KONGOS – KONGOS

When a father with a prestigious musical past announces that his sons are forming a band, the percentage of success is usually smaller than it should be as the children struggle to do justice to their parents’ name. Happily, Kongos, the quartet of sons of 1970’s singer/songwriter John Kongos (he of ‘He’s Gonna Step On You Again’ and ‘Tokoloshe Man’ fame) are an immensely talented bunch of individuals. The music may reek of old-fashioned excesses in its arrangements, rock histrionics and balladry but rarely has this been done in such an exciting way.

Twenty year-old Dylan Kongos’ vocals are blessed with the maturity of someone twice his age, youngest sibling Daniel’s guitars are strident and melodic, John J is the king of the keys whilst Jesse handles drums and main songwriting duties. What songs they are too! Wondrous centrepiece ‘Another Daydream’ is superbly arranged, ‘I’ve Been Here Before’ is all over the place musically but brilliantly so whilst ‘What About You’ is a piano-led finale with an unforgettably haunting melody and another genuine spine-tingler. As well as the incontestable youthful talent, what impresses even more is the controlled emotional outpourings: the vulnerabilia of ‘The Trouble Is’, the sense of loss on ‘Nothing’ and the stunning ballad ‘Curious’. Suffice to say, Dad must be very proud indeed.

	Track Listing
01	In The Music
02	The Trouble Is
03	The Way
	Curious
05	Remember Me
06	Another Daydream
07	Nothing
08	I’ve Been Here Before
09	Make Your Mark
10	What About You
= Standout Track