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.

On rainy days

On rainy days I like staying inside, I like listening to good music while sipping on endless cups of coffee, something I can now do at home. I can't fully express how much I enjoy it, but none the less, there have been some new releases recently that I have to talk about.

TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light

If you've read my blog before, you'd know all about my fascination with the New York outfit. They constantly surprise me and can't seem to put a foot wrong, ever. I am already tipping this as my album of the year and if you keep reading, you will understand just how incredible that is, because the competition is pretty stiff.

The album is well sculpted, and Kyp Malone seems to have been given a little more freedom on Nine Types of Light, and the results are ear splitting falsettos, driving guitars and grooves smoother than a 12 year old Jameson.

The Decemberists - The King is Dead

For the past few years, The Decemberists have become more adventurous when it comes to making albums. Colin Meloy has led the band, from Picaresque's fantastic storytelling, to The Crane Wife's unbelievable melodies and of course The Hazard's of Love's complexity, full circle with their latest release.

The King is Dead is a stripped down, Americana singer/songwriter album and the band delivers, like only my favourite tweed sporting ensemble can.

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

I liked the first album, I enjoyed the EP more, then I was given Gayngs' album, Relayted. It changed everything. A band that I liked has crept under my skin and it makes me happy. Vernon's latest album's production is phenomenal, it sounds incredible and the melodies make for an easy listening, yet satisfying experience. I really love this album and I am sure that it will be very popular in the coming months.

The Cave Singers - No Witch


I only discovered this band recently and I must admit that there hasn't been a band which has sunk its teeth in quite as quickly in some time. Most of the music I listen to demands repetition to be fully appreciated, so do The Cave Singers, but the repetitions are significantly less than normal.

Find their music, it'll take to you to brink of breaking out, before crawling back into its hole. It'll tempt you with melody and retract its invitation just to keep you interested. All in all, I am stoked that I found them, they've become a staple. And their new album No Witch is no exception.

Those are my favourite albums of the year so far, although there are a few more deserving of a mention:

The Boxer Rebellion's The Cold Still
Black Pistol Fire's self titled debut
Cake's Showroom of Compassion


Those are my favourites so far in 2011, what are yours?

Rick.
Out

Viper Lounge's Live launch, feat The Pits and Bone Collectors...

Yesterday I had the pleasure of heading out of the City Bowl, which is quite rare for me, to Blouberg for Viper Lounge’s  LIVE launch. We rocked up to the venue and an actual biker bar wasn’t exactly what I expected, but, the beers were cold, you could get your paws on a boerie roll and there was rock and roll.

The two bands I want to tell you about were not only both playing with new drummers, but both sounded fantastic with their new skinslappers. Of the two acts I want to tell you about, the Pits were up first.

Sven (guitars, vocals) and Milli (bass) Duncker have been the Pits for the last year or so and until yesterday they had no drummer. Instead, they opted to use a drum machine, but last night, the Pits really became a rock and roll band. 

The added dynamic of drummer, Justin, really allowed more freedom to the band. I can’t wait for the next show, I encourage you to tag along if you like any form of rockabilly / punk / rock & roll, for some straight up, foot stomping goodness.

Straight after the Pits, The Bone Collectors took to the stage. Ah yes, the stage…quite possibly the smallest I have seen in a few years, but I am happy to report the bands used it wisely. At some point there was a saxophonist running into the crowd whilst playing a solo and the Pits guitarist was doing his thing on the floor in front of the stage occasionally.

Roland, Rob, Gawie, Ken and the new addition on drums, Gus, strutting on stage, swaggered in the lights which were apparently as hot as a “gorilla’s ballbag”. They delivered a great set and I think Gus’ introduction (to the fans there at least) was a really good one.

After the show Roland did ask me whether or not I missed the nylon string guitar, because he’s shelved it recently and instead plays two marvellous electrics. I have thought about properly and I think the nylon strings helped create a different mood on some of the slower tracks, but for the up-tempo tracks the two electrics work, brilliantly.  

Overall, I had a great time, thanks to the Viper Lounge for promoting some underrated local talent, good job to the Green Mamba girls – you nearly got me to have one of those terrifying things, and of course, last but not least, the bands for playing.

