What we thought:
Since 2003 we have all come to know and love Francois van Coke as the frontman of the then controversial Fokofpolisiekar. In 2007 he formed the three-piece Van Coke Kartel, and now, Francois has finally launched his solo self-titled album, Francois van Coke.
The first thing you might be wondering is whether Francois is sticking to his rock n’ roll roots on this one. Well, while Francois is still singing about late nights and drinking too much, he also sings about home and figuring out life, which let’s face it, is something we are all trying to figure out. Francois is not a little boy anymore, and it shows. He manages to mix the influences of rock, folk, electronica and pop to create an album that brings something new and exciting to the table.
On poppy rock track "Moontlik Nooit", Francois admits: Is daar enigiets vir ons oor? / Tyd raak min en ek weet / Ek gaan moontlik nooit die antwoord hê nie. (Is there anything left for us? / Time is running out and I know / I will probably never have the answer.)
On bass driven "Hulle Sê", Francois gives 'hulle' the finger: Hulle sê jy moet spaar vir jou ou dag / Jy moet jou testament in orde hê / Hulle sê jy moet skuld maak om nog skuld te maak / Ek voel ’n fok vir wat die mense sê. (They say you should save for your old day / You have to get your testament in order / They say you should make debt to be able to make more debt.)
Francois was involved with the writing of all the songs on the album, and of course, having the friends he has on speed dial, he reached out to some of them for a few collaborations. aKING’s Laudo features on the catchy, old-school "Die Skip"; Arno Carstens shows off with some Afrikaans on dark and stormy "Ek Weet Nie"; Die Heuwels Fantasties brings some colour to "Neonlig" and Karen Zoid brings her angelic voice to haunting love song "Toe Vind Ek Jou".
The hauntingly beautiful piano ballad "Maanskyn & Rose" brings a fitting end to a well thought out, mature solo album.
Best track:
"Toe Vind Ek Jou" ft Karen Zoid. This song is just goosebump material. From the words to the instrumentation; Francois and Karen are just the perfect fit.
Worst track:
It won’t be fair to even choose one track. There is no worst track on this album as every song brings something different.
Sounds like:
A new era for Afrikaans music.
Watch the video for Toe Vind Ek Jou with Karen Zoid here: