On Saturday night, I raced my way down with lethal anticipation to catch Hi Anxious’ exhilarating EP launch for ‘ENDER’ live at Barcadia. The place was packed when I got there, the hue of my cigarette lighting up my pale face. I’d never seen so many piercings and mohawks huddled around an arcade machine before. My nerves were as wracked as frayed wires on a phone line, like the ones the birds perch on. I took one last pull from my dying cigarette, and stomped it out on the ground – and then I picked it right back up and disposed of it in a cigarette safe bin! I mean, did you really think I was just going to litter like that?

I walked up to the bouncer standing at the entrance, he was a big guy (as bouncers usually are) and towered over me, his shadow blending with mine. The man checks my stamp, and then gives me the nod to walk right on in. First thing I notice right through the door, the place smells like cheap perfume and forgotten nightmares. Right up my alley. Lights flashed in the corner of my eyes at the tempo of my beating head. As I was pondering the buzzings of the neon lights, a riff began to emanate through the room

The band went by the name Three Oh Five, the main singer’s voice sent me back to a time I didn’t realise I still remembered, that kind of drive back on the highway where the sun is just about set; orange rays beaming through the window. Leather-clad metalheads and tattooed alt kids rejoiced all around as the main singer Viktor and the rest of Three Oh Five performed. Especially as Viktor delivered his vocals with an utmost heartbreaking tonality.

I spoke to Viktor after the show, and he mentioned how the event was an opportunity to bring people together. My observations from that night told me he was right on the money! Three Oh Five created an epic atmosphere that I won’t soon forget. About 5 cigarettes deeper into the night and a round of mingling, I made my way back inside. “Next up, Hi Anxious”, the imaginary announcer loudly screeched in my head.  

For this set I decided to take a seat in the back of the crowd, really getting immersed with my fellow listeners. I heard a guy behind me say “this is just like my dreams”, and surely the hazey, smokey club night was like a scene from Almost Famous mixed with After Hours. When Hi Anxious arose to the stage I could feel their presence immediately, it was almost as if the room dimmed and a spotlight shone upon the band, I could feel the crowd’s excitement gradually building.

Sarrel, the guitarist, begins absolutely shredding, he had a real Johnny Silverhand look to him. In a flash, the harmonious synergy of the band becomes complete. Lead singer Zandre’s vocals ripped out my heart and stuffed it back in my chest, with the drumming of Tinus combined to emanate into a blur of sweat-fuelled passion. 

At this point, the crowd went beyond nuts, and then the mosh pit began. I somehow found my way into it. After being thrown and thrashed around like a rag doll, I was enthralled by the energy of it all – I’d never felt so alive in my life – in my opinion I got the least of the pit. One guy got smacked into a wall so hard you could almost picture Looney Tunes style tweety birds around his head. The mosh pit is a very human experience as it really makes you remember you are just flesh and blood – putting aside the philosophical conundrum of whether we have a soul or not. I would like to tip my hat to Hi Anxious for how interactive they made the show feel for those in attendance. Then the band finished their set and I got the chance to briefly speak with them. We talked about the creative process and what being punk means to them, according to Zandre, “It’s about being yourself”. 

I got to catch a brief glimpse of The Medicine Dolls, as always, they brought to the stage their trademark iconic sound delivering a rhythmic feeling that feels like a breath of fresh air. I can’t wait to see what they bring to their future live performances. I had such a terrific time seeing ‘Hi Anxious’ live, their high energy industrial sound further instilled in me that the Punk scene is still alive and well in Cape Town 

Overall, a night shared conversing with great people, and listening to fantastic tunes. It was an atmospheric, moody experience that will remain engrained in my mind. As always, stay punk! Till next time, it’s been Gino, out smashing plates stealing grapes.