Of late, there has been a huge amount of online publicity and funky ghosts on street posts. All for Johnny Foreigner and their phenomenal South African entourage. For the lineup for the different venues, click here. They also have an EP for free download and an interesting teaser. Click here for that.
This weekend they hit Cape Town. Now the very nice people from Griet have given me two double tickets to the shows. It could be a pair for each, or both pairs for one. You tell me where you want to go, and between myself and Griet, we will organise.
Information to be mailed to richardcoleking[at]gmail[dot]com:
Name: Where you first heard about Johnny Foreigner: Where you want to go (Assembly/Libertas):
The relevant dates are: 13 February @ The Assembly || 17 February @ Klein Libertas
So now that everyone in Cape Town has enjoyed the awesomeness that is KIDOFDOOM, I can safely announce the winners.
Matthew Griffiths hadn't previously seen them but had heard great things about the band.
He said this:
"I don't know kidofdoom that well. I know of them as an up and coming band and I recognise a few of their songs but I don't own any and I've never seen them live... So that's why I want to go... I'm interested and keen and who knows... you might just turn me into a fan and I might just end up doing them a music video or something."
He has clearly had a sheltered childhood. I think he is a designer or director so something.
Grethe Bredenkamp is an avid KOD fan and entered a couple of times to ensure her place at the show.
She said:
"i have seen almost every show of theirs in CT...i even went to evol (that says alot).
im afikaans,they're afrikaans."
I trust the two of you are enjoying your new CD. Have a safe weekend.
Two people have just won themselves a pair of tickets to see Kidofdoom and a copy of the new album, My Faith In War.
I had so very many great requests with all very valid reasons why they (the people who entered) deserved the tickets. I couldn’t pick. So I moseyed over to random.org and entered in all of your wonderful names and decided that once I click ‘RANDOMIZE’, I would pick the top two of the randomized list as my winners. So congratulations Mr x and Ms y!
You didn’t think I would really be silly enough to put their names up just yet? They will be emailed shortly to confirm their victory! Be sure to check to avoid disappointment!
Well done.
If you are unfamiliar with this competition, click here to see what you missed out on.
Get down to the Klein Libertas tonight to support one of South Africa's very best acts as well as Friday to see them at Mercury.
So next week Kidofdoom come to Cape Town to play two shows to launch their new album, My Faith In War. The first (30 September) will be at the Klein Libertas, Stellenbosch. The second will be in the Mother City (2 October) at Mercury Live. I am expecting it to be HUUUUGE! But I don't think Kidofdoom know any other way to do shows??
The most exciting addition to their Cape Town shows has to be Sassquatch, known for his sick imagery and effects for Kidofdoom, Ben Rausch also has the knack of reproducing tracks from electro artists (and artists from other genres) in a fluid mix of busting beats. Haezer will also be playing.
So why all the info? Well, I am giving away two sets of double tickets plus two copies of the new album! Pretty sweet! What do you have to do to get two tickets and an album? Furnish me with an email containing the following:
Your Name: Your preferred venue (Klein Libertas/Mercury): Favourite Kidofdoom song: Why I should give you the prizes:
Email me on richardcoleking[at]gmail[dot]com with the details. You can email me now.
Here are all the gigs on the tour again:
30th Septemeber – Klein Libertas Theatre, Stellenbosch
With Haezer and Sassquatch - R40
02rd October – Mercury Live, Cape Town
With Haezer and Sassquatch - R40
03rd October – Tings n Times, Pretoria
With Sassquatch, Data Takashi and Nathan Scott Philips - R30
9th October – Big Gig #2 – Durban
With Sassquatch, City Bowl Mizers and guests. - R50 (R30 with Student Card)
29th October – Back2Basix, Johannesburg
With Sassquatch, Data Takashi and Marc Latilla - R40
So, by now you will be aware of the imminent launch of the new Kidofdoom album, My Faith in War. I received a press release that read:
"In OCTOBER 2009 the band are independently releasing their 15 track album ‘My Faith in War’, a concept album which is a 60minute long sound-scape of the bands’ interpretation of the Apocalypse and the hope of life thereafter, recorded at B# Studios and produced by Kidofdoom and PH van Pletzen from Yesterday’s Pupil. ‘My Faith in War’ features guest artists Mathieu Auriacombe and Yesterday’s Pupil as well as Kidofdooms’ two off stage band members, Peter Rodda (Lighting Designer) and Ben Rausch (visuals) who can be seen in the album art. This album is testimony to Kidofdoom’s maturation as a band with much higher levels of production and complex compositions with a distinct move towards electronic music production intertwined with traditional post rock elements. Surging string arrangements, dramatized melodic synth structures with Kidofdoom’s fundamental rhythm section sound that provides the ‘dance’ element to their music. This album is not just a collection of songs carefully pieced together, it is a story with a beginning, middle and an end and must be listened to in its entirety to truly grasp its full effect."
