College/Art Rock: About's Bongo

Half-handed Cloud (John Ringhoffer) slammed into an electronica/punk storm. About (Rutger Hoedemaekers) sounds like he might be part of the gang of Half-handed Cloud, Sufjan Steves, and Brother Danielson, especially as Hoedemaekers’ voice matches the geeky, indie, humble, voice-cracking charm of Ringhoffer on “Friends Applaud,” while having the horns and eclectic instrumentation of the gang and long song titles of Stevens.

However, you won’t hear this comparison as the album, Bongo, starts off with “Think Niles Drink.” That’s more of the Electronica of Miss Kittin and the punk-pop electro-thrash of Garbage. The references to Half-handed Cloud, Miss Kittin, and Garbage all come together for the Shonen Knife, beach ball dancing rhythm of “Strike You as the Enemy.”

Thanks to About and Cock Rock Disco for the review copy.