Can You Feel It In The Air Tonight?
From the harsh climate of Johannesburg’s East Rand and the southern town of Soweto comes BLK JKS; a wild, drone infused psychedelic thrashing with dub style rhythms and spacious African harmonies (sung in English). The band formed in 2000 when child-hood friends Mpumi Mcata and Lindani Buthelezi started playing unhinged drone music. They soon added bassist Molefi Makananise and drummer Tshepang Ramoba completing the current line-up. The band was then invited to play a number of local music festivals and gained a cult following.
In 2007 the band made the next move, out of South Africa and on to the world stage. They released a limited edition vinyl titled Lakeside which was sold in record stores across Europe and the USA. More recently BLK JKS popularity world-wide is on the rise, mostly thanks to their wonderfully elaborate and unique sound which can be heard on their new EP titled Mystery. The EP was recorded at New York’s legendary Electric Lady studios, which has housed such musicians as Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, Interpol, NAS and many others.
BLK JKS is definitely a unique band in today’s musical climate. Fusing together elements across a wide range of musical genres, they don’t really sit alongside other bands. Perhaps relating back to their childhood, they were never influenced by modern rock music, which has come to them later than most musicians. Therefore their cross pollination of musical styles comes naturally, and sounds perfectly pieced together without any real hesitation.
BLK JKS- Lakeside: MP3
BLK JKS- Myspace
Posted by Nick Fulton under South Africa
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