WONDERboom pull a hat-trick
WONDERboom need no introduction – after 22 years, nine albums, multiple awards and a lifetime of experiences, they are still going strong as one of South Africa’s most legendary rock bands.
Best-known for their fundamental rock sound, the band have surprised listeners over the years by experimenting with different genres, from funk through to punk and even afro-dance, but it is their live performances that continue to captivate. Now, fans can look forward to a surprise hat-trick from the band – a new single, a music video and South African tour!
The recent release of their ninth album, Rising Sun, after a lengthy hiatus – it’s been seven years since the release of their last album – signalled the start of something special, and WONDERboom is now set to unleash their new single, Praying Mantis.
Penned by band members Cito and Martin Schofield, it’s about falling for a femme fatale.
“We wanted to capture the tragedy of falling for a femme fatale, while also depicting her sadness.
“It’s about the realisation that your demise is inevitable and, although she must do it, she feels devastated about taking you out,” says Cito.
The single, which forms part of a beautiful story woven all through Rising Sun, is fresh territory.
“It’s different from anything else on the album and anything WONDERboom have ever done,” says drummer Johnathan Bell.
Bassist Wade Williams agrees: “As a musician, the greatest satisfaction comes from being part of something listeners can relate to while pushing the boundaries into a place that is fresh and unusual.”
The music video for the track will be released on July 30.
“The concept for this crazy fantasy tale about being heartbroken was initiated by Roger Williams, resident artistic genius,” says Schofield. “We wanted to do something dark but light-hearted, to show you should never take yourself too seriously, even in dark times.”
As one of South Africa’s longest-standing rock bands, WONDERboom boast an impressive résumé – they have headlined major South African festivals and been nominated for five Best Rock Album SA Music Awards.
They also won the South African leg of the 2004 Global Battle of the Bands and came second worldwide at the finals in the London Astoria. In December 2017 they travelled to Chengdu, China, to represent South Africa at the Silk Road Indie Music Festival in a music performance competition and won gold!
WONDERboom will perform their two-act, unplugged show on the following dates: September 21: Barnyard Plett September 22: Vinyl Knysna September 23: Café Roux For other tour dates, follow Twitter: @WONDERboomBand