Psych/Stoner/Shoegaze Rockers Filthy Hippies Release New EP WAVES Via Mongrel Records

Cape Town shoegazers deliver an emotive journey through reverb, reflection, and raw beauty.

Alternative rock/psychedelic shoegaze band Filthy Hippies unveil their long-awaited new EP, Waves, out today via Mongrel Records.

Following the release of their acclaimed single “Honey,” the EP sees the band diving deeper into their signature haze of reverb-soaked guitars, dreamlike vocals, and emotionally charged lyricism. Across its tracks, Waves captures fleeting moments of beauty and loss, swelling and breaking like the tides that inspired its name.

“Waves’ is best described by a lyric from ‘Air’; ‘It’s like hearts, melting into flames,” says the band. “We just tried to capture simple moments and put them into relatable songs.

Formed in 2018, Filthy Hippies have built a loyal following within South Africa’s underground rock scene through their lush, layered soundscapes and DIY approach. Blending elements of shoegaze, alternative rock, and psychedelic textures, they craft songs that are as introspective as they are expansive.

Buy / Stream Waves

The new EP showcases the band at their most confident and cohesive yet — a collection that flows effortlessly between vulnerability and distortion, reflection and release. Waves feels both intimate and cinematic, solidifying Filthy Hippies’ reputation as one of the most compelling acts to emerge from Cape Town’s alternative scene.

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Psych Rockers Filthy Hippies Unveil Video for ‘Miserable’ — A Gritty Glimpse Into the Psychedelic Soul of South African Shoegaze

Cape Town’s favourite alternative psych-shoegaze collective, Filthy Hippies, have released the music video for their track Miserable, taken from their recently launched album, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy out now on Mongrel Records.

Since emerging onto the South African music scene in 2018, Filthy Hippies have carved out a distinct sonic identity—meshing swirling shoegaze textures with gritty psychedelic undertones. Their work has earned them a dedicated following, cementing their place among the most compelling acts in the country’s thriving underground. From spellbinding live sets to festival appearances, including a memorable performance at the 2019 Endless Daze Festival, Filthy Hippies continue to push boundaries with every release.

The band also welcomes a refreshed and expanded line-up for this new era. Joining Andrew Paine (Vocals/Bass/Guitar), Mandy Backström (Bass/Vocals), and Tim Ball (Guitar) are Jan-Hendrik Van Wyk (Guitar) and Divan Swanepoel (Drums). This dynamic five-piece brings renewed energy and textural richness to both the band’s studio recordings and live performances, allowing the group to dive deeper into the sonic landscapes they’ve become known for.

The video for “Miserable” is a layered visual journey—raw, dreamlike, and reflective. It captures the emotional paradox at the heart of the track. “We tried to contrast the melancholic vibe of Miserable with a cheerfully sung chorus, that hints at the possibility that the protagonist is happy being unhappy,” says vocalist Andrew Paine. That contrast is brought vividly to life in the video, pairing distorted performance visuals with surreal, analogue textures.

“Miserable” encapsulates the spirit of A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy—an album that drifts through emotion, memory, and existential haze, yet remains grounded in the grungey grit of real experience. It’s an ode to introspection, a sonic pilgrimage wrapped in fuzz and feeling.

Fans of My Bloody Valentine, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, or South Africa’s own Dangerfields will find themselves right at home in the Filthy Hippies’ immersive soundscapes.

Buy / Stream A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy

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Filthy Hippies - A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy (Album Review)

Release Date: April 04th 2025. Record Label: Mongrel Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy - Tracklisting

1. Get Out Of My Way 

2. Wilt 

3. Miserable 

4. Fuzzbox 

5. Mind Pollution 

6. Throw Away 

7. Flashbacks 

8. Smells Like Rehab 

9. Sad Things Write Themselves 

10. Colours Fade Away 

11. Into A Dream 

12. Stargazer 

13. Absolution  

Members:

Andrew Paine - Vox/Guitars/Keys 

Mandy Backstrom - Bass/Vox 

Tim Ball - Guitars 

Ca'lee Tucker - Guitars 

with Mark Van Zyl 

Review

South African Psych/Alternative/Shoegaze Rockers Filthy Hippies return with their new album A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy which offers another experimental slice of Kaleidoscopic sounding Rock and Pop with hints of Noise, Space and Stoner Rock based expeditions. A bit more conventional than their 2024 album Share The Pill but with a subtle Shoegaze and 80’s Electronica feel. The record can be described as soulful, ethereal and dreamlike with a minimal HEAVY ROCK presence being used for the heavier moments that the album contains.

