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We chat to Skin about their upcoming SA Tour
ALT-J
Portugal. The Man GOODNIGHT WEMBLEY
DAVID DRAIMAN | DEAD LETTER CIRCUS | NAKHANE TOURE TONY COX | DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
EDITION 26 | AUG/SEPT ‘13 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!
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From The Editor Better Red than Ded - The Princess Complex Getting to Know - Nakhane Toure 6 Skunk Anansie - Original Alternative Rock Heroes Skunk Anansie Alt-J David Draiman - The Voice of Disturbed and Device Portugal. The Man jezebel's VPL: Johnny Tex and jezebel Goodnight Wembley Goes Bang! 8 Legends of SA Music: Tony Cox and the Alt-J Expanse of Sound Dead Letter Circus: The Carnival of Prog Inside the Machine: Music News Classic Albums: The Dave Matthews Band - Crash Eruption: Deftones Play Oppikoppi #19 10 Bewilderbeast Eruption Album Reviews Portugal. The Man New Albums Game Reviews Venue Guide & Live Events
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CONTRIBUTORS: Dave Mac, Thomas Whitebread, Terri Love, Johann M Smith, Bradley Love, Mickdotcom, Paul Blom, Alan Ratcliffe, Alistair Andrews, Kurt Slabbert, Damien Albetto, Jess Henson, Jonathan Pike, Greg Bester, Salomie Haskins, Sergio Pereira, Nicolai Roos, Eliza Day, Kalin Pashaliev And Tendai Luwo
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CONTENTS Nakhane Toure
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EDITOR’S NOTE | AUG/SEPT ‘13 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!
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MK TO GO OFF DSTV AND ONLINE INSTEAD...
his month our wonderful resource of writers, all of which have strong opinions of their own get to have an extended say on a subject that caused a shortlived frenzy of debate online when it was announced; MK is to go off DSTV and we were ‘sold’ the idea that ONLINE [read YouTube] is a far better platform for fans since the modern music consumer is all about the internet and not about conventional channels such as TV. One does wonder then why national and multinational brands continue to plough their ad-spend into
JEZEBEL MK brought glitz to aspects of the South African music industry, a more inclusive alternative to the SAMA awards for some genres and launched more than a few bands with varying lifespan, but perhaps its greatest contribution to the local music industry was to put the music video on the map as a serious marketing tool and platform for expression and creativity. We must remember that it was a TV channel, and its business model likely had very little to do with its content, whose role was to reach a target market and teach them to buy stuff. Being a TV station, its days were numbered from inception because its target market is online, not on the couch, but it reached them while they were still living at home and so creating loyal followers that carried the brand into early adulthood (until they discover jazz, hip hop, world, classical, trance, and other genres for themselves). I'll be interested to see if the forces behind it are digitally savvy enough to convert a healthy brand into a healthy online community. The numbers are different online, and the mechanisms. To make advertising revenue a reality on the web, they'll either have to go super niche and become a thought leader, or go large and become the local voice for music info, entertainment and engagement online. They might even be taking lessons from local acts who've managed whole careers by embracing clicks and shares. It's a long shot, but they're certainly better positioned to do it than any other [mainstream] media outlet I know (sorry Rolling Stone SA).
SERGIO PEREIRA There have been rumours flying around for ages that MK was going to be shut down, so it isn't
television as a primary platform? Anyway I have no opinion beyond that on the subject. The Muse team have said it so much better. All I’d like to say is that this edition is chock-a-block with tons of great interviews and features. Rocking the Daisies [CPT] and In the City [JHB] have got a great international line-up [local artist roster was still being prepared at time of print] including our cover story, Skunk Anansie and Alt-J [also featured] as well as The Hives who seemed to get a lukewarm response online when the news hit. Elsewhere we chat to Portugal. The
Man whose album is an office favourite right now, David Draiman on the heavier side, Cape Town rockers Goodnight Wembley whose new album is a scorcher as well progressive rock band, Dead Letter Circus from Oz who will be appearing at Krank’d Up in Joburg. Nakhane Toure is an intriguing young singer/songwriter who reminds me a little of Jeff Buckley. Bold words I know. You can get to know him better on Pg. 6. August... Spring will soon be sprung. Can’t wait... Enough of the chills now! Dave Mac
WRITERS' OPINIONS
the online option far more appealing but, will it be free or have a subscription attached? We all know that (sadly to the detriment of musicians) somehow it has become the norm that all music should be free, so I'm interested to see what they plan on doing, and how commercials will be incorporated beyond the banner ad method...
entirely a surprise. Also, it's common knowledge that it was the usual suspects who got the most coverage - perhaps the audience grew tired of Fokofpolisiekar and friends dominating the channel? Unfortunately, this is a bad omen for rock in South Africa, as a whole. There is still an uncertainty about online, and many digital publications struggle to find legitimate advertisers or sponsors - apart from energy drinks and alcohol brands that offer free hats, t-shirts, and alcohol (doesn't really pay the bills, does it?) Whether we want to admit it or not, the traditional forms of media (print, radio, and TV) are what advertisers trust - and where the budgets go. Sadly, I don't predict this venture to be prosperous hopefully, I'm proven wrong.
ELIZA DAY
I think MK is possibly doing the right thing. Ours is a generation that doesn't aspire to getting DSTV; a cable television package that was more relevant before the internet. The frame around popular music has changed because there is instant access to an abundance of every kind of music you PAUL BLOM can think of and people like to access this I'm a little on the move, not at home at allocated disappointed. While times. The Afrikaans indie demographic is more people are still a great content basis and will consuming their probably continue to be. MK online is traditional TV content realistic and a natural evolution. via the internet, selection for JOHANN M SMITH broadcast does feel as though it holds a The world is going little more legitimacy and enters a realm through a mass of professionalism, having to be of a digital exodus. certain standard to make it to air, while What’s happening to any rubbish can be slapped online MK is what’s (having said that, looking at the atrocious happening to paid-for local soaps sucking on every level from print and all other writing to acting, the concept of ‘quality’ traditional forms of media. Everything is and its subjectivity is maybe a whole about the power of immediacy and home other debate...) In light of this however, entertainment has become an archaic who is in charge of deciding what is past time or rather, a pirating one. MK’s screenable? At the SABC this would limit content to commercial genres, where MK biggest pro was and still is its ultimate con: Afrikaans. DSTV viewers might have incorporated a great range of Alternative money but there’s not many of them content, even going with the MK unlike it’s polar opposite SABC 1. What Ondergrond concept which included have we learnt? Content is king and our international and local Metal (and led to the Wacken Metal Battle shows across the romantic notions surrounding music need to change - because being on TV is no country, sending local lads Infanteria to longer a guarantee that you’re a hot play at Germany's biggest outdoor Metal commodity. event). The biggest MK downside was that not everyone has DSTV, which makes
words: Eliza Day | THE PRINCESS COMPLEX | Better Red than Ded
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THE PRINCESS COMPLEX “Fairy Tales have never gone out of fashion - only now, my favourite girly singers have become the lyrical authors for the modern maiden.” “Fairy Tales have rules. You are a princess or you aren’t. You are pure at heart or you aren’t. If you are pure at heart, or lucky, you might catch a break.”
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hat’s a really strange quote from Richard Siken, this guy who wrote Crush in the 90’s. I hope that you check him out one day. My mom recently apologised out of the blue for not raising me properly in order to deal with life, that is. I didn’t get it because my childhood was friggin’ awesome and as un-cool as it sounds, I didn’t hit up rehab, mince my veins with a razor or worry about why I didn’t have a dad at any point. Kurt Cobain would have laughed in my face. So why can I barely drive after 6 years of ‘driving’? Why the menu of Ferrero Rocher for breakfast, fish fingers for everything else, the champagne I can’t really afford and the recent purchase of gold, spangley cat ears? This is all shit that I get ragged about but maybe they have a point - ‘cause I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. Not when the songstresses of our time like Lana Del Rey, Azalea Banks, Lorde and Dreamgrl are playing up the same girlish tropes that have led us to this Never Never Land of never being able to grow up. So I looked it up and there’s a thing called the Princess Complex that pertains directly to my generation of girls and guess what; it’s all Disney’s fault (not even Hollywood like it was the 50’s and 60’s). Basically all those years of doting on Disney princesses and Fairy Tales has been detrimental to many girls being able to handle normal, boring everyday things like taxes, faxes, cell phone responsibility, broken hearts and sensible, working fashion choices. So what does this mean for those of us who still wonder around in a sugar and Spice Girls daze of Kylie, Britney and flowery headbands? Sadly, I fear, not the perfect pair of glass Jeffrey Campbell’s. Lucky for me, Fairy Tales have never gone out of fashion - only now, my favourite girly singers have become the lyrical authors for the modern maiden.
In the land of Gods and Monsters I was an Angel Looking to get fucked hard Like a groupie incognito posing as a real singer Life imitates art Gods & Monsters by Lana Del Rey Sounds rough but wasn’t that the coolest thing about Fairy Tales, the fact that the terrifying element of truth has made them so appealing? Baby be the class clown I'll be the beauty queen in tears It's a new art form showing people how little we care We're so happy, even when we're smilin' out of fear Let's go down to the tennis court, and talk it up like yeah Tennis Court by Lorde There we go again; listen to Lorde and figure out that the only sisterly advice out there is to pretend all the scary stuff isn’t happening. Oh, and boy… is it happening. Just type in ‘Brazil soccer player, quartered and beheaded on pitch,’ and you’ll see the news. Is it any wonder that so many girls are retarded
in terms of realism when so many men are playing Game of Thrones with real people, real families and making the world question our so-called ‘progression?’ Stop all that coon shit Early morning cartoon shit This is that goon shit Fuck up your whole afternoon shit I'm aware I'm a wolf Soon as the moon hit I'm aware I'm a king Back out the tomb bitch Black out the room, bitch Black Skinhead by Kanye West The new single off Kanye’s new album pretty much sums up that maybe all the princesses running around the world, really do have something to be afraid of - wolves and black hearted kings who won’t let you watch cartoons, who indeed, will never let you escape. Just so you know, princesses aren’t just girls; they’re anybody who likes the idea of escapism, who chooses to disregard all this scary, supposed reality. To conclude: reality GFY!
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Artist Q ‘n A | GETTING TO KNOW NAKHANE TOURE | words: Tendai Luwo | photo: Famous Frouws
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here is a new sound on the horizon and it’s resonating from the gently plucked strings of a young man’s guitar. That young man is Nakhane Toure, a rising star in the local music scene. Blessed with a uniquely crafted voice and thoughtfully sculptured lyrics, Tendai got to know him better…
“Every time an artist speaks of possibly collaborating with me I become incredibly nervous. My songwriting is so private and isolated, that I wonder if I would ever be able to write with someone else…”
though is that they are the names of real people. Abraham of course uses the Biblical figure. When can fans look forward to a Nakhane Toure album? The album, which is called Brave Confusion is being released by Just Music at the end of July. And what can we expect? Matthew Fink, my producer and I worked incredibly hard on the album. We wanted to create a body of work that we both could look back on and be happy with. People should expect a tempest of an album, emotionally honest and fidgety, candid songs, an extension of myself.
If you were to step outside of yourself and introduce ‘Nakhane Toure’ on stage, how would your intro go? Ladies and gentlemen this is Nakhane Toure. He is from Alice and Port Elizabeth. Sit down, stand up, lie down, just listen to the music. So with your career starting to blossoming, what is the one moment you would define as your big break? Last year I played Oppikoppi for the first time and the Just Music team was there to watch my show. I do believe this was the show that convinced them, because a week or so before that I had opened for The Muffinz and the team was there, but my performance was awful, so I felt that I had something to prove. We opened with As I Crane To See and I looked into the crowd and there was Karl Anderson bobbing his head. It still is a highlight for me. The fact that the sun was setting behind us as we played was just a beautiful blessing from God.
Collaborations are an integral part of any artists career, are there any artists you’re looking at working with within the near future? Every time an artist speaks of possibly collaborating with me I become incredibly nervous. My songwriting is so private and isolated, that I wonder if I would ever be able to write with someone else. I used to be in a New Wave/ PostPunk band, so I know that I can if I had to push myself. But I also become incredibly insecure concerning my ability as a musician that I write it off. But I still would love to collaborate with Spoek Mathambo, Simphiwe Dana, Grizzly Bear, Rokia Traore and The Brother Moves On.
