The Slickers & Evolver @ The Blues Room

The Blues Room has aircon! People…that changes everything about the venue. Having everything you wore while sweating it out in a dingy, dull room smelling like smoke, is now a distant memory giving the bands more attention. I arrived in a grumpy mood – only going out because it beat sitting around at home feeling sorry for myself. Who knew that an evening with kick ass bands would be the solution. This is really something I should know by now!

THE SLICKERS opened the evening with a great set. I’m starting to recognise a few of their songs making my favourite past time of singing along a reality. Every time I hear this band I love them more. You can see they love what they do and they perform as if it is just a part of their day where playing a gig is routine. Regardless of the size of the crowd or the reaction to their songs, they always play a fantastic set and put their all into it.

A YBSA favourite EVOLVER were there to play two sets which made the rest of the evening a killer one. With a new album in the cards – due to be released within the next few months – their set is more varied than we have ever seen. While integrating the new songs with the older ones, and emitting great stage presence and crowd interaction, they are one of the best bands you will ever see live. “Go all the way” is still a firm favourite, but I see many new singles on the horizon. Their new songs are stronger, radio friendly and still unmistakably Evolver. Pete’s voice is becoming distinctively recognisable and the band is becoming a household name.

Evolver are moving up quickly enough to land some great sponsorship deals. These included Jose Cuervo Tequila as well as Pulsate clothing. So if you are looking for some great music and free alcohol from a group of styling (and good looking) guys…an Evolver gig is the place to be!

By the end of the evening, I had cheered up completely. My bad mood was gone, and I was already looking at my diary to see when they were playing again. Shot guys!

Want to know a bit more about what happens behind the scene in the life of Evolver? Look no further! We are currently interviewing the guys, so keep an eye out for their secrets.

THE SLICKERS, NEWTOWN & EVOLVER @ FIRKIN

We were back at The Firkin in Boksburg, and I have to come clean here…I really enjoy going to this venue (not the east rand *gasp*). There is always something strange that happens every time we go, and the people are pretty odd, but it is one of the few places where you can jump around, be close to the band and sing along. The band can connect well with the crowd and more importantly, in some cases; the setting makes it easier to pass the tequila around.

THE SLICKERS were on top form as always, and they had (yet another) replacement guitarist. I’m not too sure why there is always someone new, but instead of speculating, I’m sure they have their reasons. Despite this, they always play a great set and come across as a band who have been doing this for years. They are so comfortable on stage, which makes you more attentive to the music, which too, is of a very high standard. They could easily be a headlining act and I can only see them going that way…and pretty soon. There were some sound issues, which didn’t stop the band from re-doing the songs once this was rectified. No one was complaining either. They really are THAT good.

NEWTOWN weren’t as impressive as they were the last time I saw them. I don’t know if I was expecting too much, but I got a bit bored and they drowned a bit into the background as more people arrived. I haven’t seen them often enough to say this, but it seems as though they are a bunch of people each playing their own thing instead of playing together as a band. They were still pretty good though, they just needed a bit of life added to what they were doing.

EVOLVER seem to be taking things a step up. They have some great new songs and are definitely attracting a bigger crowd. They really put their all into every gig which makes them the amazing band that they are! People are really starting to catch on to their songs and lyrics and are very receptive to everything the band do and say. Most people have got the “Lets get naked” sing-a-long part right and it fits in perfectly with the song – all the band used to get were a handful of blank faces.

Sponsors, Jose Cuervo, come to the party every time and there is always a lot of tequila in the room. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, James even shares.

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!

Evolver @ Tanz Thurs 6 Sep 07

Evolver played yet another brilliant acoustic gig at Tanz Café on Thursday night. I really enjoyed it (as usual) and the sound was right up there with all other good…umm…sounds.

Moving on. The opening band were The Slickers who are becoming a firm YBSA favourite. They sound a lot like Madness – which I think is great – and all their songs are catchy and sing-a-long-able. One day I would have seen them enough to pick up on the lyrics. They do seem to have different band members to the last time I saw them. This time Verny (ex Just Jinger) was part of the group, maybe next time Suggs will make an appearance, who knows?

Evolver have climbed up another rung of Steve’s Ladder of Greatness. By taking a little fashion advice by our style gurus to heart, the boys were looking hotter than ever! Trust us – coordinated works.

My only complaint about Thursday was that I really expected there to be more people. I have seen much smaller crowds, but when you have one of SA’s top bands as well as one of the finest up and coming bands on one stage, you expect a bit more of a response.

So, with Steve being no stranger to boosting a band, here are some reasons to watch the next Evolver gig:
- Great talent doesn’t come around too often these days…ask the Idols judges, but these guys have what it takes.
- Awesome songs, new and old. You will definitely recognise a few.
- They are really nice guys (and yes, for the girls out there – they are hot)
- They are sponsored by Cuervo, and we all know sponsors mean freebies! Come get your tequila.

Most importantly:
- Steve loves them!