“This band kicks ass!” – Michael Hutchence, INXS
God dank vir Klank! Roughly translated for non South Africans this means ‘Thank God for Noise.’ This is an apt metaphor for this band and one which I enjoy elaborating on. To the uninitiated the Springbok Nude Girls may at first sound like nothing but noise but give this band pause to mature in your appreciation and you will begin to see the beauty at work in their music.
The energy that is expelled from their succesful collaboration of ska, jazz, acoustic, punk, rock, classical and reggae; not to mention the golden tones of Arno Carstens voice whether he’s roaring indiscernable words or seducing with sweet baladic tones is undeniable. Here’s a video of one of the latest songs on their upcoming album ‘Peacebreaker.’ The songs called ‘Illuminate’ and while it’s a little too catchy for me I still enjoy it and the music video’s pretty awesome. I’m sure it’s a sign of some good things to come on the new album.
UPDATE: Just got the new album and damn!!! Gang Gang, Wolfmen, Peace Breaker, Does it look like a Tango, Kill em for the Country etc are awesome. And I’ve just read that the nudie’s are doing a DVD. Cannot wait to finally be able to show all and sundry video evidence of just how much this band rock. Wish I was still in London so I could be there for the filming of it. F&!@
Their music is unique and creative, so much so that I believe they are a victim of their own brilliance. As a result of their fusion of many genre’s they don’t belong to one specific sub-culture or genre other than simply ‘South African’ which unfortunately isn’t enough to launch them onto the global stage they deserve to perform on. That said they have shared the stage with such acts as Lenny Kravitz, INXS, Goo Goo Dolls, Offspring, Smashing Pumpkins and the Beastie Boys.
People I’ve convinced enough to listen to them are always quick to try and dismiss them by saying stuff like ‘they soundslike this and sound like that.’ No! They don’t sound like Audioslave, Soundgarden or anything else this world has been able to muster. They are the Springbok Nude Girls, and yes I hope you flinch at the name! So you should. They’re back and expecting to release a new album early 2007! I can’t wait.
