Browsing Tag

south africa

Heavy and hard: Cape Town’s Stranger of Earth scorch all doubt away on ‘Pandemic’

Posted on 16 January 2021

Stranger of Earth are back with their signature electric energy force fields that have blessed our tired souls on the hard-hitting new single ‘Pandemic‘.

Four-piece Cape Town, South Africa progressive hard rockers Stranger of Earth are a band that you hear once in your life and never ever forget. Their have a spectacular style that smashes through the fragile speakers and will thud a big dent in your bedroom walls; to certainly wake up your startled neighbors.

This is about these dark and gloomy times and how the current world is in a huge mess. Our sins have been found out and this is the liberation time when we recreate, reboot and reinvent ourselves. Some of us might of forgotten our names and what our purpose is but with these strong vocals, groovy electric bass-lines and thunderous drum melodies, your mindset will be clearer and without restrictive cobwebs.

They are a must-see when gigs open up again in the locked-down band scene in Cape Town where so many venues have been unfortunately biting the dust, due to this horrific time in the world. Whilst new bars and venues will emerge and pop up again, the motivated band have been hard at work, evolving their sound and becoming tighter as a well-oiled unit.

Stranger of Earth are so hungry and passionate on ‘Pandemic‘ and shows that their clear approach to hooks and tones is working, as they have a pure sound that gets you motivated to get up and grab that blood flow pulsating through your veins.

We live in wild times but its all made a bit easier to handle by a South African band who have a powerful sound that is world class.

Turn up the volume for this one on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

From South Africa to Australia: Indie singer-songwriter Oshua showcases his story of being stuck inside on ‘Monke’

Posted on 20 December 2020

South African born and Perth, Australia based new artist Oshua shows us his growing music maturity on the scrumptious new single called ‘Monke‘.

The refreshing sounds of tweeting birds in the background adds a natural element for our tired ears and we hear the fresh vocals of this young storyteller right away. His story of minding his own business and being stuck in his own head from the time alone and in this horrible pandemic, is so real. The lyrics are so understandable as we are all searching for that special soul to hold our hand tight and help us out of the sticky quicksand. That’s all we really need; an angel to help us get up and be strong again.

The Lofi-Pop with RnB fused in to make this a tasty song to lather our soul in, is a wonderful moment during this horrific year that doesn’t seem to end quick enough. This is a talented singer-songwriter who has a golden voice that seems to have a hint of honey coated filling inside to make it so sweet and tender.

There is lots of potential here and if he can stay focused and work out what he needs to do in order to properly prioritize his goals for a long-term impact, the sky is literally the limit for this young talent.

Australian based Oshua makes such sweetly juiced music on ‘Monke‘ and this makes you want to laze in bed all day, headphones on loud and forget all your worries while having a relaxing nap to replenish your soul.

Support this fast-rising musician on his Spotify and see more of the vision on his FB & IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Having the right mindset: Emerger guide us through the smoke of 2020 with ‘State of Mind’

Posted on 28 November 2020

The alt-pop pureness from Cape Town duo dreamers Emerger is exactly what we need to stay sane during these apocalyptic times. The squawking birds flutter around with more confidence as they can feel the earth healing from the less smoke and pollution in the sky. The calming but chilly waves offer a peaceful environment to reflect on these unimaginable times in the world, as quarantine has us all feeling like lab rats in a science experiment gone wrong.

Her voice is elegantly enticing enough to dare us to daydream again, while the natural production adds a layer of escapism from the current affairs that can consume your mind to unearth unhealthy levels of anxiously. The combination of the vastly beautiful visuals and sonically stunning soundscapes, make this exhilarating new single a mood changing experience of pleasurable proportions.

The dazzling and always well-dressed duo have been performing and recording music for many years after meeting while studying music at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Their vision and passions are forever interlocked and it feels like they take a step up each time I listen to their wonderful creations. Their humble nature only makes them more likable as in a world full of too many flashy fakes and petty posers, their dreamy alt-pop music only calms the heart rate to help you feel encouraged and brave enough to face the wild world again.

Being in the correct frame of mind is so tough right now if you don’t have a strong support system to stay positive. Luckily, we have the recently engaged Emma De Goede & Gerry Matthee from Cape Town’s Emerger to show us the way to the beach with a smile and a deliciously created beat to make us all remember how to blush again.

