VAN COKE KARTEL’s cover EP, ENERGIE, is out NOW on iTunes exclusively. Pre-orders of the 12” vinyl is also open at www.permanentrecord.co.za as of now. A free digital download of the entire EP is available upon purchase of the vinyl.
“This album is all about fun.” Wynand Myburgh
The members of VAN COKE KARTEL spent most of 2015 on other projects. Francois and Jedd Kossew launched the FRANCOIS VAN COKE debut solo album. Wynand Myburgh kept busy managing Jack Parow and Fokofpolisiekar’s affairs, while Dylan Hunt joined the band Southern Wild.
The band wanted to do something together again and they wanted to do something different.
They decided to record a cover EP by some of the greats, those who have influenced them along the way. According to Jedd Kossew, it was important for them to stay true to themselves, their style of music, but also to stay true to the songs they decided to cover.
But…
“How do you choose 5 songs?”
“It’s much easier for us to release good songs when they are already good songs.” Francois van Coke
ENERGIE TRACK LIST:
“Re-introducing an old song to a new audience.” Dylan Hunt
Van Coke Kartel explains:
Covering this song is quite personal for Van Coke Kartel. Francois says that Johannes Kerkorrel and Koos Kombuis was the only Afrikaans music they listened to growing up and the only thing they felt they associated with. Wynand used to do sound for Kerkorrel at some of this shows back in the day.
“The Beatles are my favourite band of all time.” Jedd Kossew
Van Coke Kartel talks about Help!:
Francois and Jedd have been jamming this song in their solo acoustic set for some time now. Help! is the first single from ENERGIE. A fun fact is that Jedd sings a chorus for the first time in a Van Coke Kartel song.
“Who doesn’t want to sing ‘I feel good’?” Francois Van Coke
Watch:
Wynand says that they wanted to do a song which is fun, they can jam and people would know.
“It’s something I want to share with people. It’s one of my favourite songs.” Francois Van Coke
Why it had to be a Thin Lizzy song:
Francois also says that he loves everything about this song. “Every note that’s played on it. I love the original version.”
“Born to Die is our attempt at a pop song.” Wynand Myburgh
VCK relates to this song:
Van Coke Kartel was eager to put their own spin on this pop song and they think it is now “Spaghetti Western-sounding”.
*Recorded and Mixed by Theo Crous at Bellville Studios
*Mastered by Rogan Kelsey
VCK's new offering, ENERGIE, is a fun filled homage to their varied influences. Pressed on ruby red wax, the record spins at 45RPM and exemplifies their role as one of South Africa's most exciting rock & roll acts.
This EP consists entirely of covers, some more expected than others, like the album's name sake ENERGIE, by Johannes Kerkorrel & Die Gereformeerde Blues Band, HELP! by The Beatles and GOT TO GIVE IT UP by Thin Lizzy, as well as atypical renditions of Lana Del Rey's BORN TO DIE and the James Brown classic I GOT YOU (I FEEL GOOD).
A digital download of the entire EP is available upon purchase.
SIDE A
A1 / ENERGIE A2 / HELP! A3 / I GOT YOU (I FEEL GOOD) SIDE 2
B1 / GOT TO GIVE IT UP B2 / BORN TO DIE
