Archive for the ‘Event Reviews’ Category

Evolver One has an amazing live sound. The band had tight rhythm, especially for sudden intros. Each instrument sounded individual. The bass was solid, guitar was good and the keyboard had melodies both driving and filling, with what seemed like a different synth/piano/organ sound for each song. The main vocalist sounded strong and professional (and rather British when talking to the audience), especially with what sounded like a harmoniser and flanger applied for fullness.

Find the band page on Facebook.

Photos of Broadway Screamer who were on stage before Evolver One.

Michael Currin

michael.currin.co.za

Party in the Park had me feeling like I’d dropped in at Splashy for an afternoon. Just minus the mud. The atmosphere was totally relaxed and even the sun came out in support of the event, which was organised by Varsity College in aid of Headway Natal.

The entertainment consisted of four local Durban bands, craft stalls and of course a kiddies corner with a jumping castle and face painting. Your real family day out. The first band up was Red Light Stereo, a band gaining popularity lately, and they were good, but I also found that they did not really demand the audience’s attention. And also I understand that they are an emerging band, but they played a few too many cover songs. Their own songs were good enough to carry them.

While Red Light Stereo played more people arrived, filling up the field….well half the field… of Jimmy Bellows Sports Grounds a bit better. It was a bit disappointing that there weren’t more people, as it was all to support a good cause, as I said before Varsity College were donating all the proceeds to Headway Natal, an organisation helping people with brain injuries. Though I think it was more a lack of broader advertising that let them down.

And onwards to the next band! The second band of the day were Catlike thieves and this was the first time that I’ve finally seen them live and they were awesome. Just watching them you could see how much they enjoyed their music, you kind of got the feeling that they’re the kind of band that could enjoy playing to an audience of ten, or five hundred….just as long as they get to play their stuff. They also had a real classic rock ‘n roll sound about them, which was fun because it’s not as common these days.

The third band to take to the stage was Sheep Down. I’m pretty sure it was these guys that made the comment about the “stage” actually. The bands were set up inside a Coca Cola truck. It was awesome, now I’ll never look at those trucks the same way again…..I’ll always wonder if I open up the one side if I’ll find a band playing away. It’s like a mobile Bands R Us service…but back to Sheep Down. For such a fun and energetic band, it didn’t really feel like they hit their stride until about halfway through their set. Maybe it was the heat, or the totally chilled audience, but they just did not start off with the bang that you expect from ska. But like I said, they soon picked up and the more energetic audience members got up and danced up their appreciation.

Last was Fire Through The Window. I had not actually seen them live up until yesterday (no clue how I managed that, since they’re pretty much everywhere), and I’m really glad it finally happened. They are such a, for lack of a better word, sweet concept. Even watching them it was as if Sinead was singing all the songs to Marc, and Marc was playing every note for her. Gosh I’m getting all caught up in the light and charming romance of the band.

All in all Party in the Park was a great way to spend the first Saturday of spring and I hope that they managed to raise alot for Headway Natal. There was a friendly, giving feel about the whole event and hopefully it even becomes an annual one.

Review by Samantha Dawe

“I’ve always had this curious fascination with classical symphony meeting pop / rock. Six Years ago, I knew I wanted to see Flat Stanley performing in front of an Orchestra”                                                              

There seems to be a lot of crossing over taking place. From blending pop-rock with the symphony of a live Orchestra, to finally making a dream come true. In 48 hours the Grand Arena, Grand West, will be transformed into a rare and experiential performance brought together by a 65 piece Orchestra. Talk about Electricity!!!

Taking a step to the other side of the Music Industry, Andy Mac has kept this vision alive for almost 8 years. Finally he was ready to put on the ‘Producers Hat’ and take that vital step. Commitment.

Despite mixed reactions, Andy Mac believed in the success of this production. He had every good reason to. “I’m thrilled. Next to speechless. Within 2 weeks we sold out to full capacity. It wasn’t easy to pull this off, but I absolutely can’t wait to see people’s reactions. The Cape Town vibe has been simply amazing and I know that we’re going to knock this one out of the park!”

With careful attention to detail, this promises to be the show of the year. The AV effects are rumoured to be breathtaking. While at any given time there will be at least 100 top class musicians on stage sharing their common passion – Music. With so many logistics to keep in mind, putting together an event of this capacity can only be a labour of love.

“I’ve always been involved in the eventing aspect of the music industry – helping others and bringing in what I know that works. I don’t see myself going into events production but rather producing worthwhile Flat Stanley Events that I can be proud of.” comments Andy.

 As the final touches are being put into place, and the technical rehearsals come to an end – Cape Town is about to brought to life with a new sound. 3 Lucky JHB couples also have the chance to be a part of the experience. The rest of the country will simply have to wait. This might be a rare show, but I doubt it will be the last.

Join FLAT STANLEY • LOUISE CARVER • JUST JINJER • WATERSHED • aKING • GANG OF INSTRUMENTALS and 65 SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA Sat 21st August 2010 at the Grand West, and stay tuned to all the latest news.

Lena Ski

For those of you who missed the passion…

According to the front man of Billy Talent, Canada makes the best beer….well after last night’s concert it’s clear that the country has much more to offer than just cold beverages.

Durban was the last leg of Billy Talent’s South African tour, and the energy that the band, and the supporting act, The Dirty Skirts, brought to the stage could have fooled anyone into thinking it was the first concert. There was no holding back, no tailing off, every minute of each band’s set was explosive.

The supporting band, Cape Town band The Dirty Skirts, took to the stage earlier than expected at around 7pm and proceeded to warm the crowd right up. Personally I’m a fan of the band, so it was pretty hard to stand still and take pictures when they played some of their catchier songs. Though looking back, and from chatting to people at the event, I’m not sure they were the best choice as the sole supporting act. The Dirty Skirts sound is very dance and radio friendly, while the fans attracted by Billy Talent tended to be into a harder sound. But to give credit to The Dirty Skirts, I think they won over alot of the non-believers during their set, the crowd was really getting into it. They also put on a very energetic show which leads into Billy Talent’s set perfectly.

When Billy Talent took over the stage the crowd really went wild. Their set was just amazing from start to finish. The lead singer had enough energy to power a small country and he used every inch of it. The whole band was very professional in their execution of their songs, and the whole set flowed flawlessly. The crowd showed their adoration by sacrificing shoes, bras and even panties to be thrown at the band, whom loved every second of it. At one point the lead singer even tried to start returning the lost shoes; who doesn’t love a band that can rock your socks off, and then have the kindness to return them. All in all it was probably the best live show I’ve ever been to, well worth braving the freezing cold weather.

Review by Samantha Dawe