Psychedelic boere-punk trailblazers, Karel Bester en die Kraaines Band, have made their recording debut with a raucous live set from the smoke-stained bowels of Aandklas in Stellenbosch. Released on 29 September, it’s a reckless, high-energy romp that parties until it passes out, head spinning with dreams of dirty deeds.
Need to get something off your chest?
Good news. Somewhere in the Cape Town night, TOUGHGUY is turning a dimly-lit stage into a smoke-filled confessional. Neck-deep in churning fuzz, Sihle Mhkize is shouting his sweat-soaked demons out into the void. He’s pushing his way through writhing bodies and emerging beside you, mic outstretched. It’s time to join in.
Gladiolus Tristis is Aaron de Kock’s, better known as RT Palmer‘s, second official EP. This project follows his 2021 release, Amalgamate, which featured BLACACTUS. Gladiolus Tristis marks the first-ever solo project from RT Palmer and is one that he took the time to meticulously curate into the oscillating seven-part production that was released on 9 December.
[Sold Ash released his self-titled debut EP on 28 April 2020. PHOTO: Daniel Luckhoff-Wessels.]
What began as a performance in an 11th-grade talent contest has evolved into one of the most prominent acts on the Cape Town psych-rock scene. Ruan Vos, better known by his stage name Sold Ash, has been making waves locally with his muted yet extravagant showmanship, lyrical prowess and meticulously-curated sound.