Konono No1/Eternals
(Logan Square Auditorium 11/11)
This Chicago trio really had an eclectic sound. Vocalist Damon Locks and bassist Wayne Montana were actually previously a part of a hardcore quartet called Trenchmouth before forming the Eternals. The instruments used on stage consisted of keyboard, organ, drums, bass, and a sampler. At times, the band’s songs are more on the funk end of things but at other times, some trip hop sounding effect were interjected. When Damon sang with shouting raps, his voice was a bit on the nasal side, which was less apparent when he did more traditional rapping and at other times when his voice went into a falsetto. I think the band’s best quality was that Locks is a fantastic performer-an animated singer and a great dancer that I really enjoyed watching. To read an interview, click here
The history of this band is fascinating and seeing them was probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. Far away from home in Chicago, this band comes from a place between Congo and Angola and includes some extraordinary instrumentations you aren’t likely to hear anywhere else, particularly the likembé (also known as “thumb piano”)which three band members played for over an astounding two hours. The band’s songs off of Congotronics really translated well on stage overall with another highlight being the vocals of the two male and one female singer which were powerful amidst the feeling of the creative and organic rhythms and instrumentation. The major difference with their songs live and on album was that live the songs were greatly extended in duration. It was definitely a wonder to see them up there and something you couldn’t help participating in by clapping and moving along to it. The entire audience was involved with the beats and, although it was crowded, there was still some room to dance a bit. I think the only thing I would have liked to see is their own hand made microphones as the ones the club provided for them did at some times cut out and feed back especially towards the end (I really felt the blame lay on the venue’s equipment and sound person, though, and would not expect this to be repeated at other venues.) I was really grateful for the opportunity to see them.
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