European countries. The company has said
that within the last two and a half years, over
three million people have downloaded the
app. There are lots of smaller businesses using
Too Good to Go as well as larger companies
such as Yo Sushi. It is brilliant to see that this
problem is beginning to be solved, or at least
have attention drawn to it.
All in all, food waste is still a big problem
within our society. Evidently this problem will
not be solved overnight but it is fantastic to
hear that businesses and individuals are becoming
so passionate and proactive about
the matter. Too Good to Go is a simple but
effective solution. It is a great platform for
firms to make a difference whilst making some
money on the items they would otherwise be
throwing away. Not only that, but the app is
free! So there is no excuse for individuals not
to download it. We should all try and make
a conscious effort to taste and not to waste.
Huel review
Words: Josh Graham
Images: Huel
Before I went vegan and ever since, eating food has
remained one of life’s greatest pleasures, and I don’t
think I’d be met with a whole lot of counter arguments on
that front.
That said, I don’t think my relationship with food
has historically been the healthiest. I’ve always been
an impulsive eater, and although veganism curbed that
impulse in a big way due to its relative inconvenience on
the day to day, I still wouldn’t say I’m exactly where I’d
like to be. People who only view food as a necessary fuel
amaze me, and I think being able to adopt that attitude
from time to time could be beneficial. Late one night, I
had a sort of forced epiphany. I’ve received ads on social
media for a company called Huel for years. Essentially, it’s
a powdered food substitute with an aesthetically pleasing
ad campaign, and although I had toyed with the idea of
giving it a go in the past for the novelty factor of having
the diet of a science fiction character, that night I finally
caved into my curiosity and got in touch.
For full disclosure, Huel were kind enough to give me
a full introductory package, which included a 14 meal bag
of Huel powder (Huel’s minimum order being two of these
bags at £40.50), a selection of flavour boosters, a shaker,
a tote bag, and a nice little booklet to get me started, which
was very nice of them. I’m not someone who is particularly
interested in food tech or exercise and I don’t really keep an
eye on my weight too often, but for reference I’m a 5’11 24
year old male, I’m twelve stone and seven pounds (which
according to the Body Mass Index is on the heavier end of
healthy), and although I don’t exercise regularly I work in
retail and I like to walk as much as I can so I’m on my feet
for most of the day. My aim in reviewing this was not to
look into too much of the food science behind it, not least
because I don’t know enough about it and I don’t care to,
but also because that isn’t necessarily who Huel is aimed
at. Despite its appearance, Huel is advertised as being
a meal replacement, not a supplement, so my question
going into this was: how would I fair living with Huel, and
what changes, if any, would it make to my life? Here’s my
interview with me, to tell you more.
It’s a powdered mix of oats, pea protein, flax seeds, brown
rice protein, MCT powder (derived from coconut), sunflower
oil powder, sweetener (if like me you have opted for the
vanilla variety), xanthan and guar gums (thickeners) and
a micronutrient blend that contains a variety of vitamins
and minerals. But mainly oats.
Is it like a protein shake or something?
It does look an awful lot like a protein shake. Texturally, it’s
also very similar to a protein shake. It is a shake, but it’s not
a protein shake. Huel is a replacement, not a supplement,
claiming to give your body exactly what it needs to function
as opposed to a supplement for building muscle etc. It’s at
this juncture that I should mention that you will get asked
about it a lot. If you thought being vegan was a pain in the
arse for being constantly questioned about your lifestyle
choices, get ready to level up. This didn’t really bother
me too much initially as I’m happy to share my opinions
on almost any topic, but it did get a little grating after a
while. Sometimes you just want to eat/drink your lunch in
peace you know? Also if you don’t shake it properly the
chunks do tend to catch in your throat so I found myself
on several occasions choking while trying to explain what
it is to work colleagues.
Is it easy to use?
Yeah, it’s super easy to use! The official guidelines state
that for a full meal you should take three scoops, add
400ml of water, give it a shake, add another 200ml of
water, and shake again. It is also suggested adding ice
cubes but I didn’t always have them to hand so I rarely
did it and the difference was pretty minimal. Ice cubes
aside, this was completed in about 30 seconds. This was
incredibly convenient in the morning because of my bad
habit of not getting out of bed until I absolutely have to,
with breakfast often forgotten. Not only did it ensure I was
eating in the morning, but if I didn’t have time to consume
it at home, I could do it on the way to work, and if I was
in work, it meant I had more time to just sit and enjoy my
break as opposed to running about Glasgow city centre
looking for something to eat.
“Surprisingly, it tastes pretty damn
good, and it went down more easily
than I thought it would.”
What does it taste like?
more easily than I thought it would. This was mainly due
the fact that I was given the vanilla flavoured variety (unsweetened
allegedly, with an ‘earthy, neutral taste’) and
given that one of the main ingredients is oats, it was like
drinking liquid Ready Brek. The flavour was improved further
(for the most part) by the boosters I mentioned earlier little
sachets of white powder that gave a variety of tempting
flavours, my favourite of which were the delicious mocha
and chocolate varieties. My least favourite, somewhat
unsurprisingly, was mint choc chip, which tasted a bit
like normal Ready Brek straight after brushing your teeth.