So a great day was had by all and next time these two bands play, I will let you know, and think you should come meet me there.

Rick.

Over.

Ps. Sven and Milli, I wasn’t just nice because we’re friends. 

Halloween at the Turtle

It’s been a while since I’ve really looked forward to a gig, but thankfully, this past Saturday night finally arrived after months of waiting. It was at the Purple Turtle and the line-up consisted of Machineri, The Bone Collectors and The Great Apes. The prospect of these three bands destroying what little stage the Turtle has to offer was just what I needed.

Machineri got the ball rolling and between lead singer, Sannie Fox and guitarist Andre Geldenhuys, they made me want to drink all the bourbon ever produced. Their songs gallop like crims running away from the cops while smoking a bowl. Her drawls and screams were fantastic and she uses her very strong voice extremely well, I would’ve preferred a little more variation though. It felt, at times, as if they’d just played the song they were busy with, but overall, I think they’re pretty neat.

Then it was time for my favourite live band in Cape Town. The Bone Collectors are what would’ve happened if Tom Waits and Elvis had a baby. And that baby was spoon-fed speed. Their set is full of dark drama, it’s more than just getting up on stage and delivering their songs, they put on a show, and they’re an act, not a band. As the party was Halloween themed, they all rocked the pale face, dark eyed look or as lead singer, Roland Hunter dubbed it, “we’ve come as emo pandas this evening.” Their set, in my mind, was over before it began and just like the last time, I was blown away. If you’ve not seen these guys, you really should.

After the Bone Collectors it was time for the Great Apes to do as they please. And they felt like rocking the knees off the Purple Turtle. Lead singer, Yusif struts and shakes on stage like a fully clothed Iggy Pop, owning the crowd, his microphone and since I saw them at Ronnies Sex Shop last December for a good friend’s 30th, his voice has improved tons. He sings, shouts and smiles from his gut and the band is all the better for it. The drummer, Jaeken also deserves a mention, because there are few that can slap skins the way he does, maybe putting a shirt on wouldn't be such a bad idea either, some of us have beer bellies dude.

Guitarists Pienaar and Antonie completely annihilate the notion that there are no more rock and roll guitarists in the country, admittedly, I may be alone in that belief. Bassist, Jacques, came on stage rocking a blue Mexican wrestling mask and decided it was his job to shout at the crowd in between songs, and they weren’t the ramblings of a mad man either, he made sense, telling people to buy the band shots. Just the way things should be. Their version of The Animals' Mad Again, absolutely blew me away. As with the Bone Collectors, these guys need to be seen live.

So kids, next time, screw the Three Arts, Assembly, Mercury and any other venue where the Apes or Bone Collectors aren’t playing, because as I said before, if you were at another show on Saturday night, you were in the wrong place.

Rick
Over.

Review | Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

If you've been following my blog, you will know that I've recently been obsessed with Deerhunter. I like to refer to them as 'My Bloody Valentine 2.0'. A shoegaze band for us young ones. I compare the two because of their similar songwriting processes. Lyrics aren't very important to either band and it's all "stream of consciousness" writing.

I've been waiting for the new Deerhunter for months now and finally, I've got it. Let me start of by saying, Deerhunter has always confused me a little, but only because of the huge variety of musical directions and variations their albums offer, but their new album, Halcyon Digest, screams of a band that has found its feet. It's slipped into a pair of Air Force One's and has taken to kicking ass and leaving names, because names are irrelevant.

The album starts out with a the minimalistic "Earthquake" and it took me a little by surprise, because Deerhunter are fantastic at creating wonderfully layered musical, but by the item "Don't Cry" starts I'm smiling. It's a wonderful poppy ditty that is about is traditionally "indie" as I've heard that band.

"Revival" is a more typically Deerhunter track, with long build ups, tons of layers, but it's more melodic than expected, yet again, another good surprise. "Sailing" is my least favourite track on the album, it's very bare, but very haunting, but one trend I am noticing is Cox's more adventurous and fleshed out lyrics.

