by Abel Folgar
There is something very delicate and ephemeral about the Hongs. Their music sounds like something that reverberates in hallways in those moments before sleep hits. I'm talking about serenity -- because there is something very serene about this EP. It somehow manages to guide a slow dance that still boasts moments of unrestrained energy. Stylistically, it dips into the wells of New Wave, shoegaze, and sugary pop.
Gordon Myers plays a casual bass that allows his bandmates, guitarist Aaron Lebos on guitar and drummer Rodolfo Zuñiga, to soar while allowing his voice to hit impressive ranges. There is something sultry about his vocals; you almost believe it in "Charade" when he tells you he'll be "the only love you'll need tonight." (That track, incidentally, also features Didi Gutman from Brazilian Girls.) "Huh" is airy and atmospheric, slightly robotic with appropriate Casio-tones peppered throughout. "Under Standing" features Afrobeta's Smurphio, and his influence is clear here, with almost light electro sound melded with the band's usual slightly Gothic approach. All in all this EP is 15 minutes of syrupy bliss that engage and soothe.
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