GETTING TO KNOW NAKHANE TOURE
Where do you draw your inspiration from? My inspiration for the songs that I have written has been drawn from personal experiences. In some songs I have used literature as the springboard to communicate things that I felt I did not have the language to communicate. For example: The Hours, which used to be called Woolf is about the last moments of Virginia Woolf’s life before she drowned herself. I have always been intrigued by
what she might have thought or felt before she walked into that river. Did she even feel or think anything? But just because it is ‘about Virginia Woolf’ does not make it any less personal. The fact that it touched something in me to the point that I felt I had to write a song about it makes it personal. A fair share of your track titles are male names (Robert being my favourite) is that mere coincidence or is there a deeper meaning to it? I would have to say both. Yes, there is a deeper meaning, but once they were all written I took a step back and thought: ‘Oh okay, hmmm I have these song titles. Now what? What do I think of this?’. I didn’t think more of it. What I can tell you
Lastly while you continue to carve out your own place in South African music history, when all is said and done, what legacy would you like to leave behind as Nakhane Toure? ‘He was not afraid’. Fear is an artist’s enemy. I would really love it that when we look back we see an artist who pushed boundaries, bulldozed misconceptions and created brilliant work. Facebook.com/nakhane.toure
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Cover Feature | SKUNK ANANSIE: SOUTH AFRICA'S ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE ROCK HEROES
| words: Johann M Smith
SKUNK ANANSIE
SOUTH AFRICA'S ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE ROCK HEROES
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ne month before South Africa became an independent nation, Skunk Anansie formed. And so began our adventure into alternative rock with a band that headlined Glastonbury back in 1999. They were one of the first finer exports to tour here, way back in 2000 and, as they will confess, a few times just for holidays. Now they’re set to play here in October at Vodacom in The City and Rocking the Daisies. But times have changed since the band’s heyday in the late 90’s. They’ve broken up, become parents and reformed. Time to renew our subscription of clit-rock - something they’ve described as an amalgam of heavy metal and feminist rage. I’ve been given front lady Skin’s phone number. So let’s give her a call. ‘Welcome back to South Africa, Skin. Do you have any fond memories when you visited us last?’
“The longer you’re here, the more you learn, hopefully.... You can work out what works and what doesn’t. It is better to be standing on concrete than it is on quicksand.” “Gosh so many! I actually came back from SA three weeks before and my manager said we’re going on tour there. We’ve made long-lasting contacts there and the gig we did was absolutely crazy.” Skin explains that although she has a busy schedule, we can talk until all questions are done - words never heard on celebrity phone interviews. However, the way she appears over the line, it seems like there’s no rush. She even answers the door in between, apologises and continues. And for a while, we were one tea pot away from having us a sweet old time. But Skin isn’t just anybody. Her tall skinny feminist demeanour as a black
lesbian in a sea of white rock bands has made Skunk Anansie stand out like a black guy at a Fokof family reunion. What does she make of Nelson Mandela’s inevitable passing? She sounds sad. “I’m happy he did everything he could do within his power and then [still] have some time to just be Nelson Mandela - a time to grow old in the country that he loved. It’s going to be very sad, but we can then go over what he did with his life. Because in some way the new South Africa has gotten a little lost. He’s poured oil on fiery waters by being alive. Hopefully it will be a unifying time. And I hope people can hold on to his legacy, because nobody lives forever.” What about her take on anti-gay propaganda in Africa? “It’s sad, especially because homophobia isn’t that different from racism. People are losing touch with what it means to tolerate someone regardless of their skin or sexuality. That was the South Africa I went to in 2000. I partied with a lot of gays. So it makes me really sad to see what direction some countries are taking.”
Fortunately, not all is bad in the world. She explains that the band feels great about it being the best year in America for homosexuality. Skin describes it as an unstoppable snowball that just keeps building and then, points out the obvious and laughs: “What is it to anybody else if two people want to be together? There are always going to be millions of straight people fucking, so there’s always going to be more of them then there are of us.” Her point is clear: “the [American] way is not an extremist way, it’s a tolerant way. You got to get your shit together.” Naturally, having gone over the age of forty and becoming parents has made the band wiser or rather cut straight through the bullshit. But how has it affected the band itself - especially considering their seven year hiatus and the advent of Facebook in between? Skin agrees that the creative mould and output of the band has changed. “The longer you’re here, the more you learn, hopefully. When you’re 20 you approach everything with an idealistic force of wanting to change everything and it feels like nothing is going to stop you. 20 years after that, you realise you’re much more measured and particular. You can figure out what works and what doesn’t. It is better to be standing on concrete than it is on quicksand,” she adds prophetically. Perhaps the best music critics of Skunk Anansie are the children they’re raising. What’s their take on Skunk Anansie’s live shows these days? Skin describes all 5 of them, ranging from ages 2 to 22, as baby rockers. Apparently all of them, except for the youngest, love Skunk Anansie. One of them has even requested to have a monkey as a souvenir from their forthcoming tour - of course, she explains, that’s not going to happen.
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But the question we all want answered is what’s going to be on their SA tour setlist? Here’s the good news: “We’re going to play all the greatest hits and all of the best new tracks from Black Traffic.” [their new album, reviewed on Pg 34.] Here’s the really good news: “We’ve also just announced an acoustic live DVD - a recording of a live concert we did in Belgravia's storied Cadogan Hall [home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra]. It’s a collection of favourites played with an acoustic 12 piece band.” But get this - the release date is very close to the SA tour date. So can we expect a debut launch? “We’re already doing a launch gig in London. But that’s not a bad idea actually...” she muses thoughtfully. We can only hope. Send them love via a Tweet. In addition to their upcoming shows, the band is intending to get
WANT FREE TICKETS TO SEE SKUNK ANANSIE? Competition launches 15 August Rocking the Daisies - CPT Vodacom in the City - JHB Scan this tag on your Smartphone to join our Facebook page or simply go to facebook.com/musemag Follow the pinned post to enter.
involved socially with charities and music. “We think that SA is a wonderful place to do a workshop. We want people to apply*. We’re looking for music colleges, groups of bands or groups of musicians - anybody who wants Skunk Anansie to come down, do a Q 'n A and play with them.” She explains that music is empowering and recalls a favourite star of hers - Dame Judie Dench. “She was in a stage production that came to my school. Imagine that, Judie Dench coming to your school! It was the best thing to ever happen to me as a child. And we’re thinking god, what if we could do that for somebody and come to their school to inspire them or just hangout?” *Reach them here: info@sabotagenewmedia.com INFO: skunkanansie.net
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Exclusive Interview| ALT-J
| words: Eliza Day
“...WE KNEW WE HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL AND SO WE DIDN'T WANT TO RUSH PLAYING TOGETHER.”
ALT-J
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must say, openly shallow people are often some of the most appealing. There's something charming about adoring the fad, the fash, the transient and ignoring the last five minutes. Joe, of Alt-J clears up any ideas around the band name, "Sounds cool. Looks cool. Shallow. Yep." So few people get to embrace life without the apron strings of banal responsibility to taste and this is precisely why I like Alt-J. Joe, the ducky vocalist, I imagined snapped back his Mac to answer my questions with only the most fleeting interest - "Why should one have to explain their art or intentional lack thereof?" is how I picture his musings as an agitated PR girl pestered him with texts regarding press. That and, "Why sober up for less than a thousand pounds?" Brilliant. If I was the creator of ∆ (the band), I would only have time for the most superfluous nonsense imaginable. Which is possibly why their lyrics are as indecipherable as The Jabberwocky and just as delightful. Joe explains their lyrics aren't hard and fast, but rather what you make of them, "We collage everything together. I have scrap books of words I have picked up from everywhere and anywhere phrases I like, quotes I've taken, thoughts I've had and I fit it all together when it's appropriate. My songs are explained within the song - I can't better explain myself! I'm happy to leave it up to debate and interpretation.”
For a band that seems so effortlessly original, I had to ask why it took over five years since starting up, to bring out An Awesome Wave? Joe responded, "Bonding can take a while. Also, we knew we had something special and so we didn't want to rush playing together. We focused on our songs and the writing process and we enjoyed that - not the thought of being in a famous band. Although, now we are known, that's also cool.” We're obviously super amped that we'll have the pleasure of seeing these guys at Rocking The Daisies and Vodacom in the City but while they've got a tour on the cards, these guys are also scoring a new film, Leave To Remain by Toby Jones. Joe, a self proclaimed cinephile elaborates, "Yeah, it's all new material, which is exciting for us. Usually, with scoring a film, music is written after the film has been shot and edited. In our case, the procedure was reversed and we were writing with only a script to direct us. We had a lot of freedom. It's a good little film about the state of immigration in the UK and focuses on the relationships of a group of asylum seekers, seeking asylum.” Joe feels that it is important to write about what moves you, naturally, and it is through this that I feel they are quite fearless in the way they compose their music. "It's all about building up and then cutting away. Once you have everything refined, you can begin to add and then
go through more filtering processes that's just how we like to work with our producer.” I want to know what else is important to Joe, Gwil, Thom and Gus when it comes to making music, something these art school graduates have managed to merge in their montage of passions and aesthetics. Quite simply, it seems to be that music is their 'cleanest' release. I don't know what their dirtier releases are but perhaps we'll find out during their stay in South Africa. Learning what musicians are listening to is always one of my favourite things. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to figure out what was inspiring Nick Cave or Thom Yorke at different stages in their careers. For Joe of Alt-J, right now, he's listening to the new album from These New Puritans - Field Of Reeds. That's a mental check to put that on the old iPod. With their SA tour around the corner, I finish off my interaction by asking him when we can expect to see the next wave of awesome in the shape and form of a new album? "Not sure - We have ideas that are swirling around two feet above our heads. They're invisible but I can see them. Just about." Want to know more? Facebook.com/altJ.band Catch Alt-J live at Vodacom in the City and Rocking the Daisies this October.
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Feature | DAVID DRAIMAN: THE VOICE OF DISTURBED AND DEVICE | words: Sergio Pereira
DAVID DRAIMAN The Voice of Disturbed and Device
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am - and maybe assume that fter four the power, the fury, and the consecutive intensity that I harness to be number one albums, platinum able to be that guy on stage is metallers Disturbed also who I am once I step off decided it was time for a break of it, which really isn’t the in 2011 - but don’t stress; the case. To be honest, I don’t band has insisted it will reform. really stress too much about it. However, until the reunion, It’s always the people, who the Disturbed ones have are furthest ahead in the race decided to pursue other or take up the higher positions musical endeavours. One of on the totem pole, that get the these new projects is Device, majority of stones and arrows the industrial-driven machine thrown at them, but that’s just that links up Disturbed a part of the game; the nature frontman David Draiman with of the beast.” Geno Lenardo (ex-Filter). On 9 Device also features a April, Device released its host of phenomenal guest eponymous debut album. appearances. A song such as Even though Device is Out of Line, which features sonically different from Serj Tankian and Geezer Disturbed, there are still Butler, actually sounds like it detractors insisting the bands was written with the are too similar. “They need to collaborators in mind. Was this get their ears checked,” something that David had exclaims David. “I don’t even already planned? really acknowledge that “Actually, I didn’t have comment anymore. The people any of that in mind when I who make that comment are wrote the songs. In fact, all the really diminishing their own songs had been completed value, because then it’s with my vocals and no guest obvious to me that they haven’t appearances at the time,” he heard the whole record. If confirms. “We were two songs you’ve listened to the whole away from the end of mixing record, and actually heard the the record when we started tracks that I’m talking about, getting the guest appearances then we can have an educated conversation about it - but if together; it was really you’re just judging off of one or something that just happened two songs that you happened over the course of several to listen to, and it sounds like conversations and meeting up “IT’S ALWAYS THE PEOPLE, WHO ARE FURTHEST my voice, well, yeah, my voice with old friends in Los is the voice of Disturbed, and AHEAD IN THE RACE OR TAKE UP THE HIGHER Angeles. All of a sudden, I [had] it’s going to sound like my voice five guests on the record - and POSITIONS ON THE TOTEM POLE, THAT GET no matter what you put into it then a sixth member when I [laughs].” THE MAJORITY OF STONES AND ARROWS reached out to M. Shadows Draiman adds that he doesn’t from Avenged Sevenfold. THROWN AT THEM …” think the fans are paying much So, it really came together attention to the naysayers, either. kind of last minute, and was “Vilify [first single from Device] In the press release for Device, just a matter of serendipity. went number one at Active Rock, here in David mentioned how Vilify is a Serj’s vocal actually fits really beautifully the States, very quickly and stayed there response to those who paint him out to in that song; I think all of the guests on for a couple of weeks. You Think You be an egotistical guy. “I think any rock or the record [fit smoothly]. Whether it’s Know, which is the next single off the metal guy who tends to talk about things Serj on Out of Line, or Glenn Hughes on record, just made its debut last week that aren’t just fast cars, fast women, and Through It All, or Lzzy Hale on Close My and is already starting its climb. We partying, [gets painted as if they’re] Eyes Forever, or Matt on Haze... And debuted at #11 on the Billboard chart; trying to talk about [other] people or certainly not to diminish Geezer’s we’ve already scanned upwards of 70/80 stuff like that.” contribution to Out Of Line; that song 000 records. If the biggest critique is that “It should be told [Vilify] is not really has the biggest bottom-end of any song it sounds too much like Disturbed, okay, directed at press entities or real journos, on the record, and it’s kind of obvious I’ll take that, because guess what? I am or anything like that; it’s directed at the where it came from.” the voice of Disturbed, so that makes wannabes who pretend to know who I sense.”
