Image by popsike.com

Let’s start in the 1950s with some civilized boogie woogin’. ‘The Lover’s Curse’ is a 1958 one-hit-wonder and sure as hell makes those happy hormones bolt through ya body. Although the heartbroken lyrics suggest otherwise, the chirpy choon makes the list of ‘songs to play to suicidal kids’ because they’ll change their mind after going ‘Whoaha-ha-ha-ha’ to Everett’s rueful cheer. Come on, what could be worse than the lover’s curse?
 
 
 
 
The Cramps – ‘The Way I Walk’

Image by retrokimmer.com

‘We weren’t even describing the music when we put ‘psychobilly’ on our old fliers; we were just using carny terms to drum up business. It wasn’t meant as a style of music,’ say The Cramps about appropriating the term from a Johnny Cash song. Be that as it may, many consider their music and lyrical subject matter a significant contribution to the forming of the ‘psycho’ sound. They were a firm part of the budding punk scene in New York City, b-movie sci-fi and horror iconography were their thang and their tunes were heavily influenced by 1950s rockabilly. How much more ‘psycho’ can you get? Here’s ‘The Way I Walk’ from their 1979 debut EP entitled Gravest Hits, which is said to be one of the first documentations of the rockabilly revival genre that brought its rowdy companion psychobilly with it. You be the judge!
 
 
 
 
The Meteors – ‘The Crazed’

Image by last.fm

Unlike The Cramps, London-hailing band The Meteors were the first to self-identify as psychobilly and are honoured by many fans as being the genre’s only ‘pure’ band. After being treated as outcasts by the rockabilly scene, they took psychobilly to new levels by spitting chicken blood on stage or inventing ‘wrecking’, a mixture between dancing, fighting and punk rock’s moshing. Their fittingly titled single ‘The Crazed’ (1981) was their first from their album The Case Of The Meteors In Heaven, but also one of their last in their original constellation featuring P. Paul Fenech and Nigel Lewis. Hoarsely sung lyrics such as ‘Just close one eye when you’re asleep, choose well the company you keep’, render it appropriately spooky while its steady beat makes it ‘wreckable’. Here it is, don’t hurt yourself!
 
 
 
 
The MojoKings – ‘Whatever Happened to Rock ‘n’ Roll’

Image by psycho.rockabilly-online.com

 
 
‘I believe with all my heart that rock ’n’ roll is a contributing factor to our juvenile delinquency of today…and why I believe that is? Because I know how it feels when you sing it,’ said wise ass Rev. Jimmy Snow while Frank Sinatra calls it ‘the martial music of every sideburned delinquent on the face of the earth’. Sadly, they never grasped the sheer fun of feeling as disgracefully dirty as one does listening to tumultuous tunes such as these. There’s no such thing as passive protest here, sorry Sinatra, but we wanna get into trouble! Give this a listen but be sure about what your getting yourself into, The Mojokings sure do summon the riotous revolutionary in you. No refunds!
 
 
 
 
Hot Boogie Chillun – ‘Fuckin’ Sweet’

Image by xlyrics.de

Hot Boogie Chillun don’t mess about, this song’s straightforward steady slap-bass will have you tapping your feet in boogie-woogie wonderland in no time. ‘Blues, Rockabilly and trashy stuff with hooker beats, linkster guitars and sonic power,’ is how they describe their sound. Yet having been around for twelve years, they get offended if you call them ‘retro’ like any middle-aged lady would. We don’t care! Whether old or new, they know how to rock a party dirty hillbilly style! Fuckin’ sweeeeet…
 
 
 
 
Them Tornados – ‘Psycho’

Image by lauramccullagh.com

Playing shows for over ten years now, Cape Town’s oldest rockabilly act deserves a slot on this list. Dirty, dangerous and up for lots of shaking — these rock ‘n’ roll bastards will steal your innocent soul and convert it for the better. Welcome to the dark side, there’s no turning back after this track!
 
 
 
 
The Hillbilly Moon Explosion – ‘Live the Life’

Image by tumblr.com

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are European rock ‘n’ roll revivalists, who have established quite an established fan base through touring the continent extensively. Sometimes pop-ey, their full-blown groove and optimistic conduct will have your flirtatious instincts running high. Here’s ‘Live the Life’ from their album All Grown Up!
 
