Sometimes you have to go backwards to move forwards in order to get ahead of the pack, and succeed in your chosen path.
London-based multi-culturalists Dorp know all about that – so much so they even gave themselves a name that reflected this philosophy.
“All the bands popping up around us were going for the pseudo Seattle sound and everyone was trying to be ultra cool and we decided to go for something that is quite backward,” laughs frontman Piet Bez.
“In South Africa dorp means township but it can also be used to describe something a bit backward. The reaction we were looking for was, ‘why would anyone call their band that?’”
Reactions are of course the essence of what music should invoke in people – and for Dorp, these have been nothing but positive.
It’s rare that a band can truly be described as unique and genre- bending, and yet here is a four piece that truly defy categorization and transcends today’s music fan’s expectations of what music can be about. Combining melodies, pop sensibilities, lashings of electronica, lyrical satire and sheer rock power, Dorp’s creativity is astounding.
In just a few years of landing in London Dorp have evolved into a truly unique proposition. Already a handful of singles and accompanying stunning videos under their belts, now it’s time to unveil their debut album proper – ‘Humans Being’.
Recorded at the personal studio of Flood – the internationally renowned producer who’s worked with U2 and PJ Harvey amongst many others - ‘Humans Being’ was produced by Dave McCracken (Ian Brown, Depeche Mode), and is an album that takes the listener on an epic voyage. This is not an album full of throwaway bubblegum packaged around two or three key hit singles, this is an album packed with real songs throughout. Songs that will bring back a genuine value to music again; tunes that will stand the test of time and ultimately stand out against today’s quick fix, empty world.
This is music for fans of the true musical greats of modern music - Radiohead, Bjork, Beck, NIN and even stadium giants U2 and Pink Floyd.
Socially charged and yet, for the most part, tongue firmly in cheek, Dorp’s songs deal with personal tribulations (‘I Got What You Need’ is about a fight between Kevin and his girlfriend), and issues such as media propaganda and sexual stereotypes.
Along with the infectious singles such as ‘Rollercoaster’ and ‘I Got What You Need’, ‘Humans Being’ features 13 songs that will spin your head around and demand your attention!
‘boy/girl’ – the first song Piet penned after moving to London – is about “male and female interaction and how males will play their game and females will play their game to gain a position in a relationship,” while ‘When Pigs Fly’ tells of “lies and the things we just accept for the truth in today’s society. The media tells us this and this and that and we just accept it. It’s a take on the modern day propaganda we live with every day.”
This observational approach to the world is also reflected in the album title itself. As Piet explains: “It’s a play on today’s society and its humans being whatever you can imagine. Humans being crazy, humans being obese, humans being angry at war, humans being happy; it encompasses everything. A lot of the songs are just social commentary so we thought the title would go well.”
Dorp’s philosophy is indeed music with a conscience without thrusting political ideals into people’s faces.
Originally formed eight years ago in Capetown, South Africa, and releasing two highly successful albums in their homeland, the quartet reached a plateau of success. Headlining festivals, sold out shows and lapping up masses of critical acclaim, Dorp had achieved all that was possible within the confines of their homeland's music scene. But Dorp’s music was (and still is) bigger than what South Africa could offer, so change was needed. Armed with just a backpack and a guitar – founding members Piet and Kevin jumped on a plane and headed for the world-renowned metropolis and centre point of world rock music – London, England.
With no money the duo busked from the minute they hopped off the plane in order to pay hostel rent and ensure they had a roof over their heads at night. It wasn’t long before they recruited new players in the guise of French electronic wizard Fred and London drummer Rob to reinvent Dorp.
Fast becoming infamous for their energetic live performances, combined with a stunning visual backdrop that reflects the lyrical content of songs, Dorp have all the right ingredients to make a real impact in today’s rock world. These songs aren’t contrived; they are organic, pure and filled with real heart-felt passion, of course, just like true classic music throughout history always has been.
“I think there is something different on this album that breaks the mould a bit and also the whole album is an experience,” concludes Piet. “All the songs have been re-tailored to be on this album - it’s not a bunch of random songs. Each song is carefully chosen, it’s not an album of pop songs, there are songs that take time to digest, songs that have dark edges to them, all of which we feel gives this album real shelf life.”
Humans being creative, adventurous and artistic? That’d be the four guys in Dorp.
The musical revolution starts here. Be part of it.
OoH oOh! "Extreme" got a face-lift I hear, I likey! Y'all just love picking on my country huh, well, I'm very appreciative, damn it! (: Come to Chicagoooo, b/c the exchange rate for the dolla -> pound sux for me, but rox for you ;)!!! k, me and my high fever self am goin off to buy my dinner out of a snack machine b/c the grocery store closed yayyyyyyyy!!!
nowthen nowthen! hows everything going? we've got a couple of new tracks up in the myspace from an a coustic set we did on local radio a couple of weeks ago. let us know what you think. hope all is well at your end. Big Dave
Guys... I am very disappointed to say the least :(
I got a few friends to come along to your gig last night. We eventually found the place and wehen we got there the bouncer wouldnt let us in.. We were all 17/18 but didnt have ID :( Nowhere did it say we needed... So we sat outside listening to you guys :(
I was looking forward to it so much as well :/ -Paul
Well hello there... I haven't spoken to you guys in forever nor have I heard from you either... But anywho, I hope all is well... I just wanted to drop in and say hello... Keep in touch and don't be strangers k...
