Simplexity performed an undoubtedly memorable performance at Sawy Culturewheel in Zamalek on the 17th July at the Nile Country Club on their tour promoting their new album ‘Click To Start.’ Supporting them was a progressive metal band, ‘Enraged.’ Although it didn’t fit the genre of Simplexity, it was still a great way to start the evening.
‘Enraged’ opened at the ‘Heavy Tune Festival’ on the 10th July. The 6 person band had a great presence on stage, clearly influenced by operatic rock, especially Lacuna Coil. If you’re a fan of Evanescence, Within Temptation and or Nightwish, then this is the band for you. Their riffs were original and it was obvious from their progression all their inspired bands over the past few years, and that this is a group going somewhere. Although ‘Enraged’ remain unsigned, I can’t help but feel that this is a catch that most labels would kill for. The only thing that let them down was the long intervals between each track which changed the momentum as a support band. Honorable mentions to the lead vocalist Rasha, back up vocalist and lead guitarist Wael and the stage presence of the bass player Bishoy, a man who looked so natural on stage.
Officially a progressive rock band, if you asked me what genre Simplexity were my answer would be simple; I’d say it depends on which song you listened to. I’d be surprised if you can find another band like them in Egypt and because of that, they are definitely a band to check out, especially as a live act. They have created their own style that’s both refreshing and original by merging all their tracks from their first album ‘Click To Start’ together. Their musical interests vary from Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, to Metallica, Iron Maiden and even Porcupine Tree.
Continuing with their style of being unique, during their performance at the culture wheel was an amazing live sketch artist projector, drawing pictures and themes based on each song played, it’s something that has to be seen to be believed, creating another level of atmosphere to the set.
The talented trio received, quite humbly, a great reaction from the near 200 capacity crowd. It seems a shame that music from this genre is not well known in Cairo, though with performances like this one and a noticeable change in the cultural shift in Egypt, the sky is the limit for bands in this genre, offering the people of Cairo and Egypt something new and exciting.
