Le Voyage

Cast your minds back some months ago (15 August 2013), and you will remember that I conducted an interview with the Pretoria-based trio Wim Jansen van Rensburg (Guitar; Vocals), Adriaan Cruywagen (Drums; Vocals) and Marco Smit (Bass; Vocals), who form the band Le Voyage. In the interview it was about discovering who the band were and what they were about – what they offer to the ever-expanding talent pool that we find in the Nation’s capital. What I did find out from that interview were the following:

I will sound an utter idiot if I went ahead and said the band’s name in an “English-the-shit-out-of-it” way (see interview);
It was between the ages of 7 – 13 years that the guys realised that they were in love with music;
All of the members of the band have “day jobs”;
A highlight in their career thus far was when during a performance in Pretoria, Emile Swiegers (Die Tuindwergies) shredded a set with the band;
Marco Smit is the resident Keith Moon of this trio; and
They would ideally love to see more Gauteng venues and promoters who are willing to book bands and expose people to the talent out there.
I would say that I learnt quite a bit from our interview, and I wanted to learn more. So on Friday against the backdrop of a damp spring/ summer’s evening and having my brother-in-arms, Konrad Kruger, in toe, I made my way to what has become the destination venue for live music lovers and revelers of all shapes and marital statuses within the city, Arcade Empire. The evening was part of a greater cause from the good people of Capital Arts Revolution, but I was there to cover the performance of Le Voyage. I hadn’t heard much of the other acts to be honest, and it was to my great fortune that the band were the first to perform on the evening.

le voyage 600x400 Gig Review: Le Voyage @ Arcade Empire

By the time the band got on stage I was way past ready to see them in action. I know that an obsequious writer is never taken seriously in this industry, but there is something exhilarating in seeing local boys making a name for themselves in the highly competitive environment of “newness”. The dedicated support came in from the cold and before long there was some swaying and some nodding, although the crowd could hardly be called a massive one. I, though, had my drink in one hand, and with the other hand I wrote in my trusted notebook.

Opening the set, Wim’s vocals reminded me of Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker’s in how they came across powerfully and well-controlled but with the indication that they could readily be unleashed – if only Jarvis wore a bandana. He was well aware where he was, but more importantly where he wanted to take the audience – on a voyage.

I heard glimpses of the introspection witnessed in the sound of the Arctic Monkeys, and the easy-going nature of local perennial favourites aKING in their songs “Kings”, “We All Good” and “Choppy Rhythms”. Adriaan’s rapid fire drumming definitely set the pace for a lively performance. His energy on those drums was something to behold, and at times I could almost imagine him as a prizefighter who at the end of every round is asked by his corner to pace himself – alas to no avail. And then there was Marco on bass. Bassists are always seen as the quite and cool ones and just go about their business with little fuss and fanfare, and the same could be said of Marco. But if you paid enough attention to him you’d realise that he went about rhythmically matching Adriaan’s drums. And boy did he do it well. He had an intimate knowledge of his bass.

Nothing about the sounds that I was experiencing spoke of them being the “new kids on the block” and it became clear that their tenures served as members of other bands and projects had stood them in good stead for this very moment – for when they became Le Voyage. When their current single, making the rounds on radio stations like 5FM and campus radio stations, “Saw Her Come In” first rang out over the speakers it became obvious that we were witnessing a band that will become a household name and a regular fixture in the lexicon of festival regulars in the near future. Women danced and swooned, and guys couldn’t help but tap their feet and mouth the words to this increasingly popular song. Nobody hated the “mouthers” on this night because almost everyone was a mouther.

I was thoroughly impressed with their song “Ballad Hat”. I quickly turned to the person next to me and asked if he remembered that ballad-y Foo Fighters song. The poor guy just stood there wearing a look that simply asked in return, “Why ask me if you’re the music writer?” The song I was looking for at that moment was “Walking After You” taken from the band’s 1997 album “The Colour and the Shape. Even though at the time I didn’t get that particular Foo Fighters song, I quickly noted that the band’s song also reminded me of Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song”. But the song I had been searching for was from the former, and Ballad Hat, instantly reminded me o - Running Wolf's Rant

I came across a trio called Le Voyage, and the band was nice enough to take some time to answer a few questions, and share a little bit of who they are... - Menzi Hlongwa

"Le Voyage is a fresh new three piece Rock & Roll act based in Pretoria. As enduring and avid musicians the bands’ influences range from Rock & Roll, Glam Rock, Jazz, French and Indie music to EDM. Le Voyage was founded in February 2012 and shortly after set off to record their debut album working with Richard Brokensha and Marko Beninni from ISO (formally known as Isochronous) as producers and engineers." - KIT21.com admin

It's exciting to discover quality local music, so have a listen to the sounds of Le Voyage - a fresh new three piece rock band from Pretoria who will be releasing their debut album soon. Their influences range from Rock & Roll, Glam Rock, Jazz, French and Indie music to EDM. This up and coming band includes Wim Jansen van Rensburg on guitar and vocals, Adriaan Cruywagen on drums and vocals and Marco Smit on bass and vocals. The first single off their debut album called "Right Back at You" is upbeat, unique and really catchy. We love it!

Listen to "Right Back at You" here

Keep an eye on their progress and live performances here

Image by Matthew James Brewer 2013 - Candice Jane & Jodi Lisa

Arcade Empire made sure this past Saturday was a crazy loud night filled with talented bands.

The up and coming three man band called Le Voyage kicked of the evening blasting a fresh sound of rock. Their song ‘Right Back At You’ was a crowd favourite and at some point during their performance I could almost swear that I was hearing the guitar sounds of CCR. - Vicky Jankiewicz

Arcade Empire made sure this past Saturday was a crazy loud night filled with talented bands.

The up and coming three man band called Le Voyage kicked of the evening blasting a fresh sound of rock. Their song ‘Right Back At You’ was a crowd favourite and at some point during their performance I could almost swear that I was hearing the guitar sounds of CCR. - Vicky Jankiewicz