Monday, August 07, 2006

A Night on the Dorp

dorp
noun

(now S Afr)
1. A small town or village.

Etymology: 15c: Dutch.

This is also the name of a incredible South African band.

About a week ago, I had the privilege to go see them. I was a bit drunk during the event so I didn't get all the information required to produce a proper publish quality article. I can however describe the memories I have concerning the whole evening.

At first, I must admit, the name sounded familiar but the perception I had of them was more of a type of Indie rock band like Watershed or so many other South African bands. Maybe even a accordion or something, to give them a unique angle...like everyone else.

Me and my friend Mart set of to the Clapham Grand, at Clapham Junction in London, to go and see them. My previous visit to this venue was a bit of a let down. The bands were a bit boring and there weren’t as many people. (Also I didn't have half a bottle of tequila before going.)


The first band was called The Colonies. I was impressed with the image and overall quality of the music. It reminded me a bit of Radiohead. Their music was accompanied by trumpet and at one stage a melodica played by a simple girl dressed in white. Lovely.


When Dorp came on stage the crowd (maybe hundred and fifty people but more than my previous visit) roared and they made a excellent entrance. Black stage turned blue and the electronic sounds of a synth-playing Frenchman filled the air. The lights went on and the front man named Piet (I might be wrong) grabbed the microphone. His voice had that edge that can make a good band great and the lead guitarist's knees bent as he hit the bottom strings. The drummer was staring over the drum kit like a young boy learning to drive but the sounds were like these of a professional racecar driver!

They have an excellent stage personality and the one hit after the other just spilled of the edge of the stage.

After I closed my mouth and stopped staring, I hit the dance floor. Spinning and bouncing all over the place. Everywhere you could see people following the trend and soon we were painting the "town" red!

Afterwards, I mingled a bit with the town members and their huge entourage of groupies. All, dressed in full Dorp paraphernalia. The council.

I would really encourage anyone who's up for a good time, to join these artists whenever they can.

Dorp! Dorp! Dorp!

The dictionary insert was taken from the site http://www.sleepycreek.net/ Thanks



1 comment:

xS said...

OMG, hoe weird! Daai foto van die ou in 'n wit Dorp Tshirt, is Ben, hy werk vir ons (by Xtaster!!). En ons het op 'n stadium met marketing v Dorp gedoen met daai Tshirts! Its a small world...

Somari