Fokofpolisiekar - Swanesang

Truly, were it not for Fokofpolisiekar and perhaps a handful of other bands, Afrikaans rock music would be in a sorry state. For the most part, a culturally-centered music genre like Afrikaans rock (and Traditional Irish, and Sicilian Folk) runs a gauntlet of traditionalism versus rebellion, and Fokof had had their share of controversy in this regard.

Yet they’ve refused to actually position themselves as the total anarchists most naysayers believe them to be. Their music is no more punk than, say, Audioslave or at a push Soundgarden, and their seemingly wild stage act belies a similarly slick approach.

As such, there are no surprises on Swanesang – all the tracks stick to a pretty solid concept, which is moderately paced and consistently performed. For Fokofpolisiekar it is a release tailor-made for their audience. And, to be honest, that’s something they’ve always been good at – feeding the needs of their fanbase.

As songs go, Hunter Kennedy’s poetic, idiosyncratic philosophies deliver some trinkets, even if Francois van Coke’s delivery never feels preachy: “Om vinniger daar te kom sal jy vinniger moet ry / om vinniger te lewe maak jou vinniger dood” they say on "Swanesang", perhaps beginning to realise that the investment of being where they are creates its own life value. Sex, drugs and rock and roll? Sure, but your life’s pretty empty if that’s all you end up wanting.

Familiarity may be to blame, but the outstanding track of the collection, both in arrangement and conception, is “Brand Suid Afrika”. Kennedy calls it Fokof’s reply to people who preach negative sentiment about the state of the country. And it’s words are frantic and angry, while it’s killer riff takes a lead from the outset and drives its perfect three and a half minutes.

Swanesang is likely to be more widely accepted than their previous work, even by those who haven’t succumbed to the juggernaut that is Fokofpolisiekar – and there can’t be too many of them left. Fokof’s audience is theoretically the smallest in a market that the local music industry says is commercially unviable. Ironically, Fokofpolisiekar are arguably the most commercially viable rock band in the country. Take that “experts”.

- Anton Marshall

Want more Fokofpolisiekar?

Watch Fokof:

- They smasha guitars: exclusive video

- Watch or download the Brand Suid-Afrika music video

Listen to Fokof:

- Download Fokofpolisiekar MP3s for free

- Listen to our interview with the band (audio podcast)