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From The Desk Of Blossoms: Public Transport (Overseas)

British quintet Blossoms is unapologetically ambitious. Rather than quietly release 2014 debut single “Blow,” the band announced it with an ardent, online manifesto. “We want to be heard by everyone,” it read, in part. “We want to be as mainstream as Will Smith, as great as the Smiths, and as uplifting as Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.” The band has just issued its self-titled debut. Blossoms will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature on the band.

Charlie Salt: I think this affair grew from the ashes of hatred for British public transport services, Northern Rail in particular—the least punctual service known to mankind. Anyway, where were we? Ah yes … Amongst my inventory of gig tickets, solitary coppers, receipts and worthless odds and sods lies an untidy stack of city transport maps from places I’ve visited. I’m no hoarder, but desperately feel the need to save anything that may come in handy for future use (I’ve never re-used any of them). Being a big supporter of people watching, I find that this is the perfect accompaniment to sitting on a bus, tram, train, boat, etc, especially when you’ve exhausted all other avenues of entertainment. I love the idea of being somewhere completely alien and having to find your way around with the use of a good, old-fashioned map. My favourite city for getting lost in is Tokyo—the lack of English translation throws you into a PacMan-esque mind-fuck where you can’t help but laugh and roll with it. You will leave Shinjuku station pixelated.