Dead Alphabet

However, it was Dead Alphabet that gave the best performance of the evening. The small venue suited them and their sound was completely different to any that I’ve heard in a long time – a new blend of indie and edgy rock. The lyrics were razor sharp and were backed by the astounding abilities of the lead guitarist, who could only be described as a young Slash, just shorter and without the ridiculous shades and top hat. The lead vocalist, despite looking like the Ultimate Hipster and mirroring the movements of both Ian Curtis and Brandon Flowers, eventually won me over with his sheer talent and Jim Morrison-esque crooning. After the set, I left with a smile on my face and a skip in my step (the latter was probably because some eejit stepped on my foot). Final verdict: good show, lads! - UCT Radio 104.5fm

"When I first heard them, I was blown away, but I must admit, I felt something was lacking. The missing link was indeed that mature approach to music that now gives them class.

Class enough to play in the biggest cities, even though it was a tough journey." - TIMES LIVE

However, it was Dead Alphabet that gave the best performance of the evening. The small venue suited them and their sound was completely different to any that I’ve heard in a long time – a new blend of indie and edgy rock. The lyrics were razor sharp and were backed by the astounding abilities of the lead guitarist, who could only be described as a young Slash, just shorter and without the ridiculous shades and top hat. The lead vocalist, despite looking like the Ultimate Hipster and mirroring the movements of both Ian Curtis and Brandon Flowers, eventually won me over with his sheer talent and Jim Morrison-esque crooning. After the set, I left with a smile on my face and a skip in my step (the latter was probably because some eejit stepped on my foot). Final verdict: good show, lads! - UCT Radio 104.5fm

Johannesburg band Dead Alphabet offered the freshest, slickest sound of the night with an overall fantastic delivery. Their The Doors-like undertones and rambunctious Kings of Leon energy make this band one to watch; they’ve definitely made a lot of new fans this weekend. - Cape Town Blog

Dead Alphabet are also divinely “rock ‘n roll” in their approach to music. They were one of the loudest, most energetic performances of Joburg Burning, and their self-proclaimed “gritty garage” style amplified their show to the point where it literally felt as if Johannesburg had been set alight by music. They are a supremely talented band - managing to balance heavy, emotive guitar riffs with irresistibly catchy rhythms and beats. They are one of the strongest up-and-coming musical forces in South Africa at the moment, and definitely worth investigating by any true lover of rock music. All in all, though, every band that performed at Joburg Burning was a beautiful exposition of South Africa’s ability to rock and roll - to ignite life, through music. - NewsTime

"The genre- Busters :BLK JKS

Blk Jks has become the byword for a mish-mash of music that comes out as rock but is really hooked around so many other genres that it stands alone on the contemporary music stage. Intensely wrought, raw, natural and feeding off the members' musical roots, catch the first hip breakout SA rock outfit of the 21st century on their most recent release, Zol! And we all know what that word means.

DEAD ALPHABET

Swampy rock that could be straight out of another era may not sound like a recipe for success but Dead Alphabet is aiming to change that. They've made a pretty fine start with songs like Fever Girl, which boasts the kind of psychedelic-infused prog-rock trappings that will please fans of bands such as Mars Volta. Watch out for these boys. " - SUNDAY TIMES

Written by Scott Simpson

Sunday morning is usually best known for church services and relaxing but for anyone lucky enough to have attended this year’s OppiKoppi music festival, Sunday morning meant a serious dose of gritty garage rock in the form of Dead Alphabet.




For a band that have been around for a number of years but have only been playing together under their current line-up since 2008, Dead Alphabet have achieved a great deal. Performances alongside international acts such as Balthazar and Voicst and shows at OppiKoppi 2009 and 2010 are just some of the band’s highlights from the past two years.


Dead Alphabet put this year’s show at OppiKoppi among their favourite. “We managed to get a great response from those that braved the early show – a surprisingly large crowd under the circumstances. An early morning slot and hangover is never an excuse not to rock out as hard as possible!”
The hard-rocking foursome share a common background of Wits University. Three of the four members are Wits alumni with bassist Hugh Hunt still attending the University, doing his masters in electrical engineering. The producer of their upcoming 5-track EP The Kill, Matthew Klawansky, is also an ex-Wits music student.


In true rock & roll fashion, Dead Alphabet have no shortage of stories involving late-night debauchery and on-stage mishaps. One night saw the band playing two shows, unfortunately the same night vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Edwards was fighting a serious bout of flu. Fuelled by a combination of meds, Red Bull and whiskey, Edwards almost made it through both shows. Nearing the end of the second show his cocktail of caffeine, alcohol and meds caught up with him and sent him crashing into drummer Justin Gent’s drum kit, sending toms and cymbals flying and breaking his guitar. “But, no rock & roll was harmed that night,” lead guitarist and backup vocalist Phillip Klawansky assures. - WITS Journalism

"Bands which are highly recommended are Dead Alphabet and My Epic. Of course, 340ml is going to be very popular, as will Tidal Waves and their unique blend of rock and reggae played to perfection." - Tonight & Independent Online (Pty) Ltd

August 25, 2010

By Therese Owen

So, I'm cruising Oppikoppi around midday on Saturday and the sound coming from the stage draws me closer. The guitar is rallying close to metal, while the drums and bass are urging it on with a relentless groove. The singer is keeping it all together.

Quick questions to the guy next to me and I discover that the band is called Dead Alphabet and they come from Johannesburg.

The music is different and challenging, which in turn is exciting because, let's face it, many young bands in this country today belong to the Dullsville R Us club.

"We move through genres |in just one song, never mind a set," lead singer Adam Edwards explains afterwards. "But not in an ADD way."

Drummer Justin Gent gives his opinion: "Our creativity as a band has to come out. If we don't play shows or jam together we go crazy. We play and then craft later."

The four band members met at Greenside High, where they sat in English class together, and say they are very close.

They've been together as a group for 18 months and have spent a large amount of time in the studio just jamming and recording. They are putting the finishing touches to their debut EP, which is yet to have a title.


It is produced by up-and- coming producer Matthew Kavansky, who is rated highly by Dead Alphabet.

Justin explains the concept behind the CD: "This is going to be our take of what is cool. Our music is about groove, with our heavier music based on the back beat. It comes from hours and hours of playing, which means the creative process is as organic as possible."

"Even though Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath made us pick up the guitar, we represent a broad taste in sensibilities," says Adam. "It's all about the rhythm. Plus, we feel pressed to do our music in a proper way."

With these four 20-somethings so committed to their craft, and with such a professional approach to boot, expect big things from Dead Alphabet. You've been warned.

Dead Alphabet play Joburg Burning this weekend. - Tonight & Independent Online (Pty) Ltd