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South African punk-rock bands Half Price and Mean Girls announce split EP and European tour

South African punk-rock bands Half Price and Mean Girls announce split EP and European tour

| Music
DateEventVenue
26 Jul. - 9 Aug. 2024
Great Punk Migration
European Tour

South African punk bands Half Price and Mean Girls unveil their split EP 'Split Personalities', featuring new tracks and gearing up for their European tour and Punk Rock Holiday festival debut.

By Underground Press

Published Friday, 19 July 2024 07:27

South African punk bands Half Price and Mean Girls are happy to announce the release of their split EP titled, Split Personalities. This unique release will be available on CD, Cassette Tape, and all major streaming platforms, coinciding with their highly anticipated European Great Punk Migration tour from 26 July to 9 August 2024. The tour will culminate in a performance at the world-renowned Punk Rock Holiday Festival in Slovenia.

Split Personalities is a split release that features three tracks from each band, showcasing their distinct sounds and shared passion for punk rock. Inspired by the tradition of split albums in the punk scene, this EP symbolizes both bands' diverse musical influences and social commentary. The title reflects the multidimensional nature of the album, representing the collaboration between the two bands and the evolving sounds within each band's repertoire.

Half Price's side of the EP includes their new single, 'The Forgotten Future,' which addresses the critical state of the South African education system and the nation's lack of vision for its improvement. This track marks a return to their politically charged roots after 18 years. The inspiration comes from the disillusionment with South Africa's progress, particularly the failing education system that perpetuates structural inequalities inherited from apartheid. The song highlights the personal tragedies and societal setbacks caused by the broken system, emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful reforms to prevent further inequality. The track was developed organically, starting with a groovy bassline that led to the addition of ska guitar, horn lines and a rousing drum beat. The band focused on creating a catchy and energetic chorus, enhanced with gang vocals to capture the song's emotional weight. Additionally, they have reimagined two older songs with their new brass section, featuring Matt Willis on trombone. "Southbound" and a fan-favourite, "Friends and Family," now include guest vocals from Archi Alert (Terrorgruppe) and Alex Muller (We Kill Cowboys), along with the Hog Hoggidy Hog brass section.

Mean Girls contribute three brand new tracks—"Reverse Crusade," "Not Yours," and "Drained"—which blend skate punk and hardcore elements. These songs tackle social and political issues as well as personal experiences. Recorded and mixed DIY by their bassist Danny Helsing, Mean Girls continues to push boundaries and deliver their unique sound with energy and conviction. Lyrics will be available on their Bandcamp page on the release date.

Tour Dates

26 July - Fürth: Kopf und Kragen (DE) *
27 July - Minden: Papagei (DE) *
28 July - Coesfeld: Die Pampa (DE) *
29 July - Hannover: Nordstadtbraut (DE)
30 July - (TBC)
31 July - (TBC)
1 Aug - Hof: Punkrock Partykeller (DE)
2 Aug - Ulm: Beteigeuze (DE)
3 Aug - Augsburg: Krätzwerk (DE)
5-9 Aug – Punk Rock Holiday Festival (SI)

With Great Unwashed (Velbert)

Updated on:
>> Thursday, 18 July 2024 11:11

RELATED TOPICS:
>>
Punk, Split EP, Mean Girls, Half Price, Punk Rock Holiday

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ARTIST INFO

Half Price

Half Price

  • Punk Rock

About Half Price

Half Price is a satirical ska punk band hailing from Cape Town, South Africa. Since its inception in 2001, the band has released six studio albums as well as a “best of” album in the USA through New York-based punk rock label Punk Outlaw Records.
Over the course of its 23-year history, Half Price has toured across South Africa and Namibia countless times.The band has also survived four European tours and has played alongside numerous international acts including Mad Caddies, The Exploited, Alien Ant Farm, Leftöver Crack and 90's Euro Pop sensation Culture Beat.
Half Price has always been enthusiastic about working with other musicians and many of their releases feature artists from fellow South African punk bands like Fuzigish and Hog Hoggidy Hog, as well as German punk rock legends Terrorgruppe. In 2016, Half Price became the first South African punk band to be signed to a US based label, Punk Outlaw Records.

Mean Girls

  • Punk Rock

About Mean Girls

Mean Girls, a skate punk/melodic hardcore band from Johannesburg, released their debut EP “You Can Sit With Us” in December 2023. Their music blends fast hardcore, post-punk, and classic skate punk, creating a unique and cohesive sound. Their distinctive approach sets them apart in the oversaturated skate punk scene.

EP INFO

Half Price - Mean Girls - Split Personalities EP

About Split Personalities

South African punk bands Half Price and Mean Girls release 'Split Personalities': a collaborative EP featuring three tracks each, showcasing their distinct punk rock styles.