The Parlotones are back!

South African indie kings The Parlotones are back in the country after their month-long US and UK tour and are now touring South Africa, finishing on 30 April at Sibaya Casino in Durban. We caught up with lead singer KAHN MORBEE to chat about their days on the road.

“The tours have been awesome,” Kahn says. “We played to packed houses each night while overseas and we’ve been winning over new fans. Our South African fans are the most fantastic though - they’re the most vibrant.”

Travelling for so long is something they’ve become accustomed to and along the way each has developed a little ritual before taking to the stage. “There are lots of hums and aahs going on,” Kahn says. “Neil loosens his wrists with a gyro ball. Paul has some gadget he presses down on to exercise his fingers and I usually like to be left alone.”

Touring is hard work but it comes with plenty of perks. “It’s 10 years of hard work for 10 minutes of glamour. Ten great minutes,” Kahn says. “One of the biggest perks is having a ‘social credit card’ - we get free stuff, get into places for free, are invited to parties where stuff is free. The more popular we get, the more money we have to buy stuff but we get it for free!”

But the biggest perk of all is waking up every day doing exactly what they love - playing music. “That level of contentment is better than any 10 minutes of glamour,” Kahn says.

The Parlotones will hit the studio to start working on a new album in June this year and hope to release in November. Their previous album was 2008’s platinum-selling A World Next Door to Yours.

Meet Kyla Pratt

You may remember her from the TV sitcom One on One and as the cute tot in the Dr Dolittle films. Now stunning KYLA PRATT is all grown up and starring in the hilarious new comedy Hotel for Dogs opposite Emma Roberts.

Kyla made her TV debut in 1995 as Mindy in Barney & Friends. After wowing TV bosses she was soon appearing in shows such as Friends, Lizzie McGuire and Moesha. In 2001 she took on the role of Breanna Barnes in the hit sitcom One on One which boosted her fame and took her career to the big screen.

It was only when she started landing roles in movies - such as the romantic drama Love & Basketball and the comedies Dr Dolittle and Fat Albert - that she regarded herself as a serious actress.

“When I was younger acting was a hobby. Everybody else had sports and stuff, I went to auditions. I didn’t start thinking of this as a career until I was around 16.”

She may be 23 but Kyla still lives at home with her family in Los Angeles. “I’m sure I’ll move out in the next couple of years but I love being with all my siblings, my mom and my stepdad and seeing them every day.”

As the oldest kid in the house (she has a sister and four brothers) being a role model comes naturally to her, she says. “I have to be. I have a younger sister and I don’t like doing things that I wouldn’t want her to see and think that it’s okay to do.”

QUICK KYLA FACTS
- She’s an aspiring singer and is working on her debut CD.

- She’s dating college student Nathaniel Dancy. “I love him. He makes me happy,” she says.

- She’s set to star in Dr Dolittle 5: A Tinseltown Tail.

- Hotel for Dogs, which also stars Jake T Austin, Don Cheadle and ex-Friends star Lisa Kudrow, is in the cinemas now. So don’t wait - book your ticket.

Music reviews and news

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE (SOUNDTRACK) by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Nadia Philip (10)
Miley Cyrus is as talented singing as herself and as her alter ego, Hannah Montana. She performs on 12 of the 18 songs; the other singers are Taylor Swift, Steve Rushton (who has a great voice), Rascal Flatts and her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus. Best songs: Hoedown Throwdown and Butterfly Fly Away.

WIN!
Five readers will each win a copy of the Hannah Montana movie soundtrack. To enter SMS the word MONTANA with your name, surname and address to 34922 by 5 pm on 7 May 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

WHEN THE WORLD COMES DOWN by The All-American Rejects
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
If the name All-American Rejects doesn’t mean anything to you yet it soon will. This is the US rockers’ third album and, yes, it lives up to the high expectations. The punchy first single, Gives You Hell, is the best track but don’t overlook the down-tempo Damn Girl and Mona Lisa. When the Wind Blows is a slightly mournful but equally riveting track.

