Reis Na Die Suide

Almost 10 years have passed since the Paarl-based musician and songwriter Laurinda Hofmeyr released her first album, 'Perd Oor Die Maan'. 'Reis Na Die Suide' is her third, and hopefully not the last.

Hofmeyr's songs are rich, aural and full of textures, fusing modern and traditional South African music. The opening track, 'Lied Van Die Bruidegom', sets the tone for the 40 minutes that follow: atmospheric piano, primal percussion coupled with Hofmeyr's tentative, almost whispered vocals.

The title track, reminds one of another dramatic piano-playing female vocalist, namely Kate Bush. And if you think that's pushing it too far, give Hofmeyr's album another couple of spins. (If, by this time, you're still interested, also try to find her debut album. Magic.)

Hofmeyr is brave, and at the same time ground-breaking through her use of the renowned South African poet Breyten Breytenbach's lyrics. Her compositions certainly do his poems justice. Listen to '26 November 1975' — the title is a reference to the date Breytenbach was arrested for his anti-apartheid activities and sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. On another track, 'Ek Sal Sterf En Na My Vader Gaan', Hofmeyr successfully matches Breytenbach's poem's elegaic tone by using only her piano to provide a sonic backdrop.

'Last Grave At Dimbaza' shows Hofmeyr's ability to write songs in a true kwęla-style with an up-beat rhythm, even though the song tells a sad tale of a migrant mineworker's daughter's death.

Through the voices of South African poets (she also uses Eugčne Marais' 'Die Dans Van Die Reën'), Hofmeyr paints a picture of the landscape of South Africa, which ties in with the artwork on the CD cover, depicting a barren landscape with a naked little girl running across it. The symbolism is perhaps obvious, but the journey of 'Reis Na Die Suide' is a trip worth making. And perhaps now Radio 2000 will have other South African music to play, apart from the 'Greatest Hits of Leslie Rae Dowling'.