Ashtray Electric - Measured in Falls album launch

Ashtray Electric launched their brand new album, Measured in Falls on Saturday night at The Assembly and I'm glad to report, it rocked. Now I've seen the four piece a few times and between RAMfest, Assembly's birthday bash and Saturday night, I struggle to pick a favourite performance.

Saturday night started off reasonably slowly, but by the time the band took to the stage, it was packed. I grabbed a seat at the back with a "Twitter BFF", to gain some perspective you see. Our vantage point was perfect for eye gazing and observing, which is why I was there.

The band was as well rehearsed as I've seen them, and it carried the show effortlessly. The familiar, older songs invoked some sort of safety net for the unsuspecting onlookers before the new tracks transformed them to drones in an instant. But then, the inevitable appreciative nods from Cape Town's indie appreciation society. You see in Cape Town that's how it's done, apparently.

I've noticed this weird trend in Cape Town recently. Music fans tend not to get to involved at a show when an artist performs new material. This could be for any number of reasons, but because this is a good review, I will focus on the positive. Because that's exactly how I feel about what Ashtray Electric are doing and because it's true, they were fantastic.

I also think it's because a lot of fans here really watch and digest what bands are doing. Almost like we're all professional critics.

The new songs sound bigger, more bold and, dare I say, more mature? The boys have found their groove on this record and I hope local fans echo that sentiment. The songs are well crafted and Andre's vocals just keep improving.

They are, as with all bands, not for everyone, however, this new album could sway your opinion. So give it a go, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. If you like any kind of indie bands, you owe it to yourself to listen to this album

I had a great night watching them and I'm sure everyone else in attendance did. It is a cliché, but if you weren't there, you missed out, you really did.

The album isn't in stores just yet, but keep an eye out for it, it's going to be one to keep you warm this winter.

Rick.
Over.