THE FRAY by The Fray
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Critics have largely called The Fray’s self-titled second album boring and monotonous. There’s no power-packed obvious single such as How to Save a Life on their 2005 album of the same name. Sure, they sound like Coldplay, but a cheap version. Except for You Found Me and Never Say Never the album is likely to be too boring for mainstream tastes. Might appeal to alternative-rock fans though.

MUSIC NEWS
Green Day will soon release the much-anticipated follow-up to their 2004 album, American Idiot, which earned them two Grammy Awards. The band, made up of singer-guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool, are known for reviving pop rock in the late ’90s and are now set to release their eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, on 15 May. The first single, Know Your Enemy, is now on radio.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
www.onehitwondercentral.com
Some artists are only as great as their one famous hit - you hear it all over the place then never hear from the artist again. This site features almost all the one-hit-wonders you can think of. It’s brilliant browsing for anybody who fell in love with an oldie but can’t recall the name of the band.

DVDs of the week

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Sci-fi. 2009. 103 min. With Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith and Kathy Bates. Director: Scott Derrickson. A.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

In 1928 a mountaineer (Reeves) stumbles across a glowing sphere. Fast-forward to the present day and scientist Dr Helen Benson (Connelly) is part of a US government team that must save the day when a large UFO is headed for New York. In an unexpected twist the UFO makes a civil entrance to the city and brings with it an alien, Klaatu (Reeves). His purpose? To destroy the planet if humans prove incapable of reversing the environmental damage they’ve caused.

Klaatu is taken captive but escapes and is joined by Benson and her son, Jacob (Smith). When Klaatu decides humans can’t take care of their planet he starts destroying it - and it’s up to the mother-and-son team to persuade the alien otherwise.

The film is Independence Day meets The Matrix and although it’s not as hard-hitting as either, this touching tale of humanity is worth catching. Watch out for promising young actor Jaden Smith (Pursuit of Happyness), Will Smith’s son.

BOLT
Animation. 2008. 96 min. Voices: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus and Susie Essman. Directors: Byron Howard, Chris Williams. PG.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

Bolt (Travolta) is a superdog and star of a hit TV series in which he fights baddies to keep his beloved owner, Penny (Cyrus), safe. He’s on guard 24/7 and never has a chance to be a normal dog. Only problem is Bolt thinks his adventures are real.

When he accidentally ends up in New York he thinks Penny has been kidnapped and sets off on a mission to save her. He forms an unlikely friendship with a cat called Mittens (Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster called Rhino, Bolt’s biggest fan. He also learns the joys of being a normal dog.

They embark on a road trip back to Hollywood to save Penny - will they make it in time? This adorable canine version of The Truman Show is a must-see for the whole family. Beware though: young ones might find some of the action scenes disturbing.

More reviews

BOOK: NEW MOON by Stephenie Meyer (R140, Atom)
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

New Moon is the second volume in the bestselling Twilight series about a plain-Jane human girl, Bella Swan, who falls for handsome vampire Edward Cullen. The story takes off where Twilight ends. Edward and Bella’s relationship hits a rough patch (we won’t ruin the surprise!) and for most of the book sexy Ed appears as a voice in Bella’s head. Heartbroken by their split she turns to pal Jacob Black, who nurses a not-so-secret crush on her. They’re soon best friends but Jacob has a secret that could have deadly consequences, especially for accident-prone Bella.

New Moon is better in many ways than Twilight - without Edward we’re spared the endless descriptions of his beauty; with Jacob at the forefront things take a dramatic turn for the better. The only problem is the character of Bella, who becomes whinier and more irritating as the stories progress.

GAME: MIRROR’S EDGE
PlayStation 3. 2008. 16+
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Pieter Vermaak

The game re-creates the first-person perspective in videogames so successfully it makes you feel dizzy. As a runner called Faith you cross the city’s rooftops with a liberating sense of speed and manoeuvrability. You have to uncover an evil plot involving the city police - a rather thin storyline that feels dispensable. Sprinting over rooftops and making death-defying leaps is exhilarating but too often the action is disrupted by the frustrating design of the levels and useless “hints”.