Is it good for the environment/ethically sound?
Huel is made in the UK, and leaves zero food waste, which
is great, and is completely vegan and cruelty free. In terms
of packaging, Huel concede that although the plastic/foil
composite packaging is not recyclable (this is in order to
help maintain a better shelf life and prevent damage from
wear and tear), they point out that in relation to the food
industry, the amount of packaging required is negligible.
Huel demonstrate this on their site with a picture displaying
96 years worth of Huel packets, it looked about the height
and width of a chest of drawers. (pictured)
Is it cost effective?
Ish. A single purchase or subscription bag will cost £1.61
or £1.33 respectively. This might not seem like a lot, but
then, not everyone is in a position to shell out a minimum
of 40 pounds every few weeks on top of other food bills for
something that isn’t really intended to see you through a
whole day. This is especially true when you consider that
porridge oats will cost you pennies per meal, and meal
prepping a curry or pasta dish for the working week can also
be far cheaper. However, where it is effective is in stopping
impulse purchases and saving time on food preparation. If
you’re buying your lunch from Pret every day or every other
day, Huel is certainly more cost effective, and is likely to
be better for you. As I mentioned above, it takes under a
minute to make, so you’re paying for the convenience too.
Surely it can’t be good for you just having liquid?
I never had more than two Huel meals a day. According
to the website, Huel is best used when supplemented by
‘normal’ food. Based on what I’ve seen scattered across
the internet, you for all intents and purposes could live on
just Huel, but that just felt silly when I could easily cook
something for dinner when I arrived home. When using
it at work, I felt sufficiently full throughout the day (even
more so when I paced myself by having a few sips every so
often as opposed to consuming it one sitting), but looked
forward to eating a real meal by the end of the day. As
advertised, Huel is exactly what your body needs, which
granted me peace of mind, and made me drop about 4
pounds over the two weeks I had it, which was pretty cool!
Are you going to keep it up?
I think so. Whether I have it for two meals every day is
unlikely, especially on days off when I’m just sitting in the
house and have the time to make something delicious.
Where I think it will continue to benefit me is when I’m
pushed for time or when I just don’t have the energy to
cook something but still want to eat something that’s going
to be good for me.
Thank you for your time, Josh.
No, thank you.
Vegan Connections
Food
Food
Vegan Connections

22 Boygenius EP
electro dance. The LP is named ‘Khonnar’ – pronounced Your Wife, single
23
Boygenius
Boygenius is the exciting new collaboration
between critically
acclaimed singer-songwriters
Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker and
Phoebe Bridgers. The self-titled
EP was released November 9th.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol
1 / LP: No Past. No
Future. No Sun.
November 16th sees the longawaited
reunion of Smashing
Pumpkin’s original line-up (or
most of them, anyway) with an eight-track LP released
on Napalm records. ‘Shiny and Oh So Bright’ is the first
record by the band in 18 years with founding members
Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha. They are
joined by Jeff Schroeder in the absence of original bassist
D’Arcy Wretsky.
Deena Abdelwahed
Khonnar LP
Tunisian artist Deena Abdelwahed
releases her debut LP on
French label, InFiné Music. A
producer and DJ, Abdelwahed is
known for a distinct, innovative and experimental take on
‘ronnar’ – a Tunisian word that “evokes the dark, shameful
and disturbing side of things”. The forthcoming 9 track
release will arrive on November 16th.
Pleasure Heads
Excuse the Filth EP
Falkirk born Pleasure Heads released
their debut EP, ‘Excuse the Filth’,
on November 2nd. Keep an eye
on their facebook page for all up
and coming gigs. You can read a
full review by Madeleine Dunne on
the next page. Enjoy!
Whenyoung
Given Up, EP
Infectious indie-pop trio release their
debut EP, ‘Given Up’, on November
9th through Virgin Records. Limerickborn,
London-based Whenyoung
are Aoife Power (Vocals/ Bass),
Niall Burns (Guitar), Andrew Flood (Drums).
Fresh off their headline UK/European tour, they continue
the UK stint in December supporting Blossoms. And Commence
a new tour in February, head over to their site to find
out more: whenyoungband.com
Self-Esteem
Following a decade long stint in
much-loved indie duo Slow Club,
Rebecca Taylor has re-emerged
under new moniker, Self-Esteem.
Lead single ‘Your Wife’ has been
produced by Dave Maclean of Django Django fame and
tackles the boundaries and freedoms of an increasingly male
dominated world. The track is available for streaming now,
but will be realised on limited edition 12” vinyl November
24th on Kick And Clap Records.
Self-Esteem embark on a UK tour throughout November
and early December.
Art Brut
Wham! Bang! Pow! Let’s
Rock Out!
Art Brut will release their first album
in seven years with 'Wham! Bang!
Pow! Let’s Rock Out!' on November
23rd through Alcopop! Records.
The Berlin-based indie outfit will follow the release with
a UK wide tour throughout November, January, February
and March
IDKID
I Eat Cars Like You For Breakfast And There Is Nothing You
Can Do About It’ LP Review
The Illusion of Motion’ builds tension from the get-go with an extended guitar riff, stabs
of percussion and erratic, animalistic lead vocals from Sadikson. IDKID divide lead vocal
duties between themselves throughout the album, providing catchy backing-vocals to
each fellow bandmate’s performance.
music editor’s choice
Words: Madeleine Dunne
Our Music Editor’s top picks of fresh releases for November – the ideal festive gift guide
for your music-savvy friend, family member who needs bringing up to speed or cheeky
wee addition to your own Christmas stocking.
itoldyouiwouldeatyou
Oh Dearism LP
‘Oh Dearism’ is the debut, full-length album from seven-piece
emo/indie-punk collective, itoldyouiwouldeatyou. Released
November 16th via Alcopop! Records and Failure By Design
Records, ‘Oh Dearism’ follows on from the band’s June 2018
EP, ‘Get Terrified’.
Architects
Holy Hell LP
November sees the release of Brighton five-piece Architects
eagerly-awaited ‘Holy Hell’. Released via Epitaph Records, the
album is self-produced by the group’s drummer, Dan Searle and
guitarist Josh Middleton.‘Holy Hell’ will be the eighth album from
the band and marks the first full-length release since the passing
of founding guitarist Tom Searle in 2016.
Eat Cars Like You For Breakfast And There Is Nothing You Can Do About It’ is the debut
I LP from three-piece indie-rock outfit, IDKID. The Scottish band formed in 2016 and
comprises bassist Bobby McClaren, guitarist Johnny McClaren and drummer Hooligan
Sadikson. Self-released through Ego Kid Records the LP was recorded by Lewis Glass
and mastered by Stevie Cossar.
Released October 2018, their first full-length endeavour is a turbo-powered onslaught
of dexterous melodies, witty lyrics and energetic unpredictability within each track.
Leading with a bang, first single ‘Sonic Boom’ runs just shy of two minutes but packs a
mighty punch. It’s intense, fast and methodically mad – the kind of thing that wouldn’t
be out of place as an intro to an action-packed 90’s cartoon. ‘The Good, the Bad and
A collaborative approach such as this is a risky choice for a debut, where a band typically
hasn’t had the opportunity to lay the groundwork of a distinctive sound.
Yet the true stylistic stand-out is IDKID’s high-energy instrumentals: the diversifying
vocals offer a dynamic layer to the overall sound.
Standing in stark contrast to Hooligan’s primal vocals, Bobby and Johnny McClaren sing
with a laid-back, conversational approach akin to West-Coast garage-rockers FIDLAR.
This is most prominent on final track ‘Death Drive’ which features Johnny McClaren’s
nonchalant spoken word approach, with additional back and forth repartee with fellow
bandmates which is featured throughout the release. Long guitar bends face off
against robust basslines ‘Sancho Panchez’ before dropping into an infectious melody
that rides the drumline. It’s an excellent example of how instrumentally cohesive this
band is together – no one is afraid to experiment, leaning away from clichéd sounds to
create an ordered chaos.
One of the most distinctive features of this release is how balanced the quality of
production is with encapsulating IDKID’s raw and unrelenting stage presence. This is
particularly notable on penultimate track ‘Kafka’, which kicks off with a robust melody
penetrated erratically by vocals from Sadikson and catchy vocal harmonies from the
McClaren brothers. It’s a difficult task to fully represent a band that excels in a live setting
but it’s been achieved masterfully by Lewis Glass at Glasswork studios, who recorded
the instrumentals for the album live as a full band.
Choosing to strip back and reassemble the traditional production process to let vocals
take a backseat and each band member’s expert instrumentals shine through further
allows the recording to capture the highly energetic atmosphere of IDKID’s live performance,
while not sacrificing the quality of the production.
I Eat Cars Like You For Breakfast and There Is Nothing You Can Do About It is a release
that will keep you on your toes with dynamic vocals and relentless percussion. Fullycharged,
this is a get-up and go album prepared to rouse you up with all the energy of
a live performance.
Vegan Connections
Music
Music
Vegan Connections

In Review
24 Words: Liam Menzies
25
Godeater – ‘Exsanguinated’ single review
Words: Tom Jarvis
If you are branding your musical style as “technical death metal” expect additional layers
of scrutiny from reviewers. A complex genre which requires advanced music theory and
instrument ability from all participants in the band, we must bear this in mind while we
explore Godeater’s latest release: ‘Exsanguinated’. Godeater, a fledgling band hailing
from Glasgow, consists of vocalist Josh Graham, bassist Will Keogh and guitarists Ross
Beagan and Andrew Macdonald.
Produced in tandem with Gavin Paterson of Studio 1790 and Meyrick de la Fuente of
Floodgate Audio, ‘Exsanguinated’ is their latest single release, following up their highly
regarded debut EP, ‘Outerstellar’. ‘Exsanguinated’ combines the flamboyance of Cradle
of Filth’s orchestral backdrop, Children of Bodom’s relentless precision, and early Avenged
Sevenfold’s melodic lead-guitar storytelling; the final ingredient is their fearlessness to
skip through each brief but powerful musical idea on their journey through the song.
