It is a mistake we all admit to being partial to: to judge a book by its cover and similarly, to judge a band by its name. This holds particular consequence when it comes to Satanic Dagga Orgy, a Johannesburg-hailing, 4-piece “acoustacore” polk-funk band whose name inevitably, has sparked significant controversy in our music scene since their inception in 2013.
I will openly admit to being similarly put off by their name when I first came across them – and let’s not forget the fact that they performed their entire Oppikoppi set in red Speedos. Even their promotional photos are faintly distasteful – the latest one a depiction of the five semi-nude men crammed into bathtub, covered in food. However, when I finally buckled and bravely pressed play on their newly released EP, “The Bromance”, I was pleasantly surprised.
Their sound is a bouncy, energetic combination of folk, country and Americanca-esque rock, and while their lyrical content may not be cleanest, the band appears to be simply a well-played, highly entertaining paradox. The opening track is a rendition of a traditional American folk song, ‘This Train’ – with a South African twist – and is lively jamboree of banjo, guitar and harmonica, brimming with country flavours.
‘Don’t Be Kak’ is a fast-paced New Years’ resolution list of sorts, the principal one being to “be lekker”. This is a fleeting, wildly danceable track which deftly hides the more consequential meaning behind it – of facing ones fears and overcoming obstacles – beneath a hurried flood of energized melody. Their sound is clear-cut and very well produced. An expertly blended array of musical components, which include several lesser-used instruments such as the Cajon and ukulele, are complimented by smooth, adept vocals (Peter “Blackbeard” Ferreira).
A cheerful, chiming sound is found in ‘Legalise It’. The band merrily inform you of the multiple uses of marijuana in a happy-go-lucky Christmas carol-like tune, brimming with bells and an array of percussive effects, all brought to a gentle close with a rattle of shakers. In a seemingly charming and quirky way, the penultimate track ‘Mr Crocodile’ slowly and deliberately demoralises South African political leaders in the band’s hilariously roundabout way. The closing track, ‘Thanks But No Thanks’ is what can only be described a 7-minute ballad. Laced with delicate piano work and crooning vocals, the song cautions you of the dangers in dating someone you met online.
“The Bromance” is an excellently produced, well-sung effort to mock the straightjacket of society – and while by all outward appearances Satanic Dagga Orgy gives the impression of not taking themselves seriously, their music is another matter entirely.
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Listen to “The Bromance EP” on Bandcamp.
