Cape Town-based alternative-psychedelic band Filthy Hippies have solidified their place in South Africa’s music scene with their signature shoegaze-infused sound.
Since their formation in 2018, they have become a standout act in the country’s thriving psych scene, sharing stages with bands like Dangerfield and delivering an unforgettable performance at the 2019 Endless Daze Festival.
A Farewell and a New Chapter
After a period of evolution and lineup changes, Filthy Hippies are excited to announce their latest album, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy.
This release marks a significant transition for the band as they bid farewell to longtime collaborator Mark Van Zyl, who played a crucial role in shaping the record before his upcoming move to New Zealand.
“His intense creativity will be sorely missed,” shares frontman Andrew Paine. “But it was awesome to go down the rabbit hole one last time with him before he goes.”
An Introspective Yet Vibrant Journey
A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy is exactly as its title suggests—a rich yet reflective exploration of life’s highs and lows.
“It’s just reflections on everyday experiences and emotions,” says Paine. “A journey through a slightly jaded mind.”
Embracing themes of presence and acceptance, the album encourages listeners to cherish fleeting moments.
“Enjoy every moment as it happens,” Paine adds. “Things fade away far too quickly, and life moves in very definite cycles.”
An Organic and Immersive Recording Process
The album’s creation was deeply organic, with songs evolving naturally through jam sessions at the band’s home studio, The Sanctuary.
“The usual jamming at our home studio, and the songs just fell into place,” says Paine.
Recording was an immersive and intensive experience, marked by late-night brainstorming sessions and extended tracking marathons.
“Everything was recorded at our home studio, The Sanctuary. Lots of late-night brainstorming and intensely long sessions—it was a lot of fun.”
Filthy Hippies are making a Defining Sonic Statement
With a Phil Spector-esque wall of sound, A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy blends rich textures, layered harmonies, and deep-rooted pop sensibilities, making it a defining statement from Filthy Hippies.
Listen to A Colourful Trip Through Melancholy HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, Subscribe to our newsletter.
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify.
