The last few days I have been reading a new magazine, called Voice Magazine. They have just released the Pilot Issue. A very interesting concept. Unlike publications such as Chew, you read the entire magazine online.
This issue features a number of locals. Johnny Neon (muso) Jadan McCulough (New Loud Rockets) Blaise Janichon (Assembly Manager) Gabi-Lee Smit (model) Sean Sassen and Andrew Berry (we-are-awesome kids) Bevan Davis (photographer)
Oh, and many more interesting articles and pictures. The we-are-awesome article was most interesting.
There are also a few interesting music videos, most of which we've seen by now.
Front man John Seth announced earlier today, that the New Loud Rockets have broken up. This comes three weeks after their last show and the dismissal of drummer, Phil Erasmus. [Now would be a good time to stream and view their first and last music video, Bleeding in a Cab as you sob through the rest of this post.]
The four remaining Rockets set out recently to find a replacement for Phil, but due to what they call "personal issues amongst us", Jadan has left the band. Anyway, read what Johnny boy had to say:
"dear friends and lovers
it is with a heavy heart that i announce that the economic unit once known as new loud rockets has come to an end.
i know. it's a kak one. sadly, due to personal issues amongst us, J-dog mccullough will no longer be with us and as such we are down to three dashing young men in search of musical glory.
however...worry not, dear friends, the end is not as nigh as one might have thought. we will persevere, possibly under a new name and most definitely with a fresh new approach. we've had many positive responses to our appeal for a drummer and we'd like to make it clear that you can expect a whole lot more from...new found prophets??? it's a band name i've been sitting on for months...no but seriously we'll think of something cool.
we'd like to thank all of you for your love and support over the past two years. we started this band as 5 clueless kids with nothing other than having some fun in mind, and it has grown into something beautiful and special that we all hold close to our hearts (and hopefully you do too :)
our first gig was in a very dingy club called lepht in front of maybe 30 of our dearest friends. What turned out to be our final one was in front of close to 700 of our dearest friends too. we love you all. thank you for being part of this journey with us. every word, every chord, every song came from a place of sincerity and honesty.
all of us have made some amazing friends, played with some incredible bands, and realized what in many ways were impossible dreams. for this we thank you. here is to the next chapter.
upwards onwards and
love and rockets
P.S - we don't, and have never sounded like, the fucking strokes."
I think everyone has a favourite New Loud Rocket experience. Their Hidden Cellar show with Desmond was probably mine, or maybe, their video launch? Good times. For all the posts ever done by Smack Talk on NLR, click here.
The very Strokes influenced band played their last show at Assembly in January with The Plastics and Dear John Love Emma. What a rocker. RIP guys, RIP. [Photos by Adriaan Louw and Zahra Robertson]
Saturday night saw three bands playing at Assembly in what was thought to be the best lineup of the year so far. Expectations were high. And why not? Dear John Love Emma were in the mix offering something new to the typical “indie” parties with Arcade Fireish influences. The Plastics have enjoyed recent success with the media and fans and of course the New Loud Rockets (the veterans on the night) always offer something to converse about at a later time.
Dear John Love Emma enjoyed riding the coattails of the bigger acts to follow playing to a nearly packed out Assembly venue. They certainly got the attention of many attendees and made many new fans. Unfortunately, due to their “opening” status, they only performed a few songs which was sad to say the least. Everyone was really enjoying their show, and then they stopped.
Next up were The Plastics whose debut EP I quite enjoyed. This was the first time I had seen them perform, and I was bitterly let down by their show. If I closed my eyes I felt like I was back in Dresden, Germany listening to Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys. There was little separating the two, except of course that The Arctic Monkeys are demigods. There was nothing original about the act. Much sadness. Having said that, the band is young, and they have a lot of potential. Let’s hope that as they mature their sound will too, into something original that doesn’t make the front man put on an English accent when he sings.
