The event saw the launch of their third full-length studio album, Youthless. They were supported by fellow Joburg indie rock band Go Barefoot, alongside Japanese instrumental rock group SAWAGI.
The event saw nearly 1 000 music lovers grooving to Shortstraw’s unique and hypnotic brand of music. The band wowed the crowd with their new material – and did not fail to perform old classics.
Hits such as Bikini Weather and Good Morning Sunshine got the crowd going wild, and the new material from the album displayed a growing ambition in their artistry.
Guitarist and lead vocalist, Alister Thomas said that when the band formed, they had a folkier sound. Bassist Russell Grant said that the band sought to expand their musical capabilities with this new release.
“It was a natural process to fill the music out with classical elements,” said Grant.
The group felt their songwriting had continuously evolved, and that it often reflected elements of the places where they worked and lived. Thomas and Grant highlighted the importance of their indie status by choosing to individualise each element of production. Publishing is handled by Boosh, a band-owned organisation.
Go Barefoot filled the first supporting slot, heating up the crowd with their mix of upbeat African rhythms and rock ‘n roll melodies. Keyboardist Noah “Love” Bamberger described the band’s sound as a conglomeration of jazz, indie rock and African musical elements. The group released their first EP on 19 February.
SAWAGI was the second supporting act. The band incorporated a mixture of electronic dance music and disco into an adrenaline-pumping set of instrumental music which got the crowd jumping. SAWAGI released a new album on 14 January titled Starts to Think. The group had toured South Africa before appearing at Bassline in support of their new release.
