I had the pleasure of meeting Ian Hemi, AKA Silicon Kong, at a red-carpet movie premier for the Panic Terror Films / DowncastSpark short film, Hidden Behind the Veil. Now one thing I want to clarify up top – I’m not referring to Ian as one of those “licky” dog toys that they get peanut butter out of (unless that’s something he’s into, you’d have to ask his wife on that). Silicon Kong (Ian Hemi) is a multi-instrumentalist solo artist that delivers delicious new wave/synth wave flavors (sprinkled with a little metal on top for garnish).
I digress. I met Ian at the film premier and we had a little time to talk music. He actually played with God Hates Unicorns in the B.J. (Before Jess) times. He told me about his music, and that he had a new album about to drop. He also is heavily involved with my Panic Terror Films Fam, and even had a song for their new movie coming out. Obviously, sign me up for all of this. His new album, The Glam-Tastic Escape!, delivered exactly what I was ordering.
I shouldn’t begin a review with the last track on an album, but know what? It’s ok to be a “dessert first” person. The aptly-named end track, “Hobo Saves The World” is an excellent homage to an excellent film that means so much to so many people. I like this track because it’s so “in your face”, then it winds down, then it’s back “in your face” as this completely different song – I just love it. The film it’s for is SO inspiring to me as well. This was an absolute $0 budget, and turned out to be an absolute masterpiece. The work and love that went into it is unmatched. I could go on and on but know what, you got an hour? See for yourself:
My next favorite song on the album has to be “Cosmic Groove Pool”. This one is giving me some serious Rob Zombie vibes, and I am SO here for it! It feels so mechanical and metal, and the vocals are fun and scream-y. This is a track that you could add to just about any rock, electronic or metal playlist nicely. Another must-hear track is “Tardy for the Party!”. Off the top, it starts out with my favorite Spinal Tap quote (you can listen to find out which one). It’s aggressive but in a fun way, I’m punching my fists in the air but dancing while I’m doing it.
Last, but also kind of first, is the album title track “Glam-Tastic Escape!” This one is SO much fun – it’s got the beat, effects, and lyrics to get you moving! You can listen to the full album now, as well as all of the prior Silicon Kong classics, at Reverb Nation HERE.
