With a little help from Unit 11, Durban is finally starting to get off its couch.
This weekend, Unit 11 played host to Holiday Murray of Cape Town, and Thomas Krane of Durban. A team member of Fanbible was in the crowd to watch superb performances from these two fine bands.
The evening kicked off with Thomas Krane. This folk band is a real treat to see live, because they don’t perform very regularly, and they always add something new to their performances, be it a renewed interpretation of one of their original songs, or a highly personal rendition of a cover, such as the Pixies’ “Where is my Mind.” I could easily see them taking on Bob Dylan’s “Ballad of a Thin Man” and doing it justice. Around various internet platforms, Thomas Krane describe themselves as “somewhere between The Moldy Peaches and Elliott Smith.” That being said, they are a band willing to experiment, so don’t approach their sound with too many preconceptions, just hear me out: They’ve written some great material. And you’re in luck. Their entire debut album is available for free download on their ReverbNation page.
Holiday Murray performed an exceptionally tight set, and looked so comfortable on stage that you couldn’t help feeling part of the performance. They are a Folk Rock band with an emphasis on harmonies, catchy guitar riffs, and a real awareness of dynamics. The audience ate up every note. Their sound was polished from the start, even though they had a remarkably brief sound check, which was a pleasure to see. They played no encore despite the protests, so I’m sure they’re aware of the need for more material. With a debut album out earlier this year, they’re going to have to deliver another one early in 2012 to whet the appetites of their growing fanbase.
All in all, it was a busy evening for live music in Durban, with Contrast the Water playing their last show at Burn before heading off for the USA to tour extensively, as well as Sangreal and Black Math performing at the Winston. Of course, we can’t be in many places at once, not yet anyway, which is why in the future we’ll be working on features to allow fans to share their experiences on the Fanbible application.
Next stop at Unit 11: The Dirty Skirts launch their new album “Lost in the Fall.” Okay, Durban, we think you’re finally getting it.
Posted by
Luke
The Fanbible Team