14 April 2016
9
Kuns en Vermaak
Thieve: Pop-punk meets psychedelia BONOLO MANONE
challenge it gave him in terms of sound mixing and production. When it comes to the local music scene they are really excited about the work of other artists, such as AKA and Spook Mathambo. “It’s tougher now to be in a rock band because in the MK (DSTV Channel) days, rock artists used to control the scene,” Den Hartog explained.
@Grumplezz
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fter letting the taste of their previous album, Gold, linger a little bit too long, Cape Town-based band Thieve is on tour again for the release of their latest offering Extra Ordinary. The band consists of Andrew Davenport (lead vocals and guitar), Fred den Hartog (lead guitar) and Sheldon Yoko (drums). The vibrant pop-punk meets psychedelia sound is no doubt a result of the influence of the Beatles. “I don’t think any band playing today can’t cite The Beatles as one of their influences,” Den Hartog said. Their flavour is distinctly South African, with upbeat guitar rhythms and wild, carefree drumming. The tour kicked off in Pretoria, with Potch being the next leg. When asked what the tour has been like so far, Davenport said: “It’s just like being on holiday.” Extra Ordinary was mostly recorded in a beach side studio, and the group said that the sound of the
Their flavour is distinctly South African.
Thieve is on tour with their sophmore album Extra Ordinary. ocean is audible in some of their tracks. Den Hartog jokes about the influences of the lyrical content in Extra Ordinary: “Andrew is very fed
up with his domesticated lifestyle,” which seems fitting as Andrew’s favourite track, “Braindead”, is about the frustrations of committing to a serious relationship amidst doubts.
PHOTO: JACO S. VENTER “It’s the kind of song that makes people squirm in their seats,” Davenport said. “How do you do it” is Den Hartog’s favourite track because of the
As soon as they hit the stage, they transform into experienced rockers themselves, ultimately leaving the audience chanting for more at their show at Texas Saloon on 7 February. “Advice to any young bands: Just live in together. We’ve been very involved with each other’s lives for a long time. So I can’t try and get any nonsense lyrics past Fred, because he just knows me so well,” Davenport said.
FLIEK tomaan
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Bat of Gotham vs Son of Kripton in fight of the century GIAN FALKO JERLING AND MIEKE HOFMEYR
@MIWatchers Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has probably been the most anticipated DC-superhero movie since Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises in 2012. Two of the biggest superheroes in the DC universe face each other in the battle of the century, with Ben Affleck taking on the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Henry Cavill reprising his role as Clark Kent/ Superman. There were mixed feelings among critics and fans about the casting, especially with Jesse Eisenberg casted as Lex Luthor. Eisenberg portrayed more of a Joker role than the traditional, sophisticated Lex Luthor – too crazy for comfort. However, Affleck seems to have redeemed himself after his poor performance as Daredevil in 2003. Directed by 300’s Zack Snyder, the story of Batman taking on the legendary Superman promised to have stunning visuals and amazing action sequences. Unfortunately, making a pretty movie doesn’t
make a good movie. Snyder drew his inspiration from the comic books The Dark Knight Returns and The Death of Superman, although the storyline itself is original. Everything starts when Bruce Wayne experiences the aftermath of Superman’s devastating battle with General Zod. Eighteen months later the Man of Steel has to answer for the destruction of Metropolis, while Bruce Wayne grows more and more wary of the Last Son of Krypton. Behind the scenes, a brilliant, yet unnervingly psychotic Lex Luthor starts manipulating events in order to support his own dire motives. As Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is supposed to be the build -up to the eventual creation of the Justice League, there is an overflow of subplots and not enough time to elaborate upon them. This leads to a few major plot holes and questions left unanswered. Batman v Superman not only has the two superheroes against each other, but seemingly also the fans and the critics. On the review site “Rotten Tomatoes” the critics gave the movie a meager score of 29%, yet the fans and the general
Critics are not pleased, while fans are impressed by this film. audience gave a score of 75%. Critics were disappointed with the lack of apparent comic book accuracy, while fans loved the roles of Affleck and Cavill. On a positive note, the film is highly entertaining thanks to the
special effects, intriguing plot twists and relatively great acting. Snyder undoubtedly lives up to his name when it came to the visual effects. From crashing rubble to laser-eyes, the thrilling action keeps you on the edge of your seat. All in all and
PHOTO: WELCOME2VILNIUS considering both sides of the coin, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a beautiful mess.
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CD review: ‘Cleopatra’ compelling and authentic CHARMAINE JACOBS
@Charmaine95J Cleopatra is unpretentious and breathes authenticity. The Lumineers released their long anticipated sophomore album, Cleopatra, on 8 April, 2016. The album was written over six months in a small house in Denver. Singer-guitarist, Wesley Schultz, said on a blog, howlandechoes by Gabi Paterson, that they want to break away from artificial lyrics. The whole idea of Cleopatra is to reveal the depth of their music. The band was formed by Jeremiah Fraites (drums, piano) and Schultz after Fraites’ brother passed away due to a drug overdose in 2002. Other band members include Neyla Pekarek (cellist, backing vo-
calist), Ben Wahamaki (bassist) and Stelth Ulvang (pianist). “Ophelia” sets one’s soul on fire and brings out your dependable desires. This single is the foundation of Cleopatra. The song starts with the lyrics “Ah, ah when I was younger. / I, I should’ve known better”. It is about a man being in a relationship with someone, but because of contrasting reasons it didn’t work out. He is also reflecting on decisions he made when he was younger and that he could have made better decisions in his past. “Sleep on the Floor” ruptures with hopeless optimism, told from a young man’s perspective as he persuades his lover to run off with him. He believes a better life awaits them, but with the unknown always comes wariness, and challenges.
“Cause if we don’t leave this town, we might never make it out. / I was not born to drown, baby, come on.” This song is written in such a manner that many can relate with their own appearance of captivity. In comparison with the band’s self-titled debut album, Cleopatra focuses on a mellow note. The album is more serious in nature and initiates originality. The lyrics embody understanding. The feel of Cleopatra is compelling, although this is the folk rock band’s second album, it leaves a fragrance of progress. Indie folk was influenced by the Beetles, and just as the Beetles won’t be sounded out in any time, Cleopatra can be appreciated for years to come.
Rating: 3.7/5