Cobalt Issue 28 - The Final Vinyl

President's Letter
Dear readers,
Alyssa Tingle
The Final Vinyl
It’s been a long year, and with every great moment, it eventually
has to come to an end. 2022 and 2023 has been a fantastic year
for some, an enlightening year for others, and for a few, a somber
one. However, we hope that as we look back in time to the good
and the bad, we reflect and we grow.
Every moment has a reason, even if we don’t know it yet, and the
friends we make in university will eventually last us a life time. So
let’s take a look at the memories we made, the regrets that we
have, and the words that we want to say before the year ends in
this musical themed issue.
We hope you enjoy every submission just as we have as part of
Cobalt.
Yours,
Alyssa

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Hello / Goodbye
Crescendo
From Me to You
The 2023 OAC
Fire Marble
Thomas Smith
Faithfully Yours
I Don’t Think I’m Able to Write About You
You’re the Last Rose of Summer
Procrastination
4
6
7
8
14
16
17
18
19
20
Cassette Dreamz
Home
A Music Memory Rewind
As Many Things as Possible
Cradle
Record Scratch
Pink, Black, Blue
A Golden Age
Present Living!
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
Namroud Gorguis; Mink Mingle; Erik Mclean; Mohammad Metri; Kevin Mccutcheon; Thoa Ngo; Ümit
Bulut; Kamila Maciejewska; Mykyta Kravčenko; Luz Brunetti; James Forbes; Ricardo Viana; Noah
Buscher; Ronaldo de Oliveira

HELLO / GOODBYE
Ellie Bostock-Smith
INCOMING SOCIAL MEDIA & PRODUCTION MANAGER
Hello! I can’t wait to begin working on the Cobalt Magazine. There is so much creativity at Warwick
University to be embraced and appreciated, and I’m really excited to be a part of showcasing it :)
Daisy Robinson
INCOMING EDITOR & SOCIAL SECRETARY
Hi! I'm really excited to be joining the Cobalt exec this coming
year. It is an amazing publication and I feel privileged to help grow
our creative community. I can't wait to see what we can achieve!!
Raahimah Saeed
INCOMING SECRETARY
Hello! It's Raahimah and I am so excited to be your Secretary
this year! My favourite part of this role is that I get to read
or look at all of your amazing submissions when I check the
emails: so get as creative as you can because I'm really looking
forward to what you create!
Alyssa Tingle
INCOMING PRESIDENT
I can’t wait to continue working with Cobalt. I was part of the production team last year and it was an
absolute blast designing and bringing submissions to life, and I can’t wait to share with everyone all that
we have in store.
Devanshi Pandey
INCOMING TREASURER
Hello, this is Devanshi and I can’t wait to act as the Treasurer of the society and submit poetries
to be published in the Cobalt magazine! I also can’t wait to read what everyone else will be
writing over the year. Hope the magazine grows and flourishes :)

Mohammed Sultan
OUTGOING PRESIDENT & EDITOR
I wanted to take a moment to say farewell and express my gratitude for the incredible year we've had
together. Producing magazines like "Twisted Nostalgia" and "Inside the Hourglass" has been an absolute
joy. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. I wish Alyssa, our new President, and her team the best
Esme Hide
of luck as they take the reins. Keep shining bright, and let's stay connected. Farewell :)
OUTGOING PRODUCTION MANAGER
I can’t believe my time as production manager has come to an end so soon. Joining Cobalt as a
fresher was the best thing I did. I have loved every minute of working alongside all these amazing
creative people. I can’t wait to see what Cobalt will become in
the future!
Bethany Lee
OUTGOING SECRETARY
Cobalt has been a core part of my uni experience, in my first
year I immediately got involved as vice president and in second
year I took over as president. After my year abroad I came back
as Secretary. This magazine holds a special place in my heart
and I have loved channelling my own creativity as well as
encouraging it in others. Graduating and leaving Cobalt behind
is bittersweet, but I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future.
Shreya Krishnan
OUTGOING TREASURER
As the outgoing treasurer of Cobalt Magazine, I would like to say
that it was a pleasure being associated with the mag for a year, which gave me the opportunity to
contribute to the mag in my own little way to see it run and spread the passion for writing and reading
Nina Globerson
OUTGOING SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
pieces of art. Cobalt is a beautiful one and I would always cherish it :)
During my time at University, Cobalt has been a great experience to be a part of. I have really enjoyed
being able to put my creativity to the test through marketing and social media, and have enjoyed
contributing my own work as well. It’s incredible to see the final result and the hard work my co-workers
have put into the publication, and I will miss it dearly.