‘State of Mind’ teaches us that everything is going to be okay again and we all need to stay positive as love and groovy music can exist, if you want it enough deep inside your soul.

See the visuals here on YouTube and follow their music journey on Facebook and IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Finding the guiding light within to escape darkness: Benoni Alt Rockers Far From Who We Are lead the way on the inspirational ‘Rise’

Posted on 20 November 2020

The haunting start, the sand flowing downwards in the video, and the almost-clockwork sounds of doom. This grabs your attention, and all leads to a ferociously powerful entry into the minds of a trapped soul. This is a song about getting out of that dark place within your deep soul, and you find yourself stuck like standing in a puddle of glue. South African Alt-Rock act Far From Who We Are, lift themselves to new heights that will need a working parachute on, ‘Rise‘-their new stomping track that dropped on the 20th November 2020 from HopePunk Records.

“Rise” is a dark yet uplifting song with a positive message – it’s about escaping a dark place or difficult situation and finding the strength to get back up and rise above it. 

His vocals are laced with emotion but keeps the tone so tremendously stable, the electric guitar is bursting with energy, and the drums break down the glass of the next door neighbours window. They manage to magnify the sound to encompass Hard Rock and Metal melodies, without getting too hectic, and over the top. The temperature is just right from the sunshine emanating from the Benoni boys, who are ravaging with energy here.

The message of keeping hope in dark times is so relevant, especially now in this much-changed world. Its almost like a bad movie, and keeping mentally sane is proving rather difficult for millions of humans out there. This powerfully portrayed song is a beacon of light in the depths of the sewers of 2020, and finding the light of 2021 is so important to stay sane. Music like this really helps as the band are in scintillating form.

Far From Who We Are climb out of the depths of darkness, and bring us an inspirational track, that is full of uplifting Hard Rock passion on ‘Rise‘.

Fuel that passion by seeing the music video on YouTube and find out more about the South African band on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

 

Johannesburg producer HYMR impresses on futuristic marvel ‘Artificial Intelligence’

Posted on 14 August 2020

The City of Gold in South Africa is the home of producer HYMR and he returns to wave the flag of his country proudly on electro road-trip ‘Artificial Intelligence‘.

Written as a musical abstract painting, ‘Artificial Intelligence‘ is the latest album to come from South African producer HYMR. Considering technology as both a solution and threat, ‘Artificial Intelligence‘ focuses on fundamental issues affecting the world and mainly the threat of pollution and climate change.

A self taught pianist, HYMR has been seeking out music from a young age. He loved playing pianos anywhere he could find them- in school, in shops and in hostels.

The highlights on this album in my eyes are definitely ‘Polluted Planet‘, ‘Here We Are‘ and ‘We Belong Together‘. The production is extra special here and the music takes you into a new world. I close my eyes and imagine the world in a better place, away from all the destruction that it faces.

Johannesburg producer HYMR takes us on a wild journey through the ups and downs of AI and the way he has constructed ‘Artificial Intelligence‘ is quite impressive. With the troubles in his home country, South Africa should be proud of this fantastic producer who will surely be getting lots of calls about festivals in 2021.

Stream the new album right here on Spotify.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

South African artist Black Poze gets the crowds dancing with ”Zama Zama”

Posted on 14 July 2020

Black Poze, otherwise known as Legrigamba, is a hybrid music artist affectionately known to his fans as “Sotho Rap Genius“. Poze has a Sotho lyrical prowess fused with his new found Western influences. Hailing from South Africa and he was born in Welkom in the dusty Free State. For music reasons, Poze is now based in Germiston, Gauteng. Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg has a massive say in the African Hip Hop scene. It is here where artists do their best to stand out and get on those massive lineups.

”Zama Zama” is the new release from Black Poze and he pulls out all the stops here. With a signature flow and powerful production, he is in the high leagues of professional Hip Hop artists. I like how he goes for it on the song and it’s very catchy. The chorus is bound to be sung loudly this coming summer in South Africa when venues can open up again.

Stream this new track right here on the artists Spotify music page.

For more info be sure to check out his Facebook music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

South African folk fairy Leoné Murphy echos the current world with spellbinding ”Chaos”

Posted on 28 June 2020

I’ve always wanted to play crochet with a real fairy.

