I first heard Lonehill Estate at Coke Fest 2008. I was waiting for Muse. I didn’t give two hoots about these guys.

Now, a few years later and I’ve started paying attention. Though they have come to be known as a goofy, typically middle-class anti-jock white boy joke band, they’re definitely no wilting flowers.

In fact, they’re a constant on the South African music scene which never ceases to amuse me or bring a smile to my face, even if it’s coupled with a facepalm, especially considering their silly lyrics, eccentric videos and that weird green dude.

Their new self-titled album is everything we’ve come to enjoy about Lonehill Estate with a little something extra. Including radio hits Technoband, Gangstar and the very aptly named Daans, the album also adds a few songs that drive it towards being a slightly more serious album.

Some songs were directly lifted from techno parody EP Phone Home, but it’s by no means immature or unoriginal. Even the EP track The Green Pocket shows promise. In fact, their techno parody style is complemented by the likes of Binocularhead, Machine, Penny and Sugar Honey Smax. The album shows the potential Lonehill Estate has to step out of their silliness.

They don’t disappoint with the silly, though with Zombie Apocalypse getting everyone at my last house party dancing on the couches.

Lonehill Estate is diverse and although not life-changing or particularly brilliant, it’s slightly left-field and creative. I’m glad they took their time with this one. This is the Lonehill Estate I like – still weird and ridiculous but balanced with sincerity.

Rating: 6.5/10