muse mag - apr/may '12
DESCRIPTION
featuring: Awolnation, Two Door Cinema Club, Newtown Knife Gang, Trenton & Free Radical, Kalahari Surfers, Mark Beling Band, Quasi van der Walt, Paul Blom's Eruption, Jezebel's VPLTRANSCRIPT
EDITION 19 | APR/MAY ‘12 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!3
CONTENTS
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MUSE Magazine. Any views, opinions & visual material
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MUSE Magazine 2012All rights reserved.
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From The Editor
Better Red than Ded - B!tch3z B Cray Cray
Awolnation of DominationTwo Door Cinema Club - Good and
Grounded and GroovyArtist Q 'n A: Mark Beling Band
jezebel's VPL: with Jonathan Velthuysen
Trenton and Free RadicalLegends of SA Music: Kalahari
SurfersCutting Deep: Newtown Knife Gang
Inside the Machine: Music NewsQuasi Van Der Watt: Cheddamelt Burgers and the Promised Land
Eruption: State of the African Metal Nation
Metal Album ReviewsNew Albums
Game ReviewsVenue Guide & Live Events
PUBLISHED & DISTRIBUTED BY: Coalition : Tel: (021) 913 8423
Fax: 086 544 [email protected]
MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS: David McKinley, Thomas Whitebread
MANAGING EDITOR: David McKinley - [email protected]
MUSIC EDITOR: Dave Mac
[email protected] DIRECTOR: Thomas Whitebread
CONTRIBUTORS: Dave Mac, Thomas Whitebread, Terri Love, Mary Honeychild, Mickdotcom, Paul Blom,
Alan Ratcliffe, Alistair Andrews, Kurt Slabbert, Damien Albetto, jezebel, Jonathan Pike, Greg Bester, Chantall Nortjé, Sergio Pereira, Nicolai Roos, Johann Smith, Eliza Day, David Chislett and Michael Harmse.
SALES & ADVERTISING ENQUIRES:Thomas Whitebread
(021) 913 9443 | 082 889 2047Dave McKinley
(021) 557 1549 | 084 209 0168
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Soko
Two Door Cinema Club
Trenton and Free Radical
Newtown Knife Gang
Awolnation
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online.co.za
D| O S WO NE LODI AV DS| |TN UE PM DM ATO EC D| DS AW ILE YN
EDITOR’S NOTE | APR/MAY ‘12 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!4
THE B(R)ANDWAGONack again! Gosh it has been an age and a half since our last Muse Magazine in December. A quick gander through this new edition and you Bwill hopefully notice the neater, jazzed up look
and feel of the pages. Progress my bru! Well we hope so. As I write this I naturally haven’t seen the new layout in print but we are expecting it to look good. It’s a process to continually improve the overall visual context and feel of the magazine. We don’t have a franchised template (nor would we want one) to work off and we don’t use pre-designed magazine templates either. We’re like so many of you readers in this country who I’d like to think epitomise what makes us so uniquely South African; we make a plan my bru! Simple as that.
Being all the way down south has made this beautiful country of ours a nation of resilient, resourceful beings in so many ways but as I look at the final SAMA nominations this year again, I am quickly reminded that somehow, somewhere there is a terrible blockage of creativity going on and I can’t quite figure out why. I know we have some amazing musicians in this country so other than a handful of genuinely pleasant surprises why do I get the feeling that it’s always the same tried and tested formula being used to arrive at these final nominees. I’ll concede though that an artist like Zahara for one, is a deserved candidate and I’ll be really surprised if she does not win. The industry needs some new stars and she is definitely that and more!
A popular trend seems to be developing – and fast – it’s not a new idea but I think we can expect more of this – and this is major brands jumping on the music b(r)andwagon by doing activations on the backdrop of a music event of their own. This entails flying out a cool, semi-undergound(ish) indie type band and then hosting a free concert to all those that are lucky enough to get their tickets on the brand’s website – the buy-in here is of course that you give said brand all your details and consequently end up on their database for further direct marketing but that’s the trade-off. The real win is you get to see a pretty cool international band in a decent venue and have one lekker skop for the night. 5Gum pulled this off with absolute aplomb last month when they brought out Two Door Cinema Club and made 5,000 party-rockers happy in both Joburg and Cape Town. They also engaged so well with the media which meant most of us really got behind the event and supported the initiative, setting aside our usually negative opinion of ‘brandwagoning’ – when brands try ride the coat tails of the music biz to up their ‘coolness’ rating amongst the music fans of this world.
Enjoy the new look Muse Magazine. It’s not a major departure but it is subtly improved and for that I would like to thank journalist, designer and all round good guy Johann M Smith who came up with some cool new ideas and indeed the templates that we based this on.
Dave Mac
SERGIO PEREIRA"Best album of 2011? Unquestionably, Machine Head’s Unto the Locust. The album bellows like a mythical beast and rages with more pure metal than Megatron’s Decepticon army. Biggest flop? Red Hot Chili Peppers’ I’m With You, which is the musical equivalent of
Liverpool’s Andy Carroll – all hype, but no substance."
ELIZE DAYFor the most of 2011, I guess I was in a weird space, musically. It was definitely one of my most drastic times in terms of taste expansion and exposing myself (literally and figuratively) to strange things. I was heavy into Dario Argento films so
whenever I think back to 2011, it's the Suspiria soundtrack by Goblin that scores the memories. The biggest disappointment was that Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds didn't deliver on the new album in 2011 as promised. I get a new lease on life when that man makes something. Thus, delving into 70's horror film scores begins to make more sense.
MARY HONEYCHILDLove: Esperanza Spalding Radio Society 2012 - This album delivers beautifully arranged Jazz string instruments folded together with the soft, light texture of chamber music that makes for pleasurable uncomplicated listening. Some of the
most divine, sophisticated music I have heard in a long time. Disappointment: As much as I love the Cape Town Jazz Festival, I was very let down when Miss Jill Scott's performance got cancelled.
JOHANN M SMITHFavourite album: Jack Parow's soophomoric release. He's collaboration with David Kramer featured at the Kyknet Fiestas and broke the usual mould of alternative music. Worst moment: Ramfest CT venue being cancelled after everything
went to press. Serious PR damage.
MICKDOTCOMHonourable mention goes to Card On Spokes for almost sticky funkiness via In You Go, but one-time local booitjie Chris Letcher's talented menagerie of styles and moods in Spectroscope takes my nod for 2011's master tapestry. Prime disappointment gets
dished out to those glorious bastards of old, Primus, with their ultimately pointless effort Green Naugahyde.
BEST AND WORST OF 2011
Better Red than Ded | B!TCH3Z B CRAY CRAY | words: Eliza Day 5
B!tch3z B Cray Cray
“...IGGY AZALEA, SOKO, LANA DEL REY AND GRIMES ARE SOME OF THE MOST
POWERFUL ARTISTS AND COMMUNICATORS ONLINE AND
THEREFORE IN THE UNIVERSE.”
Iggy Azalea
Soko
Lana Del Ray
Krea
y Sh
awn
them a global audience. What’s more, The best thing to happen to the the exchange for their contribution is no universe and all of its inhabitants is longer monetary but free. Creatives social media. create and consumers consume no matter who they are or where they are
say that with conviction because and they do it without any kind of green
before it, language and what’s out there, is to share this handshake. In one foul swoop the laws of
communication in general was information. Post pictures, post videos, language have been removed because
brought down to a level of basic GIFs but please post. This new online the bartering tool that is cash-money
word exchange between a minimal language doesn’t communicate correctly used by an authority that is a history of Inumber of people in a tiny even in this article. The nature of online is gendered communication and business
demographic from a discourse of false made up of sharing, something South was brought to its knees in cyberspace.
understanding about the world around Africans don’t do enough on social Right now the masonic men at the
them. Dissidence against what was the networks. I’ll bet most of you still think forefront of the music industry can’t
decided reality and perception of the believe that they’ve been reduced to
world was considered unacceptable, navel level of twenty something white-
outside of the norm and therefore girl rappers who spit more relevancy with
couldn’t be understood. These people YouTube than any Sony record deal
showing strange and diabolical could. As Ms Azalea would say,
perceptions were called crazy, uneducated, depressed, black, women,
“im nasttttyyyyyychildren, lower class and sometimes
baby what you thinking?even artists.
aka titanicso much wet will have yo ass sinkingtreat that tongue like a bulletgive me head Abe Lincolnthis is so out this worldbut no you not dreamin'”
There is no post, post, post modernism Designated portals called ‘artistic in language and art anymore. Social
Facebook is for updating your boring-ass outlets’ were what authority allowed media not only squashed, slowed, status and checking out your ex. Agh.when language and transcending screwed and distorted time and space for
By the way, not to name names but perceptions needed an inch of flexibility music online, it has conjured up new a certain music editor in Cape Town only outside of assigned methods of magical worlds where talented little girls discovered Soundcloud a few months communication. Even then, those are going to get lost in the most relative ago [not me!, the Ed.] Please, if any of allowed the right to have their art and unique compositions. An easy you reading this also are as up to speed understood were only those who access example would be Lana Del Rey. I as this genius, stop what you are doing authority deemed credible and worthy. may have the biggest girl-crush on her and discover the internet. It’s Sorry to be a vibe killer but women never ever but for real, this time last year she embarrassing. Other countries can hear cut the standard. Without coming over was cutting and pasting cool little music us.like a Nazi Feminist which I am not and videos while warbling in her bedroom.
find the whole current feminist drivel Thank baby Jesus for YouTube who by totally irrelevant; I do feel that some channelling her gangsta Nancy Sinatra history is needed here to fully get why style, have made sure morons like Nicki the likes of Iggy Azalea, Soko, Lana Del Minaj are no longer winning so many Rey and Grimes are some of the most awards. Lana is an honest-to-god icon powerful artists and communicators and has talent for days. Drool.
Next up, one of the sorriest looking online and therefore in the universe.Musicians all over the world have little chickens; Soko. She’s a French
been given a new platform that allows singer, songwriter who lisps some of the most profoundly heartbreaking lyrics you’ve ever heard whilst shrugging at a handy-cam in her bedroom. Her art actually says something about who she is and what she feels, especially when muttering about killing pretty girls with guns. Ten years ago she’d probably still be crying at the wall about her ex but at least now people can hear her.
