It is time for some South African flavour and what better way to stir the musical pot than to add a touch of AKING? The band has been a staple of the South African rock scene since 2008 with their breakthrough hit “The Dance” hitting airwaves with a bang. Their blend of alternative rock melodies, groovy riffs, melancholy melodies and deep lyrics gives them their uniqueness. AKING started after former Fokofpolisiekar band members, drummer, Jaco “Snake” Venter and guitarist, Hunter Kennedy, decided to tackle another musical project. Together with lead vocalist, Laudo Liebenberg and bassist, Hennie van Halen, they formed this four-piece outfit. Kennedy is not part of AKING anymore due to other musical commitments and Andrew Davenport has blended in perfectly ever since.
5. Catch Alight
This song was something new for the hard-hitting rock band, after their first two albums that had a unique guitar-based sound. The electronic and synth elements open the song which has a considerably long intro. This is exemplified by a great acoustic guitar part before Liebenberg is added to the mix with the lyrics: “Sit down and drink with me.” The chorus is one of the most memorable parts of the song with “Are you listening? Catch alight for me.”
All the musical elements work together perfectly and give the listeners a great ex-ample of what this band is capable of.
4. Safe as Houses
This an absolutely classic AKING song and one that put the band on the map with its great lyrics, acoustic melody and husky voice of lead vocalist, Laudo Liebenberg. “I like looking at the sky as the wind plays through The skirts of the trees, the silence knows how afraid we are of its cherished memories,” is just one of the great lyrics of this song that focuses on youth, growing up and broken homes, to name just a few of the topics. A great tune to listen to and reflect on. The music video is also brilliantly done.
3. All Over
“Come to grips with slipping up. How long can you keep it up until you break?” This is how this song from AKING’s newest album, Morning After starts out. This is a fantastic song and probably the best from the album, lyrics- and melody wise, in my opinion. The guitar intro, in the beginning, sounds uniquely South African and the rhythm works perfectly throughout the song. The solo also complements the track beautifully. The dual guitar work from Liebenberg and Davenport is something to listen to.
2. Against All Odds
AKING’s radio friendly hit song “Against All Odds” is one of their best songs, especially with the catchy guitar intro that immediately grips the listener from the onset. The verse is memorable for Liebenberg’s vocals which are supplemented by the drums of Snake and Bass of Van Halen – something that AKING gets right in most of their songs. The song has a fantastic beat with the chorus that will definitely get anyone singing.
1. The Dance
AKING hit the SA music scene with this song and their debut hit has stood the test of time. The song gets the top spot in my opinion with its great guitar melody, poetic lyrics and gripping chorus. “So little time to get the right words out,” is a great lyric that resonates with everyone and Liebenberg’s delivery of that lyric is what gives the song that edge. The solo is also one of the memorable parts of this song that puts the cherry on the cake for one of the outstanding tracks from their debut album, Dutch Courage.