Dorp (band)

Dorp is a South African rock band based in London, England.

History

Formation

The band was formed in 1992, under its previous name, The Fauves, by Myburgh Grobbelaar (vocals), Albert Loubser (guitar), Dylan Kemlo (bass guitar), Timothy Rankin (drums) and David Poole (saxophone) in Somerset West at Parel Vallei High School.

In 1995 guitarist Albert Loubser (later known as Albert Frost) left the band to join the Blues Broers and was replaced by Alan Bainbridge. The band then changed its name to Dorp, the current name. Shortly thereafter, vocalist Myburgh Grobbelaar left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Pieter Bezuidenhout, the current frontman.

In 1996, Dorp released its first album, Indigenous Jewellery, independently, on a label set up by Bezuidenhout, Oom Gert Records. The album had limited distribution and is now out of print. The band changed guitarists once more; Alan Bainbridge left and was replaced by current guitarist Kevin Kieswetter.

The band recorded its second release, a 5-track EP called Five Steps Off The Pacemaker in 1997 on Wildebeest Records, which had a wider distribution. The band released its third disc in 1998, Danger Gevaar Ingozi.

Relocation, 1999

In 1999 the band decided to relocate to London to try to break international radio. Shortly after arriving, the bassist, drummer and saxophonist returned to South Africa, leaving only singer Piet and guitarist Kevin. They resorted to busking in Covent Garden to pay for food and accommodation. It was not long before they attracted the attention of a Frenchman, Fred Fred Caïou (later known as Fred KU). They gigged for a while, experimenting with different sounds including "drill ’n’ bass disco". The three-piece recorded an EP, called Boy/Girl, the title track being the first song Piet wrote after the relocation. They eventually enlisted the help of Londoner Rob Driver, to take the drumming seat.

Already making waves, and eccentric new sounds, the arrival of Driver set the Dorp project spectacularly on the way, with four global influences crashing together to forge a virgin sound. Driver's UK rock influences and Caïou’s love of techno made something even wilder when combined with Piet and Kevin’s unique perspective.

The band released its 3rd full length album in 2002 called Tap Into The System on Contains Nut Records.

Band members

Current

• Piet Bez – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1996–present)
• Kevin Floyd – lead guitar, backing vocals, bass guitar, keyboard (1997–present)
• Fred KU – DJ, Decks, synthesizer (1999–present)
• Rick Walsh - drums (2008–present)

Former

• Myburgh Grobbelaar - vocals (1992 to 1995)
• Albert Frost – guitar (1992–1995)
• David Poole – saxophone, clarinet, pennywhistle, backing vocals (1992 to 1999)
• Dylan Kemlo – bass guitar, whistle (1992 to 1999)
• Timothy Rankin – drums, percussion (1992 to 1999)
• Alan Bainbridge – drums, backing vocals (co-founder, 1995–1997)
• Derrek Gripper – viola (1998)
• Douglas Armstrong – trumpet (1998)
• DJ Shane – DJ, scratches (1998)
• Rob Driver – drums (1999–2008)

Discography

Studio Albums

Singles

External links

Official Sites

• Dorp's official website
• Dorp's official MySpace
• Dorp's Youtube Channel
• Dorp on Rock.co.za
• Dorp - London Out There Review on Daily Music Guide