In a world full of chaos there are always those good souls that send us messages and leave clues behind to help us. This is one of those moments. When you hear true words that have been created with only good intentions. This is the reminder that all is not lost.

Dubai based South African singer-songwriter Leoné Murphy sends us a peaceful message full of guidance on her new single ”Chaos”. Her stunningly crystal clear voice that is like a fresh waterfall gushing with true stories that have not been tainted at all. I have goosebumps and my heart is happy again. Each word means something.

In a world full of mystery and depressing news, Leoné is a leading light to find the right way and not get sucked into the oil-spilled carnage of current events. The South African folk singer with an incredible voice and real lyrics impresses so much hear that I’m still shaking my heat and smiling. There is light and with music we all heal.

”Chaos” from Leoné Murphy is 2020’s turning point and one of my favorite songs by far. This is a soundtrack that needs to be cherished and enjoyed with family & friends. We can all escape if we are together as one.

Stream this stunning song full of worldly beauty that will transfix your soul on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

LaiLaiTee reminds us to always have love ”On Your Mind”

Posted on 15 June 2020

Tokunbo Samuel aka LaiLaiTee is an Irish-Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer. Recently, he relocated to Johannesburg in South Africa to study and record music. LaiLaiTee describes his style of music as Afro-fusion and that’s exactly the vibe going there. It’s Africa to the core and I personally love it. Being South African born, this reminds me of some wild parties and music to bounce to while in the mini-bus taxi headed to work.

”On Your Mind” is a well-produced song that is passionately delivered with outstanding vigor from a clearly talented artist. This is a man who knows what is wants and is finding out what is on her mind. He wants clarity and won’t stop until he has the answer. LaiLaiTee is currently in the City of Gold in South Africa where he will find the biggest music industry in Southern Africa. He has a big future and big things are set to come. You can feel his willingness to put in 100% and not expect anything given to him.

Stream this new track right here on Spotify.

Head to his Facebook page to get more info on future gigs.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Peaceful energy by South African singer Beverly Jayne on her beautiful single ”Breathe”

Posted on 14 June 2020

When you are thinking too much it can be easy to forget something so simple like breathing. You get caught up in the moment and overthink for hours while pilling up worries like rocks in your backpack. Eventually you are going to be weighed down while climbing that mountain and fall back. Rolling down that hill will be sore but you will learn. Taking that breath will make you feel lighter and happier.

Beverly Jayne is one of the great female rock singers in South Africa and has made her mark fronting SA band Concussion Girl. From growing up with a rocker dad to her music teacher Gran- Beverly was always destined to be on stage. She is renowned as a phenomenal live performer with a distinctively unique vocal style. I get in lost in her voice and I feel like this artist deserves the biggest possible stage.

”Breathe” is a strong song and gets you thinking about your hopes and dreams. The track is simple but effective and I suddenly start breathing more while remembering that everything is going to be okay. I’m excited by Beverly Jayne’s song and it makes me feel happy. This is an artist with real stories and soul. She has played all of the country and hopefully will get a chance to tour overseas so that new fans can be born.

Click on the YouTube link to hear this good song and get more from this wonderfully talented musician.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Sparking real change with inspirational Ark 4 Africa’s new anthem ”It’s Just a Memory”

Posted on 14 June 2020

Ark 4 Africa are an evolving group of musicians with a massive mission of epic proportions on their shoulders. They have just released the inspiring song for their new single ”It’s Just a Memory”. If you stream this song from iTunes or other music platform you are helping Noah’s Ark and its Global Conservation and Climate Action initiatives.

Noah’s Ark is a state of the art animal and ecological conservation park. It will cover 100 square kilometers on the North East coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. This will be the largest and most ambitious conservation project in history. The construction was scheduled to start in August 2020. The aim is to save species on the brink of extinction from all over the world.

This is the follow up from 2019’s ”It Takes the World to Make a Miracle” which is a song that really made a splash. ”It’s Just a Memory” follows the same formula and we are brought into a story that involves a world without animals for our kids to see up close. The vocals are beautiful on this song as we are taken on an emotional ride.

Help out this extremely valuable cause by streaming the song on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen