Reviewed by Chezre’ van Rensburg
After Agatha is a sparkling new band from Johannesburg, South Africa, their brand of “Power Pop” brings fresh takes to the pop-rock sounds of our teenage days, basking us in rays of nostalgia and summer memories.
They just released their debut single, “City Light Sunrise,” following a string of live shows and a successful tour across Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. They’ve already made a name for themselves before even releasing a track!
City Light Sunrise starts with a relaxing guitar loop that makes you feel like you’re cruising along the highway on a quiet summer morning with the top down. It’s a beautiful lull that transitions perfectly into the first verse, where lead singer Meel Vignetting’s voice shines through like a sunrise.
The lyrics are a lamentation for a former love, prompting us to envision her drive across the city while she remembers the times she spent with this person. It’s a bittersweet journey that she takes us on, realising she’s searching all the old spots they used to go to, trying to find the lost love, or at least bring back those fond memories.
The chorus is a beautiful poetic tribute, emphasizing the desire to bring this person back:
“I won’t give up, I won’t back downI’ll search your ghost all over townWith every heartbeat, I’m holding on’Til you’re right back where you belong.”
The song continues this journey, pairing the stirring vocals with harmonious guitars and warm, resonant drum beats. Meel’s passionate voice crescendos with every subsequent verse and chorus, eventually leaving us driving alone on the morning roads, realising we need to move on and find a new hope.
After Agatha is made up of 5 wonderful humans who love making fun, inspiring, dance-along music:
Meel Vignetting (Vocals)
Matthew Nijland (Lead Guitar)
Rian Van Rensburg (Rythym Guitar)
Hugene Kwevoel Koekemoer (Bass)
M Tebatso Rampedi (Drums)
Listen to City Light Sunrise on your favourite streaming platform here:
https://linktr.ee/afteragathaband
Follow them on social media for updates on future shows and more music!
Instagram: afteragathaband
Facebook: After Agatha Band
YouTube: AfterAgathaBand