Add Grimes and Kreayshawn to your list of ladies to love online. It’ll blow that Gaga shit out of the water. The next step after you listen and understand
COVER FEATURE
Cover Feature|AWOLNATION of Domination|words: Sergio Pereira
“OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE IT REALLY HARD FOR ANY OTHER BAND TO PLAY
AFTER US…”
7
AWOLNATION of Domination
aron Bruno has yearning from the music media to proud that I can’t describe the sound. built a nation. A categorise or label AWOLNATION’s I’m honoured to not be able to answer nation of sound. Is it pop? Is it rock? Is it dance? that question. This record [Megalithic domination. In Symphony] sounds like all the stuff I just 2 years, love, personally. It sounds like me. Burn “It” Down!Bruno’s project, Whatever that is, is what it is. I am Going against the grain – and hoping AWOLNATION, who I am – and that’s it. What you see to prevent Bruno from tearing away at has taken the is what you get – and it’s very honest A his dirty blonde locks in frustration – I
world by storm with its indefinable, and has lots of passion behind it. I prefer to question him how sick is he fusion-happy, rhythm-centric, quirky think songwriters write what they love, of always being asked to describe his sound. You’d think being original in a whether they realise it or not. The sound? “I’m so sick of it,” Bruno says, world of clones would be welcomed – songs I write are clearly an expression without any hesitation. “But I found a but there seems to be this anxious of all the stuff I’ve loved my whole life clever way to answer it is: I’m very
8
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9
– from Michael Jackson, to Prince, to Africa, Bruno has often Public Enemy, to N.W.A., to Refused, mentioned how song to Nirvana, to The Beatles, to Neil ideas spontaneously Young, so forth and so on, to equal come to him at the most what has become AWOLNATION. I random times. suppose I’m just recycling all the Undoubtedly, locals are influences that I’ve always loved. I feel wondering if we’ve very lucky to be such a huge music inspired any future fan, and fan of all different genres, AWOLNATION hits. “No that I was able to make such an song ideas, but, on the eclectic and ambitious record.” plane ride here and
cruising around, I’ve had a lot of video idea Nation Buildingconcepts. I’ve definitely Well, this eclecticism seems to have been inspired by this paid off, because the AWOLs have country, and I cannot been jet-setting around the globe, wait to see what I write becoming mainstays on commercial next, because it’s not music charts and festival bills, and always when you’re in even finding their way to South Africa the moment that you’re for two dates. When asked if he’d ever inspired by something. thought he’d be performing down It may be the day after I answers my final question, I point out
here with his previous bands, Under get home, and wake up in the that Megalithic Symphony has just
the Influence of Giants and Home morning, have my coffee, smoke a celebrated its one year anniversary,
Town Hero, Bruno replies, “Never. joint, and all the South African energy and we’re all itching to know what’s
Never, ever, ever did I think I’d be in me will come out and there will be coming next and when? “It’ll probably
fortunate enough to come to South some awesome new song, hopefully.” be a full-length record. I’m already
Africa.” Interestingly, despite being writing the next one, because I had My previous question seems to
headliners overseas, AWOLNATION the luxury of time on my side with the have triggered off some bad played relatively early sets at both first. I didn’t think there would be a memories, as the good-humoured RAMfest shows. “We’re just so happy label, or a release; I thought I’d be frontman gets serious about his to play,” Bruno affirms, dispelling any making songs and just putting them hardships. “After my last band split notion that the band disliked the out online for free, and hope for the up, I was in a really low place. In fact, earlier timeslots. “In a lot of Europe best – but instead, this whole thing with both of the bands I was in, prior and Canada, we’re a headlining act blew up and it’s going so well. It’ll to this one, I had all the aspirations now; so, I really enjoy opening up for probably be a year or two before and dreams of the world for those bands and not being the headliner, another record comes out. I’m starting projects, but it didn’t work out. So, because I feel like the underdog – and to write it now, so when the time when the last band broke up, I was feeling like I’m back at my punk rock comes I’m well-prepared. Some of sort of at rock-bottom, broke, had a lot roots. When I hit the stage, I want these new songs I’m really excited of debt, didn’t know how I was going everybody to enjoy the show and about and love, and can’t wait to play to pay the bills, [and] trying to figure think ‘Holy shit! I don’t need to see them for our fans.”out what I was going to do with my anything else. I’m done’. Our goal is life. I knew I was going to continue to to make it really hard for any other Read Sergio’s review on Page 34.
write songs, because that’s just who I band to play after us; that’s exciting am and that’s all I know how to do –
Check out AWOLNATION’s video on and fun for me.”and what I do best. But I’d sort of Like clockwork, South African your Smartphone by scanning this
given up the idea of having any fans have grumbled that tag. Or go to museonline.co.za
success. [However] it seems like the AWOLNATION’s tour was too short, www.awolnationmusic.com.
minute I let go of that is when and demanded future shows.
everything good started to happen – Avoiding making promises or
and also gave me the freedom to commitments, Bruno does admit that
write the songs I wanted to write, he’d love to come back here down the
because I wasn’t bound to any other line. “I hope so. This is one of the
composers. For the first time in my coolest places I’ve ever been in my
life, it was a complete free expression. whole life. Everyone is so beautiful
I appreciate this [current success] so and so nice and kind. The English
much [more], having been through so accent out here sounds like a sexier
many ups and downs and having to Australian one to me – I really enjoy it
climb an enormous mountain to get to a lot.”
where I am now.”
New Music? Not Yet…Sailing to South AfricaNot letting Bruno leave before he
Coming back to the topic of South
Feature|AWOLNATION of Domination|words: Sergio Pereira
Feature | TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB | words: jezebel12
Two Door Cinema Club
- GOOD AND GROUNDED AND GROOVYwo Door Cinema primary school.They also missed out didn’t make sense to us. It infuriated Club have more in on a lot of international music. The us. We didn’t want to do the same to common with fans in small town boys describe the few big people.” They also don’t stick around South Africa than a acts they saw growing up as ‘mid- long enough to get a big ego. “We few happy-go-lucky, level’ (that isn’t a compliment), and never see ourselves on TV or hear electric pop songs. turned to big brothers and sisters ourselves on the radio. When we play Certainly the Irish playing in bands in Belfast for really big shows or do something Tindie artists never something to believe in. Without important, it always takes a long time
realised they HAD so many fans here mentor or money they did what we do for that to sink in, really; our lives are in the first place, nor that most of too – they made music anyway. Now just one huge whirlwind.“them chew gum. Then they jumped they make masses of new fans every That whirlwind didn’t erupt on stage in Johannesburg and were show and get to play all over the overnight. Like their focus on reaching blown away by thousands of smiles world. fans wherever they are, it arose from that stayed with them till Cape Town The 2010 NME darlings are big in an earthy attitude and a dedication to where it happened all over again. small circles, but they’re grounded. process. “I think it would be much
The common ground is also in It’s partly revenge. “When we started different if our rise to where we are our separations. Like us, Ireland has a to get some attention and got signed, now was more characteristic of many history of segregation, a bloody past and made a record, some people bands these days, especially in and resonant isolation. The band around us would say ‘there’s no point London, New York, L.A. – you know, members didn’t learn an indigenous going there, we’ll just stick to the record labels at your first gig and language, and they weren’t involved in major markets [and not play small people throwing money at you and their country’s traditional music, apart venues]’ and we couldn’t go along everyone saying yes and yes and no from a few tin whistle lessons in with that. It was something which one can give you the hard truth. This
is our fourth year touring - we were very adamant that we wanted to play live before we even made a decision on labels, especially across the UK and in Europe. We work with very independent record companies and everyone we work with we get on personally with and we have a relationship with. It’s very down to earth the way we do things; very DIY still.”
Fame hasn’t knocked the fan out of them, either. They love Arctic Monkeys (so they must’ve smiled at The Plastics) and The Strokes and South Africa especially. “This was a big goal on our list that we wanted to tick off. It’s always hard to know if anyone’s going to turn up, especially with the way record sales are now; you can’t really judge if anyone likes your music by record sales. It was a very, very pleasant shock.”
13
“I bet you've never taken a left at THIS robot before”
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sponsorship and a good digital dedicated and I’ll always be a fan of a campaign. The sponsors, 5Gum, good jam, especially ooh, ooh, ooh if I didn’t market this venture in can sing along, too. traditional media, and it didn’t know if Besides, they said they’d come
“We’ve toured almost everywhere Facebook would be enough. It was, back. And good boys don’t fib. Unless else quite a lot - Asia and Europe and and its gutsy marriage of medium and you ask them the same question too the Americas and we’ve built a niche has given bleeding edge many times. I’d like to honour their foundation there in a live sense. We’ve marketing gurus something to chew unorthodoxy by closing with a less played the dive bars and the toilet on as Pages go billboard-sized. It will common question. Flying around venues and we’ve moved up and up be interesting to see what the two- being famous and making music earns each time we come back, and this is way wow factor this honorary events them one moerse carbon footprint. the first time we’ve ever been here, company comes up with next. Black Are they planting trees while they’re you know, we kind of had the idea that Keys via Twitter, anyone? breaking hearts?we’d be doing the same thing. We For now, Two Door Cinema Club arrived in this massive warehouse and have left us for the whirlwind. They’ve Scan this tag to watch the 8 minute 5000 people turn up. “ ticked Africa off their To Do list, and doccie on the 5Gum event on your
A pleasant shock for all. Instead Antarctica remains their only Smartphone or go to museonline.co.za.of vacuous, tin-thin indie guitar and unconquered continent. (Leto went to monotonous chorus lines, the crowd Greenland, remember?). What do we enjoyed solid songwriting, an do with the emptiness? unmistakably amiable stage presence Well, what do we have in and a super-easy act that has common with each other in this entertained audiences just about diverse land? We have music. So we everywhere. come together and we move to it. If
“It’s kind of unbelievable because I’m going to say anything in defence the biggest headline show that we did of dance-oriented indie pop, it’s going in the UK was Brixton Academy a to be that it’s a balm for the post-couple of weeks ago, and that was modern puzzle of pieces we call our 5000 people. So to play to the same emotions, devotions and aspirations. amount of people in Johannesburg as And if I’m going to say anything in we did in London was kind of…” defence of the sweet lads from green
Kind of the power of branding, dales, it’s that they are solid,
Artist Q 'n A | MARK BELING BAND |words: Michael Harmse14
Mark Beling BandMichael Harmse speaks to veteran vocalist/guitarist Mark Beling about life after Mean Mr Mustard, gets the lowdown on some of his preferred gear and talks about his new band...
If you look back to when Fred [Hayward] passed away; had that not happened do you think Mean Mr. Mustard would still be going or do you think that was simply a catalyst for an inevitable disbanding of the band?Yeah, it definitely speared things on quicker. I always did want to eventually do my own thing. I think at that point the band had run its course with the line won't get themselves to a point playing I understand you recently got yourself up so it was time for a change. wise because they have never had to a USA G&L S-500?
stretch themselves as a musician. I think Yes. The guitar is absolutely fantastic. I The Mark Beling Band – as founder, when you are learning covers you have love the pickups. Really phenomenal. singer & songwriter of Mean Mr. to figure out a lot of stuff and I think you I've actually just ordered another set of Mustard; how does one redefine one’s learn your craft a bit better. Everyone these pickups for one of my other sound without sounding like the has their own reason for doing this you Strats, to really fatten up its sound.former? know.I think the vocal definitely with being in What is your favourite overdrive pedal both bands would certainly marry the You and your band are all at the moment?two. You can’t escape the sound of your accomplished musicians and are able The Way Huge Green Rhino is just in a voice. Song writing wise, I just still write to cover, I should imagine, almost any class of its own compared to the other the same. I'm not going to change my song if you wanted to. For live gigs do boutique pedals – to my ears anyway. It whole writing style. I think with the new you do a mix of originals and covers? really is a tone machine. I love that 100 band there is a slight difference. I think It depends on the show. If it's an original Hz bass control. A lot of overdrive it's a bit rockier; in a sense Mustard was show with other bands we obviously pedals lose some bottom end, but that very clean cut pop wanting to sound will just play original stuff. If we are just fattens it up like nobody's business.rock but never kind of crossed the doing our normal club gigs we will do a border. I think this is a bit dirtier. 50/50 to keep the people who haven't Tell us a bit about your VOX AC15
come there specifically for the band Hand Wired.Being a professional musician in SA is interested, you know in order to hook Tone-wise, it's unbelievable. Absolutely a tough business. What’s your take on them first and then you introduce them love it. That's why VOX are what they things? to our music. are.I think realistically you have to have a day job, you simply got to. I mean the What song is a guaranteed crowd I see you have a Kemper Profiling amp?okes in America have two jobs. You pleaser every time you perform it? I've had mine for 3 weeks and I've been can't just be a muso and survive on Hey Girl, that's off the new album. playing every day. It’s got the sound, that; okes are finding it tough all over Whenever we play it, it always gets the feel and dynamics of a real amp. All my the world. I think if you can just secure best response, people just start dancing recordings in future will be through the yourself financially is the responsible to it even if they hear it for the first time. Kemper.way of looking at it. Everybody wants a It crosses over nicely between the different journey in music, some people English and Afrikaans market. I think For more info on the Mark Beling Band, just want to do their own stuff, some that is because it's such a safe, typical their new album and gigs go to people just want to play music for the radio song. It works great live and gets www.markbelingband.co.zasake of playing music and doing the the dance floor full.cover thing, it's cool I mean you learn a lot doing covers. I think a lot of musos
jezebel's VPL | JONATHAN VELTHUYSEN - A MAESTRO WITH MANY NAMES |words: jezebel | p hoto © Bruce Geils - www.flyinghorse.co.za16
JONATHAN VELTHUYSEN - a maestro with many names
“I WANT TO NESTLE IN THE LENS THAT SEES THE OCEAN AS AN ALWAYS-OPEN DOOR.” - THE O.K. MACHINE
completely analytical. And what changes those frequencies, what alters them, is the emotional content of your intention and your perception.
