Die Heuwels Fantasties - more than mere button pushing

Mixing and matching

Collaborating with the likes of Adriaan Brand, Jack Parow, Laudo Liebenberg and Francois van Coke, amongst others, the album, released early last year, is great. Only introduced to it last week, I've listened to it about six times from beginning to end and if you can listen to any full-length album before changing the CD, then I think folks, we have a winner.

Belville gets funky

On the self-titled album, Die Heuwels Fantasties has produced funky electronica synth beats with a dash of guitar riffs, fresh catchy lyrics and a new wave of respect for the mini music industry found in the backyards of Belville. I haven't seen this band perform live yet, but add some wicked lighting and stage presence and they'll take the industry by storm.

Exploring a new soundscape

The album in its entirety is great; it's a definite step in the right direction of originality and innovation for an industry bleeding itself dry with the same old same old. There's a level of sound exploration and experimentation on this album that's encouraging for the South African music landscape.

Best tracks

I have a couple of favourite tracks - Leja, Nare Kaskenades and Sonrotse for the deep moving melodies and Noordelig, Hyg Duiwel and Pille vir Kersfees for the awesome beats. You'll hear echoes of Jax Panik on the album, but then there's an influence you can't go wrong with.

Die Heuwels Fantasties is definitely onto something. The creative trio are Hunter Kennedy (also member of Fokofpolisiekar and aKING), Pierre Greeff (also member of Lukraaketaar), and Johnny de Ridder (also member of Fokofpolisiekar). The band is signed to Supra Familias.

For more on the band, go to http://www.dieheuwelsfantasties.za.net/.