SA Rocks

What. A. Party.

That’s all that I can really say about the incredibly well-organised event, Rocking the Gardens in JHB, Emmerentia this past weekend.

The bands were spot on time, every hour on the hour a new band started from 12:00 – 23:00. There was food, drink, eco-conscious causes, cancer causes, smoking stands, gift stores, VIP areas (Thanks Mango-OMC and Cath!) and tons, tons more.

This is without a doubt one of the best rock festivals that I have attended in a very, very long time. It might only have been one day, but let me tell you that I made it worth while staying for the entire event.

The highlights in terms of musical performances were:

aKing

– without a doubt aKing is the leading live band in the country right now. You may not agree with me, but I cannot see how that would be possible. I have yet to be disappointed by this phenomenal South African group. Their stage bravado is epic, their command of lyrical brilliance is sublime and their musical prowess is just astounding.

Just Jinger

– an oldie but what a goodie. They played the headlining spot at 22:00 on Saturday evening which I believe should’ve/would’ve been reserved for aKing had they not had to leave to play another gig in Potch.

Gang of Instrumentals

– this group is without a doubt one of the tightest, happening acts in the South Africa. They got a crowd filled with rock-lovers to jump up and down to more hip-hop/rap based tunes and were brilliant all the way through.

Overall this is an event that I will most definitely go back to next year. There was not a single problem or issue. No overly drunk morons, no irritatingly tall people blocking our line of sight, no parking trouble, no lack of food, booze or drink, no wanting for anything.

I will go so far as to say that I think that Rocking the Gardens will very soon overtake Joburg day as the rock event of the year. Easy.

Popularity: 6% [?]

aKING is one of my absolute favourite bands right now. Not favourites in South Africa, Favourite. Period.

Their melodic tunes coupled with the distinctive voice of their lead singer, the raw passion that they display and their incredible live performances make them one of the leading bands in South Africa without a doubt.

I have been waiting patiently for their latest release and it is finally here. Not only have they released their new album but they have progressed with the times and released it DRM-Free!

download aKING’s new album HERE

Here’s a little taster from their last album:

The album is called Against All Odds, which immediately reminds me of Phil Collins for some odd reason. Anyways, the track listing looks like this:

Set Ourselves Up

Fork In The Road

Face-brick Constellations

The Heart Of A Fool

Gentile Gentleman

You And I

Against All Odds

Blood Or Glitter

New Clear Season

The Wishing Well

Know Your Bones

Now the key here that you need to know is that I already have the album. I paid R77 for it and would do it again in a second. I wish more bands removed their heads from their backsides and did what aKING are doing – selling their music at affordable prices online. Done. Dusted. Do it.

Popularity: 9% [?]

I can’t say it enough, I am loving the local music scene right now. South Africa has some phenomenal musicians coming forward and making their mark right now. One of the most astounding for me personally is aKing.

Their music is distinctive, as they say, thanks to Laudo (lead vocalist) whose voice is incredibly recognisable and sets aKing apart from other bands right now. Their song writing skills are local with a twist of darkness and self-loathing which is always good. They are fast building a cult following that crosses language, culture and genre barriers which is always fantastic to see.

aKing rock.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Bellville, Rock City is a DVD/CD/Print project that documents pieces of the life and music of some of South Africa’s most phenomenally influential Afrikaans Rock bands; Fokofpolisiekar, Springbok Nude Girls, Foto na Dans, aKING, Jax Panik, K.O.B.U.S!, Van Coke Kartel, New Holland, Ashtray Electric, Thieve, Lukraaketaar, Tatum and Die Heuwels Fantasties who are all from Bellville.

I’m assuming that the idea for this project came from the surrounding friends/fanbase of these bands as many of the people I know who are fervent fans are very creatively endowed. It’s quite admirable to see this collective creative development around young Afrikaans people exploding in so many dimensions. Other local artists would be lucky to have the same loyalty and dedication to their ideas.

The package Includes:

• A 13-track audio CD featuring 13 of Bellville’s most prominent Rock Groups/Artists.
• A 30 Minute documentary short film about the Bellville Rock Scene. Fokofpolisiekar, aKING, Ashtray Electric and others on tour.
• 8 MP3’s from the archives of Bellville bands throughout the years.
• 10 Music videos.
• A 48 Page booklet in which the musicians share their photos and experiences.

More details and tracklistings can be found here.

Due for release on the 28th of November through Rhythm Online.

Popularity: 5% [?]