NOFX punk safari

Two days following the Freshlyground performance, I found myself soaked in beer and being wildly jostled around in a very different type of musical performance. I attended the NOFX concert at the Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg, 12 November 2007. It’s a small venue, with a capacity of 1 000 people which made for a very intimate show. I’m not all too familiar with NOFX’s music, except for their most popular Punk in Drublic album. Punk band NOFX have been around for quite some time, and considering their blatantly excessive lifestyles, still look young, fit and healthy, and definitely know how to put on a good show (despite what they’ll have you believe). Bassist and lead vocalist Fat Mike is quite a comedic character providing a lot of on-stage banter much to the audiences delight. The show was initially delayed somewhat, with the band threatening not to perform, after audience members spat at the band as they walked out (must be a punk thing). But once the culprits had been identified and escorted out by some pretty tough looking NOFX roadies, the band performed with much vigour. Some highlight chirps from Fat Mike included gems such as: “When we play in Asia we play to Asian people. And when we plan in South America we play to South American people. But when we play in Africa we play to European people?!?! (following which they played Kill all the White Man) (another interesting aside is that he mentioned that there were no black people at their Cape Town and Durban performances, but that there were a couple in Jozi); and “We love touring the most fucked up countries in the world, and their most fucked up cities, and Johannesburg is definitely one of the most fucked places we’ve ever been to. We played in Australia once, that was awesome. You guys should go there. Except… you’ve got some good cocaine here.” He also sheepishly admitted that they’d be going on a tour of Soweto tomorrow on a tour bus. And he pointed out that he’d never seen so many long haired guys at a punk performance before, nor had he ever seen a guy with an afro at a punk performance (again, this is Jozi). Throughout the performance Fat Mike continued to drink from various refilled beverages positioned in his own permanent mic-stand cup holder, and seemed to get quite overly intoxicated later in the show, sometimes walking off stage, then being helped back up by his backstage crew. This didn’t hamper the performance of one their last but best songs of the night - Don’t Call Me White. Addressing issues pertaining to the “white” legacy, this song in particular went down well with the South African audience. This was easily one of the best concerts I have attended this year.

NOFX were supported by local ska/punk band Fuzigish. These guys never disappoint, and if you haven’t heard them yet you should visit their MySpace page and listen to some of their tracks (especially Mozambique) and find out when they’ll be performing again.

Freshlyground and Neo Muyanga

Local act Freshlyground (pictured left) recently toured South Africa and I had the privilege of attending the Johannesburg, Sandton Convention Centre show on 10 November 2007. Their show was great and this band is really an awesome exportable commodity. They have been likened to Mango Groove, understandably so because of their cross-over appeal and mixing of traditional with western musical styles, and they have the potential to garner as much acclaim as Mango Groove. The show was wonderful.

Opening up for Freshlyground was Neo Muyanga, also known for his work with BLK Sonshine. Muyanga is also a fantastic local talent. He performed solo, mostly on an organ then on a Yamaha Silent Series acoustic guitar. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed his act, especially his solo rendition of Born in a Taxi. Furthermore, I was blown away by the sound of the Silent Series. What an incredible guitar. Muyanga certainly delivered in terms of getting the crowd warmed up for the headlining act, perhaps even outshining them somewhat.

Check out I m Justin Taylor

Just by chance, I caught a performance by Justin Taylor a few months ago. I’d never heard of him before, but as it turns out he is an incredible South African musican and I really enjoyed his live set and his tracks on MySpace (especially Cheesy Little Love Song). His music sounds quite heavily influenced by the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and the Goo Goo Dolls (just to give you an idea). Check out Justin Taylor on MySpace.