Hannah Montana movie madness

We love her on the small screen - now get ready to see MILEY CYRUS in the movie version of Hannah Montana which hits cinemas on 1 May. What can we expect? The film’s tagline says it all: she has the best of both worlds . . . now she has to pick just one. Bring it on!

ABOUT THE MOVIE
Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cyrus) is living it up as her pop star alter ego Hannah Montana but a series of disasters leaves her overwhelmed with everything fame brings. Her dad (played by Billy Ray Cyrus) tricks her into getting back to her roots in her small hometown in Tennessee. There she spends time with best friends Lilly (Emily Osment) and Oliver (Mitchel Musso). While getting used to farm life Miley also falls in love. She reconnects with a childhood friend, Travis Brody (played by newcomer Lucas Till), and things get a bit heated, forcing her to think about her real life versus that of her alter ego.

THE NEWBIE
Lucas Till (18) plays Travis Brody, Miley Stewart’s old friend and love interest.

“My agent suggested I send a tape in so I sent one to humour her - I didn’t think I’d actually get the role. Then I got the part! It was really a cool experience.”

He says he can’t describe the experience of working with Miley. “It was fun all the time. It was crazy and unpredictable all the time. She’s constantly doing something entertaining, whether she means to or not.”

THE STARS
There are a number of big names who appear in cameo roles in Hannah Montana: The Movie.

Singer Taylor Swift says she’s excited about being a part of the Hannah Montana phenomenon.

Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams says, “When they sent me the script I didn’t even ask what the character was, I just said ‘yes!’ ”

Tyra Banks, creator of America’s Next Top Model, says, “When I told them about this all the people in my family told me I have to do it. It’s Hannah Montana!”

WIN
Join our teen panel and you could win a Hannah Montana movie hamper including the movie soundtrack, a branded notebook and a funky cap courtesy of EMI Music. SMS the word HANNAH along with your name, age, address and e-mail address to 34923 by 5 pm on 30 April. Each SMS costs R2.

Bullet for My Valentine

While they didn’t make it to this year’s Coca-Cola Zero Fest as planned we still think they’re hot, hot, hot! The Welsh metal band is planning a new album that fans can look forward to.

MEMBERS (from left in pic)
Jason James (bass)
Michael Thomas (drums)
Matthew Tuck (vocals, guitar)
Michael Paget (guitar)

STARTED: 1998

Their original name was Jeff Killed John but was changed with the release of their debut album, The Poison, in 2005.

The band’s second album, Scream Aim Fire, came out in 2008 and they’re now working on their still untitled next album. “Usually we write and record 14 tracks that I write vocal lines for but this time I’m trying to write the vocals as I write the music,” lead singer Matthew explains.

The band says it’s important that each of their songs has a solid message. “For example Waking the Demon is about being bullied at school, which is something that most of the boys and I went through,” Matt says.

Do they have advice for aspiring musicians? “We were working for nine years before we even got a sniff of a record deal. You have to get out there and keep gigging. Making a good demo is also essential. Get an agent too but don’t bother with a manager,” Matt says.

It’s Ms Keri Baby

She’s been on the music scene for so long, popping up in songs with hip-hop greats Timbaland and Kardinal Offishall, it’s hard to believe she has only recently released her debut album.

KERI HILSON’s In a Perfect World . . . is well worth the wait. Even though it’s due for release in SA only at the end of April, singles on the album are soaring up local charts, especially Turnin’ Me On featuring Lil Wayne, in which she refers to herself as Ms Keri.