When "Desire Lines" starts, the album changes, it takes off and it's because that is where guitarist Lockett Pundt's songwriting comes to the fore. It's a hypnotising, textured post punk masterpiece and after my first listen, this was the track I listened to on repeat.

"Basement Scene" and "Fountain Stairs" could be songs off Deerhunter's magical "Microcastle", but luckily for us, they're not. They're slow, hypnotic and brilliantly constructed and also serve as the perfect prelude and sequel to the one track I heard off the album before it was released, "Helicopter". This song defies explanation, Cox's clear vocals are clean, undistorted and the melody makes me want to go and lie down on the grass, turn it up and forget about the world.

"Coronado" surprised me the most on the album though. With Julian Casablanca'esque vocals, this jangly number begs the question, "why don't all songs have a saxophone in them?"

The final track on the album completes what I think to be Deerhunter's coming of age album. "He would've laughed" is a poignant track dedicated to Cox's dear friend (and personal punk rock hero), Jay Reatard who died earlier this year. The song is so well crafted that after four minutes, it descends into a self destructive, stripped down and vulnerable Cox paying tribute to his friend. This song is 7:29 long, but it could've 70:29 for all I care. It's phenomenal and the perfect way to end what I consider to be front runner for album of 2010.

Over
Rick

Review | Interpol - Interpol

Interpol - Interpol

I think it's quite fitting I do my first proper review on here on Interpol. Mostly because I adored their debut "Turn on the bright lights" and follow up "Antics". Unfortunately I only got into their previous effort, "Our love to admire" a little later, but I was right on time for their fourth and latest release, the self titled "Interpol".


From the album's opening "Success" it grabs you by the throat without letting go. However, it's grip isn't vicious, it soft and gentle, just like Paul Banks' gentle baritone drones. The album feels different to its predecessors, but in a very good way. The band suffered a significant loss when Carlos, the bassist, left the band. The "Memory Serves" starts and I melt. A soft and gentle tug at your throat to get you a little closer to Paul Banks and his demons. 


Of which there are many. "Lights" is possibly my favourite of the entire album, see the video here. I don't really know what to say about this, except that it may just be the best song, from a songwriting point of view, the band has ever recorded. Strong claim, but break it down to the song's nuts and bolts and it has it all. It's phenomenal.


"Summer Well" is what I consider the most "old Interpol" sounding track on the album. The slow build up, the frantic, yet controlled break out and Banks' extended wails that guide the pounding bass line and hypnotic drums. The album gently pushes you away, but it's allowed to, because it makes you feel safe enough that it will reel you back in. Barricades is "full speed, half blind, full tilt, declined" and will have you tapping your feet more than a Filipino Box Spring Hog.


The album carries on growing through "Always Malaise (The Man I Am)", "Safe Without", and "Try It Out" and the whole time you will sense something is coming. "All of The Ways" is a big sounding slow ballad, it could end the album, but this album is crafted far too beautifully for that to happen.

"The Undoing" does exactly the opposite of what it says. It ties this marvellous effort together. All in all I think this has a very good shout at album of the year and I highly recommend it for Interpol fans and non-believers alike. 


Over.
Rick

2010, you cheeky bitch.

It’s true, another year has come and 2009 has gone. 2009 was a year full of ups and downs, good music and bad but mostly, it was just another year. It wasn’t particularly memorable, but it also wasn’t immediately forgettable. It was somewhere in between. It was basically like getting slapped with a well moisturised hand, if you know what I mean.

I learnt a lot about myself last year and I am dead set on applying all these wonderful new findings to my life this year. Fuck, what schlep, don’t mind my ramblings, let’s get down to brass tacks here, let’s delve into the world of music, well, Rick’s world of music in 2009.

There were a couple of really memorable albums released last year, but before I tell you how much I loved some of them, I would like to just say that Jay Reatard died this week, it is incredibly sad, he was a true punk rocker. He hated his band members, fired them often, he punched his own fans, but he believed in the magic he created with his guitar and my goodness, he will be missed. Dearly. Be good Jay and try not to punch your fellow fallen musicians, although you could sock Bono one when he finally arrives and give Ian Curtis a big hug from me. Sentimentalities are out of the way, let’s do this.

