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As tight as ever, as raw as ever, as energetic as ever and as well loved by the fans as ever - Sugardrive are back. And back with a bang, I would say, after seeing them shake the foundations of the Independent Armchair Theatre in Cape Town last Sunday evening.

Sunday night blues having set in with a vengeance, the gig got off to a slightly slow start with the audience's bum's firmly stuck to the ground. But by the end of song two Sugardrive had eradicated the blues and managed to get everyone up, dancing and singing along to the tunes they knew. That unique sound filling the Armchair like a gas: a collection of sounds - dance, trip-hop and hardcore rock in a potpourri bowl.

Playing a mixture of songs from past releases, as well as a collection of some new songs, Sugardrive made a defining statement: We are back and we haven't lost our edge. Like a good can of Castle, we stand the test of time. Paul Flynn, on lead vocals, sings as if his life depends on it - the veins in his neck testimony to his effort. Ultra-cool bassist, Gavin, clearly enjoys himself on stage and, by the sounds of things, is a force to be reckoned with in terms of writing new material. Drummer Garth Mc Leod, giggled throughout the gig trying not to fall off the back of the stage! Joining them on stage was newest member - Ian (ex Ethel My Love), who fits into the Sugardrive glove as if it was made for him.

When Sugardrive delved into their CD collection of past releases memories of past road trips, friends in far flung places, the Huguenot tunnel (long story!), the pouring rain at Splashy Fen and one dark, dark night at Oppikoppi 1999 came pouring through my head. But Sugardrive are not "best of " band and they clearly have a massive pool of new songs. When the audience was treated to some of their new material (their song about Johannesburg was especially stirring and beautiful!) I couldn't help but think that the Sugardrive of the future will be the backing soundtrack to so many more fun times.

But what has kept these musical gurus's away for so long - victims of South Africa's volatile music industry? A lot apparently. The band members have been spending their time prolifically writing new material and spending time in the studio perfecting their art there. They have also been playing as Candice Hillenbrand's backing band - which produced a big question mark from me - but, they assure me, was quite fun.
At the end of the day though, Sugardrive is where they are at. And they just seemed to fall back into it…

Which is, of course, good news for all of us.

Unfortunately though - just when it seemed that Sugardrive were back to take music venues by storm they are hibernating back to the studio for about 3 months to put together a new album before touring. So more patience is going to be needed.

But, hey, absence makes the heart grow fonder….

Watch this space.