However, for the majority of the record A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy is more content being laid-back with its Shoegaze and Space Rock surroundings. The electronic and synth beats have moments of The Cure, Slowdive and Doves at times which are firmly implemented into the band’s core sound very early on tracks such as Get Out Of My Way, Wilt and Miserable. The quietly pitched vocals from Andrew Pain and Mandy Backstrom never feel out of place or pitched in anger but they do show moments of some Garage Rock or Punk Rock angst especially on Fuzzbox and Mind Pollution.

The record does have an abstract flow inspired by the likes of EELS, Lou Reed, Velvet Underground and Phil Spector which allows Filthy Hippies to be very hard to categorize and the real heavier grooves, moments and perhaps STONER sounding melodies start to appear within the second half of the record and mostly through the standout sixth track Throw Away. The song has an assortment of sonic distortion, overlapping Stoner Rock guitars which allows the vocals to drift into different dimensional planes. 

With a heavier experimental guitar leaning sound developing even further on the tracks Flashbacks, Sad Things Write Themselves, Colours Fade Away, Into A Dream and Absolution allows the Space Rock expression to flow naturally that leads into some of the most powerful and emotionally charged sounds that Filthy Hippies have released to date. 

A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy is a perfectly named record with Filthy Hippies on a complete hallucinogenic trip of creative discovery where the results can be quite magical and downright confusing at times. However, the result is never boring and the music is played superbly throughout with magical sounds that need multiple playthroughs to fully understand the whole cinematic journey. Filthy Hippies never release the same record twice and that makes them a true original act in my mind and firmly keep their reputation as one of South Africa’s best musical exports currently out there. 

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Buy / Stream A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy

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Alt/Psych/Stoner Rock Band Filthy Hippies release new album A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy

Cape Town-based alternative-psychedelic band Filthy Hippies have made a name for themselves in the South African music scene with their signature shoegaze-infused sound. Since their formation in 2018, they have cemented their reputation as a standout act in the country’s thriving psych scene, sharing stages with notable bands such as Dangerfield and delivering an unforgettable performance at the 2019 Endless Daze Festival.

After a period of evolution and lineup changes, Filthy Hippies are thrilled to announce their latest album, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy. This release marks a significant chapter for the band as they bid farewell to longtime collaborator Mark Van Zyl, who was instrumental in shaping the record before his upcoming move to New Zealand.

“His intense creativity will be sorely missed,” shares frontman Andrew Paine. “But it was awesome to get to go down the rabbit hole one last time with him before he goes.”

‘A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy’ is exactly that—a vibrant yet introspective journey through the highs and lows of life. “It’s just reflections on everyday experiences and emotions,” Paine explains. “A journey through a slightly jaded mind.”

The album embraces a message of presence and acceptance, reminding listeners to cherish fleeting moments. “Enjoy every moment as it happens,” says Paine. “Things fade away far too quickly, and life moves in very definite cycles.”

Buy / Stream A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy

Filthy Hippies took an organic approach to songwriting, allowing tracks to develop naturally through jam sessions at their home studio, The Sanctuary. “The usual jamming at our home studio, and the songs just fell into place,” Paine states simply.

The recording process was an immersive and intensive experience, with the band diving deep into late-night brainstorming sessions and extended tracking marathons. “Everything was recorded at our home studio, The Sanctuary. Lots of late-night brainstorming and intensely long sessions—it was a lot of fun.”

With a Phil Spector-esque wall of sound blending rich textures, layered harmonies, and deep-rooted pop sensibilities, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy’ stands as a defining statement from Filthy Hippies.

