New Holland
- What kind of music? Rock
- The first time I ever saw or heard of New Holland, was the day they opened for aKING at the Stellenbosch Town Hall. Needless to say, after having had copious amounts to drink with a special of “buy one get one free” and the fact that I was there to see aKING, I did not pay much attention to the band with a lead singer who can give Willy Wonka a go with his pointy shoes. A few days later, a friend of mine suggested that I listen to the album – Ja, Ja, I will, one day, someday, whatever, blah blah. Just another SA band, right? What’s the difference?
With the release of their debut album, 01, New Holland undoubtedly shows that they are not just another SA band. From start to finish the album mesmerises the listener with the sound that they seem to create oh so effortlessly. The album has its fair share of upbeat rock ’n’ roll numbers, such as Uhuru and Rock & Roll, and also a few slower tracks like The Great Divide and The Only Thing You Own. You will find yourself instantly tapping your feet to the almost childlike sound of this band which contains a type of innocence which is long forgotten in SA music. Before long the songs will be stuck in your head and you will be unable to not sing along to its captivating tunes.
Innocent? Not at all. With lyrics which may come across as somewhat arbitrary, New Holland says it exactly as it is. “Spread your legs wide so I can get one last shot” and “Fuck this wasteland, fuck what all these people think” clearly shows that New Holland is not scared to say exactly what is on their minds, and the minds of a thousand other young individuals for that matter. The honest lyrics and appealing sound showcase a seriousness about the band and their music whilst creating an unique identity which clearly sets them apart from others on the SA music scene.
Love them or hate them – go buy the album and listen to them, because you know “they won’t be changing soon”.