Showing posts with label Mongrel Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mongrel Records. Show all posts

Monday, 2 June 2025

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


Follow Filthy Hippies

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Saturday, 5 April 2025

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


Follow Filthy Hippies

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Thursday, 3 April 2025

Exclusive Premiere Of Post-Rock/Post-Metal Artist Shuggah Debut Single/Video Amas Veritas from upcoming album Her Chrysalis


Post-rock and metal artist Shuggah emerges from the depths of South Africa’s underground music scene with her debut single and music video, Amas Veritas, the first release from her upcoming conceptual album, Her Chrysalis, out on the May 2nd, via Mongrel Records.Shuggah’s sound is a unique fusion of aggressive walls of guitars, punchy drums, and dreamlike textures, rooted in her background as a producer and DJ in the underground techno community. Influenced by Russian Circles, Chelsea Wolfe, Psychonaut, and Cult of Luna, she has crafted a dark, etheric, and ritualistic sonic experience that transcends conventional genre boundaries.

“Amas Veritas was inspired by ancient love stories of the Greek gods—tales of tragedy, war, and the fight against death,” says Shuggah. “The title means ‘the truth of love,’ which often inspires chaos and ends unhappily, but the love itself is all-consuming and passionate. There’s always a deep struggle, facing war and even death.”

The single was born from a deeply immersive creative process. “I would sit for hours, experimenting with guitar sounds, using tons of found samples for inspiration,” she explains. “Back then, I was meditating in the bathtub a lot—my house had an enormous reverb, and it felt like floating in an ancient hall while guitars bounced off the walls.” The recording process spanned an extended period, meticulously layering sounds and featuring multiple guitars, including a deeply personal instrument: “I used an axe from my brother after he passed away, called Axecalibar—fitting that the video should feature me wielding a sword.”

Buy / Stream Amas Veritas


The music video for Amas Veritas is equally cinematic and symbolic. Inspired by the gritty, monochrome aesthetics of artists like Amenra and Chelsea Wolfe, Shuggah envisioned a spiritual and battle-like visual. “I wanted the video to feel like an epic battle had taken place—something raw, ritualistic, and deeply personal.” Shot on location at Remhoogte Farm in Riebeek Kasteel, the video captures the vast landscapes and primal energy of the track. “We climbed a mountain and set the earth on fire for the circle shot,” she recalls. “Unfortunately, the wind didn’t allow the flames to hold, but we still captured the essence—fire, smoke, and raw emotion. It felt like a war had gone on within myself. I had the sword on fire too—I felt like a warrior on that mountain.”


The video was directed by Shuggah herself, with aerial cinematography by Werner Botha, whose expertise in film added depth to the visuals. “He was really excited to see the pyro effects and gave amazing advice,” she adds.

Amas Veritas marks the beginning of an era for Shuggah, an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of heavy music and visual storytelling. With Her Chrysalis set to be a deeply spiritual, visceral journey, this debut single is only the first glimpse into the dark and immersive world she has created.

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Thanks to Mongrel Records for all of the details.

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Acid Magus - Scatterling Empire (Album Review)

Release Date: February 21st 2025. Record Label: Mongrel Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Scatterling Empire - Track Listing:

1. War 

2. Incantations 

3. Wytch 

4. Ascendancy 

5. Emperor 

6. Citadel 

7. Absolution 

8. Haven 


Members


Keenan Kinnear - Guitars 

Roelof Van Tonder - Bass 

Brendon Bezuidenhout - guitars and  vocals  

Anrico Jeske - vocals  

Jethro Vlag – drums 


Review



Sometimes when new band members join an established band their sound and creative dynamic can change dramatically. That is true for Psych/Doom/Stoner Metal alchemists Acid Magus who have added Jethro Vlag (Drums) and Anrick Jeske (Vcals) to their ranks. This is a totally different Acid Magus compared to their celebrated albums Wyrd Syster and Hope Is heavy. Both records received a wide range of acclaim across the underground Doom/Stoner scene.


