Dear Reader @Mercury this weekend!

It's been a long time since I've had good reason to go to Mercury. Now there's a reason. This weekend's highlight is Dear Reader! The lovely Cherylin Macneil is home to play for us. Be there.

Facebook invite.
Dear Reader Fan Page

Dear Reader at Assembly

So, on Thursday night I suppressed my longing for sleep and headed out to Assembly to watch the wonderful Cherilyn and her boys (Drummer and Bassist/Keys) perform songs off their new album, "Replace Why With Funny". They were dearlightful.

As I arrived a noticed a phenomenon so foreign to me, I had to look twice. Most of the crowd were sitting on the floor or a corner of one of the few couches that had been strewn across the venue. It was a sight to behold. Did they not know that people puke, spill beer and drop cigarettes on that floor? But eventually I succumb to the pier pressure. The opening act, (the name of which alludes me) was ok. The best part of their set for me was when the Daniel Craig looking bassist said, "Thank you for supporting South African music" in a thick German (or Eastern European at least) accent.

After a short break and a stretch of the legs, it was time for Dear Reader to charm a very chilled out but appreciative crowd. It really didn't take long. Even the Freshlyground crew were there to show their support. Cherry's voice and musical accompaniment were so lovely that we (most definitely I) were/was totally mesmerized. With subtle backing vocals from Mikey (as Assembly affectionately named him) and Darryl and looped backing vocals from Cherilyn. Confused? Well, she sings a line, Darryl records that line and loops it back into the mix. Then Cherilyn sings that line again over the first line, just as a harmony. Darryl records it as well. Then, loops both lines (melody and harmony) and Cherry has the freedom to sing other stuff over the looped lyrics. It added so much to the richness of the mix. Inge used to do it for Lark as well. Winner.

I was chatting to Cherilyn afterwards and they are now signed to a label in Berlin (possibly my favourite city in the world!) This means they hit European tours like once of a month. Their plan is to eventually move to Germany and be based in Berlin. Go team.

It was such a lovely evening and a nice change from the acts I am accustomed to viewing at Assembly.

Check out an EPK video for "Replace Why with Funny".

Listen to their whole album dearreadermusic.com

Dear Reader Launch

"Replace Why With Funny" is the name of the latest album from Dear Reader. They have just returned from taking Europe by storm, and now it's time for Cape Town to get a taste. Dear Reader, formerly known as Harris Tweed (and before that Pilot, I still have a badge with that band name on it) will be playing this Thursday night (26 March) at Assembly. The last time they played at Assembly was during the black outs. The lovely Cherilyn, played a chilled set in the dark.

Anyway, come through, it's going to be a good one.

Facebook invite

Listen to their music on Myspace.

O' The Places You'll Go - Stellenbosch

Harris Tweed - known for their sweet folk tunes - along with close friends Zebra & Giraffe - who have recently released their debut album “Collected Memories” - started off their Western Cape leg of their ‘O The Places You’ll Go tour on Thursday 28 August. This event took place at the oh-so-quaint Klein Libertas Theatre in Stellenbosch.I was to write an Afrikaans exam the following day, but I was going to the gig regardless. With acts like these two, you’d be a fool to miss it!Harris Tweed started the evening off with a little bit of a drama performance revealing their newly adopted name: Dear Reader. (The name change comes in light of legal requirements.) The change of name is a lot more applicable to their style of music. Once the crowd took their seats (yes, we were seated) the band blew us away with their sweet melodies, awesome bass guitar skills and heavenly harmonies. We were introduced to a few new songs which will soon be made known to all upon the release of their new album.

After a short 15 minute break the crowd assembled once more waiting in anticipation for the phenomenon known as Zebra & Giraffe. The band came on stage and we got our money’s worth. With songs like Arm Yourself and Oxymoron you couldn’t help but bust out your moves. Joining Zebra & Giraffe on stage for the out-of-this-world performance of The Knife was Dear Reader lead singer Cherilyn Macneil. With Greg Carlin’s (Zebra & Giraffe main-man) deep vocals and Cherilyn’s beautiful voice the chorus was one to remember.Next up on the tour road is Knysna, Port Elizabeth, East London and ending off in Durbs. Scrape every last cent together; this is an event not to be missed.

Post and photos by Helen Elizabeth