Pantomime Op Herwinbare…

"Nobody actually creates revolutionary music nowadays," reads a collective statement from Foto Na Dans. "It is usually a composition of sounds that have been heard before. The public relates to these familiar sounds because it is less of a challenge to listen to."

Well, it's safe to say the Stellenbosch-based Afrikaans rock act have put together a lavish album that adequately challenges said 'lack of revolution' and flies in the face of previously lamented 'familiar sounds'.

Hot on the heels of 2007's 'Intervensie' comes the quintet's second release — 'Pantomime Op Herwinbare Klanke'. It is, to say the least, an ostentatious production of innovative proportions never before witnessed on the South African rock market.

Led by arguably the nation's most charismatic lead singer, Le Roi Nel, the groundbreaking five-piece shepherd listeners through seven inspiring tracks which have effectively set the bar that much higher, with contemporaries faced with the intimidating task of matching or surpassing the precedent-setting magnificence of the overall production.

Such is their dynamic approach to the album, one could imagine Nel and company receiving a convincing stamp of approval from Muse or Radiohead, were the pioneering duo to be blessed with the pleasure of listening to (and understand the lyrics of) 'Pantomime Op Herwinbare Klanke'.

The vociferous guitar work employed in 'Die Laaste Bedryf', the bombastic conclusion to 'Natuurlik Verlig' and the perfect placement of keyboardist/trumpter Alex Fourie's prowess on the latter makes for an all-encompassing delivery that instils confidence aplenty in fans hungry for the progressive.

'Wig' transcends boundaries further, evocative vocals complemented by the eerie, atmospheric notes summoned from the keyboard.

'Straal' and 'Slottoneel' are the ostensibly placid offerings — the former a melodious finale to triumphant proceedings, the latter an unassuming, instrumental encore to further highlight the rich diversity of the album.

While other outfits ride the crest of the well-exploited wave that is rock music, it's Foto Na Dans that are surging through waters uncharted, leading the way for aspiring nonconformists to follow.