Band members sporting gorilla masks, a humanoid security camera, a fist-pumping athletic boxhead, a storm trooper wielding a smoke cannon and a choreographed dancing robot. Where else would you see other than at a King Kong Company gig, writes Trevor McGrath.
See also: Photos – King Kong Company at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
After entertaining the masses at the recent All Together Now and Spraoi festivals in Waterford, King Kong Company rocked the Kilkenny’s Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre on Saturday night. The songs, the sounds, the lasers and the lighting are crafted for a live show and the legends of the South East did not disappoint, delivering a no-holds-barred set that had all in attendance transfixed by their sonic boom.
The venue was at full capacity as the band took to the stage and soaring temperatures had the crowd at a fever pitch before a single note was played. Once the music started the atmosphere was immediately transformed as the usually seated outdoor arena jumped to their feet, tossing away any inhibition they were clinging to. Taking influences from reggae, drum and bass, trance and ska filtering into an unrelenting electronic groove, King Kong Company have created a sound that is almost entirely their own. Every track is a thumping yet melodic feast that is impossible not to dance to.
See also: Photos – King Kong Company at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
Over the course of the ninety-minute spectacular, we were treated to a full hit list including Harvest to Forest and All Been Done Before with Aisling Browne on lead vocals.
All of this, coupled with Trish Murphy’s multiple eccentric costumes and the frantic projected visuals make for an experience that is unabashedly based around creating an atmosphere as unique as the venue itself. As the evening light began to fade and darkness descended it only helped to intensify the scene culminating with a musical, laser and lights extravaganza with an encore of The Crab, Zoids/Pol Pot Rock and closing a brilliant night with Get Away.
Words and middle gallery pics by Trevor McGrath
See more: Photos – King Kong Company at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