Writing songs for her album was great for the 26-year-old. She has penned hits such as Omarion’s Ice Box, Pussycat Doll’s Wait a Minute and Britney Spears’ Gimme More. But it was a lot easier to write songs for herself, she says. “I guess I can be a little less inhibited. I don’t have to wonder and guess or assume how I feel about a certain situation - I know what it is I want to say so it doesn’t have to pass inspection.”

The album ranges from futuristic pop to smooth R&B. “There’s a good balance on the album. I got emotional on the ballads and light on the club joints. I put my all into it as did Timbaland and Polow da Don (the producers).”

It features guest appearances by Kanye West, Keyshia Cole and Ne-Yo and we have to wonder how she got everyone on board. “It literally took an hour to get Lil Wayne’s verse and Kanye and I worked together before. It was a day before I had to hand in my CD and I said it would have been great to have him on the album.

“He said, ‘Is there anything we can do tonight?’ He was serious. I was so excited. I had a wish list of who I wanted to work with on the album and Kanye was on it!”

CD reviews and hot websites

WHO DO YOU TRUST? by Cassette
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl

The album is not a few hit singles surrounded by fillers - all 11 songs are integral to a brilliant whole. The melodic first song, A Beginning, with Jane Breetzke on vocals, and the moody finale, Drunk ’n Honest, with Jon Savage, perfectly complement the rock hits in the middle. Listen out for Vusi Mahlasela in Break My Heart.

REPLACE WHY WITH FUNNY by Dear Reader
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

A tussle over copyright has led to Harris Tweed being renamed Dear Reader. But although the SA duo’s name has changed their sound hasn’t and they still produce the soulful folk-pop fans love. Cherilyn MacNeil with her honey-smooth voice shines in thoughtful songs. Dear Heart is played on radio stations everywhere, proof indeed that local music is lekker.

ROUND 2 by J Holiday
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Gilda van Schalkwyk

American sensation J Holiday is now a certified R&B crooner. His debut album was an R&B offering infused with hip-hop but this follow-up is more mature and mellow. The only collaboration is with Rick Ross on Wrong Lover; if you expect vulgar rapping don’t hold your breath because it’s a good song. Other notables include It’s Yours, Run into My Arms and the sexy Lights Go Out.

WONDERFUL WEBSITES
- Go to channel24.co.za for the latest news, reviews and a chance to listen to albums before buying them. You’ll get info on local and international artists and videos of their hottest songs. You can even download free MP3s!

- Want access to a great South African online shopping site? Be sure to visit take2.co.za. They source CDs across the world and deliver them to your doorstep for an extra R30.

- Are you a hip-hop fan? Check out allhiphop.com for the lowdown on how your favourite rappers live off-camera. It also offers news and reviews and celeb gossip is updated daily.

DVDs of the week

TWILIGHT
Vampire romance. 2008. 117 min. With ROBERT PATTINSON, KRISTEN STEWART and Billy Burke. Director: Catherine Hardwicke. PG13.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Angie Newton

Bella Swan (Stewart) moves to a small town to live with her dad when her mom remarries. On her first day at her new school the 17-year-old girl is instantly attracted to mysterious classmate Edward Cullen (Pattinson). Edward tries his best to stay as far as possible from her but Bella’s infatuation with the very pale teen soon turns into an obsession.

Neither she nor Edward can deny the attraction between them. She sticks by him even when Edward reveals he and his family are vampires.

Their unorthodox love puts Bella in grave danger, especially when one of Edward’s own discovers his girlfriend is human and decides to hunt her down. Will Edward be able to save the love of his life or will he give in to his thirst for blood?

This adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance series is a must-see, especially for lovers of dark romance. There’s lots of humour, the main characters are captivating and the plot stays true to the book. Fans won’t be disappointed.

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
Animation. 2008. 89 min. Voices: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and Bernie Mac. Directors: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath. PG.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

In the first film Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe broke out of New York’s Central Park Zoo and ended up in Madagascar. This time they fix a plane to head “home” but crash-land in a reserve in Africa where Alex is reunited with his parents.

