Posts Tagged ‘Rare Monk’

RARE MONK – ” California/Warning Pulse “

Posted: January 17, 2016 in MUSIC
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Hailing from Portland Oregon, Rare Monk put out polished indie rock with a focus on heartfelt guitar tunes rather than summer anthems.

With a deft instrumental touch and evocative vocals, Portland quintet Rare Monk wends its way successfully through the excellent new four-track Rare Monk EP. The group’s first official EP is an amalgamation of tasteful balance, nuanced detail and beautiful production.

Poking around on Rare Monk’s website reveals a solid collection of singles from the last year or so that illuminate a group that knows its sound and has a distinct flavor. From the originals to the excellent cover “Ain’t No Sunshine,” the trail points toward a rapid maturation.

Rare Monk EP, as a showcase, toys with the darkened hue of an apocalyptic cynicism that easily swings back toward wistful self-awareness. “California (Will Burn)” is an interesting concoction of instrumental work that vaguely recalls the alt-rock of the mid-2000s while simultaneously managing to maintain an anxious earnestness that comes across as surprising, considering the lyrical subject material.

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“Light Tricks” is airy, dripping with syrupy vocals and muted guitar fuzz. That it stays compelling throughout is a testament to the group’s understanding of dynamics and My Morning Jacket-style layering. “The Only Reason to Tour the Midwest” doubles as a bit of a punchline, pairing nicely with “California” as a counterpoint to the occasionally overwrought vibe that seeps through. “Warning Pulse” quietly closes the EP with a soundscapey instrumental background and measured vocals with finely placed harmonies.

Rare Monk EP is a fitting debut for a band that already feels comfortable in its own shoes.

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Members: Dorian Aites – Vocals, Keys, Violin, Guitar Isaac Thelin – Violin, Saxophone Jacob Martin – Guitar Forest Gallien – Bass Rick Buhr – Drums

RARE MONK – ” California “

Posted: November 19, 2015 in MUSIC
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Rare Monk have a new self-titled EP expected November 20th via B3SCI Records, Produced By: Tom McFall
Recorded at: Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon. 

Rare Monk is born from the grit of jam sessions, proof that the modern day rock band who creates together, stays together. In 2015, the Portland-based Rare Monk will release their apocalyptic-tinged self-titled EP, produced by Tom McFall (Weezer, Bloc Party, Snow Patrol, R.E.M.).

The follow-up to 2014’s widely lauded 7-inch “Splice/Sleep Attack,” the Rare Monk EP is the next progression in the Northwest quintet’s unique sound. Pairing forward-thinking arrangements and visceral, soulful instrumentation with a strong sense of effective pop songwriting (the band counts acts as diverse as Phoenix and Sonic Youth as key influences), the four tracks are a powerful statement of intent.

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Rare Monk traces its origins to the act’s college years, where they where the go-to band for impromptu drunkin’ dorm gigs and psychedelic jam-outs. In 2012, the band teamed up with producer Skyler Norwood (Horse Feathers, Blind Pilot) for their self-released “Death By Proxy” EP, and between then and now have been regular touring fixtures in the UK and on America’s West Coast as they honed their thunderous and affecting live show. In October, the band will play a series of U.S. dates with Aquilo, Beach Baby, Leisure, and Oscar.

Rare Monk are: Dorian Aites (Vocals, Keys, Violin, Guitar), Isaac Thelin (Violin, Saxophone), Hugh Jepson (Guitar), Forest Gallien (Bass), and Rick Buhr (Drums).

Grab Rare Monk’s new EP release both digitally and on limited edition CD.

www.b3scirecords.com/product/b3sr-020-rare-monk-ep
Produced By: Tom McFall
Recorded at: Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon