The Beams want to make you dance. And judging by their recent explosion onto the festival
music scene, that shouldnÕt be a problem!
Born out of a collective desire to play and enjoy music, The Beams have yet to celebrate
their second anniversary, having only played their opening gig in February, 2006.
Drawn together through a mutual love of the post-punk, new-wave and Brit-rock bands of the 80s, fellow UCT students Amrik Cooper (bass) and Boko Popovac (guitar) teamed up to make
the original duo that would eventually become The Beams. A long standing school friend
of Amrik's, Paul Maree was asked to try his hand at vocals. Since then, he has settled
into his position as frontman, adopting such secondary rolls as synth player and 'cow-bell soloist'.
A series of line-up changes ensued until May 2007, where The Beams crossed paths
with East London export Jay Kruger (drums). This was the final step in the evolution
of what has become the four-piece that is known today. Through their own individual
contributions and influences ranging from an eclectic (and often obscure) set of bands,
including The Smiths, The Stone Roses, The Rapture, Obojeni Program, Moving Units
and Joy Division, The Beams have achieved a sound that they feel is best described
as dance-rock fused with anthemic indie hooks.
PAST AND FUTURE PERFORMANCES
Having conquered the local Cape Town club circuit, The Beams made a marked impact
during their first ever festival appearance at the first Rocking the Daisies (September 2006),
where they finished off the night's entertainment, closing after The Parlotones.
Marking their first ever appearance outside of Cape Town, they jump-started the evening's celebrations at the 'More than somewhat' Easter Oppikoppi festival (March 2007). In 2007,
The Beams were also selected to represent Cape Town at the Levi's Young Guns 'Disruption of the Status Quo' (August 2007). Finally, in September 2007, The Beams played both the Earthdance Festival as well as Rocking the Daisies for the second time, where they were touted as one of the main highlights of the event: '...The Beams had the most outstanding performance of all.
They uplifted the crowd and had an energy which made everyone want to jump around and dance, no matter how drunk, sunburnt or tired they were.' (Anna Ptasinski, Varsity Newspaper, Vol. 66 - 11)
Still to come, The Beams have been booked for the first ever and massive Zandrivier Music Festival in the Klein Karoo (February, 2008). Furthermore, The Beams will be launching their long anticipated debut EP (pictured) on the 17th November, 2007 at The Independent Armchair Theatre.
Following this Cape Town launch there will be a Gauteng tour in 2008 to launch the EP nationally.
THE MEDIA
In just 20 months, The Beams have become known as one of Cape Town's top offerings.
Through the sheer enjoyment of their own music and the resolution to give their all on stage
no matter the situation, the group have created a successful dynamic that has seen people ranging from regular rockers to the Mayor of Cape Town Helen Zille (frontman Paul's mom),
lose themselves to the beat. Beyond this, Paul has also become know for his frenetic, attention-demanding performances and 'better out than in tactics' (Blunt, August 2006).
'Local music just keeps getting better, and The Beams are a great example of what can be achieved
when passionate individuals combine their talents for a greater cause.' (Sebastian Stent, Sunday
Argus, 15th April 2006)
'Paul's brand of theatrical antics and energetic vocals instantly demand attention.
He galvanises the group into such an epic exponent of stadium rock that comparisons to Justin Hawkins (The Darkness frontman) are immediately evident.' (www.themuso.co.za)
'Continuing the legacy of great...no, make that awesome bands to emerge from Cape Town...
they call themselves The Beams and there is nothing in local music quite like them right now...
His (Paul's) live show antics leave audiences wide-eyed and opened-mouthed, mesmerized
and somehow inspired to mimic his smiling, laughing and dancing with abandon.'
(BPM MAG, September/October 2006)
Management: Aretha Cooper 0765275290
arethacooper@gmail.com
www.mypsace.com/thebeamsband
