Never really being a fan of Afrikaans music, I listen to Zinkplaat’s latest release, Mooi Besoedeling; and they certainly change my opinion of Afrikaans rockers. This Stellenbosch-based band sure knows how to create rock ‘n’ roll in their mother language and they are doing it with immense conviction.

The packaging of Mooi Besoedeling is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Zinkplaat certainly sets the standard for any new releases in the future extremely high with their revolutionary new packaging. The album appears to be silver on the front and back with a colorful collection of images on the inside. However, upon closer inspection one realises that the plectrum included is not just a novelty – it is actually included because all the silver on the album cover is a scratch card for which you can use the plectrum to unveil the true cover of the album. Simply awesome!

The title track on the album , called “Frekwensie”, sets the atmosphere of the album and with lyrics such as “Maak jou eie klanke as jy wil / hoe jy dit doen maak ‘n moerse verskil / skakel in op my frekwensie”, it clearly indicates that this is not just another hollow album with meaningless lyrics, repetitive rhythms and superficial themes.

Zinkplaat’s lyrics are honest and they say what we as normal people feel in every day society, but so often don’t have the courage to say out loud: “Dieselfde mense in dieselfde plek / dieselfde foute totdat hulle vrek / en ons kan niks daaraan doen nie.” With their truthful and ingenuous lyrics they comment on social and political issues with an admirable subtlety.

With Mooi Besoedeling Zinkplaat proves that they do not have to stand back for anyone even though they did not follow the mainstream and rocked out in English. This album is certainly a “baanbreker” for music in South Africa.

Rating 7/10

Photo: Mark Reitz – Bun In The Oven CREATIVE

Check out the amazing album art here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8slWlkuLCc

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