King Bong: Space Shanties

The name of the band and title of their third album tells a lot about this Italian band hailing from Milan. Psyche, stoner and space rock is what this band is all about, performed admirably with an instrumental flair that is quite addictive after a couple of spins. King Bong are Andrea (guitar, theremin), Alberto (bass, gozer, qualitron) and Teo Heavydrum (drums and percussion).

All three members are key to the band's sound which varies from solidly fixed guitar riffs to more eclectic improvisation where the band goes on some extended jams incorporating some pretty cool guitar noise and effects. These moments gives these tunes an eclectic flair that meshes nicely with the more structured parts.

The album's first track is "Even 50 Feet Hamsters Have Feelings" and judging from the title the band have not lost their sense of humour. Starting with bass and guitar, the song builds slowly from a mellow, almost ambient beginning to more intense riffs with pounding drums to match morphing into doom metal territory. If the first track took its time to build that is not true of the album's second tune "Of Bong And Man". It is heavy right from the start with a stoner/doomy sound before a mellower section with cleaner guitar notes. "Inhale On Main Street" incorporates heavy psyche infused riffs and extended jams while "Kilooloogung", love the title by the way, leans more towards space rock. The guitar has more atmosphere here and a great overall flow making it my favourite.

Space Shanties is a solid effort. Anyone who loves a little psychedelic in their rock and roll will no doubt want to check it out.

Track Listing:
1. Even 50 Feet Hamsters Have feelings
2. Of Bong And Man
3. Inhale On main Street
4. Kilooloogung
5. A. B. Ong`
6. Cthulhu

Added: August 21st 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1860
Language: english

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