YouTube Performer of the Day: Monkey Kong
Yes, the band is called Monkey Kong…and its members hail from Sweden.
I discovered this band through OC ReMix, recently releasing their version of Donkey Kong Country’s “Aquatic Ambiance” track, appropriately named “Dolphin Ride“.
Definitely one of the best interpretations of the track I’ve ever heard, right up there with the infamous “Beneath the Surface” ReMix. Just from this track, I felt that this band had something.
And indeed, their YouTube page showed me proof. They’ve posted live footage of a set played in some computer festival called “Dreamhack”. It sounds niche, but man what a crowd. Almost looks like a real concert to me.
Their take on Smash Bros. Melee’s “Break the Targets” theme is my favorite work from the band thus far.
Talk about having the funk. In addition to this track never being covered or remixed by game musicians on the web, this very first attempt is nothing short of awesome and sets the bar to people who are interesting in tackling the track. I love their progressive rock-style playing with those funky rhythm guitar riffs. I wowed when the guitar and keyboard solos hit mid-track.
Another track they’ve done so much justice to is good old “Storm Eagle” from Mega Man X.
A five-minute long epic progressive rock, in-your-face, face-melting interpretation of a classic track. It’s been remixed by rock wannabes so many times, but nothing beats playing live. Again, the various solos from the guitarists and keyboardists are played so well. Great work indeed.
One last track that surprised me is their version of Mario 64′s “Dire, Dire Docks”.
No prog rock, no funk…just a basic straight-forward cover that’s so calm and ambient. I love the fact that the keyboardists continue to be faithful to the original material by sampling similar sounds. The drummer also keeps the faith on when he starts off mid-track, recreating the dynamic ever-changing feel of the in-game track itself.
Don’t forget to subscribe and check out their other videos. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Monkey Kong. I just wish that they can provide us with mp3 tracks of their set soon.