Christopher Tang
Sometimes, when the sun bruises
my curtains at a certain angle,
I let the yellow make me into a
movie star. This is easy, being
twenty-one. But two years prior,
I remember the music fading
into the purple of my skin –
scraping on the road, a victim
of the stars, strewn beneath
the gothic movement of the
strings at our ears. We were
made into a choir. I think we
kept singing because silence
is a death without art. Please
keep going. This cannot be
our finale. Let the orchestra
move from second-year streets
to first-year jobs; dinner parties
and happy marriages; forgotten
friends; children of the children
who will never know our time
spent as singers or movie scenes.
To the music: You can sleep over
again, anytime, if you promise –

FROM ME TO YOU
I wasn't supposed to be here.
I used to be trapped, but now I am free.
I used to be empty, now I am filled.
the void within me, disappeared.
This year has turned out to be unlike
anything I could have imagined.
If these were my last words, then I should
thank you for all the blessings and miracles.
without you I wouldn't have been here, met
all these people who became a part of me.
I wouldn't have been able to pursue my
dreams, and study the things I am most
passionate about.
From the moment that I wake up, to the
moment that I lay my head I know you are
here with me.
From my sincere heart to yours, Thank you.
Anonymous

THE 2023
OPEN A CAPPELLA
COMPETITION
Written by Alyssa Tingle
3 hours of heart-thumping music. Voices so powerful you forget that
they’re human. Melodies that come together to create a cohort of
emotions that burst through their vocal cords. Chills guaranteed to crawl
up your spine with fallcetos straight out of a dream. Or the growl in your
throat as the beatbox shakes your core.
The Open A Capella Competition was home to all of that. Bringing the
best of the best that the UK has to offer, a passion project meant to unite
people from all over the UK in the art of a cappella through song, dance,
and competition. With its third competition happening not too long ago,
let’s revisit some of the best moments of each group, and of course
the mind behind it all: the organizer and founder, Shaquira Lue.
10 teams, 10 distinct voices. From universities to long-standing,
established groups, the OAC was stacked with
talented individuals. With strikingly gorgeous
falsettos, powerful belts, and riveting beats.
Arranged in two parts, the competition was based
on three criteria: Musical arrangement,
choreography, and vocals. Thus, without further
adieu, let’s get into the groups that made the
final cut, providing a fantastic, magical, and
entertaining night of performance.

LowKey was the first to show off their skills, situated in London, they debuted
in LUKAS: Winter Edition. With a strong lead, they started the show with a
bang, with riffs that could make your heart twirl and beat boxing that made
your head swim.
The Inner Voices was second, contrasting LowKey with pop rhythms.
Had no one been looking, I would’ve surely jumped up to dance.
Hailing from Cardiff, their focus on harmony was astounding, yet
pop wasn’t the only thing they could do, showcasing a range
from folk to musical, music that was almost ethereal.
Third was The Techtonics, an all male group from Imperial
College London. This group of engineers and scientists
knew how to use their legs, with fantastic choreography.
A gradient of music from the 80s to the 2000s, playing
songs from Bruno Mars to Panic!
At the Disco. Reaching falsettos
that could match Brendon Urie,
needless to say, their stage
presence was
unmatched.
Next up was Aquapella,
fitting for a group from the
University of Bath, where they’re
celebrating their 10th year of
music! With a love for pop,
rock, and indie, their music
was a wave of emotions.
Harmony that leaves you in
shivers, rifts that make your heart
race, and musical arrangements
you just can’t resist but bop your
head. Their sound incorporated
everything that I loved, and judging
by the crowd, it was the same for
them.

Perfect Forth was the fifth to go, with a diverse cast from Scotland. With
a love for theatre, their performance did not shy away from the theatrics
of musicals. Their choreography and arrangements created an
exciting and memorable performance akin to jukebox musicals,
each song flowing into one another at the end of a scene.
Finished with strong vocals and beautiful harmonization and
choir.
Another from Scotland, all the way from the University of
Edinburgh comes Tone Up, a mixed-voice a cappella group
with members from all around the globe. With great tones
and lovely harmony, their artistic style gives off ‘The
Aristocrats’, with cyclical beats and majestic unity,
there’s never a dull sound even in the softest of
songs, with complementing vocals lining every tune.
Then comes The DeciBelles from Cardiff
University, with vocal transitions that knock
the competition out of the water. Inspired
by powerful female artists, this group brings
the ‘villainess’ to the party with strong vocals
and eye-catching choreography. With
ballads to sassy pop songs, this group
can’t help but capture the hearts of
its crowd with its amazing vocals.
The Scopes on the other hand are
light and bright with a myriad of
falsettos that’ll knock you off your feet.
Taking original songs and transforming
them into something greater, enhanced
with choir. Combining pop tonality with
original music arrangements. The Imperial
College London does not miss with its
fantastic a cappella groups.

