107.7 The End's Concerts 4 A Cause: KONGOS

KONGOS
Neptune Theatre in Seattle, WA
06.04.14

1077 The End kicked off summer in the best way possible: hosting a “Concerts 4 A Cause” show, starring KONGOS, a band of four brothers currently based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Fashioning patchwork type sounds by pulling in influences from their upbringing in London and South Africa, the quartet miraculously intertwine an uncommon blend of instruments to create their unique sound. The music is composed of tribal drumming from Jesse KONGOS, some snapping accordion from Johnny KONGOS, and Danny KONGOS’ sliding folk guitar topped with pop and rock vocals sung mainly by Dylan and Jesse, with all four brothers singing backup.

Like other great sibling bands, such as Kings of Leon, Hanson, and Oasis (in their prime), KONGOS have great chemistry together and this comes across in everything they do, from the light banter in which they engage themselves between songs to how they perform. The energy and love the brothers possess onstage definitely reflects in their energy and drive in their music. Boys, your camaraderie is commended. Seeing them take their time to warm up, actually jamming together to make sure everything has been set up correctly shows you how the band fuses its heart and soul into the music. I’m sure a large part of this natural professionalism comes from growing up in a musically inclined environment, as their father is John KONGOS, singer/song writer known for his 70’s top ten hit, He’s Gonna Step On You Again.

The band’s 2012 album Lunatic was recently re-released by Epic Records, and subsequently, KONGOS have been taking the U.S. by storm with chart topper, Come With Me Now. This song alone displays the thinking outside the box strategy that the brothers employ in their music, with Dylan’s quick yet heavy voice, Danny’s slide guitar, and Johnny’s billowing accordion. Watching all brothers singing the song’s chorus simultaneously while clearly enjoying themselves whether it’s Johnny’s accordion sway or Danny’s head banging, the crowd’s response was to reciprocate and have a massive dance party and really try to shake down the Neptune.

Another crowd pleasing single, I’m Only Joking had the audience dancing and singing to the point where the Neptune seemed like it was on verge of exploding. In this song, Dylan’s voice took on a slightly more haunting tone, and Jesse’s drums heavily pounding to match the mood.

Though I could go on and on about these talented brothers and their albums, their natural ability to perform music on the spot, together and by collaborating with other artists, must be commended. A show stopping moment came when the band invited rapper Mo to the stage to perform a song together. The brothers played their inventive patchwork of sounds over a steady hip hop beat, as Mo rapped for minutes on end without a pause. How was he not out of breath? It was unbelievable. The crowd just could not get enough.

Opening for KONGOS was Seattle based synth rock project, Pillar Point. The band is led by Scott Reitherman who is also in the band, Throw Me the Statue. Droning dark bass beats mixed with light-hearted synths and a soft somber voice, Pillar Point plays in the same league as artists like Active Child and Underworld.

For the rest of 2014, you can catch KONGOS on a trail of festival hops as well as a national tour with the likes of Blondfire, Kings of Leon, and OneRepublic. Be sure to catch KONGOS at a show near you. Openers Pillar Point will be embarking on a fall tour with Of Montreal later this year and should not be missed either.

KONGOS Setlist:
Hey I Don’t Know
Sex On The Radio
Take Me Back
Kids These Days
Escape
I Don’t Mind
Freedom Jazz Dance
I’m Only Joking
This Time I Won’t Forget
Come Together
I Want To Know
Take It From Me
It’s A Good Life
Come With Me Now