SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #206 http://www.sarockdigest.com 23th June 2003 Established 27th January 1999 ---------------- EDITOR'S NOTE ---------------- If you would like to contact us, please do not reply to this newsletter! Rather email us at mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com -------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------- 'Amandla' CD and film released in SA... Myburgh releases 'Burnt Bachelor'... Vusi wows the Bonnaroo Festival in the US... Mac McKenzie's 'Healing Destination' released... new MP3's from Ghetto Muffin, Jakkie Louw, Twelfth Avenue and Velve... New Zen Arcade CD 'Released'... some 'Wicked Demos'... Umanji... Pyramid Tongue's Tour... The Mercury Punk Matinee... Anniversay sale at Mabu Vinyl... Readers' letters to Sound Solutions... Charts... Recommended Live Events... with a full list of those concerts and all the details at http://www.SAgigs.com ---------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ONLINE ---------------------------------- For a full-colour and clickable HTML version of the SA Rock Digest with images, please visit http://rock.co.za where the online version of the SA Rock Digest can be found. Updated every Tuesday. --------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK DIGEST ON THE RADIO --------------------------------------- Digest co-editor Stephen Segerman presents his SA music slot on the Bruce Millar Show on SAfm (103-106fm) on Monday evenings between 9 and 9.30pm. ------------------------------------- THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK ENCYCLOPEDIA ------------------------------------- From Abstract Truth to Karen Zoid, from 'Astra' to 'Zen Boulders', from 'Ag Pleez Daddy' to 'ZX Dan'... visit the South African Rock Encyclopedia at http://www.ROCK.co.za ------------ SAGIGS.com ------------ The SA Rock Digest list of Recommended Gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com ------------- SAKLANK.com ------------- Sluit aan by http://www.SAKlank.com deur e-pos te stuur aan mailto:intekenaar@saklank.com?subject=SAKlank Alle rasionele idees, gedagtes, bydraes, briewe en konsert-/CD-resensies is altyd welkom! ------------------------- ONE WORLD ONLINE CD STORE ------------------------- Selling South African Music to the World http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 ----------- CONTENTS ----------- 1.NEWS: 'Amandla!', Myburgh, Vusi, SAMQC 2.CHARTS: Top 30 SA mp3s & albums 3.NEW RELEASES: SA mp3s & CDs: 4.USA FOR AFRICA: The Awakening - 'Risen' 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK: 'The Ancient Mariner' 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA: Springbok Radio charts, birthdays, Vinyl Junkies 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS: A Readers' Forum 8.LIVE MUSIC: Events round-up, Mercury Matinees, Pyramid Tongue. 9.INFO: Subscriptions & contributions _____________________________________________ 1.NEWS -------- 'AMANDLA!' AND AWHETU GET IT! BMG Records Africa has announced that it will be giving a South African release to the soundtrack from Lee Hirsch's acclaimed film documentary, 'Amandla! A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony'. Both the soundtrack and the film, which opened on SA screens last week through United International Pictures, trace the story of how music and song played a central role in South Africa's liberation struggle. The soundtrack features over an hour of diverse music from legendary South African recording giants like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Abdullah Ibrahim, as well as contemporary stars Vusi Mahlasela, Sibongile Khumalo, Themba Mkhize, Tananas, and Joe Nina. The inspirational songs and music featured on 'Amandla!' span five decades of South African musical history. Key to this project is the inclusion of several wonderful, previously unheard and unreleased recordings of classic SA songs. There's 'Mannenberg' by Abdullah Ibrahim, 'The Untold Story' by Sibongile Khumalo and Themba Mkhize, and Vusi Mahlasela's 'When You Come Back', plus a wide array of outstanding choral and vocal harmony recordings and spoken word snippets from the film. The soundtrack material was specially compiled by a team that included the film's director, Lee Hirsch (who took nine years to complete the project!) and South African-born US music superstar Dave Matthews, whose own ATO Records label recently released the album in North America. See www.amandla.com for further details Available soon at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=amandla -------------- THE RETURN OF MYBURGH - THE "BURNT BACHELOR"? With 'Big Brother Africa', the third in the "human fish tank" reality TV series, currently running its course on MNet/DSTV, memories of 'Big Brother 2' from 2002 have quickly receded (do you even remember who won?*). But there is still one final loose thread to be tied up from that previous series. Whatever happened to Myburgh Grobbelaar, the blond surfer musician who proposed to his girlfriend, Jacquie Brits, just as she entered the house, and subsequently found himself (and his relationship) to be the subject of a piercing media spotlight that highlighted anything remotely associated with the show? Myburgh bore the whole process and media attention patiently, and was on hand to welcome his second-placed fiancé as she exited the BB2 house. But a relationship that had blossomed with another "housemate" proved to be the catalyst that ended Myburgh and Jacquie's engagement. Now Myburgh is back with his debut single, 'Girl', off his just-released debut four-song EP called, tongue-in-cheekily, 'Burnt Bachelor'. (see 'New Releases' below) 'Burnt Bachelor' will be launched at The Lemon Connection on Thursday 3 July at 8.30pm with support band Janie Jones. (see http://www.sagigs.com for details) Janie Jones are a new Cape Town teenage rock band who are about to release their debut single, 'Girlfriend'. The band, featuring Natalia (guitar and vocals), Stacey (bass), Alex (lead guitar), and Rafi (drums), recently supported Henry Ate at the Mercury Live. BUY 'Burnt Bachelor' EP available online at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=myburgh LISTEN 'Girl' is available for download at http://www.SAmp3.com *It was Richard "Chucky" Cawood! ------------ WHAT DOES THE "US" IN VUSI STAND FOR? Vusi 'The Voice' Mahlasela, the Mamelodi-based star, continued his ongoing quest to conquer the huge American music market when he appeared last weekend at the annual 'Bonnaroo' Festival in Tennessee. The SA music star returned home with rave reviews following his performance in front of 10,000 music fans. Vusi's backing band for the festival was New York-based musicians Anton Fig (drums) and Vincent Nguni (electric guitar), along with Chris Wood (bass) and John Medeski (organ). Mahlasela was on a bill that included the likes of James Brown, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Ben Harper, The Wailers, Sonic Youth, Emmylou Harris, The Roots, Leo Kottke, Widespread Panic, The Dead, Jack Johnson, as well as Vusi's fellow ATO Records labelmate, Ben Kweller. This year's 'Bonnaroo' is a