Not only have Godeater earned their ‘technical’ accolade, they excel in that area. Expect turbo-charged blastbeats switching into unexpected grooves, while the bedrock-solid lowfrequencies
set the foundation. These layers only break away for short but necessary breaths amongst the brutality, soundtracked fleetingly by gothic strings and piano. The guitar
section offers many traditional death metal flourishes without touching on cliché, dancing along with and beneath the vocals. And, by the way, it is so refreshing to hear a death metal
vocalist talented enough to avoid the monotone scream which plagues the reputation of the genre.
Pleasure Heads - ‘Excuse The Filth’ EP
Words: Madeleine Dunne
Falkirk-born, Glasgow-based four-piece Pleasure Heads formed in 2015. Following
a two-year stint focused on evolving their sound, they made their debut with single
release ‘Concrete Lips’ at the end of 2017. Drawing influences from The Stranglers, they
have a characteristic post-punk sound which is paired with distinctive low-pitched, drawling
vocals akin to that of Orange Juice’s Edwyn Collins. Released on November 2nd of this year,
‘Excuse the Filth’ is the Pleasure Heads’ debut EP. ‘Excuse the Filth’ explores the balance
between routine-ruled living as a young adult in modern day Scotland and substance-led,
pleasure-seeking endeavours utilised to escape the mundane.
Opening track ‘Slurrin’ kicks off the EP with an anticipation building drumstick count-in
followed by a robust rhythm, penetrated only by a high frequency guitar riff that crescendos
triumphantly. It’s full-bodied and full of life, narrating a debauched night in Glasgow as
frontman Euan Purves uses his lyrical wit to philosophise the hectic hedonism.
Lead single ‘Down and Out’ uses phased out guitar riffs to create a dream-like atmosphere.
But there’s urgency lying under the surface as Purves’ vocals gradually grow to duel with the
steady percussion and build tension for the infectious chorus: “Would you rather be down
and out than high and trapped inside? There’s only so much fulfilment working hard can
buy.” It’s a cautionary tale of all work and no play making Jack a dull boy – endeavouring to
provide reason to seemingly senseless pleasure-seeking in 21st century Scotland. Dynamic,
reverb-laden vocals and punch-drunk rhythms lead the way to the infectiously catchy second
single ‘Same Old Song’. It builds to an ironic refrain, as Purves drawls about the claustrophobic
cycle of trapping routines.
While the tracks are filled with young bravado, ultimately Excuse The Filth avoids senselessly
recounting nights out by justifying hedonism with the realities of the mundane. In
a press release, Purves explains: “We’re party people, forever chasing the mythical high,
nevertheless it’s important to keep mindful of your own mindlessness. Use your evenings
and weekends as chances to rise above the mundane without sinking into utter depravity.
Be aware of yourself, in that way you can excuse (some of) the filth.”
This is evident in singles ‘Down and Out’ and ‘Same Old Song’, which present themselves as
triumphant pre-drink anthems but offer significant lyrical depth. But it continues when the
band explore the bitter breakdown of a relationship in ‘Eight Or Wait’. Following a similar
vein to ‘Slurrin’’, an upbeat rhythm narrates a hedonistic pilgrimage to Prague, featuring
the standard holiday affair: breakfast at a kebab shop, shots at karaoke bars, and “neon
promises of eastern delight”. But Purves juxtaposes lyrically while lamenting the unpleasant
expiration of a relationship: “You found someone else since I fucked you over, now here’s a
tourist that gets to enjoy the view.”
Fuzzy, down-beat guitars and steadily pulsating percussion introduce the exceptionally
named ‘Swedgehammer’. It’s a despondent comedown from the rambunctious nature of
the rest of the album – but it only seeks to add depth to an already dynamic EP. It’s a simple
but stand out track, memorable as Purves’ vocals strain for the final gut punching line: “not
all pleasure has to be the same, the pleasure in my head starts to hurt my brain”.
By making substance-led hedonism its leitmotif, ‘Excuse The Filth’ treads a fine line between
the pendant to regale senseless indulgence that prevails the indie-rock genre. But it’s a line
that’s masterfully stepped. Finding method within the madness and finding sense to selfdestructive
behaviour.
As a debut EP, it offers a reliable and promising introduction: solidifying a dynamic sound
through fuzzy post-punk that sways to dreamy-phasing, leaning on sharp lyricism and the
reliability of Purves’ distinctive vocals to create something unique to them. Pleasure Heads
invite listeners to challenge humdrum suburban life and philosophise the pleasure-seeking
chaos that ensues through brief moments of escape: and we are more than happy to come
along for the ride.
Suffer/Wallow Self-titled EP
On listening to their self-titled debut record, your assumption
about a band called Suffer/Wallow toying with a
bombastic, vexed sound would be proven correct: clocking in
at just under half an hour, the weight of the Glasgow hardcore
outfit’s apathy and irritation never lets up as they trod
along, attempting to marry their bread-and-butter established
sound with elements of sludge metal. While a variety of bands
from this genre can often find themselves getting by on face
melting riffs and screams that give you phantom pain in your
throat, Suffer/Wallow don’t seem content in dazzling with
their performances: hidden away at the sulky core of this
behemoth is a largely interesting concept revolving around
sleep paralysis; while you could certainly recall other artists
who have attempted to weave dreamy narratives, using
the “glamour” of sludge metal immediately strikes you as a
match made in heaven.
