Review:

on 2011-11-28 raremonk Said:

Rare Monk resemble a mix of Celtic punk, avant-garde rock in the vein of Man Man, and southern gypsy-pop complete with quick-moving strings and snarling vocals. For a more concise comparison, think Modest Mouse with an extra shot of caffeine. Considering the high-throttle burst of energy their second EP Astral Travel projects, its not surprising that a few of its songs were recorded at a brewery. Oregons Ninkasi Brewing Company, which has a history of supporting their independent music scene, accommodated the Portland-based five-piece. The infectiously upbeat nature of the material makes it apt drinking music, but the groups further reaches into elements of psychedelia, jazz, and funk makes their body of work much more than candidates for a party playlist.


Opening track Shoot Me Down is an enjoyable embodiment of what to expect: a voice highly reminiscent of Isaac Brock showing great ferocity over a dexterous array of punk-tinged guitar riffs, southern-cooked string solos, and an indestructible rhythm section that serves as the backbone to such frenzied instances of experimentally fused rock.

Shoot Me Down is greatly infectious, but listening to the rest of Astral Travel Battles is vital to get a feel of the groups overall talent. The outstanding Teak is demonstrative of their lyrical chops, approaching non-pretentious political commentary through metaphorical imagery. The music is fast-moving and exciting here, as it is throughout the entire EP, but Rare Monks wide arsenal of genres makes it hardly feel like one big blur. Epic closer Somnifero implements jazz and funk with surprising effectiveness, resulting in a rock-jazz-funk hybrid that the five-piece should pursue more with their next release. Whichever stylistic direction they choose to pursue, Rare Monk seem poised for success.

Not Rated