• Home
• Subscribe
• Store
• Service/FAQ

---

The Awakening at The WAVE.
Sept 13th, 2004
Patchogue, Long Island, New York
[By Peter Milano]

Utilizing 3 different planes, landing on 3 different continents, 3 musicians left South Africa before setting foot on American soil for the very first time. Close to 2 day's worth of air mileage, Ashton Nyte (lead singer and guitarist), Frankie Clark (bassist) and Garrick van der Tuin (drummer) had come a long way for a 2 week tour of the United States. After 38 hours of boarding and departing planes from London to Florida, The Awakening had made it to America.

The 3 Awakening members, Ashton, Frankie and Garrick... one thing seemed to be missing -- they needed a lead guitarist! Coming along for the tour was ex-Bride guitarist Scotty Hoaglan, who is also known for singing and axe swinging in the band, Nailed. With only 2 days before The Awakening's Darker than Silence World Tour 2004, they needed to get the songs and timing down with Scotty. The first 2 shows would be in Naples, Florida and Washington D.C. before they made their first appearance to the suburbs of New York City. The town of Patchogue, Long Island would be in for a treat as South Africa's number #1 Goth rock band would shake the foundations of The WAVE.

The WAVE is a new venue that is open to all genres of music. With bands coming from all over the country to play, but, this would be the first time the venue would become international. The WAVE has the ultimate surf look, with bamboo wall paper and a back drop of palm trees and the sunset going down to make for an experience of tranquility. As Ashton would describe the place,"“an intimate lounge setting.”

Sept 13th, a Wednesday night brought people from all over the Northeast to see The Awakening's only Northeastern appearance on this tour. With anticipation people stood around waiting as the lights went dim and the stage lights began to burn and smoke from the machines filled the atmosphere, the time was at hand! With the band's deep, epic sound,"Hello New York, We are The Awakening..."

Away we went with the first note of "Armageddon Style," an experience that would be remembered by all, including those that traveled long distances to see this show. Blazing through a set list that was only performed twice live with Scotty, the band sounded tight. Ashton Nyte's Bowie-que style voice cut through the smoke filled room with songs like "Vampyre Girl," "Eve," and a crowd favorite of "Martyr." Frankie's bass had the tones running through your veins with songs like "Angelyn," "Mirror tricks" and "Dark Romantics." Garrick's thumping kick drum and amazing skills of the kit had the crowd grooving and moving for "Gospel Song" and the closing song, "One More Cricifixion." A personal favorite was "Before I Leap." It showed Ashton's heart on his sleeve, his inner man was smeared across the lyrics. The set list was a tribute to their greatest hits or most well-known songs to those familar with their music.

After 12 soul thumping and heart pounding songs, the show came to an end, the crowd wanting more before leaving in awe! Before The Awakening would make their journey west across PA into Ohio for their next night show, they treated the fans to a meet and greet, signing autographs, taking photos and answering questions. Everyone was left with a great appreciation for the South African band. With hopes of touring the United States again in 2005 you must check out The Awakening for an experience that will leave you floored!

©2004 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved

Return to Internet Exclusives

---