Scatterling Empire is their new album and it’s a darker and more despairing blend of music with elements of Sludge Metal, Post-Metal and Prog Metal appearing with a haunting Ambient sound holding their usual style of Doom/Stoner Metal together. With influences ranging from Black Sabbath, Sleep and Pink Floyd being heard on their previous records. Acid Magus now turn to visionary acts such as ELDER, Mastodon, Neurosis and KYLESA for an album that’s quite opaque, bleak and subliminally psychedelic at the same time.


The opening tracks of War, Incantations and Wytch sees the band diving right into their new Sludge/Post-Metal approach with a slightly distorted and disruptive melody that allows the lyrics to have a restricted Blackened Doom flow. Though, Acid Magus have still retained the classic Doom/Stoner sound that made them acquire a solid fan base within the underground scene. Just be prepared for bursts for Ambient Post-Rock and Post-Metal melodies that remind me of ISIS in their creative prime.


The album is still quite riff heavy and groove driven compared to Wyrd Syster and Hope Is Heavy but with the Atmospheric Sludge themes and dynamic vocals being the main reason for the band's major transformation of creative change for this record alone. This tone is carried throughout for the whole album with echoes of Post-Doom, Ambient Rock and aggressive Psychedelic movements leading to a wave of paranoia on tracks such as Wytch, Ascendancy and Emperor. Though, I rank these as the best parts of the record. The band are brilliantly loud with Acid Magus creating an exciting new sound for themselves. 


The real question is will longtime fans of the band support this transformation and go along for the musical journey. I think the majority will but even better Acid Magus could gain a considerable new following with Scatterling Empire. As it taps into other areas of the heavy underground scene with a sound that can be quite brutally devastating on the later stages of the record. 


The final stages of the album sees Acid Magus opt for a more personal and reflective sound with emotionally charged lyrics having a social awareness to them especially on Absolution and Haven. When the record is finally over, you begin to understand why Acid Magus have undergone a drastic makeover and it’s all for the better with Scatterling Empire being their most assured, technically brilliant, deeply engaging and hard hitting album to date.


I’m quite excited to see what the rest of the Doom/Stoner Metal community will think of  the record. My own personal thoughts is that Scatterling Empire is another Album Of The Year contender from Acid Magus.


Words by Steve Howe


Thanks to Plug Music Agency for the promo.

Scatterling Empire will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Mongrel Records from Friday 21st February 2025.

Links


Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter

Friday, 7 February 2025

Grunge/Stoner Rockers We Kill Cowboys Unleash Electrifying New Single "Sweat and Blood" Alongside Captivating Live Performance Music Video


Cape Town’s heavy rock powerhouse, We Kill Cowboys, have released their latest single, "Sweat and Blood," accompanied by a striking music video. The track offers a raw and emotional glimpse into the band’s upcoming album, Back from the Dead, slated for release later this year.

Formed by tattoo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys deliver a unique sonic blend that fuses elements of psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues. The band’s distinctive sound—gritty, compelling, and unapologetically raw—has established them as a force to be reckoned with in the South African rock scene.

Front and centre, Alex Muller’s powerful, gravel-edged vocals breathe life into thought-provoking and anti-establishment themes. "Sweat and Blood" is no exception. Speaking about the song, Alex shares, “The song is about our own

internal, mental struggle. Being in that negative mind loop where you feel disconnected from reality, from yourself. It can be a scary place to go through situations that leave you distrusting yourself. The chorus brings it back—back to letting that shit go and loving yourself. Trusting yourself by letting go of the thoughts and behaviours that don’t serve your highest good. We’re always searching for that internal peace of mind.”


With Alex’s hauntingly passionate delivery leading the charge, We Kill Cowboys’ lineup features Mornay on guitar, Andrew on drums and Miggs on bass. Known for their high-voltage live performances, the band bring unparalleled energy and immersion to their shows. Their ability to captivate audiences with both their sonic force and compelling narratives is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern rock.