Everyone fits right in but a rival lion has an ultimatum for Alex’s dad, Zuba: either banish your son or make him fight in a dangerous rite-of-passage ritual.

The sequel is funnier than its predecessor with most of the laughs coming from the supporting cast. Young ones will easily be entertained. Special features: featurettes, commentary.

One-on-one with Snow Patrol guitarist

They’re in SA for the Coca-Cola Zero Fest. Pressplay chatted to JONNY QUINN, guitarist of energetic Scottish band Snow Patrol, ahead of their trip. He and fellow band members Gary Lightbody, Paul Wilson, Nathan Connolly and Tom Simpson were to play in Joburg on 10 April and Cape Town on 13 April.

The alternative rockers have come a long way since their student days. They formed in 1994 but shot to fame only in 2003 with the album Final Straw, from which the hits Run and Signal Fire came. They’ve since been nominated for several awards, including three Brit Awards, and have sold millions of albums. “Our style of music is hard-hitting lyrics with fantastic melodies and rock sensibilities,” Jonny says.

Since they started 13 years ago they’ve had several name changes and many members have come and gone. Jonny, who has been with Snow Patrol since day one, has seen all the changes and watched the band develop and grow. “We’ve been through lots,” he says. “It has been a fantastic journey. We had our fights, arguments and differences out early on and we get along really well. We’re a tight unit and everyone knows his job.”

They’ve been rocking ever since they were formed. Various music icons influence their style, Jonny says. “My favourite bands are the Beatles and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young but I also like hip-hop and country - basically anything from Nirvana to John Denver.”

Neil Young is the artist he’d most like to collaborate with. “He’s my favourite artist and is a unique talent and lyricist. Also George Harrison, if he was alive.”

They were focusing on their UK tour to promote their latest album, A Hundred Million Sons, before coming to South Africa.

MOST DOWNLOADED: PEN & PAPER by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
From: amazon.com (under mp3 rock songs)

Sure, they have a weird name but five-piece US band The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are fast becoming a household name in alternative rock circles. Pen & Paper is the second single off their successful third album, Lonely Road, and thanks to digital sales the song has risen in popularity, charting at No 75 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not bad for a rock song!

You can catch them performing alongside Snow Patrol at Coca-Cola Zero Fest.

17 Again

MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG is one lucky lady. She stars opposite hottie ZAC EFRON in the comedy 17 Again. Find out what it was like playing Zac’s daughter - even though she’s two years older than him!

In the movie Mike O’Donnell (played by Friends’ Matthew Perry) hates his life and wishes he could turn back the clock. He gets his wish and lands back in high school as a 17-year-old in the form of Zac Efron. Michelle plays Maggie, Mike’s rebellious daughter.

Michelle says she was “hysterical” when she found out she was playing Zac’s daughter and joked about having a sweater made that says “Zac Efron is my Daddy!”

“I called Zac ‘Dad’ all the time. I’d say things like, ‘Good morning, Dad.’ The cast members really love each other. It was nice working with Zac and Matt - not a bad day on set!” she says.

Meanwhile Zac says playing a 37-year-old dad was funny. “There are so few ways I can relate to a 37-year-old. It was a challenge, it was different. A lot of stuff I’ve done up to now I’ve lived, such as first love. I’ve been there done that, you know - high school, putting on plays. But in this movie it’s different because I’m doing things for someone twice my age.”

Zac says he wanted to be in the movie because it was an opportunity to play a character with heart. “What he learns is very important - that it’s never too late.”

WIN
Tell us what you think of YOU’s teen pages (good or bad) and you could win one of 10 hampers with a 17 Again T-shirt and movie soundtrack. SMS the number 17, your comments, name and address to 34923 before 23 April. Each SMS costs R2.

Dragonball Evolution

You won’t want to miss this exciting tale about a kung fu-fighting teen in the movie Dragonball Evolution. Before you see it get to know more about Goku and his team.

