Durban’s femme-power 90s-inspired punk band, Saturn Return, is a self-dubbed hot mess … a blend of grunge vibe with a touch of witchiness, a dash of tom boy and some shirtless, shoeless shenanigans. On a mission to inspire women, they’re putting us in a jovial mood, sharing their mix of holiday tunes, and it’s everything from Blink 182 to Avril Lavigne.
Better known for their odes to heartbreak and crushing the patriarchy, Saturn Return are driven by their desire to be uniquely different and write songs they hope will one day make a difference. Heavily influenced by bands like GRLwood, Starcrawler and Paramore, the band loves a good time. More than that, they love their audiences to have a good time. And from what we’ve seen, it’s clear Durban crowds who’ve gathered at their gigs, were not there just for the live music, but because they’re fans of the band.
Started in early 2020 by two total amateurs – Britt Good and Carys Behn – who’d never played a musical instrument before, the band comprises a rad little family of four.
It’s named after an astrological transit – Saturn Return – that happens for the first time around the age of 28 to 30, when the planet Saturn returns to the place it was in the sky when you were born.
“This transit often catapults your life in a whole new direction or helps you in overcoming something you karmically needed to experience in prior years.”
It was a perfect fit since the only experienced members when they started out were their lead guitarist and drummer. In spite of this, the band took off and all of their lives have changed direction for the better!
“We’re all a bunch of noobs at our instruments, but we’re learning and growing together, and the process has been beautiful so far.”
There’s the band’s powerful front woman and the chaotic energy of the group, Britt, who’s on base and vocals.
“My style depends totally on my mood. I like to rock anything from a femme-fatale in leather vibe to a more classic ripped jeans and All Stars grunge look. Throw in a little anime every now and then and I’m good to go.”
Then there’s lead guitarist and backup singer Mandy James, who’s the most reserved of the band … until she has a tequila and full sass emerges. “I’m an animal and a bug lover – you can usually spot me saving bugs and making friends with stray cats. My dress code is somewhere between dressing like a fairy and a Goth.”
Rhythm guitarist Carys has been named the most responsible of the band. “I am a quirky, slightly introverted and non-conformist. My rebel side can often be seen in my style choice. I love colourful hair (I’m currently pink), I don’t like to follow trends and I kind of just wear whatever I feel like wearing. It’s a good combo of street style, second-hand clothing, and Tom boy vibes with a pinch of grunge.”
And then there’s the hairiest member of the lot, Lebb O’nidus, who despite his chaotic demeanour and the fact that he brings metal to their sound on drums, is a sucker for puppies and ducklings. “I am known as the fire king in the band for both my pyromania and my all-consuming energy on and offstage. Usually, the last to leave the gig, I thrive off the energy between band and crowd. I’m also rarely seen wearing shoes or shirts!”
Carys and Britt are from Umhlanga and say they should be shareholders in The Village by now! Lebb and Mandy are married and live in a forest in Pietermaritzburg like the true hippies they are.
Although the band largely identifies as being female-fronted, they say they would rather be judged on their musical ability as opposed to their sex or gender. The driving force for the new material as their first official album, Three of Swords, is proving there is far more to them than just their image. The album is set to be released in early 2023. They are also big into creating awareness around the importance of mental health and self-love, and their new album – a heartbreak album – serves as a catharsis for anyone going through a breakup, in a toxic relationship or going through the process of finding themselves again.
“We have always believed in surfing the waves of cosmic timing and as a result, have become renowned around Durban and even parts of SA with the advent of the Durban music scene resurgence.”
Alongside some incredible Durban bands, Saturn Return has played at many venues local to KZN, and were the pioneers of the Alive Movement at Club Altitude – home of Durban’s live performances.
“We have recently come off of our Gauteng tour … It was a blast!”
They have great gigs lined up for December 2 at Origin (Burn Reunion), December 9 at Robson’s Brewery, Point Waterfront, featuring The Tazers and other brilliant local bands, and December 23 at The Westville Warehouse, so if you’re looking for something edgy with a touch of 90s nostalgia, give them a spin!
Getting ready for some much needed R & R, they’ve put together a playlist of the best Summer party songs to keep you (and your guests) upbeat over the holidays.
Details: Find them on Discord or follow them on IG: @saturnreturnband or FB:@saturnreturnsa
Saturn Return’s party playlist
- Hole – Violet
- Cellar Darling – Avalanche
- Sorry Mom – Molly sells Molly by the Seashore
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Whatever we Want
- NOFX – Dinosaurs will Die
- Witness – Mindless Self Indulgence
- Electric Six: Down at McDonaldz
- Mouse – Electric Face
- Bloodhound Gang – Dimes
- Billy Talent – Viking Death March
- Mindless self-indulgence – Shut me Up
- Babymetal – Karate
- Willow – Maybe is my fault
- GRLwood – I’m yer dad
- Hanabie – We love sweets
- Bad Omens – The Death of Peace of Mind
- Blink 182 – Edging
- Avril Lavigne – Bite Me
- Demi Lovato – Substance Abuse
- Electric Six – Gay Bar