Buy / Stream Sweat and Blood


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

Friday, 6 September 2024

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.


Follow Filthy Hippies

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Friday, 30 August 2024

Psych/Doom/Stoner Rockers ACID MAGUS Release New Single/Video For WYTCH From Upcoming New Album


Prepare to descend into the depths of sonic chaos and transcendence as Pretoria’s very own Acid Magus releases their latest single, Wytch, from their eagerly anticipated third studio album out via Mongrel Records. Known for their self-proclaimed “garage doom on shrooms” sound, the band takes listeners on an intense journey that blends the psychedelic energy of psych rock with the crushing weight of doom metal.
 
Wytch marks the introduction of the protagonist in what promises to be a compelling concept album. This track sets the stage for a narrative steeped in corruption, loss, and the indomitable strength of community. The rise of an empire and the birth of an unlikely people's champion are explored through haunting melodies, frenetic rhythms, and the band's signature doom-laden riffs.
 
For the first time in their discography, Acid Magus delves into the dark, abrasive world of black metal, adding a new layer of intensity to their already formidable sound. The inclusion of new drummer Jethro Vlag has brought a fresh dynamic to the band, with his prowess behind the kit elevating the music to new heights. Vlag’s contributions shine throughout Wytch, capturing a sound that oscillates between frenetic energy, simple beauty, and bone-crushing weight.

You can listen to WYTCH below


You can buy WYTCH from BandCamp Now:

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter

Friday, 2 August 2024

Crash And The Void Unleashes New Single Neon Bloodstains Featuring Johni Holiday of Ruff Majik


Pretoria’s own Crash And The Void is back and bolder than ever with their new single Neon Bloodstains, featuring guest vocals from Johni Holiday of Ruff Majik. Inspired by the intense and competitive world of the video game Cyberpunk 2077, the band crafted a song that mirrors the violence and drive required to succeed in the music industry. “I feel like the violence and competitive nature found in the game, which I played extensively, was a good parallel to the music industry and how you need to carve your way to success,” says Marius Schutte, the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter. The track’s message is clear: stand your ground, don't sell yourself short, and be realistic about the monumental task ahead when striving for success.

This self-produced song showcases the collaborative spirit of Crash And The Void. Initially entered into a competition to be featured in Cyberpunk 2077, the song evolved beyond its original form. The final doom breakdown, a highlight of the track, was a collective effort created during a rehearsal. The original demo, solely created by Marius Schutte, didn’t include this breakdown due to competition restrictions. Marius’s love for soundtracks and ludomusicology is evident, with the song’s opening lead line being a heavily distorted synthesizer inspired by Mick Gordon’s work on the DOOM soundtrack.

True to their innovative spirit, the band members recorded their parts in their home studios, with Marius programming the drums. This DIY approach not only highlights their versatility but also their commitment to producing high-quality music.

Watch the visualiser below:




About Crash And The Void:

Crash And The Void makes music by infusing traditional balls-to-the-wall rock music with concepts often found in film music, particularly horror and sci-fi genres. Their collective musical influences range from Hans Zimmer to Black Sabbath and everything in between, creating a unique sound that is both thrilling and cinematic.

Follow Crash and The Void

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Thanks to Mongrel Records for all of the info.

Friday, 21 June 2024

Grunge/Stoner Rockers We Kill Cowboys Announce New Line Up And Drop Explosive New Single - “FUCK YOU”


Cape Town's Rock ‘n Roll Mavericks Unleash Anthemic Track and Announce Powerful New Line-Up

We Kill Cowboys, the 4-piece rock 'n roll powerhouse from Cape Town, have just released their incendiary new single “Fuck You” via Mongrel Records. Emerging from the creative genius of renowned tattoo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Muller, the band's electrifying sound is an intoxicating blend of psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues.