What do you think of the triumph of instinct and nature over our controlled systems and lives? We’ve got these complex social dynamics, but ultimately, we hunt and pair; the advertising industry is oriented towards sex or desire because of this. Do you think courage and expression can take you higher and return you to your essence?I think mundanity is a state of mind. To hunt and mate isn’t as mundane as we’ve been made to see. Essentially, you’re comparing two things that exist on different planes – you’ve got the mechanism of the world driven by a select few who are in control (and it’s a conspiracy theory)
- that could be the president of the United States; that could be your mother.People whose intention is to be in controlith a voice to swim in the beauty.
weaving People sell themselves short. Of - it could be your ego - deceptively substance. And then they try and buy it and to gain power, to give in to that other simple back. Consumer society. What, then, is side of the spectrum, rather than looking melodies “The OK Machine”? Something that for ascension or advance, which happens over plucking generates the energy to be O.K.through a cycle of constant rebirth. strings, Dying, surrendering, and then accepting Why “machine”? Jonathan is W
Coz that’s what we ARE. and being born again and being helpless his own karma incarnate, embodying again, rather than maintaining power. lives, loves, losses and renewal. His haiku
But you make instruments; you know You’ve got people who are driving of harmoniesis found in Stepdog, that we’re pulse and form and rhythm industries who are focused on selling Johannine and soon The O.K. Machine. and resonance? sex, and it doesn’t make sex bad, and it What could it all mean? Find out from the We’re very complex machines, a doesn’t’ make - man who pits profundity against working, functioning mechanism that mundanity daily and decodes jezebel’s operates with a certain frequency. Have selling bad!VPL as “Very Plain Language”.
Yes, it doesn’t make all those things bad. It’s the intention with which it is done and the fact that people aren’t equipped enough to deal with - - their own needs?
jezebel : I like your lyrics. “You say you ever noticed that toilets flush in E their own responsibility to their own drinking from my cup feeds your soul, Flat? Or that coffee grinder motors are world. fills you up. If drinking from my cup (sometimes) in G? makes you whole, why’d you stop?” And their own freedom of choiceYou reach deep. Ok, so, a guitar is a machine, and a heart Which is their enjoyment and their Jon: I don’t reach. It just comes from me. is a machine. Then are our dreams just perception OF their enjoyment. A good I don’t find it worth writing if it doesn’t … Feedback? trip every now and then helps. have that spark of inspiration. For me Possibly; interference. But we’re just that’s the connection with death; you very, very complex; I think we function **********know, when mortality frames the present on frequencies, the most complex of rather than ideas of the future or feelings which is what we’re always aspiring to. Take a trip with Johannine (on Facebook), of the past do. We operate on vibrations, on our the discontinued (but not disavowed)
emotional intensity. If we’re willing to www.stepdog.co.za and if you like the Most people are unwilling to go deep, engage that, then we’re willing to ascend. two, keep an eye out for the launch of though; they keep to the shallows, their That’s how I feel about that; without that The O.K. Machine in small towns all lives are see-through, but they don’t get we are mundane, droning machines, around.
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Feature | TRENTON AND FREE RADICAL | words: Mary Honeychild20
TRENTON AND FREE RADICAL“I believe that what we are doing is at the forefront of South African music.” - Trenton Birch
Trenton met Ibizan born guitarist, Marco Wielander, in London whilst Wielander was working for a label called Futureproof; Marco explains over email, “He had his own label and we kept on coinciding on aim (association for independent music) trade fairs and seminars and chatted a couple of times and generally got along well.”
A talented and passionate guitarist, Marco surprisingly enough found himself drawn to live music instead of the strong dance culture the island is so famous for.
He explains… “I think growing up in Ibiza puts you off DJs rather than wanting to become one, especially because most of the music was Techno and House. When I was growing up I was more into 70’s Rock, Reggae, Blues and Indie. Interestingly enough the trend is changing again and one of the trendsetter parties on the island ‘Ibiza Rocks’ who I worked for last year, are renton and Free Radical Jazzy/House stars Goldfish for the first capitalising on this big time with amazing bill themselves as a time internationally, and Afrolution – The live line-ups every year.”hybrid fusion of Reggae, Original African Hip-hop Collection. He
Trenton and Marco shared the same Hip-Hop and Electro. now also runs the Breathe Sunshine vision for what they wanted in a band; The quartet is made up Charity Foundation and lectures music they used the UK network to form a of singer/songwriter - business at the SAE Institute in Cape foundation of support and were able to Trenton Birch, Thabo Town. As the lead singer and chief record their debut album Giant Step at Mobo on Bass, guitarist spokesperson for his band, he points out Tthe same Bloc Party Studio that Marco Wielander and well known Cape that his poetry and Africanism is Basement Jaxx, Estelle, Florence and the Town drummer, Andre Swartz. representative of who they are as a Machine, Slipknot, Muse and Oasis have collective.used.“In order to be a
Marco is the only non-SA band truly SA band, we need member so why does he feel such a to be proud of strong connection to the SA sound that ourselves and our Trenton alludes to?accents. That is what
“I see us more like a truly global we do. We aren’t trying band from South Africa with a touch of to sound European. We Ibiza island style, [laughs] funnily enough sound like ourselves in Spain many people say Ibiza is not and that is why we will really Spain but Africa.”break big
internationally and play arenas. Too many SA bands like Just Jinjer Once they completed the recording of try to have universal their debut album the decision was made appeal by trying to to move to Cape Town. Having left their sound European and original drummer and bassist, Sam American, and that is Chagumachinyi and Ugandan born Kaz why they won’t break Kasozi back in the UK, the duo needed a
the international market. We plan to do new rhythm section and immediately Trenton, says he is proudly African at things differently. I believe that what we started the search. “Chemistry and heart having lived in Kenya and Nigeria are doing is at the forefront of South bonding as a band” is vital, agree the duo as a child before settling in Greenside, African music,” he reiterates confidently as part of the recipe for success.Joburg as a teenager. He then moved to as we chat over coffee. I’m sitting with Says Marco… “We knew we had to London in the early 2000’s to forge both Trenton and bass player, Thabo at a find the right guys. We didn't just want international music business networks. quaint restaurant off Long Street. session musicians; we wanted band
“I moved there purely for the music He continues… “I hate apathy and members, so they have to be more than industry but since I moved back I no negativity in our country, everything we just some guys that can play. We met longer feel torn, Cape Town is where I do affects the environment around us, we Andre and Thabo and got along with belong” he emphasises. should be aware of this. We never would them right away. I remember our first
Trenton founded the label Black have freed ourselves from apartheid if we rehearsal with full kit in Salty Dogs Mango Music, and released the were negative; being pro-active is how studios. We did some acoustic rehearsals compilation series Future Sounds of we get things done. I was a member of first” he pauses “…man, both Trenton Cape Town which he tells me was the ANC in High School before it was and I looked at each other and you could dubbed as the “Café Del Mar of Africa”. unbanned and I’m proud of that.” see the joy in our eyes. It just got better He also released the Breathe Sunshine and better since then!”compilation series which showcased SA
THE BIRTH OF FREE RADICAL
FREE RADICAL IN THE MOTHER CITY
BEFORE FREE RADICAL
Check out our album review for Giant Step on Pg. 34.Scan this tag to watch the video to Tomorrow’s Day ft. Maxi Jazz on your Smartphone.For more info go to www.trentonandfreeradical.com
21
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http:/ /gettag.mobi
Their sound is a wholesome blend of over is just how did they meet with Maxi mashed-up Reggae, Electronica and Hip Jazz and end up doing the collaboration Hop. It mostly coils around the future on Tomorrow’s Day? Trenton met Maxi sounds of live music, and where most ten years ago...fusion bands are gearing toward in this “He was really warm and decade. Their catchy lyrics, upbeat welcoming; Faithless were just breaking melodies and hooks make for easy and even though he was touring globally listening and radio friendly air play. he was still living in this small one-
“We try to make music that comes bedroom council apartment as the from a real and honest place” says money hadn’t started coming in yet. A Thabo. year later I walked into his hotel room
Giant Step features their first single when they were in Cape Town and told (currently playlisted on 5FM) Tomorrow’s him my band at the time, ‘Anti Gravity,’ Day with Faithless’ Maxi Jazz, which, says was opening for them. We continued to Trenton took Maxi back to his Hip Hop bump into each other over a ten year roots. Mr Mandela is also another catchy period and he was always incredibly tune that celebrates the wisdom and philosophical and supportive of me as an character of the global icon and was in artist and I’m eternally grateful,” reveals fact first released online, virally, a few the singer.years back. It may be early days for Trenton and
Just when exactly did the inspiration Free Radical, but clearly they are on a for Mr Mandela happen, I ask Marco… music mission; glistening with a vision of
“I remember this one particularly global success in their eyes.well. Trenton sang me the lyrics for the By the time you read this the band chorus one day in his house and asked would have celebrated the launch of their me what I thought, and I loved them. In debut album Giant Step at the Ibuyambo my mind the track had to be happy and Music & Art Exhibition Centre in Cape bouncy from the beginning on, nothing Town. Typical to the mission they’re on too serious, even though the lyrics are the launch featured an eclectic mix of serious the song had to be fun. I have to some of Cape Town’s finest to include Mr give credit to Kaz, our bass player in Sakitumi, Teba Shumba, Miggs Auer [7th London, who came up with the genius Son], rapper Bakaman from Jam Jarr, bass line!” Nhoza [Black South Easter] and DJ
Fletcher and also saw the launch of the new album by Mr Bong.
The next step? World domination if The inevitable question though, and one Trenton has his way.they are bound to be asked over and
THE BURNING QUESTION
Legends of Music | THE KALAHARI SURFERS |words: Mickdotcom22
"I SOLD MY SOUL, AT THAT MOMENT, TO THE GOD - MUSIC."
THE
KALAHARI SURFERS
Records snapped them up and put them out. In the early
Nineties Sony took The Surfers on tour through Brazil and
Europe, taking along fellow activist, avant-garde poet Lesego
Rampolokeng, who collaborates with The Surfers to this day.
