In a similar vein as The Thrushes, Baltimore’s Monarch is pushing the shoegaze. They are pushing it in a different dreamy direction. I might even consider it optimistic and folksy at times and strangely it totally works. I almost feel like they took it to another level. This isn’t indie rock. It’s more. And when it all falls apart there is a melodic pop factor holding it together. And under all that there is a sonic swirl that I know and love.
Hearing this record coming from this post-industrial city that I am slowly falling in love with is still overwhelmingly awesome. It’s making Baltimore a home for me. As much as DC has a special place in my heart, Baltimore is sure giving our District of Columbia a run for it’s beloved sound. And the sound is in Monarch’s record.
Monarch is only a duo. And I use “only” in only a complimentary manner. Their sound is huge. I tell you, one of the best bands I was ever in was a two piece. A drummer and a guitarist is sometimes all you need. Adding more can sometimes muck it all up.
After the first listen, I, like a crazed engineer, only listened to the production. I was a little tired with it. The drums sounded a little claustrophobic. I quickly got over my sonically obsessed self and listened deep to the music. And soon fell deeply in love with the guitars.
Why do I keep reviewing bands that I wish I had the opportunity to engineer and produce? Andy/Jenn: Seriously call me for record #2. My studio will be up and running this winter.
- Please Concrete - Double tracked vocals from Jenn Wasner. And vocals I can digest nicely. Some call it the “Ozzy Effect.” A great pretty opener that blows up towards the end in a Confusion is Sex type explosion. Thank you for that. Seriously. It made me smile.
- Warning
After hearing the drums and vocals come in, I feel this is going to be my favorite song. And somehow I keep thinking there’s a Parts & Labor riff going on here somewhere at chest level. Thank you, Andy Stack, for playing this beat. This will be the last band drop here. - Regret
A pretty little ditty. Great living room feel here. I love the cymbal swells and the piano. - Archaic Smile - Is that a rhodes? If not, I want one. I am totally digging the dueling vocals here. It works for me on ever level. Such complimentary voices.
- Family Glue
I’d like to hear how this goes live. Does anyone else love the chugging guitars here? - Orchard Fair - Thank you for the feedback and for the awesome drum hits. Give it to me.
- I Don’t Feel Young - This is the “wall of awesome” song. Let’s play it one more time, I do feel young.
- Keeping Company - I am not sure what’s going on here. I suddenly feel like I am in the middle of a Broadway musical.
- A Lawn To Moms - A cute mild country ditty.
- If Children Were Wishes - Don’t give up on this song. It’s worth getting through it. Trust me.
- Obituary
Definitely not what I expected for the last cut of the album. Personally I would have reversed track #10 & #11. But it still works. And the hand claps are stellar. Perhaps that’s why this record is so exciting.
For more information about the band, more reviews, shows & pictures check out their site. You can also stream the whole record and buy it here when it comes out on August 21. Do it.
Did I mention I love their band name and already look forward to their 2nd release?
darnit why am i at work and have no speakers to check this out. I’m intrigued just from your description of the band.
This sounds like just the kind of thing that my girlfriend would love to listen to. Personally, I have to be in a mood for it. It would go great in my Sufjan Stevens/Iron and Wine/Decemberists mix.
You really need to see them live, definitely one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. I’ll let you know next time I’m gonna see them if you wanna come. Still don’t have the album (I just keep listening to the songs on their MySpace), so I’m glad to hear they’re getting better distro and I’ll be able to find it in stores soon.