Woodstock-style event, set on a 600-acre private farm, that draws 80 000 fans from all over North America. Speaking about the gig Mahlasela said: "The guys in my band are amazing players, who both respected, and really enjoyed playing my music, so that energy was then passed through to the crowd, who then also really understood the flavour... so we rocked the place!" Vusi took his latest US trip in his stride, but couldn't hide his excitement about being able to watch the performance by "The Godfather of Soul", James Brown - a personal childhood inspiration. Vusi also enjoyed getting reacquainted with The Wailers, the legendary reggae outfit with whom Vusi shared a stage at the House Of Blues venue in Los Angeles way back in 1996, Vusi's first ever gig on US soil! Vusi's last US trip was in April this year, and it saw him share New York's famous Carnegie Hall stage with Paul Simon, Angelique Kidjo and SA Jazz legend Hugh Masekela, amongst others. Vusi is now signed to South African-born US music superstar Dave Matthews' ATO Records, and the label is set to release Vusi's first US album, simply titled 'The Voice' later next month. The album is a 14-track collection of carefully selected and re-mastered tracks that were drawn from Vusi's remarkable body of work, spanning five albums since 1991. To support the album's release Vusi will be touring North America, opening for African music giant Salif Keita, in a trek running coast to coast from mid July to early August. Matthews' ATO is also the label behind the US release of 'Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony'. Vusi stars prominently in this powerful film as well as on the superb soundtrack, which has just been locally released by BMG Africa. ------------ AFRIBEAT RELEASE MAC MCKENZIE'S 'HEALING DESTINATION' The Afribeat label have followed up last year's live collection by assorted artists, called 'A Moment In Cape Town', with the first, full album by Mac McKenzie and the Goema Captains Of Cape Town. 'A Moment In Cape Town' featured a selection of the best performances by the many artists who appeared as part of the Wonder Gigs series of live recordings at the Beach Road Studios in Sea Point. The Goema Captains' contribution to that collection was the sultry 'Red Rock City', which for many was that collection's high point. Now Mac McKenzie and The Goema Captains of Cape Town have released their debut album called 'Healing Destination', which includes 'Red Rock City' alongside eight other (mostly live) slices of sensual Cape Town sounds like 'Alibama', 'Night March', 'Goema Blues In F', and the title track featuring Ernestine Deane. There is also a bonus multimedia track with a video of the song, 'Healing Destination', and two other short videos described as "a cinematic tribute to Mac McKenzie and the table mountain". The Goema Captains of Cape Town are Mac McKenzie, Hilton Schilder, Alex van Heerden, Clement Benny, Boeta Kaatjie Davids, Riedwaan Bollie, Jannie van Tonder, and a long guest list of other singers and musicians who contributed to this the album. Details at www.afribeat.com LISTEN download 'Red Rock City' at http://www.SAmp3.com/songs_l_s.html -------------- THE SA MUSIC QUOTA COALITION - AN UPDATE FROM THE FRONT The South African Music Quota Coalition website, which was launched on 23 May 2003, is now online at http://www.samqc.org.za. A manifesto is available on the site clearly stating the aims of the SAMQC, which was formed as a response to the lukewarm steps taken by the various bodies on the issue of national airtime for South African music. It is essentially a petition drive, but will be considering other forms of action to raise SA's position to a global norm. The intention is to reach critical mass by Feb 2004, when the petition will be delivered to the minister responsible. By Friday June 13, 3 weeks later, 813 visitors had signed up on the site, publicly lending their names and support to this cause! In the run-up to this period however, political and business support will be actively pursued. Members are encouraged to raise awareness with their own resources, and flyers and website banners are downloadable from the site. The response to the site has been immediate, with people from production houses, advertising agencies and many other professions apart from the music industry offering support. If you think we should have more SA music on the radio, then please visit the site and sign up! http://www.samqc.org.za. {Ed. - while you wait for more SA music on radio, listen to a wide range of styles and genres of South African music (not just rock, but folk, kwaito, jazz, blues, Afrikaans, pop and much more, at http://www.SAmp3.com } --------------------------------------------- --------- 2.CHARTS --------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MP3s OF THE WEEK http://www.SAmp3.com 1. [7] (1) Get Some - Soil 7t7 ('Soil 7t7'/Indie) 2. [3] (2) Die Mamba (demo) - Piet Botha (SAmp3.com) 3. [4] (3) Mooie Vrou - Kaal ('Blues To The Bone'/Indie) 4. [5] (4) Springbok Nude Girls Sampler (SAmp3.com/SonyMusic) 5. [13] (5) Mellow Drama Sampler - Phringe ('Mellow Drama'/USM) 6. [1] (1) Anything - Helen Desbois (Fresh) 7. [2] (2) Wonderboom Sampler - Wonderboom ('Tell Someone Who Cares'/DGR) 8. [9] (8) Geraamtes - Ekstra Dik ('Uit Ons Koppe Uit'/Indie) 9. [6] (1) Shine - James Stewart (SAmp3.com/Street Level) 10. [26] (10) Drop 'n Roll - Track 4 (Demo/Indie) 11. [15] (11) The Banded - The Narrow ('Selfconscious'/Intervention) 12. [17] (12) Madiba 1990 - Bright Blue (SAmp3.com/Bright Productions) 13. [14] (13) Bleed - Loogaroo ('Loogaroo'/Indie) 14. [16] (14) Moan In Blues - Akkedis with Albert Frost ('Husse Met Lang Ore'/Wildebeest) 15. [8] (5) Push-up Bra - Uzo Blaker ('Volk Jou Ook'/Wildebeest) 16. [30] (16) Incision - Pyramid Tongue ('Wicked Demos'/WickedRock) 17. [20] (17) Pink Pork Noise - Benguela ('Digital Inability'/Rhythm) 18. [21] (18) Race Past The Sun - Dolly Rockers ('Glory Glory'/Indie) 19. [10] (1) Awakening - HappyFourTwenty ('Awakening'/Go!Hemp Music) 20. [28] (20) Let's Get Naked - Evolver (Demo/Indie) 21. [25] (21) Sense - Forest Moon ('Forest Moon'/Forest Moon) 22. [29] (22) Ugly - Springcan ('Wicked Demos'/WickedRock) 23. [19] (1) Tweak Sampler (Micassomix) - Tweak ('Dirty Sanchez and the Misfit Kidz'/BMG) 24. [11] (1) Jy Is Opium - Valiant Swart ('Song Vir Katryn'/Rhythm) 25. [24] (25) O Boereplaas - Kobus! (SAmp3.com/ENT) 26. [18] (18) Ek En Jy In Die Kaap - Lize Beekman ('Iemand Het Gesê'/Indie) 27. [-] (27) Sold Out - Sons Of Trout (Demo/Indie) 28. [-] (28) War - 12th Avenue (Demo/Indie) 29. [22] (4) A Man Like Me - James Stewart (SAmp3.com/Street Level) 30. [12] (2) Spook - Spinnekop ('Soet September'/Afrimusik) -------------- TOP 30 SOUTH AFRICAN ALBUMS OF THE WEEK http://www.sarockdigest.com/charts This week [last week] (highest position) Title - Artist (Label) 1. [1] (1) Wrapped In Stone - Watershed (EMI) 2. [2] (2) Soil 7t7 - Soil 7t7 (Indie) 3. [6] (3) Gypsy - Anna Davel (Rhythm) 4. [3] (3) Kaal - Blues To The Bone (Indie) 5. [15] (5) Mellow Drama - Phringe (USM) 6. [13] (6) Wicked Demos - Various (Wicked Rock) 7. [4] (1) Song Vir Katryn - Valiant Swart (Rhythm) 8. [5] (2) Selfconscious - The Narrow (Intervention Arts) 9. [10] (9) Uit Ons Koppe Uit - Ekstra Dik (Indie) 10. [14] (10) Confessions In Dub - Jerome Arthur (Forest Moon) 11. [9] (9) Adam Tas - Nag Van Die Nerf (Wildebeest) 12. [8] (3) Teaching Afrikaans As A Foreign language - Buckfever Underground (Indie) 13. [21] (13) Ceremony - Cofield Mundi (Fresh) 14. [7] (2) Dirty Sanchez And The Misfit Kidz - Tweak (BMG) 15. [11] (1) Tell Someone Who Cares - Wonderboom (DGR) 16. [12] (1) Awakening - HappyFourTwenty (Indie) 17. [20] (17) Roger Lucey - 21 Years Down The Road (3eM) 18. [25] (18) Die Mamba - Piet Botha (Rhythm) 19. [16] (3) In Different Voices - KJ Stone (Sonic Orange) 20. [17] (2) Wicked Rock: Let Us Be Heard - Various (Wicked Rock) 21. [19] (1) Luxury - Robin Auld (Free Lunch) 22. [18] (1) Ligdag - Laurinda Hofmeyr (Rhythm) 23. [22] (1) Catfish - Albert Frost (Rhythm) 24. [-] (24) TNTLC - BOO! (BMG) 25. [23] (23) Afrikaanse Reggae - Various (Hoezit) 26. [24] (2) Something Cool - Eden Brent (Rhythm) 27. [27] (4) Motive For Breathing - PetFlyz (Intervention Arts) 28. [26] (2) Sacrificial Etchings - The Awakening (Intervention Arts) 29. [-] (29) Paralyser - Ghetto Muffin (Milestone) 30. [30] (1) The Listening Room - Neo Muyanga (BMG) READ http://rock.co.za/legends/2000plus LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321 _____________________________________________ 3. NEW, RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES ----------------------------------------- ------ MP3s ------ We will occasionally be running some readers' MP3 reviews in this section in the future. If you feel the urge to tell us, in less then 50 words, why you like a particular MP3 currently hosted at www.SAmp3.com, then please email us at mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews and all worthy contributions will be published. ------------ This week's new mp3 releases all have titles that are only consist of one word, starting with: Ghetto Muffin - 'Paralyser' (Milestone) http://www.SAmp3.com 'Paralyser' was, for many, the stand-out track on 'African Dope Volume 1', the Cape Town label's first excellent compilation in 2001. 'Paralyser' is also the title of the debut album by this Guguletu duo comprising Mziyanda "Sugar" Mbuthuma and Vumile "Ginger" Sitokisi. The album was produced and co-composed at Milestone Studios in Cape Town by Warrick Sony (Kalahari Surfers), whose influence on this reggae/kwaito/urban/dub mix is unmistakable. ------------ Myburgh - 'Girl' (Indie) http://www.SAmp3.com From Big Brother fiancé to "Burnt Bachelor", Myburgh covers that emotional minefield with resignation but no regrets. Some sweet pop that will nag at your heart for days. See 'New Releases' below. ------------ Velve - 'Fallen' (Indie) http://www.SAmp3.com Emotional and tuneful grunge from Cape Town's Velve. Currently picking up a lot of airplay on 5FM, and sounding BIG! See new releases below... ------------ Twelfth Avenue - 'War' (Indie) http://www.SAmp3.com First demo from the band that came third in the recent Last Band Standing competition at the Purple Turtle in Cape Town. But many felt that the band should have placed higher following a strong set that included this impressive first single. Twelfth Avenue are Mark Haze (lv.g), Bradley Masson (bv.d), Bjorn Faree (bv.g) and Pieter Minnie (b). ------------ Email your reviews to mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=mp3reviews Download South African mp3's from http://www.SAmp3.com South African Music: Loud 'n Proud ----- CDs ----- ZEN ARCADE'S 'RELEASE' IS RELEASED - AT LAST! Zen Arcade's long-awaited second album, 'Release', is finally available. Almost two years since releasing their SAMA-nominated debut album, 'Snowflake' (a former No. 1 on the SARD charts), the powerful 4-piece band has raised the bar with an aural feast of trademark dense guitar work, athletic vocals, and driving rhythms. The album was recorded and produced in Durban at Tropical Sweat Studios by David Birch (the highly respected ex-frontman for Squeal), who also guested on guitar, keyboard and backing vocals. The 'Release' package includes an eclectic mix of 10 new songs, two bonus tracks that were formerly only available on CD single, and two bonus videos including a tongue-in-cheek behind the scenes feature. The artwork is also noteworthy in that it exclusively features the work of fans who were invited to enter a cover design competition. An official SARD review will follow soon! 'Release' Tracklisting: 'Rest Day'; 'Queen Of Make Do'; 'Steady'; 'Simple Things'; 'All The World'; 'Beat Grinder'; 'Tease'; 'Summer Sun'; 'Bend'; 'Release'. Bonus tracks: 'Crazy Over You' (radio version); 'Letter From A Friend'. Videos: 'Crazy Over You'; 'Road to Release'. Check out www.zenarcade.co.za for band information and gig details. Available shortly at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=zen arcade LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/artists_t_z.html ------------ MYBURGH - 'BIG BROTHER' EP (INDIE) This 4-song EP features the touching 'Girl', whose lyrics refer to that break-up between Myburgh and his Big Brother 2 fiancée, Jacquie Brits. There's also the blues-groove of 'Deurmekaar' ("confused"), one English song called 'Spiderslides', which also covers the rollercoaster nature of relationships generally, and a very strange and atmospheric song called 'Kuslangs' ("coastways"), whose trippy, languid feel and English subtitle-echoes resemble that early Pink Floyd sound. The "Floyd" reference dates back to Groenflam, the group that featured Jacquie (bass and vocals) and Myburgh (acoustic guitar and vocals). The pair first worked and toured together as Slow before changing to Groenflam when Liezl Spies joined the band. Groenflam developed an acoustic Pink Floyd show, interspersed with original material, which they presented at the Oudtshoorn Festival. But after 'BB2', Groenflam ended and Jacquie and Liezl continued as Melk. Myburgh Grobbelaar began his music career in 1992 as vocalist for The Fauves, a Parel Valley High School band in Somerset West alongside Albert Loubser (Frost) on guitar, Dylan Kemlo on bass, Tim Rankin on drums, and David Poole on sax. Albert left to join the Blues Broers and was replaced by Alan Bainbridge. The band then changed its name to the better-known Dorp. Pieter Bezuidenhout then replaced Myburgh on vocals as he headed off to work and travel in Australia, Indonesia and Jersey. In December 2002, Myburgh's old friend, Dylan Kemlo, was in SA for a holiday and produced and played bass on the 'Burnt Bachelor' EP. All the others helped out as well - Albert Frost on guitars, Tim Rankin on drums, David Poole on extra saxes, and Nolan Chiatt did the programming, mixdown and co-production on 'Girl'. The songs were written by Myburgh and were recorded and mixed at M.A.R.S. in Woodstock, and engineered and mixed by Malcolm Aberdein with mastering by David Maclean. BUY 'Burnt Bachelor' EP available online at http://www.oneworld.co.za?index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=myburgh LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com ------------ UMANJI - 'NDLALA' (BMG) Over the course of two albums, Umanji has grown to become one of the country's most respected singers and songwriters, amassing a devoted fanbase throughout the sub-continent and beyond. Now comes 'Ndlala', Umanji's third album after 'Moloi/The Witch' (1999) and 'Wantolobela' (2001) and an offering that surely marks this artist as one of the most exciting talents working in roots music today. 