Album Review: Die Heuwels Fantasties - Wilder As Die Wildtuin

"The idea with this album is to describe our experience of moving from the suburbs to the city and the phrase (Wilder As Die Wildtuin) sums it up perfectly; the concrete jungle in a more Afrikaans context." - Hunter Kennedy

South African favourites Die Heuwels Fantasties released their second album, Wilder As Die Wildtuin in March this year and they've once again manged to deliver jaw-dropping good Afrikaans music. The lyrics are mind blowing and the presence of new members Fred Den Hartog (guitar) and Philip Erasmus (drums) adds a fresh dimension to the band's once electro-pop image.

Wilder As Die Wildtuin is much more mature in sound (I'm tempted to say it's got a sort of melancholic vibe), with a dynamic acoustic vibe and guest appearances that will rock the socks off you! DHF's collaboration with Afrikaans icon Coenie De Villiers on Wonder Bo Wonder is what goosebumps are made of and Verwag My Terug featuring Ryk Benade is sure to be in great demand with teenage girls countrywide.

Other highlights include the title track Wilder As Die Wildtuin, the electro-funky Heel Te Mal and Mangemaak featuring Frieda Van Den Heever. Other guest appearances include Adriaan Brand, Francois Van Coke and Inge Beckmann.

Seriously; people will point and laugh if you don't go out and buy Wilder As Die Wildtuin IMMEDIATELY!

Rating: 8/10

Izzy
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