COOL ON THE INSIDE; Dove Slimme's new EP

Dove slimme launched their first EP on the 6th of July to much fanfare at Tree Tops restaurant. Backing up the ensemble were Parkinglotgrass and claymore project. Dubbed Cool on The Inside, the Kenyan rock band says its about state of mind and not forcing issues.

"Live it! Love it!Rock it! Everyone is cool on the inside, you just have to find that place" -Dove Slimme

The EP has an edgy urban feel to it

 The EP has an edgy contemporary rock feel to it typical of Dove Slimme. In relentless pursuit of the 'unkown unkown' Cool on the Inside would not be complete without the experimental mixing of English and Kiswahili as in the track Leo ni Leo. Some ululation is thrown in for good measure. Dove Slimme told Kenyan rock band  they wanted to have fun with the sound as well as telling stories. The six track EP features Dove Slimme's own version of the national anthem, Leo ni Leo, Party at The Barn, Vertigo, Identity and Yelele. Kenyan Rock fans may already be familiar with the hits Yelele and Party at the barn. Leo ni leo was singularly released two weeks ago. This Kenyan rock band is not resting on its laurels though. Dove Slimme is already working on new material to be unveiled soon. An album is in the works with what will go into it largely depending on the response to the EP. You can get your own copy at the Hedgehog Creative at Sarit, Textbook Centre or simply call 0721607177 to have it delivered. Cool on the inside will soon be available online as well. Dove Slimme is planning a  series of gigs and shows to promote their EP so be on the look out. Check out their website doveslimme.com and revebnation page and stay informed.

PLATFORM SEVEN

It was the 26th of June.The venue was choices Baricho road. Platform Seven was set to showcase the best of Kenyan rock bands. The lineup; Parkinglot grass, Last Year's Tragedy, Koinange street avengers & Mortal Soul. The club itself was a welcome respite from warehouses on the industrial looking street. By two pm the stage was set. Parkinglotgrass and Last Year’s Tragedy were already in the house. I walked up to the bar ordered a drink checked out my surroundings. Dimmed multicolored lights super-sport on the screens; a typical club on a Sunday afternoon. African timing is a bitch and with an audience of two; it would be awhile before the concert started. A lanky spectacled figured lingered around the DJs box. It was Chizi, LYT lead singer. He walked up we struck a conversation and introduces me to the rest of the crew: Diallo, Stan and Mahia. The tight nit kenyan rock band seemed at ease even revealing their playlist. This would definitely be an interesting afternoon.

By 3.30 Choice’s was finally filling up. Ronjey (Parkinglotgrass) psyched up the eager crowd and the show began.Parkinglotgrass opened the stage. This Kenyan Rock Band had to make do without a lead singer. Chweya(lead guitar) and the gang did a great job though. With a epic rendition of ‘etched on my heart’ and ‘coward’, Parkinlotgrass wet the crowds appetite. Enter Koinange Street Avengers. This is the first time I’d encountered this Kenyan rock band live. Antony(guitarist) kicked off with a pentatonic riff then the fun began.  Koinange Street Avengers went on to thrill the audience with their rendition of set fire to the rain and numb. This Kenyan rock band closes off with their own compositions ‘hit and run’ and ’I don’t know’.

By now the audience was either psyched up or drunk enough to get off their bums and move to the music. It was Kenyan heavy metal bands’ turn. Mortal soul entered the stage to roaring cheers by the crowd. This Kenyan rock band’s rendition of Killswitch’s ‘end of heartache’ induces frenzied moshing by the audience. Mortal soul went on to perform breaking the demon by bullet for my valentine. Then finally, the encore; Last Year’s Tragedy took the stage. Despite mild whiplash and  a few bruises from the ‘mosh pit’ Staying tamu fans cheered wildly. Last Year’sTragedy closed platform seven with their hit Generation Light and Elephant in the room. Chizi screamed himself hoarse. He and the crew gave their fans a memorable show. And on that note platform seven gave way to Choice’s weekly rock night. If you missed it, shame on you.