Metal4Africa.com » » Wildernessking’s Summer Séance

Never let it be said that the South African music scene is not diverse. While it is commonplace for everybody to stick to their specific cliques, attending exclusively genred gigs at venues tailored to that specific style of music, there is occasionally some cross-pollenation. Most prominent have been the sporadic Punk Vs. Metal shows that have waned in frequency since their heyday in the early 2000s. The Summer Séance is a new initiative from Wildernessking frontman, Keenan Oakes, who has gathered together a not-so-motley crew of Cape Town’s finest musicians to perform at The Assembly on Saturday the 3rd of November.

Summer Séance is a musical gathering of like-minded, forward-thinking people tired of the same old one-dimensional alternative shows. It’s a progressive event with its finger firmly on the pulse of the innovative artists and bands of Cape Town. It’s a showcase, a celebration and a truly gritty, diverse musical experiment featuring genres of the broader Cape Town musical spectrum. This is purely a musical event, for music lovers by music lovers.

ANDREW JAMES is an enigmatic guitarist and songwriter, based in roots, rock and folk music and with stories to tell. His music paints images of tranquil forests and serene landscapes. It’s no wonder that he recorded his amazing debut album, Andrew James & the Steady Tiger, in the forests of Knysna at Peace of Eden Studios. The record is a beautiful journey culminating in emotional reflection and meditative brilliance. Clearly, at the forefront of the South African folk scene, Andrew has travelled extensively throughout South Africa sharing his music with the lucky people of our country. Certainly, he will be remembered as one of South Africa’s unique musical sons.

BATELEUR is one of the greatest bands to come out of South Africa in recent years. Their music weaves and crafts like ambient magic, inducing the listener into a dreamy lull, with the help of an extensive line-up featuring both trumpet and strings. There is an uplifting jive amidst the luscious soundscapes leaving listeners with a sense of empowerment and ecstasy. Boasting two EPs and a gorgeous single release, Bateleur is driven artistically with a passion for honest, progressive music as they stand on the shoulders of the local music scene.

FUN TOY is a newcomer to the Cape Town electronic scene, but already has caused quite a stir in the waters with his innovative swirl and maelstrom of rock-tinged electronic beats and hooks, hypnotizing the audience with unconventional and tuneful amalgamated noise. Fun Toy is a manipulator of sound, a songsmith in the truest sense of the word.

LA.VI have made quite a name for themselves playing with some of the best bands Cape Town, and indeed South Africa have to offer. Their infectious earthy blues sound coupled with their integrity and grit make for compelling, upbeat acoustic music that get the toes kicking and feet stomping. Having recently put out their first studio offerings, LA.VI plan to release their debut full-length album in 2013. The quartet has gigged relentlessly and everywhere, and they continue to push themselves as they develop and refine their craft.

ROCK ‘EM FAM is a cutting-edge and amazingly talented hip-hop crew from the dirty streets of Langa. Their distinctive beats, lyrical content and poetic flow will have mouths on the floor, hands in the air and bodies swaying back and forth. A glorious newcomer, The Fam is set to make serious impressions and inroads into the Cape Town music scene.

WILDERNESSKING is one of the most forward-thinking bands South Africa has ever borne. Their unique and progressive take on the genres of black metal and rock have garnered critical acclaim both nationally and internationally, with praises sung by Cvlt Nation, Angry Metal Guy, Lurker’s Path, No Clean Singing, That’s How Kids Die, Metal 4 Africa and more. With their strong D.I.Y. ethic, a debut full-length released on Antithetic Records (United States), a self-released EP, two music videos and many shows in 2012 already, Wildernessking have carved a creative and original niche. There’s no stopping this steam engine of musical evolution who has already begun working on their sophomore effort and are gearing up for split albums with innovative international bands as Young and in the Way (United States) and The Great Old Ones (France) in 2013.

YES SIR! MISTER MACHINE is no newcomer to the local scene. They have been around for more than 5 years and continue to impress both their dedicated following and those who have never heard or seen them before, with their emotive blend of hardcore, rock and punk. Having recently released a fantastic three-track EP and an incredible black and white, documentary-type performance music video, YS!MM continue to tread their own path, one of isolated musical bliss. Their shows pack a serious punch and vast amounts of energy are channelled through every limb and hole, leaving the band and affecting the crazed audience.

Watch the trailer for the Summer Seance below: