It was worth the mission though (if you take the fact that a phone was lost out of the equation). We arrived in time to catch Dead Alphabet who had made an even more serious mission and driven all the way from Jo'burg for the gig. Dead Alphabet combine traditional rock with a slice of punk and a dash of blues which is all stirred together with some very long legs from lead singer Adam. They reminded me somewhat of band The Shadowclub though this might be because of the similarity in the in distinction of the lyrics. Though I believe in Dead Alphabet's case this might be more a case of bad acoustics and sound issues.
Fast on the rise band Ashtray Electric took to the stage next and were for me the best band of the night though this is probably influenced by the fact that they were the only band I was familiar with beforehand. Ashtray Electric played tracks from their debut EP and off latest album Bonjour. They expertly balanced mellow songs with fast paced songs and kept us grooving throughout.
Headliners of the night rock band The Stremes had been somewhat falsely advertised as an international act from the UK. They did however form in the UK but the three are all born and bred South Africans and after making some progress in the UK and US they want to create a following on home soil. Seems like things are going to plan as they were not short of fans and the small dance floor at Stones was all but taken over by hardcore Stremes groupies decked out in band t-shirts and face paint.
The Stremes is Wayne Pauli on Vocals and Guitar, Benjamin Peacefull on Bass and Vocals and Atom Shape on Drums. The three combine to create a catchy soulful pop rock sound and with some airplay on 5FM and many SA fans there seems to be a smooth adoption of the band by the South African market.