THE PLOT
When his beloved granddad dies Goku must set out to find Master Roshi and gather seven mystical Dragonballs before they fall in the hands of the evil Lord Piccolo. Along the way he meets powerful friends and falls head over heels in love with the gorgeous Chi Chi. Roshi trains Goku for the ultimate battle between good and evil when he takes on Lord Piccolo.

THE HERO: GOKU
No one at Goku’s high school knows he’s a talented martial arts fighter. His life changes when his grandfather is killed and he has to find the mystical balls to save the world. Played by Justin Chatwin (26) whose previous films include The Invisible and War of the Worlds in which he played Tom Cruise’s son.

THE FRIEND: BULMA
Goku’s feisty friend is cute as a button and is also a kick-ass weapons expert. She joins Goku on his quest, which helps a lot as she owns a DBE (Dragonball locator device). Played by Emmy Rossum (22) of Poseidon fame.

THE LOVE INTEREST: CHI CHI
Goku and Chi Chi have known each other since they were kids and it seems they’re destined to be together. Although they haven’t seen each other in a long time the flame is reignited when she meets Goku at a tournament of champions. Played by Jamie Chung who has been in a few episodes of the soapie Days of Our Lives.

THE WISE MASTER: ROSHI
Roshi is one of the world’s most respected and feared kung fu masters. Goku asks for his help to avenge his grandfather’s death. Roshi trains Goku to fight the evil Piccolo. Played by Chow Yun-Fat whose previous films include Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

THE VILLAIN: PICCOLO
He’s pure evil. Piccolo is believed to have come from an ancient being that split him to get rid of evil. He’s the ruler of a demonic race whose only aim is to take over the world. And guess who’s the only one who can stop him? Played by James Marsters who also starred on TV in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff, Angel, as the villainous Spike.

CD reviews

THE HITS 20 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

The latest title in the series offers a few unusual hits, not all of them completely commercial. The mix tends to be a little more hip-hop/R&B and indie than the usual pop/rock but that ends up being in its favour. Our favourite tracks include Alesha Dixon’s The Boy Does Nothing, The Ting Tings’ That’s Not My Name and Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours. Fun stuff!

WATCHMEN SOUNDTRACK by various artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

This is one of those rare soundtracks that stand apart from the movie (so you can appreciate the music even if you haven’t seen the flick) and paints an emotional picture with 12 moody, stirring tracks. Where else would you find Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin and My Chemical Romance on the same album?

THE SICK LEAVES by Stone the Crow
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl

This is a one-man project by Eksteen Jacobsz. The quirky sounds and lyrics are from his pen and guitar and he goes experimentally where few dare to venture. The result is interesting but the guitar layers are sometimes noisy and hard to listen to. The album is worth a listen for rock fans who like an alternative to the mainstream, overplayed tracks on most radio stations.

WIN
Five lucky readers will each win a copy of The Hits 20. To enter SMS the word HITS and your name, surname and address to 34923 before 23 April 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

Movie of the week: The Uninvited

Thriller. With EMILY BROWNING and Elizabeth Banks. Directors: Charles and Thomas Guard. 13V. Opens 17 April.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
An emotionally tormented teenage girl struggles to readjust after her mother’s death. When her father marries her mother’s former nurse she and her sister decide to drive the woman out of the house. But their new stepmom has other plans.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Not in the mood for the cute, sentimental Hotel for Dogs everyone Is going to see right now? Then choose this unexpectedly effective thriller instead. The story makes about as much sense as our politics but it’s sure to give you an entertaining thriller fix. But be aware: this is a chess game of horrors where all isn’t as it seems - and the fun part is to see if you can spot the directors’ plot twists coming before they hit you.

The skilful, atmospheric cinematography will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and slowly draw you in until you enjoy every scary minute.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No. With the other theatres full of moviegoers watching sweet little puppies and other movie staples try this less popular but far more convincing effort. It’s like watching a nightmare while you’re awake. The performances are above average and the ending will leave you well and truly rattled. And Emily Browning is excellent - watch out for her in future.