Second to last is Algorhythm, a group of Vocal Percussion
enthusiast united by the UK collegiate a cappella network. Their
focus on vocals highlights their music ability, where backing voices
perfectly complement, striking a balance of sounds without
overwhelming either section. Paired with smooth transitions, there’s a
focus on combining the rough power of rock supergroups and classic
a cappella.
Last, but certainly not least, the Northern Lights from Durham
University. With the purpose of uniting under ‘one entity, one voice’,
they ended the night with powerful belts and strong chest voices,
overwhelming your senses with their bold notes, from low base to
high head. They achieved one of the hardest challenges: leaving
the competition, and ending the night, with
a bang.
And as a bonus, the OAC surprised
everyone with a beatboxing competition,
inviting the best beatboxers of each team
to compete together, showcasing their
talents and expertise. An interlude before
the final act of the night: OAC’s very
own group which we’ll get into.
But what about behind the scenes?
According to Shquira, there were a
million bumps in the road, from
running fundraisers to looking for
sponsorships and venues, or to
immediate tasks such as buses
breaking down or the judge’s
positioning. But these small ‘fires’ as
she calls them always end the same:
turning out well, with a good
drink at the Dirty Duck, laughing
about the hectic events.

Another was accessing whether it was
worth it to travel all the way from across
the UK to the OAC. With groups from Scotland,
it’s no question that the travel time and cost would
be taken into account. However, after a quick
exchange with the previous generation of students
that came to the OAC in 2020, they made their plan
clear: They would make it work. A testament to the
memories and friends made with past competitors.
And finally, a special guest, the OAC’s one and only a
cappella group: Elision! Made up of singers from across the
UK, with members passionate since their time from schools and
local communities, the group has about 80 years of collective
a cappella experience. Having existed for just over a year,
they’ve headlined the Showcase of Northern A cappella, held
their own gig, and even released an EP on spotify.
Truly, the OAC does not cease to amaze anyone who listens.
We’re so excited to continue collaboration
with the societies in and around Warwick
Uni. We’re a student run company making
events for students, with students. It’s where
we started and will always continue to have
young talent at the forefront of our agenda.
Please keep supporting us and allowing us
to push your art forward - students make
innovation happen.
SHQUIRA LUE

THOMAS SMITH
L’estartit, Spain
Schooling Pelican Barracuda, Punta Carrión, Galápagos Islands
Tubastrea spp. Coral, Punta Carrión, Galápagos Islands

FAITHFULLY YOURS
I watch you from a distance now,
Not sure what to say; phrase it how?
Never dared ask, I only wish for more
You'll never know, how I am faithfully yours.
Lambs become sheep, raised for slaughter
No escape, Lady Fate, though I fought her
Your memory is my pound of flesh debt;
But unlike Shylock; you never fail to collect.
Complaint? I even waive the blood clause
Silently begging for your mercy, no cause
Except that I only ever wanted to belong
To someone, and only you; I have longed.
Does my presence cross your mind?
I wonder if you know how it is to pine.
"Please see me," is my only, utter plea
Your world a novel; a mere footnote is me.
The final assertion I dare make to you
I know not if we'll say 'how do you do'
Again; but know that despite closed doors
I will forever remain, faithfully yours.
S N E H A A G A S T I

Ai Shinohara
การกระทํานันดังกว่าวาจา
ว่าตนจะทําแต่ไม่เคยเคร่ง
สุดท้ายต้องมาจบทีนําตา
ถ้าเริมทําตังแต่เมือวานนี
คอยสรรหาคํามาหลอกตัวเอง
มัวแต่เพ่งไม่เร่งงานเสียที
แล้วคิดถ้าไม่ช้าก็คงดี
คงเสร็จมีนาทีไปทําอย่างอืนนานแล้วสิ
action speaks louder than words
keep using words to fool yourself
that you will do it but never strict
just looking, never really finishing up your work.
In the end all I could do is cry
Wishing that if I had done it earlier it would have been better.
If only I have done it yesterday
I would have time to do something else

AS MANY THINGS
AS POSSIBLE
Gabriela J.
Hobby switching,
its a sickness.
First its crochet,
bags and bunnies,
A hundred quid.
Then its painting,
canvases, oil and pastels.
Maybe I'll become famous
this way.
But I think by now
I know its not true
because my love will switch
as hobby switching will do.