It’s fine timing that this four piece have arrived when they
have, as last year’s Code Orange has meant that there’s a
new host of listeners that are open to the idea of this music
though still no less daunted by what it can possess. This all
means that the band can pretty much play dungeon master
and really tap into the claustrophobia, fear, and panic that
one could expect to experience when enduring a bout of sleep
paralysis. ‘Forebode’, while maybe a bit too long-winded for
its purpose, starts off fairly clean though there’s a shadow of
menace that starts to trickle in as noise, distortion and static
open the floodgates for ‘Arrival’ to aptly make its appearance.
It lays out the pieces for a trilogy (‘Arrival’, ‘Wraith’
and ‘Asphyxiation’) which all seem to offer something new,
whether it be the emergence of some gravelly vocals, some
GET BEHIND
ME SEITAN
Black Metal Special
Words: Josh Graham
Black metal is perhaps one of the most enduringly fascinating
subgenres in music, both culturally and musically.
Often caricatured, often misunderstood, the genre has stood
strong for nearly 40 years now, and has a rich, often very dark
history. I won’t bother with a full lesson on that because you all
know how to use Google, but today I bring to you three bands
who since our last issue have released some truly fascinating
records that all utilise black metal’s core sound in completely
different ways to wonderful effect. Enjoy!
BEHEMOTH | I Loved You At Your Darkest
VVVV\
Coming four years after the genre-defining modern classic
that was The Satanist, I Loved You At Your Darkest finds
Poland natives Behemoth in an unusual position. It seemed
that both the band and fans knew that topping it would be
an impossible and thankless task, but it nonetheless begged
the question: where would they go from here? Where could
they go from here?
The answer was of course as blasphemous as you’d expect, and
despite having a title only marginally wittier than “God’s a wee
dafty by the way”, the phenomenal lead single “God=Dog”
very neatly sums up the album’s MO. With an organic approach
not dissimilar to that of The Satanist, ILYAYD scales
back much of its predecessor’s grandiose approach, allowing
for a leaner, sharper beast to cover more ground and take
Behemoth in new directions.
pretty animated guitar playing or confessional lyrics. The
mood Suffer/Wallow manage to weave throughout this record
is pretty impenetrable, the aforementioned length meaning
that it neither gets too cumbersome nor feels too thin.
It’s a shame then that the lyrics can feel a bit too on one
note, often putting this shroud of despair and worry at risk.
‘Deadweight’ gets a bit more visual and visceral but more
often than not, it feels like only the performances are giving
a taste of variety, the band not being afraid to offer some
interludes and build up in order for those startling highs to
have their intended impact. When it comes to the words that
are belted at your ears, it feels like the delivery can only do
so much to evoke the intended feelings with there not being
much to chew on or instill any fret. Of course, the argument
can be made that it’s necessary for the lyrics to only deal
The stunning ‘Bartzabel’ illustrates this perfectly, as gothic
choirs and sandblasted rock guitars give extreme metal
perhaps its most arena-ready moment to date, while ‘If Crucifixion
Wasn’t Enough’ employs punk drum beats, melding
them with the band’s signature searing black metal sound
to great effect.
With the creative license that their past success has granted
them, Behemoth have been able to create an album that has
allowed them to stand out more than ever from their peers,
and although a record should not be applauded merely in
experimentation for its own sake, the band have created
another fantastic body of work that hits many more times
that it misses.
ZEAL & ARDOR | Stranger Fruit
VVV\
With a mission statement of “what if American slaves had
embraced Satan instead of Jesus?”, Manuel Gagneux’s now
fleshed-out solo project Zeal & Ardor took some of the most
disparate sounds imaginable to surprise effect on debut
record Devil Is Fine, but left fans wondering if there was any
longevity in such an idiosyncratic project.
On Stranger Fruit, Zeal & Ardor seem intent on finessing
the formula they introduced on that first album. ‘Row Row’
and ‘Don’t You Dare’ provide some of its strongest moments,
allowing soulful, gritted voices to build tension around black
metal atmospherics before bursting with the pained shrieks
and tremolo picked guitars black metal is known for. While
this formula works well through a fair number of tracks, it
begins to lose its flavour as it rears its head again and again,
giving the feeling that the band have created a rod for their
own back by setting out such rigid sonic parameters.
Certainly, Stranger Fruit succeeds for the most part, blending
the band’s wide-reaching sound to greater effect than
their debut, but often lacks the kind of nuance necessary to
with the intended subject matter, but there could definitely
be multiple viewpoints or the fleshing out of these fears to
make the experience all the more immersive.
That being said, Suffer/Wallow win you over far more than
they push you away: from front to back, the drumming and
guitar playing is varied and showcases the band’s talent as
they move from mellow to hectic with maturity and ease, the
album’s prized jewel being its closing track ‘Noir’. This song,
while still focusing on despair, has a phenomenal effect, the
vocal delivery dripping with desperation as they’re washed
over by a flood of riffs, the group holding on to this glimmer
of hope by their fingernails - they just barely make it but by
the end of it, you’ll be going full masochist as you hover and
subsequently plummet your finger to press play again.
maintain any kind of longevity. Whether Zeal & Ardor ever
reach the potential they so often hint at remains unclear,
but this album stands as a curiosity of relatively good quality
nonetheless.
