I will have to admit, shamefully, that even at the age of 20 I have never been to Assembly and only now do I realise what I have been missing out on: a space that is large enough to accommodate the mass of bodies dancing, chatting and drinking as well as small enough to create an intimate setting with the live acts. (Another major benefit is the air-conditioning; we all know how warm clubs can become.) Even in the adjoining room, the acoustics are perfect. It fills up at around 10.30pm, so get there before if you want to take advantage of the booths and tables.
The night began with the sounds of Haasbroek, Matthew Mole (who was definitely one of my favourites, he has a very Mumford and Sons sound), next up was Bicycle thief, The Rescu and then Plush took to the stage. I was surprised to see so many youngsters bopping about, because I expected an older crowd who remembered Plush from the beginning. (Back in high school I spent many an all-night study session listening to their music.) But it was awesome to see that they still have the talent to bring in all sorts of people. Unfortunately, I had to leave after Plush, but I heard that Blush n Bass completed a perfect night of live local music.
Plush currently consists of Rory Eliot (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Emelio Gassibe (bass and vocals) and Carl Wegelin (lead guitar and vocals). I was lucky enough to get to ask Plush a couple of questions. It is interesting to know that their influences come from American country/rock (bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Counting Crows, and Bruce Springsteen.) They are also influenced by more modern rock as well, such as Crowded House, Collective Soul, John Meyer and so on.
The group, as it currently is, met in the Cape Town music industry and were all friends playing in the industry. After Chas (the original lead guitarist) unfortunately passed away, Plush called on their friend Carl Wegelin to fill his shoes. Emelio Gassibe then joined the band after Dome Peters (from Goldfish) decided to focus on his electro career and he suggested that Emelio join. According to them it was a good call!
They have the goal to be playing to twice as many fans by the end of 2012 and they would like this also to include more towns and cities. Plush are currently improving their marketing and are about to release another single (so watch out for that).
I look forward to seeing Plush again and hearing the new music that they plan to create; they are definitely a band to look out for. So, get a group of mates together, check out their next live performance and revel in the talent that South Africa has to offer!
