The Kong Moon Story
Kong Moon is an American indie rock and psychedelic rock band from Portsmouth. Formed in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, the band blends 1990s alternative rock influences with elements of progressive rock, folk, and psychedelia. The group's lineup consists of Barclay Ellis Close II (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Jason Probert (bass, keyboards), and Dave Newman (drums and percussion). Kong Moon has released several independent recordings, including Bloom, Monarch, Extra, and You're Running Out of Things to Own, and has become a fixture of the New Hampshire Seacoast music scene through performances at regional venues and festivals.
History
Kong Moon emerged from New Hampshire's Seacoast music scene as a collaboration between songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Barclay Ellis Close II, bassist and keyboardist Jason Probert, and drummer Dave Newman. Performing as a power trio, the band developed a sound that draws from alternative rock, psychedelic music, progressive rock, folk, and indie influences while maintaining a strong emphasis on melody and songwriting.
The group's earliest recorded work appeared with Live in the Barn in 2017, followed by the Danger Beach EP in 2018. These releases introduced the band's blend of atmospheric arrangements, layered vocal harmonies, and guitar-driven songwriting. As the trio continued to perform throughout New Hampshire and the greater Seacoast region, Kong Moon steadily refined a sound that balanced introspective songwriting with expansive instrumental passages.
In October 2020, Kong Moon released its first full-length album, Kong Moon. The album showcased the group's eclectic musical influences, incorporating elements of folk rock, indie rock, and psychedelia while emphasizing Close's songwriting and the band's collaborative arrangements. The record established a foundation for the group's evolving musical identity and expanded its audience throughout New England.
The band followed with Camp EP in 2021, continuing to explore new sonic territory while maintaining the chemistry that had developed through years of performing together. During this period, Kong Moon became a familiar presence on regional stages, appearing at local clubs, festivals, and community events throughout the Seacoast area.
In 2024, Kong Moon released You're Running Out of Things to Own, a collection that reflected the band's continued artistic growth and willingness to push beyond conventional genre boundaries. The release further demonstrated the trio's ability to blend thoughtful lyricism, dynamic musicianship, and adventurous arrangements into a cohesive body of work.
Known for its engaging live performances, Kong Moon has remained active within the New Hampshire music community, including appearances at events such as Portsmouth Porchfest. The band's performances often feature material spanning its catalog, from early recordings to newer compositions, highlighting the evolution of its sound while maintaining the collaborative spirit that has defined the group since its formation.
Current Members
- Barclay Ellis Close II – guitar, vocals, keyboards
- Jason Probert – bass, keyboards
- Dave Newman – drums, percussion