Japan and I, Stanley Clarke and Pink

I’ve been a terrible blogger of late and haven’t updated my blog for quite a while now, even though I have watched a few live shows over the past few months. It’s too late now to go in-depth on any of them but I thought it would be worth mentioning a few highlights. In August I attended the Japan and I CD launch at The Bohemian and watched performances by Japan and I, the Diesel Whores and Swivelfoot. Sivelfoot is a Johannebsurg based punk band – very loud, very noisy – their punk is quite hardcore. Not quite my taste, I can’t recommend them. For the Diesel Whores I have a love/hate relationship. I enjoy watching them, but their music is such a blatant rip-off of the Pixies and of Johnny Cash, but, they do what they do well, so… still (and this is after many, many years) I’m not quite sure what to make of them. But, I enjoyed their performance. Funnily, this band has been performing the same set for the past couple of years, and fortunately lead vocalist Jaxon Rice did indicate that this would be changing soon. I look forward to hearing their new stuff. Japan and I headlined the evening and I thoroughly enjoyed their set. Japan and I are a female punk/punk-pop band. I recommend you check them out, they could go places.

Also in August, I attended the Joy of Jazz festival which featured jazz greats such as Stanley Clarke and George Duke. Despite certain bad management by the organisers, which saw artists performing at much later time slots than they should have, the music was fantastic. The Stanley Clarke and George Duke performances on both evenings absolutely blew my mind. They are such showmen and absolute professionals. Musically you can’t compare them to anybody else, they are leagues ahead of anything. Other highlights included local diva Miriam Makeba, American jazz artist Delfeayo Marsalis and local legend Sipho Mabuse.

In September I attended Pink’s concert at the Dome in Northriding, Johannesburg. It was excellent. Pink is an incredible performer, and though she often appears as quite butch in music videos and press photographs, she is actually quite petite, feminine and very attractive. She is an absolute professional and has an incredible voice and live persona. Local indie-rock act Cassette opened up for Pink. Their set too was excellent. These guys have done their time in the local music arena (as part of various other bands and projects) and have built on that to deliver a seriously professional set. I enjoyed what they had to offer.

Welcome to Karen Zoid’s Postmodern World

Originally published by the Saturday Star, 22 September 2007
Karen Zoid
Postmodern World
5/5
In 2001 Karen Zoid burst onto the music scene rebelliously declaring her cultural independence providing a role model for a disenchanted Afrikaans youth. Her followers were coined “the Zoid generation”. Several years, many awards and a continuously growing multi-cultural fanbase later, Zoid herself has matured and now has a child of her own to consider. This, her fourth release, reflects these changes in her life and is her most soulful to date. Previous Sheryl Crowe likenesses have never rung more true, especially in songs such as the title track, As We Go, Silverbird and Lights where a mellower, country style predominates. These are easily her best compositions yet, and this style continues through the rest of the album, except for one or two characteristic rock numbers. Another interesting point to note is that this is Zoid’s first all-English album. Though Zoid loyalists might perceive this negatively, this will only help broaden her appeal. So, will the Zoid generation embrace Zoid’s Postmodern World? They definitely should, or they’ll be missing out.

Mark Beling can’t hold back

Originally published by the Saturday Star, 25 August 2007
Mark Beling
Can’t Hold You Back
3/5
This is the second solo effort from Mark Beling, known for fronting the incredibly hard working Mean Mr Mustard. There is no doubting Beling’s drive. He is one of few rock musicians who have managed to develop a sustainable career within this somewhat limited local industry, and this release is very well delivered. Beling’s song writing is mature and the artist covers a wide spectrum of genres throughout this album. There are tracks on here that at times could be likened to U2, Snow Patrol (notably the strong opener), Bon Jovi (My Summer is Gone) or The Beatles (You’re the Best I’ve Ever Had), which, as is, fulfils quite diverse tastes, yet Beling flawlessly incorporates a pop dynamic in The Moment. Noting the above references, whose styles predominate the rest of the album, Beling also adds his own unique qualities, rendering the performances instantly recognisable as his. There are a few negative points though. Beling’s vocals at times carry too many effects, which is unnecessary considering he has a good voice and there are a few lyrics that could be better, especially the line “life is good it’s getting better, the water you drink will taste much wetter”. But, other than that, this album gets a strong three out of five.

Good, but not quite Razbliuto!