So now you know. What you might be unaware of, is that, starting at the end of the month, Kidofdoom are embarking on a tour of the Nation. Most notably for us (Cape Townians), there will be two shows in the Cape Town area, The Klein Libertas and Mercury Live. The dates for the whole tour are as follows:
The launch dates are as follows:
30th Septemeber – Klein Libertas Theatre, Stellenbosch
With Haezer and Sassquatch - R40
02rd October – Mercury Live, Cape Town
With Haezer and Sassquatch - R40
03rd October – Tings n Times, Pretoria
With Sassquatch, Data Takashi and Nathan Scott Philips - R30
9th October – Big Gig #2 – Durban
With Sassquatch, City Bowl Mizers and guests. - R50 (R30 with Student Card)
29th October – Back2Basix, Johannesburg
With Sassquatch, Data Takashi and Marc Latilla - R40
Oh, am giving away tickets to the events. Start conspiring reasons why I should give you tickets. More info to come as the days draw nearer.
Friday night was great. Kidofdoom headlined the Griet launch party at Assembly. They were supported by The Crapsticks, Codec vs Sound and Haezer. It was also the beginning of an era where Assembly was able to allow patrons to purchase alcohol until 4am. You would have thought that the incentive would have attracted more people. Still, it was about two-thirds full. Fun times.
I arrived soon after The Plastics went on, much to my disgust. Anyway, I had a listen. Before, I have said they sound almost exactly the same as Arctic Monkeys. It seemed for this show, they alternated their sound between two British rock bands in Arctic Monkeys (obviusly) and The Kooks. Good job guys. Are you hoping people are going to start associating FAKE with THE PLASTICS? That would be witty, considering the nature of your name.
The other acts were awesome. Kidofdoom followed Plastics with an explosive performance of new songs that a lot of Cape Town would not have heard. The ever famous Ghost Busters track was a big winner with fans.
Codec vs Sound were very surprising. They played hugely fat tunes that had people dancing. Unfortunately though, after Kidofdoom the exodus trickle began. I guess this partying at Assembly after 2am thing is going to take some getting used to. By 2am, half the people had left, including me.
It was a good night though.
Pics are coming soon. Waiting on photographers; figures.
Assembly are so proud to announce a new closing time. From tomorrow night, they will be closing at 4am, permanently. Congrats guys. In commemoration of this historic event, Kid Of Doom (PTA) are headlining, and The Plastics, Haezer and Codec vs. the Sound are supporting. From 2-4am, Magnum Hi-Fi will be playing a monster set.
Kidofdoom and Ben Rausch (from Johnny Neon) will be doing the third instalment in their "Trajectory" series.
Basically the Trajectory shows are scored live by Kidofdoom (obviously) and then there's a rather abstract narrative told through the lighting of Peter Rodda and the visuals that Ben's keytar spits out.
The story of Trajectory III will be told through an astronaut's journal as he travels to, and explores a barren ice-planet called "Morgan 51".
The show will be performed live at Ramfest this Friday (27 Feb 09) at midnight on the main stage. if you're going to RAMFEST, this is a not to miss show.
So, next up in our prestigious Members' series is Richard Brokensha from Pretoria. He is a member of two awesome bands up there. Kidofdoom and Isochronous. Isochronous recently played a couple gigs in Cape Town for the first time. They rocked out and stole fans. Check my review of the gig.
He plays guitar and lead vocals for Isochronous and he plays guitar and synth for Kidofdoom.
How long have you been playing music?
10 years
What was the first instrument you played?
Piano
How many instruments can you play now?
I can play 8 instruments. They are; Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Voice, Trumpet, Cautro, Accordian.
What do you do with your life when you are not making music?
I'm always making music, but I usually chill with my girlfriend, or fly fish when I have a break, which isn’t often.
What are you hoping to achieve with the release of the Isochronous album?
A new look on music and a deeper meaning and understanding from the public towards rock music.
Not many people know or will ever know how it feels to play in a band, let alone two bands. How does it feel to be a part of two successful bands?
It is quite an overwhelming sensation, especially the feeling while performing; both bands have quite a different aura to each other and they allow me to express different parts of my personality accordingly.
Is it difficult at times?
It can be quite difficult, I don’t get much time to spend with my friends and family and focusing on my studies whilst playing all the time is quite intense, but it's my love for the music that keeps me going,
If Isochronous could tour the world with one International act, who would it be?
Mew, because they are probably the most unique and intelligent rock bands at the moment
What are you listening to (music wise) at the moment?
Quite a bit of Electronica, like Telepopmusiek and Lamb, but I always return to Mew and Jeff Buckley.
Where do you find most of your inspiration for your song writing?
