With one million views (and counting) of their track Walls on TikTok and a driving sound that is catching on with global audiences, South African father-and-son rock duo Cantrel are making waves with their new EP, Jump. Hot off the European tour circuit with performances in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as in South Africa, the momentum is firmly with Cantrel – featuring Neil Breytenbach, who is also the keyboardist/co-songwriter with iconic local rock band Prime Circle, and his equally musically gifted son Jesse Breytenbach on vocals and guitar. With Jump, their fourth release, Cantrel has successfully forged a genre-blending sound that is unmistakably their own. Neil tries to pin down why the duo’s music is resonating with their growing ‘Cantrel Army’ of fans around the world.
“Our up-tempo sound is energetic, positive, feel-good and makes you want to move,” he says. “We also have chilled songs that are lyrically deep, emotional and very real and raw.” He adds, jokingly, “Cantrel’s sound is what happens if Nirvana and Limp Bizkit had a baby, while also including beautiful, broken-down acoustic songs.”
Jesse also cites influential South African band Seether as a songwriting inspiration, “particularly for their ability to blend catchy and memorable lyrics with heavy, high-energy riffs”.
This uplifting emotionally charged sound is most evident on the viral track Walls, which highlights the importance of self-reflection and looking after one’s mental health. It was written by the classically-trained Neil on his grand piano after Jesse arrived home despondent after a tough day.
“The message of Walls is that sometimes you have to stop being so hard on yourself,” says Neil. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to people for help.” With its inspirational call to action, Walls has exploded online and has become a TikTok sensation. There are three other songs on Jump – the title track (guaranteed to get crowds into a jumping frenzy), Drive and Bounce. Expect hard, lyrically complex rock with visceral, melodic undertones.
Cantrel songs online are powerful, but the band is also formidable live. The guitar riffs are instantly recognisable and are distinctive, heavy and powerful in a live setting – making for an electrifying experience. “From the first few seconds, audiences know it’s us,” sayss Jesse. “Our performances are high-energy experiences that ignite the crowd, getting people on their feet, jumping around and moving to the music. What fuels the music is the energy of our fans and the way they connect with the songs, dance and lose themselves in the moment. I write to create that live experience, to see the crowd come alive with the music. And if there’s one thing I know about South Africans, it’s that we know how to party!”
Neil and Jesse are united by more than genes – they both share a pure love and passion for music. “We live and breathe what we do,” says Neil. Adds Jesse, “We aim to connect with people who truly appreciate the music and know how to let go, enjoy the moment and have a great time.”
Cantrel have their sights set on becoming an international touring band, performing across the globe and playing as many festivals as possible – connecting with audiences emotionally through great music and the unmatched power of live performance.
Cantrel’s music, including the new EP Jump, is available on all streaming platforms. Keep an eye on the band’s social media pages for show details:
- Instagram: @cantrelmusic
- TikTok: @cantrelmusic
- Facebook: CANTREL
- Cantrel – YouTube
- Cantrel – Walls (Official Music Video)