'Ndlala'(it means "hunger for food") brings Umanji's distinctive acoustic guitar playing and amazing voice into centre stage, showcasing why he's been likened to top world music artists like Salif Keita and Baaba Maal. 'Ndlala' is jam-packed with memorable songs and moves with an irresistible energy that remains stuck in your head for days. The singer's belief in intensive touring (both grassroots and high profile) will also add to Umanji's profile, which keeps growing with each release from this outstanding artist. ------------ VELVE RELEASE 'FALLEN' Velve* are an alternative band who are currently based firmly in the Cape Town underground. The band, as it exists today, was formed on 14 May 2002 and is made up of four members - Lourens "Trucker" Lombaard on vocals and rhythm guitar, Charles Mulder on lead guitar and backing vocals, Wouter Burger on bass, and Wayne Katz on drums and sampling. Earlier this year, Velve supported Sugardrive at the Mercury Live and The Hidden Cellar; and have supported Perez at the Mercury Live, and on two of their national tours. Velve also impressed at festivals including Wingerdstok, The Cause, and The MP3 Festival, and recently undertook a self-initiated East Coast jaunt dubbed "The Immaculate Conception Tour". The band kept a photo diary of the tour, which can be accessed via gALcape.co.za Velve's new single, 'Fallen', was recorded at Street Level Studios, and mixed down by Chris Tait, and will be included on the upcoming Street Level Studios compilation CD. 'Fallen' has also been added to the soundtrack of the new SPF Media SA skateboarding video, 'Homesick'. *The band's name is derived from a combo of "velvet" (a woven fabric, especially of silk or nylon, which is thick and soft on one side) and "valve" (a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a substance, allowing it to move in one direction only), so now you cannot say you didn't know! LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com ------------ GRANT NUSS - 'DIVERSITY' The ten songs on the album are broad in style but all showcase Grant Nuss's love of Township Rock. Grant initially recorded a three-song EP In March 2003 at Street level Studios, featuring the tracks 'Now That I Found Your Love', 'You', and 'Save Your Love For Me'. When that EP received a very positive response, and some immediate radio play, Grant decided to record a full album. 'Diversity' was completed with the help of Tom Fox through Street Level, with the final four tracks being recorded at Paris Studios in Fishhoek. All the songs on 'Diversity' were written by Grant Nuss. Grant Nuss was a full-time professional musician from 1982 through to 1989. He worked mainly in Durban with the occasional stint in Johannesburg. He initially played bass and sang for 'Trio Bossa Mar', a Latin American outfit on the restaurant circuit. He then joined Aquarius, also on bass and vocals, playing covers in clubs in Durban. In 1987 Grant teamed up with Ian Webster (ex-Lincoln) to form 'Stepping Out'. In 1989, Grant moved to Cape Town where he performed a few solo gigs before joining 'Night Shuttle'. Musicians on 'Diversity' include Peter Cohen (drums), Nelson Barbosa (bass), Tom Fox (guitar, backing vocals), Rupert Mellor (keyboards), Richard Black (guitar), and James Stewart on backing vocals. Grant Nuss will be launching the 'Diversity' CD at The Venue Supper Club in Vredehoek, Durbanville on the 28th June. See http://www.sagigs.com for details of the launch and other Grant Nuss gigs 'Diversity' is distributed by Bowline - Contact Lindi Theunisen [021] 550 9700 LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/streetlevel.html ------------ 'WICKED DEMOS: ENTER THE MIND OF ROCK' - VARIOUS INDIE SA ARTISTS [WICKED ROCK] This 18-song independent release was self-financed by the artists appearing and has been described as "SA rock 'n roll's calling to be heard". It's an interesting reflection of the quality of indie rock being produced by emerging artists and bands in SA (apart from the two contributions from Seven 14, the Boston-based band who recently toured SA). Although many of the bands on this album are relatively unknown, it is surely just a matter of time before some of these names begin to break through. Many of the current SA sub-genres are represented here by tracks like Pyramid Tongue's 'Incision' (pop rock), Track 4's 'Drop 'n Roll' (hip-hop hard rock with a twist), What Now?'s 'Drive In' (punk), Springcan's 'Ugly' (grunge), Happy 420's 'Awakening' (alternate ragga) and Sutherland's 'Friars' (metal). Metallica and Cypress Hill influences shine through on songs like 'Modest' by Soil 7t7 and 'Bitter Endings' by Sacrifist. There are also worthy contributions from The AK Massive ('Bob'), the moody LILO's 'Perfect 10', Lance Goldman and Reptile's 'Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time', Idle Minds' ('Fragile'), and Arcana XXII with 'Breathing In Me'. Special mention for Forest Moon's 'Dinosaur', Joe Public's frantic version of The Beatles' 'Day Tripper', and SAmp3.com cult favourite, Janie Jones, doing 'Go F*ck Yourself', (described by her manager as "a 16-year-old punk chick beating the sh*t out of a distortion-heavy Fender Strat while telling some poor sap to go f*ck himself and forget about being in a band with her"). Just about sums up the spirit of this brave release. 'Wicked Demos' is available (initially) as a limited edition CD. If you would like to order a copy of the 'Wicked Demos' CD (and at the same time become eligible to win a copy in our 'Wicked Demos' give-away), then please email: mailto:editor@sarockdigest.com?subject=wickeddemos Thanks to the Wicked Rock label who made some copies available to the Digest as prizes. LISTEN A number of the tracks mentioned above can be downloaded at http://www.SAmp3.com/wickedrock.html ------------ 42 PLAY RELEASE 'CRUEL WORLD' 42 Play are a new Johannesburg band who have just recorded and released their debut single, 'Cruel World'. The band formed originally as a cover act performing in the main show lounge of the Olympia Countess, a cruise ship sailing from Durban. Playing Sinatra and James Brown material, alongside more contemporary styles, 42 Play developed their own sound, incorporating elements of swing, funk and jazz into their rock songs. The band is fronted by multi-talented Domenico Beningo (vocals, keyboards and acoustic guitar) Daniel Faulkner (bass), Brendon Myers (drums), and Burhmann Steenkamp (guitar). Since getting back on land, 42 Play won the Emerging Sounds 'Battle Of The Bands', beating off a strong challenge from the highly rated Pyramid Tongue. The band plays in and around Jo'burg at places such as Sting, Roxy's, The Songwriters Club, Tempo's and more recently has secured a resident slot at Drink's 21st Century Pub (every Friday & Saturday). Drink's is opposite Cresta Shopping Centre, cnr Beyers Naude & Weltevreden Rd, in Blackheath --------------- MORE REVIEWS --------------- More reviews can be found at: Open Record http://www.openrecord.co.za Amuzine http://rock.co.za/reviews.htm ______________________________________ 4.USA FOR AFRICA ------------------ Texas-based Kurt Shoemaker gives his unique views on SA music THE AWAKENING - 'RISEN' [INTERVENTION ARTS INT 001] I bought this American re-release edition of 1999 (originally released in 1997) of The Awakening's first release because, simply, I was curious to hear a big-sounding rock version of the old Simon and Garfunkel 'The Sounds of Silence'. 