Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop @ The Olive Lounge

We really need to start getting to the Olive Lounge earlier – sometime before 9pm. We went to review Knave (again), and ended up missing their set (again), so we were pretty bummed. It was a charity event, which again, we had no idea it was supporting. The venue was packed out which really proves that Steve has single-handedly created more awareness and popularity to a once dwindling industry. Okay, we really wish it went that way, but are always glad to see more people supporting local talent.

We saw Wonderboom’s Martin on stage and quickly scanned the room for Cito and the rest of the crew. They couldn’t be spotted which meant only one thing – we had stumbled across a potentially great gig without even knowing it…Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop. Yeah! I had heard so many great things so found it odd that I hadn’t seen any ads out for this performance.

They were really a great act and really funny for most the set. They ragged women a lot, but then ragged men even more. Martin Rocka was dressed as if someone had let Hugh Heffner pimp out Spiderman and Martin has kept this as his signature look. There were other comments that, he covers his face out of shame for playing in Wonderboom, but that’s up to each persons interpretation.

There were occasional songs that had a distinct Wonderboom sound but most songs had a raw, loud, new feel. This band really do know what they are doing and have fun without messing around too much. Their set up reminded me of a Violent Femmes gig in the way that they use less instruments with a bigger sound. This band can only pull off an act like this on very few stages – they know this and they don’t seem to mind, but with the right crowd they can make a big impact. Just don’t invite them to play at your wedding.

Battle For Woodstock 07 November 2007

The whole intention of going to The Olive Lounge on Wednesday was to watch Munkinpure – a band that has been on our “really must see” list for a while. Forgetting that this was not a ‘normal’ band night, we arrived at about 9.30 to be told that Munkinpure had already played. A bit bummed, we did what we could to look really disappointed at the door and we got in for half price.

“Oomniek” were playing when we walked in. To be honest, I was a bit sceptical about their name and didn’t expect much, but did these guys prove me wrong! They knew how to rock and how to hold the crowd who loved them throughout their set. The Afrikaans rock scene seems to be growing steadily, and with bands such as Straatligkinders, Foto Na Dans and Oomniek, I can only see it going forward from there. Good guys. Good times.

Next up were Norwood, who were…ummm…okay, the less I say here the better. They committed too many band crimes in a 20 minute set to make any positive impact. Steve’s advice for this band would be 1. Keep your lead singer marginally sober until after you have played, and 2. Never, and I mean NEVER do a rock cover of ANY Justin Timberlake song. It is bad for you! Stop it!
There was a bit of talent hidden in there, but they still looked like a high school band.

Iberah were great to watch as they salvaged that part of the evening. Not only were they good-looking guys (which made their setting up quite interesting), but they really know what they are doing. There are some bands that are a step above the rest from day one, and this band would be one of them. They looked the part, they played the part, they even dedicated a song to all the emo kids in the crowd. There you go emo kids…someone does care.
They are a great band with great style and a great future. I really hope they hold it together long enough to make an impact.

We could hear Fragmented Children were quite heavy from where we were sitting outside, so decided to go in and take a look. I’m not too sure where all these people had been hiding up to this point, but the place was packed! There were a few hard core fans head-banging in the front of a huge group of people – the most I’d seen in this venue – taking in all they could. They were clearly the most popular band of the evening and deserved all the support. Despite not being our type of music, they were really good and if you are looking out for something heavy, keep an eye out for Fragmented Children.

It’s always great getting Steve back to his roots and checking out some new indie bands. Unlike most evenings such as this, the organisation was excellent. The bands moved on and off the stage according to schedule, played up to their designated times with enough exposure to show what they do best.

See you at Woodstock!

Stay Astray, The Slickers & Evolver @ The Olive Lounge

Tuesday night at The Olive Lounge was another memorable one. It is such a great venue and there was a big enough crowd to create a real party vibe. All the bands that were set to play are favourites, so I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while. Evolver were playing, so Cuervo was involved again – tequila all around!

First up was Stay Astray who the two “Steves” have caught twice this week – and they blew us away both times. Last Friday we braved Vaughan’s in Edenvale where we watched them playing on a stage behind the bar which is pretty random. The stage is higher than the bar fridges – one of which lead singer and guitarist Trev decided to play on.

The stage at The Olive Lounge is much more suited for bands – especially for those who like to connect with their audience. The crowd was still pretty small, but these guys gave it their all. It is really good to see one of the up and coming bands turning so many heads. They have officially been added onto the YBSA list of favourites.

Next up were The Slickers, who were as great as always. It seems like the current band members are there to stay and have the right chemistry to make this band work. What I really like about this band is that they entered the scene with such a developed and mature sound that could make them a headline act from an early stage.

Evolver had the then, large crowd jumping around and singing along with the help of a little salt, lemon and Cuervo (you’re singing it in your head, aren’t you?). The band proved, yet again, their ability to leave a crowd wanting more. Everyone was really getting into it…there were even people stage diving which must be a first for The Olive Lounge. It’s great to see the band getting the response they deserve.

I managed to catch up with some old(er) and new(er) friends which always adds to a good evening.

See you all at the next one!