The Footsteps of Godzilla!

The Bohemian, Richmond, Johannesburg.

Kidofdoom (acoustic) and Cabins in the Forest.


The Bohemian in somewhat of a Joburg institution, apparently. I cannot attest to this. I can, however, tell you the following: it's dark and gloomy, smoky and vaguely reminiscent of pizza and egg cartons… It’s also a pub, which makes it a terrible venue for an intimate acoustic gig featuring two of South Africa’s most excellent acts. Yes, Steve Hoffmeyer included. The fact that about half of the patrons were here to simply get drunk and shout “Wat se jy?!” at their 'mates' on a Thursday did not make for a receptive audience.

While we listen to a 90’s alt-rock soundtrack (R.E.M, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Violent Femmes) Cabins deal with a slow sound-check rather well, (“Make the stomp-box less…bombastic. It sounds like the Footsteps of Godzilla!”). This sound-check was indicative of evils we’d later see revealed.

Lounging on the decomposing couches near the front of the stage are the various members of Kidofdoom. They looked relaxed, partly due to their uniform of jeans and t-shirts, but also because the last time I saw them was at Oppi - a massive, expansive ordeal that surely must have ripped a number of nerves to ribbons. Here, however, in this second-hand armchair of a pub, they seemed to exude a certain laid-back vibe that belies their intricate, complexly evolving sound. Four take to the small, red-curtained stage, with drummer Joe on keyboard duties for tonight. Strolling leisurely and not without a few laughs (and who said instrumental-post-rock-sci-prog had no sense of humour?) the first few songs fall into place well, despite the frankly terrible sound. Barend's bass sounds like a cat with its head stuck in a tin can. Not a good tone.

While making an attempt at providing subtle synth-whispers while keeping a straight face, Johan eventually departs the stage, much to the amusement of all involved. The disappointing thing was that, due to the fact that most of the audience wouldn't "shut the fuck up" as I kindly requested, and that the sound was fairly horrible - "all involved" was a small number.

Kidofdoom ended up as an acoustic duo, and eventually included a particularly awesome muted-trumpet solo. Lord, you have yet to invet a more mournful instrument!



While I would not class this rather informal performace as "monumental" (good), or "face-melting" (Oppi-good), it was fun to hear the songs I've gotten to know so well in a different guise: like seeing a photo of someone you had a crush on, only they're much younger -it's different and strange, but the things you love are still there.

Straight outta CT (and still hanging around since Oppi) was Cabins - who, sadly, have done away with their healthy beards. A moment's silence, please.

A moment's silence, however, is not what we get. Instead, the incessant whine of conversation robs Cabins of the hushed hiss that suits their performances so well. Worse still is the sound - the range of their chords and voices both driven at once overwhelms the speaker system - static mush is a third member tonight. The sound issues clearly bothers the band too, as they have to constantly (sometimes mid-song) ask for their levels to be adjusted. Despite the techinical difficulties, Cabins still show that they're really good at this stuff - and drown out the crowd and the faults with flamenco flourishes and staccato bursts. Toward the end of the set, their frustration is clearly visible - and sours the struggling mood. "Frenzy" is ended early due to the glitches, which sort of sums up the evening. Throwing in comparisons of Oppikoppi to Mordor and Splashy Fen to The Shire helps lighten the mood somewhat... Mordor can be fun too, apparently.



All in all, I blame the venue for two rather disappointing sets. Both bands showed glimpses of what they're about - and Cabins, despite the constant annoyances, were still ereally good (and they are especially suited to this kind of gig). It's just disappointing when talented performers are undermines by the venues which should be supporting them.