Crystal Fighters Drop Some Big News For SA

Let’s not try to even pretend that local promoters haven’t been pulling out all the stops this year and the last. We have finally been catching up on our international act bookings and have even been on par with international festivals bookings. And lemme be the first to say that whoever just signed this band doesn’t even realize how good this booking is. Crystal Fighters are hands down the most amazing band I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching.

I’ve been hearing murmurings for a while now about Crystal Fighters. I’ve told everyone ever how amazing they are. Anyway last week Thursday on their facebook page Crystal Fighters dropped this lovely little tidbit.

When and where will become more apparent over time. Who is bringing them is info I’m not privy to. I have a feeling that it is probably Seed Experiences with Rocking the Daisies and In The City. Or I guess it could be Hilltop Live with Oppikoppi. There are gaps in the tour dates for all three of those events, but there are very small odds that our good friend Henk and his team at Park Acoustics have gone and done it again, as if his lineups aren’t good enough already. But as much as people complain about local festivals (mostly due to the drunken idiots) we aren’t getting Coachella or Glasto levels of bookings, and we probably never will, so if we at least get four or five of the artists that play at them, we’ll all be very happy.

And I’ll have to stop spending a lot of money on plane tickets. Cos fuck the exchange rate (except in Poland, stay right where you are. And Russia, stick to your borders, Putin, you crazy bastard).

But with regards to Crystal Fighters and my love for their music and performances, it all goes back to 2010, where my good friend Dorota sent me this song, which is still my second favorite love song of all time. It’s hard to beat Uncle Phil, you see. Ever since that I’ve been obsessed with them. From the madness that is I Love London and Xtatic Truth, two songs at that time of my life I should have never enjoyed, but ended up adoring with all my being. Honestly, their debut Star Of Love still rests as one of the most played albums in my iTunes library. Every song on that album is an utter triumph. Their mix of crazy acoustic and synth work just generates such raw energy that the record’s practically flammable.

Last year they proved that they aren’t slowing down and doubled the brilliance with their sophomore offering Cave Rave. I mean No Man makes me tear up every time I hear it. Which lead to this…

Last year I got on a fucken plane and went to go see them live. Heineken Open’er Festival was truly an amazing experience and these guys made it utterly unforgettable. For 45 minutes I was in a mosh pit of utter joy and energy. I can try and explain what it’s like to be in a 20,000+ crowd of people, where everyone is all losing their shit and crowd surfing to I Love London and swooning and singing along to Everywhere. Having people crying into you or turning and just kissing a random girl next to you. But I just think you should all just go and experience it for yourself. Well played, whoever is sorting their trip here. If you’re a fan or even if you aren’t, do yourself a favor and book tickets when they officially confirm and announce. They are worth every cent. I’ll be there camping at the front of the stage. Or be banned, cos you know