The music is not immediately or easily accessible, and even the incredibly hipster crowd seemed to be struggling a little in the beginning, but like a gently acquired taste for expensive whiskey, the bands lure you in and, before you know it, there is a warmth in your belly and a thirst for more.
CYHSY achieved this gentle seduction towards the end of their set. Suddenly the atmosphere sparked, the lights turned golden and hands were flung in the air, bodies bouncing. These moments of magic were a beautiful thing indeed. Though, to be honest, between these moments things became a bit monotonous - each song blending into the moan-y next.
I feel the same sentiment can be attributed to Spoek Mathambo's set. Seems like his stage time was cut severely short and it felt a little rushed and disjointed but, after a very welcomed encore, he won the crowd over with his brilliant cover of Control by Joy Division and Let Them Talk off his new album Father Creeper.
Props must go to those responsible for decor of the Wittebome Centre. Giant alphabet dices suspended from the ceiling spelling out Clap Your Hands Say Yeah; a giant welcoming, luminous Yeah upon the roof of the centre; and a dramatic opening and closing curtain between acts all added some quirky drama to the event. A worthy mention must also go to DJ Sideshow for coaxing my weary feet into staying upon the dance floor with some excellent choices in closing tunes.
Part one complete. I look forward to seeing what next adidas All Originals Live and we-are-awesome might bring us. Satan said dance and who am I to disobey.
Photography by Adriaan Louw
