Arizona’s band of brothers court the mainstream more adeptly than their father, South African Seventies singer-songwriter John Kongos, ever did. Polished harmonies and snappy hooks blend with tribal percussion and walloping basslines, so their early Sunday afternoon set made a perfect antidote to the mind-numbing beats of ACL Fest’s Saturday night.
Lead singer, guitarist, and bassist Dylan sizzled six strings on opener “Sex on the Radio,” while his growl carried “Hey I Don’t Know.” Backed by Jesse’s driving drums and Daniel’s rhythm guitar, Johnny’s accordion pumped up “Take Me Back.” Dads in the crowd let rip on air bass next to guys half their age who screamed every word like they finally believe in modern music again.
Consider these “Phoenix by way of London and Johannesburg” rockers the intercontinental Kings of Leon.
Their tight rhythm section makes them a group that doesn’t have to beg for audience participation. “I’m Really Joking,” kick-off cut to sophomore effort Lunatic, had feet shaking the turf. Mo Gordon, the band’s accompanying rapper, delivered respectable if uninspiring verse during Beatles cover “Come Together,” with Johnny teasing “Gin and Juice” on keys.
“We are Kongos, let’s make some fucking noise,” instructed Dylan.
As the opening strains of closer “Come With Me Now” sounded, fists pumped into the air chasing the beat, some just a half second off. Wherever they heard it – NASCAR, those creepy MSNBC promos, or the trailer for the new Borderlands game – the rock anthem brought them. Huddled in close to absorb the flurry of accordion and the residual beats, they’re glad they stayed.
This article appears in October 3 • 2014.