South African punk-rock bands HALF PRICE and MEAN GIRLS are thrilled to announce the release of their split EP, “Split Personalities,” and their upcoming European tour.
This unique EP will be available on CD, Cassette Tape, and all major streaming platforms, coinciding with their highly anticipated Great Punk Migration tour, running from 26 July to 9 August 2024. The tour will culminate in a performance at the prestigious Punk Rock Holiday festival in Slovenia.
“Split Personalities” features three tracks from each band, showcasing their distinct sounds and shared passion for punk rock.
The EP, inspired by the tradition of split albums in the punk scene, 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 contributions include the new single “The Forgotten Future,” addressing the critical state of South Africa’s education system and the nation’s lack of vision for improvement. This track marks a return to their politically charged roots after 18 years, inspired by disillusionment with South Africa’s progress, particularly the failing education system perpetuating 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-favorite, “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 continue 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)
HALF PRICE is a satirical ska punk band 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.
View this post on Instagram
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 are an up-and-coming skate punk/melodic hardcore band from Johannesburg, South Africa.
After releasing a fun and engaging single called “Just a Dream” in June 2023, they digitally released their first EP “You Can Sit With Us” on December 4th of the same year. The music is very diverse, ranging from fast hardcore to post-punk influenced darker parts and mostly classic upbeat skate punk catchy tunes. It is truly remarkable how the band manages to combine all of these influences into a compact and cohesive sound, and it is rare to see such a different and exciting approach to writing poppier punk music.
Such distinctive and original bands are hard to find in the oversaturated scene of skate punk music, and with their debut MEAN GIRLS prove that you can still make original music in a genre that is considered too formulaic and played out – if you have the right attitude and combine your influences as eloquently as they do.