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Feature | PORTUGAL. THE MAN. | words: Sergio Pereira
PORTUGAL. THE MAN. NO, THIS ISN'T ABOUT CRISTIANO RONALDO
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fter being told by his label, Atlantic Records, that critically-acclaimed producer Danger Mouse (born Brian Burton) wanted to meet him, Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley flew out to New York to see what the seminal producer had in mind. He reveals what went down. “When we first met, he told me that he already had The Black Keys, who are good friends and have worked with him on several albums, and he didn’t really need to work with another rock band. At the time, I was fine with that, because we were already about ten songs deep into self-producing what we thought was the new record. I think that took a lot of pressure off the situation and we spent the rest of the day talking and listening to music. By the end of it, we saw eyeto-eye on so many things that we decided to make a record after all.” Since Danger Mouse permits so few interviews, there is a mystique about what he actually brings to the table, which is different from other producers. “He really seems to work like an old school producer, which is very refreshing. If he has an idea, he’ll just grab any instrument near him and lay it down,” John says. “No-one has an ego about that kind of thing. It was all about collaboration while we were in the studio; it was like he joined our band for the recording process. It’s not a question of what he brought to the table, more of what we made at the table together.
“WITH SO MANY LIFE EXPERIENCES, IT’S NEVER TOO HARD TO FIND INSPIRATION…” Brian is a very smart guy with incredible taste. It was a very good experience.” So, with a Danger Mouse-produced record, Evil Friends, under their belts would the band work with him again? “Of course we would do it again,” John declares. “Brian has become a close friend.” Take note: he said “close friend” not evil friend... Speaking of evils, this new album is the band’s second on a major label. Without a doubt, being on a major must add to the pressure of delivering a great album - right? “It certainly does. Being a part of such a legendary roster, it’s hard not to feel the pressure. We do put most of it on ourselves, [because] everyone at Atlantic is very cool and supportive with us, [and] that helps for sure.” Undoubtedly, this is also because Atlantic recognises that Portugal. The Man is one of the most consistent bands around, releasing albums almost every year. In fact, Evil Friends is the only album, which changed this clockwork routine by being released nearly two years after In the Mountain In The Cloud. John explains, “We grew up in Alaska with a strong work ethic. We know that we’re very lucky to be in this position and we won’t take it for granted; we will always work hard for this. The last album took a while longer
for a few reasons: most of it had to do with scheduling. Working with Danger Mouse pushed back our timeline a bit, as he was finishing up other projects. We would record all week and often had to fly out to play shows on the weekends, and it was hard to focus and really get our heads in the game with that schedule.” With such solid consistency, does he ever fear that the band might just run out of ideas and creativity? “We’re lucky enough to do what we love and travel the world doing it. With so many life experiences, it’s never too hard to find inspiration; it’s more difficult to find the time to get the ideas out. [Also] we never want to make the same album twice. There is still so much more that we want to explore.” In terms of album titles, the band has certainly explored and probably rattled the cage of the Westboro Baptist Church, with names such as Church Mouth, The Satanic Satanist, and Evil Friends. John says he isn’t afraid of them. “Bring it on. I think I can safely say: fuck those people.” Finally, when asked the inevitable question if a South African tour is on the horizon, he predictably answers; “We would absolutely love to go there. We love seeing new places. Any suggestions on places to visit would be a big help.” Check out the album review of Evil Friends on Pg. 35
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jezebel's VPL | JOHNNY TEX AND JEZEBEL
| words and image: © jezebel
JOHNNY TEX and jezebel A TRIBUTE TO INTEGRITY
J
ohnny is the first mermaid I’ve met with a beard. Unmistakable, unpredictable, understated and so totally immersed in music that he’s not overly concerned with how he’s perceived (except maybe to object to my metaphor), he is definitely dangerous to those who farm and consume mediocrity. He currently fronts the irrepressible, garage goodness of The Future Primitives while quietly honing a host of production talents offstage, working with Black Lung, Bilderberg Motel and Wild Eastern Arches recently. He’s impressed with where music from Cape Town is going, but he isn’t promising us tomorrow as he and his hairy maestros prepare to go Into The Primitive via Europe. Before that, he entered jezebel’s Vast Psychoanalytical Lair, as he decoded it… jezebel: Do you feel like a different person when you play music? Johnny: Sort of. It's more like you consist of a soul more than a body when you play music. Many music makers seem more invested in the surface than in spirit: the perks, the playground. Oh, that's how you end up with bad, lifeless music right? When artists sing whatever people want them to sing. But how do you measure soul in someone’s creativity? Well, you can feel it.
What did you feel when you wrote your first song ever? Wow, was about 10 years ago. I can’t even remember. It probably felt good. Well, you carried on … True. I did stop for a bit. To find yourself? To lose yourself? Probably to lose myself, and accidentally find myself. It seems to have worked: you're off to Europe in October. What do you want from your European tour? To spread the word, I guess. Experience. Good times. Does it matter how The Future Primitives’ music is received? Competition is huge there. Not really. I mean, of course I'd be concerned if we were doing badly. Doing badly? Define… Well, I think some people don't know when to quit. If it’s not working - try something else. Start again. It also doesn't have to "work". If it works just for you, then that's good too. I'd like to have both. I want it to work for me and for others. But I've never been the type to force someone to listen to or like my music. I want to be able to listen to your lyrics live, but I am always too busy dancing. Does that work for you? Ha ha, yeah. There's a time and a place for everything.
And a pace, it seems. You’ve released two albums in a short time. You cut a whole ‘tribute’ album just to test out new gear. Does it come to you easily? I write music all the time. I have hundreds of ideas recorded on my phone. Soon as something pops into my head, I record it. Do you stop traffic to get a riff? Yeah I cause all the traffic jams. And you start and end bands apparently at will… I'll always do my own thing. And often once it's going well, I pull the plug. I almost stopped The Future Primitives just the other day. It’s challenging to start over, from scratch. You like it like that? It keeps things exciting. With that tack, the likelihood of your being famous is far in the future, once you've changed many skins, and reinvented the game a few times. It's probably safer to become famous after death. Soul, stage, death, change : not your average musician cliché. Still confused about why I called him mermaid? Go give Misery on his friends’, The Pretty Blue Guns, latest album a listen. He’s the eerie siren singing against the lap steel guitar. www.thefutureprimitives.bandcamp.com www.facebook.com/FuturePrimitives
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Interview | GOODNIGHT WEMBLEY GOES BANG! | words: By Johann M Smith
GOODNIGHT WEMBLEY
T
GOES BANG!
he members who make up Goodnight Wembley share an average of 15 years experience in the music industry spread across several major rock ‘n’ roll bands; Taxi Violence, Dead Lucky and 7th Son. Yeah no doubt, Sony got a real good deal out of signing them. Is this what it takes to play in the majors? The short answer according to Goodnight Wembley guitarist Nic Gaud: “The last 15 years have been fucking hectic. It all comes down to a lot of hard work.” Goodnight Wembley signs to Sony it was the celebratory news no one was expecting. But reviewing the band’s collective CV, it made a lot of sense. And the deal comes with no strings attached, not for the band and definitely not for you the listener. No 360 deal in the small print, no forthcoming radio friendly single or any signs of moving to America (Seether and Parlotones, ahem). The way Goodnight Wembley was
discovered was the way every band who loves the 70’s wants to be discovered on the radio with an anthemic rock single. Midway through 2012 the song Time Machine skyrocketed on 5FM’s official playlists (in addition to shooting to number 1 on MK’s video chart and Campus Radio). Eventually frontman George van der Spuy got the email. Sitting inside his Kill City Blues studio in Woodstock alongside his band mates, he tells the story. “They heard the song on 5FM and wanted to know if they could play it in one of their meetings. A few days later I got a call from Paul [Thackwray] asking us for more.” A meeting was called and whilst things remained hush-hush behind closed doors, being seasoned pros, the band continued working on their new Bang! album regardless. Bassist Gideon de Kock (from Yes Sir! Mister Machine) left shortly after the album was completed and was replaced by Miggs Auer (7th Son).
“Gideon wanted to pursue his career in modelling. Besides, he was really, really young,” explains George - who is jokingly interrupted by Nic: “and really, really good looking.” [Laughs] Naturally it hindered the deal and choices had to be made. The band employed the help of 7th Son’s Miggs Auer and eventually, after 6 months of making sure everyone was on the same page, Sony signed Goodnight Wembley. Of course the official terms, conditions and benefits cannot be printed here. But you don’t have to look anywhere other than the faces of the band members themselves to know it’s sweet. Nonetheless, some beans had to be spilled. “All the admin and channels are now handled by an in-house structure,” says Nic. “Booking agents, admin and PR is all taken care off. The goal is so that the band can be a band 24/7. And when we decide to step up, with say a music video, the facilities are there.”
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“If you can play in a band and not do anything else, then you are in the elite percentage.”
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owever, as George puts it, the relationship is fifty-fifty. “We bounce ideas off them constantly. Both parties need to be happy. But we do what we do and they wouldn’t have signed us if we didn’t.” Nic and George joke that they’re technically employees of Sony. The crux of the story however, is what the deal ultimately granted them - a month’s time on drummer Jean Labuschagne’s farm to record their debut album Bang!. Nic recalls his favourite memory. “It’s the best part of the fucking Goodnight Wembley story - we hadn’t been a band for six months, we got a record deal and we were able to do what every musician dreams of doing: going away to record and write an album on a wine farm. It’s not like we slammed something out and said shit, that’s it for the rest of that song’s life.” It wasn’t easy. The band had to transform the farm house into a legit studio. Together with the help of band friend and producer Brendyn ‘Rusti’ Rossouw, Goodnight Wembley established a primary recording room in the living room, kept another for equipment and another for George and Nic to spit ball lyrics. The songs’ themes are about the thrill of the chase and the drama dragging on the wings of liberty. But like all good rock bands, the music came first. Or as Nic puts it: “It’s about five guys who get into a room to write a groove. Alex [Krause] and I will come up with a riff on the guitar – that’s where it starts. Then it bounces with a whole bunch of ideas till we settle on something.” While George comes up with the melodies and Nic and George write the lyrics together.
George elaborates: “We record it as we write it. We listen back to it and rerecord it, until we find it. One song will go through at least 3-4 times.” And Miggs sums it up: “Preproduction can’t be under estimated, it is such a rich process.” Many years in many bands have clearly paid off with interest. Goodnight Wembley seem like they’re in no rush whatsoever, they consider what they do and only do what they consider - all the while having the time of their life. And just because they’re signed, doesn’t mean they keep out of trouble. On their second aptly titled Bad Reputation tour the band ‘accidently’ said fuck on a major radio station - several times, and they’d just got signed. The following day they received a call from Sony asking an explanation because they’ve been fined by the Broadcasting Commission, two hundred thousand to be exact. The members’ unanimous excuse: “there might have been some dopping and some smoking of cigarettes. We were just doing what we usually do. They knew what they were signing up when they did. We’re no pop band.” [More laughs]. The actual victor in the story will come forward in the long run. For now the times are good. Their recent dedication to Mia Labuschagne, Jean’s sister who passed away, is a reminder that life is as bitter and sweet as it is benevolent and cruel. Sony’s approach to Goodnight Wembley is a new one, not an old one. The general modus operandi is to create exclusivity rather than disposable abundance. Their use of creating hype around an elusive album, by taking song
snippets and spreading it across a YouTube video, seems like a logical conclusion to an on-going issue. Only time will tell. If the first chapter in the Goodnight Wembley story teaches us anything, it’s that you can still make it in the major leagues and the contracts aren’t half as bad as the indie regime paints it. The members seem like smart people after all. Perhaps they’re the best people to answer the question ‘what’s the height of rock ‘n’ roll in South Africa?’ “If you can play in a band and not do anything else, then you are in the elite percentage.” Funnily enough, they all have day jobs. In fact, Miggs, who works at an art gallery, didn’t manage to sell a painting on the day of the interview. Life sucks. Work hard. We review Bang! on page 35. Read it, then go buy the album. Available on iTunes, Simfy and the last few good music stores around. Follow the band and Twitter: twitter.com/gnightwembley
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Legends of SA Music | TONY COX AND THE EXPANSE OF SOUND | words: Mickdotcom | photo: Rashid Latiff (Courtesy ESPAfrika)
TONY
COX
AND THE EXPANSE OF SOUND
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he first time I experienced Tony Cox live neatly sums up what his music means to his many local and global devotees. It was around 2000, at Thswane’s Botanical Gardens; an appropriate setting for this organic virtuoso, whose heart - both musically and spiritually - seems to be made up of warmth and the stubborn will to flourish, creatively. At the time I’d only heard snippets from his name-making debut Cool Friction (his only other studio recording at the time - 1991’s In.To.Nation - had sunk from aural view shortly after release; a fate shared by many other gifted recordings that didn’t fit the then SAUK’s morose play listings), and was fond owner of the Savannah-Funk boogie that was 1998’s Looking For Zim. I’d stumbled onto Looking For Zim in a Musica store, in Jeffrey’s Bay, in the Jazz section (not the SA Jazz section). I was still of the ilk who snubbed their noses at ‘Local Jazz’, having only been exposed to the ‘SA elevator Jazz’ fondly stuck on repeat in Curio shops, when Enya or choirs of whales became too exotic. I slipped the headphones on and was immediately drawn into a world of Maskandi shuffle and dusty funk rhythms and above all the guitar - winking, shimmying, strutting, going wonky. I sensed the South African element and wondered why. It was only after buying the CD that I read the liner notes and realized - to my dumb amazement that this was a South African recording, by a South African guitarist. It soon became one of my favourite Jazz albums. But back to that gig.
