By James Ballinger
Monogamy Party was never a difficult band for me to wrap my head around. Even though the music was pretty straight-forward, it had a charm of all its own. Snarls if you will, swagger like the Stooges at their classic best. When Monogamy Party announced they were looking to add a guitar player to the existing mix of drums, bass, and vocals they practically perfected on their first release (2011’s excellent Pus City), I was a little hesitant. Not hesitant in the way of worry or shock, but that the growling bass of the band would take a back seat to a guitar player. All worries and concerns were put to rest after seeing the band live with their new guitarist Ricky. It’s an added element to the already chaotic sound of the band, and a unique one at that. The band was able to integrate the guitar to be its own tool of sonic noise, acting independently from the rhythm section almost entirely. Like a different sized paintbrush on a canvas initially colored with spray paint and splatter patterns.
On False Dancers (the bands first full-length record and second release on Seattle’s Good to Die), the band captures and bottles the explosive live chaos on record almost flawlessly. The opener “Blank Stare” kicks things off nicely, while the first released track “Crimes” follows and picks up the pace. But the album really takes hold of you on the third track “Ordinary Things” with its snaking opening bass line that snakes around Kennedys vocals, and doesn’t let go. “Ashamed” follows that with an almost ‘sea-sick’ opening guitar warble. On record, Ricky’s guitar work fits seamlessly with everything is going on. Lyrically, vocalist Kennedy is on top of his game throughout and it’s just weird enough to work. Bassist Yos-Wa still shines through the mix though, and Keith’s drums are there keeping everything put, right where it needs to be. It’s a record that is the equivalent feeling you get in your gut on acid, and it’s easily one of the best records of 2013.
False Dancers will be available on vinyl September 17th, check the links below for more info, and don’t miss the band live at Chop Suey September 14th with label-mates Gaytheist, as well as Haunted Horses and Prism Tats.
http://monogamyparty.bandcamp.com/
http://www.goodtodierecords.com/band/monogamy-party/
https://www.facebook.com/events/378005228989694/
