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Review of the Mann Friday "The Orchard" launch
October 26 - Riverclub, Observatory

Take three parts Zimbabwean musical genius and add two parts South African musical talent and you get a musical union that is going to take the SA music scene by storm in the months to come.

Mann Friday is a feisty group of real people, making real music, and - at the launch of their debut album "The Orchard" on 26 October - they rocked Cape Town's Riverclub to within an inch of its life!

Rob Burrell's (lead vocalist and songwriter for the band) emotional lyrics are driven by passionate acoustic rhythms and enhanced by moments of string and violin beauty. Catchy choruses got the crowds singing along and screaming for more.

Mann Friday's lyrics are undeniably about life and love in Africa and you can't help but become involved in the stories being told. You imagine yourself sitting on a Mozambiquean beach under a "Gin and Tonic Sky". You remember the time when you found out that even angels sin (Batman's Heart) and you agree - yes - it would be nice to have a drink with David Grey (Superfree). The song Chinja is an exceptionally moving testament to the current crisis in Zimbabwe.

Perhaps it is because the lyrics are so experience driven that this band exudes energy and spirit. Perhaps it is because they are clearly doing something they love. Either way though - its goose bump stuff. It is good stuff.