Shimmering Notes I spotted him immediately. His near glowing spangle of fuzzy grey locks. I didn’t mention the sighting to my friends - we were all kinda feeling robbed. Stuck in some beige Botanical Garden, in Pretoria: All carefully manicured. Neat. But I saw him. While we were sat on a makeshift picnic blanket, feeling awkward amidst fully-furnished, dull families with their actual blankets (we’d used jerseys) and cooler boxes and blah, blah and then I saw him. Casually strolling from behind the stage to the nearest tree. Disappeared behind the tree. Moments later a bulbous plume of Cumulo Nimbus bulged out of the side of said tree. It was like a cartoon, or a still from Alice in Wonderland. Next thing I saw was Cox on stage, acknowledging the vague audience with vague wave of hand. And then. Cox effortlessly captured said audience - from kids to dull adults, to hungry fans. His unique, intricately fingered phrases, his brightly spangled strings of notes, drew all in: Especially with the shimmerously ascending harmonics of gig staple You Asked For It a composition that has brought him masses of fans from Krugersdorp to California. Cox, already widely popular all along the SA festival and gig circuit by the mid Nineties, thanks to his fret board flourishes and amicable on-stage anecdotes and stories, is now becoming internationally known, thanks to two decades of fan building tours in the Americas and Europe.
The last decade has seen three of his albums garner SAMAs - first for 2001’s Matabele Ants, then 2006’s friendfueled China (the title the Seffrican synonym for ‘bud’, or ‘mate’, or whatever y'all call yo friendlies), and most recently for his stylistic tangent, collaborating with avante-minimalists Benguela, on 2008’s Blue Anthem.
Hawaii You? Cox grew up in Zimbabwe, learning the guitar from the only teacher nearby, Archie Perreira, a Lisbon-based musician. 9 Year-old Tony walked 20 km’s for every lesson. He was taught Hawaiian guitar. In Zimbabwe. Following a move to Cape Town, this odd, near absurd conglomerate of a musical beginning would flower into Cox becoming, along with Tananas’ Steve Newman, one of the first important nontraditional South African guitarists. Following two decades of duetic collaboration and kinship, Cox and Newman eventually combined with latter SA guitar wizards Greg Georgiades, and the late Syd Kitchen, to found the wondrous, sadly short-lived Aquarian Quartet. Cox’s stubbornly illustrious past persevering despite the odds, building his reputation one gig at a time - aside, his flame is burning ever brighter, recent overseas tours have been his bestreceived yet. The future is a grin. Check out his latest album, 2011’s The Summer Comes my Loves, to see what the grin sounds like, exacted on six, shimmering strings.
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Feature | DEAD LETTER CIRCUS: THE CARNIVAL OF PROG | words: Sergio Pereira
DEAD LETTER CIRCUS THE CARNIVAL OF PROG
L
ast issue’s controversial editorial piece was all about South Africa being a graveyard for old bands. Well, it seems like the gods of rock read Muse editor Dave Mac’s thoughts, because Australia’s Dead Letter Circus, one of the biggest (and most relevant) names in prog rock at the moment, will be performing in South Africa in September.
Howzit, Mate! Speaking on behalf of the band, DLC singer, Kim Benzie, says they are eager to start their South African adventure. “Everyone has wanted to visit there, anyway – even as a travel destination, not just to play. So, it has been a dream come true for us, actually.” Moreover, he is particularly psyched that his band will be headlining a music festival [Krank’d Up] on their first visit here. “It is very surreal... You guys must have good taste, though [chuckles].” (Obviously he doesn’t know about the outrageous sales figures of treffer CDs, so let’s keep that under wraps when he gets here.) When asked what local fans can expect from DLC’s live show, Kim says, “Well, since we have never played in South Africa before, we’re gonna try to cover our whole range; from where it began to where we are now. We will try to display and give everyone the full story straight up.”
Aussie Rules From the likes of Karnivool, to The Butterfly Effect, to DLC, Australia has
“Get your arse to a show and we'll sort you out in the pit…” been consistently birthing phenomenal prog rock bands - so much that it seems like the Aussies must be absorbing Rush and Tool into their bloodstreams at an early age. Kim laughs, “I have actually theorised about this before. Basically, what happened in Australia is: Tool and Deftones were the biggest bands in the world for a while, and then nu-metal kind of happened - Limp Bizkit and Korn came out - and then America sort of shifted into the Nickelbacks and that side of things, while Australia took on the Tool/Deftones side of things - a bit more atmospheric and journeyist.” “We can’t claim to be part of the start of the scene. Karnivool were there at the start; we were one of the newer bands that came through just after those guys... But yeah, it is pretty awesome. When we go to America and everywhere, and talk to anyone at our shows, people talk about us and Karnivool and the scene here; it really is quite different... Actually, we’re both about to release new albums, and none of us have heard each other’s music or what we’ve been doing, so it’s interesting to see what gets dished out this time around, because normally [our releases] are like a year apart, or something like that.” Elaborating on DLC’s new album, The Catalyst Fire, which is scheduled for release in August, Kim describes what fans can expect from it. “Well, there was an internet rumour going around that we had become electronic, which is totally a rumour; we have actually gone quite
‘rocky’ and heavy. It is a bit more of a rock album than what we have done before. I guess more like our first EP.”
Playing Cricket with Muse Having opened huge shows for Linkin Park and Muse, you have to wonder what the backstage atmosphere is like. Kim reveals a few interesting titbits. “We didn’t really get to see the Linkin Park guys; they were kind of doing their own thing. The Muse guys are really nice; we were hanging out and playing cricket backstage.” Speaking of cricket, I sneak in a cheeky question and ask Kim if DLC is looking forward to watching real rugby and cricket teams whilst here. He laughs, “Yeah... I think our cricket is in disgrace at the moment, so you guys can have that.” As our chat reaches its natural conclusion, I ask if he has any last words for his South African fans. “Uh... No. I can’t think of anything inspirational at the moment,” he pauses. “We just can’t wait to come there.” I point out that this is the part where he should tell people to buy a ticket and get to a show. He chuckles, “Yeah. Get your arse to a show and we’ll sort you out in the pit.” For more info, please visit www.deadlettercircus.com.
DLC South African Tour Dates: 26 September 2013: The Assembly, Cape Town. R180. 28 September 2013: Krank’d Up, Sundowners, Johannesburg. R295. Tickets are available via Computicket.
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Music News | INSIDE THE MACHINE | words: Johann M Smith
Inside the MACHINE WRESTLERISH ABANDON FOLK ROOTS Wrestlerish are recording a new album, titled Greater Goods and Lesser Evils, at Anti-Motion Studios in Joburg. The band (who are still with Sony) recently claimed in an interview that they’ve abandoned their folk roots and want to push out to new musical areas. Additionally, they’re planning to release the first single this month, as well as a new tour towards the end of the year.
JUST MUSIC DROPS OPPIKOPPI BEWILDERBEAST ALBUM
FOKOFPOLISIEKAR FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY SUCK K*K August sees the release of Fokofpolisiekar’s newest offering, a new live DVD Forgive Them For They Suck K*K. The disc features the band’s live performance at the Barnyard Theatre in the Cresta Mall, Joburg, that occurred December last year in the run-up to their 10 year anniversary. Bassist Wynand Myburgh says of the name: “I joked around that a followup DVD [to Forgive Them They Do Not Know What They Do] should be titled Forgive Them for They Suck K*k. It stuck. It is how the band’s name came about in 2003. We do not proclaim that this is the best live show ever, but it does have the vibe. Forgive us and enjoy!'' AVAILABLE FROM: Kalahari.com FOR MORE: fokofpolisiekar.co.za
SPOTIFY vs. ARTISTS Thom Yorke’s band, Atoms For Peace, have withdrawn their back catalogue from Spotify to protest payouts to
musicians. Placebo’s frontmant, Brian Molko, has backed him and Nigel Godrich’s comments regarding the streaming site not paying new artists and as being “bad for new music”. As expected, Spotify execs have remained engrossed in the drama and claim otherwise - despite the facts not being in their favour. Keep abreast using #Spotify on Twitter.
WHAT NOW TOUR SA This coming September sees UK-based rockers What Now touring their home country South Africa. The trip (in association with Sabbath Events) will be in support of their debut release Move Like A Sinner and will cover several corners of the country. The three piece act are to be joined by anthemic punk rockers, CrashCarBurn; new-found indie favourite, December Streets; blues machine, Taxi Violence; and current family favourite, ShortStraw. The band stated: “We’re really excited to announce our first SA tour in over 8 years! Nothing compares to playing [here]. We can’t wait to play our hearts out and give back to the people who have supported us the longest.” Move Like A Sinner was reviewed in our Apr/May issue and given a mighty 7/10 by a certain Sergio Pereira, who described it as “[dripping] with the sexual allure of Depeche Mode... and will inspire at least one stripper to use it as the soundtrack of their dance routine.” For our exclusive interview with the band (also featured in our Apr/May issue), go to museonline.co.za. FOR MORE: whatnowband.com
Just Music has proudly released the official Oppikoppi Festival album. The specially priced double CD features 44 favourites from this year’s festival – including international headliners Robert DeLong and Yellowcard, as well as some proudly South African hits from top artists: Die Heuwels Fantasties, Fokofpolisiekar, Arno Carstens, Shadowclub, Tailor, Gangs Of Ballet, Matthew Mole, Nakhane Toure, Al Bairre and ISO. In addition to the physical copy, a digital 48-track version is also available on iTunes. No doubt, this is the closest you will get to enjoying and understanding the music tastes and times of Oppikoppi. Our advice? Listen to it on the way there. FOR MORE: oppikoppi.co.za | justmusic.co.za
Photo: Eduan Kitching
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DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
DAVE MATTHEWS GETS SAVED BY FAN Grammy-winning singer Dave Mathews was recently found stranded on a central road in Pennsylvania after his bike’s wheel popped. The star was forced to hitchhike to his own concert. Fortunately a fan, who was heading towards the show, picked him up. Once in the back seat the fan (Emily Kraus) tried to avoid any awkward silence. “So, we didn’t know how to make conversation with him, in fact we were talking about his tour and where he had come from,” she recalled, laughing. Fortunately, as Emily recalls: “He was just a very humble guy.” Dave even thanked her with signed concert tickets that included a note thanking here for the ride. Dave Matthews and his band of men will be performing in SA in November and December alongside music legend Vusi Mahlasela. Tickets are available from bigconcerts.co.za. Read Mick’s Classic Album feature on page 28. FOR MORE: davematthewsband.com/
FARRYL PURKISS HITS U.S. CINEMAS Farryl Purkiss’ song Ways to Live Forever is currently being heard across US cinemas in a movie of the same name. Purkiss specifically wrote the song for the Ben Chaplin movie and included it in his latest release, Home. The film centres around 12-year old Sam who has leukaemia and although the adults in his life don’t want him dwelling on it, he wants to know everything about his disease and death. The poignant tale looks set to be this winter’s tear-jerking feel good flick. FOR MORE: farrylpurkiss.co.za
JACK PAROW RELEASES “GEVAAARLIKE” LIVE DVD Jack Parow’s new live DVD, aptly titled Welcome to Parowdise, is out. The offering features live tunes, behind-the scenes extras and a saucy interview with Jack Parow wearing only a bathrobe. The cap wearing zef star explained that the DVD covers the last four years of his life - spanning from Russia to Elsiesrivier, to England and Holland. Furthermore, Jack Parow has made a special request to Oppikoppi asking them to bend their rule of having popular acts (like him) only every two years. Naturally with it being the 10 year anniversary of Bellville alumni Fokofpolisiekar, they said yes. Here comes another “gevaaarlike” family gathering. FOR MORE: jackparow.com
WOMEN IN METAL Cape Town's first ladies of Metal are coming together to put on one helluva show on the 10th of August at R.O.A.R. in Observatory, Cape Town. Fans expect the finest feminine metal heads from Terminatryx, Cold Hand Chemistry, Junkyard Lipstick and Beeldenstorm, as well giveaways (incl. WildFire Body Piercing vouchers), drink specials and of course head-banging music. Bryan O Pines from Zone Radio will be MCing the gig. R30 gets you in.
