Cortina Whiplash and Slashdogs to tour Cape Town
Every now and then I hear or read that the scene is dying and every single time I can’t help but disagree. If anything, the scene is constantly evolving, and there are countless artists I could cite who are taking initiative in creating circumstances conducive to a thriving scene.Two such groups are Cortina Whiplash and The Slashdogs who collectively have been in the scene for more than two decades. The two are joining forces again to give the Mother City’s rock and rollers another taste of the mother’s milk. The bands last toured Cape Town together in 2009 and Tess Lily of Cortina Whiplash is eager to return under a different set of conditions.
Tess says, “I feel a great sense of accomplishment for the fact that both bands still exist today.”
“This time around we’re hopefully older (we’re flying, not driving), wiser (we won’t try accommodate both bands in one backpackers dorm) and better musicians,” she adds.
The tour artwork was designed by Elio The Illustrator, who is fast becoming a staple in the indie and rock and roll circles. The design is based on the legend of how Devil’s Peak got its name. The name was inspired by a folk-tale about a Dutch man whose name was Jan van Hunks. A prodigious pipe-smoker, van Hunks was forced by his wife to smoke outside their home at the foot of the mountain peak. On one occasion, he fell into a pipe-smoking contest with a stranger who turned out to be the devil. Van Hunks would eventually win the contest, but not before the smoke they made formed a table-cloth cloud which covered the mountain.
When asked about being depicted as the devil in this analogy, Tess adds, “When you have to choose between being represented by a Dutch guy who smokes too much or the devil, always opt for the devil. That’s what we always say.”
“Cortina Whiplash and The Slashdogs are heading to Cape Town this month for The Showdown tour. Just like a small, dysfunctional musical family both bands intend on having a loud and agressive family holiday. Check out the dates so you can come witness the craziness. Or better yet come join the family as the drunk, obnoxious, aunty/uncle we all love to hate. See you there!”
The Showdown Tour
12 November – Cortina Whiplash + Training Brah – Bohemia, Stellenbosch
12 November – The Slashdogs, Peasant, One Eight Seven – Manila Bar, CT
13 November – Cortina Whiplash, The Slashdogs, Peasant, Stoker – Club Med, CT
14 November – Cortina Whiplash, The House of Machines, CT
14 November – The Slashdogs – Aandklas, Stellenbosch
15 November – The Slashdogs unplugged – Yours Truly, CT
Featured image by Henry Engelbrecht
