Adam launches Hoogtevrees

‘So, spring gou op en kom nou saam, dat ons die Nuwe Seisoen ingaan…’

 Deur Jaco Lotriet

 

Die immergewilde Weiveld op die buitewyke van Bronkhorstspruit het Saterdagaand 17 September opnuut gegons met die vrystelling van Adam se nuwe CD, getiteld Hoogtevrees. Die manne mag dalk aan Hoogtevrees lei maar hul optrede was vreesloos, verstommend, uitsonderlik melodieeus en alom fantasties. Rynardt Hugo, Hugo Ludik en Kyle Grant het gewis gewys wat in hulle steek… die Weiveld se fondamente het gekraak; die dak het gelig. Die gehoor het hulself oorgegee aan Adam.

The 3 man band celebrates 6 years in the music industry and already have 3 records under their belt, each having reached gold status. Their debut album Adam was released in 2011, followed by Vir Jou Gemaak only one year later, Gold in 2014 and now, the eagerly anticipated Hoogtevrees. Each member of the band has carved their own niche individually on the South African entertainment scene over the years and this translates into the lads unashamedly and collectively releasing a burst of energy onto their unsuspecting crowd, as was evident at the packed venue.

Die vertoning het afgeskop met die openingssnit op die CD, ‘n Nuwe Seisoen – ‘n hoendervleis-wekkende drie-deel harmonie wat vanuit die staanspoor hul professionele, dog gemaklike styl ten toon stel. Adam is welbekend vir hul vokale bekwaamheid en hulle het hoegenaamd nie teruggehou of teleurgestel nie, wat dit aanbetref. ‘n Nuwe Seisoen het moeiteloos oorgevloei in die titelsnit, gekenmerk deur die polsende ritme en stygende koor wat die aanhangers duidelik op hul voete gehad het. Die Weiveld se beligting en klank was oudergewoonte uit die boonste rakke en ongetwyfeld ‘n bykomende element wat die kunsstenaars se gepoleerde produksie tot groter hoogtes geneem het.

The night delivered a string of songs from their rapturous repertoire, both new and old, but the one that stood out most for me, was a new single called Vergifnis, penned by Ludik and Hugo. Deep, moving and thought provoking, this heavenly example of adult contemporary music at its best, was surprising, to say the least. One cannot help but wonder what goes through the writers’ minds while they meticulously chip away at the structure of the song, during the writing process. Needless to say, it all culminated beautifully in a well-rounded, bone chilling composition that stirs the soul, deep within. Both musically, as well as lyrically. Apart from the obvious Afrikaans lyrics, the overall appeal of this song in particular, invokes feelings one may associate with international productions – such is the power of this particular track and a recipe one would hope Adam continues with, in coming releases.

The evening had a few other surprises in store. The odd cover version showcased what could perhaps be seen as their influences, bearing in mind they compose their own songs. I personally have deep admiration for this, as the creative processes involved in song writing can be a very long, drawn out process, from inception, to the final cut that makes it onto the CD and eventually, on stage. The band’s hard work is clearly holistically evident in this production. Their creativity seems to know no bounds – even the subtle use of saxophone on Dis Al Wat Ek Het, attests to this. There are many more examples but its best you put your headphones on and be carried away. Is that a banjo I hear on Diep Uitgekerf?

The songs are powerful individually. Strung together and listening back to back, the universal theme of love comes to the fore, however, this theme is nuanced by the uncertainty that goes hand-in-hand, as we all know and can associate with. Contributing artists on the album include Vaughan Gardiner, Raymond Green and Brendan Ross, all leaving their indelible mark on this production.

Terug op die verhoog, en Adam se optrede voel na meer as ‘n uur van ononderbroke sang asof daar geen einde is, aan wat gesien kan word as ‘n bodemlose put van energie, nie. Hulle gaan net eenvoudig aan en aan, meëdoenloos. Genotvolle brokkies inligting aangaande die liedjies tussen-in en ‘n amper skaamtelose geskerts met die gehoor deurgans, is verfrissend. Adam klink goed, lyk goed en is vol vertroue op die verhoog. Netjies afgerond. Stylvol. Ontspanne.

Hoogtevrees feels invigorating, individualistic and pensive, both on CD and most certainly live. This Ghoema awarded trio of musicians is a must-see. Catch their live performance dates at their online site or on Facebook. Hoogtevrees is available at Musica stores countrywide, as well as on I-Tunes and is Afrikaans easy listening at its best.

You can also read more about Adam, and their recent successful collaboration with Daniel Baron, here!