KONGOS performing at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, CA. October 27, 2016. Photo: Tawni Rae
KONGOS
w/ The Joy Formidable
The Regency Ballroom
San Francisco, CA
October 27, 2016
Review by Tawni Rae
Poorly equipped for the rain, I slogged my way into The Regency completely soaked to the bone. It had been one of California’s first days of “bad weather” in what seemed to be a very extensive period and I had a nervous feeling this would affect turnout.
Looking around, it wasn’t the most packed show I had ever seen at this venue; the upstairs was closed off, and the merch booth had been moved from its usual place outside of the ballroom. But, my goodness, for such a small show the diversity was incredible. This band? This band could make anyone, from anywhere, at any age, fall in love with their sound.
To introduce the night, the delightful North Wales band, The Joy Formidable, took the stage. Riding the fine line of light and dark, The Joy Formidable touches on serious issues while letting hope and positivity shine through their words. As a bonus of entertainment, their drummer attempted to use carrots as his drumsticks. It absolutely floored me that I’ve never seen a band attempt to use vegetables as an instrument before.
To be honest, it is not often that I go to a show with “fresh ears”, as someone whom does not have an extensive knowledge of the KONGOS discography. After this evening, it was hard not to chastise myself for not discovering them on a deeper level before.
KONGOS absolutely slayed from the moment they stepped on stage, launching into their set with the perfect murky, moody, slammer of a tune, “Repeat After Me”. It was hard not to be transfixed by the hieroglyphic imagery that accompanied the song.
Other favorites of the night include some songs that had hands clapping and legs jigging in sloppy river dances (no joke, this happened). “I Want It Free”, “Birds Do It”, and “It’s a Good Life” were notably wonderful. The latter sounds so perfectly optimistic; it’s very tempting to say “fuck it” and go live on an island.
The surprising gem of the night had to be their cover of The Beatles. While normally this would be a bit of a risk, it was a perfect fit, especially when their manager came out to throw down a rap through the middle of the song. We challenge you to name another band who could successfully get away with this!
It is not an exaggeration to say this: every single song from Egomaniac could be a hit. Every single song they perform could be a hit. Eclectic, rhythmic, catchy, fresh, vibrant, and everything you could ever want in a rock band. Give Egomaniac a listen. Go catch them live. You won’t regret it.
Set List:
Repeat After Me
Underground
Hey I Don't Know
Where I Belong
I Don't Mind
I Want It Free
The World Would Run Better
Get Back (The Beatles cover)
It's a Good Life
Come With Me Now
Birds Do It
Autocorrect
I Want to Know
Take It from Me
I'm Only Joking
Encore:
Blue Monday (New Order cover)
KONGOS
www.kongos.com
www.facebook.com/KONGOS
@KONGOS
The Joy Formidable
www.thejoyformidable.com
www.facebook.com/thejoyformidable
@joyformidable
This has been another Shameless Promotion.