Recalls Sony, “The best audiences were the Germans – I think
they get my music. Enjoyed the East Bloc concerts too. The Russians were
also interesting, in that they didn’t have the 60’s – they didn’t have Hendrix and
Soul music and Gospel, all the things that made modern Rock music – but they did have a different soul. Dark soul. I liked playing in Moscow but I think today
alahari Surfers founder it’s a different story. They’re pretty much Warrick Sony is recounting in the same situation as us, with crime the moment his fate slotted and corruption, and, as Zappa said about into place - his future of communism not working because the
The Kalahari Surfers, in its first wave raising several inflamed people want stuff – they also want stuff. circa the early Eighties, was a shifting and sonically subversive K But their leader is a bit of a nasty; I prefer collective of musicians, with founder middle fingers to the establishment; of ours. He laughs more and I get the Warrick Sony at its centre. Live making albums that quoted the Apartheid feeling has a better sex life.”performances featured Sony on bass or government's inane yet dangerous guitar, and samples of everything from assertions back at them, clothed in angry Traditional African music to ironic shards upside-down and mangled music, Punk
After a spell doing soundtracks and of speeches by Die Groot Krokodil (‘The electronified; a future of eloquent, brave scoring for TV, The Kalahari Surfers Big Crocodile’, then-president PW Botha, new sound, found and rerouted, surfaced in 2000. And, like their country, may his soul rest in unease) and other untangled, strummed, reborn. something had shifted. The new Kalahari idiots and clowns, often featuring angry Sony was thirteen when he Surfers was sonically streamlined – gone and sarcastic banners. conducted the metaphysical transaction, were the coughs and spatters, the crude The Surfers’ music had rhythm, was listening and watching spellbound as the angles and violence of its beautiful, brutal propulsive, but it wasn’t grooves of older brother of a friend picked the teenage years. With the brilliant album sunshine - Sony used the medium of opening notes of The Eagles' The House Akasic Record [2000, African Dope music to seep lyrical outrage and of The Rising Sun through a Wah-Wah records], The Surfers announced a new passionate invective into the minds of pedal. The legal name change would sophistication and sheen of sound. But revelers. The vinyls throb with anger at only come later, but in that instant, in that the essence remained. The State Of The Nation; the imagery is sonic epiphany, Warrick Swinney became
The messages were still heavily claustrophobic; the melodies Warrick Sony.political and humanitarian, but the voice schizophrenic, careening from hip-Around a dozen albums, ranging had wisened – eloquence replaced swinging beats to Burroughsian cut-ups.from deeper-than-Derrida Dub to forward howls, caution replaced damnation, and Way too challenging to become big whizzing techno, from Punk spat through experience replaced outrage.in Suid-Afrika, The Surfers’ music a genetic modifier to brutally blissful
Bass and Dub-heavy recent albums nevertheless attracted the attention of the soundscapes of ambience, from Muti Media, Panga Management and white-haired reptiles in the cabinet, who traditional African scenes to improvising 2011’s One Party State are still strewn proceeded to ban the first four albums computers to bass in your face would with samples of Seffricana - the sonic (fourth album, the deliciously ironically follow. And woven through all of them flora and fauna of our myriad overlapping titled Bigger Than Jesus, succeeded in were Sony’s mischievous satire of found cultures and dialects – but the morose, getting its banned status reversed in sounds - eerie clippings of idiotic ominous English of Afrikaner politicians court, establishing a legal precedent at politicians and bovine actors, jingles and have been replaced by the morose, the time). For the same reasons the jangles of Life In South Africa, from ominous English of the new government. apartheid government banned the music, Apartheid to Azania.
Blerrie politicians! Can’t live with liberal British record label Recommended ‘em, can live without ‘em.
Well-directed anger.
Righteous Contemplation.
Feature | CUTTING DEEP: NEWTOWN KNIFE GANG | words: Sergio Pereira 24
“NKG ARE HOT PROPERTY AND IN DEMAND…”
CUTTING DEEP:Newtown Knife Gang
ewtown Knife Gang. before even considering recording. With from Prime Circle,” Spencer states, “[and] Hmm…sounds more like us, I had to be patient and understand Frani [Kotze, Prime Circle’s manager], an organised crime that, when we dropped, we wanted suggested Ross feature on a track, which syndicate, specialising in everything lined up; a kind of assault on was perfect, because we already had the carjacking, dealing tik and all fronts. When someone heard of us, idea of getting someone to feature – we Nspray-painting highway we wanted them to look online and think, just didn't have an idea of whom – so, it
bridges, than an actual band. It makes ‘Wow! They've got an album, music worked out amazingly. He tracked for a you wonder if the Jo’burg rock quintet videos, merchandise, shows lined up…’, single evening, and the result was so has seen the inside of an SAPS van more and immediately set that kind of elite good [that] we had to release it as a than a few times. “Thankfully, no,” standard.” single.”frontman Spencer Martin laughs, before hinting that NKG aren’t quite saints, either. “Maybe we've been hassled a few
Finally finding their way out of the Despite the initial hype and success of times, but never had to visit the big
rehearsal room and onto the stage, NKG NKG, there were fears that, as the ‘new house…”
haven’t fallen into the trap of becoming guy’, Spencer might be stuck living in the city-centric, instead taking their show on shadow of the legacy left behind by ex-16 the local roads. “I think that's the most Stitch vocalist, Andrew Maskell, who was
Disturbing the peace is something that important aspect of playing in a band – highly rated by fans. th
4/5 ’s of the band should know all about, especially, if you are doing it seriously. “When I joined this band I thought as they rocked the hell out of South You have to branch out and take your [the comparisons were] something I was African crowds in their previous music on the road. At the same time, it's going to have to consistently deal with – incarnation: 16 Stitch. As the newbie in also the best part of being in a band; but, surprisingly, no. There hasn't been the gang, Spencer confirms that he didn’t leaving life and its nagging much comparison,” Spencer assures. have to go through any weird sexual or responsibilities, on pause, while you Truth be told, it doesn’t look like violent initiations – just an audition or travel with your best friends,” Spencer there is much that could faze Spencer, two. “Nick [Argyros, drums] was the first says. who is enjoying the rock ‘n’ roll ride – and to get hold of me. I was minding my own the parties. Oh yes – the beautiful, business at work, when I got the call alcohol-fuelled parties! Mind you, as the from Nick; he said he'd seen me perform youngest member of the group, Spencer with my old bands and wanted me to is probably keeping the party alive by audition for their new project. I had a few himself, while the other grandpas sip studio sessions with Nick and Paul their tea and eat toaster waffles – right? All the planning and patience seem [Norwood, guitar], then we started work “I thought I could party...until I met to have paid off, because NKG are hot on the [self-titled] album.” these chaps,” Spencer laughs. “They take property and in demand – even more so
Hold up. So, instead of booking it to a whole other level, so I'd say I'm the now, as their third single, Taste Goodbye, shows, the band decided to record an one who has to keep up!” which features guest vocals by Prime album first? “That kind of preparation Circle’s Ross Learmonth, claws its way was new to me,” Spencer admits. “In the For more information on Newtown Knife up the charts. “The guys have always past, and like most new bands, you just Gang, visit www.newtownknifegang.com. had a good relationship with the chaps want to get out there. You play shows
Spreading the Gang’s Oath New Legacy
Stitches Become the Knives
Music News | INSIDE THE MACHINE | words: Johann M Smith26
Inside the Machine
Greil Marcus
Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah
'we want the world, and we want it now’
CHURCH RESPONDS TO EVOL POSTER
THE FUTURE IS NOW
CLAP YOUR HANDS AND SAY YEAH ON SA TOUR
FETISH REFORM TO RECORD A NEW ALBUM AND PLAY TWO SHOWS
curated, relatively underground international indie artists in carefully selected venues over 2012. Ultimately bringing you an original music experience the likes of which South Africa has never experienced before. Tickets are available through Web Tickets and are priced from R275 to R375.
Dozens of yellow posters plastered in Kloof Street CT depicting Jesus Christ in an Adidas tracksuit has gained the attention of Cape Town Union Congregational church, also located in the street. “The Christ-like portrayal is the old gimmick of grabbing attention” said a spokesperson from the church, “In this instance it is brave enough, and it seems, to show
The 27th April sees the rainbow nation defiance. John Lennon of the turn 18. Music critic Greil Marcus Beatles was at his most
shows take place at Mercury described the youth as having a loan to unimaginative, when he
Live in Cape Town on 13 the future. In SA too often we look to the imagined no heaven. It’s so
April, and Tanz Café in past for inspiration. Post-modernism last year. Since Christ broke
Joburg on 14 April. The band means not quoting your sources - the sting of death sin, the
will be supported by the sources that have yet to produce a truly true muse is to ponder
acclaimed Matthew Van Der great super band again. It’s high-time we eternity with Him. Now that is
Want. Michelle Breeze, Dominic kick our borrowed ideas in the face. heaven! The bravado of the rockers,
Forrest and Dave Fiene have all flown Let’s find the new. Here’s to looking who don't believe, is sad. That most
into Cape Town to join Ross Campbell forward to the next eighteen years. talented Californian electric poet, Jim
and Jeremy Daniel for the shows and Morrison of The Doors, in his pre-
recording. This is the original band line-occupation with death's finality -
up that played on So Many Prophets and This Is The End - scorned God's
Shade of a Ghost. Formed in 1996, Fetish mercy when he sang, 'cancel my
sadly called it quits in 2004 leaving a subscription to the resurrection!'
bunch of unfinished demos. Finally after Like a young fool I sang that along
years of talking about a reunion, in 2010 with him, and aligned myself with
the members all gathered in London and this short span: 'we want the
managed to rediscover their unique world, and we want it now'. Music
sound and passion to play together. that goes with the gravity of the natural man, will not elevate but degrade people. King David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, showed
the beauty of sanctified music, which is a stairway to heaven. God bless.” Amen brother.
Indie favourites, famous for their pubescent David Byrne vocals, and having David Bowie as a fan, will be playing @ Wittebome Civic Centre in Exactly 10 years after the band played its Wynberg, CT (13 April) & Joburg's Town last South African shows Fetish is Hall in Newtown (14 April). Both start regrouping in Cape Town to record a @ 8pm. highly anticipated full-length album and The show forms part of the Adidas to perform two live shows. Recording Originals Live Performance Series in began on 26 March at Digital Forest association with We-Are-Awesome Studios in Constantia, produced by long-Events. The series features four carefully time creative partner Chris Tuck. The two
27
Mr Cat And The Jackal
NEW MUSIC
Tannhäuser Gate
Quin Maritz Trio
MR CAT AND THE JACKAL, FUTURE PLANS
The Bone Collectors
Sindulgence
THE WAILERS
repertoire, fronted by vocalist Koolant Brown. Wild Eyes drummer and bassist, Len Aside from the Marley Cockcraft and Gareth Dawson, have songs the band has
started a new synth project. released four studio albums
, described as coldwave, industrial and four live albums of original material. The event synth and techno, the sound expresses is called ‘Stand Up’ and will their major love for gargantuan analogue take place on Freedom Day systems. TG has already received airplay (27 April) at Trinity Club in in France and Moscow, and are currently Cape Town. finishing their debut EP. Listen to: The event is being hosted in Automatic Lover & Sex, Money, Crime association with on: soundcloud.com/tannhausergate.Rhinoprotect and Concert for a Cause and will include East Londoners dig up The Rudimentals, Fox reminders of bands like Dane Taylor Trio
Comet, Mix and Blend as support acts as – blues bands with impressive frontman well as a DJ set by UK electro artist, Dino resumes. The stats read: started playing Psaras to close the event. For more info MCATJ winning an MK Award was at age 4; first show age 8; next 12 years go to standup.rhinoprotect.org or check always a given, their nomination for Best performed in Germany with the Gules out their Facebook page: Score at Fleur Du Cap was the real nail Aquela jazz band in various theatre facebook.com/rhinoprotect. biter. In the end they lost to James productions and cabarets; the list goes Tickets are R 250 (VIP: R 420) through Webb’s work on Athol Fugard’s The Bird on and on. Taxi and Great Apes might webtickets.com.Watchers. But the future remains bright hold majority shares in the genre, but if
and busy. The unusual 5 piece are you're looking for a more refined, I dare currently shooting a video, featuring a say academic choice (think BB King), look cameo appearance by Jack Parow and no further. Check FB for more. others. And on 20 April they play Dirty Bouncy – an event with “four sets, and “There was a time when metal was metal, only three bands, with the fourth set when it didn't matter how many culminating in a collaboration between all Facebook friends you have. When it didn't three bands.” R50 gets you in. matter how many breakdowns your song
has. A time when real men wielded , also performing guitars like weapons.” Reading it sounds on the night, have plans of their own. The serious, but it’s a total piss take by rickety blues act is presently close to
mastering an album planned for launch in , a new hard hitting metal the next two months. act from Durbanville. Their debut album
Recollections was recorded in a week, live from the floor, and launches in June.
play Cape Town again. As YouTube search “Sindulgence
far as we can recall their one and only Recollections Album - Release Date” for a performance in SA was on the bill with laugh and a tease.Burning Spear and Culture over 10 years ago. Headed by original bassist and long time friend to Bob Marley, Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, the new look band covers all the famous tracks from the Marley
COMPETITION: the albums of the year. Titled El Camino this 11 track offering is jam-packed with catchy blues-pop with a real quirkiness to it. The The new Black Keys album produced by the Black Keys have been bubbling under with man with the Midas studio touch, Danger cool albums for some time now, but with Mouse, won two Grammys this year, not Danger Mouse – best known for his work that we care about the watered-down with Gorillaz, Gnarls Barkley, Broken Bells ceremony, but hey this is definitely one of
and MF Doom and Grammy ‘Producer of the Year 2011’ – the album reaches new levels of damn fine songs mixed with real radio accessibility without the Keys losing their musical credibility.