DEAFHEAVEN | Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
VVVV
Having released one of the most critically-acclaimed metal
records of the decade in 2013’s Sunbather, Deafheaven
found themselves lauded in spheres not often occupied by
heavier bands, while simultaneously finding themselves at the
mercy of black metal’s neckbeard cyber-militia who decried
their lack of purity. Unquestionably, Deafheaven’s meteoric
rise has given the genre exposure like never before. Fusing
the genre’s banshee vocals with europhic, shoegaze-tinged
soundscapes, it was a surprise when the band doubled
down on their metallic leanings on 2015’s New Bermuda,
but now, we find ourselves with the follow up to Sunbather
we originally anticipated.
By no means a commercial record, Ordinary Corrupt Human
Love is undoubtedly the five piece’s most accessible to date,
taking those shoegaze elements and giving them more room to
breathe than ever before. However, what ensures that OCHL
remains interesting are the ways in which it pits its various
elements against one another. George Clarke’s deranged
vocals are just as abrasive as ever, but now surrounded by
more lush instrumentation ever before, some almost Oasisesque
guitar solos (!!!) and the tasteful inclusion of more
melodic vocal motifs, this will no doubt be the final straw
for those who preferred the band’s black metal tendencies.
However, if you want to get to grips with black metal but are
turned off by the campier, orchestral route that established
gateway bands like Dimmu Borgir occupy, you could do a
lot worse than picking up Ordinary Corrupt Human Love.
This is black metal on its summer holidays.
Vegan Connections
Music
Music
Vegan Connections

26 27
Every year the festive season creeps up on us just that little bit earlier, and whenever
it comes around we are reminded that it’s not only the time for stuffing our faces,
indulging in boozy get-togethers and stressing over outfits, but is indeed a time for giving.
Surely anyone who has ever given to charity, helped out at a soup kitchen or simply
sacrificed some time for someone in need is aware of the rewarding feeling which comes
with an act of altruism. However, despite the good intentions, most of us are probably
short on time and the task of finding a way to give back can be daunting. To help you
achieve your good deeds we have compiled a short list of ways in which you can give
back (vegan style) this year. Short on time but willing to spare a penny for a good cause?
These charities and communities need your help.
Tribe Animal Sanctuary Scotland
The lovely John and Morag at TASS have set
up a haven for animals with nowhere else to
go. Drawing attention to the disparity in our
human attitudes towards pets versus so called
‘food animals’, the founders of TASS want
to encourage unprejudiced loving engagement
with all animals. By providing extensive
information on the history and character of
each of their animals, and by organising a
‘meet and greet’ on Sundays, TASS helps
educate the public on the sanctity of each
animal’s life. Not only does TASS accept
direct donations, but they work together
with the Tribe Tattoo family who donate all
profits from the tattoo and piercing studios.
www.tribesanctuary.co.uk
facebook: @updatesTASS
Lotus Animal Sanctuary
Lynn, the vegan hero at the head of Lotus
Animal Sanctuary, is looking to set up a
vegan sanctuary which will save animals in
need of shelter. Lynn intends to educate the
public on the emotional capacity of what
she terms ‘ex-food animals’ and thereby
garner the respect and love these beings
deserve. Apart from the sanctuary, Lynn
plans to have facilities providing a range
of relaxation therapies, yoga, as well as a
vegan café and shop. The ultimate goal
of Lotus Animal Sanctuary is to challenge
the ways in which animals are traditionally
viewed and to promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Previously, Lynn has managed to save the
two-year old cow Prince and the highland
cow Berry and her daughter Bramble from
slaughter.
www.lotusanimalsanctuary.com
facebook: @lotusanimalsanctuary
Animal Free Research UK
Founded in 1970 as the Dr Hadwen Trust for
Humane Research, Animal Free Research
UK (as the charity is now called) looks to
reduce animal suffering by promoting nonanimal
medical research. The Animal Free
Research team believes that while research
on human biology and disease is important,
it can and should exclude the use of animals.
The charity is non government funded and
has therefore relied entirely on donations
and fundraising activities to finance the 200
grants for research projects which they have
already been awarded. As the Animal Free
Research website gives extensive information
on each completed project, it is easy to
see how your donated money will be used.
According to the website, a donation of
£10 can already help to fund essential lab
equipment, while a £1,000 donation will
help pay for expensive imaging equipment
which provides direct human data, thereby
saving animals’ lives.
www.animalfreeresearchuk.org
facebook: @AnimalFreeResearchUK
OneKind
Looking to end cruelty to animals in Scotland,
the Edinburgh-based charity OneKind calls
for both donations and volunteers to support
their campaigns and investigations. Being
an evidence-based organisation, OneKind
bases their work on solid scientific and real life
evidence through investigation. The charity’s
campaigns are selected with regards to the
ability and size of their potential impact. Not
only is OneKind set on actively ending cruelty
to animals, it also looks to inform the public
on ways to reduce animal suffering though
their educational website: onekindplanet.
org. Current campaigns include stopping
salmon farm expansions, stopping mountain
hare slaughter and banning live animal
exports. The aims of OneKind go hand in
hand with a vegan lifestyle and the charity
allows for individuals to have an impact
through donation, volunteering and online
petitions.
www.onekind.scot
facebook: @onekindfb
Other charities worth donating to:
https://www.vegansociety.com/
https://www.animalaid.org.uk
https://veganuary.com/
https://vegfund.org/
The Gift
of Giving
Words: Isabelle Thul
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28 29
How Minimalism Can
Help You Keep Your Cool
This Holiday Season.
