Release
date: May 2nd 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Kong
Saves – Tracklisting
1.Dimitri 07:42
2.Death, And Other
Privilege 04:49
3.McMaggot 06:01
4.Thoughts Of Future
Past (feat. Sam 'Slam' Wall) 09:25
Members:
Dai - Guitar/Vocals
Dibble - Bass/Vocals
Kane - Guitar/Vocals
Luke - Drums/Vocals
Review
Kong
Lives is a Stoner/Doom/Post-Metal band from Newport, UK. According to
their band line-up, each member provides vocals on their new EP –
Kong Saves. It's a heavy affair with the band showing a distinct
taste of filth-ridden grooves and riffs. I don't know who is the
actual lead vocalist but whoever it is they do a great job on the
opening track – Dimitri.
Dimitri
blends post-metal/hardcore sounds with a murky Doom/Stoner Metal
vibe. The whole mood is filtered with heavy psychedelic noises as
Kong Lives play to their strengths. The production is handled
surprisingly well for their debut release. It has a DIY feel at times
but the whole album sounds good from start to finish. Kong Lives will
surprise a lot of people with their debut release. As the band
switches gears and start playing a more direct progressive rock
sound. Clean vocals appear for a brief moment before the band return
to the earlier hardcore based growls.
Second
track – Death, And Other Privilege – opts for a more Sludge Rock
sound with hints of NOLA style riffage. It's not as polished as the
opening track but it has a high amount of cool riffs. The vocals
remain with the early hardcore growls with moments of clean angry
pissed off vocals. The music is the main highlight here as Kong Lives
inject a fresh and manic sound at times.
Third
track – McMaggot – is the more Stoner Rock/Metal orientated song
on this EP and it's good to hear Kong Lives open the song with a
slow-paced riff. You are still treated to moments of heavy filthy
doom but the overall mood remains within the bleak Stoner Metal
world.
The
final track - Thoughts Of Future Past – is perhaps the strongest
track on the EP as the band take influence from Ufomammut at times.
Heavy spaced out sounds merged with the killer vocals from Sam 'Slam'
Wall from Judas Cradle. Psychedelic Doom noises interact with
post-metallic vibes that leave you wanting more.
Kong
Saves is a stunning debut EP from a band who have huge potential.
They're not the finished article yet but these guys are definitely
worth keeping an eye on. I'm intrigued to see what these guys can do
when let loose in a professional recording studio and perhaps when
they've released a full length album. Time will tell......
Words
by Steve Howe
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