SIMILAR FILMS
The Grudge, The Ring, White Noise.

Something (Gold)fishy

Picture: Dominic Peters (left) and David Poole

It’s 11 in the morning but Dominic Peters and David Poole of electro band Goldfish have already been skateboarding down Chapman’s Peak at breakneck speed and doing a spot of surfing.

Hmph, and they call it work! But all the SA duo’s fun activities were being filmed for a music video of their hit track Cruising Through.

Their surfboards are still on the roof of their trusty old Valiant when we interview them for YOU.

It seems life can’t get any better. Over the past year their careers have gone from strength to strength and they’ve attracted a cult following locally and abroad. The cherry on top is a staggering eight SAMA (SA Music Awards) nominations for their second album, Perceptions of Pacha, released last year.

But they aren’t allowing themselves to get their hopes up too high. “As a band it’s normal to hope for something like this but we don’t make music for the validation but because we love it and believe in what we do. However it’s awesome getting this kind of recognition from our country,” Dom (28) says.

So how many SAMAs do they expect to walk away with?

“One would be nice, all eight would be great!” Dave (31) says with a laugh.

It has been five years since the two musicians, who met at UCT where both studied jazz, launched the band under their own record label, Goldfish Music (they’re now signed to Sony BMG).

They started playing gigs in and around Cape Town, combining jazz and dance music and giving it their own special spin.

Their 2005 debut album, Caught in the Loop, used little more than a double bass, saxophone and a couple of synths - and garnered them a loyal following and many hits.

The Fishies, as they’re known to fans, spend up to five months abroad each year and have been opening acts for international bands such as Faithless, Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx and DJ Paul van Dyk in exotic locations.

Yet as much as they enjoy travelling they remain local boys at heart. “You should see the amounts of biltong we eat as soon as we get back,” Dom says.

WIN
We’re giving away 20 copies of the Goldfish CD Perceptions of Pacha. SMS the keyword GOLDFISH followed by your name, surname and address to 34923 before 5 pm on 16 April. Each SMS costs R2.

All about AnnaSophia Robb

She’s only 15 but ANNASOPHIA ROBB has shared the big screen with Hollywood heavyweights such as Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron. In her latest role she plays an alien in Race to Witch Mountain.

LIVING THE DREAM
AnnaSophia was born on 8 December 1993 in Colorado. “I’d wanted to act since I was really little. When I was nine my parents found me an agent, sent me to acting classes and I started getting small jobs,” she says. Her first role was in a 2004 episode of the TV show Drake & Josh. But her TV career was short-lived because she caught the eye of Hollywood bigshots.

OH, JOHNNY!
In 2005 she made it to the big screen in the comedy drama Because of Winn-Dixie and the delightful Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. “I was so nervous because everyone was making such a big deal about him. But when we spoke I realised he’s just a really sweet man, really normal and loves his kids and is always talking about them.”

HER FILMS
*Bridge to Terabithia (2007) - She became instant buddies with co-star Josh Hutcherson.
*The Reaping (2007) - Her first and only horror film so far.
*Have Dreams, Will Travel (2007) - She saves a boy from his nasty parents.
*Jumper (2008) - As the young version of Rachel Bilson’s character, Millie.
*Sleepwalking (2008) - As a kid abandoned by her mom (Charlize Theron). “Charlize is such an amazing actress. She’s just so powerful and so committed to her work and the art of filmmaking,” she says.

NOW ON CIRCUIT . . .
The comedy sci-fi movie Race to Witch Mountain centres on a taxi driver, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who picks up twins Sara (AnnaSophia) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig). But it turns out they’re aliens who are in a big rush to get to Witch Mountain to recover their ship and save the planet.

“I have awesome powers, which is super-cool. I can move objects with my mind and I can also read people’s minds,” she says.

