On Like Kong - On Like Kong (Album)
Ya can’t always judge a disc by its cover, as this one might just imply some zombies with logo issues. But Melbourne band On Like Kong - complete with name befitting a Thai restaurant - show the proof is in the listening, which successfully scatters any early concerns. Kudos to Jonathan Miller (band founder - guitar & laconic vocals) with mates Sam West (also guitar / laconic vocals), Harley West (drummer - creative) and ‘Otto’ look-alike Jo Levin (looped bass lines & hair) comprising a quartet that clicks like Connect Four.
First cab Pastel Fatigue fronts up rather nicely, leaving little in the garage with its nonchalant vocals ‘n guitar wigging-out routine but the best time here is the appropriately titled Play, touching on the most swingin’ parts of late-70’s Saints or Birdman. Opinion and Time Waster are excursions in the art of gracious riff repetition for good effect, before the latter finds a bridge that rhymes lyrics “introspection” and “reflection” for the full melancholy picture. Anti War Song gets itself stoned immaculate in J. Mascis Park complete with classic chorus, before it de-frocks in a lead guitar kind of way, followed by a nice lie down by way of next tune Dentures Grin. Upon closing, Pandora’s Box wins a bonus point for its loose Swervedriver-flavoured conclusion.
On Like Kong aren’t afraid to cross some minor genre boundaries; the best part is they sound all the better for it. Maybe mine’s a demo copy - I don’t know, but apart from the skinny packaging and debatable band name there’s seven steady tracks here, making for a cool sonic ride. Here’s to another fine homegrown unsigned artist.
