Sida Laos by Kink Gong: A Raw, Unfiltered Dive into Lao Folk That Punches You in the Ears
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—this ain’t your polished Spotify playlist filler. Sida Laos by Kink Gong is a freakin’ wild ride through the jungles of soundscapes you didn’t even know existed. Released back in 2013 under his own self-released label (because who needs gatekeepers?), this album slaps together field recordings, raw folk vibes, and Lao music like it’s throwing mud on a canvas—and somehow makes it work.
First off, yeah, the title track “Sida Laos” grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s not just some lazy loop with synths slapped on top—it’s legit people singing their guts out, instruments sounding like they were pulled straight from grandma’s attic, and enough grit to make you feel like you’re sitting smack dab in a village halfway across the world. The layers here? Insane. One second, there’s chanting that feels ancient as hell; the next, these weird-ass string plucks crash in like an uninvited guest at a party. But instead of being annoying, it’s magnetic. You don’t listen to it—you live it.
Then there’s another standout cut—I won’t spoil all the surprises—but damn if it doesn’t have this hypnotic rhythm that worms its way into your brain. Like, I caught myself humming it while stuck in traffic, which is messed up because most of this stuff doesn’t even follow traditional Western structures. It’s chaotic but calculated, messy but meaningful. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick. These tracks aren’t trying to be radio-friendly hits—they’re telling stories without giving two shits whether you “get” them or not.
Now, sure, some folks might call this pretentious or too experimental. But screw that noise. This is real-deal authenticity wrapped up in something so unapologetically human that it almost hurts. If you’re looking for cookie-cutter beats or autotuned vocals, bounce. But if you want to hear something that challenges your ears and maybe even punches you in the soul a little? Hit play.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to Sida Laos feels less like enjoying an album and more like eavesdropping on someone else’s life. And maybe that’s why it sticks. Or maybe it’s just ‘cause Kink Gong has no chill when it comes to crafting sonic chaos. Either way, this record isn’t for everyone—but then again, neither is greatness.
