So I get IM’ed on Thursday from Martin acting like an excited, crack addicted, Jack Russell. Apparently he went to Cafe Miam the previous night to go watch a band called Palms Up. I could sense how excited he was. He went on about how great they were, their awesome jazz sound, how he wanted to have the lead singer’s children, etc. So I figured ol’ Mcfly has been known to have some taste on occasion so I checked out their web page. Next gig was going to be the next day so I decided to get some friends together and made a trip to Rafiki’s.
We got their on time, and then found out that the Palms Up was only due to start at 10 and the support band would be on from about 9. I’m pretty sure there is a definite Cape Town time zone that people that live here are born with. And I seem to consistently half an hour ahead. I think it’s a sign that I’m growing old maturing. Anyway, so the support act (Unbranded) weren’t that bad. Guitar work was interesting albeit not that technical. I guess I found their lyrics a little bit too one dimensional for me. I guess I’m just a bit too old over the hill past being able to identify with being in my late teens and out of school obsessing over girls. Regardless, they kept the crowd (of mostly groupies) entertained more than I could so props must be given. I think their was one song that was played that really stood out as a good song for me.
So Palms Up took the stage at 10 and I tell you, within about the first 30 seconds, I could tell I was going to enjoy this. The lead singer’s (Matthew Davidson) voice just oozed class (which is exactly what I told Gary when he lent over and asked me what I thought). You can tell that these guys are professional musicians and anything else they’re doing is just a day job. The band was so tight and practiced. The guitaring was excellent considering that the lead singer was playing at the same time. I didn’t think much of the drummer but Rachel (who knows more about such things) said he was good and she enjoyed his playing. As for the bass player, anyone who can play the double bass is practically virtuoso by my standards. Coming from playing guitar, I can’t understand how anyone can play without frets.
I’m not sure who has the majority of the songwriting duties (I suspect it’s Matthew) but I found it clever, witty and heartfelt. Even though the majority of their songs were also about girls, it didn’t feel like I was reading some teenage angst-filled diary. It had depth which I felt the other act lacked.
Since they seem to be regulars at Cafe Miam I’m sure I will be making a trip their more often to go check them out. And quite frankly, anyone who’s reading this should to.
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