The final act of the evening was the final act of New Loud Rockets as we know them. Unfortunately, due to creative differences (and no doubt more) Philip Erasmus is no longer playing drums for the band. They are now down to 3 stringed instruments and a synth. Anyway, the performance. It was great. John’s energy and stage presence was that of an excited little boy. Sound issues plagued them through their show, some self inflicted, others, out of their control. But they handled it relatively well. Fun times. Brothers Dave and Steve showed off their diversity by starting off the set with each other’s instruments. Dave played a new song on electric guitar while Steve held a quality baseline. On that note, the new songs are awesome and they are going to get around to recording demos. When they do, you will know. I will have them up here for you to download.
Twas a good night on the whole. All the best to Phil and his new musical endeavours. He is going to be playing in a band called Thieve. They will be performing for the first time next month. That show will be in Stellenbosch. I will keep you posted.
If you have read this whole post, I am impressed. I could have done three posts with all this information, but that would be lame.
Bizarre name, but it's a little catchy, I guess. So, things for 2009 are looking rosy with a huge lineup for Saturday night at The Assembly. New Loud Rockets will be playing with The Plastics and the most intriguing act of the evening, Dear John Love Emma. As far as I am aware (and I consider myself generally quite aware) this is Dear John Love Emma's second show ever. Coincidentally, it falls on the evening of one of the band member's birthdays. Happy Happy Ludwig. Their first show went down really well at The Waiting Room, and for their second, they have skipped a host of dodgey venues and hit Assembly. Nice job for an act so young.
This is a NOT TO MISS AT ANY COST. If your wife goes into labour, you know she will be in labour for at least a few hours, steal away. It may be days before the blighter comes into the world and blesses you further with sleepless nights. This example was honestly the first one to come to my head. The point is, be there! Rearrange things to be there. Nice. See you around Cape Town...
It's about freaking time that the New Loud Rockets performed again. It's been an Age. They have finally finished their academics for the year (they are all very academic [except Phil]). The last show they played was at Rocking The Daisies earlier this year, a distant memory for those who were there.
I was chatting to John the other night and he said they have a load of new stuff they are working on. Don't all bands? Let's hope they are ready to show some of it to the fans come Friday night (5 December).
So they are playing at a club/place called R.O.A.R. (right of admission reserved?). Worst club name ever? Also, it's in Obs. I haven't heard anything in their genre in Obs since Armchair days.
When are they going to release a new music video? Steve has shaved and looks like a backstreet boy with his white (matric dance) shoes. They should do a sarcastic (or serious) boyband type video. Hmm, or is that too Blink182? Dave went dark months ago, but the fan page still features this pic with him with white straight hair! Annoying.Come on guys! Fire your manager (if it's his fault), but evolve!!! I love the guys, that's why I can say these things. I am not even going to get started on their Myspace. It's as if it's been abandoned! Get your stuff on Itunes as well. I could go on, but I won't. They just need a kick in the pants really.
Anyway, get down to R.O.A.R on Friday for a jol. They are being supported by The Lottery Tickets.
If you were unfortunate to miss out last time, you have another chance! Albeit in Stellenbosch. Yes thats correct friends. Nigel James Moore is not quite ready to leave, and so he has got his man friends (Dave, Steve and Tim) together for one last shindig. It's all going down on Thursday night at the Rock Room on Dorp Street. Get there early and have some dinner in Stellies. Should be wicked. On top of this exciting news, the lads from the Pretty Blue Guns have agreed to come along and play an unplugged set for us. Fun times. If you were at the Waiting Room, you will remember Andre from the Pretty Blue Guns. He was the bloke who played the Harmonica. No doubt he will be show face in both acts.
[The kids from Pretty Blue Guns]
[Fun times with Nigel Moore and friends at Waiting Room]
If you missed out and would like to read about what happened last time and see some pics, click here.
If you would like to hear a little more of his music before deciding, click here. [Bare in mind, he sounds much better live.]
Last night was a haze of Royale burgers, red wine, smoke and melodic music. I think a fair sum up of the evening’s music was experimental. Experimental in the good sense. Nigel Moore produced an session of music at the Waiting Room that was totally unusual for the once was indie rocker. He played with a band of boys that assisted him every now and then to make the musical extravaganza more than just the Nigel Moore show. With a performance or three from Pretty Blue Guns front man on the harmonica and bass and electric guitar from Dave and Steve from the New Loud Rockets the evening could only go one way. Tim King on the drums made his debut on the Cape Town music scene with the beats and riffs of an experienced performer.
