Moved to new site

Hey!

Anyone?
If there are any followers, I've moved my site to a new permanent host and link.
http://nieldefault.com

Enjoy!

Tidal Waves @ Aandklas 3 Feb

I was never a fan of reggae music, but after the infectious performance by Tidal Waves at Aandklas they have me considering otherwise.

Aandklas has always been an interesting venue, sometimes it is too crowded, other times the sound is not that great, but for tonight’s performance it suited the band perfectly: great sound, just the right amount of people and ample student bravado. I was transported into a world with palm trees, clean fine sand and a shimmering ocean.

Tidal Waves performed on a new initiative run by the forerunners in South African music, De Plate Kompanje, who also organize the highly successful Avontoer. Throughout February bands gig at Aandklas on select Tuesdays and Saturdays. Bohemia is also included on other days of the week. The gig was a little steep for a student budget, R30, but it was definitely worth sacrificing three beers.

When the members of Tidal Waves took the stage, anticipation built within the crowd, they somehow knew what was coming. Then unsuspecting to some, the dancing plague swept through the crowd like a fire on Stellenbosch mountain. I have never experienced such an infectious beat before, I could not stand still, and by looking at the swaying of the crowd they could not also.

I have to admit most reggae music have a very homogenous sound. It all sounds the same, but for every song I kept dancing and soon I realized if I did not calm down, I’d have stiff muscles in the morning. The band introduced some great complements to their sound with a harmonica and vuvuzela.

The Tidal Waves have a very captivating stage presence. They jam their instruments with vigour and passion and not to mention skill, especially the lead guitarist, Jaco Mans. The vocals are great although lacking in a bit of clear pronunciation. The unique thing about Tidal Waves is the crowd interaction. They have a saying they call throughout the gig, “Tidal Waves. Original music for original people”, and every time they do it the crowds shouts along in unison. There were various clap sessions and crowd echoes used to great affect in building the crowds energy and response.

The highlights include the genius melodies in songs like “Rapolotiki”, destined-to-be-a-hit tune “Lekker Dans”, the provoking “Money” and “Hard Work” along with the mesmerizing “Kia Ora”. Tidal Waves also did something I’ve never seen before: they played a double set with a short break in the middle. It was great as my legs needed resting and my body re-hydration for even more head banging and shuffling feet.

At the end of the night I walked out with a new album in my hand, a new interest in reggae music and new must see band.

Muse: An 8 Bit Tribute

This here is an awesome compilation that celebrates Muse for being the best band ever. Made only with vintage console hardware, this takes Muse to the level they never gone before. Enjoy!
Download: here

P.S. - I made the artwork as well.

Huis Fransie Grass Rock: New Holland, Ben-Nevis

Yesterday, I wentwith a few pals to attend the Tygerberg kampus rock gig. My intentions was to go say hi to all my medical buddies and then to check out New Holland. I've never seen them gig before so I was keen to see how they shape up.

The venue was rather epic. It was in front of a big classroom hall/building and the stage was the steps up the building. With the lighting and light breeze coming through just added to feeling of awe. I like taking in the atmosphere at gigs.

The gig opened with few local girls singing cover songs, which was pretty brave and good! Then A-Span came on. They are a acoustic guitar duo similiar to Lukraaketaar. Both of them are still in highschool, Ben and Renier. They opened with an amazing instrumental acoustic tune that blew my mind. However, when they began to sing, it lost the effect. The vocals is not bad, just needs a bit more work. The lyrics however was very good. I don't often listen lyrics intently, but that was good.

Then Ben-Nevis came on. I am overly critical with new bands, maybe because I'm self a musician and that "competition" mindset comes into play. "I'm better than these guys" - and gals. However, they have potential. Their riffs are funky and they gel very well together as a group and for mere highschool kids they are very professional. I love the textures of the guitar, however that nagging de ja vu feeling kept coming back. The lead vocalist sounds just like Francois van Coke. I hate drawing parallels, because sometimes they are mere coincidences, but the similarity is to close to chalk to mere coincidence.

The final band to put on our party shoes was New Holland. I thoroughly enjoyed their set. They are extremely tight as a band and their sound are really of international caliber. However they are not there yet. I'm interested in hearing new material, because for now their music is catchy and good, but it still needs that edge, something that sets them apart from other bands. What I like about New Holland is their stage presence. They are smiling and enjoying themselves and that's what matters to me. The bassist is constantly with a smile and bounces his away around the stage. I would've like the frontman's vocals to be a bit more louder though. I'm eager to see them again, to see how they fair with a bigger crowd, I guess the energy could be even more contagious!

2009! Oh yeah!

Hey peeps,

what is up in heezy?
Ok, rather lame.

I'm about half a month late, but I would to congratulate you all on a awesome new year. 2009 I feel is going to be epic. I aim to write a lot more about music, poker, language and experiences.

I joined a LexiBlog: a blog about languages and world cultures. I just finished my first post there. I'll be writing there sporadically on my language adventures.
I also recently started jamming online poker and have been finding it most fun. I'm playing on Piggs Peak Poker mostly and yesterday I've finally doubled my bankroll. It's a great feeling and I hope I can stay consistent. I feel there's a lot more to study on poker.

Also, I must sadly say that I'm not going to play RAMFEST anymore as Sparkyboy. Other obligations arose that I had to take priority to. However, I'm fast at work on a new EP which will be released very soon and I've been working on a Muse 8-bit collaboration! That will be out soon as well.

Also, congrats to Heath Ledger for winning the Golden Globe.

Peace,
Niel

Siren's Eye

Ok, I confess. I am a big fan of the series Greek. Every character is lovable and the stories are oh so juicy soap-ish. Cappie (Scott Michael Foster) is one of my favourite characters. He kind of reminds me of myself, without the lady skills of course. So, such is routine, after every series or new interest I go read up on the wiki. Check some random trivia about the people. You know the simple celebrity syndrome fixation.
Then I read that Scott also plays in an indie band, Siren's Eye. He even does the vocals. So natural instinct took over and I just had to listen to it. Boy, was I surprised. It's not necessarily very unique, but darn is it catchy and Scott can sing! Listen to Falling.

Check the live vids as well on their Myspace.
Awesome-tastic.

Band of the Day: Campbell

http://www.myspace.com/campbelltheband

After listening to an 8bit act called Campbell (which is also very good) I stumbled upon this band on last.fm. Truly amazing vocals and melodies. Subtle yet powerful. Go have a listen!