After falling in love with the track, I looked the band up and discovered that they've been making music for quite some time now. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2007 and was well-received in Phoenix, Arizona - their current base where they now write, record and perform; they actually grew up in London and South Africa. After a good couple of listens to the rest of KONGOS music on SoundCloud, I'm ready to shower them with groupie love.
KONGOS are Johnny, Jesse, Dylan and Daniel Kongos - a band of brothers managed by their singer / songwriter father John Kongos. John Kongos, born and raised in Jozi, is well-known for his 1971 hit singles, "He's Gonna Step on You" and "Tokoloshe Man". Listening to these and a few more tracks from the industry veteran, the influence on KONGOS sound is pretty clear - they use a very similar formula in terms of sound; decades later, it still works. KONGOS use a combination of classic rock elements, African rhythms and Balkan beats to produce an eargasmic soundscape.
They're currently working on a second album which I'm assuming will only be released in 2012. My favourite tracks from KONGOS so far are; "I'm Only Joking", "Make Your Mark", "This Time I won't Forget", "Nothing", "Curious" and "I've Been Here Before". Five of their latest tracks, including "I'm Only Joking", are available for free download when you sign up to their newsletter; and if love those, I suggest you get your hands on a copy of their debut album.
Produced, directed, filmed and edited by KONGOS, check out the video for "I'm Only Joking":
KONGOS are signed under Tokoloshe Records.
KONGOS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KONGOS
KONGOS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KONGOSMUSIC