On the music of Walker Kong
Feature article written by Nat Bourgon
So, I’m officially stumped. Walker Kong has been active since 1998. They’ve released three artistically spirited, musically inventive, lyrically gripping, and vocally fascinating albums, and they are adored by critics. I’m at a loss as to why the rest of the world has yet to come aboard! I mean, this band is the real deal! There should be a multitude of fans swooning over their already existent tunes, while gleefully anticipating the opportunity to hear some new songs in the not so distant future! What gives?
That Walker Kong, fronted by singer-songwriter Jeremy Ackerman, and including contributions from Tony Mogelson, Emily Cahill, Kim Ha, Peter Robelia and Alexandra Ackerman, dabbles in a deep assortment of genres (their musical recipe includes but is not limited to traces of rock, pop, folk, soul, jazz, chamber, new wave, electronic, and country so far) only adds to my puzzled, perplexed state.
On the band’s Kickstarter page for their forthcoming fourth studio album “Phazes of Light” (due out later this year), Ackerman relays that “WALKER KONG is a Minneapolis based musical group that formed in 1998 with a desire to make a connection through the pursuit of creativity and music” (Kickstarter Ackerman). With this revelation, it is highly evident that Walker Kong as a rare breed of musicians that would classify as the truest of artists. This is a band that makes music because they are passionate about creativity - the act of creating and expression. They are deeply invested in their art, and despite other career paths, family life, and pursuits, they continue on as Walker Kong fourteen years in, because they are compelled to add a new artistic chapter to a magnificent musical world that they spawned.
There is a deep sense of authenticity in Walker Kong’s oft-thematic lyrics, which typically endorse a way of living where relationships with others are at the helm; a life where connectivity is driving and inspiring the experiences we have in our lives. The lyrics often play out as a mixture of both stream-of-consciousness excerpts from Ackerman’s most intimate thoughts, and actual conversational, being-to-being communicative expression. Ackerman and his bandmates indirectly instill a rich dose of yearning in their music….a yearning for a life where love and compassion take centre stage, and where friendships are not a means to an end, but rather an end in and of itself. Listeners beware! These feelings are highly contagious!
The band utilizes a diverse array of musical tools and sounds. Lively guitars, soaring symphonic-like strings and horns, rambunctious, propulsive drumming, and shimmering keyboards that shapeshift and evolve from bouncy to tranquil (often in the same song), and some other adventurous ingredients combine to create a melodically rich and sonically flavourful musical mosaic.
Oh…and that voice! Lead singer Jeremy Ackerman’s voice is a sublime, vital instrument, and he uses it to great imaginative and playful effect. Walker Kong albums flow like rivers, and Jeremy Ackerman’s voice is the raft keeping them afloat. At various points throughout the journey, Ackerman’s voice wavers from euphoric, to frantic, to charming, to mysterious. There are moments where he sounds emotional and heartfelt, and there are even times where desperation, urgency and devastation creeps into his vocal, providing an element of surprise.
As for the albums themselves, the 2001 debut “There Goes the Sun” is an ideal starting place for the Walker Kong uninitiated, with its groovy instrumental landscape and its unique lyrical exploration of a wealth of themes including love and life. The 2004 follow up “Transparent Life” is a more melancholic and subdued record that reveals the band’s songwriting prowess. Strings are utilized to transcendent effect and “Life” certainly ups the ante vocally. 2007’s “Deliver Us from People” is downright rockin’, with its blistering guitar solos, and spunky attitude, making it the band’s most intense record to date. That Allmusic’s Tim Sendra is on track when he says that “Conversely, the album also holds some of their prettiest moments” only furthers the notion that Walker Kong are a collective willing and able to take risks and subvert your expectations (Allmusic Sendra).
Despite your conceptions of background vocalists, Alexandra Ackerman’s presence in the band’s sound and identity is crucial and undeniable. If Jeremy Ackerman’s multifaceted, soothing voice is the raft, moving forward through the river with appealing confidence and determination, then his wife Alexandra Ackerman’s luscious, warm, radiant and alluring voice is the sun, shining down on the raft and providing heat, affirmation and support. Perhaps the band’s most underrated asset, Alexandra Ackerman adds sensuality, and soulful vibes to Walker Kong’s sound. At times, her singing is clear, and at other junctures, it’s barely audible. Despite her oft-background singer role, even the slightest trace of trace of her voice adds so much to the sound, and her vocal contributions feel essential. Listening to Walker Kong, you’ll surely find yourself daydreaming about the next time Alexandra’s exquisite vocal harmonies will swoop into the mix, and subsequently transport you to the verge of musical bliss.
Judging by two transcendent samples the band has posted on Facebook and Kickstarter from their upcoming fourth album, the scene is set for Walker Kong to push their experimental envelope forward in new ways, while simultaneously honouring the most effective musical qualities and nuances from their back catalogue. There is nothing superficial about Walker Kong. They have pushed onwards with a devotion and commitment to artistry, and individuality that is refreshing, challenging and inspiring. They have stayed true to their vision for forming the band fourteen years ago, and in that time, have wowed critics, and loyal fans alike! The time has arrived for the rest of the world to catch on. Music fans, take note: If you’re looking to be captivated by a wildly talented, musically diverse, challenging, intellectually stimulating band that values listener connectivity, then Walker Kong it up! Listening to Walker Kong might even be something akin to the self-affirming, grounding, life-altering experience it was for yours truly! Ultimately, Walker Kong is an extraordinary band that is carving out a musical niche, and creating compelling art on their terms. What’s not to love about that?
