Brew Records, the purveyors of Brit 3-piece “punk” outfit Kong [MySpace] were kind enough to send the lead single from the group’s new album Snake Magnet over for us to preview. The song in question, “Sport” (don’t get too excited Huey Lewis fans) and is a riotous four minute trip to the very border of punk and screamo. Marked by simple four-chord progressions, pounding intrusive bass lines, and indistinguishable layered lyrics, you’re looking at the finest produced high-school single you have ever heard.

The song is unremarkable in the studio, and this is mostly due to heavy production overshadowing the
obvious energy behind the performance. The lulling breakdown, a ponderous trudge through Type O Negative’s muddiest moments was clearly meant to keep listeners from blowing their load too quickly, but after a full minute’s instrumental introduction and another minute of spastic, intermittent screaming, there was no danger of that. The layered vocals are deaf to each other, the guitars are entirely uninventive, and the bassist would do better to find the other string or two on his instrument.

This is not to say that “Sport” is entirely lacking in charm. This is the kind of tune you hope to hear at your local dive, half in the bag and in the mood to punch someone in the mouth in the spirit of dancing. Four minutes is far more than the song needed to make its point, and entirely too long to be considered a true punk offering. However, it is a fine example of a live song that never needed committing to tape. I will be first in line to get a ticket, if ever they make it to the states. One listen literally begs a more genuine performance, live and sweaty, and with honestly impressive vocals that will not tire after minutes of indistinguishable, high-pitched screaming.

To be fair, their stage and promo makeup may not exactly scream legitimacy or even relevance, and they would probably do best to NOT promote themselves as a belated ICP or Slipknot tribute to best be taken seriously. With this not being their first, or even second, studio release, do not expect a lot of sound evolution from these boys: they’ve found their niche.

[mp3] KONG – “Sport” (track hosted by The Devil Has The Best Tuna)

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