We’re giving away 4 copies of this fantastic album online at www.museonline.co.za
Simply hop on over to our website to enter.
Artist Q 'n A | QUASI VAN DER WAT, CHEDDAMELT BURGERS AND THE PROMISED LAND |words: Mickdotcom28
“... AUDIO AND VISUAL ARE THE TWO TURRETS OF MY INVISIBLE TANK.”
QUASI VAN DER WAT, Cheddamelt burgers and the Promised Land
uasi Van Der Wat (Koos to his mum) is a trixy feller. You're as likely to have bumped into him strutting a makeshift QHotbox or Tings ‘n
Times stage in Snor City, as to recognize him as architect of the forthcoming Neon Maggots clothing range, or glow-in-the-dark kitchen appliances (neither of which actually exist, I'm merely illustrating the texture of his imagination and reach).
Founder of the once deceased, now louder than ever Black Pimp'n Jesus, Van Der Wat is also core member of alternative outfits Pink Noise and Havoc Vultures, most recently appearing on the debut release by the eyeball-stomping Battle Cock crew, Surviving 2013.
On Van Der Wat's presence in the latter, says Kwelagobe Sekele (The Kwani Experience MC, all round musical make-it-happener, and rapper on
Island sauces at Spur into the How do other media (TV, POP culture, Surviving 2013):mushroom sauce of your Cheddamelt fizzy colas) feed into the worlds of Burger. Pink Noise is Evert's soup, with
"Van Der Wat wrote a few tracks and your songs?meatballs floating in it. I represent a
blessed us with a couple of guitar solos "Sometimes when we write songs, we pinch of salt in this soup, in the previous
which he shat in one-take. He wasn't randomly skip through channels on serving.”
initially a part of the project - He's a DSTV, and from there we gather our ghost we didn't see that decided to seeds. Mostly, songs happen by make itself visible. It's something providence.”different, this Battle Cock shit... We were longing to do something different and it Lyrics and music have a duel to the had come in the formless of this 'Post- death. Who wins?You are decidedly a persona, rather Apocalyptic Joburg Grime' collabo
"They both die.”project." than a person, and one which is not so
much international, as inter-galactic in Tell us about your visual tank. What's We poked around in Quasi's head for persuasion. What, if anything, grounds brewin'?clues and arrows to his merry forest of you in the African continent? "Very gruesome images that are bands and brands:"Africa is the Promised Land." designed to scar children for life."
Describe the moment in which you You are most known for your work with The last album you heard that made realised your fate to be music?Black Pimp'n Jesus. How did the band the sky inflate/your boots wobble/your "Music isn't my fate... it's one of my come about? Are they really dead, or soul do a jig?guns. The other gun is visual. Audio and just play-dead?Visual are the two turrets of my invisible "I'd say Biomechanical - The Empires of "We have risen to life again. Death is a tank.“ the Worlds, which is Ultra Heavy Metal. form of sleep. It manifests in gradients It has intensity and technicality but still across the consciousness of totality. The within a ‘Classic’ threshold." You seem perpetually to juggle bassist of the previous age, Paul different outfits. What distinguishes Vermaak, had a vision in a dream about Where are you going to be when the one from the other - what, for the letters BPJ, and from there they cosmic meltdown hits us?example, makes the Pink Noise group came to Black Pimp'n Jesus, which is a
"I'm going to be like all the other losers distinct from the Havoc Vultures? multi-layered holographic word - who are going to the Drakensberg."
"They are different scientific formulae. fragmentally reflected in various aspects Havoc Vultures is a sauce that is of the members' lives. I was summoned
Keep yer eyes and ears peeled for the prepared by mixing the 4 of us - Lord to perform the role of ‘Guitarandrama’.
bam-spanking new Black Pimp'n Jesus Robotmule/Rodney Radical/Aegoslav/ From there, it’s been a slow trek across
album In The Name Of, and all other Professor Mystery into melted cheese. barren lands, much like the Boers in the
things Quasi.It's like when you mix the BBQ and Groot Trek."
www.audiosure.co.zawww.audiosure.co.zaImported and Distributed byImported and Distributed by
Eruption | STATE OF THE AFRICAN METAL NATION | words: Paul Blom30
State of the African Metal NationWelcome to ERUPTION, Muse Magazines brand new column for those whose audio taste takes a serious detour from the mainstream (with a healthy dose of Metal and other Extreme, true Alternative and off-centre musical genres). It also aims to make it possible for those who may not be familiar with the power and impact of this music, but are interested in taking that next investigative step.
or our inaugural page them all more easily discoverable by Playing a show for some mates at home we thought it apt to lean centralizing to one place. The idea is one thing, but when stages in venues in favour of our home evolved quite dramatically from there are booked out with bands still a little turf and what better into what you see today, and continues too rough around the edges, the public organization to aim our to evolve. We treat M4A as community loses faith in live music. The sites than Metal 4 Africa, property. We’re open to ideas and unscrupulous promoters who put them SA's flag-bearers for all contributors of all sorts from all over, as there for their own financial gain should things Metal. I pelted a long as the music is about Metal, and be flogged!F
few crucial questions at Darkfiend (one the place is about Africa. The of M4As founding players and active fundamental remains the same: we’re PB: How prevalent are cliques within band member of several bands) to get creating a global gateway to African the SA Metal scene, with factions an insight into the current. Metal. preferring certain styles over others?
I am a firm believer that it is often DF: Metal strikes me as being almost essential to do something yourself if PB: This gateway has expanded to tribal in a sense, particularly in terms of you want it done right. Especially when include two successful seasonal annual one’s pride. We’re all the same race, yet it comes to a concept in which you have music festivals, the M4A Summerfest we stick with our tribes through times of a personal stake or extensive and Winterfest. You’ve taken great care both peace and war. M4A tries to experience, something the commercial and put in a lot of effort with live behave more like the Holy Men who in world does not exactly grasp. None of shows to ensure a brilliant experience ancient tribal societies could walk us are holding our breath for 5FM to for audience and bands. Frequent fly- amongst all and the same, irrespective reinstate Alternative shows like those of by-night productions swing by of enmities between each other and the 80s helmed by DJs like Barney slapping a bunch of bands together. Is remain impartial.Simon and Rafe Levine. But with the there a case of quantity over quality
PB: From your perspective, what is the rapidly expanding cyber world, many when it comes to local bands popping future of South African Metal and new possibilities present themselves. up and being crammed into Fest line-
For bands clamouring to get their ups to bulk it up and get as many Extreme music genres?DF: I’d say that we've observed great music heard (in a country that greatly heads through the door (in order for improvement of production over the ignores these genres), they could, but promoters to cash in)?
DF: years. But that is only part of the battle shouldn’t however solely exist on-line, There has definitely been a quantity-won. There is still a LOT of because after the likes and free over-quality phase. As the scene understanding that we lack regarding downloads, at one point or another they boomed out of its relative slumber of how the international industry actually may need to head out onto a live stage. the early 2000s, many people assumed functions. However, we are convinced Enter Metal 4 Africa, covering both that there was money to be made. that knowledge equals empowerment, these realms. While some did, it was usually by
shortchanging their performers. Being a and we at M4A are doing what we can Paul Blom: How, when and why was successful host of live shows means to drink up more knowledge and to Metal 4 Africa born, and how does it building a relationship of trust within the share it locally. We have great function within the Metal music community. Our own live events sport expectations for the future of local community? good turnouts, yet we select a strict Metal, else we'd not be putting in the Darkfiend: I discovered MySpace number of bands, operate strict hours, kind of effort that you’ve seen.around 2006 (the most popular social and we respect the pockets of our network at that time). I was amazed at patrons, offering them the best Get connected to Metal4Africa at: how much local music I was entertainment for their money’s worth. www.metal4africa.com For the discovering, and so created the concept There are some other operators who go extended M4A interview, check out of Metal 4 Africa which was initially just by these principles, but they are sadly www.flamedrop.com/eruption a space where we posted links and gig very few. Some bands should also not info on all local Metal bands, making be out of the garage yet, sorry to say.
31
About Paul Blom:With a strong leaning towards all things Alternative, for decades Paul has been involved with music, movies, gaming and writing. Bands have included V.O.D (Voice Of Destruction), F8, K.O.B.U.S., The Makabra Ensemble and Terminatryx. Movie productions include short films, music videos, DVD releases, and half a dozen film festivals. Entertainment writing on music, movies and gaming kicked off in '97 for a wide range of publications, plus the creation of various web portals like Flamedrop.com. His work is far from done here. Have some SA Metal news to share? Email Paul: [email protected]
Obsession cover version (both from the PLUG MUSIC: AFTERSHOCKS:new Remyx v1.0 album). Celebrating its first year as an entity, With Adele’s Grammy- and Brit Award www.terminatryx.com Plug Music is headed by Warren Gibson wins, now is a good time to check out
who’d been inside the local music scene the cover of her hit Rolling in the Deep, since the 90s (playing in bands like by AMYST, which in my opinion is a far Seed, Oddball, Diesel Whores and more superior version! Hear it at Roswell Kings, as well as spending time www.myspace.com/amystmusic (if you within the label world at Just Music). download, please make it a legal one).The drive behind Plug is passion for Local Metal stalwarts AGRO will again music and includes PR for local indie play Germanys Wacken Metal festival in artists (which have included David August. One great advantage with their Owens, Wonderboom, Ramblin' Bones, name means they pop up first on the Arno Carstens etc.). alphabetic list! www.agro-metal.co.za
Plug also takes care of PR & (Now residing in Chicago) ASHTON distribution of international Hardcore / NYTE, South African Goth kingpin and Metal / Punk labels like Deathwish Inc., The Awakening mastermind, has Bullet Tooth and Napalm Records, with released Moederland, his first ever more to follow, including some big Afrikaans album! More info at Metal labels. (See some of the www.ashtonnyte.com Deathwish titles on the review page). A And lastly, we are knee-deep in post-booking agency division is being production for 3 music videos of my developed with plans to eventually Industrial-Metal project TERMINATRYX, bring international acts to our shores. incl. the long overdue release of the
Siek+Sat clip (shelved after its Explore what plug can do for your production late-2008), an updated re-band or listening taste at edit of the song Midnight for The www.plugmusic.co.za Awakenings remixed version, and the
METAL ALBUM REVIEWS | Reviewed by Paul Blom32
METAL Album ReviewsGOD BLESS OZZY OSBOURNE
TRAP THEM LA INK SEIZURES IN BARREN SEASON 1 PRAISE
NAPALM DEATH UTILITARIAN
THE HOPE CONSPIRACY DEATH KNOWS YOUR NAME
