The Bongoloids - The Anaesthetic Revelation of Ray Bong

The Bongoloids
The Anaesthetic Revelation of Ray Bong
Independent


The Bongoloids aren’t your average stoner rock band. They create a unique twist on the genre by adding psychedelic-jazz, electronica, bluegrass, and funk elements to their music. Their new album, “The Anaesthetic Revelation Of Ray Bong,” is full of enough buzzes and beeps to keep most stoners interested, while those sober might have a harder time wrapping their head around it.

Instead of heavy down tuned guitars, the Bongoloids’ version of stoner rock relies on Ray Bong’s vast array of synthesizers. The album opens with “It Doesn’t Matter What You Do,” one of the few tracks with vocals. The track transcends almost every genre; the techno drums give way to classic rock organs followed by techno squalls. Most of the tracks are in the same vein, until “I Know That You Love New Orleans.” The track uses an odd sampling of Rush Limbaugh speaking about New Orleans. If you thought Rush Limbaugh’s squeaky voice was annoying on the radio, it doesn’t do much to put it against some low-fi techno either.


The album’s final three tracks are the real standouts. Here the drums and instruments sound more natural and live. “Nitrous Cloud,” features a killer space jam that recalls some of Sonic Youth’s noisier moments over steady jazz beats. While the album is a bit scattershot, it might prove entertaining for those who wanting to expand their mind.

- Richard Giraldi

"Ray Bong Live"
Bongoroo2


Originally published in OffBeat July 2007