'The Sounds of Silence' starts strong and climbs inexorably to the ceiling - not in pitch, but in power. The power of Ashton's voice, which conveys a better drama, or sense of vocal theatre, than Paul and Art's original version - a moody and strange pop work itself. Ashton Nyte's sense of drama suits his music, and the cutting-sharp electric guitar suits his voice. Nyte's lyrics, some with Christian imagery ('Sacrifical'), some with lyrical darkness ('Holocaust') rock hard - but there's no denying the electric guitar here. 'Past Idol', 'Jezzebel', 'Difference', also motivate with their energy. But among guitar fills and studio flourishes is the main instrument, Ashton Nyte's big, deep voice that fills all the corners and invests even the... quieter songs with power. Ashton plays all instruments and sings all songs, except for some help from his '95-'96 live band, on this work of nice and dark guitar goth rock. However, a tinge of sameness creeps into the light infrequently, into the energy of slashing sharp guitar and dramatic urgency. Ashton Nyte is prolific. I have a bunch of his other songs on various anthologies, and One World offers six other CDs, not counting an EP and a CDS. Ashton has even been mentioned in a short story in Dave Chislett's 'Urban 1' anthology. And the song 'Sounds of Silence', the reason I bought this CD, sounds great, by the way - it's one of my favorite SA rock songs. READ http://rock.co.za/legends/90s/awakening.html LISTEN http://www.SAmp3.com/intarts.html BUY http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&searchfor=awakening Kurt Shoemaker, Blanco, Texas mailto:kurt@sarockdigest.com _________________________________ 5.A NAARTJIE IN THE UK ------------------------ London-based John Samson gives his own twist on SA music 'THE ANCIENT MARINER' Contrary to common belief, The Ancient Mariner was not the old toppie who puts the wors into the sauce before a braai, rather it is a lengthy poem by an old toppie called Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and because it's so old, there's no saucy bits in it. Another thing to note is that it also does not taste of wors, but is rather bleeding albatross bleeding seabird flavour. The poem tells the story of the Ancient Mariner who kills an albatross and as a result the ship becomes becalmed, the rest of the crew die and the old toppie has to spend eternity wandering the earth telling his tale. So having been wandering since possibly sometime in the late 1700's when the poem was written, he would probably have come across the 1979 recording featuring the cream of South African talent and rather oddly the narrative talents of Oliver Reed, yes THE Oliver Reed. Not quite sure how that happened, but yes those are his unmistakable dramatic tones that lead you through the story. But we are the SA Rock Digest so we must concentrate on the local content of this record. The vocal talents of Bernie Millar (Circus, Pendulum, Clout), Glenda Hyam Millar (Clout), Roy Bulkin, Des Lindberg, Alvon Collison, Crocodile Harris and Cornelia bring the poem to life to a mixture of rock, pop, psychedelia and disco. Glenda Hyam Millar opens the story as Laodicean, who is stopped by the Mariner to be told his story leaving her 'tranquillised and mesmerised' to a great rocking guitar and fuzzy, psychedelic chorus. Roy Bulkin's dying albatross is surprisingly upbeat while Des Lindberg as the ship's captain's pleas in vain to be spared are set against a dramatic musical backdrop. Alvon Collison plays the part of Life-in-Death (or the eternal life the Mariner must endure) and explains his fate to the Mariner in the raunchy rock 'n roll 'Rattle Dem Bones'. The Mariner is then comforted firstly by Crocodile Harris as a disco-singing prophet, then by the Spirit of Good played by a 70's ballad-singing Cornelia. Thus assured, Bernie Millar as the rather young looking Ancient Mariner, admits the hopelessness of his plight and asks for guidance in the disco with shades of Rocky Horror 'Show Me The Way'. Crocodile Harris then returns as the prophet to offer the Ancient Mariner words of wisdom, or gives him the good news if you like. This album is possibly the only South African Rock Opera, and it does show its age somewhat. It's a bit like The Rocky Horror Picture Show's serious brother where the fishnet tights were used more as fishing nets to fend off starvation rather than for mincing in. Lovers of 70's rock & pop should enjoy this braai'd albatross, or should that be braai'd of Frankenfurter? John Samson, London mailto:john@sarockdigest.com _________________________________________ 6.HISTORY & TRIVIA ------------------- MORE ON MOST - AND MORE Nigel Thompson's recent request for info and music by Mickie Most arrived at the same time as the sad news of the legendary music producer's passing in London. Dave "Full" Marks of the Hidden Years Music Archive Project replied to Nigel, here is a section of that letter: Dear Nigel You may want to have a look at the 3rd Ear Music/Hidden Years website - and if there is any material, anecdotes, photos and the like that you would like to contribute or share, please connect. The Hidden Years archive haven't got to Zam and Zim yet, but we are getting there - networking with people who have stories (photos, posters, programmes, tour dates etc) and even some amazing (if technically atrocious) live folk club, jazz and rock recordings from the `60's and early `70's. I have a few wonderful anecdotes about Mickie Most and these and other stories will appear in my book, 'The Hidden Years Story - Part 1' (Penguin 2004). I need to find people who were connected at the time in other parts of SAfrica (technical, management, agents, media and friends). They usually throw in a line or two that sheds a little light on the story or perhaps fills in the odd gaps that I've missed. For example, did Gene Vincent ever get to Zambia and Zimbabwe with Mickie and the Playboys at that time (1960/61)? Even if it were just a private visit? That would be good to know about. Same for Dickie, Hennie, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Dorkay House Jazz musicians etc. All these characters appear in the book - if only briefly at times - but I would like to throw in the odd Zim and Zam fact... (From personal tour experience I have a few classics from Malawi, Angola & Mozambique). I am working on bits about Richie Morris, Clem Tholet, Mutt