WOMEN IN METAL
NEW VAN COKE KARTEL ALBUM LAUNCH TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED Van Coke Kartel have finished their Winter Acoustic Tour and are currently back in studio recording their (yet untitled) album, due for release on 27 September. Producer Theo Crous will once more take desk duties on what the band claim to be their most diverse instalment yet. According to a press release, they’ve always put time aside to write an album, however with this they wrote it over a period of several months. The band promises that the final collection of songs will be more complex and offer a greater listening pleasure. In addition, VCK is releasing the first music video of the first single this month and have already announced launch tour dates. FOR MORE: vancokekartel.co.za
THE ISO iBOOK A SOUTH AFRICAN FIRST Pretoria’s pioneering melody makers, ISO, have released an iBook - something no band in SA has ever done. The iBook called ISO Discography was written by the band’s friend Anthony Wingfield (yoobe.co.za) and covers the band’s entire career - from photos to their biography and even their recently released Heaven music video. In addition, the band recently collaborated on a track for 5FM’s MashLab. The song, Death By Designer, features Jon Savage and JR. FOR MORE: isochronous.net
NEW ONLINE CONTENT/ TV CHANNEL LAUNCHED AlternaTV has officially launched and is available to view on-demand at www.alternatv.tv. The site aims to develop a stronger online media culture in SA by working to create and provide relevant content for both brands and fans. In terms of content, AlternaTV features shows focusing on music, movies, fashion and even dating. The coolest thing is that AlternaTV Live streams content constantly meaning, you can log in, sit back and enjoy instead of randomly looking for something interesting.
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Classic Albums | THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND ‘CRASH’ | words: Mickdotcom
THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND 'CRASH’
"THE FIRST TIME WE PLAYED TOGETHER... WE WERE AWFUL. NOT JUST KIND OF BAD, I MEAN HEINOUSLY BAD.”
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stensibly a folk singer/songwriter, with dapples of Maskandi influences in his sound, SA born and bred Dave Matthews’ fledgling songs would be stylistically ruptured by the inclusion of the two Jazz-heavy musicians he asked to become the first members of the Dave Matthews Band (hereafter DMB). LeRoi Moore and drummer Carter Beaufort would form a sizable chunk of the foundation of the DMB. Working as a waiter at live music venue Millers, Matthews recalls being consistently blown away by saxophonist LeRoi Moore, and describes then local drummer Carter Beauford the “baddest thing I’d heard.” LeRoi Moore’s tragic passing in 2008 deeply affected the band, who composed 2009’s raucous Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King in honour of his memory. How the two’s intensely dynamic styles would impact on Matthews’ comparatively placid vibe was an interesting problem. It’s simple, unexpected solution planted the seed for what would evolve into the DMB’s signature sound. Recalls Matthews: “When we [first] got together and they asked, 'What do you want the music to sound like?' I said, 'I know this is a song I wrote, and I like what you guys play, so I want you to play the way you react to my song.' There was a lot of breaking of our inhibitions.”
Theory put into practice, however, is usually a lesson in falling down and getting up again, and repeating the process; attests Matthews: "The first time we played together... we were awful. Not just kind of bad, I mean heinously bad. We tried a couple of different songs and they were all terrible... Sometimes it amazes me that we ever had a second rehearsal." But rehearse again they did. The resultant studio debut was the stylistically hybrid, quirkily poetic Under The Table And Dreaming. Via eccentrically pretty singles Satellite, and Ants Marching, the album instantly endeared the group’s unique feel and ditzy romance to thousands of fans. But it was with their next album, Crash, that the band bloomed in full - via an infusion of electricity and shake-ass/ shake-EVERYTHING rhythm - unleashing them into the minds and CD players of millions across the States, and later the world.
Show The World To Me. 1996’s Crash was something of a phenomenon. Its style, like their debut, sported a unique palette of sound - but here it was polished and amped up, garnering the DMB national attention, millions of sales, and a Grammy for Best Rock Performance. Combining Jazz, traces of Maskandi, funky acoustic guitar, and elements of Appalachia, they sounded like no-one else - their instrumentation was as tight
as the tightest Fusion outfit; Matthews’ lyrics were at once oddball and enchanting, mixing gleeful sexuality with random word-foolery and dashes of melancholia. It was a most unexpected hit. The album barely understands the notion of the term ‘filler’, song after song brings a new facet of musical fun/beauty. There is Two Step’s slow-building Spanish guitar and Queen’s Innuendo atmospherics, turned barnyard shuffle; and #41’s musical elegance rising into radiant verbal joy. There is the sublime eros and dripping romance of Crash Into Me; the horn-chugged romp and rumbling stomp of Drive in Drive Out; the lovely poetic apology and aching strings of Let You Down; and just about the happiest, funkiest acoustic-guitar-meets-boogyingrhythm ever laid down, Lie In Our Graves. And of course the signature DMB anthem Tripping Billies, all giddy violin and complex, fun riffery and carpe diem chorus: “Eat, drink/ And be merry/ For Tomorrow/ We die/ Cos’ of Tripping/ Billies.” Following the accolades and popular exposure brought about by Crash, all six subsequent DMB albums (including last year’s Away From The World), would debut in the #1 spot of America’s Billboard 200 charts; a feat very few bands have accomplished. During the period from 2000 to 2010, the DMB sold more tickets and earned more money than any other act in North America. And all through grassroots networking, and (apparently) addictive live performances, no banners or sponsorships or vulgar advertisement required. Just the goodness of musical energy. November is hop-scotching closer folks. Be Merry! Catch the Dave Matthews Band live in concert at the end of November in South Africa. Tickets are available at Computicket.
www.audiosure.co.za
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Eruption | DEFTONES PLAY OPPIKOPPI #19 - 'BEWILDERBEAST' | words: Paul Blom
DEFTONES
PLAY OPPIKOPPI #19 BEWILDERBEAST
Paul speaks to Oppikoppi founder Carel Hoffman about landing Deftones for this year's event‌
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ontrary to the belief of many who think that Deftones popped onto the Nu Metal scene in the late '90s along with the likes of Korn and Limp Bizkit (when they hit their stride with their second album Around The Fur) their roots in fact go as far back as 1988 (my matric year!). Together with their aforementioned contemporaries, Deftones have weathered the storm of sub-genre shifts and survived the Nu Metal movement, which had countless bands leap to the fore with a turntablist in tow, hoping to crack it on this new wave. But simply arming yourself with what the public may perceive to be an essential trend accessory is not enough. You need
music that resonates. And resonate it certainly does when confronted by a Deftones album. One of the things that set this Grammy winning band apart from others is their unique sound and passionate variations of intensity, from ethereal chill and introspective moments, to a propulsion of powerful Metal emotion. As you should know by now, this exciting band will finally perform in South Africa, both at Oppikoppi and the One Night In Cape Town event. While at the time of press we hadn’t had the opportunity to speak with the band yet, we opted for the next best thing. The man who started Oppikoppi, Carel Hoffmann.
How did the decision come about to get Deftones to SA this year? We are constantly looking for solid acts to perform at the festival. Deftones have been on our favourite lists for a long time. It wasn't really a decision at all. It is simply the tunes we listen to. Some people feel Oppikoppi should be strictly local - what are the pros and cons of bringing in foreign acts? I think the festival has moved way beyond that quite a few years ago. The festival is still very much supportive of the entire live scene in South Africa - we always have and probably always will be (for example we have just constructed a non profit trust with the express aim of
31 assisting SA artists to export their shows). But the international artists add another dimension to the festival. So in the end all the artists get to perform to bigger audiences. Also of course we always viewed ourselves as an international South African event. We like the direction the festival is going. How does Oppikoppi go about deciding which international acts to include? It really is a tussle. South Africa is not the biggest player in the wide world of live music. So our bookers literally sift through hundreds of artists. It has many variables: what we can afford, whose on tour, what is happening elsewhere in the world. We deliberately do not let ourselves be dictated by what is played on commercial radio. Also we try to bring interesting new artists when we can. Something you would not have seen ever before. Why hasn't the One Night In Cape Town concept been instigated sooner? It took us time to get our ducks in a row, and also for the international content in the main fest to settle down. We think it is working well now. We think ONICT will expand in years. Is it as easy as contacting their management, or is it more complicated than that? Contact is easy. Paying in Rands for hard currency acts is difficult(!), and making the calendar fit into the European summer festival circuit. What has been your Oppikoppi highlight since you got started? There are really too many to mention. Keep in mind that nearly 100 acts perform each year. There are fantastic gigs at all of them. Just think of some of the names: Kramer, Koos Kombuis in the crazy years, Nude Girls when they were slaughtering the stage, Brasse Vannie Kaap, Pops Mohamed, Waddy Jones... Some of those sets were pure magic. We actually need to record more of them! Catch Deftones at One Night In Cape Town at the Grand West Arena on 8 August (with Yellowcard and Manchester Orchestra), and with dozens of other bands at Oppikoppi #19 Bewilderbeast, 9-10 August (Northam).
INFANTERIA
Marching to Germany What started as a Cape Town high school band in 2006, Infanteria picked up steam as a full-on Metal act around 2010/11, and this year rose as the winners of the Wacken Metal Battles SA leg (an initiative selecting a band from about 20 countries each to play the event). This sees Infanteria flying off to Germany to play one of the world’s biggest Metal festivals. We connected with frontman Chris Hall to get the lowdown. What does the Wacken Metal Battle SA win mean to you, and what do you foresee it doing for the band? It feels incredible! Words can't describe how awesome it is to get this chance of a lifetime. We are extremely honoured and proud to be the band representing South Africa. It's very difficult to foresee anything in the music industry, especially being a band from SA, but we're hoping to make a mark at Wacken and get people to talk about us and hopefully impress enough people to be able to tour in Europe and live the dream. Let's see what happens...
How crazy has the planning and logistics been for this German trip? Much crazier than we first thought! Luckily, we're all organized dudes so we got down to everything pretty quickly. There were a few moments where I wanted to tear my hair out but we're all on track now for world domination! Planning a trip oversees ain't no picnic though, you have to be organized and plan ahead. There will be some cost to cover from your side to make this happen - do you feel it will be worth it down the line, whether you reign ultimate Battle winners at the end of the festival or not? Absolutely! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we have to make this happen! Fantastic that all the airfares, accommodation and transport is provided by the great guys at MK Ondergrond. That obviously helps a ton. But funds, or no funds, we were determined to make this happen. Who knows, maybe a few years down the line we could be touring South America with our 3rd album done or we could be back home getting ready for a show at Aandklas. Whatever happens, we can always say we played at Wacken Open Air!
With the enormity of Wacken Open Air, and so many bands, do you fear getting lost in the pile of international acts or do you have a master plan to have everyone take notice? We have a few tricks up our sleeve, yes, but Wacken will have to wait and see! Luckily, none of the ‘big bands’ play on the same day as all the Metal Battle bands so the crowds will solely be at our stage.
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: EruptionMuse@gmail.com
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ERUPTION ALBUM REVIEWS | Reviewed by Paul Blom
ERUPTION Album Reviews FEATURED
REVIEW BLACK SABBATH 13 As undisputed forefathers of the Heavy Metal genre, murmurs, wishes and blatant screams for the original Black Sabbath line-up to get back together has been a vocal one for decades since the original line-up's last album; Never Say Die! [1978] - when I was 8 years old!. Thirteen years in the making, this album has finally arrived and does not disappoint, delivering pure Sabbath. But unfortunately it is without drummer Bill Ward due to financial/contractual disputes leading to his ultimate exclusion from this now less-than-historic reunion album. He was replaced by Brad Wilk (of Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave) imagine how the man must've felt when he got the call to record drums with Black fuckin' Sabbath! With renowned producer Rick Rubin chosen to keep it together, an old-school Sabbath feel is very prominent - the opening song (End Of The Beginning) smelling very much like the classic 1970 track Black Sabbath. Tony Iommi's guitar and Ozzy Osbourne's vocals are as spot-on as one would expect - dark, catchy riffs and perfect solos coupled with that unmistakable voice. Not to forget Geezer Butler's definitive bass playing, gelling great with Wilk's drumming for a super-solid rhythm section. Having been at it for over 40 years these guys don't need to prove themselves or toe the prescribed line evident in many of the killer songs not crafted for quick radio play, but instead taking the listener along on a sonic ride with some running up to 7, 8 minutes a piece! Other issues that stifled the project somewhat was Iommi's cancer diagnosis, so whether the album title refers to the year of its release, the time it took to finally get it together, unfortunate situations plaguing the process, any other significance can be left up to the listener to analyze. What is certain is that this album reminds you of the power and impact of Hard Rock/Metal and to have it reaffirmed by some of the pioneers is fantastic - and its number 1 charting in territories like the UK, USA and Canada is proof that Sabbath is by no means forgotten, and that this form of music is far from dead.
MEGADETH Super Collider Another legendary ground-breaking band has a new album for fans to lap up. Thrash titans Megadeth are no stranger to line-up changes, controversy and rivalry, but the music more often than not unites the fans, regardless of the soap opera behind the scenes. With a recent resurgence of Thrash Metal (which some fans believe never really went away with prominent acts like Slayer remaining relevant and bands inspired by them, Megadeth, Metallica etc. flying the flag high), this album comes at a good time to illustrate the brand from one of its originators. Crushing, energetic music that is not the heaviest out there, but highly effective. What you do get from Super Collider is a true-to-form Thrash album with the signature Megadeth sound (with personal, socio-political, corruption, power abuse and conspiracy subjects), however I’ve never been much of a fan of frontman and head honcho Dave Mustaine's vocals his strained obnoxious kid voice of the past now reflecting a deeper timbre that is much cooler than before, and preferable here (even though it is probably a result of his unhealthy lifestyle over the decades...). His megalomania when it comes to his creation is nothing to be ashamed of, as he has earned the right to project his vision. Besides the ass-kicking songs, the title track is not the strongest, while the inclusion of a Bluegrass/Country vibe on The Blackest Crow doesn't sit well… and, Dave commits an unforgivable lyric offense - rhyming "fire" and "desire"! David Draiman (Disturbed vocalist) guests on a track, and they close the album with a Thin Lizzy cover version (Cold Sweat). PS. Coincidentally, Megadeth's previous release was titled Thirteen, being their 13th studio album.