COMING SOON . . .
AnnaSophia’s next starring role is in the drama Dear Eleanor alongside another bright young Hollywood star, Abigail Breslin. But she’s most excited about starring in the sequel to Witch Mountain. “If I got a call that we were going to start filming a sequel tomorrow, I would be there tonight.”

Hot CDs

ALBUM OF THE MONTH
WHEN THE WORLD COMES DOWN by All-American Rejects
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig
The third album of US rockers All-American Rejects could well be their best. The 12-track CD includes popular hit single Gives You Hell which peaked at No 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No 2 on US Pop 100 charts. It’s a roller-coaster ride going from pop to groovy to dark in tracks such as Fallin’ Apart and I Wanna.

The group is known to appeal to teenage audiences and the lyrics of this offering mostly relate to teen angst but the strong, funky beat will suit many tastes.

REVIEWS
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (SOUNDTRACK) by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Bollywood goes mainstream in this Oscar-winning soundtrack from the Oscar-winning film that has had everyone talking. The up-tempo beats on AR Rahman’s score are complemented by the catchy Paper Plane by MIA who also teams up with Rahman on the opening track, O . . . Saya.

NO LINE ON THE HORIZON by U2
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip
On their latest offering U2 leave their comfort zone and end up with an album that is, well, okay. The soul-searching, strident, self-righteous lyrics are there but they’re less important than the music on the best songs. The downbeat and beautiful Cedars of Lebanon is a highlight on this zany, confused album.

CADILLAC RECORDS (SOUNDTRACK): DELUXE EDITION by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
The standard edition of this soundtrack has 13 tracks so we recommend buying the deluxe double-disc edition. The album has a mix of Motown, golden oldies and new material from Nas and Solange Knowles. Beyoncé (Etta James in the musical), Jeffrey Wright (Muddy Waters) and Mos Def (Chuck Berry) sing most of the songs.

Music news

Picture: Panic at the Disco frontman Brendon Urie

PANIC AT THE DISCO
American pop rockers Panic at the Disco (Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross, Jon Walker and Spencer Smith) are heading for SA for the first time. See them on 10 April at the Coca-Cola Zero Fest at Joburg’s New Market Racecourse and on 13 April at the Cape Town Ostrich Farm. We did a Q&A with the Nine in the Afternoon hitmakers ahead of their trip.

Q: What are you looking forward to in SA?
A: We enjoy visiting new places and seeing new fans. We never thought we’d have the opportunity to visit South Africa so we’re looking forward to the shows. Without preconceived notions about what to expect we hope to have a great experience.

Q: Do you hang out when not making music?
A: We do. We take a break from one another after long tours but soon end up at our usual spots. It’s how we’ve always been.

Q: What was the inspiration behind the single Nine in the Afternoon off your latest album, Pretty. Odd?
A: With Nine in the Afternoon we were in our practice space in Las Vegas for hours, writing. The room didn’t have windows; somebody asked what time it was and I think Jon said it’s nine in the afternoon. The song essentially wrote itself from there.

Q: When can fans expect another album and will it be different from this one?
A: We’re working on music but it’s early stages yet.

Q: What’s the best thing about being famous?
A: Getting free food at places at which we’re recognised!

PANIC AT THE BOX OFFICE
Tickets to Michael Jackson’s UK tour, This Is It, sold out in less than five hours last month. A million tickets were sold at a rate of 333 a minute. The 50-year-old singer is scheduled to perform 50 shows at The O2 Arena in London, starting in July. For the thousands of fans who missed out - tickets are selling on the black market at up to £16 000 (R220 000) for two front-row seats.

Game of the week

LITTLE BIG PLANET
PlayStation 3. 2008. 7+
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Pieter Vermaak
Have you ever wanted to design a world of your own? With Little Big Planet you can. This charming game has a number of pre-built levels but the excitement is in manipulating objects to create a unique environment. Its quirky handicraft-style graphics are a wonder to behold and with the game’s editing tools you can create almost anything you can imagine. Little Big Planet is a great experience that opens up awesome new possibilities in the world of gaming.