Lange, John Phillips, Bruce Millar, etc. If these names ring a bell from your times in Northern Rhodesia, it would be good to know. With SAfrica's rock (folk, jazz, maskandi) music history being re-invented - sometimes distorted or ignored in the mainstream - it is important to set the record straight as it were, whenever we can. Every little bit helps. Regards, David (Marks) 3rd Ear Music Company (Est. 1969) The Hidden Years Music Archive Project (Est. 1994) Website: http://www.3rdearmusic.com mailto:thirdear@iafrica.com Tel +(27)(31) 207-5314 Fax + (27)(31) 207-5305 P.O.Box 50633 Musgrave 4062 Durban, kwaZuluNatal South Africa ------------- SPRINGBOK RADIO CHARTS http://rock.co.za/charts This week [Last week] Title - Artist 30 YEARS AGO (22 June 1973) 1 [1] Never, Never, Never - Shirley Bassey 2 [4] Kentucky Blues - Lauren Copley 3 [2] Can't Keep It In - Cat Stevens 4 [7] Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree - Dawn & Tony Orlando 5 [3] Get Down - Gilbert O' Sullivan 25 YEARS AGO (23 June 1978) 1 [4] Rivers Of Babylon - Boney M 2 [1] Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees 3 [3] Make Love To Me - Kelly Marie 4 [2] Night Fever - Bee Gees 5 [9] Heidi - Peter Lotis 20 YEARS AGO (24 June 1983) 1 [1] Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler 2 [3] Der Kommisar - After The Fire 3 [2] Let's Dance - David Bowie 4 [4] Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes 5 [6] Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics 15 YEARS AGO (16 June 1988) 1 [1] Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil 2 [2] Get Outta My Dreams - Billy Ocean 3 [3] I Should Be So Lucky - Kylie Minogue 4 [4] Love Changes Everything - Climie Fisher 5 [5] My Arms Keep Missing You - Rick Astley ------------ CHART CHAT: ------------ Shirley Bassey maintained her grip on the top spot in 1973, but there was fierce competition from Lauren Copely. Prior to 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon', Tony Orlando had worked with Dawn on hits such as 'Candida' and 'Knock Three Times', but he had never recorded in the same studio as Dawn until this hit. Interestingly he had no faith in any of these songs becoming hits, least of all 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon', which he tried to palm off on all and sundry before finally recording it himself. The single sold over 7 million copies in the US alone. In 1978, the Bee Gees' grip on the top 2 spots was finally broken as Boney M stormed the number 1 spot. In total they had spent 5 weeks at number 1 and 2, firstly with 'Stayin' Alive' and 'How Deep is Your Love' from 18 April to 12 May and then a further 2 weeks on the 9 and 16 of June with 'Stayin' Alive' and 'Night Fever'. While Peter Lotis cashed in on the popularity of the kids' cartoon adaptation of "Heidi" by singing the theme tune, Herbie & Spence were entering the charts with their own version. 1983 saw the chart debut of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart aka the Eurythmics. Few could have predicted then how big the band would be, the first of 5 top 20 hits in South Africa, almost 30 UK hits and at least 10 US hits. 20 years on, Annie Lennox has just released her 3rd solo album to critical acclaim. 1988 saw no movement in the top 5. However, following on with the Eurythmics theme, their 5th and final SA hit, 'Shame', entered the top 20. South Africans at number 1 this week: One Day At A Time - Marie Gibson (1976) Michael Row The Boat Ashore - Richard Jon Smith (1979) South African New Entries this week: 23-Jun-78 Heidi - Herbie & Spence 24-Jun-83 Voices - Bobby Angel & Barbara Ray 25-Jun-71 Tomorrow Is Over - Dave Mills 27-Jun-81 Nightmare - Peach 28-Jun-68 Sunglasses - Hilary 29-Jun-73 Time - Dealians John Samson --------------- VINYL JUNKIES --------------- This section is for collectors of vinyl, both South African and International. --------------- MABU VINYL 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town ***THIRD ANNIVERSAY SALE*** Jacques Vosloo opened Mabu Vinyl three years ago as a section of a second-hand shop in Kloof Strret in Gardens, Cape Town. Since then the shop has moved a few yards down the pavement to its current premises. To mark this occasion, Mabu Vinyl is holding a 3rd anniversary sale with discounts of up to 50% on selected items! This week's specials: The Drive - 'Drive Unlimited' (LP) Mahotella Queens - 'Menate Ea Lefatse' (LP) Otis Waygood Blues Band - 'OWBB' (Black Cover) LP) Syndicate Sisters - 'Every Song (Has A Beginning)' (LP) Osibisa - 'Osibisa' (LP) Dickie Loader - 'Moods' (LP) Cash paid for records in saleable condition. Jacques Vosloo (+27 21) 423 7635 mailto:vinyl@sarockdigest.com -------------- VIBES VINYL Stadium-on-Main, Main Road, Claremont This week's specials: All Night Radio - 'Killing Floor' (LP) André De Villiers - 'Stallion' (LP) Dog Detachment - 'Barriers' (LP) éVoid - 'Here comes the ROT!' (LP) Falling Mirror - 'Zen Boulders' (LP) We pay top prices for top quality. Want Lists Welcome! Call us at: 021-683 5676 mailto:claus@vibesvinyl.com Visit our website at http://www.vibesvinyl.com ----------- BIRTHDAYS ----------- 19 - June Dyer (1942) Read more about SA's first rock vocalist (who was also deaf!) at http://www.rock.co.za/files/june_dyer_index.htm If you have info on any South African artists' dates of birth, please send them to mailto:brian@rock.co.za?subject=birthdays ______________________________________________ 7.SOUND SOLUTIONS ------------------- A Readers' Forum featuring a selection of the email requests, questions, searches, and other pieces of random info we receive each week at the Digest. Sometimes we can assist, other times we look to you, our collectively well-informed readers to contact these writers and help out as well. Thanks! -------------- ILLEGAL GATHERING Hi, My name is Patience, I'm with the 2003 Fulbright Interactive Multimedia Project and am researching Protest music in South Africa. I'm trying to trace any of the members of Illegal Gathering and/or the Lurchers. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Patience mailto:missukama@yahoo.com -------------- OOM HANSIE AND DOKTER KOP A number of years ago, Lucky Dube made an album called 'Oom Hansie'. It was censored, placed in the SABC archives and was damaged - apparently with a ballpoint pen. Incredibly sad - this probably being the first reggae recording in Afrikaans. I am specifically looking for a track called 'Dokter Kop' on the record. Does anybody have this record? Thanks Johann Oosthuizen Afspraak Afrikaans - Napier New Zealand mailto:mmjoosthuizen@xtra.co.nz -------------- OH SHUCKS, WHERE'S THAT SONG? I am looking for the name of a song that is sung in the movie 'Here Comes UNTAG', by Leon Schuster. One of the lines goes like this: "They say the blue beret is the best". I am desperately looking for it and hope that you can help me. Thanking you Hendrieka Grobler mailto:robyne@gds.co.za -------------- MIXED BAG Is there any place in SA where you can buy an Audio CD recorder/writer (stand-alone system for which you do not need a PC) without paying the price of a complete music studio/record company. I bought one before but the products from this well-known outlet normally don't last for more than a few months. In addition, I am a real "golden-oldie" hunter. So many great songs gone to waste and are very hard to find. I guess my dream of collecting the songs that were my favourites when I was young will always haunt me. Therefore I am desperately looking for hits that made it big on the official "Springbok Radio hit parade" between 1970 and 1980 (in any format, eg on CD, mp3 or on vinyl). Furthermore, is there any way in which I will be able to contact Malcolm Lombard via e-mail? In my opinion, he brought back the treasures of the SA music industry, in the form of a number of great compilation albums. This guy should enjoy a lot of support and I do believe that we can all contribute and assist in helping him producing more of these great compilation albums. Bravo, Malcolm! Regards Gerhard Woest mailto:gerhardwo@absa.co.za {Ed. - Malcolm is a Digest subscriber, so hopefully he will read and reply to your e-mail, Gerhard.