Bulldog's new men's shaving range

Shaving is a vital but fairly dull chore for the modern man, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

But, with a new range of fantastic products, male grooming greats Bulldog have made hair removal a fun and nourishing ritual.

Here TopReviews4U takes a look at the top new lotions and potions.

Original Shave Oil

 

- aloe, camelina oil, green tea
A fantastic oil, which smooths and soothes allowing a clean and resistance-free razor stroke.
It left my face and neck smooth and refreshed and delivered a wonderfully close shave.
 

Original Shave Cream

 

- aloe, camelina, green tea
A light non-clammy shaving cream, which allowed hairs to be separated and ready for the razor.
This all-natural product was the perfect antidote to chemical counterparts on the market nowadays.
 

Original Beard Balm

- aloe, camelina, green tea
The best of the bunch for me.
Fantastic, soothing and softening - a real hero product.
This is something you'll never realise how much you needed it.

Original Beard Shampoo & Conditioner

- aloe, camelina, green tea
Rather than using drying soaps and products not fit for purpose, this specially-formulated all-in-one beard shampoo and conditioner is another great product.
Soothing and refreshing, with natural ingredients, this this fantastic.

 

• Visit www.meetthebulldog.com for more information.

 

EXCLUSIVE interview with Ferry Corsten at EDC UK

TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian talks to Dutch trance legend Ferry Corsten.

It was another fantastic day at EDC UK on Saturday as the cream of dance music descended on Milton Keynes.

In among the EDM were a few solid gold trance nuggets, encouraging signs that the genre is still surviving and thriving.

And trance superstar Ferry Corsten’s decision to reboot his epic Gouryella concept from the late Nineties/early Noughties is a sign that a renaissance could be on the cards.

Asked what made him bring back Gouryella Ferry said: “It was something that I wanted to do for a long time, that whole sound, I wanted it back.

 “In the last few years I was so fed up with everything that was happening in the scene.

I want to return to that 99-2000 sound.” 

So it is a case of back to the future for the amiable DJ and producer, who has been responsible for a gigantic back catalogue of bangers.

Speaking about the future of trance he said: “I can see almost two prongs to it - there's the EDM type of trance and there's these guys, a lot of them from Ireland and Scotland, which is more like the Gouryella style, that people are really loving.”

Gouryella was a project that Corsten started with then close friend Tiesto, who has departed trance and headed for the more commercial EDM akin to the style of young fellow Dutchman Martin Garrix (pictured below). 

Asked how Tiesto felt about the reawakening of one of trance’s most iconic acts Corsten said: “I haven't really spoken to him ever since [the return of Gouryella], I haven't really seen him since, even though we play the same festivals sometimes.

“I've just released number six - Neba - for Gouryella and he was there for the first three.”

And on his former production collaborator’s change of style, Corsten thought for a moment, then said that he likes to make music for the "art" of it.

He added: "I know where his [Tiesto's] heart used to be, I may agree or not (with his new EDM style).

“I went down that route for a little while and I've got to be honest it was very inspiring at first, going to the beginning of EDM.

“Punk and Rock Your Body, Rock were very electro.” 

But he said he was irresistibly drawn back to his roots.

“After doing that for a while the real trance lover in me really did start to resurface again,” he said.

On the strength of his tear-inducingly uplifting performance at EDC UK I don’t think Ferry Corsten will be moving away from trance again. 

BOOK REVIEW: The Diary of V. Frankenstein By Steven J Guscott

A slim volume that really packs a monstrous punch, The Diary of V. Frankenstein is a great achievement, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian. 

Moving on the Frankenstein story in the finest traditions of the original this Steampunk reawakening of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece is a triumph.

Shelley’s proto-feminism is brought up to date in the alt-reality/Gothic horror reimagining.

It centres on the monster and his mate’s life and their brutal conflict with the human world.

