The Electric Petals - Polynation (Remastered) (2025) [Hi-Res]

"Released in the wake of the historic 1994 election in South Africa, this album is a politically charged piece of white SA rock, from the harsh image of the topless albino against a background of black bodies on the cover through the threads of 'Nkosi Si'kelele' weaved into the opening track to the timely reminder in the closing track that there is a long way to go. It's an album mixed with anger (at the past) and hope (for the future.)

A host of additional musicians add to the depth of the album. Chris Chameleon (listed as Christiaan de Chameleon) and Ampie Omo from Boo! comtribute vocals and trumpet, while Vusi Mahlasela delivers a "one in a million vocal" on 'Maid in Africa'. No Friends of Harry, Magic Cactus, Minds Astray, Sarsippians, Instant Karma, Blue Chameleon and Sugardrive join the "hooligan choir" on '(This isn't) Walt Disney'.

Strong tracks are 'Sister Love', 'Thank you for the Book James' (the single off the album) and 'Maid in Africa'. The latter, probably being the jewel in the crown. It's funky, it rocks, has a great chorus and as mentioned above features and all too short, but brilliant vocal from Vusi Mahlasela. It could quite easily have been recorded by Bright Blue as it has a similar feel to 'Weeping.'

There are 2 cover versions on the album. The first is of Lennon & McCartney's 'I Got A Feeling' which rocks along with a great Hammond organ adding to the feel good factor of the song. "Everybody saw the sunshine - 27 April 1994" per the sleeve notes.

The other cover is of Dylan's 'Rainy Day women #36'. "Everybody must get sampled!" is what the sleeve notes exclaim and they do that with samples of a Petal/ Chameleon conversation, Koos Kombuis, David Peel & Lower East side, James Phillips and Bright Blue, but not only in the physical samples, but a variety of styles are sampled. The majority of the songs is funky, but then they break into a ZZ Top blues style, then bring in some great jazzy organ and fade out to some quiet piano.

'The Land (Rows and Rows)' shows off the acoustic guitar skills of Angus Rose and is a quiet breather from the rest of the album. It is a beautiful piece of music almost in the style of Tony Cox & Steve Newman.

The last track '(This isn't) Walt Disney' features some cleverly sampled lines from well know rock songs including Peter Gabriel's 'Biko', U2's 'Pride (In the name of Love)', the Velvet Underground's 'I'm waiting for the Man' and Talking Head's 'Psycho Killer' and is a call to remind us that we have had "forty years of manipulation" and it's not the happy Walt Disney ending just yet.

Overall this is a solid rock album featuring some great electric and acoustic guitar work. The lyrics are intellectual and convey a message for the time. There are a few weak tracks but not sufficient to detract from the overall effect of the album. Recommended listening." (John Samson, SA Rock Digest #78)

Danny de Wet, drums, vocals, acoustic & electronic percussion, mouth percussion
< Angus Rose, guitars, keyboards, vocals
< Ajay, vocals, bass, harmonies, guitars

Digitally remastered