A rich tapestry of sound drenched in both the old and new—smoothened through nostalgic essence, youthful brilliance, and rebellious elegance—is basically Kong Moon in a nutshell as they balance the weight of the golden age of indie rock and shoegaze with the contemporary post-rock for one distinctively beautiful and ethereally captivating music that cannot escape your grasp for good music. Fortuitously brought together by their shared taste and love for great music like the one they are making, their whole process of making music is as unexpected as it is unusually captivating and totally fun for them, as they are all doing what they love most—bouncing off one another for this vibrant and tasty sound that deserves a spot in your favorite playlist.
Perhaps it’s the unspoken sadness due to life’s inescapable trivialities that hit hard when life pushes you to the edge, or perhaps it’s just the inevitable complexity of a life that is not devoid of its happy and joyous moments, even if rare, or it could be the mere depth of inspiration vividly painted by incredibly gifted musicians with a shared musical taste. Whatever it is, Kong Moon’s “You’re Running out of Things to Own” is a worthy project with replay value and some phenomenal pieces that speak volumes about the top-tier musicianship and authenticity this band brings.
Take, for example, the opener, “New Dream,” it is the kind that teeters between soulfulness and melancholy with a weighty theme thanks to the powerfully packaged lyrics and the emotive vocal delivery that breathes life. References like a healthy heart and a happy home long gone, stealing of light and soul, wondering and not knowing when the sun will set, and the future being used as a threat are quite telling and really encapsulate something deeper than a listener’s imagination. As I said, this is a pretty soulful performance that does not lose its rock essence and spirit.
“Excuse” is livelier with an energetic thrill from the opening notes, exuding this rhythmic cadence that is easy to bump your head to or, if your body allows, dance along to with joyful abandon. And since you can make of it what you want, why not see it as a song of victory?
The soft guitar running, driving electronic feel, and precise drums wrap around a listener with an inviting allure as soon as the song “Ask Yourself” starts playing. The build-up is patient and all; the well-packaged instruments are allowed to sufficiently build before the unmistakable vocals, which are ideal for the obvious mood and tone of this song, breathe life.
“Second Try” is tuneful and emotionally charged with an understated poignancy that is easy to connect with in a personal manner. There is just a way the music makes you feel heard and understood—like an extension of a past experience that’s been lurking behind like shadows of thieves at night.
By the time you are getting to the last jam, dubbed “Dreamy Lullaby” which is a masterclass in the stylistic caliber of soft, soulful rock, your listening experience can only be summarized as ethereally fulfilling and emotionally gratifying.
As of right now, I feel that everyone should have a piece of Kong Moon’s “You’re Running out of Things to Own.” This is some good music right here from not only good artists but also fervent lovers of music with an insatiable passion for creating music that speaks to the body and mind as much as to the heart and soul.
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