CRADLE
Amelia Jergue
I like to think I'm a good person
I like to pretend that I am.
Making faces in the mirror
Comes to me like second hand.
I still remember the patter of tears
That ran down my brother's eyes.
The way that they flowed silent
From all his raspy cries.
Or the way that when he loathed me
But still cradled me in his chest.
Or the way that he would tease me
And I seethed in second best.
Those eyes of harrowed betrayal
Has never left my mind.
So I try to be a good person
Or at least I think I've tried.

RECORD
Alyssa Tingle
SCRATCH
I often find myself listening to music.
The sound of lonely tunes when I feel blue.
Or when I’m lively the sound of joy
With rock and pop to soothe.
Or how about the times where I’ve hummed
To the sound of wind and rain
Where all my worries disappear
Straight into the musical grave.
There’re moments I lay awake at night
As the piano of classical music lights the sky
There’re visions of a younger time
And images of the years I’ve cried
Or maybe the cringe of a bad mistake
Where the record stops, rewinds, replays
And I regret every decision I’ve made
Of a younger time when I was barely aged
So, bury your thoughts, emotions, I say
It’s not good to leave your heart open
Because when people come in with their thundering steps
They’ll leave your records broken.
And joyful memories fade away
So many words are left unspoken
And sometimes I stand in solitude
Waiting for them to reopen.

PINK, BLACK, BLUE
Looking into all of your eyes, I’m filled with a sombre content-ness.
The way they glisten in the moonlight’s glow, the way Pink smiled so
big. The way Blue’s coffee felt so comforting. The way Black’s love
was all-consuming. The way that you all laugh, cook, play and sing.
I love them all.
I remember the fear that bled me dry, the ache
in my chest. The moment that I arrived: an
outside in unknown lands.
Then we talked, classes a blur, days spent in
shared kitchen. Tea leaves on the ceramic floor.
Then we grew. And grew and grew. Making pots
and writing notes. Spending late nights
studying, candlelight illuminating. How we
laughed and gossiped.
And then met the next day to do it all again.
And what about the times we stayed up late, studying for exams.
How we fell out of touch, jealousy gripping my hand. But you still
welcomed me with open arms, though I’ve hurt, and I hurt.
In a foreign land, you are my light.
In a new step in life, you are my might.
Pink, Black, and Blue. You have made my life for the better. I know
this is true.
- E.R

A GOLDEN AGE
Cobalt x Boar x Raw
Written by Ellie Bostock-Smith
They say you never know when you
are living in a Golden Age, as
such perspective is reserved for
future generations. However, on
the 5th of May 2023, the golden
glow could not be denied as
Cobalt Magazine, The Boar
Newspaper, and RAW Radio
Station held a joint celebration of
the talent of our time: A Golden
Age Media Ball.
The first in the University’s history,
the Leamington Royal Pump
Rooms saw the gathering of
editors, journalists, writers,
photographers, DJs, and other
exec members, all dressed up to
the nines and red-carpet ready.
Kicking the night off was the first
awe-inspiring performance from
Warwick Pole Society, with more
following throughout the night.

The grand hall was soon buzzing
with music, talk, and merriment as
connections and friendships were
born and built upon. Every part of
the event was planned and
executed brilliantly, from the
performances to the decorations -
right down to the chocolate
covered strawberries on every
table.
One particular highlight of the
evening had to be the
presentation of awards; there
could not have been a more
fitting event at which to honour
and celebrate the talent growing
in each society. Many winners
were recognised in different
categories, though the
competition was fierce in each.
Then, following food, and many
drinks, the night descended into
dance and party.
The unification of Warwick
University’s media scene
continued and we basked in the
glow of this Golden Age, looking
forward to its future.

PRESENT
Elizabeth Andelena
Regretting has never been my forte
I believe in living in the present, a mindless fun of parties and jam.
Where food runs plenty because you don't need to think of future plans.
Don't mention about the tuition, we use that for games and rum.
Don't mention about the empty husk that reaches the morning sun.
I believe in living in the present, because life's what it's all about.
And if you don't start living, then how will you turn out?
Successful and proud?
Fulfilled and rejoiced?
Or maybe you'll end up feeling a little bit more poised.
Ready to take on adulthood, but who has the time for that?
When you can spend your best years getting drunk inside the flat.
Make memories of a lifetime that you'll wake up and won't remember.
And don't forget the sleepless night where your anxiety drowns you under!

LIVING!
So regretting has never been my forte!
I dread to even think.
What might lay for the future, so I give myself no wink.
"Sleep is for the weak" I say, "worries are in your mind.
It's all a mental state, so just shake it off and vibe."
So honestly just live life!
Embrace the present, ditch the past.
Don't care about the future, there's no need to look back.
Do these things and you'll be just like me,
two peas in a pod.
And honestly it doesn't sound so bad
to embrace the present living.
When regretting has never been your forte.
And it's too far to just turn back.