COMPETITION: Win tickets to see Wonderboom on stage

WONDERboom needs no introduction! After 22 years, nine albums, multiple awards and a lifetime of experiences, the band is still going strong as one of South Africa’s most legendary rock outfits. Best-known for the fundamental rock sound, the band has surprised listeners over the years by experimenting with different genres, ranging from funk through to punk and even afro-dance, but still its live performances continue to captivate audiences. Now, fans can look forward to a surprise hat-trick from the band – a brand new single, music video and South African tour!

The recent release of its ninth album, Rising Sun, after a lengthy hiatus – it’s been seven years since the last album – signaled the start of something very special, and WONDERboom is now set to unleash its brand new single, Praying Mantis. Penned by band members Cito and Martin Schofield, the song is about the fatality of 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,” explains Cito.

The single, a thread in a beautiful story weaved together throughout Rising Sun, is fresh territory for them.

“It is different from anything else on the album and anything WONDERboom has ever done,” says drummer Johnathan Bell. Bassist Wade Williams agrees: “As a musician, I think the greatest satisfaction comes from being part of something that listeners can relate to while pushing the boundaries into a place that is fresh and unusual.”

The video of the track was released on 30 July 2018.

“The concept for this crazy fantasy tale about being heartbroken was initiated by Roger Williams, our resident artistic genius,” explains Schofield. “We wanted to do something dark but light-hearted, to show that you should never take yourself too seriously, even in dark times.”

WONDERboom was formed in 1996 and consists of Cito (main vocals/guitar), Martin Schofield (guitar/vocals) and Wade Williams (bass), founding members who have been writing songs and performing together for over 22 years, and Jonathan Bell (drums), who replaced late friend and drummer, Garth McLeod, in 2013. The name WONDERboom was borrowed from a signpost outside a small town near Kroonstad. “We liked the idea that it means different things to different people and can be pronounced in different ways,” explains Cito.

As one of South Africa’s longest-standing rock bands, WONDERboom boasts an impressive resumé – it has headlined many major South African festivals and nominated for five Best Rock Album SAMA’s. It has 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.

Asked about a career highlight, the band’s answer is unanimous – in December 2017, the members travelled to Chengdu, China to represent South Africa at the Silk Road Indie Music Festival where the band won gold in a music performance competition! The band has also shared the stage with Muse, Korn, Chris Cornell, Kaizer Chiefs, 30 Seconds To Mars, Good Charlotte and some amazing local bands at Cokefest in 2008.

COMPETITION:

Wonderboom will be performing at the Musiekskuur Rockwood (Pretoria) on the 25th October 2018. Rekord has a set of tickets to give away. To enter the competition, fill out the entry form below and use ‘WONDERBOOM’ as the keyword.

Competition closes on 23 October 2018.

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