This is the second EP release from this Cape Town-based foursome. Their first EP, 'True Life Experience', was packed with strong singles including 'I Will Be The One', 'It's Sad' and 'Southbound'. Since then their vocalist Helene Henn has been replaced by Tasche Nortear and this is the first offering from the revamped line-up on their new BMG Africa label.

'Me And My Friends' is a jangly, summer pop hit with Tasche Nortear adding her sassy vocals to the simple but infectious riff. The EP contains three mixes of this song plus Nortear's reworking of the 'Southbound' track off the first Black Diamond EP, which allows for an interesting comparison. So, 'Me And My Friends' ('My Friends And I' would be the correct grammar but wouldn't have sounded as good in context) is a fresh and positive re-start for Black Diamond and is an intriguing appetiser for their first full album, hopefully due in 1999.

Stephen "Sugar" Segerman

others in the REVIEWS

Any thoughts, requests, problems, complaints, praise or interesting and relevant SA music news, please email it immediately to: sugar@cd.co.za

Contributors
editor: Stephen "Sugar" Segerman, webmaster: Alan Levin, maintainer: Brian Currin