Gunshot Blue is a psychedelic blues act born amongst burning incense, black ink, prayer beads, tattooed skin and religious icons back in 2014 at SA Hardcore Social Club in Johannesburg. Today sees the release of the video for their new single ‘Neon Love’ taken from “Until The Last Prayer”, the band’s highly anticipated full-length album set for release later this year.
The video was shot an edited by the highly sought-after Dizzy Khaki at Railways Cafe in Irene, Pretoria and The Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. Among Railways Café’s weather-beaten signs, second hand books, vintage posters, retro furniture and old school paraphernalia – new life, love and light rises. The Radium Beer Hall is the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg. Opened in 1929 by the Khalil family, the Radium had a double life as a tearoom and a shebeen. Selling liquor to black customers who were barred from drinking “white man’s booze” during those days, new life, love and light rose into the night.
“Love is psychedelic,” vocalist Frans Borman says matter-of-factly when asked about the song and video’s intention. “Love is wild. Love is wonder. Love is wander. Love is neon. Love is colour. On a pavement, a bar counter or a staircase. On a dance floor, a backseat or inside a DJ booth. Around a candle, under a mirror ball, through a window. Eyes can lock, fingers can touch, love can rise anywhere. Especially the night.”
To see Gunshot Blue live is a somewhat spirited experience or as Borman puts it, “a rousing psychoactive baptism leaving the listener with intensified sensory perception.” Try and catch them the next time they’re in your city. Watch the video below.
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