them for still being a relevant force within bands distributed here via Plug Music, this the scene decades later, releasing over a may be bare knuckled, raw and in your dozen albums, touring and not flinching face music spitting blood and passion, but beside newer and younger bands. With with good production and a slick
If you missed this still the same line-up as the period of their approach, you won’t be getting a low absolutely amazing SA tour (excluding passed on lead grade effort sounding like a one take documentary at the guitarist Jesse Pintado), the quartet hasn’t demo. Formed in 1999, Hope Con has paid Sound on Screen lost their touch. Precision blast beats, their dues, and are not out to take Music Film Festival in frenetic riffs and vocalist Barney’s raw prisoners, making it very clear as they Cape Town (last growls are intact. Set to satisfy Grindcore barge in from the opening track, keeping December), you can and Death Metal fans alike, the 16 tracks the momentum going through the first ten,
now get your hands on will rattle your fillings. Nice surprises the closer the only one that pounds with a the DVD to enjoy at your include saxophone legend John Zorn much slower groove. Their style also leisure. As one of the guesting on one track, and a choral touch displays doses of Metal and a very upfront
Rock and Metal world’s on another. The cover art captures that Punk attitude. One bit however that too living legends, Ozzy is the first to admit classic monotone protest collage style of many bands still do is insist on including that he himself is dumb-founded that he old, but with Utilitarian the 3-second elongated passages of grating feedback survived his crazy life. Sure, the incidents blasting song novelties of their early years and screeching guitars (here at the end of of alcohol and drug induced mayhem is may have been put to rest - yet they still the second to last track) – it’s something sensational and great tabloid fodder, but at know how to get to the point without that never impressed me (except when it’s the heart of this intimate look at a man wasting time. Compromise and sell-out Slayer who can turn it into an art form) – who helped create the Heavy Metal genre does not flow in the Napalm veins. loud music can be great, not frequencies (with his band Black Sabbath and going on annoying to the ear.to even more success as a solo artist), there is far more to him than a buffoon on The Osbournes reality TV show. We’re taken through his hard youth in
The first season of this Birmingham, the formation and departure Trap Them display a popular tattoo reality from Black Sabbath, through his two blend of Grindcore and show clocks in a marriages, his children, his triumphs, Hardcore Punk dozen episodes tribulations and tragedies. With as many intensity drawn from across 3 discs. As one highs as lows, Ozzy’s life has been one their vast influences of the guest tattoo hell of a ride. This documentary is the first that include everything artists on TLC's Miami official insider’s look at the man and his from Punk legends Black Ink show, Kat Von D tumultuous life and career. Produced by Flag to Metallers had a major fallout his son Jack, it includes rare archival Entombed. You get a great mix of these
with the hard-headed footage, and the real story from Ozzy US and Scandinavian genres for an assault owner Ami. This led to himself, his wife Sharon, children, close on the senses, via dirty Punk flavoured riffs her moving back to Los friends and fellow musicians. This intimate riding a Metal tone, backed by relentless Angeles and opening her documentary explores this Grindcore inspired beats and a Hardcore
own tattoo shop. This opening season you groundbreaking musician (with that vocal delivery. This album may be a few get to see how Kat has her shop built from unmistakable voice), and the impact he’s years old (and their last for Deathwish Inc. scratch, and the recruiting of her team made on the music industry as a whole for before moving on to another label) but with their individual personalities and over 4 decades (not just within his chosen carries a punch that may easily leave you talents, including assistant Pixie, female genre). A fascinating movie, whether you breathless. If you’re new to this kind of tattoo artists Kim and Hannah, and Kat's like Ozzy’s music or not. (Bonus features music, you could end up feeling battered idol, Corey. With good times, stress and include deleted scenes and a Q&A with and bruised, but many get energized by some amazing tattoos on regular Ozzy & Jack). forceful, relentless audio attacks. If that’s customers and celebrities, this season sets where you stand, this album could get you up the rest of the instalments to follow pumped-up like a speed freak! Other where Kat's personality, celebrity and Deathwish Inc. bands you can check out brand takes shape – but also leading to incl.: Shipwreck AD, Blacklisted, Cold
I remember hearing things getting out of hand and friendships World, Pulling Teeth.the grinding under- destroyed (just the kind of drama the ground brilliance of reality show producers love to milk for Napalm Death’s Scum maximum viewer attraction!). While these and From shows are a godsend for alternative Enslavement to people who are not interested in morons
Obliteration in the late- like the Kardashians, it's a bit of a double-80s. It took Metal, edged sword in that this allows the If your extreme Hardcore and Punk to a traditionally outlaw and outcast art form to musical preference is
whole new level, laying the gain more of a commercial acceptability. of the new school Grindcore foundation. I had the pleasure
Hardcore persuasion, of opening for Napalm Death on their
then look no further than South African tour in 1993 with my band
The Hope Conspiracy. V.O.D (Voice of Destruction), and admire
One of the Deathwish Inc.
ALBUM REVIEWS | 1 = WEAK | 2 = OKAY | 3 = PRETTY COOL | 4 = ROCKING | 5 = DEMI-GOD!34
Album ReviewsAWOLNATION - MEGALITHIC SYMPHONY
DM – Dave Mac | MD – Mickdotcom | PB – Paul Blom | SB - Sergio Pereira | NR - Nic Roos
THE CURE BESTIVAL LIVE 2011
TRENTON & FREE RADICAL GIANT STEP
BUSHTHE SEA OF MEMORIES
M83 HURRY UP WE'RE DREAMING
mostly of vignettes (the majority of tracks Baby Come Home, from “meh” to “ooh”. weigh in under 3 minutes), Hurry Up We’re Even so, Rossdale’s vocal magic cannot hide Dreaming almost insists on the kind of the fact that the album does lose steam
Bestival, for those attention not even imagined by standard Pop towards the end, with more fillers than
who don’t know, is an or Dance albums. Midnight City is prettily killers, only to be valiantly rescued by the
annual festival held retro – Flecks of Depeche Mode and A-HA, glorious finale, Be Still My Love. | SP
on the Isle of Wight. with an unexpectedly appropriate Phil
The Cure for those Collins/Fabulous Baker Boys styled 80's sax
too young to know, is solo winging in. Instrumental Where The
an alternative band Boats Go sounds like a ghost remembering
that has been around since or forgetting the desolate heart veiled
before the word ‘alternative’ was You can read all behind the upbeat colours of Tears For Fears' even bandied around as a genre. about Trenton and Mad World. In fact, ’Hurry Up's pop In 2011 The Cure delivered a two Free Radical, who bill aspirations are clearly rooted in the fade out
hour set to a crowd of 50,000 that was their sound as a of 80's music – where strains of broken lauded by both fans and critics. This double reggae/hip romance took centre stage over the vulgar disc is that two hour set from beginning to hop/electro hybrid, technology dominating that most end. The first thing that strikes me about the on Pg. 20. For now let’s superficially decadent of Popular music album is just how genuinely ‘live’ it sounds concentrate on the music. Giant decades. The totality of ‘Hurry Up’ reads like and secondly what a rich legacy of music Step kicks off with the band’s a sonic love letter to a highly specific past; Robert Smith and his merry men have first locally playlisted single composed from the crisp, inorganic detail of created over their 26 years of existence. Tomorrow’s Day which features Maxi Jazz the Future, but with the passion of the truly Containing every conceivable hit such as from Faithless. Right from the opening guitar infatuated. Beautifully curious stuff! | MDLovesong, Lullaby, The Lovecats, Fascination riff there is a familiarity to both the guitar Street and umpteen more, the lasting tone and the chords that makes one think realisation one is left with is that this band ‘hmmm I’ve heard this before,’ and therein writes damn fine songs and plenty of them. lay the intriguing charm of this 20-tracker. With hardly a filler in site, appreciators of Containing 11 original songs plus nine Smith’s angst driven vocals and surly After a decade-long variations of their three strongest tracks [in melodies should simply lap this up. | DM absence, English alt- the form of remixes, acoustic versions etc],
rockers Bush have Giant Step is an upbeat, reggae driven returned – well, half album with a typical rock undertone, which, of Bush, at least. The dare I say it without sounding prejudice, is Sea of Memories how white guys tend to make reggae!
sees guitarist Chris Traynor and Mixing it up with some rap and a bunch of Its clear Anthony
bassist Corey Britz replace Nigel cool collaborations with the aforementioned Gonzales enjoys what
Pulsford and Dave Parsons Maxi Jazz as well as Ben Sharpa and Sista Fa he's doing. Whether
respectively, who both decided against (a genuine highlight), Giant Step may sound his songs tug on
rejoining the band for their own reasons. similar to our own 7th Son or Kana (France) melancholic teenage
Luckily, frontman and Mr. Gwen Stefani, but their trump card is very catchy songs dreams, explore
Gavin Rossdale, is still rocking and rolling at that should have you singing along quaint sonic footpaths, or are
the top of his game throughout this release. spontaneously. Not ground-breaking but full-to-the-brim Dance floor
In fact, Rossdale’s raspy crooning is often 100% enjoyable! If the band can sustain their killers, there is a revealing energy
the game-changer as he single-handedly infectious enthusiasm they're bound to gain present. A double-CD, consisting
transforms songs, such as The Afterlife and quite a fan base. | DM
ven though most of us probably know about AWOLNATION due to their synth-driven, entrancing radio smash-hit, Sail, it would be unfair to make an accurate assessment of their sound, just based on one song (it would be unjust to do that to any artist, but particularly with this original project). Steered by a combination of punk flair and electronic rock, stamped with the soul of Little Richard, and sprinkled Ewith the pop sensibility of Prince and The Beatles, Megalithic Symphony is incredibly
difficult to label – but that’s what makes it all the more fun and inviting. Putting fine songwriting before any convention, Aaron Bruno creates a diverse, free musical landscape, overflowing with bright colours, catchy melodies, quirky character and fervour. Try rejecting the thumping rhythm of Soul Wars (“Can I get an amen?”), the rebellious anthemic qualities of Burn It Down, the deadly sway of Kill Your Heroes, or even the dancing verse of Not Your Fault, as these standout tracks
take control of every limb, forcing your body to get lost in the music; it’s impossible to deny the sheer infectiousness of it all. To top it off, the album ends off with the 15 minute epic titled Knights of Shame, which serves as an accurate summary of AWOLNATION’s A.D.D., borderless sound. All said and done, Megalithic Symphony isn’t an album for
those who enjoy static “bangers and mash” type of tunes – but rather for those who’re open to new musical possibilities and variety. If you’re a fan of different genres, and love music for the music, this album might just become your new favourite. | SP
35
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Artist! Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour ! Real Estate – Days ! Francois & the Atlas Mountains Rocket
- Tipp-Topp Trailertrashtracys – Ester ! Rodrigo Y Gabriela & C.U.B.A - Area 52 ! Nibs van Der Spuy - Morning Star! Mark Lanegan Band - Blues Funeral ! Cold Specks - Predict a Graceful