 
 
 
The Stray Cats – ‘Fishnet Stocking’

Image by tumblr.com

Founded in 1980, The Stray Cats, whose sound is heavily based on 1950s Sun Records artists (a record label that signed the likes of Elvis Presley), can aptly be described as being part of the neo-rockabily movement. It’s not a surprise that this hyperactive tune is full of wild ‘wop bop a doo dops’ and ‘shoo wop a doo dops’. Let’s get rocking!
 
 
 
 
Peachy Keen – ‘I Shot a Man Down’

Image by Kian Eriksen

This selection being predominantly male, it has become about time to change this with the next to last song. Not only is Peachy Keen fronted by two powerful female vocalists, they are also a well-established South African rockabilly act. Apparently they are playing their last show at Shake Some Action on February 23rd, so CT rockabilly fans better be markin’ their calendars. Until then, this murderous tale of revenge is worth a couple of listens!
 
 
 
 
Demented Are Go – ‘Lucky Charm’

Image by tumblr.com

Last but not least, we go back to the more aggressively riotous and disorderly. Formed in the 1980s, Demented Are Go are a must-listen in the psychobilly world and infamous for their the devil-may-care attitude as well as lead singer Sparky’s extensive consumption of LSD resulting in a deteriorating mental state. About thirty years later he is back on track and we can still listen to his deep croaky vocals that sound like it’s the devil himself singing. Here’s ‘Lucky Charm’ of the 2012 album Welcome Back to Insanity Hall . Make way for the ‘Demon Teds’ from hell!

If this has got you into the rock ‘n’ roll mood, click here to find out about Cape Town’s scene and budding bands.

From March 16 to March 18 at Contermanskloof Wine Farm, Jagermeister presents the annual The Flamjangled Tea Party; the party within a party within a dress-up party within a festival within a bubble of blue sky, green grass and lazy sunny daze. And we have two single full-weekend tickets to give away!

The Flamjangled Tea Party is festival of many things… It’s outdoors, eclectic, humorous, glittering, freaky, funky, jiving, up-beat, jazzy, swinging, sizzling, folksy, rock n rolling, wonderful, gentle, relaxing, silly, cheeky and grrreat! You can expect to find themed spaces and places, great music, top food, fine cocktails, oversized art, dress-up, surprising performances, ridiculous games and daft competitions.

© Jonx Pillemer

Festival breakdown

Friday night is ‘Black n White’ with classic silent movies brought to life by soundtracks provided by infamous DJs. An intimate evening with friends by the Little Market Stage before the weekend steps even further into slower gears. Saturday late night venues include The Night Owl Haunt – a New World party tent, and The Miniscule of Sound (now smaller with bigger sound), The Out of Site Cafe and other surprises! Also on Saturday night is ‘The Greatest Dance Lesson Ever’, where festival goers can learn ‘The Charleston’ by the Main Stage presented by Boogie Back Dance Co.

The Little Market Theatre Stage, with daytime beats, side show antics, and off the cuff performances. Featuring : The Tea Bears Picnic for children of all ages. Saturday and Sunday mornings, with free Tea’s and games. There are also dress-up and talent competitions, so bring your talent for Flamjanglers got Odd Talents Competition (No Fire or Vocal Performances – Sorry). The Tea Garden (main stage) opens Saturday 10am – 1am and Sunday 10am – 5pm, with bands and shenanigans.

© Jonx Pillemer

Melody Makers and Performers

iScream & the Chocolate Stix
GoodLuck
Hotwater
Jeremy Loops
Nomadic Orchestra
Peachy Keen
Beatenberg
Rumspringer
We Set Sail
Them Tornados
Two Minute Puzzle
Black South Easter
The Blacksmith Band
Nate Mainguard & Tim Hutchinson
The Bird and the Cage
TouchWood
The Time Flies
D7
Meri Kenaz
Legoloop
TobyTeaScones
James Copeland
Dusty Human
Circuswing
Mr Pantoffels
Moody Bloom
Ma’original
Spekta
Fletcher
Green Tea
The Great Vernoni
Will Travel
Tarka Sands
Lady Magnolia
A Kettle Called Black
Biscuits at Noon
Capt FieldMouse
The Sneaky Possums
and many more to come..

