Gonga - Concrescence

  by Adrian Huggins

published: 18 / 12 / 2013

Label: Tonehenge Recordings
Format: CD

intro

Excellent doom/stoner rock on third album from increasingly essential Bristol-based instrumental outfit, Gonga

‘Concrescence’ is the third album from Bristol based Gonga who originally formed in the dying years of the last century. The three piece currently consist of Thomas Elgie on drums, George Elgie on guitar and Latch Manghat on bass guitar, and produce their own brand of instrumental doom/stoner rock which will rock the foundations of any sort of structure you might want to suggest or hurl at them. The lack of vocals gives the band the chance to really delve deep into their soundscapes and as a result your mind as well. Twisting, turning and tripping, this is the sort of music that you could quite happily get lost in for a good few hours and be completely oblivious to that whole reality thing out there, which is only a good thing. While Gonga clearly have plenty of that doomy, bassy, low end sound, they’re not quite as low and dirty as the likes of Bong Ripper, and the lack of vocals means that they don’t have the same visceral, misanthropic edge as bands such as Electric Wizard do. Fans of both bands would, however, feel right at home with these Bristolians. Where Gonga excel is in the psychedelic element of their music. Their use, but not reliance, of distortion and that lower end of sound gives those weaving, mind bending riffs and guitar melodies something a little more dangerous and sinister. If there were such a thing as an enjoyable, bad trip I think ‘Concrescence’ would certainly be in the running for the most suitable soundtrack. There are moments of hope and melody throughout but as soon as you start feeling vaguely blissful you’re punished with some jaw-achingly huge riffs again. With the band set to play at 2014 Temples Festival alongside the likes of Conan, Doomriders, Bossk, Neurosis and Electric Wizard, I’m pretty certain that they’ll be setting in stone their own place as one of the most important and essential doom/stoner bands around at the moment.

Track Listing:-

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