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Filthy Hippies - Share The Pill (Album Review)

Release Date: July 05th 2024. Record Label: Mongrel Records. Formats: DD

Share The Pill - Track Listing:

1. We All Fall Down

2. Dual

3. Walk In The Sun

4. Good Time

5. Candy Floss

6. Stolen From Heaven

7. Share The Pill

8. Catch Me If You Can

9. Catatonic

10. Dreaming Of Water

11. You’ll Forgive Me (When I’m Clean)

12. Dead Flowers

Line Up:

Andrew Paine - Vox,Bass,Keys

Mandy Backstrom - Vox,Bass

Tim Ball - Guitar

Ca'Lee Quick - Guitar

Chealsey Leukes – Drums

Review

Share The Pill is the new album from South African Psych/Noise/Shoegaze/Stoner Rockers Filthy Hippies though the record has a deep Indie Rock that aligns them more closely to bands from the 1980’s and 1990’s Alt Rock scene. The record is quite adventurous with Filthy Hippies exploring a surreal and jazzy Psychedelic sound which is quite experimental but always warm-hearted.

Filthy Hippies aren’t afraid with some Classic Pop sounds along the way but there’s a ton of heavy shoegaze guitars that can be quite dynamic and powerful. Share The Pill can only be described as a hallucinogenic trip with layers of sonic tapestry where I can see the Phil Spector influence the PR blurb that accompanied the album coming shining through.

There’s cues to bands such as A Place To Bury Strangers, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Slowdive and even HUM. The record could be too melancholic for some for the first four tracks of We All Fall Down, Duel, Walk In The Sun and Good Time as Filthy Hippies operate too closely within the Indie/Pop creative template at times but it’s beautiful to hear. However, they do show some gritty determination when the heavier Alt Rock grooves appear which adds a layer of distortion that you don’t expect. 

Fifth track Candy Floss is one of the standout tracks where the music shifts dramatically with elements of Shoegaze, Noise Rock, Post-Rock and sullen Stoner Rock attitudes. The vocals from Andrew Paine are excellent and where you can hear influences from the 1980’s Alt Rock scene and the band resemble bands such as REM and The Pixies at times. Perhaps the perfect reason  why I became a fan of this great band in the first place.

Sixth track Stolen From Heaven is a Post-Rock driven number with a slow-paced Shoegaze attitude which has moments of Distorted Pop noises with a Prog Rock attitude becoming quite Jazzy and Psychedelic on the later stages of the track. The dual vocals from Andrew and Mandy work superbly well together and leave you wanting to hear more before the song fades into the distance.

The second half of the album is equally as strong and beautifully dynamic as the first with Filthy Hippies once again experimenting with their Shoegaze focused sound with heartfelt lyrics to match. The Electronica aspect is more dominant here in places but the band manage to keep the “ROCK” aspect of their music fully intact even when the experimental “POPPIER” creative themes take centre stage.

Other great songs to check out are: Share The Pill, Catch Me If You Can, You’ll Forgive Me (When I’m Clean) and Dead Flowers.

Share The Pill won’t be for everyone as Filthy Hippie’s experimental approach is one of the main strengths of this album and allows the band to have a fearless attitude that provides some emotionally charged and highly original sounds throughout the record. 

This is an exquisite release from one of South Africa’s best kept musical secrets. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Plug Music Agency for the promo.

Share The Pill is available to buy from all good digital stockists now.

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Filthy Hippies Unveil Hypnotic New Single and Video, "Dual" Ahead of Upcoming Album Release

South African alternative collective Filthy Hippies, known for their fusion of psychedelic and shoegaze influences, have just released their latest single and accompanying video, Dual. The track is a taste of what fans can expect from their forthcoming album, Share The Pill, set for release on the 5th July via Mongrel Records.

Since forming in 2018, Filthy Hippies have been at the forefront of the burgeoning South African psych scene. Their distinct sound, which can be described as a Phil Spector-esque wall of sound merged with deep-rooted pop inflections, has garnered them a loyal following and secured their status as one of the scene's most exciting acts.

Over the years, Filthy Hippies have experienced various personnel changes, evolving into a five-piece lineup that retains the original trio's core. This new configuration brings fresh energy and innovative perspectives to the band's already dynamic sound.

Watch the video for DUAL below

Dual showcases the band's musical growth and creativity, blending intricate guitar riffs, lush melodies, and dreamlike vocals. The single is accompanied by a visually striking video that mirrors the song's otherworldly atmosphere and delivers a mesmerizing viewing experience.