Expulsion ! Twin Sister - In Heaven ! Blood Orange - Coastal Grooves! Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - The Girl
with Dragon Tattoo
Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape
THE SICK-LEAVES KONGOS JACK PAROW BREAKING AWAY LUNATIC 'EKSIE OU'
THE MARS VOLTADAVID LYNCH NOCTOURNIQUETCRAZY CLOWN TIME
According to The Keeping it all in the Meneer Parow's Sick-Leaves family (no, not like a collaboration with mastermind, Eksteen hillbilly love story), grinning, grit-of-Jacobsz, Breaking Johnny, Jesse, Dylan the-earth SA icon, Away might be the and Danny Kongos, David Kramer, last TSL album for a the four brothers sums up the beaut while. If this is merely who form the rock and aim of Parow's
a “see you later” or a final band known as the KONGOS, second album. Their goodbye, Eksteen can walk away are poised and ready to strike collaboration, atmospherically with his head held high after this fear into the hearts of hipsters reminiscent of the Nationalist release. Compared to The Last with their new album, Lunatic. fodder bequeathed by Bok van
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Breaking Being the spawns of respected South African Blerk’s De La Rey, subverts expectations by Away turns up the oomph factor singer-songwriter John Kongos, their being nostalgic without any racial over-or-considerably, yet keeps up with the trend of musical culture and education should never undertones. Hell, Parow and Kramer even shorter, catchier songs introduced on the have been in question, yet the way in which refer to themselves as ‘flowers’ of the Cape, 2010 LP. Refraining from overindulging in too they blend tribal African rhythms and Balkan casually transgressing masculine tropes in much lead guitar (we all know he can shred), beats with old school rock to create a the same grinning swoop. When ‘Afrikaans is Eksteen had the confidence to let his watertight, liberating sound that is Dood’ [‘Afrikaans is Dead’] hollers into songwriting do the main talking amid the Brit simultaneously interesting and volume, Parow is in his element, reclaiming pop-rock-influenced compositions; I Know commercially-viable is quite astonishing. the language from its dubious extinction and Your Name and Fanning the Flames, in From the upbeat (Come with Me Now), to straight into hungry Megaphone. It is particular, serve reminders that you don’t the emotionally bare (Traveling On), to the Parow’s sincere link to his lingo-cultural need to annihilate every fret on your guitar ominous (Take Me Back), to the downright heritage that affords him his entertaining to create quality rock ‘n’ roll songs. Flowing snake-charming (I’m Only Joking), KONGOS bombast. Here is the dude who can succeed superbly and effortlessly, Breaking Away is flatten your senses like a freight train and in making audiences head-bang, chuckle, an easily accessible album that you can pick announce their arrival quicker than a pimp- shake ass, and contemplate the validity of up and get into immediately. It might be The slap from Charlie Sheen. Personally, I’m Afrikaans’ racist stigma, all in the space of a Sick-Leaves’ most uncomplicated effort, but predicting that Lunatic will launch this tune. Elsewhere (as in collabs with Gazelle it’s also their best to date; here’s hoping it Phoenix, Arizona-based rock band’s profile and Francois Van Coke) his association with isn’t their last. | SP and status to a whole other level, so do ‘Ninja en kie’ are detrimental. “All other
yourself a favour and get onboard now. | SP rappers make me wanna vomit”; “Is it just me or is everything else fokken KAK?”; “Here I come again, Rap’s fuckin’ cool again.” These are all snippets of Eksie Ou’s
Latin prog-rockers collaborative efforts, and reek of Die The Mars Volta said As an avid fan of Antwoord. Why Parow felt the need to invite that this, their 6th David Lynch's work, comparison is beyond this reviewer. Coz in album, would be this review may be his solo tracks – and the occasional different. And after somewhat biased. collaboration content with LOCALity (see the the first listen it Lynch is the unique lovely, intimate Greeff collab) – this album is becomes clear: We American director just about as Grinormous as a really, really
are no longer on Mars. It must responsible for lekker Parow gig. | MDbe difficult for a band with such movies like Eraserhead, Blue a freewheeling sound to re- Velvet, Wild At Heart, Lost invent themselves after five Highway and the Twin Peaks TV
albums. Yet, in light of the fat-trimming series. Now if you’ve seen at exercise of the last (supposedly acoustic) least one of these, then you know he is album Octahedron, it seems like a logical everything but conventional. This time step. But the overall electronic direction is around his focus is firmly on the audio, yet surprising. Nocturniquet is a concept album, the sounds instantly evoke a visual element a twisted electronic fairytale with The Mars in your mind’s eye. His collaboration with Volta’s familiar frantic footprints in an Julee Cruise does come to mind, but here unfamiliar landscape where synthesisers the ambient, dark moods rely on minimalist roam wild. Their angular song structures and instrumentation, mainly guitar and voice by frenetic rhythms (courtesy of new drummer Lynch, together with additional instruments Deantoni Parks) are all intact but it is a more of slow hypnotic drums, bass and guitar by minimalist yet disjointed affair. With synths Dean Hurley (with occasional programming at the fore, the guitar work is much more and electronica inserted into the layers of understated. Gone are the hard rock blues-laced twanging guitars and various histrionics, allowing singer Cedric Bixler- delay, vocoder and pitch-shifted effects on Zavala far more freedom, resulting in his instruments and voice). Sure, Lynch is hardly most diverse performance yet. It’s always a singer, but the mostly spoken or whispered exciting to see a band push themselves and words with that distinctive voice of his can take risks, yet while it is a slight musical get pretty far-out. The only other musician departure, Noctourniquet enjoyably takes involved is Karen O who sings on the great one further down the same rabbit-hole that opening track (also the most accessible The Mars Volta have always been digging. song). | PB Not their best release, but improves with each listen. | NR
GAME REVIEWS | Reviewed by Paul Blom36
GAME Reviews For more gaming reviews, Check out www.flamedrop.com
Nintendo Wii: founding member of the BSAA objectives to fulfil, from the destruction (Bioterrorism Security Assessment of strategic weaponry to thwarting a Alliance), and here with her new partner major character from performing a Parker searches for Resident Evil veteran transcendent ritual. High powered Chris Redfield, who disappeared with weaponry is a given, but you also get to partner Jessica on a BSAA assignment. collect a Chainsword, splattering Orks all While Zelda is Their last location is a deserted cruise over the place (hence the age restriction). hardly adult-liner in the middle of the Mediterranean. A special fury system allows for themed, that This allows for creepy locations to collecting power as you destroy enemies, doesn't mean it is exploration and puzzle solving, and of stored to unleash at the right moment. reserved for course ghastly creatures to destroy. The The adopted Roman elements in this youngsters, as this new Genesis scanner does more than futuristic scenario does little to enhance fantasy world has just viral detection, you can also use it to the gameplay, merely giving it a thrilled all demographics across its 25 find essential hidden items. Besides the particular ethos. The Sci-Fi action shooter year existence. In this installment of one in-depth Campaign Mode, Raid Mode scenario is nothing new, but will have of Nintendo's oldest and most successful gives you co-op enemy battle in both particular appeal for those already RPG / Action / Puzzle games, the player is Local- and Online Play functions. The 3D heavily invested in the history, characters taken to the origin. The Triforce is effect is great, but again, you wished the secured by the Golden Goddesses, the and mythology of the series. screen were just a bit larger... The special Demon King defeated. Skyloft, a Circle Pad Pro expansion peripheral clips hovering city above Hyrule was created to the bottom of your 3DS unit, adding to keep the Triforce safe. Princess Zelda,
This game is a extra shoulder buttons and right hand is sucked towards Hyrule and Link has to shocker - literally! joystick. This vastly improves your find her, fighting evil obstacles with skill If you missed the character mobility and functions like a and force. In addition to hours of first chapter, you console game's joypad, freeing up exploration, activities and characters to get a stylized buttons for quick functions like weapon converse with, a spirit known as Fi recap of how switching or health restoration. The inhabits your sword assisting when you your lead touch screen and Circle Pad Pro combo get stuck. The Wiis advantage is the character Cole makes this one hell of a control system. physical action integration for sword went from bicycle Don't hesitate to get the pack including wielding or flying actions when traveling courier in the big the Circle Pad, as it will prove essential on huge Loftwing birds (not as effective
city to a saviour harnessing incredible with regular controls). Other functions for future DS releases.
power. After a mysterious sphere on a like Dowsing enables your sword's
delivery activates super powers in search function, to find hidden people PS3
humans (known as Conduits), Cole gains and essential items for upgrades. Zelda is
electrifyingly destructive energy. All hell more about driving the story with
breaks loose, with a gigantic being dispersed excitement than ultra-slick
known as The Beast arriving to crush visuals. This anniversary edition comes
everything in its path. Now, as this with a nice bonus of a CD with The Warhammer seemingly indestructible flaming stone-orchestrated music themes from the concept goes like colossus rampages down the coast, series. The game requires a Wii Remote back several leaving smoldering cities in its wake, Plus or Motion Plus connection for your decades. Before Cole and his cohorts travel by boat to controller - for the avid fan, a special box this PS3 version, meet Dr. Wolfe, who can make Cole even set also sports a golden Zelda Wii it actually had its stronger. With heavily armed militia Remote Plus. genesis in the late-'80s as a tabletop members constantly coming in your way
battle game with miniature figurines. (led by an anti-Conduit head seeing them Players pit their intergalactic armies of Nintendo 3DS as freaks), this results in a whole lot of soldiers and various creatures against ass-kicking. You can whack them each other with battle strategies and senseless with your electricity harnessing execution dependent on rolling dice. This tool, attack from a distance by throwing global phenomenon with tournaments bolts of electricity, summon lightning has many chapters and platforms, with (with more powers to gain as you close on 20 video games, spin-offs and a progress). You will get depleted though,
The ever-evolving CGI movie. With this PS3 Space Marines and need to draw energy from any Resident Evil incarnation you enter a 3rd person electrical power source nearby. This free-survival horror Quake-style scenario, in the super bulky roaming action adventure does not let up series always keep armour of Ultramarine Capt. Titus, on the excitement factor, and things fresh (or charged with defeating the invasion of Freerunning / Parkour fans will love Cole's should that be Forge World Graia (a metal and rust swift, agile mastering of his
rotten!). In this 3DS exclusive, covered industrial planet). Together with surroundings, able to scamper up and Terragrigia, a utopian solar powered fellow Ultramarines and Graia fighters over any obstacle. Karma points will floating city is destroyed to stop a you're engaged in various battle fluctuate between good and evil, terrorist organization's bio-organic attack. scenarios against Orks and Chaos