2009 gave us new Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth albums, two of my all time favourite bands and I am happy to report that their efforts were solid and entertaining and I will keep listening to them. That is the only test of a good album isn’t it? If you can keep listening to it, longevity is what the “experts” call it I’ve been told. If you are into noisy indie and solos that will melt your eardrums, then Dino’s Farm is a must hear. They are awesome, you don’t agree? Fear not, I might have something up my sleeve that you might agree with, or not, I never can tell what will spew forth next.

Okay, let me get this out, I am one of the 90’s babies, that just loves Evan Dando, if you don’t I can dig it, but you really should give Evan another shot. The new Lemonheads album, Varshons, was released this year as well and it was a solid effort, although I am slightly disappointed that it consisted of other people’s music, but it’s Evan Dando and he can do very little wrong in my eyes. Well, except for agreeing to be on the same bill as Ray Phiri at last year’s Grahamstown Festival here in South Africa. But other than that, Evan is golden.

I was also pleasantly surprised this year by a South African band…you better believe it, BLK JKS can make some groovy and arty indie with the best of ‘em. If you haven’t yet, do it, go and listen to After Robots, it is a great alternative listen. It really is just incredible and these guys restored my faith in the South African music scene that I think has become a little stale, but that is another story for another day, this is going to be a positive post, because 2010 is all about being more positive for me. I get called a cynic and negative rather often, so sod it, let’s look on the bright side.

And you will know us by the trail of dead also released a new album, it was a solid effort, I enjoyed it a lot, the same goes for the new Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Devine and The Decemberists. Jay Reatard recorded and released his last album, Watch Me Fall, and although it’s not my favourite of his, it demonstrated his willingness to try new things, clean up his sound and the album, a poppy blend of straight up punk / garage rock really made me appreciate him even more. A seriously talented guy died, the world should wear black. For a week or something, I am, but only on the inside considering the scorching temperatures that have been plaguing Cape Town.

Another of my favourites released an album this year and Brand New’s Daisy, didn’t disappoint, it’s angry, angsty and Jess Lacey clearly does not give two flying fucks what you think about it. Brand New make music for themselves, luckily we agree on that, so I loved the album, but it wasn’t the best this year in my opinion.

So that only leaves one more album to mention and it is in my opinion the album of the year, possibly the last two years, Them Crooked Vultures’ self-titled effort just blew my mind. Absolutely destroyed my headphones and got me bouncing around in my seat at work as if I had just taken some speed, it is a masterpiece. It has it all, josh’s sultry vocals, John Paul Jones slapping the living daylights out of his bass and Dave Grohl doing what he was born to do, which is play drums with Josh Homme.

“Shut the hell up man!” I hear the Foo Fighters fans screaming, now do yourselves a favour and listen to Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs For The Deaf and Them Crooked Vultures and compare it to ANY of the Foo Fighters albums. My point has been made.

So all in all we got a lot of new music last year and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be treated to, although I have discovered so many older bands that just rock the fuck out of everything this year that even if we only get one new good album this year (please let it be the Alkaline Trio one *crosses everything*) then there is more than enough old stuff to keep me going.

My favourite discoveries of last year would have to be Fatso Jeston, Thin White Rope, Brant Bjork (basically the Desert Rock scene from Palm Desert, because they all just rock out, it’s too cool) and of course, my new love, Wipers. Greg Sage wrote music for me, they’ll pick you up, kick you about a bit and then put you down, gently, because they wouldn’t want to hurt you. They were kind like that. And on that note I shall sign off, it’s been a long rant, I hope you liked reading it, because I always enjoy writing.

“ Let's get just a little too loud
That's the way I've seen it written by the clouds
but I'm so far away
Thought you said I would never get hurt
Then what am I doing crawling in the dirt
Wait a minute
So just give me a little smile
Nothing’s ever gonna change our style ”

- Wipers – Wait a Minute

If you need a motto for the year, use this, thank me later.

“No sympathy for the Devil, keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

- Dr Hunter S. Thompson