} --------------- WHERE IS 'PARADISE ROAD'? Please help me find a mp3 or CD or anything on Joy's 'Paradise Road', A truly great SA pop tune loved by a pop tart. Greg ex-The Sunshines mailto:gneeper@yahoo.com PS. Also looking for a Gibson Les Paul without the third world economy price tag. {Ed. - 'Paradise Road' stayed at #1 on the Springbok Radio charts for nine consecutive weeks. Joy were: Felicia Marian, Thoka Ndlozi and Anneline Malebo. Buy it on CD at http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.cfm?bec=4321&id=CDREDD610 } ------------- SMITHS FANS VS TATU CONTINUED I can't agree more with Lenny Mailer in last week's Digest (see 'The Day The Music Died' in Sound Solutions in issue #204). I told my wife yesterday, after I heard the Tatu version on the radio, "You don't mess with The Smiths!" They were my favourite band since I first heard them in 1987 and I bought all their LP's except their first one. My friends used to call me "The Smiffs". For anyone that plays the Tatu version I can only say: "Hang the DJ". cheers Willem mailto:brynard@webmail.co.za {Ed. - in the lastest issue of UK mag Q, Elena Katina from t.A.T.u replies to a question about them being big fans of the Smiths with "who are they?". Hmmmm....} -------------- TOP ROCK SOUNDTRACKS Here is the top twenty of '100 Greatest Rock n Roll Films' list, published in a recent NME. The type of music they equated the movie with is in brackets after the movie's name. (1) A Clockwork Orange (Art-Rock) (2) Performance (Psychedelia) (3) The Matrix (Metal) (4) 24 Hour Party People (Rock N Roll) (5) A Hard Day's Night (Pop) (6) Donnie Darko (Goth) (7) The Big Lebowski (Grunge) (8) Drugstore Cowboy (New Wave) (9) Goodfellas (Rock N Roll) (10) Cabaret (Electroclash) (11) This Is Spinal Tap (Metal) (12) Jackass The Movie (Metal) (13) Pulp Fiction (Rock N Roll) (14) Apocalypse Now (Rock N Roll) (15) Blade Runner (Techno) (16) Withnail And I (Pop) (17) Trainspotting (Pop) (18) The Breakfast Club (Grunge) (19) The Lost Boys (Goth) (20) Taxi Drive (Rock N Roll) Cheers John --------------- GOT A QUESTION? Please email any musical questions to mailto:soundsolutions@sarockdigest.com -------------- GET YOURSELF A NEW REDIRECTABLE EMAIL ADDRESS Are you tired of complicated hotmail or yahoo email addresses, or is your corporate address very uncool? Or is your favourite nickname already taken? For only R150 per year we will supply you an email address such as "yourchoiceofname@rock.co.za" which will redirect to your current address. Choose from the list below: sarockdigest.com (be part of our community) rock.co.za (tell people what you love) samp3.com (for mp3 addicts) saklank.com (for Afrikaans Rock fans) sagigs.com (for concert-goers) sugarman.org (for Rodriguez fans) vagabond.za.net (for Web Wanderers) Email: mailto:CanIgetAnewEmailAddressPlease@rock.co.za for details. -------------- This section is sponsored by: SOUND SOLUTIONS Sound Solutions is a private music library in Cape Town that offers music searches, and the sourcing and recommending of songs and music soundtracks for television, film, and radio productions and commercials. Contact: Stephen Segerman - (021) 461-9541 mailto:sugar@rock.co.za ______________________________________________ 8.LIVE MUSIC --------------- ------- EVENTS ------- Full details at http://www.sagigs.com Watch out for: IAN HENDERSON - Durban's own mystery boy will be touring solo around the Cape coast of South Africa this June and July in support of his SAMA-nominated album, 'Freefall'. PIET BOTHA - Currently touring as part of the launch of his new album, 'Die Mamba' on Rhythm Records. http://www.PietBotha.com MYBURGH - 4-track debut EP, 'Burnt Bachelor', and first single, 'Girl', will be launched at The Lemon Connection on Thursday 3 July at 8.30pm with support band Janie Jones. CASTLE LOUD - 'DAY OF ROCK' - Sat, 28 June - Featuring Tweak, Finkelstiens, Marlowe, Parlotones, Even Flow, The Narrow, Duck & Cover, Believable Addiction LAZARUS - Hot new Cape Town band are launching their debut CD, 'Parallax View', at the Mercury Lounge in Cape Town on Tuesday 24 June 2003. 'ZIMBABWE RUINS' - Mann Friday, who are unable to perform this show at home in Zim without fear of reprisals, are bringing this electrifying and important stage show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (1-24 August]. Prior to that there will be some preview performances in London (6th and 13th July 2003 : 7:15pm at The Latchmere Theatre, Battersea) JA RULE - Multi-award winning Hip-Hop superstar, Ja Rule, is coming to SA in July for three shows. NEO MUYANGA - Neo Muyanga and band will be performing material off 'The Listening Room (Mudra No 28)' in Grahamstown on 30 June and 1 July. KAREN ZOID IN LONDON - Karen Zoid and her band will be performing two shows in London during July at the Ukkasie Festival at Wembley in London (July 12), and at the Underworld in Camden (July 19). HENRY ATE SA TOUR - All the dates for the nationwide tour from June 25 - July 26. Details of all these events at http://www.sagigs.com -------- SA PUNK -------- By Daniel Neville THE MERCURY MATINEE The First All-Ages Show held at the Mercury Live in Cape Town. Featuring False Pretence, Skwirmish and Fuzigish. To give some background to this show, and how it came about, we will have to go back a few weeks to the Regatta 69 concert at The Mercury Live (see Digest issue #203). At that particular gig some people who were underage were accidentally admitted into the Venue, and then, a few minutes later, un-admitted! Now under normal circumstances you would say "so what?", that's the Liquor Laws in South Africa. But, our point was that although the Mercury management has the legal authority that they need to bar underage persons from entering their premises, they didn't seem to understand that a very large proportion of the fans who would love to go to these punk gigs are under age. So the event and bands did not receive the crowd they deserved, the poor turnout was a bad ad for the SA punk/ska scene, and once again, genuine fans were denied the opportunity to see these gigs. Fortunately the Mercury management team, (Sean Wienand and Kevin Winder) saw what was happening and decided to organise the first all-ages show of its kind in SA {are you sure about this? - Live Ed.