© Jonx Pillemer

Venue Information

Contermanskloof Wine Farm, only 25km’s from Cape Town and mere minutes away from Durbanville. Rolling grassed fields for camping, plenty of parking space, stunning dam for dipping, a fine selection of food stalls, bars, multiple entertainment zones and too much more then can mentioned here. Gates open Friday: 15:00 – 00:00; Friday 00:00 – Saturday 08:00; and Saturday: 08:00 till Sunday 13:00

Directions to Contermanskloof
Take N1 out of Cape Town.
Take the N7 towards Malmesbury.
Just after the refinery take Exit 22 : the Durbanville / Tableview turn off.
Turn right towards Durbanville.
Turn left at the T-Junction on to Contermanskloof Road.
Slow down and follow the signs you are nearly there.
(watch out for the sharp right)

© Jonx Pillemer

Ticket information

One price covers arrival on Friday or Saturday, so try get there early for extra Jangling the whole weekend long.

Full Weekend Tickets (FRI/SAT/SUN)
Adults: Presale @ Outlets: R320
Presale @ Webtickets: R340
Flamjangled Webtickets are live! www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=4702068

Gate: R380 Full Weekend (Fri or Sat arrival)
Sunday Gate Ticket: R200 (From 9am) – Still a full day of music and antics.

© Jonx Pillemer

Want to win a single full-weekend Flamjangled Tea Party ticket? Just follow these simple steps….

1. Like The Flamjangled Tea Party 2012 and Like one small seed on Facebook

 

2. Tag BOTH @The Flamjangled Tea Party 2012 and @one small seed Magazine & TV in your Facebook status and link to this post

 

3. Tweet @GoodTimesEvents and @onesmallseedSA with a mention of Flamjangled Tea Party and onesmallseed.com

Winners will be announced via Twitter on Wednesday 14 March at 16h00

For more information, email info@goodtimeevents.co.za, or check out the Flamjangled Tea Party site, HERE and join the Facebook group, HERE. Please note that all Trading/Stalls have already been allocated for this year. Sponsored by: Jagermeister / Bos Ice Tea / Eversons Cider / Rayban

© Jonx Pillemer

images: Jonx Pillemer

If you didn’t know that Rocking the Daisies was this past weekend, then you are probably over 70 and have a house filled with cats, kak ‘collectible’ porcelain and questionable odours. Attracting over 10 000 people every year, RTD 2011 was no different and one small seed contributor Cameron Duncan hit it, and hit it hard…

It was about 9pm on Friday night when the seed team finally arrived at Cloof Wine Estate. The plan was to arrive a lot earlier, but some dubious directions meant that we ended up in Pella (not once, but twice) and were lucky to escape with our lives. Believe me when I say that that place is best avoided, especially at nightfall. Having successfully negotiated gangster’s paradise, with a zest for life that only a near death experience provides, we finally arrived to the sound of bass reverberating across the field and a sea of tents and cars. Luckily the Chinese have got tents down to a fine art so it only took about five minutes to put ours up, make some wardrobe additions and mix up something strong with the bottle stores (fourth) finest vodka. Daisies, here we come…

The festival had been in full swing since early Friday afternoon and we had barely left the VIP/Media campsite when we encountered those who (clearly) arrived a lot earlier than us. One young woman was so fantastically out of it (read: fucked) that she could do nothing more than lean against the fence and mutter to herself as her head lolled back and forth. A short while later and we passed a group of guys practically carrying a mate of theirs who slurred out “I have no more money left!”.  Rookies! Don’t they know a three day festival is a marathon, not a sprint? It was going to be one interesting weekend.

Before heading across the makeshift bridge to the festival proper, we got acquainted with the camping section and did some mingling with our festival brethren. After checking one of our crew in to Lumo City, we had a sneaky puff with the brains behind the Lumo Sumo concept, Tim, Ricky and John. All three are rad guys and very passionate about their blossoming company. It does of course help that a large number of their clients happened to be attractive American exchange students, with a healthy appetite for some South African loving. The camping section resembled a refugee camp in that it was a sea of tents almost as far as the eye could see. It was almost like a makeshift town had sprung up over a couple of days, complete with ablution areas, restaurants and even a ‘Daisy Den’ for the ladies. I wouldn’t be surprised if the tent dwellers had elected some sort of tent king who ruled over the land with a crown of pegs, such was the vastness of the campsite.