After playing all the songs in their repertoire the three f’s (family, fans and friends) relentlessly begged for more. But they had no more. And so, (not reluctantly you understand) Nigel and band played one of the songs again. Each person in the band got pressured into a solo before the set was over.
It turned out to be a super evening. Some have said that Nigel’s voice does not suite this genre of music. Others say it’s new and revolutionary. His voice is certainly not “melodic” or “beautiful” but definitely goes with his personality. Rough around the edges and not backward at going forwards. He is a good song writer though. Being somewhat of a song writer myself, I was impressed with his lyrics and music.
He launched his EP last night as well. I have no idea where you can get it, but if you look at the fan page and contact him through that, I am sure you could organise.
Nigel James Moore Steven Huson 'busting' one of his solos (New Loud Rockets) Andre (Pretty Blue Guns) sucking and blowing David Huson (New Loud Rockets) New comer Tim King (Looking for a band)
So now he is off to London for a break and then to NZ to meet up with his family where he will live indefinitely.
So this weekend is a pretty huge one on the music calender. Rocking the Daisies is going down and is going to be monstrous. This is an opportunity to go and listen to your favourite SA bands and no doubt meet some interesting characters. You get to camp in the nature and rough it for the weekend. This is well worth the cash, which is isn't that much considering what you get. You will get to see bands like New Loud Rockets, The Dirty Skirts, Fire through the Window, AKing, Fokof and so many more. For more info and tickets hop along to the website. Who knows, maybe you will get to meet Eagle Eye Cherry? Haha. I totally wish I could go, but unfortunately, I have exams starting this week.
Pretoria sensation Desmond & the Tutus have recently been on MK to be interviewed, to perform and for little Craig to show us a thing or two about drums on a monster kit. I would hate to be the guy that interviewed Shane. He doesn't find it hard to make an ass of the presenter. Shame. He doesn't do much better in the New Loud Rockets interview either though.
I wanted to post the drumming video, but its not working.
Be sure to check out MK for more interviews and the like on SA bands.
On 30 September (a Tuesday evening) Nigel Moore from the band that used to live, Howard Roark, will be playing a one off gig to promote is latest solo EP, called a.m. cocktails. I say "one off" because if my sources are anything to go by, Moore is leaving Cape Town for London and then, quite interestingly, he is moving to New Zealand indefinitely.
The gig is at the Waiting Room above Royal (the burger place) in Long Street. Check out the FB invite and his so-rough-it-does-him-more-harm-than-good recordings of the songs we can expect to hear come that Tuesday night. It will sound a whole lot better, I assure you.
The band for the night is made up of a few interesting characters, namely Nigel Moore, the brothers, David and Stephen Huson from the New Loud Rockets and a new kid, Timothy Cole King (drums).
This is what I imagine the setup will look like. Some differences though, Nigel will be taller, Dave won't be so bright, Tim will have a t-shirt on and a drum kit, and Steve won't change (he doesn't have very many outfits).
Next up in our Members series, is David Huson the bassist from New Loud Rockets. He also happens to be the fashion trail blazer of the band while studying Dentistry at UWC.
1. What is your earliest musical memory?
If referring to pseudo-participation, then definitely my rendition of treble-clef-flair, whilst sharing a piano stool with my father. Christmas carols from a book with a particularly pretty cover.
Otherwise, trying to pajama-sidestep to MC Hammer.
2. What are your biggest musical influences?
Home (where the heart is; with brothers, parents and the like).
The weight of the world.
Childhood (the happy parts of adolescence, too).
Oh, and, Michael Jackson.
Also featuring guest appearances from: Television (Marquee Moon), Red Hot Chili Peppers (ah, pre-pubescent summertime), Shout Out Louds (“Trackin’ and a trainin’” is how I seem to live my life)…yes, The Strokes too, and a host of obscure, ultra-indie-electro-thrash/thrash/thrash band names that I’d like to make reference to here.