Written in an engaging diary format as the title suggests it is a perfect read, which can be done in bite-sized chunks, or read through on a train or plane journey.

Speaking about the short story, Steven said: “It is an alternate-reality, Gothic/horror, steampunk, sci-fi with the main theme being feminism.

“That's a lot of genres in one story, but it appears to work. 

“This adaptation was originally a short story, which can be found in the published Charity Anthology 'Strange Tales From The Scriptorian Vaults.'

“Quite a number of those who read the Anthology said my story was their favourite so I decided to expand it into this novella.

“I really believe this is a retelling that people will find very interesting as it touches on themes that are important, plus there is some really captivating plots.”

• For more information click here

Yorkshire Tea - Much More Newsworthy Than Brexit!

What with Brexit and all National Cream Tea Day was rather overshadowed.

A fact not unnoticed by the bemused tea wallahs at Taylor’s of Harrogate, makers of the delicious Yorkshire Tea.So much so that on June 24 they tweeted: “We're very disappointed to see so little media coverage for National Cream Tea Day. It's easily today's biggest story.”

Eager to put this right – albeit belatedly – I have to say that if you want a cream tea make sure you opt for delicious nut brown Yorkshire Tea.

Fiercely sticking to square bags (I always preferred them) this traditional and satisfying cup of splosh with leave you purring with delight.

Those nice people at Taylor’s also sent me a lovely little model of their famous Little Urn – a converted ice cream van which tours all over making sure people have “a proper brew”.

• For more information on Yorkshire Tea click here 

VIDEOS: J00F Editions London review

Old met new on an amazing night of progressive house and trance courtesy of J00F Editions in London last night, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian. 

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Iconic and historic Koko (formerly the Camden Palace) provided a stunning contrast to the absolutely cutting edge dance music served up to a rapturous crowd.

I arrived early and already the venue was in full swing, with a pulsating soundtrack – I’ve not seen a club so busy so early in many years.

The stripped back DJ table was bathes in fairly simple purple light, which lent an otherworldly appearance, but this was all about the music.

And on that J00F Editions did not disappoint – excellent sets from John 00 Fleming and Steve Arnold were also joined by the awesome Astrix, who I’d never seen before, but will definitely seek out again in future.

His was the stand out set in a night of stand out sets.

The genres ranged from progressive to trance to psytrance in what was a futuristic whir of musical mayhem.

The knowledgeable and fervent crowd were loving every morsel of the aural feast as was I.

Quite simply it was a fantastic night and I will be looking out for the next J00F Editions event wherever it may be and so should you.    

TopReviews4U EXCLUSIVE: Carnival Vista cruise review

The myth that cruising is for old people has been dramatically blown apart with the advent of two new super ships heralding a new era of pleasure sailing, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.  

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Everyone seems to have heard of the massive Harmony of the Seas, but almost as gargantuan and concentrating on fun and quality rather than quantity (but still massive!) is the fabulous Carnival Vista.

I had the honour of joining the fantastic team on board a short while after it first sailed last week on an epic voyage from Barcelona to Rome.

First of all the size of the Carnival Vista is staggering, then when you get on board via a stunning bar with tulip-shaped CGI-centrepiece bar you realise you are in for a treat.

The experience becomes ever more luxurious when you reach the beautiful staterooms and sample the terrific array of food at specialty restaurants like the Asian-inspired Ji-Ji or the fine-dining fayre at Fahrenheit 555.

Filet mignon and lobster, crisp pinot grigio and rich Barolo accompany the sublime dishes, transporting passengers to a bygone era of quality and refinement – but this is not a stuffy experience in the slightest.

Modern innovation like the first on-board IMAX cinema, the excellent SkyRide suspended cycle track at the top of the ship and deck-top water park hurtle this ship into the 21^st century.

Sensational bands, singers, entertainers DJs, bars and eateries guarantee and party every day and every night.