The seed crew was pleasantly ‘on it’ and needed some music in the system! We headed across the bridge with the masses and took in the festival for the first time. At the end of the bridge, that connected tent land to music land, was a Converse stall called ‘The Right To Tune’. The concept behind this was basically two folk singers following people with a guitar and a tambourine and tuning them in impromptu songs. Yeah, I don’t get it either. The sounds of Jack Parow blared from the Main Stage as the Zef proponent gave the crowd what they had come to expect from the man – tongue in cheek humour, fat beats and an energetic stage presence. It works, and hundreds of Bellville’s finest were lapping it up!

Mix n Blend – Kitten Mincer

Mix ‘n Blend were an act I was really looking forward to seeing and were up next after Meneer Parow. I could barely contain my excitement when the band arrived on stage, but sadly the sound did not do them any justice. We stayed for the first song and just couldn’t take it anymore – the bass was nowhere near enough, the levels were too soft and it just generally sounded flat. A travesty for such a talented group of people! I sincerely hope it was rectified shortly thereafter.

El Gordo

After the poor sound at the main stage, we hankered after some real bass so made our way to the Electronic stage. Brilliantly put together by Kilowatt AV, sShadoworkss and Red Bull Studio Cape Town, the dome was heaving to the sounds of El Gordo. Freshly back from London, where he is studying at one of the world’s premier music production schools, El G delivered his trademark sounds of the indefinable. Techno infused with electro, with a dash of nu-disco and a dollop of breakbeat, reverberated through the massive tent as bodies writhed in delight. The man is a musical genius and I’m sure he is destined for huge success on the global stage.

Mustard Pimp – ZHM

Next up was the first international of the festival – Mustard Pimp / Dim Mak. I was pretty disappointed to be honest. I have caught a couple acts under the Dim Mak label in the past, namely label boss Steve Aoki and Belgian wunderkind GTronic, and Mustard Pimp was nothing like them. My memory was admittedly hazy at this point, but it seemed to be a set of electro house of the older persuasion. I could be way off, but I know what I like and I didn’t like that. We made some rounds and chatted to some people whilst we awaited SA’s own superstar – Haezer. As has become customary at SA’s major festivals, Haezer was again the biggest draw card. Despite the global decline in popularity of thrash electro (as dubstep greedily gobbles up club slots), he still continues to pull in massive crowds. The tent was chock-a-block during his set and he delivered his high energy, thrash/punk electro set with aplomb. There was not a dry pit in the house. Completely devoid of all bodily fluid, I decided to call it a night after his set and brace myself for day two.

Heazer – Dominator

It was around 7am when I first gained what can only be described as semi-consciousness. I was barely dry from Haezer’s set when sweat had already begun pooling around my body as the Darling (or Carling, right SAB-Miller?) sun beat down on my ill-equipped tent. I hastily opened the front flaps and rushed outside before my internal organs slow roasted any further. Saturday was set to be hot as hell! It seemed that I was not the only one scampering for relief as throngs of bikini clad lovelies made their way to the dam for the day. A quick side note: as a male of our fine species, there are not enough adjectives to accurately describe the magnificentness that is the female contingent at the Daisies. Bikinis and short (almost micro) shorts were the weapons of choice of Cape Town’s lovely ladies and I would just like to take this moment to thank each and every single one of you. Truly. From the bottom of my heart (and pants). But on with the story…

The heat meant that the dam was the only place to be on Saturday and the Mainstay beach bar quickly filled up with Daisy goers keen to soak up the rays close to the water, with a refreshing beverage in hand. Michael Kennedy and the brothers Skene (Ian and Malcolm respectively) provided the beats to accompany what was turning out to be an amazing summer’s day. My only criticism is that the Mainstay beach bar’s lineup did not feature in any of the main mediums of the festival. It definitely warranted a mention! Some of the best music of the festival was heard on the banks of the dam as revelers got a lot of two things: 1) into a serious party mood and 2) a much higher chance of skin cancer later in life. Man was it hot!

