Today I had a seriously cool lunch break: I trotted off to Musica’s head office in Woodstock to meet The Arrows.
In case this isn’t ringing bells and crashing drums for you, they’re the female duo from Durban whose song ‘Lovesick’ is all over the radio right now. Pam de Menezes is a classically trained jazz musician and Christie Desfontaine is a hard rock lover who plays drums so passionately the drums sometimes don’t survive.
The Arrows are an improbable and utterly delightful pair and the music they produce is unlike anything we’ve had in South Africa before (think Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap and Florence and the Machine – and forgive me the not particularly accurate analogy). They’re really nice and down-to-earth too. Christie was actually pleased when I asked if I could tweet a photo of her shoes (rad purple Adidas).
Apparently, they’re also fantastic live. They’re just back from a massive four-month US and Australia tour, but South African fans get to enjoy their performances again in December.
If you’re in Cape Town, catch them at The Assembly on 8 December.
Pretoria people, your turn comes on December 9 at Tings
Joburgers, go to Tanz Cafe on December 11
They’ll be playing in their home town at The Wavehouse on the 17th.
If you can’t make any of those dates and places, next best option is to go and buy their debut album Make Believe from Musica. It’s only R120 (they’re pleased it’s cheaper than other albums). I’m listening to it now. Like them, it’s definitely not average or background. It’s kinda crazy, kinda sweet and totally wonderful. Again, like them.
P.S. Thanks to Musica for promoting local music! They’ve also helped boost the careers and profiles of other great South African bands, including The Parlotones, Freshlyground and Locnville.