Food options include Seafood Shack, a delectable New England-inspired eatery; RedFrog Pub, including the line’s first on-board brewery and other enhanced dining, bar and entertainment options; as well as new scenic and family-friendly accommodation types.

And the European stops are terrific, with Barcelona, Marseille, Livorno and Rome among the picture book destinations and shore excursions to places like Florence and Pisa, the Colosseum and the Vatican.

A voyage on the Carnival Vista is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Get on-board now!

For more information and bookings click here

Let There Be House @ McQueen, Shoreditch review

 
A night of upfront funky, deep and soulful house delighted revellers at one of London's coolest venues last week, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

Let There Be House's fantastic event at McQueen, in Shoreditch, was eagerly-anticipated and did not disappoint.

A fantastic crowd lapped up the beat-driven party vibes at this unique and very stylish venue.

DJs on the night included Groovepunk, Glen Horsborough, Fatfly, Mister H and Carl Hanaghan.

The event returns to McQueen in August and TopReviews4U can't wait.

VIDEO: Armin van Buuren / ASOT at O2 Brixton Academy, London

Armin van Buuren's A State of Trance rolled into London on Saturday night - and it was the hottest ticket in town, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

The Dutch maestro was ably assisted by compatriot Ruben de Ronde, whose floaty and driving set provided much more than just a warm up for the man himself.
AvB's banging set was what ASOT fans have come to expect.

And the pounding trance was perfect for the cavernous O2 Brixton Academy.
The walls reverberated to the sonic onslaught and the whoops and cheers of the crowd grew louder as the night went on.
Aside from the music the venue was fantastic, with bars aplenty and there was even a warm up DJ in the entrance hall - courtesy of Elevation Audio - and a spinner playing at the cloakroom..
Brixton is quickly becoming the heart of London clubland, with sell-out gigs here and last month for ANTS at the Electric down the road.
I for one am looking forward to more shenanigans in SW9.

 

London Beer Week pop-up with Sharp's Brewery

Free beer is always welcome, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

And so it came to pass last week during the fantastic London Beer Week.

Thanks to this lovely folks at Sharp's Brewery and others who took part in the fantastic event.

Sharp's constructed an amazing pop-up bar in London's East End, with an indoor beach and a mind-boggling selection of ales, lagers and porters.

My personal favourites were the terrific coffee-like Mizzen and the delicious Jetsteam IPA, which weighed in at a potent 5.7 per cent ABV.

The atmosphere was great with nearby pop-ups, pubs and other assorted venues getting involved with a £3-a-pint beer bonanza.

And it was not just UK beer that took centre stage – Czech legends Kozel were also in evidence for those who like strong continental lager that really packs a punch.

Pop-ups have become increasingly popular as a way to show off new products and drive trade and brand recognition, but Sharp's effort was a masterstroke.

I for one will definitely be heading back next year.

 

Luxury Jadu Tea review

Beautiful packaging and enticing little envelopes filled with scented potions are the order of the day with the fantastic Jadu Tea. 

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My first taste of the delicious Mademoiselle Grey (Jadu’s unique take on Earl Grey) was very much with the eye, as the dizzying array of leaves, citrus, petals and whatnot peered back at me from the pyramid mesh pouch.

Eager to make the most of this intriguing infusion I made sure to follow the instructions set out by award-winning luxury gift tea company Jadu.  

They involved using 200ml of water (so out came the measuring jug) and infusing the tea for three minutes.

What followed was an incredibly-refreshing and balanced beverage.

Relaxing, yet invigorating in equal measure.

The same can be said of the triumphant China green, which was smooth and balanced and easier to drink than any other green tea I’ve tried.

Both the China green and Mademoiselle Grey were awarded gongs in last year’s Great Taste Awards – a discovery which came as no surprise to me whatsoever. 

Also available is an English breakfast tea, which again was enlivening and balanced, and loose leaf white mango lime.

When it comes to tea London-based Jadu has it all. 

•   For more information click here