3. What is your fondest band memory?
Possibly our first show in Stellenbosch, upstairs within the Hidden Cellar. It marked our first performance with Desmond & The Tutus. The evening I met you too, Rich. Stephen, John and I proceeded to mount the stage and dance – maniacally – to their set. Or, maybe the time we slept in what seemed like a concentration camp dormitory, stumbling in after a show (the small hours of the morning), and someone left a note in my shoe (in lipstick; I might add) that read “I heart KidOfDoom”.
4. What do you do when you are not playing music?
Hanging with Jesus. (In a sincere way.)
Video store - clerking-it, um…yo.
Running. (The road and I.)
Investigating the intricacies of beard growing.
Invading peoples’ personal space in an attempt to help them feel better about their smiles. (Yes, that’s how I justify it.)
Surrounding myself with teeth, mouths and such pleasant things that Dentistry has to offer.
It’s a modest business. But, we get by.
5. What band are you listening to at the moment?
MGMT. I know it’s no “revolutionary” answer. I can dig that.
I guess, ‘I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling wrong in the time of my life’.
You know, ‘picking insects off plants – no time to think of consequences’.
6. What is the next big fashion accessory in the “Indie” world?
The BetaMax-cassette-suspended-from-a-shoelace-around-one’s-neck.
(Contrary to popular believe it is NOT the headband. Total fashion faux.)
7. When are we expecting a feature length album from the New Loud Rockets?
Our Commerce department (i.e. my brother, Stephen) has been swamped with accounts, trying to make sense of our year-end financial statements. We’re not quite financially sound as of yet – to venture down the path of a feature length album. But, we’re optimistic cats. Sometime in the very near, future present. We hope.
8. Who is the craziest member of the band?
I would have to say…Bernard - our invisible oboe player and resident, band badminton champion. Hands-down.
9. Have you ever been stalked by a fan?
A bizarre girl, who previously stayed in an apartment near the park where I once lived, would phone me, arbitrarily, to ask me stuff. I quite obviously never had the correct answers (or any at all) to her questions. I am not especially good with being blunt, and so, interrogations would continue (to undesirable lengths). There is a pending fear that if I ever see her again, she might beat me into submission – for avoiding her – as she boasts an impressive body mass index (for a junior Ukrainian weightlifter).
There was also this golf instructor from Tygervallei, Willie, who continued to buy me drinks one night, after a show of ours.
Ewww.
10. What are your personal dreams for the band?
Romantic, celebrity entanglements involving Natalie Portman or Keira Knightley. (A good friend of mine, James Boonzaier – from Howard Roark infamy, and the infamy that goes with being ludicrously tall, too – have a running debate as to whether they are in fact the same person.) I just hope for his sake they are two, separate human beings, ‘cause we all know the appeal of a man of average height and untamed facial hair.
Having a message; that a kid hears when he’s eating his cereal in the morning. While listening to the radio, or when watching television, and he realises something. Something most other kids won’t see or feel. And, he wants to let them know; the other kids. So, he draws it or writes or portrays it in the form of interpretive dance.
(Ok, maybe not like that. But, something along those lines.) Inspiring someone, deeply, maybe?
11. Anything else?
Yeah, I would like show how to solve one of those Chinese finger puzzles...or, the Rubix cube.
A quote would be good right now, like David Starsky’s ‘Be yourself. That’s what’s really cool.’ But, I can’t think of any.
So that’s my good friend and New Loud Rockets band member David. If you want to see David and the rest of the NLR perform some time soon, you can! Hop along to the Rocking the Daisies in early October and see them perform alongside some other big SA bands and some not so big SA bands. If you are patient, you may even get to see one of the biggest international washed up has been of the 90’s! Drum roll……… Eagle Eye Cherry!
Go along, it’ll be fun. No really, there are some exciting acts. I wish I could be going. I have exams.
Celebrities that go out in public to the places we go, are they looking for attention? Do they enjoy getting photos taken of them with strangers? Or do they just put up with it (those who do) because fans are fickle and might turn on them if they do not oblige? Would they prefer to be like everyone else and not noticed because they play in a kinda big deal band or act in high profile movies? Jared Leto seems to be the "put up with it" kinda guy. Jeremy (Dirty Skirts front man) seems to be stoked with the attention on stage, but once the shows over, it is over, leave him alone. No photos please. But then is Jeremy a real celebrity? At what stage are you regarded as a celebrity? Are the New Loud Rockets celebrities? And Nigel Moore?