} as an experiment to decide whether it would be viable to hold them once every month. So it was very weird to arrive at the Mercury in broad daylight (we are only used to being there between the hours of 8 and 2 at night), but we were pleased to see quite a few people already hanging around outside. The first thing we noticed when we walked inside, was the fantastic "merch" table that Paul Spears, the head of the [R]evolution Records label, had organised. Lots of good overseas CDs from NOFX, Screaming Weasels and other top US punk names alongside the new Frenzal Rhomb and FuziGish joint live SA tour CD called 'The Unwanted Traveller' (with songs from both bands, including FuziGish's new hit, 'Dave'), all at reasonable prices. First up was False Pretence who always produce a quality set, as they did today. Although the sound was a bit messy - couldn't hear the vocals too clearly - they still handled their usual material well. Graham looked a bit bewildered and didn't go off as much as usual, but that didn't matter because everybody's attention was focused on Noal, the new drummer. Noal held out very well under the circumstances, and his drumming certainly did not detract from their overall sound. Next up was Skwirmish, a classic SA pop-punk band. Having also heard them a few times before, I still think they can go far if they play their cards (and songs) right. They have a very competent Blink 182/Green Day sound, are quite tight, and work well together on stage. They just need to develop their own style a bit more. Then came the moment that everybody was waiting for.... FuziGish. This power four-piece get better every time we see them play, and, next to the "Hogs", are surely the best punk/ska band in SA. Their new trumpeter did extremely well, and his speedy but melodic additions spiced up the band's sound, leaving them sounding very polished. The crowd went mad for Fuzi - by this time there were about 150 around the stage and the pit was huge. Because they were playing another show later that night, Fuzi only wanted to play a 10-song set, fat chance! The crowd was not going to let them get away with too little and, after they had finished a generous set, there were chants of "more, more, more" - so FuziGish returned to finish off a very successful show with 'Bridges' and 'Fight the Fight'. So, the young fans turned up to support this matinee gig, and we're hopeful it will be the first of many. The word will spread and the under-age crowds will grow. Watch the SA Punk section for details of upcoming Mercury Matinees. And a big thanks and good luck to FuziGish, who will be leaving for their tour of Australia in a few weeks. [DN] See http://www.sagigs.com for details and other SA Punk gigs -------------- LIVE REVIEWS ------------- DURBANDS: ON THE ROAD WITH PYRAMID TONGUE Travis, the front man for the 'Tongues', documents the band's recent tour to Durban. We recently left on our tour to Durban. To say it was an experience would really be an understatement. We woke up at 2am on Friday so that we could travel through the night and hopefully get there early enough to catch some waves, and just see the sights. After about seven hours of driving we finally arrived, but were so tired we decided to look for our guesthouse instead. This is where the chaos began. We drove in the Durban area for an extra hour-and-a-half, trying to find our guest house, first getting lost in a taxi-infested area where it seemed the word guesthouse was something that no one had ever heard of, or at least was the start of some new language that only the four of us in the car could understand. I think it's safe to say that you just don't ask for directions in Durban, it's just not the safe thing to do! We did however finally find our little pad, and had the best sleep anyone could ever have had. {Ag shame man, that's rock and roll! - Live Ed.} The Gigs: The gigs were awesome, we had a very rocking crowd for all three. Friday night we played at the Winston, a nice little pub which really made us test ourselves as we did encore after encore. After the gig we decided to go and get some food, so we went to Fontana (a popular little chicken place). However there was no parking, so we decided to park in the church parking lot next door. This proved to be a really bad idea because when we finished our meal, we were not too happy to find that our car had been locked inside the church grounds, which wouldn't be open for at least another two hours. Talk about luck huh? {This is sounding like real Motley Crue stuff now...! - Disbelieving Live Ed.} Saturday we played at the Wavehouse, with a great band called Placid Rain. The crowd was very responsive, but I did get a little worried when I realised that the our mosh pit consisted mainly of seven-year-olds whose mothers would most definitely all have fits if they saw their cute babies kicking each other in the face. On Saturday night we made our way to Cliffie's Pub in Pietermaritzburg. At first glance the club looked a bit dodgy (in fact it looked like a goat farm or something) but Bored (the band we played with) made us feel right at home and by 10pm the place was pumping. I would say it was the best gig we had while out of our JHB habitat - all in all they were all killer and fun, and we would just like to say thanks to everybody who made us feel like one of the Durbaners. Travis Pyramid Tongue LISTEN 'Incision' by Pyramid Tongue can be downloaded at http://www.SAmp3.com/wickedrock.html ---------- GIG GUIDE ---------- The SA Rock Digest list of recommended gigs can be found at: http://www.SAgigs.com Please send all gig info to mailto:sugar@sagigs.com?subject=gigs in a plain text e-mail. ___________________________________________ 9.INFO ------- ------ LINKS ------ Links to artists, gig guides, resources, record labels, recording studios, music trivia and more at: http://www.sarockdigest.com/links --------------- SUBSCRIPTIONS --------------- To subscribe - please send e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=NewSubscriber Address changes - please send an e-mail to: mailto:subscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=SubscriberAddressChange To unsubscribe - please send a blank e-mail to: mailto:unsubscribe@sarockdigest.com?Subject=Unsubscribe ------------ BACK ISSUES ------------ http://www.sarockdigest.com/archives Online and keyword searchable ------------------------------- PRESS RELEASES & CONTRIBUTIONS ------------------------------- Please submit all press releases, contributions, reviews, gig & festival dates, requests, searches and comments to mailto:sugar@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest -------- EDITORS -------- Brian Currin & Stephen Segerman mailto:editors@sarockdigest.com?subject=SARockDigest ------------- CONTRIBUTORS ------------- John Samson Kurt Shoemaker Carina Laubscher Don Bryce Tertius Louw Daniel Neville Wicked Mike Gabi Muller Proofed by Ronx A SUGAR MUSIC PRODUCTION <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>