Walker Kong

Walker Kong seem to improve exponentially with each record they release. On the Distant Lovers on Listening Stations EP, the band fleshed out their sound by adding synthesizers, Burt Bacharach-esque horns, and drum programming. The additional instrumentation (which could have easily sunk Walker Kong's semi-outrageous songs and political sensibilities with the weight of sonic clutter) was implemented to great effect by the band, and the songs are well-served by it. The four tracks here are stylistically diverse, jumping from early '80s jangle/mope rock, worldbeat rave-ups, and neo-disco; however, while Walker Kong may tackle diverse and seemingly irreconcilable genres, the songs are unmistakably theirs and never come off sounding ham-fisted or self-conscious. Unexpectedly, by virtue of the way they write, and perhaps in spite of the fun atmosphere they cultivate, a hint of poignancy exists in their melodies and lyrics; tugging gently at the heartstrings somehow buoys the songs and endears Distant Lovers that much more to the listener. ~ Bryan Carroll, All Music Guide