Synth-punk cowboy Cong Josie traverses romance, sleaze, and throbbing synth arpeggios through the swamps of Oz. The Australian post-punker takes a satirical stance on machismo through ballads of sleaze, smoke, and gyrating hips. His cheeky humour balances out the intensity of the salacious lyrics, luring the listener into a den of iniquity.
Cong Josie is the alter-ego of Nic Oogjes (NO ZU). His distinctive Aussie twang and the bricolage of historical influences defy a hyperreal parallel universe. We hear shades of Alan Vega, Chrome, The Birthday Party, Kid Congo Powers, The Fall, Pere Ubu, and The Gun Club in his style, paying a feisty homage to half the roster of ZE Records.
Eight incredible underground artists join the Cong Josie with a gorgeous remix album for his debut, Cong!. This is the “adults only,” “sealed edition” version where darker shadows lurk…Cong On! Artists include BC Slumber, Johnny Cayn, Markos Mazarakis- Ainian (Acid Baby Jesus), Premium Fantasy, Simona Castricum, V, Vacuum Various Asses, and Cong Josie himself, thoroughly kneading the world of Cong into techno bangers, romance bliss-outs and darkwave-punk dirges – an eclectic vision that holds its own weight as a concept album.
“Somehow, in some way, this collection of artists share a subconscious connection or world outlook that presents itself sonically,” Cong muses. “It’s such an honour to have collaborated in this way with so many of my favourite artists and friends. I absolutely love the contributions and it is just amazing…It’s hot. When sold, it will need to be sealed (for your protection) with warning labels all over it!”
Watch the video for the pulsing darkwave remix of the song “Lorelei,” now called “Lorelei in the Night,” below:
Listen to “Cong On!” below and order here:
Cong Josie acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the lands and waterways in what is now known as ‘Brunswick’, ‘Coburg’ and ‘Montmorency’ (where this release was recorded) and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. Always was always will be Aboriginal land.
Follow Cong Josie:
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They way they tore me apart Like I’m a corpse they wanna ditch They way they sold me for parts…