RAMfest 2013

So Durban has been getting quite a few international acts lately. RAMfest really did us a solid and bought Pendulum, Rise Against and Bring Me the Horizon to our shores. Durban has been known to get the raw end of the deal. Even when Sum 41 were supposed to play here the weather did its thing and that was that, no show. With all of this in my head I went to watch Rise Against and Bring Me the Horizon at the Wavehouse on Friday night.

My night was a bit of blur and the next day I heard a story about a guy having a big ol wank in public after the show. I guess some people express their enjoyment in different ways? Anyways, on with the review.

I have to say that I miss the excitement I used to feel when I was young and going to shows. I don't know what it is (cynicism?) but I don't feel the way I used to about live shows. Maybe my expectations are too high? Maybe I'm not watching the right bands? But I haven't left a show in a while feeling really blown away and impressed.

I have to say that Bring Me the Horizon and Rise Against did not disappoint. The sound was good and it felt like I was 17 again but therein lay the problem. It was almost too nostalgic. It's the same as always, bands usually come here when they are past their prime. By then you have usually moved onto other acts. Yes, you can still enjoy their performance but I can't help but think how great it would've been a few years ago.

waiting

Maybe that's just me though. The Facebook feedback was fully positive, the turn out was great and I found myself thinking 'where are all of these people when local bands are playing?'

With all of that said, you have to commend the people organising RAMfest. They are one of the few institutions helping to bring big acts over and you can't fault them on their work. It is handled very professionally and I'm excited to see who will be on the lineups in the future.