Fronted by the mesmerizing and raw vocals of Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys boldly tackle anti-establishment themes with their thought-provoking lyricism, inviting listeners into a world of gritty, sultry narratives. Muller’s delivery adds an irresistible edge to the sonic experience, supported by the thunderous beats of longtime drummer Andrew Middelkoop, the powerful riffs of new guitarist Mornay Carstens, and the return of original bassist Miggs Auer.

Commenting on the new single, Alex Muller states, “Not much needs to be said about it. It's that singular moment when the light goes on and it all becomes clear. You're done with bullshitting yourself, you're done with being bullshitted. Life, relationships, politicians... that moment you decide to let it go and face the truth. There's always hope and sometimes our own mind can be the biggest cage... let it go.”

Buy / Stream Fuck You


Regarding the revamped line-up, Muller adds, “Jono and Danie left for personal reasons, all the best to them. We're super stoked to have long-time friend and Cowboys OG Miggs back on the bass and it's been amazing to welcome our good mate Mornay on lead guitar. The band sounds heavier, and we can't wait to start writing and we're even more amped to get back on stage!”

Unapologetically driven by a desire to shake the core of the music scene, We Kill Cowboys is a force to be reckoned with. Their live performances are a relentless surge of energy, an immersive journey that cranks the amplifiers to the max, leaving audiences' ears ringing and minds reeling. Prepare to have your senses ignited as We Kill Cowboys deliver a musical experience that both blows ear holes and expands horizons.

Follow We Kill Cowboys

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Thanks to Plug Music Agency for all of the details.

Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Cape Town’s Psych/Stoner Rockers We Kill Cowboys Unleash Raw Power With Their Video For Latest Single R.I.P


Cape Town based rock unit We Kill Cowboys release the video for their latest single R.I.P out now via Mongrel Records. Fronted by Alex Muller, whose sultry and gritty vocals lead the charge, We Kill Cowboys' sound is a blend of psychedelic rock, grunge, and stoner blues. Their music dives deep into anti-establishment themes, inviting listeners into a world of thought-provoking narratives.
 
The band's upcoming single, inspired by the pain of betrayal, is a personal yet universally relatable anthem. Muller comments, "The song is based on dealing with betrayal. It's a very personal song, one of those kinds that just pours out. They need to come out. You need to feel that shit and share it."




We Kill Cowboys' live performances are a visceral journey, with Jono's searing guitar riffs, Andrews' thunderous drum fills, and Danie's fuzzy bass grooves creating an immersive sonic experience that leaves audiences' ears ringing and minds reeling.

Prepare to have your senses ignited as We Kill Cowboys turn up the amps, delivering a musical experience that both blows earholes and expands horizons.

Follow We Kill Cowboys

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Thanks to Plug Music Agency for all of the details. 

Friday, 23 February 2024

Psych Stoner Rockers We Kill Cowboys Releases Emotive New Single Patience


Cape Town's rock 'n roll ensemble, We Kill Cowboys, announces the release of their latest single, "Patience" out today via Mongrel Records. Led by the creative genius of tattoo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Muller, the dynamic 4-piece is a mesmerizing fusion of psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues.
 
"Patience" invites listeners into a world of thought-provoking narratives through the sultry and gritty vocals of Alex Muller. The band's signature sound is propelled by Jono's searing guitar riffs, Andrews' thunderous drums, and Danie's fuzzy bass grooves that resonate deep within the listener.

Describing the essence of "Patience," Alex Muller shares, "Think about walking down a long, dark road with only the moon's light to guide you. You're out there because you don't know where else to exist, and the darkness feels safe. In the same light, you're tired of being in the dark, existing in the in-between, the unknown. That's exactly when all you need is Patience. Deep trust. That's the crux of what this song is about."

Recorded and mastered by Floris Le Roux the band delves into a slower, harder sound in "Patience,". The intensity builds throughout the verses, culminating in an explosive climax that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.