By around midday, the heat of the sun had formed a formidable mix with the abundance of alcohol (and the like) and people were in no state to visit in-laws (so to speak). The excess vitamin D was taking its toll in a big way. I sought refuge in the shade of the Red Bull recharge zone where people were passed out on both bean bags and other people.  The Red Bull recharge zone is a brilliant idea as it means you can catch your breathe while your phone catches some charge. It was also right opposite the Electronic stage so the beats were crystal clear. Marshall was laying it on proper while I got talking to one of the many American exchange students at the festival. The tasty little San Fran native told me that it was either this or Burning Man. I made some shitty joke about how there were tons of burning men around and left it at that.

Peachy Keen was on at the Main Stage so I stopped to have a listen. The band is fronted by two chicks heavily influenced by the style of the 50’s and tattooed the fuck up (unsurprising as they are sponsored by Sins of Style). Their energy is infectious and it’s pretty evident that they love what they do. They play what can only be described as homage to classic rock. Throw in some trumpet, and you have the makings of a good time. I feel for them though as their slot was at the hottest part of the day, so people were not exactly going ape shit on the dance floor. This lead to one of the front ladies calling for some movement and exclaiming “we’re a rock n roll band – we’re here for a reason”. They played a lively cover of Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Take Me Out’ that roused a few sporting types, but alas, the heat was taking it’s toll on the masses who clung to what little shade was available. Click here to listen to their track ‘Shot a Man Down’

After grabbing a Hudson’s Burger in the amazing food court tent (which boasted better food than most malls around the country – especially Bloemfontein) I headed back to the Main Stage to catch Iscreamstix at 13.00. I had heard of the band a while ago when they were still know as I-Scream and the Chocolate Stix but only really sat up and took notice when I heard ‘Skitso’ on national radio. I was not disappointed! The make up of the band reflects in the style of music they play – diverse range of influences with a unique sound and serious feel good factor. The Daisy newcomers looked very at home on the big stage and drew quite a crowd – say what you will about 5fm, but it does do it’s fair share for local music. Iscreamstix are so damn cool because they are obviously having the biggest jol, and that comes across in their tunes and their stage presence. You can’t help but smile as your foot taps to their catchy beats. Highly patriotic and proudly South African, they don’t try be something they’re not. There’s no rapping in American accents, or phrases like ‘damn, shorty fine’. Instead, they use colloquial South Africanisms and a good couple of our national languages. Their track ‘Cow Bell’ (which I imagine could be the next single) is a glitch hop beast and got people up out the shade and onto the floor. The feel good factor of their music is undeniable and summed up by the chorus “Dancing is easy. You’re moving your body; we’re moving our bodies together”. Watch out for these guys – big things!

At this stage of proceedings, sun stroke was becoming a very real concern so I sought the shade of the Red Bull stage. On the way I passed the Bos Ice Tea wrestling ring where beloved comedians Corne and Twakkie were challenging members of the audience. The pair was dressed in ridiculously tight gym pants that left (regrettably) very little to the imagination. Their trousers were stuffed with massive faux penises that bobbled up and down as they wrestled. “Who will wrestle us?” said Twakkie. One man put up his hand in the crowd and Corne looked over at him and said “You? I can beat you wif my moustache”. This sort of exchange went on for about 15 minutes when I remembered my shade mission. Indiginus was next up on the Red Bull stage and his slide didgeridoo was unmistakable as I made my way to the dome. There was a group of people playing tap-tap football on the dance floor and they really summed up the great diversity of Daisy goers – a Rasta, a Xhosa guy, a khaki clad hippie and a peroxide blonde hipster chick all jammed footie together like it aint no thang. For me, this is the best thing about the Daisies. Young, old, black, white, cool, uncool, and everyone in between, make the festival the most diverse in Cape Town. While Indiginus played, Red Bull Studios honcho Steve Elsworth (Audiophile021) looked on like a proud dad as the stage production ran like clock work with impressive stage wide visuals and brilliant acoustics.

Thus far, all the Daisy patrons had been in really good spirits but, unfortunately, you always get some wanker from Claremont who finds his way there. This particular ‘gentleman’ was stumbling shirtless through the crowd and shouting “who wants to fight me?” All passersby politely declined his offer and he showed his frustration by taking his member out and urinating on a table in front of a squad of bewildered Norwegian tourists. I assured them that we shun this sort of thing too and got the hell out of there before this dude got another brainwave. Some people are just fuck ups I guess. I put the SACS/Bishops/Rondebosch knob out of my head and headed to my tent for a well deserved rest, in order to be fresh(er) for night two.

