KONGOS 98.7

UP ON THE ROOF: The four South African-bred brothers of KONGOS took the makeshift stage on the roof of the Hollywood Tower last night in an intimate performance for Alt 98.7. The event was sponsored by Bud Light Platinum, Red Diamond Wine and Mulberry St. Pizza, and what else do you really need for a good time besides beer, wine and pizza? Frontman Dylan Kongos began the evening telling the crowd that before they "get too riled up, this is going to be a candlelit, sit-in-the-bath kind of performance," which differs greatly from their typical upbeat rock sound. The guys played six songs, including a cool take on The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" and a stripped-down, "gypsy version" of the #2 Alt track in the country, "Come With Me Now." It was probably the only time we've ever seen a PoMo crowd in Hollywood howling for more accordion, and it was awesome. The guys ended the night with "It's a Good Life," a song "about saying fuck it to all the things in life like work and taxes" and just enjoying yourself. The song and its sentiment were enthusiastically endorsed by the packed rooftop, who lit up with the upbeat melody and scrambled for autographs post-show. As we've said, this definitely seems like an act not to ignore. The major label debut, Lunatic, on Epic, is available now, and the band kicks off a U.S. tour on 4/19. (3/20a)