There had been warnings all week that a huge storm was to hit Cape Town on the first weekend of June, and the warnings had been right. The rain was almost relentless and Saturday was was a night to be spent at home under a warm blanket – not a lot of gigs could have persuaded me otherwise, but Fox Comet‘s album launch was something that simply could not be missed…

I know I’m easily annoyed and complain a lot, but I soon found myself listing annoyances on Saturday night…first off, like I said, the weather was awful. Secondly, I really don’t like Zula…admittedly my main problems were with the upstairs and I haven’t been up there in ages but I still hate shooting there. Added to that was the fact that the stage was lit by just one light…and it was red, the worst…and I have the sinking feeling that that might have been deliberate to tie in with Fox Comet’s ginger theme (ranging from the decor to the ‘Ginger Ninja’ cocktails and ‘Fox Comet’ shooters available at the bar).

So I wasn’t in the best headspace while Al Bairre was on. They’re young, very good and make solid, well-structured music, it’s just a little too summery for me sometimes. Their new music video is loads of fun and worth seeing if you’re not one of the 15 000 who have already done so.

Watching Grassy Spark felt a bit like being back at the Sublime Tribute show. Again, tight band, great energy and loads of fun, but ska’s really not my favourite genre…

Two bars into Fox Comet‘s set and I finally loosened up. This was the reason I was here! No disrespect to the other acts on the bill (I think they were both very good choices and the lineup all worked together) but for me, Fox Comet get the blend right. Pop rock with a little bit of funk, a little hint of ska and a feelgood, uptempo vibe that doesn’t overdo the sweetness.

Plus I always seem to forget how tall Rob Coutts and Kyle Gray are – on Saturday I was reminded when the former appeared in (half) a tux, bouncing up and down the stage with his usual energy and enthusiasm and when the latter stepped out from behind the drums and came to scream on a mic up front at the end of the epic instrumental (and previously unamed, last I heard it) Blazing Trails.

One Small Seed‘s Giuseppe Russo played MC, a guy introduced only as ‘Basil’ performed a hypnotic dance with a lumo hula-hoop during Ginger Ninja and guest musicians included album collaborators (Sabretooth‘s) Nikolai Athiros on keys and (Captain Stu‘s) Jon Shaban and Matt Willis on sax and trombone respectively.

I fell in love with Fox Comet the first time I saw them just over 2 years ago and, like many, have been waiting patiently for them to record and release an album. Saturday’s show was great and a long time coming; I left with a big smile and a copy of Blazing Trails and Fiery Tales, which proved the perfect companion for the rest of the rain-soaked weekend.

– – –

Fox Comet  |  Grassy Spark  |  Al Bairre

Photos on Facebook over here