Killer Robot @ The Assembly, Cape Town, South Africa 4 June 2010 by Killer Robot

The second night in the Red Bull dome was techno heavy, which is right up my alley. No disrespect to any of the acts, but I’m all about the driving bass of minimal techno and tech house. It’s such a shame that Cape Town no longer has a regular techno night since stalwarts Killer Robot called time on their Friday residency at Fiction. Cape Town has become almost saturated with drum n bass, dubstep and electro so it’s always refreshing to hear something different. Killer Robot were exemplarily as always and passed the baton to their highly capable (and really rather stunning) sShadoworkss colleague, Anthea Scholtz. Anthea is one of those DJ’s that you will never be disappointed by. Not relying on any gimmicks or exaggerated movements on stage, she coolly and calculatingly serves up banger after banger. Anthea provided the perfect introduction to the Detroit based Kevin Saunderson. As could be expected from someone who hails from Motor City, the home of techno, Kevin took Daisy goers on a journey through the sounds of the underground. Grooving techno was reigning supreme and people were loving it! I thought it could get no better, but it did. Digital Rockit were next and, for me anyway, delivered the performance of the festival. All three members were clad in identical black hoodies with mesh over their face, and could only be differentiated by three different colours of luminous stitching around their faces and down their sides. The audiovisuals were insane and the music out of this world. It was truly of international standard, so big ups to the three piece from Joburg.

By the time 5am eventually rolled around, I wearily made my way back to the tent to catch an hour or twos sleep before the Rugby quarterfinal. The vibe was amazing as thousands of party people all sat to support our boys in Green and Gold. There was a real feeling of camaraderie and national pride, which made the whole thing pretty special. I overheard a couple saying that the rugby was the whole reason they came to the Daisies and it was not hard to see why. The National Anthem was sung with gusto as everyone stood to attention. That was sadly as good as it got. The shit result meant that a lot of people were left with a distinct lack of gees and there was a mass exodus after the final whistle. The seed crew were feeling disheartened too so we made our way to the tent and packed up what had been our home for the last two days. We snaked our way through the gate with thousands of others and bid farewell to the amazing setup behind us.

Rocking the Daisies 2011 was real. There were some good bands, some shit bands, some rad djs and some not so rad djs. The music was almost secondary though as the real treat was embracing the African sun with all of her diverse children. While the acts may not always be the biggest draw card, the vibe certainly is.

Written by: Cameron Duncan
Photography: Nic Berti

Cape Town band Peachy Keen are surprising South Africa with their enigmatic blend of Rockabilly Punk.  one small seed contributor Aimee Vogelsang visited Peachy Keen on the set of their new music video ‘Shot a man down’ for the following exclusive review.

Those who know me are aware that my appreciation of music is exceptionally limited. Sometime during my childhood obsession with Backstreet Boys and that one song by Britney (which appeals to some deeply repressed desire to emulate a stripper), my taste in music withered up and died. So on that rare occasion when I discover enjoyable music that I’m not the solitary fan, it has to be so supremely good that it can woo even the likes of me. Peachy Keen is one of those bands; one that I discovered when attending the recording of their very first music video several weeks ago.

Wondering who Peachy Keen is? Relative newcomers to the Cape Town music scene, Peachy Keen is a five-piece band consisting of Dominique Otto and Alex Wise – the feisty blonde duo fronting Peachy Keen; Greg Abrahams, who rocks da bass; Brandon Shore on drums and the elusive ‘Cousin Nici’ on guitar. Going to a Peachy Keen performance is an incredible experience, and anyone who has had the privilege of seeing these relative newcomers strutting their stuff, hip-swinging, legs-kicking and skirt-twirling to a sincerely new sound, would know exactly what I was talking about.

