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Where do we start with effect of screen addiction and the role social media plays on one’s mental health?
This is what singer/songwriter Tim Arnold has been researching for the past seven years culminating in the release of his latest album, the critically acclaimed, ‘Super Connected’ in 2023.
Inspired by his mentor, the late Lindsay Kemp, who has previously worked with David Bowie and Kate Bush, has also written and directed a silent film as an accompaniment.
In short, Tim’s musical career has spanned over 30 years, having fronted britpop band, Jocasta, in the 90’s before disbanding to embark on a solo career spanning 25 albums prior to his latest project. He was also a founder of Save Soho with whom he met Stephen Fry (who features later), a group set up to campaign about the dying arts of Soho.
The Super Connected film, based on a true story, depicts a dysfunctional family who have various mental health issues, dealing with addiction to technology against the backdrop of the rise of global big tech companies.
Each song serves as a different theme to each scene. His partner, Kate Alderton, has expertly adapted this for a live production combining both album and film.
Playing the last night of his UK tour, we were treated to a very unique show of music, film and theatre, amounting to a rock opera. It was relevant, thought provoking and his most complete and accessible piece to date, filled with catchy art rock/pop melodies.
If you enjoyed the album, which I for one have and had the lucky chance to experience the album performed live by the man himself. He sings and plays guitar over the backdrop of the film, with Sarah Kershaw, providing back up harmonising vocals and on keyboard duties.
When arriving at the venue, there was an option for the audience to take part in ‘Phone Freeze’, which I obliged, to lock your phone away for over an hour in a pouch that was cabled tied that you kept with you that was unlocked after the performance.
The idea that that the audience feels ‘Super Connected’ and to listen without distraction/interruption and as intended as Kate touches on as she open proceedings.
The film starts with a brief introduction to the Curtis family whilst Tim launches into the title track ‘Super Connected’, an instantly catchy pop stomp with a brass backing. The family’s eldest daughter, Bella (played by Dixie McDevitt) is cooped up in her darkened bedroom, detached from reality, streaming endless amounts of online content for hours on end, the only light she sees is that of her laptop and mobile phone screen, she is clearly sleep deprived.
Her problems are not surprising given the dynamics of her parents. Her father Tim (played by Tim Arnold himself) and mother Kathleen (played by Kate Alderton).
On ‘You Like My Pictures’, Kathleen emotionally expresses herself by posting endless selfies through social media, unaware that she is being watched by a passer by.
Tim, on the hand, betrays his wife by seeking solace in another woman which we find out is ‘fake plastic’ on ‘The Touch Of A Screen’ I assume from the World Wide Web .
‘Start A Conversation’ scene begins with Tim going to counselling about his online addiction; whilst at home, Kathleen and Bella’s failure to communicate behind her daughter’s bedroom is apparent, with the mother looking on regrettably of the lack of time spent with her.
Carole (Gran played by Valerie Charlton) is taken to the park by her Carer alongside her granddaughter, Roxy (played by Roxy Doyle). When they arrive at the park, Roxy plays on the swings gleefully whilst Carole happily pushes her, they’re enjoying their time spent together.
Tim plays an excerpt of ‘Make Me Alright’ (the album closer), whilst (on screen) Tim seeks tranquillity upon a hilltop, he has flashbacks of happier times spent with his family but is interrupted by a haunting commercial (narrated by Stephen Fry) from a ‘fictitious’ tech company, Picture Sounds about a new device called ‘iHead’. This is a self-absorbing headset, is set to further distance himself from reality, which he ultimately signs up to, unknowing of its damaging effects that he will later regret.
The album’s opener, ‘Start With A Sound’ plays as he sees himself in virtual reality with blue hair and painted white inspired by David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane (from the album artwork). A stunning live performance by ballerina Daniela Maccari (Lindsay Kemp’s longstanding dance partner), plays out on stage and on screen simultaneously.
The family are made fun of on ‘Everything Entertains’ a Jeremy Kyle/Jerry Springer type show as the scene lays bare at how dysfunctional their unit is, displaying their flawed functionality and tumultuous behaviours.
Tim and Kathleen reconcile and rekindle their relationship for the sake of their daughter, Bella. The film is at its most poignant in ‘Send More Light’, with its gorgeous Keane-like balladry, juxtaposing between hope and despair as Carole passes away and Bella’s bedroom curtains are drawn, sunlight beaming in with the love of her parents. (To find out what happened next, you’ll have to wait until the film is on general release or sign up for a special preview)
Overall, the evening was a delight, full of emotion, energy and thought provoking. Through Tim’s brilliant songwriting, ear for a melody and film directing coupled with Kate’s accomplished stage arrangements, this is the perfect match.
It goes to show that technology does have its pros and cons but nothing can compare to the happiness you feel of loved ones around you. It’s relevant and I can see this show being being played for years to come.
The production challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with social media and screen usage. I for one will be thinking twice about next using my smartphone and tablet.
A nice touch after the show, Tim invited the audience onto the stage and share a moment led by Daniela Maccari to be at peace with ourselves and to embrace one another to the sound of Elgar’s Nimrod from Enigma Variations, ah bliss!
Review by James Ollerenshaw
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Power Plays w/c 10 June 2024
BASTION ROSE (Epictronic Records)
VOODOO RAMBLE Midnight Ride (indie)
BYWATER CALL As If (indie)
ESCAPE THE PARADIGM Cold (Curtain Call Records)
DEFENCES Gold In The Dark (indie)
BRAVE RIVAL Fairytale (indie)
MOJO ACES Old Crow (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 10 June 2024
09:00-12:00 NESTOR Teenage Rebel (Napalm Records)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 MIRACLE MILE East Of Ely (indie)
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