Sunday 10 January 2016

Major Kong - "Galactic Cannibalism" EP (Review)

By: Mike Wilcox

Album Type: EP
Date Released: 01/12/2015
Label: Independent


Whilst I listened to an array of different instrumental, sludge, doom, and experimental groups Major Kong stands out to me because it doesn’t feel like they are trying. They seem like they enjoy playing Stoner Metal and as such they do it well. “Galactic Cannibalism” rips like a bong and leaves your head spinning. If their next effort went more the route of stoner fuzz, power to ‘em. They’ll have no problem at all pulling that off.

“Galactic Cannibalism” CD//DD track listing:

1). Supercluster
2). Diabolic Mind Control
3). Morlock
4). Magnetar

The Review:

What an interesting and refreshing recent find Major Kong has been! Born from the ashes of previous project, Fifty Foot Woman, this three piece instrumental stoner/doom outfit has been churning out riffs from Poland since 2010. The listener’s introduction to the new album, “Galactic Cannibalism”, summons the feeling of sludge mixed with the nostalgia created by Stoner legends Sleep.

“Supercluster” lets listeners know that they picked a good album and that they are in for a ride…about half way through the opening track the guitar work of Michal Skula ascends the mix and lulls you like a siren calling your name. The riff emphasis returns and the song is taken out, closing with pushed yet un-distorted playing. “Diabolic Mind Control” follows “Supercluster” but this time takes you almost directly into the land of riff and honey. You can’t help but headbang when it’s playing. I find myself headbanging in traffic listening to this…in the back of my restaurant…before I go to sleep….it’s a real problem!  Actually it’s a sheer joy.

These aren’t simply riff heavy songs; they have dynamic and depth in them. Shrill feedback reminds the listener of EHG and the like, and the album’s third track, “Morlock”, has introduced itself. While I hear parts where I would expect vocals or think that maybe some vocals would help to deepen the mix, Major Kong is one of the bands that can pull off an instrumental approach. “Magnetar” takes the album out, and in my personal opinion is the most impressive and enjoyable cut on the 4 track album.

Whilst I listened to an array of different instrumental, sludge, doom, and experimental groups Major Kong stands out to me because it doesn’t feel like they are trying. They seem like they enjoy playing Stoner Metal and as such they do it well. “Galactic Cannibalism” rips like a bong and leaves your head spinning. If their next effort went more the route of stoner fuzz, power to ‘em. They’ll have no problem at all pulling that off. If Major Kong’s next effort is more on the side of Post-Metal, power to ‘em. They’ll have no problem at all pulling that off. Whatever they decide they are doing, they’ll have no problem pulling it off. These guys are having fun and they want you to join in. All you have to do is listen.

“Galactic Cannibalism” is available as a name your price download here and CD here



FFO: Sleep, Belzebong, Dopelord, Thorun


Band info: bandcamp | facebook