Dear Reader from the sky

As we race our way across the back alleys of downtown Joburg and speed-walk up to the Great Hall I am reminded of university days — of discovering new music, of listening to fancy philosophy lecturers wax lyrical and of feeling inspired and alive. I feel small glaring up at the towering pillars that smell of age and wisdom and sticky life.

We've convened together to welcome Dear Reader home from their international tour with their show 'Fell From The Sky You Say'.

The venue is not conducive to dancing, or drinking, and more of a place you'd expect to get reprimanded by your lecturer at — but somehow, it works. I need another glass of wine. Sometimes it's better to watch a band sipping on the lip of Dionysus. It deepens the experience, and wards the headache away. "We had problems with our liquor licence," lead singer Cherilyn MacNeil chirps. "After the show you can purchase a glass for R10 and we'll give you some free alcohol."

I'm blown away by tonight's gig. Like watching a band who are way beyond their years come into their own. Dear Reader — formerly Harris Tweed — are simply brilliant on stage. It's not just the music, the exceptionally quirky and endearing lyrics, but the fact that they exude that special something that only comes from real artists — from musicians who were born for this kind of thing.

As they play a variety of songs from their new album 'Replace Why With Funny' and some older stuff, I am mesmerised. Cherilynn's voice is like syrup — sweet and addictive.

As she sings 'Great White Bear' ("He climbed into the belly of the great white bear — it's very sticky and it smells a little fishy / but no one will look for him there") I feel a slight warmth come over me. When you watch live bands all the time, and listen to them all day — you become more and more cynical about music, and its worth. I am happy tonight, because I see a South African band who are a talented force, stronger than most, and with the most promise.

The stage is decorated in cardboard cutout clouds and there are a group of students dressed in white singing in front of the stage. With violins, cello, drums and keyboard in tow, it's a spellbinding show. This is what music and performing live is supposed to be about.

Welcome home Dear Reader — we definitely missed you.

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