On ‘Mountains of Kong, the ever elusive Mr Shiraz have followed up last year’s ’21 Grams’ with more quality rock n roll. They seem to have firmed up their sound a little, having settled on a more straightforward riff heavy style, while maintaining their penchant for a catchy melody, delivering four hook filled slices of punky rock.

Title track ‘Mountains of Kong’ starts it all off with a searing riff that leads into an energetic rocker. It’s a pretty intense number, taking a twist in the mid-section before building to a heavy climax. Their liking for a film reference is once again evident on ‘Flatliners’, a mid-paced hard rocker with a cool hook, some catchy “yeah yeah yeah”’s and a smoking guitar solo.

‘Step Up’ has a slightly cooler pop rock vibe, delivering another fine hook, although it doesn’t really go anywhere after the atmospheric mid-section. Even so, it does highlight how easily they can work a melody, as does ‘You’re My Type’, with its upbeat punk groove and cool heavy vibe to the closing section.

Mr Shiraz once again show their talent here and there is a slightly more mature feel to their sound. However, quite how far they can take it remains to be seen; they have a small but strong following and plenty of critical recognition, but it’s yet to be transformed into something more significant. So is another EP really what they need right now? Nevertheless, it is another likeable release and could yet prove to be another small step in the right direction.

3.5/5

‘Mountains of Kong’ by Mr Shiraz is released on May 26th on Wooderson Records.

Mr Shiraz links: Bandcamp|Facebook|Twitter

Words by Edward Layland (@EdwardLayland)