Write-up for Phoenix New Times Summer Of Sound concert:

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Kongos
It took all of 22 seconds of the Kongos’ self-released EP to realize they were courting musical greatness — and it only took that long because eleven of those seconds were spent hunting the jewel case wondering, “Who are these guys?’ Four brothers hailing from London via South Africa, born and raised with a recording studio in their home and music swirling all around them at all times, they were able to dream up a pop-prog-rock world music sound you wouldn’t expect from such a young group and one that no “how-would-you-market-that” elders appear to be attempting. After finally releasing a full length after more than a year of fine-tuning and re-recording tracks, you might expect the Kongos’ zeal for perfect sound might prevent them from playing out. Not only do they recreate the brotherly harmonies, the airy pedal steel, and the richly textured keyboards of that wonderful record with a minimal amount of pre-recorded input, but Kongos inhabit that sound, taking a bar of seemingly indifferent patrons to the place where they conceived this music in the first place, and making them feel like there was a place in it for them, too.– Serene Dominic
Phoenix New Times

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KONGOS was voted one of the 4 best rock bands in Phoenix by the New Times music staff, and we’ve been chosen to play the Summer Of Sound Series on May 12th with the other three bands, opening for Sugar Cult.HERE’S THE IMPORTANT PART: The audience favorite, wins the New Times ‘BEST OF PHOENIX ROCK BAND’ … so, if you only go to one KONGOS show in your life … you’re lame, but make it this one!

DETAILS:BUY TICKETS
Where: Club Red - 2155 E University Dr, Tempe, Arizona 85281
When: Saturday, May 12th - 6pm

With Sugar Cult, Antique Scream, Crash Street Kids and The New Romantics

ADD Summer Of Sound!

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

They mixed up the artist info (it’s KONGOS, not John Kongos), and the language is a little strange, but a good review nevertheless.

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Kongos - Kongos
“Kongos” by John Kongos [KONGOS] has a multiplicity of sounds on each track but some songs are ominous in their tone while others will rev up the listener and are perfect to workout to.”In the Music,” has Kongos’ [Dylan] dauntless vocals along with what sounds like acoustic guitar and percussion. The intro has tribal chanting in the background which adds a portentous vibe to the song. The persistent drumming furthers the haunting rhythm as Kongos speaks lyrics such as, “Now we talk so much we don’t say a thing . . . He got so high.” While Kongos sings, there are contorted synthesized vocals over top of him that are indistinguishable. Yet, they serve to culminate the foreboding tone of the song.”Trouble Is,” has more of a rock feel and the minacious feeling continues but not as strongly as in the previous track. The guitar work here has a brighter beat and the drum and synthesizer work are a tad more cheery. But, the lyrics have a subjugated message such as, “Now I remember that I would die . . . I still don’t understand . . . Shut my eyes and close the door.” It seems Kongos is trying to elude something through denial but his scheme is only causing him more grief.

On “The Way,” the intro begins with very specific guitar chords where listeners can almost imagine each being strummed individually. The drum work then infiltrates the picture. This combination sets up a rhythm that is sure to get any listener geared up. This song could be one in a movie where the character is preparing for some emotional and/or physical combat and even though the odds are against him or her, they are determined to not go down without a fight.

Overall, “Kongos” by John Kongos [KONGOS] has lyrics that are quite melancholic but some songs have that never give up mentality that will invigorate listeners to hear the rest of the album.

Reviewer: Sari N. Kent

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

From The Beat Surrender:

Kongos - Kongos

Who the hell are this lot then? Well, they’re four brothers from America (via South Africa and England) and sons of the musician John Kongos. They all play something on the album and they’re all skilled at what they do as well; they haven’t just let brother number four in the band because they felt sorry for him or because they share bedrooms.

One immediate criticism I had was brought about by the album cover. It’s just four strange glossy head shots of the band members (same as the front page of the website). So before I heard any tracks, I have to admit I looked at it and thought it was just an exercise in vanity: “Oh aye, Daddy’s treated the kids to an album, has he?” But I’m just too cynical at times – besides, what’s packaging got to do with how a record sounds?

In the end I really got into it (before my CD got ‘borrowed’ by a mate) – the guys can play, there are some real catchy songs on here and it takes courage to try and create your own music in the shadow of a musical parent. Julian Lennon’s still trying, isn’t he? And he’s got a BIG shadow to deal with.

If you get this, you’ll hear some good guitaring and well structured songs; there’s a lot more going on than you first realise. I love the first track, it’s a belter to open an album and really sticks in the brain. Definitely a grower is this one…I think it’s more ‘Sunday music’ than ‘Friday night’ music, if you catch my drift.

KONGOS? NOT BAD, NOT BAD AT ALL.

Check out iPogle: a new Podcast from Serene Dominic. We were on the show on the March 15th episode.