Labels: Brew Records
Review by: Graeme Cunningham
Last time we met, Kong left me unconvinced. They show up looking the part, there’s a firm handshake. But when you got up close, these weren’t the eyes of killers. These men had never choked out a Polar Bear for shits and giggles.
None the less, there was potential. So I was open minded entering round two (in this case, their second single “Leather Penny”). Single being the operative word. We just get a CDR with one track on it. Apparently the real thing has alternate versions of forthcoming album tracks with guest vocalists. Unkind people like me might call that filler. Maybe you’re more charitable. But surely, if you’re going to send out a CD anyway, sticking the extra track on it isn’t too much hassle? I can only conclude its shite and they don’t want us to forewarn you of this.
The one track on show here begins well. A satisfyingly blunt riff played to the hilt. Drums are hit with serious force. Much gurning of face was no doubt made whilst recording. A minute or so in, this gives way to a consistent bass thud, accompanied by wonked out guitar licks and Mark E Smith via David Yow vocal haverings. The vocals here are pleasingly incomprehensible. I can’t quite decide if there’s real lyrics hiding under there, or if the vocalist is really just saying “deh-nah,deh-nah, deh-nah, dooo-da…”.
This second section is probably played just a little too long for its own good. Things start to loose their way. Just as the whole thing looks like grinding to a halt to reprogram the sat nav, a total beast of a riff kicks in and pulls Kong’s collective arse from the fire.
In conclusion, you can give this a body swerve for now folks, on value for money alone. But that album might be worth a look when it arrives. I’m still on the fence.