Words: Isabelle Thul
hristmas, it’s a time of spending. Spending time
Cwith family and friends, yes, but also spending a
whole lot of money on things we think we need. Needing a
new dress/suit for this or that event, needing to stock up on
booze, needing the latest kitchen gadgets to host the next
dinner party, needing that Christmas special edition of
whatever it may be. While the economy booms, our planet
suffers. It suffers from the waste which the production and
eventual disposal of this vast mass of consumer goods
creates. Let’s talk about how we can rethink our consumer
behaviour, buy a little less, give a little more and reduce our
landfill contribution.
In November of last year, Time Magazine reported that
Brits were expected to spend £1.8m per minute on Black Friday.
(http://time.com/5036097/black-friday-britain-sales/).
These figures will come as a surprise to no one. Remember
that footage showing shoppers scrambling over TVs on sale
at an ASDA in Wembley which went viral in 2014? The Black
Friday phenomenon has rapidly spread to the U.K. from
America, thanks to online retail giants like Amazon. What
does the fact that we are happy to adopt a sales event tied
to a public holiday (which we don’t even celebrate) have
to say about us as consumers? Clearly, we are susceptible
to the aggressive advertising schemes aimed at us around
this time of year. Online ads, TV commercials, social media,
posters at bus stops - these all contribute to convince us that
Christmas is a time of “I need” and “I want”. We begin to
believe that if we don’t purchase a particular seemingly essential
item, we’ll have a lesser holiday experience. But is this
necessarily true? Not according to Joshua Fields Millburn
and Ryan Nicodemus.
The pair of self-proclaimed ‘minimalists’ featured in the
2015 Netflix documentary: ‘Minimalism’. On their website
and blog, aptly named “The Minimalists”, Millburn and
Nicodemus claim that rather than reducing your overall
pleasure and happiness, opting for a minimalist lifestyle
can help you “focus on what’s important – so you can find
happiness, fulfilment and freedom.” Addressing the holiday
frenzy in a blog post titled “40 Reasons to Avoid Shopping
on Black Friday”, Millburn draws on his past experience of
managing a number of retail stores. This, Millburn claims,
made him aware of just how reliant retail businesses are on
the holiday season for maximising their yearly intake. The
dependence on ever-growing profit to compete with market
leaders has led to aggressive marketing campaigns in which
consumers are lured into “purchasing sh*t you don’t need
by creating false scarcity.”
Nobody likes to feel as though they are being coerced;
we like to believe we are in control of our own desires, and
yet so many of us are evidently drawn in by the call for
mindless consumption each year. Millburn advises to take a
step back and avoid shops on Black Friday and the holiday
season more generally. The minimalist approach to “feeling
festive” means spending time with family and friends rather
than on the high street with hundreds of other stressed-out
shoppers. Stressing the fact that a minimalist lifestyle begins
with a change in mindset, the pair state that: “there’s nothing
inherently wrong with gifts, but it’s irresponsible for us to believe
that purchasing presents is a holiday requirement.” The
Minimalists believe it’s a question of mind over matter when
we try to resist the urge to splurge during the festive season.
How then does the average individual resist the urge to
join in the mass consumer frenzy over the holiday season?
The couple Masa and Michael Ofei,who run the blog “The
Minimalist Vegan”, provide a very pragmatic set of guidelines
to spending less. The couple give three questions to ask
oneself before making any purchase:
1. Do I already own something that’s similar?
2. Is this something that I absolutely LOVE and will use
on a regular basis?
3. Do I really need this? (be honest with yourself)
The first logical step towards reducing excess consumption
over the festive season is to cut down our own spending by
thinking twice about what we need. What remains is the pressure
to find presents for our nearest and dearest to show that
we thought of them at this time of giving. The Minimalists
and the Minimalist Vegan resort to the same simple solution:
giving non-material gifts. Instead of gifting yet another pair
of socks (predestined moth-food) or this year’s bestselling
book (inevitable dust catchers), why not invest the time you
would have spent rushing around the high-street or browsing
online retailers to come up with something more personal.
Gifting a dinner, a trip, or tickets to a concert will make for
much longer lasting joy and have the potential side-effect
of strengthening your relationship. The gift of shared experience
naturally means investing some of your spare time
but think of all the time you save on raking through retailers’
extensive offers at this time of year. What if you don’t
live in the same country as your recipient or don’t have the
time to spare for an activity? In this case, The Minimalists
swear by the ‘gift of giving,’ which according to Millburn and
Nicodemus is the greatest gift of all. The formula is simple:
work out what your recipient feels passionate about, find a
related charity and then make a donation in their name. Vice
versa, you can do the same for yourself - gifting yourself that
warm fuzzy feeling by choosing a charity which you ask your
loved ones to donate to in your name rather than receiving
physical presents.