HEAVEN SHALL BURN Veto 15 years and a dozen releases later, this German band has not put the brakes on their heavy side. While they open with one of their most melodic songs to date (but still powerful), it’s all full steam ahead after that (with a similar, slower semiacoustic closing song). This explosive album of intense Metal retains the bands conscious approach when it comes to the lyrical content, taking on injustice, corrupt religion (as well as people who represent its positive side) and other social issues, with
the influence of Chilean martyr Victor Jara often serving as inspiration, and even featuring a song dedicated to Greenpeace’s Sea Shepherd and the band’s stance against casual hunting. A cool thing about the searing vocals of Marcus Bischoff is that it’s still audible. With most songs in English, they occasionally mix it with their mother tongue (as on Die Strme Rufen Dich, which also adds a bit of programmed beats). They do a Blind Guardian cover version (Valhalla), which features that band’s singer Hansi Krsch on guest vocals. If bands like Strapping Young Lad and At The Gates do it for you, this will not disappoint.
AMON AMARTH Deceiver of the Gods This Swedish Melodic Death Metal force appears in many an SA Metal fans top 10. That’s why I’m sure I’ll be chastised by the Metal fraternity in proclaiming that this is the first full-length album of their’s I’ve perused (after 9 releases!). Yeah-yeah, unfortunately there isn’t enough time in a day and too much music, sometimes resulting in things slipping through the cracks so swallow it. But, this makes for an interesting scenario in that I can appraise the band from a fresh perspective. Which results in far less words than I’d have expected (albeit not because there is little to say, but because their music doesn’t beat around the bush). Their world of Vikings and associated myths run strong, and the overall mood is one of impact, yet it is very listenable. The powerful vocal growls carry the message with force while the precision of the drums and guitar riffs and hooks keep your heart racing along and interest piqued. They encapsulate a good Metal spectrum that will appease the headbangers, the fist-bangers and moshers as well as the more mature Metalheads who like to take a back seat and enjoy the music without bloody nose participation. Messiah Marcolin fans (Candlemass) will be glad to hear him as guest vocalist on the track Hel. One of his favourites bands, Terminatryx and Mind Assault guitarist Patrick Davidson had the pleasure to see Amon Amarth live at Metalcamp in Slovenia last year. His closing verdict of the band is: “I had the time of my life watching Amon Amarth live and their set was definitely a high point in the festival for me. Their music is such an excellent representation of 'escapist' entertainment at its best.”
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ALBUM REVIEWS
DM - Dave Mac | MD - Mickdotcom | JS - Johann M Smith | SO - Sean Olsen
Album Reviews GOODNIGHT WEMBLEY - BANG!
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here’s nothing here that needs to be explained that your soul doesn’t already understand. Goodnight Wembley’s debut 10 tracker is rock ‘n’ roll that snuggly fits in the categories of garage and grunge. Despite not offering us anything new, they’ve created something their heroes would be proud of. It’s not as hard as, say The Great Apes, but it’s not as mindless either. Track 4 and leading single Time Machine makes a statement that the band is fully aware this is not the 1970’s. However throughout they constantly and effortlessly reach for that all time rock ‘n’ roll Hail Mary. The result is that you can throw
Matthew Mole The House We Built As I write this Matthew Mole’s debut album is just two spots away from No.1 on iTunes SA. This has me asking; just who is Matthew Mole and how did this young guitar playing lad gain such popularity? I don’t actually have that answer suffice to say that when said artist’s name pops up on the media radar regularly it’s safe to say that people are talking and Mole, aside from his strangely familiar name, sounds exactly that... familiar. If you watched the four hour epic highlight package of Glastonbury 2013 at the end of June on BBC E, DSTV this’d be the easiest way to explain his easy flowing, folk infused pop music. It is very now, very current and would not be out of place onstage in the fields of Somerset, England. He cites Mumford & Sons as a favourite and whilst The House We Built sounds nothing like them, I can hear where he is coming from. As a genuine reference point, think more Ben Howard and although he doesn’t quite have a voice as unique as Howard, he writes strong songs and delivers them to his potential. This is a solid collection of 12 ‘park acoustic’ compositions; personal, well written and equally well delivered. | DM
around your body and not feel guilty that you’re doing anything stupid or pretentious. Honesty is what sets this band apart and a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver: “As the whole world swallows me up inside / I get into my stride” (track 1, Into My Stride). If there’s anything lacking it’s a slow crooner, but what do you expect with an album title like Bang!? Track 7, See You In Hell, comes close but when the chorus kicks in that notion gets thrown out the window. Each song runs an average of three minutes leaving you gasping for that extra drag. But they’re not here to waste anyone’s time. | JS
Nakhane Toure Brave Confusion Hey it’s an African guy with a guitar singing folk music! One can be forgiven for cynically thinking this is enough for a label to jump at the chance to sign him considering the success of Zahara and let’s face it we could do with another, younger Vusi Mahlasela. It’s a disingenuous suggestion though so let me dispel this from the outset. Actually the first thing I found myself thinking is how ‘Un-African’ Brave Confusion sounds. Sure there are some moments where his guitar playing reveals an African melody or two but this is straight up alternative folk and as such, stands strong as a collection of 13 well produced songs. Not an easy listen at first, Toure’s trump card is his unique voice... if you like it that is. He has a good range and his use of falsetto registers adds an interesting twist which takes getting used to. I’m hearing a not yet fully formed Jeff Buckley and whilst I know this is a heady comparison, the likeness comes from the complexity of his compositions which do not simply pander to easy sing-along choruses. Of course he doesn’t have the depth of emotion Buckley had (who did?), but I can certainly see what the fuss is all about. This is a strong start to what I predict is a name that’ll soon be on the lips of many music lovers. | DM
The Nomadic Orchestra Move Your Things From the first Tuba melody on opening track, The Fish, you know you’re in for a strange and fun ride on Move Your Things, The Nomadic Orchestra’s full length collection of ‘Balkanesque’ type crazy fusion music. The final line of The Fish goes ‘If you’re not sweaty by now, you haven’t been dancing!’ Indeed, that sums up the vibe of this silly, fun collection of brass infused ‘oompah’ rock. With offbeat rhythms, some Ska thrown in for good measure, a whole bunch of Eastern melodies and the ever changing tempos and time signatures, Move Your Things will keep you entertained from start to finish; that is of course if Balkan is your thing. The barrage of horns can be overwhelming after a while, not their fault of course, this is what Balkan is all about. It’s what they do and the band certainly strives to keep it interesting throughout, within the limitations of the genre. This is feel good music and probably translates better onstage than on an album, but for a bit of drunken fun late at night after a wild dinner party this’ll certainly get your guests dancing on the table and the girls doing some weirdly lewd moves. Fun, fun, fun! | DM
MORE REVIEWS ONLINE: www.museonline.co.za
35 Portugal. The Man Evil Friends It’s hard to know how much influence a producer has on an album. But it’s also no coincidence that everything associated with producerextraordinaire Danger Mouse has never been anything but remarkable. He has a knack of always bringing out the best in other artists. Anyway, enough about Mr. Midas Mouse. Credit must go to Portugal. The Man. They have written an album that is fun without being dumb, emotionallyengaging without being self-absorbed. It’s catchy and poppy without being commercial fodder and it’s both a nod to their old-school influences as well as a modern sounding record. The songs on Evil Friends are generally built on a foundation of 70’s folk acoustic guitar and then the layers are stacked on top. Swathes of reverb, distortion, synths and programmed beats add the colour. The vocals mostly sit in a high register, resembling some of the glam rock bands of the 70’s and although the lyrics are not the most complex, they are expressive and entertaining. Tracks like Creep In A T-Shirt, Modern Jesus and Purple Yellow Red all have sing-a-long worthy choruses and while some of the imagery and lyrics appear to be dark, Evil Friends is really a feel-good summer album. | SO
Taxi Violence Soul Shake Taxi Violence’s fourth studio offering comes with all the blue bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from the Cape Town based 4piece veteran rock band. Recorded and produced at Heritage by band friend Brendyn “Rusti” Rossouw and mixed by guitar slinging Theo Crous, Soul Shake sees a return to their early Untie Yourself roots, just more polished because after all, Taxi Violence have been at this for a while. And that’s exactly what you get. By the second track Louis Nel is in full swing pounding the drums away as Rian Zietsman sways back and forth on his distorted guitars. Taxi Violence have maintained that stop-start blues boogie case and point track 4 (Love Sick Rock ‘n’ Roll). Follow up (Best of Both) comes close to resembling the best parts of their ‘unplugged’ efforts, but like George van der Spuy croons over the mic “I’m never satisfied.” Title track kicks off with punkish drums that give way to more dangerous licks, while the bass keeps everything glued; George’s voice drives the point home. This is classic Taxi at its finest and most polished to date. It’s a sin to rate these things. Best track God’s Gonna Cut You Down - oh dear hell it’s fantastic. | JS
The Queens of Stone Age ...Like Clockwork They say one man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. In the 5 year hiatus between preceding … Clockwork, Josh Homme suffered a near death experience, was bedridden for 4 months and sunk into deep depression. The good news is that those are all perfect ingredients for writing the best music and the pleasure is ours for the listening. Anyone expecting the riff-heavy, stoner rock of its predecessors may be slightly disappointed. …Like Clockwork is easily their most chilled album, but it goes way deeper than that. It is also their most ambitious, melodic, graceful and varied album - and for those that like their rock music a little more on the eclectic side - their most rewarding. The album starts out with the slow-brooding Keep Your Eyes Peeled before heading into a more familiar, albeit catchier, Queens' sound. My God Is The Sun rocks the hardest and is the closest thing resembling QOTSA of old. However, don’t categorize this as a hard rock album. Suspend your expectations for the most fulfilling experience. And although this is Homme at his most vulnerable, he still has enough rock n’ roll swagger to drop lines like “I blow my load over the status quo.” Ain’t that the truth! P.S. Dave Grohl is back on drums! | SO
Wolftown Soul on Fire What makes female led bands great is a timeless voice - one that can be both a caring mother and a passionate mistress. With Soul on Fire, Sarah Pope comes into her own. The ideologically stuck girl in her has died. In her place we have something that’s all together closer to the heart. The first track on this debut 10 track album is the song Settle Down (originally from their previous EP). And like the title suggests, the band have indeed settled down. They’ve managed to maintain that token Wolftown rock kick that says ‘I love you, but fuck you also’. It’s still essentially guitar music (real rock ‘n’ roll) but with tastefully done pop hooks and claps. The album still features the odd raw distorted classic (track 7, Sinister Women), but throughout intimacy takes centre stage. Consider track 4, Flimsy Walls. The band isn’t performing a song, they’re expressing something: “Don’t you know / I’ve been trying harder than I ever have before / Can’t you see / You’re still pushing me down” They’ve gone through the trouble of properly arranging melody according to lyrics - meaning, words are stressed with drum break downs and guitar stabs. Consume this one with a bitter pill and a memory mint. | JS
