Bok to the Future – New South African Music
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More brilliant musical talent than you could shake a very large sonic stick at.
The South African music scene is buzzing with talent at the moment; in fact it’s positively throbbing.
A whole bucket-load of vibrant, innovative and interesting musicians were found strutting their stuff this past weekend at the Road to V concerts across South Africa, which showcased a whole heap of bands you probably would never have heard of unless we told you about them.
Here is our pick of the cream of the crop, South African music to really sink you teeth into:
3rd World Spectator
Who? : The band consists of frontman Peter Crafford on vocals; Justin Versfeld on lead guitar; Andre Wentzel playing the drums and Geran Steyn on bass.
What are they like? : An eclectic mix of influences includes anything from Bach to Britney Spears, with everything in between including: rock, opera, jazz, funk and metal.
Their own music is rock flavour with a ripple of grunge and the occasional sprinkling of indie pop. Rock ballad Something More reminds you of Coldplay whilst Blind sounds very much like The Verve. Their most popular hit Confessions of a Serial Lover is a more grungy affair.
Quote : “Rock and Roll is the musical expression of sex” – Bassist Geran Steyn
Goldfish
Who? : David Poole and Dominic Peters hit the decks and play jazz instruments.
What are they like? : The closest thing you are going to get to Goldfish is Parisian house jazz musician St Germain. Goldfish have a style and flair all of their own blending electronic pop DJ with jazz saxophone and flute. A blitz mix of jazz, club and dance with African heart.
Quote: “Goldfish… store that name in your memory for longer than 3 seconds, cause these guys are going places.” – Andre van Assche, Thunda.com.
Gonzo Republic
Who? : Lead singer Clayton Human, bassist Jonothan Cumming, drummer Steven Duplessis and guitarist Joshua Beechey make the foursome.
What are they like? : There’s more than a hint of Supergrass with tracks Silver Crowns and So Easy, though Gonzo Republic are minus the outrageous facial hair. Solidly enjoyable and energetic rock music that is sure to entertain.
Quote: “I keep waiting for one of them to hurt themselves in their frenetic flailing around on stage.” – Make Some Noise reviewer
Zebra and Giraffe
Who? : Greg Carlin plays everything from drums, guitar, vocals, bass and keyboards
What are they like? : Zebra and Giraffe sounds predominantly rocky with indie slants. Tracks like The Knife and Arm Yourself could have been hits for Muse or Beck. Other tracks like Running Faster are reminiscent of Brit bands Idlewild and Toploader from a couple of years ago.
Quote: “It was just easier to play everything myself”- Greg Carlin
Honourable Mentions
Other worthy candidates of South African bands that you may not of heard of, but definitely will fall in love with are indie rockers The Dirty Skirts, or “the sweetest kick in the hindquarters you ever had,” as one reviewer described them.
Then there are funky ska, afro jazz band Captain Stu, and hard rockers Cassette, who won Best Rock Album at the 2007 South African Music Awards (SAMA).
