Robbie Hawken

Journalist in training studying for a masters at City University of London. 

Former Redbrick music editor and contributor.

Redbrick •

Single Review: John Mayer - Last Train Home | Music

‘Last Train Home’ sees John Mayer turn to a different era. His latest single, announced alongside his long-awaited new album Sob Rock to be released in July, is something straight out of the 1980s Yacht Rock genre.

The first thing to say about this track is that it sounds like a mixture of Toto’s ‘Africa’ and ‘All Night Long’ by Lionel Ritchie, What’s not to like about that? As with any track from the 1980s it is filled with synth that is the driving force of the song and makes it feel authenti
Redbrick •

Student Conversations: Inside the GameStop Stock Story | Slider (Comment)

Student debt is something that every student jokes about. It is a problem not for today but for the future. The prospect of paying it off is something that feels decades away. But that is not true for all. Imagine having the possibility of paying off your debt, or at least large sums, and not taking it. It is this staggering ideological commitment that has taken me off guard in the recent GameStop stock story.

If you are unaware of the basics of the situation, it is explained wonderfully in thi
Redbrick •

A Pointless Defence: The Government's Move to Slash Foreign Aid Will be Catastrophic | Comment

A week before Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his latest budget, featuring devastating projections for future unemployment and slashing of foreign aid from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5%, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a huge increase in defence spending. £16.5 billion over four years added to the current £41.5 billion budget.

Mr Johnson claims that this will protect existing jobs and increase Britain’s standing in world politics whilst bolstering a flagship navy. However, only a week later Mr Su
Redbrick •

Album Review: Elvis Costello - Hey Clockwork | Music

Elvis Costello’s new album is a scatter gun of styles united by the central theme of the movement of time in contrast to the timeless nature of Costello’s music Music Editor Robbie Hawken writes

Not many artists reach the mark of 31 albums, but then again not many artists are as skilful as the legendary Elvis Costello. His latest, Hey Clockface, is a scattergun of different styles all under the uniting theme of the march of time. Although this leads to some mixed levels of success, it is clear
Redbrick •

Album Review: Giant Rooks - ROOKERY | Music

Giant Rooks’ first album, driven by its euphoric choruses and the bands unique sound, is a huge success and shows the best work of a refreshing young band who know what they do best but are unafraid to experiment Music Editor Robbie Hawken writes

Giant Rooks, after releasing several EPs, have now finally released their first full album, ROOKERY, which does not disappoint and is sure to please existing fans and grab new ones. The German rockers are known for their massive choruses, using synth t
Redbrick •

Meets: The Big Moon | Music

The Coronavirus pandemic has made this year a strange one. Although we are only into the month of August, 2020 feels as if it has dragged on far longer than its short eight months suggest. For musicians, the separation from their audience and doing what they love makes this seem longer still, as The Big Moons’ Juliette Jackson makes clear to me during our interview, although the artist still recognises her privilege.

‘at least I can afford my food and I’ve got a flat that I can live in, so many
Redbrick •

The History of Rock Against Racism | Music

As a history student I spend most of my time looking at the past. Largely this does not provide me with any comforting stories but rather some interesting comparisons. Given the current climate surrounding the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, it seems fitting to revisit another time when music was used as a force for unity in a time of massive racial inequality and division.

Following the comments of guitarist Eric Clapton in 1976, vocalising his support for Right Wing politician Enoch Powell
Redbrick •

Album Review: Car Seat Headrest - Making a Door Less Open | Music

Music Critic Robbie Hawken states that whilst Making a Door Less Open is not a perfect album, it must be listened to, and works as a how-to guide on experimenting with a band’s sound without losing their original identity

Following on from the critically acclaimed album, Twin Fantasy (Face to Face), a remake of an earlier release of the same name, Car Seat Headrest have returned with an album which is a far-cry from their earlier work. The band led by lead singer Will Toledo have taken a new di
Redbrick •

Web Series of the Week: How Not to Travel Europe | TV

This week’s web series of the week is ‘How Not to Travel Europe’ by Youtuber GeoWizard. After starting as a gaming YouTuber predominately showing off his expertise on the popular game GeoGuessr, which drops you in a random place on Google Maps and gives points based on your guess as to your location, GeoWizard a.k.a. Tom Davis has moved into travel videos.

These vlogs are far from stress-free clips of someone’s holiday, as Tom attempts to complete multiple challenges set for himself throughout