Guy Buttery Live in Kwazulu Guy Buttery makes the term 'virtuoso' sound bland; tame. Amateur musicians tend to look at the notion of virtuoso as being the ceiling limit to guitar; Buttery, over the course of a short, but generously gifted career thus far (and vast, unknown vistas still beckon at his musical aura), seems to have taken 'virtuoso' to mean starting point: A way to start leaping off previously unknowable cliffs of sound. And leap the man does. If the Enuit have a dozen lexemes describing the various phenomena of snow, Buttery has a dozen ways of unveiling what to other musicians would be the same note. For an exercise in elegant mastery, see The Book of Right On, where his use of live looping is done with such taste and restraint that it makes your mind grin even as your ears swoon. A release as rich as Live... cannot really be said to have highlights - the light abounds, as it were - but most guitarists will stutter for a week after experiencing his astounding Half A Decade, which is so talently textured as to hint at a new vocabulary of guitar playing. His fret board seems to undergo actual transmogrification, in one delicious sequence morphing into a grove of subtle, oriental cymbals. Live albums are generally for fans, but this release - simultaneously accessible and, well, POW! - is highly recommended as an introduction to Buttery’s catalogue. A sensory feast. | MD
Dans Dans Lisa Pyl & Boog Dans Dans Lisa always seems like more fun than the other so-called harder bands the founders Bouwer Bosch and Deon Meiring are in. If the duo proves anything with this ten track sophomoric release, it’s that acoustic EMO inspired melodies have found a warm home with Afrikaans. What took five days to write and record in their living room is oh so heart drenching and sweet. However, this time ‘round does see a change with more of an up tempo folk vibe executed with a seriously limited amount of instruments. First track, Sterskip is classic DDL, but when the song hits the 40 second mark the differences become clear with claps and acoustic hooks. But don’t touch that dial; they’re still as vulnerable as ever. Pyl & Boog’s best moments happen when the duo combine their contrasting voices - best example track 6, Aspris. Other consumer benefits include two bonus tracks, an awesome CD sleeve featuring several design illustrations, and an old veil of tears. | JS
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GAME REVIEWS | Reviewed by Paul Blom
GAME REVIEWS Playstation 3 DEADPOOL Deadpool is a Marvel comic book character with whom I am not familiar in the least (since I only read comics in the '70s and early '80s, and encountered him for the first time as Wade Wilson in the Wolverine Origins movie). This unstable mercenary and genetically mutated nut made his first comic appearance in the early-'90s, and has not exactly reached the stature of other heroes like Super-, Bat-, Iron-, Spider-Man and others (yes I know some of them are DC). But, those A-grade characters need to get some rest and let this wise-cracking antihero (who converses with a few voices in is head) tear it up a bit (with swords, a whole bunch of guns, explosives and the ability to teleport). The product of a radical experimental military enhancement method (the Weapon X programme, that also created Wolverine), Deadpool has intense regenerative abilities. Sometimes a goof, mostly a jerk-off, in the Campaign mode you're taken on a crazy and violent trip where Deadpool pitches a ridiculous video game starring himself, and the line between the game and this unreality blend when he takes a job to knock off the studio boss. Well known Marvel characters you can expect to encounter, aside from Mr. Sinister include Wolverine, Domino, Psylocke, Rogue, Cable, and Death. Running on the Unreal engine, the fighting controls of this over-the-top shoot- & beat'em-up are swift and smooth, and carries an 18 restriction due to some very violent and bloody content, and a bunch of swearing and opportunities to be crude with situations to choose between something mundane or more radical (like taking a dump in the toilet and inflating his blow-up doll!), For Challenges you'll need to be logged into the PlayStation network. 7/10
X Box 360 DOOM 3 BFG EDITION In the early-'90s when PC games really started to make an impact, id Software's legendary Doom was THE game that everyone was into, and was the
benchmark for FPS games. It had millions glued to their PC screens, blowing away demonic aliens in a labyrinthine Mars facility, 'till sunrise. I remember my friend and bandmate Greg being obsessed even adding game sound FX to a demo of our song Doom - which ended up dealing with matrimonial strife, not the game(!) but I digress... In a pre-online era fans got together and linked up their computers for mutli-player participation (a cumbersome and laborious process). Since then a lot has changed, progressed and improved and they even made a movie version. This special BFG Edition of Doom's 3rd instalment has been jacked up with graphic and rendering optimization, new enhanced visuals for 3D TVs, and extra missions. (And yes, the BFG does stand for Big F*ckin' Gun!). For old-school fans, what makes this ultra cool is the fact that both the original Doom and Doom II are included in all of its low-res, pixelated glory, ominous synthy soundtrack and all! Doom 3's jacked-up quality seems light years apart from its predecessors (with detail even including jazz mags lying on the bathroom floor!). On arriving at the Mars base (run by the suspicious UAC, reminiscent of the Weyland Industries in Alien), from the get-go something seems very wrong. Once you're kitted out with arms and armour (collecting more as you progress), it's time to get blasting! With games like Unreal and Quake usurping the throne, it is good to be reintroduced to this classic. 18 restricted for language and violence. 8/10
SONIC & ALLSTARS RACING Transformed We always like to represent a good balance between crazy adult games and harmless fun. This one, naturally, would fall in the latter's category. It's always cool to feel like you're getting far more than you paid for, and here you get to speed along with this legendary Sega character and others on more than just land, but also water and air with transforming vehicles! Like any racing game this 8th Sonic racing title has various modes to cover all the bases, like Career Mode incl. World Tour, Grand Prix, Time Attack and Single Race options. A range of imaginative, colourful tracks include ocean, canyon, city and many other locations. Easy steering and a constant pace makes this fun for all ages (so not for fanatics who want the most
For more gaming reviews, Check out www.flamedrop.com realistic Gran Turismo-type experience). Wild and crazy upgrades and the mandatory boost pads on the rack surface, weapons and other debilitating power-ups get picked up along the way, and used to your advantage against the other racers. 30 characters from various Sega-linked games with their own unique vehicles include regular, Shadow and Metal Sonic, various Sonic game characters, as well as ones from Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Alex Kidd, Shogun, Golden Axe, Company Of Heroes and more, like the recent movie version of Wreck-It Ralph. A fun and (relatively) nonthreatening game (if you don't consider cartoon vehicle mayhem to be dangerous). 7/10
Nintendo 3DS MARIO & LUIGI: DREAM TEAM BROS. The Nintendo Super Mario universe keeps on expanding. But not always for the better. While this incorporates a combo of Mario and his brother Luigi on screen at the same time for a single player (with buttons assigned to each), it drops the ball for me by opting for a boring turn-based fighting method when coming into physical contact with a foe (I've never understood how anyone could tolerate this gaming style, as in popular titles like Final Fantasy - a far too passive method). In this instalment Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi are invited to an island resort by Dr Snoozemore. Luigi keeps falling asleep (which is vital to the whole game's motivation). This resort seems a little suspicious as guest games and tasks get a bit too dangerous for comfort. Exploring the islands' various locations the tale and motivations unfold, but not soon enough. When Mario gets sucked into Luigi's dreamworld where the missions continue, the dream moments can get trippy and the 3D screen effect really adds a far-out dimension - but it doesn't last long. Laborious introductory scenes and miles of speech bubbles to read will have people lose interest very quickly before the game even gets started (with not much happening after about an hour's worth of exposition, set-ups and explanation to get to the nitty-gritty). Thus far, my least favourite Mario game - give me the original 8-bit platform game over this any day! 2/10
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NATIONAL GIG GUIDE
NATIONAL EVENTS..... Every Sun | Crimson LIVE | Brass Bell Restaurant & Pub | Main rd Kalk Bay | Waterfront | CT | R20 | 19h00 | www.brassbell.co.za Every Sun | UPfront | Krugman's Grill | Waterfront | Good food & excellent music Every Sun | 4Ways TSG Mediterranean Grill-Cafe | Sunday Live Sessions | Leaping Frog Shopping Centre, Cnr William & Mulbarton Rd | Fourways | Free Entry | 3pm-6pm | Book Now: 011 4657270/ www.tsg4ways.co.za Every Mon Night | The Debaters | Rumour's Lounge | Corner JG Strijdom rd & Cornelius st | Weltevredenpark | Gauteng | Free Entry | Starts 20:30 | Great food & drink specials Every Wed | Old School Wed | CPT @ Buckley's | Dj's: Criss Phoenix | Ft: The best tracks from the 60's, 70's & 80's, age of the golden oldies | 21h00 | 021 910 4458
David van Vuuren, Koos Kombuis, Matthew Mole, Woodstock Mafia & lots more| Camping | www.oppikoppi.co.za or www.gettickets.co.za/festivals/oppikoppi-festival/ Thurs 8 Aug | Deftones | One night in CT | Grand West Casino | Deftones, Yellowcard & Manchester Orchestra | Golden Circle: R550 | General Standing: R450 | General Seating: R300 | planton.mobi / info@plankton.mobi / 012 3260560 Fri 9 Aug | MacStanley | Intimate & Unplugged | Baxter Concert Hall | CT | 8:00 | R135 | www.computicket.com Fri 9 Aug | The Black & White Dogs | Led-Zeppelin Tribute Tour | Potters Place | 18 Oosterland st | Jeffreys Bay| Starts @ 8:00 | Info: www.facebook.com/events/555692217820967/ Sat 10 Aug | The Parlotones | Big top Arena | Carnival City Casino | 8:00pm | R300 | www.computicket.com
Every Wed | Rockabilly Night with Them Tornados | CPT @ Obz Cafe | Live: Them Tornados | 20h30 | www.obzcafe.co.za
Sat 10 Aug | Woman in Metal | Ft: Terminatryx, Junkyard Lipstick, Cold Hand Chemistry, Beeldenstorm | R30 | 9pm @ ROAR | Lower main rd, Observatory | CT | Info: www.flamedrop.com/wim
Every Wed | Real Music | Every Tues & Wed | & Union | 7pm | Live music - best unplugged sets | www.andunion.com
Mon 12 Aug | Watershed | The Barnyard Theatre | Parkview | starts: 8h00 | R140 | www.barnyardteatre.co.za
Sat 3 Aug | Dan Patlansky | Die Boer | Durbanville | Chenoweth st 6 | Dual Electric/Acoustic Show |www.facebook.com/danpatlanskymusic/events
Thurs 15 Aug | Gerald Clark | Potters Place | Jeffreys Bay| 18 Oosterland st | Starts: 8:00 | R60 | Info:facebook.com/events/209664099190855/
Sat 3 Aug | Desmond & The Tutus | Shortstraw | Rumours | Weltevreden Park | Gauteng
Sat 17 Aug | Taxi Violence | Slipstream Sports bar | Grahamstown | 19 New St | Contact: 046 6229126