Want to learn more about living a minimalist lifestyle?
Helpful blogs:
theminimalistvegan.com/
becomingminimalist.com/what-is-minimalism/
Free PDF version of The Minimalists’ book:
gumroad.com/l/rNQM
Free podcast by The Minimalists:
https://soundcloud.com/theminimalists/p000
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What the F**k is a Nut Roast!?
30 31
A Vegan Connections Guide to
Christmas
Words: Josh Graham
Being vegan at Christmas: everyone remembers their first time. Before I started
writing this I was trying to think about all the clichés that get circulated about
what vegans eat at Christmas, hence the title. I still don’t really get what a nut
roast actually is. I’ve never eaten one or actually seen one on a plate in front of
me, so I googled it. If you were in the same boat as me, I can tell you now with
confidence that it looks rank - and anyone who’s actually been subjected to one
has told me the same. As I dug further, it seemed there was no clear origin beyond
that it probably originated about 100 or so years ago, so at least I don’t need to
feel guilty for slagging it, which is nice. Nowadays, most veggies and vegans will
know that there are far better meat substitutes out there now, but nonetheless, it’s
still a time of year where you’re likely to be scrutinised for your life choices more
than any other. Looking at the bigger picture, it can be a very stressful time for
all involved for a number of reasons - too many to list here - but as we all know,
there’s a huge amount of pressure to deliver, whether it’s financial, social or a
mix of both, and a vegan diet can often just be another headache on top of that
for host and guest . So, here’s a few general tips to keep you and those around
you as chilled out as possible, so you can save the passive-aggressive vibes for
more meaningful things like politics, or charades.
DISCLAIMER: I’m not going to give advice from the perspective of the host,
because let’s be honest, what self-respecting meat eater would leave Christmas
dinner in the hands of a vegan anyway.
Be Prepared
Be Helpful
Be Patient
Be Friendly
This means in terms of actual food preparation
and, to a degree, emotional preparation. As
is the case for most Christmas dinner situations,
if you’re not the only vegan there, you’re
almost certainly going to be in the minority,
so expect concessions, and not just in terms
of what you’re going to eat. I’ve heard stories
of fellow vegans being relegated to the kids
table - a fate I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but
maybe only a slight step down depending on
what the quality of conversation is like at the
adults’ table, but we’ll get to that part later.
Seriously though, one of the best pieces
of advice I can offer is that your Christmas
dinner is likely only going to be as good as
you want it to be. If you want to avoid a
vapid nut roast and want some fancy fake
meat, then let the person in charge know
and get it ordered well in advance. That
way it’s done and dusted and no one is left
with something they didn’t want, or merely a
selection of sides. Speaking of sides, if you’re
wanting roast potatoes that aren’t slathered
in goose fat, be sure to let the person hosting
know. My mum uses olive oil or corn oil. She
found the recipe off the internet and said it
was quite good.
Vegan or not, hats off to people who host a
Christmas dinner. If you’ve ever taken part in
one, you’ll know that without (and sometimes
even with) the utmost preparation it can turn
into a complete shitshow very quickly, and
if the person in charge hasn’t been properly
briefed, your vegan dinner might be the thing
that throws them over the edge. So why not
help out?
If nothing else, it lets everyone know you
come in peace, and it’s just a nice bonding
experience for whoever you’re cooking with.
It also means you can slowly siphon every
single brussel sprout into the bin before they
get anywhere near the table.
More than likely, there’s going to be that
one difficult person that is only out to tease
and rile you up. The kind of person who has
no real interest in your life but will happily
ask questions like “will you make your kids
eat vegan?” and “why even call it cheese
or sausage when there’s no dairy or meat
in them?!”. There’s no advice or witty retort
that will stop these people, but do keep in
mind that if they start asking about where
you get protein from or god forbid you get
the immortal “but bacon?” line, you are well
within your rights to perform a citizen’s arrest
until the appropriate authorities arrive.
For others though, don’t mistake genuine
curiosity for cynicism. There are still those out
there who think chicken and fish are vegetarian
options so try not to rise too much to any
visible looks of concern being shot directly at
your plate. For extra annoying vegan points,
make them squirm by asking them if they want
to try some delicious seitan - a wheat gluten
derivative! Mmm!
This kind of feeds in from my last point, but
ultimately, most people are there to have a
nice time. If you are indeed the only vegan at
your wee gathering and you’re hankering for
some discussion, then keep in mind that people’s
minds are rarely changed with hostility.
By the same token, yes, it is annoying to be
asked incessant questions when you’d rather
be inhaling potatoes, so if you’d rather keep
your head down and just wait it out, then
that’s to be respected too. However, there’s
a fairly good chance that many of the people
you are with (especially younger generations)
will have had little to no real exposure to a
vegan lifestyle, so if they’re curious, sell it
to them! As a youngster I would hang on to
every word my older cousins said, so why not
be that positive influence? You never know
who might be paying attention.
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