Peachy Keen are just a little over six months old and have already headlined events such as the Flamjangled Tea Party Festival and Cape Town International Tattoo Convention as well as playing opening night at Splashy Fen music festival. Their success is the envy of many a grungy garage band… and adding insult to their already injured egos – Peachy Keen was also voted Best New Break-through Band by LMG Magazine. After recording their LP in March, it was only natural that a music video would be next on the list. When Director Ian Morgan, aka Bean, wrote Peachy Keen a proposal for their song ‘Shot a Man Down’, the band went for it. ‘Shot a Man Down’ is one of Peachy Keen’s most popular tracks, even featuring on the Splashy Fen Compilation Album 2011. Dom and Alex explain that the song, with its fun and cheeky lyrics, has always stood out for them and was chosen because it best reflects the band musically. After listening to the song play during a take, I had to admit that it was pretty catchy. By the fifth repeat, it had firmly wedged itself in my head where it proceeded to haunt me for the majority of the following day.

The band’s music is a dynamic blend of Rockabilly and Punk, something which Greg believes makes the band stand out from others. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have two hot blondes fronting the band, another unusual dimension to Peachy Keen’s presentation. But the thing that is instantly noticeably is the band’s Fifties infused appearance. The girls both share a love for Fifties flare – everything from the simplistic lifestyles to the vibrant music and of course, the fashion. This is showcased through elements of rockabilly sound, old school props and retro-inspired looks – courtesy of Dom and Alex, who sometimes have to give the lads assistance in the wardrobe department.

When chatting to the band members, I ask how much they credit their stylized image for stimulating audience interest. Their response is fervent. From Peachy Keen’s very first photo shoot – before they had played a single gig – curiosity was ignited. The pictures even resulted in sponsorship by Sailor Jerry Rum. Pretty sweet eh? However, the girls are quick to assure me that they don’t rely on their image alone. Music is the most important factor and the band is intent on creating a standard of international quality. Having played in various bands since they were just fourteen years old, it is immediately clear that Dom and Alex who spend their talent on the guitar, trumpet and vocals have a passion for music that sets them apart from most muso’s and highlights their natural born abilities even further. Peachy Keen allows the girls the opportunity to create their own unique sound, which is something that they clearly relish and thrive on.

The music video for ‘Shot a man down’ was filmed at several locations, including infant Club Voom Voom, situated in Long Street. My arrival on set is greeted by carefully constructed chaos. Opposed to the usual remnants found strewn around after a good night out –broken bottles, arbitrary articles of clothing and the solitary drunk passed out in the corner, the club is littered with various pieces of equipment. Bean frantically lurches around, shouting out for more male extras. I offer my services, but am politely declined. I guess my womanly wiles just don’t cut it. Squeezing past the scattered disarray I wander off in search of the band. It wasn’t hard to spot them. In true Barney Stinson style, they were suited up and totally awesome.

Sitting down with Dom and Alex, I admire their perfectly coifed hair and bold red lips; they’d be authentic replicas of fifties fashionistas if it wasn’t for the canvas of intricately drawn tattoos etched into their skin. Dom points out her favorite design, a retro cowgirl straddling a barrel. Hanging above the image is the declaration “A Well Behaved Woman Rarely Makes History”, something which Dom feels strongly relates make to their music. Alex shows off a recent design of a gun, drawn on her “gun”… gedit? Both designs were done by the tattoo parlor Sins of Style, sponsors of Peachy Keen. The clothing brand Miss Happ is another sponsor of the band, which means that the girls regularly get to flaunt their retro resplendent designs on stage. Ignoring my utter lack of musical ability, and the reality of a voice that sounds like a warbling crow, I resolve to find myself a band to join.

The concept of the music video, Dom and Alex tell me, is a collaboration between Bean and the various band members. The story revolves around two females – the lovely leading ladies of Peachy Keen – making a dash from the evil clutch of law. Yeah, they might have brutally kidnapped a guy – but totally irrelevant right now. So, our two beautiful blondes are escaping justice in a Pulp Fiction meets Fifties Rockabilly world, which means grandiose shots of glossy vintage cars, fifties diners and extras inexplicably perfect at performing complicated dance moves.

Click HERE to listen to ‘Shot a Man Down’ and stay posted for the video, which will be released soon!

Chatting to Bean, it’s revealed that though the set was plagued with set-backs and restraints (kind of like the girls accidentally slicing up the throat of their kidnapped ‘victim’) he’s confident that the video created is a high quality production. Describing the band as vibrant and fun, he believes that they have tapped into a new and original market in the Cape Town music scene, something which is sorely needed. Tempted to go check out the band live? Have a look at their Facebook page to see where they’re next visiting. And when you do go, make sure to bring your dancin’ shoes.