Gonga
Gonga (CD) 2004 Tee Pee
Bristol, UK's Gonga are unapologetic drug rockers who are equally adept at either stoner or doom, partying through 'till dawn like it’s 1999. They're all about the fuzz and the rawk, blending beloved classic early 70s sounds with an inspired desert vibe, and for my purposes they've produced one of the sleeper albums of the year. Yes, you've heard it before and yes, it’s definitely worth hearing again. 'Pocket Scientist' starts things off with a groovin' instro that combines Golden Earring with 'Paranoid.' 'Burnt Honey' is a spaced out, uptempo desert stomper with Joe Volk's smooth, slightly strained vocals riding on George Elgie and William Smalley's molasses-thick guitar tones 'Stratofortress' (George Orwell anyone?) has bro Thomas Elgie's drums piloting the numerous rhythmic changeups that are a trademark of the band's sound, leading into 'The Pomp.' If this song were a woman, it'd be wearing a low-cut minidress and no panties, dig? 'Untitled Nos. 2 and 3' provide a breather in the form of some nice acoustic strumming while the last two tunes, 'Octane Bud' and 'Mosquitos,' bring the doom like nobody's bidness, with less melody and some huge, monstrous fuzz bass creating a claustrophobic, miserable atmosphere. The album maintains a consistently high level of achievement, even if if doesn't have a standout track like 'Rock and Roll' or 'Regular John.' Give 'em time! Unless something radical happens, this album will be a year's top tenner for me. If you're into the fuzz merchants like Nebula, Calamus, Dozer, Kyuss, and maybe even Nirvana, you'll feel the same way. If only I could hear them live....	1. Pocket Scientist 2. Burnt Honey 3. Hermes 4. Untitled No. 2 5. Stratofortress 6. The Pomp 7. Manali Summer 8. Untitled No. 3 9. Fellow Man 10. Octane Bud 11. Mosquitos Approx. 60 minutes
Reviewed by: Kevin McHugh