Review by Adam Jones - MUSIC FARMER 5
A Debut Album That 'Turns Around' The Music Scene with a Fresh Twist
With their debut self-titled album, THE ART MONKS, the Los Angeles-based duo has delivered a sonic tour-de-force that blends an array of influences from across the musical spectrum into a cohesive, unique, and thoroughly engrossing sound.
The album launches ferociously with "Our Love Won't Stop," a track that ignites the fuse for even more auditory fireworks to follow. The playful clavichord piano unexpectedly morphs into a Daft Punk-meets-Stevie Wonder extravaganza, driven by an undeniably infectious rhythm. The vocal performance is nothing short of breathtaking - an epic, soaring falsetto delivery that doesn't so much sing as it does pirouette, glide, and soar above the grooving rhythm section. It's an ambitious opener that feels like it could easily be the soundtrack to an Oceans-11-style movie, and it sets an exhilarating tone for the rest of the record.
"Turn Around," the album's standout single, punches on with an irresistible energy that is utterly contagious. From its opening harmonies to its pounding drums and synths, the track exudes a captivating Beck style vocal melody that leaves you helplessly tapping along. The energy on this track is a tangible entity - you can practically feel it radiating from your speakers. THE ART MONKS have said that this track is about the electrifying thrill of new love; and that energy (that exhilaration) is captured perfectly in every beat and every note.
"Soul Next Door," the album's closing track, is a masterclass in musical tension and release. It showcases a lo-fi hip-hop vibe mingled with experimental production techniques, culminating in a distorted keyboard line that fades into the ether, leaving the listener yearning for more.
The vocal performance is nothing short of breathtaking - an epic, soaring falsetto delivery that doesn't so much sing as it does pirouette, glide, and soar above the grooving rhythm section.
The self-titled album "The Art Monks" is a journey through various musical landscapes guided by the steadfast hand of multi-instrumentalist AndyK and the soul-stirring vocals of Steven Jackson. There's an authenticity in their music that's been sorely lacking in the modern music industry - an evident love for and dedication to the craft of songwriting and musicianship that shines through every track.
The Art Monks' myriad influences, ranging from Parliament-Funkadelic and D'Angelo to Prince, are clearly audible; yet the band's sound is distinctly their own. It's an album that serves as an exploration of R&B, soul, funk, and pop, while concurrently pushing the boundaries of these genres into uncharted territories.
This is more than just an album - it's a musical manifesto, a statement of intent from a band that has dedicated their lives to creating music that is as sonically exciting as it is emotionally engaging. Much like the monks after which they are named, The Art Monks' devotion to their craft is undeniable and deeply compelling. If this album is anything to go by, we have much to look forward to from this exciting new band. Their mission to unite people and bring joy to the world through their music is well and truly underway.
Check out "Turn Around" by THE ART MONKS below!👇
Youtube "Turn Around": https://youtu.be/3xe9wZu0QM4