Buy / Stream DUAL here

Reflecting on the band's journey, Filthy Hippies have shared stages with notable acts such as the post-punk band Dangerfield during their album launch and have been featured at major events like 2019's Endless Daze Festival. Share The Pill is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated albums in the South African psych scene this year.

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Thanks to Warren at Plug Music Agency for all of the details.

Cape Town's Psychedelic Shoegaze Collective Filthy Hippies Unveils Mesmerizing New Single and Video

Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey with Cape Town's very own Psychedelic Shoegaze band Filthy Hippies as they announce the release of their latest sonic expiriment Good Time, out today on Mongrel Records. Infused with dreamy melodies and hypnotic visuals, the band's newest single and music video promise to captivate audiences worldwide.

Good Time combines the band's signature dreamy shoegaze sound with psychedelic elements, creating an otherworldly auditory experience. The band members draw inspiration from their diverse musical backgrounds, infusing elements of ethereal shoegaze, swirling psychedelia, and haunting lyrics, resulting in a mesmerizing blend of sound that takes listeners on an introspective voyage.

Watch the video for Good Time below

Buy / Stream Good Time

Filthy Hippies is a Cape Town-based Psychedelic Shoegaze band known for their mesmerizing soundscapes and immersive live performances. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of psychedelic music, the band has garnered a dedicated following, both locally and internationally, and continues to enchant audiences with their ethereal melodies and captivating visuals.

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Filthy Hippies - Animal Farm (Album Review)

Release Date: October 01st 2021. Record Label: Mongrel Records. Format: DD

Animal Farm - Tracklisting

1.Animal Farm 03:07

2.Sin City 07:33

3.Feel It 05:03

4.Propaganda 05:28

5.Framed 03:56

6.The Geneva Convention 05:39

7.Away 03:33

8.I 05:42

9.Goodbye Cruel City Life 00:50

10.Sheep 05:46

11.Original State 04:51

12.Chlorine 05:10

13.Queen Of The Dead 04:58

14.The Soup 04:00

15.The End Of The World 04:17

Review

Animal Farm is the second full length release from South African Powerhouse Psych Stoner Rockers Filthy Hippies and it’s a more jarring experience than their previous album Departures released back in April 2021. This time round the band play a more trippy 60s Heavy Psychedelic Experience across fifteen tracks that sees Filthy Hippies live upto their Psychedelic persona. That’s mostly down to the high amount of weird noises and spaced out synths.

The Shoegaze element from their previous album is here as well but with a more out there sense of humour with the lush Psych Stoner moments moving from one crazy moment to the next. The album does feel and sound like a concept album even with the album called Animal Farm I struggled to fully understand the whole message of it all. So I decided to concentrate on the music instead and experienced a Phil Spector hallucinogenic nightmare come to life. That’s what I experienced with Departures but this is a more demented style of Dark and Twisted Psychedelia where you ultimately need patience for this record.

The album does take the best sounds of 60s/70s Psych Rock but then adds an Experimental Stoner Rock vibe. The album runs for over sixty five minutes and the instrumental work is impressive as the dark storytelling going on within the album.

It;’s hard to pick standout songs as my mind changes each time I listen to the album. There’s enough variety to keep everyone entertained but only if you’re a fan of Sonic Experimentation and almost Avant-Garde vocal sounds on certain parts of the album. Filthy Hippies impress the most when they play a more straightforward Electronic based Psych Stoner Rock on the earlier stages of the album. There’s a deep lush romantic quality on the superb third song Feel it that effortlessly combines 60s Psych Rock and 80s Synth Rock with a modern Stoner based flow.

I found Departures one of the toughest records I’ve reviewed in a long time and Animal Farm is no different. Firstly, this is a wonderfully produced package but it’s not going to be for everyone. Maybe, Filthy Hippies are a “niche” band for casual Stoner Rock/Metal fans but that doesn’t stop this record being a highly majestic work of art that only Filthy Hippies can deliver. 

