Review: Die Heuwels Fantasties – Self-Titled

Sergio reviews Die Heuwels Fantasties’ self-titled debut.

Artist Name: Die Heuwels Fantasties
Album Name: Die Heuwels Fantasties
Year: 2009
Genre: Afrikaans Electronic/Rock

Proving that Afrikaans music has more substance than the bad treffer mobile ads on TV, Die Heuwels Fantasties took no shortcuts on their debut album, even roping in shit-hot Afrikaans rapper Jack Parow to collaborate on the track ‘Die Vraagstuk’.

The foundation of the album is built on synthesisers and electronic beats and effects, and then freshly coated by a melancholic melody and atmosphere – with a tiny speck of indie rock. It’s instantly catchy and you’ll find more than a few of their tunes residing in your memory. If you’re looking for another musical comparison, Die Heuwels Fantasties could basically be deemed as SA’s version of Owl City – just a bit less emo-tronic.

There were always fears that diehard Fokofpolisiekar fans might lambast this side project of FPK members, Hunter Kennedy and Johnny de Ridder, for being too poppy – however, the support has been surging all the way from Belville to Benoni, making Die Heuwels Fantasties the most successful FPK spin-off yet.

Best Tracks: ‘Leja’, ‘Noorderlig’, and ’Sonrotse (ft. Francois van Coke)’

80/100

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
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