Six Strings of Tension

SSOT 04 - Evan van Zyl (Taekwondo Sleepover; Temple of; The Myths)


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Ah yes, episode four, and we're getting into some meaty deep conversations now. This time with the noise-making, guitar-smashing, all-round swell fella, Evan van Zyl.


This one is really interesting, because, as discussed in the episode with Cameron Lofstrand, Evan is one of the most unique and distinctive guitarists in the Durban music scene. He is a very tall man who plays a rather small guitar, which he hunches over and absolutely pummels into noisy oblivion, whilst storming into the guts of unsuspecting audiences, head butting and wreaking absolute chaos in his wake - and it is an electrifying experience to behold. Undoubtedly, Taekwondo Sleepover are my favourite band to watch live. They are a blessing to us in these dark and torrid times, as they bestow unto us even darker, more torrid music (also, they recently dropped a brand new single called Sapling, so I suggest you go and listen to that before listening to the podcast).


As the above insinuates, Evan is the guitarist of Taekwondo Sleepover, but he also wields six strings (as well as percussion, bass and various other objects) in Temple of - a band which is almost the total opposite of Taekwondo Sleepover, consisting of acoustic, indie and folk musings bordering on pop music. Worth mentioning that Temple of is a duo between Evan and Damon Miles of the legendary Durban psych band MOUSE. Two noisy giants (although really, only one of them is giant in stature) collide and create some of the most beautiful, tear-inducing acoustic ballads to come out of the sweaty streets of Durban. I sincerely hope to be hearing a lot more music from them in the coming months and years.


But anyway, this conversation covers Evan's beginnings as the drummer of The Myths, his love of Lars Von Trier and David Lynch films (and how cinema influences his music), the pros and cons of music meme culture, a brutal review of the new Batman movie, why Silent Hill 2 is Evan's favourite game ever (mine is Dark Souls, a game which Evan sort of "mentored" me through on my first playthrough), the horrors of sexual assault in international music scenes, and a juicy update on some mainstream musical beefs (i.e. the conversation gets horribly derailed, and much like a highway car crash, it is impossible to look away).


Let the darkness envelop you, as we dive into what was one of the most enjoyable conversations I've had on this show yet.

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Six Strings of TensionBy Duncan Park