MAY 2000
The band returned to Abelarde Sanction on 19 May, opening for the increasingly popular 3-piece band Sunways. Although the set was marred by poor stage sound throughout, the audience were very vocal in their approval.  Much drinking ensued.

Before the next gig, with Squeal at 206, Zen Arcade would be recording tracks for an EP at RP Studios, SABC. The band's main focus therefore was now on gearing up for the recording.

Said focus was thrown to the four winds on Friday 26 May, with the birth of Emma Jane Cleland to Sandy and Andrew. Much joy!
JUNE 2000
Zen Arcade went into RP Studios, in the labyrinthine bowels of the SABC Radio Centre, to record demos with engineer Neal Snyman. The tracking took place in MP3, with its vintage Neve desk and impressive selection of microphones. James arrived with a full guitar arsenal - Cort acoustic guitar, Ibanez Artist (his main axe), Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster and a spare bass for good measure! Racing against time, the band recorded Crazy Over You, Sister and Step Back on the Saturday. String parts scored by Lizzie (viola) for Crazy were played by herself and Jackie (cello) on the Sunday. Very lush - general elation. Ian completed vocal tracks for all three songs. Rough versions of Summer Sun and a new (untitled) song were also put down for reference, although they were not yet ready for production.Three songs were now ready for mixing the following Saturday.
Boogie nights - James tweaks the Mesa
D-BASS DIARY