KONGOS

KONGOS absolutely rocked Hafenkneipe in Zurich. Playing big venues in NA and Mexico, they had to confine to a much smaller, more intimate venue and a crowd of about 100 people. Instead of being disappointed by the cozy bar, the band obviously cherished the closeness to their european fans of the first hour and thanked us with a great performance and a few pleasant surprises along the way.

Kicking off with some of their more up-tempo songs they set the tone early for what would be a sweaty night of dancing, jumping and singing along. When I started wondering how they would be able to fill an entire evening with just their first album the pulled out some new stuff that should have everybody drooling for their next release (which won't be out for some time due to the band touring constantly until the summer of 2015) and payed homage to their dad, who was a well-known musician himself by playing some of his songs KONGOS-style.

They really got the crowd going with a cover of Come together by the Beatles - supported by their rapping stage manager who absolutely brought the roof down with his surprise performance, sending an already buzzing audience into a frenzy of dancing and singing along to the chorus.

The closing was obviously their big hit "Come with me now" - or not: after just a tease of an intermission they were back, playing another cover of their dads stuff and offering another glimpse into their newest material by performing another as of yet unreleased song.

Instead of disappearing after the show, the band hung around in the bar, chatting with fans, enjoying some beers and whiskey, cheering with everyone and signing whatever people wanted signed. Even stage manager aka. rap artist took time-out to exchange a couple of words and thanking everyone for coming out. Guitarist Dany even wondered how we'd heard of them and asked for good festivals to play next summer once they're back in Europe.

They really took time to get to know the crowd and were genuinely down to earth guys, entrenching themselves further in the hearts of those who already loved their music.

Great show, great music, great people - if you have the chance to catch KONGOS while their still fresh and playing smaller venues, don't miss it!

Kongos is testing and reshaping the mold that seems to bind all other Alt-rock bands together. They have an accordion in the band, for goodness’ sake. Often-barefoot lead vocalist Dylan Kongos somehow manages to pull off looking like Tarzan, and the four brothers that make up the band deliver this infectious energy and carefree attitude that you can’t help but flail your arms to.
Kongos concerts have a very carefree energy about them; they seem to epitomize the idea of being free and wild. However, the well-known and celebrated driving beats of “Hey I Don’t Know” and “Come With Me Now” infuse a certain degree of rough-and-toughness into their music , making them a force to be reckoned with in a world of electronic drum pads and synthesizers. As they tribal-dance their way into the popular music scene, it is expected that the band would adopt a certain level of celebrity status, but they in no way take themselves too seriously. They have remained humble and as willing as ever to deliver the best show possible for their fans. Moral of the story: catch Kongos playing in an intimate venue near you before everyone else finds out about one of music’s best-kept secrets.

KONGOS really knows how to put on a show! Since the original tour stop with Kings Of Leon got cancelled after a bus accident, KONGOS threw a last minute show together and man did they deliver! From the moment they took the stage they had the crowd jumping and singing along. Having been to tons of shows, both big and small, I can say that this was one of the best ones I have ever been to. You can really tell that they love what they do and have what it takes to become one of the great bands of today! If you have a chance to see them live, drop everything and do it!

For a small band they put on a very professional, very clear sounding concert. I was very impressed at the quality of the show. Only a couple of smoke machines and some lights, they don't need anything else.

Unlike their opening act (who wasn't terrible), you could clearly understand the vocals, the music didn't drown out the vocals.

They played solid non-stop, no breaks, no waste of time chit chat during songs.

I don't understand why they are not bigger in the music scene. I woke up to them playing on the Tonight Show and have been hooked ever since.

Amazing. Colony House was a really good opening band and Sir Sly really got everyone into the music before the Kongos went on. Whole place was pack for Sir Sly and for good reason. Kongos' performance was intense and filled with cheers at all points. The accordion solo rocked as well. Played an encore and also 2 covers. I would definitely see them again. Also the lights and effects were REALLY awesome.

SPOILERS: one cover was Eleanor Rigby, and towards the end of the show they were shooting huge smoke rings from the stage.

What an amazing experience this was for me. From when Come With Me Now came out I was an instant fan of them. I couldn't wait to see them live. While standing 6+ hours isn't the best, it was well worth it. We had front and center standing area and it was worth the VIP price. Kongos are a band I will follow for as long as they around. Their sound, vibe and laid back way is infectious. Love this band of brothers from South Africa. Tok"olo"she.

Claudia

KONGOS! Musicianship to the MAX! High-energy! Unique sound! These guys really know how to put on a show! They are definitely in tune with their instruments & eachother. It gave them to ability to really let their songs shine, as well as improvise and take them to new levels. Good on them! Catch a show.

Saw this band support One Republic a couple of years ago at the 02 and loved them immediately. Seeing them again as the main act was just amazing. Chemistry between the brothers and fans was electric. They did not disappoint.

One of the best gigs i've been too!!

Kongos were awesome last night in San Diego. The energy was high and they rocked the house. Great effects, including smoke rings 'blown' out into the audience. Openers Sir Sly and Colony House were great warm ups and cool hip up and comers.

Absolutely adore these guys, their creativity and their down to earth attitudes. Met them on the VIP package, and was so pleased with their graciousness. And as always, they put on a great show.