Apr 20 2007
Review of ‘KONGOS’ on Leonard’s Lair
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 |
|
