What do you get when you cross electronica-fuelled dream pop with propulsive psychedelic rock? A dopamine rush that’s what.
The latest Jim Beam Welcome Session featuring Mikhaela Faye and Moskitos, held on Friday night at The House of Machines – a gem of the Cape Town CBD, where live music is bred with notorious energy – was a dip into decadence, dopamine of the highest proportions, and honestly, it just reminded me why live performances are so much better than the recorded stuff.
Labelled as an artist made for the post-genre world, Mikhaela Faye’s fluctuating subtleties of jazz, R&B and experimental pop were on full display, “I Don’t Want Your Baby” the highlight of her set, laden with its sarcasm and wit.
Moskitos then took to the stage for a grunge-fuelled performance, bringing with them HEAVY guitar shredding and even HEAVIER drumming. Anyone who’s been to The House Of Machines will know how small the space is – it’s almost claustrophobic at times – but Moskitos feed off that energy so, so well, and reflect it back in the jungle-like mania of their writing.
And in all the euphoria I felt amongst the crowd, I was reminded of this – there’s something indescribably special about a group of strangers cramming together to listen to music, brushing shoulders with each other, the sweat dripping from their brows, drinks spilling, the ringing in your ears, everyone moving as one, single entity. It’s community like no other.
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