Fokofpolisiekar - Monoloog In Stereo EP (2005) (**** Off Police Car - Monologue In Stereo)
Genre: Punk/Alternative Rock
Intro:
Fokofpolisiekar were an Afrikaans punk/alternative rock band from Bellville, just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Over the years the band received lots of bad press for a controversial band name to begin with, then lyrics from the songs going against society, religion, racism... ect
They also have been known to get in quite a few "Bar fights," which didn't help their image. I was first introduced to them from a friend of mine a year or so back and have been a fan ever since. Never got to see them live, as they split up in 2007, a year before I was introduced to them.
The band consists of:
Francois Badenhorst – vocals
Johnny de Ridder – lead guitar
Hunter Kennedy – back-up vocals and rhythm guitar
Wynand Myburgh – bass
Jaco "Snakehead" Venter – drums
Review:
To begin with, this is my first dive into an Afrikaans band's album review. The vocals of the whole album are all in Afrikaans, not English. (For those un aware, Afrikaans is a local South African language) Although I think I must be one of or the only person on these boards who speaks the language, the album is worth a listen anyways. A showcase of fine South African music!!!
The short playing album begins with the track "Oop Vir Misinterpretasie (open for mis-interpretation)" which is a perfect way to introduce you to the album as you gotta expect the unexpected here. Although this album is more toned down and not so anti-society as the rest of the albums, there are some very degrading lyrics which as the title says, can be open for mis-interpretation. A very catchy song, although it does have some heavier riffs and beats to it than the song to follow it.
"Ek dink aan jou (I think of you)" is a more romantic song and brings out a side of the band we had not seen before on previous albums. Obviosuly written about a girl that makes him happy and he wants to be with, the theme of being with her in the rain runs throughout the song, which creates some great imagery. Well you have to understand the language to catch the imagery.
"Die illusie van veiligheid," is the third track and is the track which links up with the past albums the most as it reverts back to the topic of anti-society and being with people who are not family. A deep and passionate song which brings out the class of the lyricist.
"Wintersdag By Die Seer" or Winter's Day At The Sore is the fourth track and the most technically advanced of the songs with some really interesting rythms and pieces combined in the song to create a powerful track but still sensitive. The transition between the riffs, strong vocals, haunting sounds and drum beats blasting in the background make for a great song.
"Monoloog in stereo" or Monologue in stereo is the title track and stand-out of the disc personally. The first time that the two vocalists interact with each other, which sought of explains how the song got its name, creates a very catchy melody and a song you just want to sing along to. A video of this song being performed live in Kirstenbosch is available at the bottom of the post.
The final track "Die Seksuele Revolusie" or The Sexual Revolution is the final track off the disk and is brings out the punk influence of the band which we were yet to encounter. Not your usual punk song, but you can hear the influence during snippets of the song. A faster-paced track which is a fine way to complete the album.
Overall, a new direction for the band, did them good, as "Monoloog In Stereo" was arguably one of their finest efforts before they broke up in 2007 and went their seperate ways. A showcase that they can bring out various sides to their music, be it punk, rock, deep and meaningful or catchy and sing-a-long, they bring it all to the table here.
9.4/10
Fokofpolisiekar - Monoloog In Stereo