Sat 3 Aug | Taxi Violence, Black Market Riots, Stoker Live | Aandklas - STB | Official Stellenbosch Launch Party | R30 | Contact: 021 883 3545 Sat 3 Aug | Watershed | The Barnyard Theatre | Boksburg | Starts: 20h30 | R140 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Sat 3 Aug | Lira | Unplugged | Gold Reef City Casino | JHB | 7:45 | R500 | www.computicket.com Sun 4 Aug | Watershed | Barnyard Theatre | Cresta | Starts: 8h00 | R140 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Mon 5 Aug | Just Jinger | The Bardyard Theatre | Gateway | DBN | Start: 8h00 | R130 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Mon 5 Aug | The Muse | SA's all-girl power band | Barnyard Theatre | Cresta | Start: 8h00 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Wed 7 Aug | Dan Platlansky | The Barnyard Theatre | Boksburg | Back with his first acoustic album-Wooden Thoughts | Starts: 20h00 | R120 | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Thurs 8 Aug | Finley Quaye Live | Mercury Live | CT | Doors open 8:00pm | R120 | www.ticketbreak.co.za / mercuryl.co.za 8-10 Aug | Oppikoppi BewilderBeast | -24° 52' 26.72", +27° 8' 35.88", Northam 0360, 0360 Northam, Limpopo | Ft: MiCasa, Jeremy Loops, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Dan Patlansky, Fokofpolisiekar, The Black Cat Bones, Arno Carstens, Jack Parow, Shadowclub, The Narrow,
Sun 18 Aug | Prime Circle | Pretoria Botanical Gardens | Gates open 11:00am | R80 | www.ticketbreak.co.za Sun 18 Aug | Karen Zoid | Unplugged | Atterbury Theatre | Pretoria | 16h00 | R170 | www.computicket.com Wed 21 Aug | Just Jinger | Barnyard Theatre | Rivonia | Show starts 8:00 | R150 | barnyardtheatre.co.za Sat 21 & 22 Sep | Amapondo Backpacker Lodge | National Mountain Biking Race Day | 2nd Beach rd, Port St John’s, Wild Coast | Ntombethongo – An amazing band from the local area who play a fusion of Rock & African Tribal Rhythms | Starts: 7pm | Free |
Fri 24 Aug | Billy Talent | Post aKOPPIlyptic Punk Picnic | Pretoria National Botanical Gardens | plankton.mobi or www.ticketbreak.co.za Thurs 29 Aug | Ard Matthews & Friends | Upper Eastside Hotel, Brickfield Rd | Woodstock | 19:00 | R150 | www.webtickets.co.za Sat 31 Aug | Lente Lawaai | Laerskool Pretoria-Oos | Jack Parow, Van Coke Kartel, December Streets, Die Tuindwergies | Doors open 11h00 | R80 | www.ticketbreak.co.za Sat 31 Aug | Pinkie Fest | Randburg | R350-R950 | Chiano Sky, Lonehill Estate and more | www.gettickets.co.za Sat 31 Aug | Mr Cat & The Jackal - LIVE | 7 Church St | Stellenbosch | R70 | www.quicket.co.za Sat 31 Aug | B-FORR | Warm-up party for FORR | Arcade Empire | 265 The Highway St, Pretoria | Ft:: Taxi Violence, Japan & I, Soil 7t7, Aidan Martin | R50 | Drink Specials|Info: www.facebook.com/events/396197427168245/ Sun 1 Sep | Prime Circle | Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens | Malcolm rd, Poortview | Roodepoort | Guateng | Doors open: 11:00 | R80 | www.ticketbreak.co.za Wed 4 - 8 Sep | FORR 2013 - The Pirates of Rock | Ponta Malongane | Mozambique | over 20 Bands | Camping | Fancy dress theme: "The Pirates of Rock & Roll" | Tickets: forr.co.za/bookings/ www.facebook.com/events/462281393814358/ Sat 7 Sep | 5 Shades of Metal | The Rabbit Hole | Durbanville | Ft: Termanatryx, Withdawn, The four Horseman & more | 9pm | Info: www.flamedrop.com/metal Sun 15 Sep | Classic Rock of the 80's | Barnyard Theatre | Gateway | Songs by ACDC, Metallica & Led Zeppelin |8:00 | R100pp | www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Sat 21 Sep | Amy Larter Album Launch | CT | The Fugard Studio | Pop melodies combined with hints of Jazz harmony create her unique Jazz-pop brand | R100 | 8:00pm | www.computicket.com 16-22 Sep | Johnny Clegg | Baxter Theatre Centre | Main rd | Rondebosch | 021 685 7880 | From R257 R390 | 8:00 | www.computicket.com Wed 25 Sep | Riders from the Storm | Clover Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees 2013 | Potchefstroom | Ft: Piet Botha, Mel Botes, Valiant Swart, Albert Frost, Nathan Smith and more | R150 | www.computicket.com
Fri 23 Aug | Billy Talent Live in CT| City Hall Auditorium, Darling St | CT | Tickets: R350 from www.plankton.mobi | Starts: 6pm - 11pm | 012 3260560
Thurs 26 Sep | Survive the wild tour Ft: Betrayal | Arcade Empire | PT | 19:30 | R100-R120 | www.webtickets.co.za
Fri 23 Aug | Stef Bos en Koos Kombuis in Niemandsland | Baxter Theatre | CT | 8:00pm | R120 | www.computicket.com
Thurs 26 Sep |Dead Letter Circus Live | Supporting Acts: The Narrow, Mark Haze| Assembly | CT | R180 | www.computicket.com
Sat 24 Aug | Rock Nights | Music, Hard Rock & Metal | R60 | 20h00 | SA State Theatre, Rendezvous | Pretoria | Info & URL:www.computicket.co.za
Fri 27 Sep | Zonke | Carousel | Cheyenne Saloon | Pretoria | 21h00 | R50 | www.computicket.com
Sat 24 Aug | Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival | The Dance Factory | JHB | 6:30 | R300 | www.computicket.com
TO GET LISTED FOR FREE - email: Sat 28 Sep | Kranked Up ‘13 | Sundowners | Alberton | JHB & Reef | JHB | Ft: Dead letter Circus | Twice the noise & twice the fun| Ft: The Narrow, Manas Machine, Facing the Gallows, The Black Cat Bones, The Poverty of Ideals, Woodstock Mafia, Decortica (NZ), Newtown Knife Gang, Freedom for Your Life, Petroy, Deity’s Muse, The Hammer of Redemption, Hokum, The drift & More | www.computicket.co.za Oct 3-6 | Rocking the Daisies | Cloof Wine Estate | Darling | Ft: Alt-J, Kidofdoom, Skunk Anansie, The Hives, Hot Water, The Plastics, Spoek & many more | Camping | Multiple stages | www.rockingthedaisies.com Berties Moorings | Gordon’s Bay | www.berties.co.za Sun 4 Aug | Valiant Swart | 6pm | Free Fri 9 Aug | aKING Acoustic | 9:30pm | R50 Sun 11 Aug | Boulevard Blues Band | 5pm | Free Sat 17 Aug | Pebbleman Band | 9pm | Free Sun 18 Aug | TBC | 6pm |Free Fri 23 Aug | Joint State | 9pm | Free Sun 25 Aug | Gerald Clark Band | 6pm | Free Fri 30 Aug | Girls of Rock | 9pm | Free Betrayal SA Tour Thurs 26 Sep | Arcade Empire | Pretoria Fri 27 Sep | Town Hall | JHB Sat 28 Sep | Live -The Venue | Durban Sun 29 Sep | The Red Door | Pietermaritzburg | Boulevard Blues Sat 10 Aug | BB Acoustic | 7pm | Alma Cafe Sun 11 Aug | Berties Mooring | Gordon’s Bay | 5pm - 8pm | Electric Blues Fri 16 Aug | Boulevard Blues & Black Cat Bone | 8pm | Durbanville Golf Club Cafe Barcelona : www.cafebarcelona.co.za Sat 3 Aug | Melktert Kommissie Fri 16 Aug | Rocket to Russia Sat 17 Aug | Lise Chris Band+ Kabaal Tues 20 Aug | SA Blues Night Thurs 22 Aug | Jean Zenan Fri 23 Aug | Black Cat Bones Sat 24 Aug | Sondagskoolhelde+ Smokehouse Fri 30 Aug | Melkman se Kind Sat 31 Aug | Klopjag Die Boer Durbanville: www.dieboer.com Tue/Fri 6-9 Aug | Adam Tas & Band | R120 Sat 10 Aug | Tribal Echo | R70 Tue/Thu 20-22 Aug | Chris Chameleon | R130 Fri 23 Aug | Albert Frost Trio | R100 Sat 24 Aug | The Vernon Barnard Band | Tribute to the songs of the 60's & 70's | R90 Fri/Sat 30-31 Aug | Jesse Clegg | R120 Sun 1 Sep | Von West | R8o Mon 2 Sep | jazz Night | Soft Landing | R50 Wed/Thu 25-26 Sep | Arno Carstens Unplugged The Mystic Boer- Bloemfontein Sat 17 Aug |The Narrow Sat 17 Aug | Straatligkinders Thurs 29 Aug | Jack Parow Elvis Blue: www.facebook.com/Elvis.Blue Sun 11 Aug |Atterbury Theatre | PTA Sat 17 Aug | 'Faith Fund' Performance | Spier Wine Farm | STB Sat 24 Aug | Stonehaven Festival | Vanderbijlpark Thurs 29 Aug | Gariep Kunstefees | Kimberley Fri 30 Aug | Hart van Windhoek | Windhoek Thurs 5 Sep | 'Chefs Who share" Fundraiser | CT Fri 6 Sep | Silverstar Casino | Krugersdorp Mon 23 Sep | Barnyard Theatre | Parkview | PTA
Fokofpolisiekar Thurs 8 Aug | Oppikoppi Fri 16 Aug | Hilcrest Quarry | m13, Tygerbergvalley Rd | Durbanville | 20h30 for 21h00 | Webtickets: R120 | www.webtickets.co.za or contact: Mike Crawford: 072 4569071 | Other: Fokkofpolisiekar DVD Launch Sat 24 Aug | I&J Predator Exibit | Dock rd, V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | 20h30 for 21h00 | Webtickets: R120 | Iwww.webtickets.co.za JACK PAROW: It's because he's from the Future Fri 9 Aug | Oppikoppi Bewilderbeast Thurs 29 Aug | Mystic Boer | Bloemfontein Fri 30 Aug | Gariep Fees | Kimberley Sat 31 Aug | Lentelawaai | Pretoria Thurs 12 Sep | Secunda Mon 23 Sep | Pink Girlfest | Johannesburg Fri 27 Sep | Go West Heritage Festival | W.Rand Laurie Levine on Tour www.laurielevine.co.za Fri 9 Aug | Oppikoppi Bewilderbeast Tues 13 Aug | Maritzburg Music Club | Pietermaritzburg Fri 16 Aug | Blue Stockings | Kloof Sat 17 Aug | Caversham Mill | 14h30 | Midlands Sat 17 Aug | St Clements | 20h00 | Durban Sat 24 Aug |The Radium | JHB Fri 30 Aug | Asbos Theatre | PTA Mon 2 Sep | Barleycorn Folk Club | CT Wed 4 Sep |The Mahogany Room | CT Thurs 5 Sep | Dorpstraat Theatre | STB Fri 6 Sep | Alma Cafe | CT Fri 13 Sep | Music Kitchen | PE Sat 14 Sep | Potters Place | Jeffery's Bay Sun 15 Sep | Murambi Country Kitchen | E.London Thurs 19 Sep | Shepstone Gardens | JHB Sun 29 Sep |The Lucky Bean | JHB Mark Haze Tour Dates: Wed 7 Aug | Mark Haze Accoustic | Cafe Roux | 8:00| R100 | Book: 021 789 2538 or info@caferoux.co.za Sat 17 Aug | DorpStraat Theatre | STB Mon 19 Aug | Berties Mooring | CT Sun 1 Sep | Kempies Klop | JHB Thurs 26 Sep | Dead Letter Circus |The Assembly | 8:00 - 11:00pm Fri 27 Sep | Die Boer | CT Sat 28 Sep | Die Boer | CT Sun 29 Sep | XS Music Festival | JHB Mercury Live | CPT Wed 7 Aug | Waxing Lyrical Thurs 8 Aug | Finlay Quaye Fri 9 Aug | Womens Day Special Sat 10 Aug | Perfect Circle Fri 16 Aug | Reburn Sat 17 Aug | Sannie Fox & guests Wed 21 Aug | Waxing Lyrical Thurs 22 Aug | BluesTown Special Fri 23 Aug | Black & White Dogs | Led Zep Tribute Thurs 29 Aug | BluesTown Sessions Fri 30 Aug | Mean Black Mamba, Long Citizen, Dave Ferguson Wed 4 Sep | Waxing Lyrical with Sannie Fox & Friends Thurs 12 Sep | Bluestown Sessions Fri 13 Sep | Woodstock Mafia Album Launch Sat 14 Sep | Perfect Circle (bands tba) Wed 18 | Waxing Lyrical Fri 20 Sep | Nomadic Orchestra Sat 21 Sep | What Now? (UK) and support Thurs 26 Sep | Bluestown Sessions Fri 27 Sep | Crimson House Blues
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Obviouzly Armchair Sat 3 Aug | Joy Ethal Smith Acoustic Night Tue 6 Aug | Open Mic Night Thurs 8 Aug | Isongo Sat 10 Aug | Jester & The Sick Boys Tues 13 Aug | Open Mic Night Fri 16 Aug | Kiat Africa Sat 17 Aug | Set for the Sky Tues 20 Aug | OPen Mic Night Thurs 22 Aug | V Minor Fri 23 Aug | McCree Sat 24 Aug | Footnote Tues 27 Aug | Open Mic Night Rumours Lounge : www.rumourslounge.co.za Sat 3 Aug | Desmond & the Tutus | Shortstraw | from 19H00 | R80 Sat 10 Aug | Rock n Rule Wed 14 Aug |The Narrow Fri 16 Aug | Heart of Music Ft: Leaven, my/epic/vice, Aidan Martin, Cutting Jade, Vintage Kings | R40 Sat 17 Aug | Heart of Music | Break the Silence | 2x stages | drink specials | doors open 17:00 | R50 Sat 24 Aug | The Battle for Rumours | If your band wants to perform contact the Squire on emergingsounds@mweb.co.za. Fri 30 Aug | Ladies Night | ft: Brainwreck, Come with Cannabis, Maximum Carnage, Blame the Atchitects & Reject Theory | From 18h00 | R50 Van Coke Kartel Fri 30 Aug | Red Ruby | Fochville | Losberg Ave.38, Shop nr 4 | Contact: 082 8108760 | 21h00 Sat 31 Aug |Lentelawaai | Pretoria Sat 14 Sep | Jack Parow, Die HeuwelsFantasties, Moses Metro Man, Die Tuinwergies, Glaskas, Klopjag, Naas Veld, Lonehill Estate, DoelloseStilte | Secunda Stadium | Contact Gary Glen: 0711960807 | Gates open @ 9h00am | Other: Sing tot ekhoor (Charity) | www.computicket.co.za Fri 27 Sep | Wiesbaden, Bloemfontein | Limousin St, Bayswater | Contact: Frans Wessel: 0727692138 | 22h00 | R30 pre-sold / R40 @ Door Sat 28 Sep | Memphis Rock | Potchefstroom | 102 Steve Biko Ave, Die Bult | Contact Hannes: 079 796 2491 | 22h30 | Tickets: R30 pre-sold / R40 @ Door Villa Pascal: www.villapascal.co.za Sat 17 Aug | The Duderinos - Rock, Blues & Soul | 19h30 | R100 Sat 21 Sep | James Marais- Legends of Rock n Roll | 19h30 | R100 Sat 28 Sep | Tribute Plays The Hits of 60's, 70's & 80's | 19h30 | R100/R120 Zula Bar: zulabar.co.za Every Tuesday | Acoustics sessions and Grassroots | Free | Booking: Alethea@zulabar.co.za or vusa@zulabar.co.za Sat 3 Aug | Naftali and the Royal family| Upstage Mr. Cat and the jackal | Downstage | R40 Sat 10 Aug | Downstage | Shackles and bones, Southpaw Upstage | Afrika burn fundraiser (RAY) Fri 16 Aug | Upstage | We are conduit, Black Moscow, All Guns For Ammo | R40 Sat 17 Aug | Upstage | The Plastics, Jellyfish, The Burglars Sat 24 Aug | Downstage | The Vodun Haunts, The Pits, Johnny Allstar | R40 Fri 6 Sep | Down stage | Black Moscow, Infantera, Sabretooth Mon 23 Sep | Desmond and the Tutus + Guests | R50
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