Inspiration comes from within my soul and mind. I try dig deep into my sub conscious and accept certain things about myself to allow my relationships and understanding of life to be enhanced, then I try write it in a way that allows the normal person on the street to relate to the lyrics. Marko also writes a lot of the lyrics.
Why has it taken so long for Isochronous to get down to Cape Town when Kidofdoom has been down quite a few times in the last year?
We have been creating a professional performance and felt that the time is right now.
Would you agree with people when they say Isochronous has at times hints of a Kidofdoom sound?
The only reason for this is because I am in both bands and aspects of my expression will surely come out in the music. It’s like a person’s accent when speaking a language. When you speak to different people your accent still remains the same.
Sassquatch got things under way with a trend setting electro set that is always expected from someone of his class. Following him, Yesterday’s Pupil came on for his second Assembly performance. Average.
By far the highlight of the evening was the outfit that is Isochronous. Richard, front man of Isochronous also happens to play for Kidofdoom. Isochronous came on stage with a very evident agenda; to please what has been termed the toughest crowd in South Africa. With exciting melodies, clean experimental guitar riffs and chronic varied drumming, Isochronous (in my opinion) stole the show. Safe to say, most of the crowd had not been exposed the PTA boys live performance, but were soon won over by the aforementioned talent. With a complementary hint of Kidofdoom influence present in the music, Isochronous presents a refreshing standard lift to “Indie Rock” in South Africa.
Following them were the very well known act that is Kidofdoom. Every time they play, they fail to disappoint. Solid, compact and ever growing in maturity and stage presence.
All in all, the Pretoria line up showed Cape Town a real good time. Even Craig from Desmond was there.
Saturday night features an interestingly diverse selection of music. Cape Town is simply bound to fancy at least one party. At The Assembly, Fokofpolisiekar of the Northern Suburbs are playing for those who are that way inclined. For those more into House/electro/rave, the now long standing party of Arcade is happening at, dare I say it, the Bang Bang Club. Then, my personal favourite, Dear John Love Emma are launching into the whole performance thing with their very first public appearance at the Waiting Room after which they will also all be dj'ing. For more info on Dear John Love Emma click here.
Too much for one weekend? That's what I thought.
But wait there is more. Tuesday, the day before the oh-so-welcome public holiday, The Arrows are playing with King of Town, Lapse and Magnum Hi-Fi at The Assembly. Click here for the event page. Similtaneously, Fiction is going off with Going Steady, Lapse, Tommy Gun and HAASBROEK (Mystic Boer). The event is called Untamed Youth.
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.
Unit.R and Pretoria based instrumentalists, Kidofdoom paired up for two nights this weekend to promote their new music and just have a jol. On Friday night they performed at Mercury and Saturday night they invited Desmond & the Tutus to join them in Stellenbosch at the Klein Libertas. Unit.R got proceedings under way with some new tunes and a few familiar ones. They have really come into their own in the last year, and performed out of their socks. They are well worth a look in! Above: Unit.R Below: Kidofdoom Next on the bill was none other than the music sensations, Kidofdoom who played the greatest of the two sets I have had the pleasure to view. From huge guitar riffs to thumping bass lines, Kidofdoom lack very little in ability and stage presence. After Kidofdoom's energy sapping display, patrons had the opportunity to catch some fresh air and get drink before Desmond & the Tutus made the evening complete!
Stellenbosch turned out to be a great gigging evening for bands, local and traveling. Lets do it again sometime.
This weekend saw Desmond & the Tutus in Cape Town to show off their latest creation, Tuck Shop. They played two packed out gigs, Friday at Evol and Saturday at The Klein Libertas. They enjoyed favour and love from the Evol crowd as dancing was more of a reaction than anything else. An involuntary combination of dance moves is standard at any Desmond gig. Sweat flew from shaking brows and drinks were spilled. White shoes turned a black/brown colour and everyone was happy.
Desmond & the Tutus at Evol (above)
Saturday night saw the Tutus pair up with Unit.R and Kidofdoom in Stellenbosch for a giant merrymaking. Together with Shane's (vocals) ridiculous larger than life stage presence, Nick (bass) and Doug's (electric guitar) charismatic dance moves and The Klein Libertas' huge lighting, Desmond won the hearts of every attendee and worker. One of the secrets to the Desmond live performance success is the absence of an instrument to hold Shane back. Even when he whips out the harmonica, it compliments his character.
Above: Shane showing off his futuristic dance moves, which are mimicked enthusiastically by the crowd. He calls this dance the German Modern.
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)
Of late, there has been a huge amount of online publicity and funky ghosts on street posts. All for Johnny Foreigner and their phenomenal South African entourage. For the lineup for the different venues, click here. They also have an EP for free download and an interesting teaser. Click here for that.
Posts
