28 November 2007
27 November 2007
FIRST PRESSING
"LAKESIDE" b/w "ONE MUST DIE" vinyl-only 10in
***international release***
"Lakeside" is the debut single from BLK JKS, the most exciting, far-reaching band in South Africa today. While the forward bounce, layered harmonies, and elliptical guitar vernacular reveal the urban Zulu blues of mbaquanga at the song's core, agile signature changes, haunting, fractured imagery and Linda Buthelezi's debonair vocals set the BLK JKS sound out as much more than the sum of its parts. This is the sound of urban Africa now: a direct inheritance of classic styles freed up from the burdens of the past and expectations of the present—a sound that that tears away the veneer of discreet charm and newly monied lifestyle trappings in "the new South Africa" and instead struggles for perspective inside the waking dreamtime of a feverish generation on the verge.
The self-produced and self-released "Lakeside" 10in was recorded with Kevin Leicher at Johannesburg's Dark Star studios and is backed with the band's early tune "One Must Die", a more straightforward but no less uncommon track marked by guitar buzz and bass fuzz over a neck snapping beat with more of Linda's signature delivery and a surprising freestyle verse from guitarist Mpumi Mcata.
Childhood friends Linda and Mpumi grew up on the same block in Johannesburg's East Rand, where they taught themselves guitar after Linda's sister received one as a prize in church choir. Forming a band in 2003, early BLK JKS shows and recordings we remarkable for their stacks of guitar drone and head nodding beats, but it was with the addition of bassist Molefi Makananise and drummer Tsepang Ramoba—both of Soweto—that BLK JKS began work with a fresh approach and plunged into its current universe of sound. Heavy clubs dates and festival gigs followed as they band earned a loyal following across the country. In June 2007 the BLK JKS released a handful of songs as a limited edition CD EP that was quickly snapped up by hardcore fans and knowing collectors.*** The November 2007 release of the "Lakeside" vinyl-only 10in marks the band's international debut with a limited edition of 500 selling in London (Rough Trade), New York (Other Music), Chicago (Dusty Groove), Tokyo (Jet Set), Johannesburg (Canned Applause) and Capetown (Mabu Vinyls).
*** BLK JKS is currently finishing the debut LP "AFTER ROBOTS"
and is planning its first trip to the US in the spring of 2008.
and is planning its first trip to the US in the spring of 2008.
For bookings, management and press inquiries email knoxrobinson@gmail.com
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