Dave certainly looked like he was back from some sort of time out as he appeared on stage looking a little like I would imagine Jesus looked 2000 odd years ago as the New Loud Rockets whipped out the new material.
I missed the opening two acts, but my friend, Luca said I didn't miss much. Sad, but true. The opening acts were the New Holland and the Pretty Blue Guns. I have seen the Pretty Blue Guns perform, and I enjoyed, but I was quite sad to miss one of the new exciting talents on the scene (ie the New Holland).
The reason I supposedly didn't miss much was down to a couple of reasons. The turnout was poor and the sound mix was awful which obviously lead and leads to poor sounding bands. Having said that, the Assembly is doing things that other gigging venues can only observe and dream of. During their closure, they installed arcade machines, lights above the foosball (finally) and huge amounts of sound proofing. They are pretty unique in that way. Big up! The next step will be to fix the sound.
Anyway, the NLR whipped out some oldies and some newbies, some went well, others, not as well. Unfortunately Bleeding in a Cab is still a crowd favourite (and so they will keep playing it!).
John (the lead boytjie) said in an unofficial interview afterwards, that the band is looking at going places musically that they never imagined. This means, experimenting with a different sound, and (I can't avoid the cliche, because he said it), their music is still a work in progress. I guess that's a good thing though. No one wants to hear a band that is struggling to evolve and mature. Am I right?
Later this month the boys will be playing with Desmond & The Tutus in Joburg, if you are there, check it out. They play really well together!
“Get on your dancing shoes. There’s one thing on your mind.” – Arctic Monkeys. That “one thing” was to squeak some K–Takkie rubberto the sounds of some of Cape Town’s premier acts. 24 May, Saturday, The Assembly, with a stellar line up of bright movers and shakers, physics defying moves and rock star personas…The Beams, New Loud Rockets and spinning the turntables, Orlando Doom and the Hipless couples (Daydream Nation Djs).
Note: There was a refreshing transmutation from The Assembly with the large stages and wide open spaces to The Assembly with a small stage and main bar for an intimate, cosy atmosphere where playing even a simple game of foosball became a challenge.
Doors opened at nine and people were filling up the room rapidly. The buzzing of voices and laughter contributed to the growing excitement for the show to begin…And what a show it was indeed!
The evening kicked off with a warm up set of electronic sounds and beats from Orlando Doom and the Hipless couples.
The Beams were on fire. Their music has grown and multiplied in its awesomeness and maturity since their primitive beginnings in 2006. They have developed and moved away from their Curish sounds towards something of their own. As always, Paul’s epileptic dance moves were expected, Jay’s insane drumming and Bosko’s grizzly guitar commanded respect while Amrik’s smooth bass kept things in check. With influences (arguably) from early Bloc Party (the Silent Alarm album), Chris Chameleon’s Boom album and the Cure, the Beams make one wanna dance until something breaks. The Beams are easily one of the most charismatic and energetic stage acts around in Cape Town. Total crowd get-goers.
Next up was Smack Talk’s most blogged band, the New Loud Rockets who performed their last gig for the next two months! With the ever looming midyear exams and with three of the five going to the UK on holiday, it makes sense that they take a break. The lads trickled onto stage with their SCAR sponsored hair styles and John, Dave and Steve sporting semi-formal outfits. The poetic quality of their lyrics inspires sing-a-longs, especially when Bleeding in a Cab starts to blare through the speakers. Their music electrifies all around and infects the body with a need to dance. As usual, the capacity Cape Town crowd enjoyed.
Exciting news: When the NLR do return they are promising, “that (they’ll) return with a new approach to (their) music and outlook.” Their words, truly.
To close off the evening, Orlando Doom and Hipless Couples returned to their desks inan attempt to keep the takkies squeaking. We got no rest.
This wintry Saturday night (24 May) sees a match up that is certainly not an unfamiliar one. New Loud Rockets share The Assembly stage with the young exciting talent that is The Beams. Both bands have risen in popularity with their super stage presence, awesome off stage personalities and of course, their music. The last time New Loud Rockets performed at The Assembly was for their video launch. What a night.
