When vocalist Inge Beckmann first launched her alt-electro project Lark almost a decade ago, the scene took notice.
Lark sounded like something you had never heard before but already knew by heart. With nods to everyone from Kate Bush and Bjork to 1990s electro-pioneers Aphex Twin and Brian Eno, their sound seemed to invoke a nostalgia, yet simultaneously enthralled with the distinctive immediacy of its intonation. Now, 10 years and countless side projects later, the original crew comprising Beckmann on vocals, Paul “The Humanizer” Ressel on electronics and Simon Ratcliffe on bass and woodwinds are making a comeback. Catch them previewing songs off their forthcoming album.
The Assembly, 61 Harrington Street, East City, Cape Town, ÂFebruary 25 at 8pm. Entrance is R50. Book at webtickets.co.za.
? What is it that makes reggae so timeless? Tidal Waves go some way towards providing the answers by giving classic roots rhythms, killer rocksteady vibes and socially conscious subject matter a fearlessly funky mbaqanga, maskandi and dub workout. With Jacob “Zakes” Wulana on guitar, vocals, harmonica and vuvuzela, Sam “Drumbo” Shoai on vocals and drums, Shadrack “ÂCharlie” Mathopa on bass guitar, Johannes “Charlie” Papasha on Âkeyboards and Jaco “Mr” Mans wielding the lead guitar, they have dragged their sound from Pretoria to Potchefstroom and Paris, sharing “one love” with everyone from Khoisan rastas to the Afrikaans rock crowd at Oppikoppi. Catch them when they headline alongside the Little Kings and the City at the This Is Africa UNite celebration. After the live sets, veteran DJ Dubmasta China keeps the decks burning until dawn.
Zula Sound Bar, 98 Long Street, Cape Town, March 1 at 9pm. Entrance is R50. Tel: 021 424 2442.