Cape Town Band Ashtray Electric Release Debut Album

Bonjour is the new offering from one of South Africa's hottest live acts

Ashtray Electric’s first full-length album, Bonjour, has been released. Bonjour is a 2-disc set that consists of 10 new tracks, a 15-minute documentary of the band titled Lead me to Sea (filmed and produced by The African Attachment), as well as the video and making of the video “Quite Overstared."

Kings of the underground and rising to the forefront of where it is all happening, Ashtray Electric enters the SA music scene by their very own handshake of music that is inspired by a large selection of musical styles and genres.

From beginning to end, Bonjour  takes you along on a layered trip, steering your moods with varied beats and tempos, driven by André Pienaar’s bare and honest lyrics, for example:

”In over our heads, where do we begin to tie the knots? With inexperience and love there is no better place to start.” (Track 6: Lia)

You know, I will show you the road
Won’t you please lead me to sea, I’ll figure it out on my own” (Track 3: Gallop)

The single Quite Overstared has also been included on the CD. Quite Overstared was playlisted on campus radio stations nationwide and reached the top position on Tuks FM’s Top 30 as well as number 1 on UJ FM’s Top 20.

The video of Quite Overstared is currently climbing the charts on MK Top 10 and is also playing on MTV Base. The single was first released on the Bellville Rock City album.

The documentary Lead me to Sea introduces the the band members and takes a closer look at the inter-relations and dynamics of the band. Made by Greg Fell and Dean Leslie from The African Attachment, the production is of an exceptional standard.

It is advised to watch this documentary before you listen to the album to get to a feel for Ashtray Electric’s identity, motivations and aspirations.

The album takes you on an unpredicatable musical ride that is driven by the bold display of an uncompromising streetwise and sassy rhythm that is the signature of the band’s distinctive sound.

Not adhering to commercial beats, Ashtray Electric brings you a delicate mixture of foot-tapping beats, rolling riffs and hip-swaying songs.

Their music oozes a direct, vibrant and sensual display of rock-rebel confidence that will sleaze the couch out from right under you.

Bonjour was recorded at CoffeeStainedVinyl Studios in Table View. The album was co-produced and mixed by Teejay Terblanche and mastered by Rogan Kelsey from Lapdust.

Ashtray Electric Bonjour Tracklist:

1. New One
2. Seasons
3. Gallop
4. Heartbeat
5. Quite Overstared
6. Lia
7. Pedgio
8. Slow Down the Night
9. Too Young
10. When Sex Becomes a Sport

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