Overall, Animal Farm is a challenging, surreal and action-packed album from one of the best Experimental Rock Bands from the South African scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

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Filthy Hippies - Departures (Album Review)

Release date: April 23rd 2021. Label: Mongrel Records. Format: DD

Departures – Tracklisting

1.Spirit
2.Mystified
3.You Are The Sun
4.The Recipe
5.The Air Is Poison
6.Otherside
7.Among The Wire
8.Dumb
9.Sweet Dreams and Nicotine
10.Never Without You
11.Dethroned
12.Like A Halo
13.Promise
14.I'm Bugging Out
15.Empty Spaces

Review

Departures is the new album from Psychedelic Shoegaze Rockers Filthy Hippies and they take a left-field creative turn with the normal style of Psychedelic Rock. The band have been going for over 3 years now and have released quite a few releases in this time. I believe Departures is their 4th or 5th full length album. Well according to the press release that accompanied with this album.

Departures is quite an expansive, bold, brash and wonderfully exciting album that takes many different genres and sounds which the band give a fresh spin. There are 15 songs on the record and the album runs for almost 78 minutes. So Filthy Hippies have a lot to say on this record but if you’re in the mood for a more daring, darker and “DEVILISH” style of Psychedelic Rock with glorious “POP” based hooks and grooves then Filthy Hippies demand your full undivided attention.

The band are inspired by the 60s Phil Spector sound and the 80s Shoegaze scene with that timeless Psychedelic Rock vibe that’s the main “thrust” of this album. Filthy Hippies do employ a lot of sonic distortion on this record and that’s evident from the excellent opening song – Spirit. With it’s heavy riffs and world-weary atmosphere, the band revel in their shoegaze surroundings and the vocals are the icing on the cake for a trippy dark experience.

If you’re a fan of bands such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Jesus And Mary Chain and even Slowdive for the more atmospheric parts of the album. Though, Filthy Hippies create their own blend of addictive and original music to make themselves known with.

I would love to do a song-by-song review for an album such as this but there are too many songs to consider but I will list my favourite songs to check out: Mystified, You’re The Sun, The Recipe, Among The Wire, Dethroned, and Empty Spaces.

These are the parts of the album that I enjoyed the most with Filthy Hippies impressing me even further with their wild style of music that has an almost “global” feel. One of the main strengths of this album is the “Ambient” based noises the band employ on this record. It shouldn’t really work but to Filthy Hippies credit, it moves this album into top-level Experimental Rock.

The production techniques used on the record is another highlight that seamlessly blends all the different elements held on the record.

Obviously, Departures isn’t going to be for everyone but if you’re in the mood for a challenging and complex listen then Filthy Hippies could be worth a listen. It’s an album that you need to be in a certain mood to fully listen to but when you do listen to Departures, you’ll find things that you’ve missed first time round.

Overall, Departures is an exciting record that dares to be different.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Warren ant Plug Music Agency for the promo. Departures will be available to buy on DD via Mongrel Records from April 23rd 2021.

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Filthy Hippies Release New Ethereal Video For Mystified

"The eternal question of what happens when we die… Is it just the end? Or a new beginning? The answer will be made know to all of us one day... until then... Mystified.”

Cape Town based psychedelic noise-mongers Filthy Hippies have released the video for their new single Mystified. Formed in 2018, the trio quickly established themselves in the rising South African psych scene and list supporting Post-punk band Dangerfield’s album launch, and 2019’s Endless Daze Festival as current highlights.

With four albums and three EPs under their belt, Filthy Hippies feel that forthcoming new album Departures (out April 2021) showcases some of their best work.

Watch the video for Mystified

Buy // Stream Mystified - https://orcd.co/mystified

Pre-order Departures

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Psychedelic Art-Rock band Filthy Hippies unveil new single and video for Never Without You

Psychedelic Art-Rock band Filthy Hippies unveil new single and video 

“Powerful synth pulses with driving electro drums form the backbone of this nostalgic 80's inspired romp” 

Established in 2018 Filthy Hippies is a South African Alternative trio with a strong undercurrent of Shoegaze influences. The band quickly established themselves as solid contenders in the explosive, burgeoning South African psych scene and list supporting Post- punk band Dangerfield’s album launch, and 2019’s Endless Daze Festival as current highlights. 

Filthy Hippies create a sound that is best described as a Phil Spector’esque wall of sound hitched to deep routed pop inflections. Today sees the release of new single Never Without You, taken from the bands forthcoming full-length album Departures which releases on the 23 rd April 2021 via Mongrel Records. 

Watch the video for Never Without You 

Buy // Stream Never Without You - https://orcd.co/neverwithoutyou

Pre-order Departures Here: https://mongrelrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/departures

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