In the Name of Dance: Flash Republic Album Launch

On 26 March 2011, Joburg hipsters and dance junkies descended to the house of indie, better known as The Alex Theatre, to pay live tribute to Flash Republic’s latest offering: Killer Moves. That night Flash Republic brought new meaning to the saying ‘if it aint live, it’s dead’ as the South African dance trio put on a revival that reaffirmed the power of music beyond discs and radio waves.

Words by Saint-Francis Tohlang

Reminiscent of an underground Soho bar, the atmosphere inside pulsated with an electric energy unfamiliar to theatre. The transformation, characterised by state-of-the-art lighting effects produced by Strike Productions, was fully realised with the electro crowd decked to the nines as the perfect backdrop. Guest DJs Ryan Dent, Craig Massiv and Roger Goode warmed the floor, dropping anchor before the flash assault. With the evening running behind schedule and the programme slightly delayed, the Flash Republican faithful eagerly awaited the explosion they’d been anticipating all night.

The band’s entry on stage, forgetful at best, lacked the fireworks and pyrotechnics one expects from a headliner, but Tamara’s grace and warmth compensated in the best possible way. Sporting her new shocking-red hairdo, her reception rivaled a mass eruption in the tightly packed venue. Eager to finally entertain their republicans, the band unleashed a serving of the raw electro-pop and indie-dance fusion that they have become famed for. I unashamedly belted out lyrics (at times slightly slurring and out of tune), pledging my allegiance to the Flash Republic movement.

Those lucky enough to attend recent Flash Republic gigs have witnessed the group expand from its initial core trio of Tamara, Ryan Dent and Craig Massiv to five: now including Isaac Klawansky on drums and Martin Rocka on guitar. This gives the dance act a whole new dynamic of layered energy that resonates on stage.

On guitar, Martin Rocka wound up the audience, displaying his very own ‘killer moves’. Tamara, with her crowd appeal and sultry voice gave a performance so convincing one can’t help but think:

This woman makes Flash Republic.

We squeaked our skoene (of all shapes and sizes) to the sounds of ‘We Are the Kids’, broke a sweat to ‘Killer Moves’ and jammed ‘In the Name of Dance’. The spirit of dance was indeed in the house.

In no time the show was over with the band having performed a set barely an hour long. This was my only moment of dissatisfaction as I urged for more and more… a feeling I later gratified by picking up my very own copy of the album to take home and relive.