depending on your actions. Raccoon City survivor Jill Valentine is a Marines, with a range of specific mission
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: Skyward Sword
3/5
inFAMOUS 2
4.5/5
WARHAMMER 40,000: Space Marine
3.5/5
RESIDENT EVIL: Revelations (Not for under 18s)
3.5/5
Tues 3 Apr | The Parlotones | KKNK @ Sat 7 Apr | An evening with The Eagles | JHB Vredestraat Sportterrein Oudtshoorn | Live: @ Sun City Superbowl | Live: The Eagles |
Every Mon | Akoustic Sessions | CPT @ The The Parlotones | 19h00 | R165 | 20h00 | R1520-R3520 | Purple Turtle | 21h00 | R10 | www.computicket.com www.computicket.comwww.thepurpleturtle.co.za
Wed 4-7 Apr | Chris Chameleon | KKNK @ Sat 7 Apr | Kaktus Op Die Vlaktes | KKNK @ Every Tues | Too Broke? Let's Party! | CPT @ Absa Burgersentrum Oudtshoorn | Live: Jam Street Oudtshoorn | Live: Jack Parow, Zula Sound Bar | Feat: Cheap drinks and Chris Chameleon | 4 Apr:20h00; 5 Apr:17h00; Van Coke Kartel, Die Heuwels Fantasties, great music every week!| 20h00 | R10 6 Apr:17h00; 7 Apr:12h00 | R100 | Gazelle, Fokofpolisiekar, Prime Circle and Students & R20 General | www.zulabar.co.za www.kknk.co.za many more | 16h00 | R120 |
www.computicket.comEvery Wed | Alive Music Club | CPT @ Obz Cafe | Every Wed night Obz Cafe brings you Wed 4-7 Apr | Jak de Priester | KKNK @ Sat 7 Apr | Wrestlerish | JHB @ Tanz Cafe' | the best up-and-coming musicians in the area Gimsaal Oudtshoorn | Live: Jak de Priester | Live: Wrestlerish | 19h00 | R50 | | 19h30 | Free Entrance | www.obzcafe.co.za 4 Apr:14h00; 5 Apr:20h00; 6 Apr:20h00; 7 www.tanzcafe.co.za
Apr:10h00 | R100 | www.kknk.co.zaEvery Wed | Grass Roots | CPT @ Zula Sun 8 Apr | An evening with The Eagles | Sound Bar | Every Wed Zula Sound Bar Wed 4 Apr | An Evening with The Eagles | JHB @ FNB Stadium Soccer City | Live: The opens up the stage to Cape Town's newest CPT @ Cape Town Stadium | Live: The Eagles | 20h00 | R370-1070 | and brightest talent | 20h30 | Free Entrance | Eagles | 20h00 | R320-R1070 | www.computicket.comwww.zulabar.co.za www.computicket.com
Sun 8 Apr | The Parlotones & The Ice Project Every Wednesday | Real Music Wednesday | Thurs 5-9 Apr | Splashy Fen 2012 | KZN @ CPT @ Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden | Live: CPT @ &Union | The Cape Town series will Splashy Fen Farm | Live: Arno Carstens & The Parlotones & The Ice Project | 17h30 | run for 40 weeks, with one live act every Albert Frost, Black Math, Coals Of Juniper, R95-R125 | www.webtickets.co.zaWednesday night | 20h00 | TBA | Crystal Park, Dan Patlansky, December www.andunion.com Streets, Gangs of Ballet, Jeremy Loops, Nate Wed 11 Apr | Karma (Henry Ate) | CPT @
Maingard, Nick Pitman, Postcard, Dorpstraat Theatre | Live: Karma (Henry Ate) | Tues 13 Mar-Sun 29 Apr | Big Top Rock | Rooibaardt, Shadowclub, Southern Gypsey 20h30 | R100 | www.dorpstraat.co.zaJHB @ Barnyard Theatre Cresta | Feat: Big Queen, The Black Cat Bones, The Stella's, Top Rock is a Barnyard Theatre rock concert The Trees, The Wilderness Act, Them Wed 11 Apr | Real Music Wednesday: with a difference and is the sequel to the very Tornados & Veranda Panda | Feat: Wine Bar, Shotgun Tori | CPT @ &Union | Live: Shotgun popular show The Rock Circus | 20h00: Tues- Beer Garden with satellite TV, Children's Tori | 20h00 | Free Entrance | Sat & 14h00: Sun | Tues-Sun R95 & Wed-Sat Entertainment Centre, Crèche, Camping www.andunion.comR145 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Areas, Hot showers, Medical services,
Swimming and more | R150-R650 | Fri 13 Apr | Fetish Live | CPT @ Mercury Live Wed 14 Mar- Sun 29 Apr | Moonshadows | www.computicket.com Lounge | Live: Fetish | 21h00 | R75 | PTA @ Barnyard Theartre Menlyn | Feat: The www.webtickets.co.zasounds of Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Thurs 5 Apr | Akoestise klanke: Karma Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly (Henry Ate) en Wendy Oldfield | KKNK @ Fri 13 Apr | Henry Ate | JHB @ Tanz Cafe' | Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens, Shania Club Al Capone | Live: Karma (Henry Ate) en Live: Henry Ate | 19h00 | R100-R250 | Twain, The Eagles and many more | Tues-Sat Wendy Oldfield | 20h30 | R115 | www.tanzcafe.co.za@ 20h30 & Sun @ 14h00 | Wed-Sat: R145 / www.kknk.co.zaTues & Sun: R95 | Fri 13 Apr | The Adidas Originals Live www.barnyardtheatres.co.za Thurs 5 Apr | Arno PLUS feat The Blind Performances Series | CPT @ Wittebome
Tiger Sessions | CPT @ The Lovell Gallery | Civic Center | Feat: Clap Your Hands Say Sun 1-2 Apr | Akoestise klanke: Vusi Live: Arno Carstens & Taxi Violence | 18h30 | Yeah | 20h00 | R275-R375 | Mahlasela en Karen Zoid | KKNK @ Club Al R150 | www.lovellgallery.co.za www.webtickets.co.zaCapone | Live: Vusi Mahlasela en Karen Zoid | 20h30 | R115 | www.kknk.co.za Fri 6-7 Apr | Akoestise klanke: Ousus en Sat 14 Apr | Fetish Live | JHB @ Tanz Cafe |
Heuwels Fantasties – unplugged | KKNK @ Live: Fetish | 19h00 | R100 | Sun 1 Apr | Hot Water & Wrestlerish | CPT @ Club Al Capone | Live: Ousus en Heuwels www.tanzcafe.co.zaKirstenbosch Botanical Garden | Live: Hot Fantasties –unplugged | 20h30 | R95 | Water & Wrestlerish | 17h30 | R55-R80 | www.kknk.co.za Sat 14 Apr | Jacaranda Day | PTA @ Loftus www.webtickets.co.za Versfeld | Live: Prime Circle, Loyiso Bala, Dr
Fri 6 Apr | 9th Wonder & Phonte Live | JHB Victor & The Rasta Rebels and many more | Sun 1 Apr | Skouspel Onder Die Sterre | @ Bassline | Live: 9th Wonder & Phonte | 11h00 | Presale: R110 & Gate: R140 | KKNK @ Huisgenoot Musiekplaas 21h00 | R250-R300 | www.computicket.com Children u/12 and pensioners o/65 enter for Oudtshoorn | Live: Andriette Norman, Elvis free | www.ticketbreak.co.zaBlue, Mark Haze and many more | 19h30 | Fri 6 Apr | Mark and Dave Live! | JHB @ The R60-R130 | www.kknk.co.za Lyric - Gold Reef City Casino | Live: Top two Sat 14 Apr | The Adidas Originals Live
Idols 2011 - Dave & Mark with Idols band | Performances Series | JHB @ 66 Carr Street Tues 3-4 Apr | Akoestise klanke: Zolani 20h30 | R75-R95 | www.computicket.com Newton | Feat: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah | (Freshlyground), Laudo (aKing) Nick (Mikanic) 20h00 | R275-R375 | www.webtickets.co.za| KKNK @ Club Al Capone | Live: Zolani Fri 6 Apr | Zebra & Giraffe | JHB @ Tanz (Freshlyground), Laudo (aKing) en Nick Cafe' | Live: Zebra & Giraffe | 19h00 | R100 | (Mikanic) | 20h30 | R115 | www.kknk.co.za www.tanzcafe.co.za
NATIONAL EVENTS.....
The Ultimate The Ultimate The Ultimate The Ultimate brought to you
NATIONAL GIG GUIDE 38
TO GET LISTED FOR FREE - email: [email protected]
Sun 15 Apr | ART&LIFE 2012 Charity Event Thurs 3 May | The Black Hotels & Laurie entryfeat Ard Matthews | CPT @ Val de Vie Estate, Levine | JHB @ Barnyard Theatre Cresta | Fri 20 Apr | Albert Frost Trio | 20h30 | R90Paarl | Live: Ard Matthews | 15h00 | R150 | Live: The Black Hotels & Laurie Levine | Sat 21 Apr | Louis Fivaz | 20h30 | R55 Wed 2-www.webtickets.co.za 20h00 | R120 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za 4 May | Die Andriette Norman Band | 20h30 |
R120Sun 15 Apr | Parlotones & Gangs of Ballet | Sun 6 May | Prime Circle | JHB @ Barnyard Sat 5 May | Blues Broers feat: Albert Frost, DBN @ Durban Botanic Gardens | Live: Theatre Cresta | Live: Prime Circle | 14h00 | Rob Nagel & Tim Rankin | 20h30 | R90 Wed 9 Parlotones & Gangs of Ballet | R150 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za May | Andre Schwartz | 20h30 | R120www.webtickets.co.za Sat 12 May | The Kevin Floyd Project | 20h30
Mon 7 May | Elvis Blue | JHB @ Barnyard | R80Mon 16 Apr | Henry Ate | PTA @ Barnyard Theatre Rivonia | Live: Elvis Blue | 20h00 | Sun 13 May | Mother’s Day with Pedro Kruger Theatre Menlyn | Live: Henry Ate | 20h00 | R120 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za | 13h30R120 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Wed 16 May | Mark Haze Accoustic | 20h30 |
Wed 9 May-Sun 24 Jun | Big Top Rock | R80 Fri 18 May | Brandon October | 20h30 | Wed 18 Apr | Real Music Wednesday: Janie CPT @ Barnyard Theatre Willowbridge | R100Bay | CPT @ &Union | Live: Janie Bay | Feat: Big Top Rock is a Barnyard Theatre Sat 19 May | Boulevard Blues Band & Guests 20h00 | Free Entrance | www.andunion.com rock concert with a difference and is the | 20h30 | R90
sequel to the very popular show The Rock Fri 25-26 May | Amanda Strydom | 20h30 | Thurs 19 Apr | Winterstasie | JHB @ Tanz Circus | 20h00: Tues-Sat & 14h00: Sun | R130Cafe' | Live: Winterstasie | 19h00 | R50 | Tues-Sun R160 (buy 1 get 1 free) & Wed-Sat www.tanzcafe.co.za R120 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za
Wed 25 Apr | Real Music Wednesday: Fri 18 May | Joseph Clark - Unplugged | Every Mon | Student night & Sixgun SessionsReburn | CPT @ &Union | Live: Reburn | North West @ Carousel Casino | Live: Every Tues | Quiz night20h00 | Free Entrance | www.andunion.com Joseph Clark | Features music of Eric Every Thurs | Blues Town Sessions | R20Thurs 26 Apr-5 May | Bloem Show | Free Clapton, Bryan Adams, The Beatles, Robbie Fri 20 Apr | Nomadic Orchestra, Black Cat State @ Bloemfontein Showgrounds | Live: Williams, The Eagles, Elton John, The Bones, The Bone Collectors | R40Arno Jordaan, Hugh Masakela, Dr Victor and Rolling Stones, Sting, Toto, Seal, Coldplay Wed 25 Apr | Stand up Comedy with Rustum the Rasta Rebels and more | Gates open and more | 21h00 | R50 | August and Friends | R30daily at 09h00 | R50 | www.bloemskou.co.za www.computicket.com Fri 4 May | Music without borders
Fri 11 May | 7th Son Fri 18 May | Black Fri 27-29 Apr | MK by die dam | PTA @ The Sat 19 May | Joseph Clark - Unplugged | Moscow, Ark Synesis & The Sleepers | R30 Vaaldam | Live: Arno Carstens, North West @ Carousel Casino | Live: Sat 26 May | World Goth Day | R40CrashCarBurn, Dans Dans Lisa, The Black Joseph Clark | Features music of Eric Wed 30 May | Stand up Comedy with Rustum Hotels, Van Coke Kartel, Hot Water, Clapton, Bryan Adams, The Beatles, Robbie August and Friends | R30Wrestlerish, Karen Zoid, Aking, Goodluck, Die Williams, The Eagles, Elton John, The Heuwels Fantasties, Zebra & Giraffe, Rolling Stones, Sting, Toto, Seal, Coldplay Fokofpolisiekar and many more | Gates open and more | 21h00 | R50 | @ 10h00 daily | R150-R750 | www.computicket.comwww.mkbydiedam.co.za
Thurs 24-25 May | Dan Patlansky | JHB @ Sat 28 Apr | Punk & Pirate Festival | JHB @ Tanz Cafe' | Live: Dan Patlansky | 19h00 | The Doors Nightclub | Live: Sloppy Folk, Last R100 or R250 (seated with dinner) | Chance Kid, Part Time Pirates, Sunday www.tanzcafe.co.zaPunchers, The Mean Streets, Submachine, Cortina Whiplash, The Cavalier | Ladies-R30 Wed 30 May | The Moody Blues Live | CPT & Guys-R40 | [email protected] @ Grand Arena, Grand West Casino | Live:
The Moody Blues | 19h00 | R375-R785 | Sat 28 Apr | The 2012 Reggae Festival | JHB www.computicket.com@ Tanz Cafe' | Live: The Whalers, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels and many more | 16h00 | R200-R300 | www.tanzcafe.co.za
Tue 3 Apr | Shannon Strange & Mannie Mon 30 Apr | Mi Casa | DBN @ Krakatoa Walters | 20h00 | Free entryAction Bar, Sibaya Casino | Live: Mi Casa | Wed 4 Apr | Charlie King Band | 20h30 | R7021h00 | R150 | www.computicket.com Thurs 5 Apr | Christo en Cobus Snyman |
20h30 | R110Tues 1 May- Sun 24 Jun | Moonshadows | Fri 6 Apr | Elvis Blue | 20h30 | R145DBN @ Barnyard Theartre Gateway | Feat: Sat 7 Apr | Mike McCullach Band | 20h30 | The sounds of Johnny Cash, Simon & R90 Sun 8 Apr | Radio Kalahri Orkes | 13h30 Garfunkel, Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, | R120 Tues 10 Apr | Elvis Blue | 20h30 | Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens, R145Shania Twain, The Eagles and many more | Wed 11 Apr | Helene Bester | 20h30 | R80 Tues-Sat @ 20h30 & Sun @ 14h00 | Wed- Thurs 12-13 Apr | Lize Beekman | 20h30 | Sat: R135 / Tues & Sun: R100 | R100www.barnyardtheatres.co.za Sat 14 Apr | Pebbleman | 20h30 | R80
Tues 17 Apr | Kaleidoskoop | 20h00 | Free
Mercury Live Lounge: www.mercuryl.co.za
Die Boer: www.dieboer.com
by
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