Van Pletzen is a quiet force in the South African music industry. The duo’s refreshing approach to Afrikaans alt-pop, electronic and even hip-hop makes them one of the most versatile acts on the scene right now, and on their fourth studio album, Om Lig Te Maak, they take yet another bold creative leap.
Not a single electronic element was used, in their own words. Every note was recorded live – a daring move for a band known to be at the forefront of Afrikaans electronic, dance and club music.
With thirteen quintessential tracks, Om Lig Te Maak is a celebration of songwriting in its purest, most timeless form. Van Pletzen step into their own, as true songsmiths, featuring an all-star lineup of collaborators including Spoegwolf, Jack Parow, Droomsindroom, Early B, Emma B, and even the legendary Kaptein himself, Kurt Darren.
There’s a tender acoustic touch to this record, and we shouldn’t say that it’s surprising, even though it is. Van Pletzen have always displayed incredible melodic sensitivity, but this time around, it feels different. It feels vulnerable and open, like they’ve dropped their guard.
On “Ek kyk na jou” featuring Spoegwolf, a powerful chorus-line unfurls in perfect harmony to acoustic strings and soaring electric riffs. It’s beautiful, it’s daring, and it marks a new era for Van Pletzen.
“Dronk op liefde – Acoustic” featuring Early B is yet another heartfelt track, stripped back and baring all this duo has to offer, while “Hartedief (het my verlief)” featuring Emma B has a kind of indie-folk touch that brings to mind The Lumineers and Coldplay.
With unflinching honesty, Van Pletzen find a lightness in their music that they’ve never found before. And perhaps a little love too. Listen for yourself to feel it.
Feature image courtesy of André Badenhorst.
