We’re diving back into the Bongo Boy Records catalog today with an all-new release. The label, known for having an eye for standout indie talent across a wide variety of genres, regularly creates compelling compilation albums featuring their artists. Their newest collection of tracks, available on 6/18/21, is rooted in the rock genre – Kryp II Knight Vol. II features some of the finest work yet from their endless roster of talent.
Kicking things off is I’m Everywhere by the Alan King Project. This is explosive modern rock from its first measures, tempered by the soulful violin – a captivating combination of heaviness and delicate beauty. The vocals that follow are raw and powerful, a perfect match for the song’s high energy. On the Way to the Promised Land by The Word66 continues this trend with a different spin. Riff-based instrumentation and a subtle twang in the bright vocals gives just a hint of Americana-rock sound to this religious-inspired track.
The highlight of Color of Skin by Gypsy Carns is no doubt the growling, raspy lead vocals that adds dimension and intrigue to the track. There’s a similar element in the vocals of Obsidian Overlord‘s Forgotten Soul that follows, but the instrumentation is much smoother here, leaning on reverberant guitars and smooth percussion before exploding into a powerful, guitar-driven chorus.
Long Road to Travel by the L&M Project Band is a standout in this collection. Its swampy, bluesy guitar riff intro has just enough distortion and grit to make it feel like a natural choice for this album, but the blues sound permeates it to its core despite its clear rock influences. This track radiates soul and classic rock sounds, tied together by a serious showing of guitar chops all the way through.
Anthem rock might be the most apt descriptor for Jonah Whale‘s song Let’s Get Loud. Big, booming percussion and tension-building guitar riffs give way to an energetic and driving melody that feels very much like a working man’s rebel yell. We also love Rain by Gia Gallagher for its raw rock-ballad feel, haunting and dynamic.
Closing out the album is Anticipation by Grit’s Guitar, featuring Harold “Grit” Vondenstein. This instrumental is over nine straight minutes of soulful, classic-rock-tinged, and blues-inspired guitar solos. The laid-back energy and definitive musical skill on display make this the perfectly balanced ending for this high-energy collection of songs.
Is there a genre that Bongo Boy Records can’t find talent in? The answer, so far, is a resounding no – this collection of rock music is one of the most successful and cohesive compilations the label has put out to date. Kryp II Knight Vol II is available as of 6/18/21, and rock fans of nearly any subgenre and influence should be lined up in anticipation of this first-class indie music selection.
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BELOW: Listen to Kryp II Knight, Vol. II and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Bongo Boy Records by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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