Originally published by the Saturday Star, 30 June 2007
Lark
Mouth of Me
3/5
Fresh from having claimed their prize at the South African Music Awards for Best Alternative Album, Lark are at it again and have just re-released their debut EP, Mouth of Me, with a few alterations. The release has been tailored into somewhat of an album. It includes the six songs that previously featured on the EP, remixed, plus other remixes off their full length album and some new material. Notably, the tracks Moonlight and Tricksy, that some have claimed should have been incorporated into Razbliuto!, have been included. For fans who attempted to get their hands on the EP, but failed due to availability issues, Just Music have issued this release to quell the high demands. With the added value tracks, it is a must have for fans of this goth/electronic type outfit. For those not familiar with Lark’s music, this release is good, yet not quite as accessible as Razbliuto!

Flat Stanley just got phat

Originally published by the Saturday Star, 30 June 2007
Flat Stanley
Between 2wo Worlds
4/5
Between 2wo Worlds is an apt title for this, the second album release, from the Cape Town based rock band Flat Stanley. It’s quite a progression from their debut in that the song writing has improved dramatically and it is a lot cleaner in production. This release should see the band gain rapturous commendation and seriously propel them into the echelons of rock stardom (locally at least). The odd thing is that some of the members of the band still hold down day jobs. In a way this “in between” status might help contribute to what makes this album endearing, in that it’s very much grounded to values that appeal to a white working-class. The one criticism I have is that the band tend to try and make every song an epic stadium rock anthem. Half the songs on this release are over 4 minutes long, when they don’t necessarily need to be. But this is a minor criticism of what is generally an excellent rock / folk-rock album.

Loaded with hits

Originally published by the Saturday Star, 23 June 2007
Various Artists
Lock and Load III
3/5
The Lock and Load series promotes a harder, edgier type of mainstream rock available today. Though the release caters to audiences who probably enjoy a harder flavour of rock, it is interesting to note how many of the artists featured enjoy commercial success. The release includes tracks from big names such as, among others, Fall Out Boy, who are due to tour South Africa soon, Nickelback, P.O.D, System of a Down, Placebo and the Goo Goo Dolls. However, it also incorporates lesser known, yet equally enjoyable, acts such as Billy Talent and Hawthorne Heights. Another interesting element to this release is that it includes two tracks from each of the power groups that emerged from the Blink 182 separation. Former Blink 182 bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker’s +44 offering is available to compare directly with guitarist Tom Delonge’s Angels and Airwaves on one disc. All in all, this a good value release.

Emerging Sounds touched by the Saint

I attended the RBF Emerging Sounds Battle of the Bands competition on Monday night, held at Emperors Palace, because good friend’s of mine Saint Dragon (previously mentioned here on this blog) were on the bill. This ‘battle of the bands’ competition has been running for just over ten years now, with one winner chosen each year. Previous winners have been Tweak, Prime Circle, Freshlyground and Seether among others. I too have entered the competition in a couple of different bands, not really getting anywhere though. The competitions are organised by ardent SA music supporter Simon Foulds. Check out this article on MIO for some more info on the competiton and how it operates. Anyway, this was one of the weekly gigs of the first leg, I think, of the Johannesburg leg and there were three bands competing to go through to the next round, the monthly final. Three bands performed on Monday in the following order: Chaos Theory, Enfuse and Saint Dragon. Chaos Theory and Enfuse have a lot to learn – I’m not going to say much about them, because both bands were quite bad (and that’s putting things politely). To give you an idea of their musical styles Chaos Theory, led by a female vocalist, attempted to perform three covers in their set (by Metallica, Nirvana and the Deftones) with the emphasis on attempted, and Enfuse (www.enfuse.co.za and here on MySpace), another female led outfit, performed broody English/Afrikaans rock, but were not quite captivating enough to pull it off. Honestly, both bands are young and will hopefully improve. On the other hand, Saint Dragon were cool and on the night managed to claim first prize and progress through to the next round. Well done chaps. Catch Saint Dragon at their next gig if you’re into Weezer, Blink 182 or Jimmy Eat World. Visit www.saintdragon.com to find out more about the band and their upcoming gigs.