The Beams is a band that is at home in the indie-electro scene but doesn't for a minute fit the mold. They are made up of interesting characters from as far as Durban and East London, they all study at UCT, specialising in a variety of courses. The Beams aim to have a good time and celebrate the music, plain and simple. If you are keen for some fun and dancing before exams, brave the cold and come on down to The Assembly on Saturday night. You won't be disappointed and what's more, it'll be the last time New Loud Rockets will be performing for about two months!
The evening started like any other at Zula Bar. The pre-band, background music was awful, but the vibe was expectant.
The bands were excited and busy. As things got under way, Fire through the Window warmed the jam packed Zula Bar venue. Sweat poured as people squished closer to one another in the hope of getting just a little nearer the front. They played a tight set musically. Between songs they were at a bit of a loss at what to do. They spoke to the crowd in muffled (too close to the mic) tones and cracked private jokes on stage. They were a good warm up for what was to come from Cape Town’s fondest children.
New Loud Rockets burst on stage with two new songs (Thank God!!). The first was an instrumental “Kidofdoom” type mix. Fantastic! Then, there was a new song with lyrics which is called Curtis. It pretty much kicked! We danced. Things continued the usual, awesome NLR way as they threw out all the classics. It might be safe to say that fans know Bleeding in a Cab better than John Seth does.
For more NLR check them out in Stellenbosch. They will be playing on Thursday night at The Mystic Boer. Go and support. Its well worth the trip and the entrance!
But!! What ever you do, don't play foosball with Stephen!
Desmond and the Tutus graced Cape Town on two very special nights this last weekend to pretty much show off. With super hero names like Super Shane and Dangerous Doug, one cannot help but be wowed by this epic 4 piece out of Joburg.
On Friday night The Tutus played at The Assembly. Although, it has to be said(sorry guys), it wasn’t their best gig, with unforeseen problems taking a little away from their act, Doug (electric guitar) and Craig (drummer and special cow bells) kept everyone entertained when they jammed with one another. Shane managed to charm the crowd with his trademark “German Claw” and other quirky dance moves. Not to mention his great skills on the harmonica!
The tour was a long time coming and we were stoked to have them in our city. They had performed the night before with Kid of Doom in Joburg and released a different video which Shane explained showed other bands like Jonny Neon and Kid of Doom dancing like men possessed. It was not an actual music video, but rather a Tutus video with other bands adding to the crowd. Check it out...
Saturday presented a double whammy of awesomeness! The New Loud Rockets opened for Desmond and the Tutus. They performed in a quaint club in Stellenbosch called The Hidden Cellar, which is ironically upstairs. NLR front man John Seth set the Tutus on a pedestal by praising them and calling them the best band in South Africa by a f**ing mile!
They came to the party. They performed like the best band in South Africa. It was definitely the best gig they have ever done in Cape Town. Sweat poured from the Stellenbosch locals and the travellers from Cape Town wished for shorts and wife beaters. They even planned a swim in the Stellenbosch Gymnasium outdoor pool. As John (NLR) pointed out later over a beer, it is impossible to not move with the Tutus energy. Desmond and the Tutus finished up their set with the NLR joining them on stage to dance it off with the lads. It was huge, and one could see that the well behaved audience wanted to get up there as well and bust some (moves that is).
After the gig the party moved to a pub down the road where people drank, danced, sang and just chilled outside under the beautiful night’s sky while reminiscing over the evening’s events. Then, for some, it was the long N2 back to Cape Town. Joy! If you missed out, Shame on you! But don’t be disheartened. Desmond will be back in Cape Town in April, hopefully with their debut album!
I love music, and most things that relate to music. I also enjoy writing. So I have decided to create an amalgamation of my interests. Therefore, Smack Talk serves to entertain, create awareness and be an outlet for my interests.
If you have a band and would like to be seen, known and loved, you can email me. richardcoleking[at]gmail[dot]com
.jpg)
The last few days I have been reading a new magazine, called Voice Magazine. They have just released the Pilot Issue. A very interesting concept. Unlike publications such as Chew, you read the entire magazine online.
Posts
