One of the bands I wish would come back into the local music scene is Cape Town’s alternative progressive rock act, Versus The Wolf. This band, with its edgy alternative style and inspiring lyrics, was one of my favourite acts, way back when they were still known as New Altum.
The band burst onto the scene with their track “Close Enough To Hear Your Heart Beat” and released a spectacular album, Uncovering Faces. The band played their final show a few years ago and, at that point, consisted of Rash Ferguson – vocals/samples; Janlo van den Heever – drums; Simon Smuts – bass; Nick Fagg – guitar and Duan Viljoen – guitar/vocals.
5. Blackened Seas
Rash Ferguson’s vocals take centre stage on this elucidating track where the group explores themes of despair and the eventual hope that comes through. We all need a saviour and redemption and this track focuses on the need for help as we, as humans, cannot do everything on our own. The guitars are perfect in this track as they create a wonderful platform for Ferguson’s sea-inspired lyrics. The song’s layered feel, with numerous elements, creates a sense of unity. The short guitar solo lead from Fagg is one of the best aspects of the bridge. “This morning light is burning deep; it’s burning bright. Lord save us from disaster, we are broken sails. Help me see the answers,” sings Ferguson against the backdrop of an anthemic chorus to end of the song.
4. Take Me Home
This is one of the more energetic tracks from Versus The Wolf, which was released as a single in 2012. It has a straightforward style and this approach opens it up to new listeners. It flows beautifully with some of the best guitar leads and riffs from Viljoen and Fagg creating a bright feel.
“This fear and pain help me to call on your name,” sings Ferguson with aplomb and certainty as this number emphasises the love of our creator and his eternal embrace. This is a fantastic track that embodies the lyrical style and message of the band.
3. Where Have The Colours Gone?
This is one of Versus The Wolf’s harder-hitting tracks. The alternative crunch of the guitars and some double bass drumming from Van den Heever give the song some extra punch. The track’s pace is slower and heavier with the drums being the star of the show, together with the visceral guitar playing from Fagg and Viljoen. The lead vocalist, Ferguson, also adds his pipes with a mix of softer, reflective musing and harder, more aggressive screams to show off his repertoire. “We will be the carriers, we will bring them home,” is followed by a superb little breakdown and gang vocals that add to the punchiness of this track. This number focuses on putting colour back into the world and coming alive in a dark world by being the ones who make a difference. There is redemption and this track emphasises this.
2. Enticing Eyes
“Enticing Eyes” must have one of the best build-ups of any local track I’ve heard in this genre, starting with Fagg’s lead guitar and Ferguson’s vocals. “Oh so lonely, this feeling oh so familiar, can anything satisfy, can anyone satisfy, these wondering minds?” sings Ferguson. The bass guitar playing of Smuts and drumming from the former drummer, Nic Smal, gives this song a fantastic edge. This is one of my favourite tracks as it shows Ferguson’s vocal style, mixed with smoothness in the verse and edginess in the chorus. The instrumental parts are a must-listen.

1. Close Enough To Hear Your Heart Beat
If you haven’t heard this track, then you should take the time to lend your ears to the masterpiece. It has one of the best choruses in the genre and will undoubtedly make you sing every word. Ferguson’s screams and cleans on this track are exceptional with a brilliant driving sound focusing on love and how it has a positive effect on one’s heart. Opening your heart to love is all you need. This song is a cry for love and a genuine appreciation for the love of our creator.
“If you take back everything I hold tightly in hand,
I’d still be okay, as long as you promise not to leave me behind.”
“No, don’t you dare, I swear that I would die if you ever had to go. “Stay, stay with me tonight; stay with me tonight. When I hear your heartbeat, my heart screams out,” sings the black haired Ferguson.
This track was on heavy rotation on MK a decade ago when the band was still known as New Altum and is still one of my favourite local tracks. The drum outro is fantastic and will have you air-drumming for days.