Unapologetically driven by the desire to shake the very core of the music scene, We Kill Cowboys is a force to be reckoned with. Their live performances are an immersive journey, a relentless surge of energy that cranks the amplifiers to the max, leaving audiences’ ears ringing and minds reeling.

Links



Thanks to Warren at Mongrel Records for all of the info.

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Psych Stoner Rockers We Kill Cowboys Unleashes Psychedelic Grunge Fury with Earth Demon Live Performance Video


Cape Town's dynamic 4-piece rock 'n roll ensemble, We Kill Cowboys, is set to captivate audiences with the release of their live performance video for the latest single, Earth Demon. This electrifying visual spectacle, directed by Owen Wilson, unfolds at LuvBuzz Studios the band's rehearsal space, transforming it into a psychedelic haven where music and mayhem collide.

Fronted by tattoo artist, and singer-songwriter, Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys is a force to be reckoned with. Their genre-defying sound melds psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues into a potent auditory cocktail that has left audiences clamouring for more.

The video is a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of the band’s sonic onslaught. Shot amidst the pulsating energy of their rehearsal studio, the video captures the essence of a We Kill Cowboys party, where friends join the chaos for a night of unbridled celebration.

Watch the video for Earth Demon below


Jono Tait’s, the mastermind behind the searing guitar riffs that slice through the air, takes centre stage, while Andrew Middelkoop’s thunderous metal drum fills inject an undeniable pulse into the music. The foundation of their musical onslaught is laid by Danie Otto, whose fuzzy bass grooves resonate deep within, providing the backbone for We Kill Cowboys' aural explosion.

Known for their immersive live performances, We Kill Cowboys is ready to shake the very core of the music scene. Their shows are a relentless surge of energy, cranking the amplifiers to the max and leaving audiences' ears ringing and minds reeling. The "Earth Demon" live performance video promises to be a visual and auditory feast, showcasing the band's commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding horizons.



Follow We Kill Cowboys

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Friday, 24 November 2023

Crash and The Void Unleashes Powerful New Single and Video “Shadow Fiend” via Mongrel Records


Alternative cosmic rock band Crash and The Void is set to make waves in the music scene with the release of their latest single and accompanying video, Shadow Fiend. The band, known for their innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics, is excited to unveil this transformative piece through Mongrel Records.

The track delves into the psychological concept of "the shadow self," a theme rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud and expanded upon by Carl Jung. The narrative of the song intertwines with the Marxist theory of dialectical materialism, exploring the cyclical nature of governing systems. The track tells the tale of an individual navigating isolation and loneliness within an antiquated system, ultimately finding empowerment by embracing their repressed anger and pain.

The protagonist of "Shadow Fiend" evolves from a state of despair to one of hope, driven by the desire to dismantle the oppressive system that perpetuates their suffering. Confronting opposition with the phrase "it's just a game we play," the song highlights the use of gaslighting tactics employed by those in power to maintain control.


The lyrics vividly depict a societal divide, where some are privileged ("Silver Snakes" or lucky ones) while others are born into a struggle, fighting their way out of an "aching abyss." The struggle for survival evolves into a quest for power, glory, and dominance. "Shadow Fiend" explores the darker aspects of the human psyche, as the protagonist loses themselves to their "shadow self," succumbing to the alter ego that takes over completely.

Guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter Marius Schutte reflects on the creative process, stating, "The bone structure for the song was written back in 2018 when I was trying to write cinematic rock music for the first time. The main approach was to use dramatic chord progressions to imitate film music but doing it using heavy guitars. The breakdown at the end of the song is new, and only written in 2021 whilst finishing the rest of the first album's writing.” When asked about the eye-catching video he adds, “The video cost us nothing to make and was largely AI generated through a complex coding system”.



Shadow Fiend" is a compelling sonic journey that challenges the status quo and urges listeners to question the systems that govern their lives. Crash and The Void invites music enthusiasts and free thinkers alike to experience this powerful single and explore the depths of their own shadow selves.

Follow Crash and The Void


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