CD Review
I was delivered my copy of Afrikaans Rock sensations Foto Na Dans’ newest release on Thursday, and let me tell you that Pantomime op Herwinbare Klanke is a very impressive album! After their SAMA nominated first album Intervensie broke them into the market, they couldn’t have come up with something more different, while at the same time totally representing who they are in the South African music scene – masters of their own destiny!

Pantomime op Herwinbare Klanke is an album that can easily crossover the language barriers, enticing English listeners to grab the inner sleeve of the album to hear what these boykies are really saying. I can also see it having a massive impact in the Benelux countries, as I don’t think that there is any Afrikaans artist who has ever brought out such an individual sounding album!

I sat out in the garden listening to it for the third time, soaking in the late afternoon sun, letting the music surround me, and felt myself constantly wanting to refer to the inner sleeve to make sure I wasn’t missing anything; not letting words get past me, because Le Roi Nel dominates the atmosphere around you.

“dis moeilik vir ‘n kind van die platteland
om die stad se reels to leer”

(it’s difficult for a child from the country-side
to learn the rules of the city)

I think he has done a pretty damn fine job! In fact – I think he’s learnt the rules, and then created his own!

All the reviews out there are positive, like 24.com Music’s Chris Roper, who said, “Just a total cut above, a shift from cool band to world class. Gorgeous stuff, powerful, subtle, melodic without sacrificing aggression.”

iAfrica.com Entertainments Jonhenry Wilson said, “While other outfits ride the crest of the well-exploited wave that is rock music, it’s Foto Na Dans that are surging through waters uncharted, leading the way for aspiring nonconformists to follow.”

I think Pantomime op Herwinbare Klanke is an amazing album, and one that every music lover should add to their collection! As a big World Music lover myself, I think this fits into my World Rock section just nicely!