Publications
Partners
aKING is Hunter Kennedy and Jaco “Snake” Venter (ex-Fokofpolisiekar) teamed up with Laudo ‘the voice’ Liebenberg (no relation to Lee-Ann Liebenberg, although just as cute) and Hennie “no relation to Eddie” van Halen. Except for two actual band members there are no traces of Fokof left. Their music is listener-friendly rock, almost country and definitely folksy. No hard punk influences, no alternative rock edge. They make songs you can sing to, and even close your eyes to as you sway from side to side (without fear that big foot is going to trample you in an agro mosh session). Don’t let the album name fool you, Dutch Courage is 100% Soutie. These Bellville-born-and-bred laaities have traded ‘die taal’ for a more international, broad - in other words - English appeal. They want to sound like the music most teenagers listen to. And with this album they might just become that band.
Laudo is deep and intense on vocals. The more you listen to him sing - especially the slow stuff such as “Safe as Houses” (check out the music video) and “Shine Your Light” - the more you want to hear him. The rock stuff also grows on you. It’s not too loud and you can distinguish between the different instruments. Some of the guitar riffs have a fashionable early 90s edge. It’s obvious the music they listened to in their youth influenced their style. Favourite rock tunes are “The Dance”, “Thirsty for Love” and “Guilty as Sin”.
Dutch Courage makes it clear that aKING will not be building their music career on ‘image’, shock value or controversial lyrics. For these guys it’s all about the music. The question is: will that be enough to sell records and become icons in this day and age? Let’s face it; half of Fokof’s fame came from milking that controversial Afrikaner atheist rock boy tip.
- Annel Malan
PS: Read our review of Van Coke's new album and watch them perform live.
Laudo is deep and intense on vocals. The more you listen to him sing - especially the slow stuff such as “Safe as Houses” (check out the music video) and “Shine Your Light” - the more you want to hear him. The rock stuff also grows on you. It’s not too loud and you can distinguish between the different instruments. Some of the guitar riffs have a fashionable early 90s edge. It’s obvious the music they listened to in their youth influenced their style. Favourite rock tunes are “The Dance”, “Thirsty for Love” and “Guilty as Sin”.
Dutch Courage makes it clear that aKING will not be building their music career on ‘image’, shock value or controversial lyrics. For these guys it’s all about the music. The question is: will that be enough to sell records and become icons in this day and age? Let’s face it; half of Fokof’s fame came from milking that controversial Afrikaner atheist rock boy tip.
- Annel Malan
PS: Read our review of Van Coke's new album and watch them perform live.
