VIDEO PREMIERE: Monkey3 plot a course for the "Moon"

Roadburn, Hellfest, Desertfest – it`s pretty much impossible that you’ve missed out on MONKEY3! The four piece from Lausanne, Switzerland have been blowing the minds of stoner and psych rock fans alike for the past 15 years. Trippiness and groove are the cornerstones of their elegant yet powerful sound with cosmic instrumental tracks that lovingly meld heavy riffing with proggy keyboard landscapes. You better buckle up and enjoy “Astra Symmetry ‘s” magic carpet ride!

As a precursor to their upcoming cosmic odyssey we have the pleasure of premiering a brand new video track in the form of “Moon” which you can check out below.  “Astra Symmetry” will be released tomorrow via Napalm Records and you can preorder it here.

Band info: facebook                 

The Sludgelord Video Premiere - "Dead Planet's Eyes" by Monkey3

Monkey3 hail from Lausanne, Switzerland and play very spacey stoner/trippy/proggy rock/metal. If you enjoy anything from classic Hawkwind to Karma to Burn you are going to enjoy this...Their new album “Astra Symmetry” feeds its inspiration from the mapping of the stars and their symbolic associations, interpreting the constellations stranded over the dark sky. This is decidedly cosmic instrumental music that loves melding heavy riffing with proggy keyboard landscapes.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride with Monkey3 and their upcoming full-length album “Astra Symmetry!” for today as a precursor to their upcoming cosmic odyssey we have the pleasure of premiering a brand new track in the form of “Dead Planet’s Eyes” which you can check out below.

“Astra Symmetry” will be released on September 2nd via Napalm Records and you can preorder it  here.

“Astra Symmetry” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1 Abyss
2 Moon
3 Endless Ocean
4 The Water Bearer
5 Crossroad
6 Mirrors
7 Dead Planet's Eyes
8 Seeds
9 Astraea
10 Arch
11 The Guardian
12 Realms Of Lights

Band info: facebook

Live Review : Desertfest, London, UK, 25th April 2014

It was with some level of excitement that I attended the third annual Desertfest. Having attended the inaugural weekend two years ago, I had an idea of what to expect but nonetheless my expectations were still high. Sadly, I only had the money for a day ticket, so I chose the Friday- this enabled me to see Spirit Caravan and gave me an excuse to take the day off work, so I was all set.

I had formulated a rough plan of campaign, mainly based around seeing whatever Wino was involved with. With time limited and the need for some food at some point, I managed to take in five bands across three different venues. All in all, a success!

I started the day in odd fashion at The Vans Store (?!) opposite Camden tube to watch a Wino acoustic performance. The setting was odd, to say the least, as tourists vied to look at shoes amongst assorted metallers, stoners and biker types. Wino took to the stage well past the scheduled start time- not his fault as he took time to point out- the (floor level) stage was set for an intimate and interesting performance. Amongst some tuning issues (“shitty Taylor...I asked for a Gibson!”) the man turned in an inspired and at times shredding performance. Wino’s voice was in full force as he blew through the best material from the “Adrift” solo record- “Don’t Care” making a very welcome appearance- and other material less familiar to me; including a new track about something fairly esoteric which I now can’t recall. Great stuff, with a party atmosphere in full effect. Spirit Caravan partner-in-crime Dave Sherman helped out with guitar and backing vocals later on in the set, before Wino took it all home with a storming cover of Motorhead’s “Iron Horse/Born to Lose.” To hear that solo album highlight in a live setting made the show for me- great vocal performance, great guitar and a doom legend about two metres in front of me. A superb start to the festival.

the close of the set I hot footed it over the road to the Electric Ballroom to catch Monkey3 perform their unique brand of instrumental space/stoner rock/metal. As Wino had over-run, I was concerned that I would have missed ten minutes or so of their set- no such problems arose. The festival was VERY well organised indeed; Monkey3 were taking the stage as I (and many others) entered. The band played absolutely superbly, with the bulk of their set being drawn from 2013’s outstanding The 5^th Sun opus. The atmosphere was trance like, the playing tight and effective. Monkey3 played to a very respectable crowd- perhaps ¾’s full?- which for a gig at 5pm at the start of a festival is some going. The crowd lapped it up as a space like atmosphere prevailed, assisted by the large screen visuals as a backdrop. Truly outstanding, the band looked floored by the positive reaction coming their way.

At this point, I broke for a falafel wrap and a beer with a couple of friends heading to the Uncle Acid gig taking place up the road. It is with some regret that I thus missed Sasquatch- I had wanted to see them, but there we are.

Regardless, I made it to the Underworld with enough time to see the bulk of Sixty Watt Shaman’s set. They played inspired and aggressive material dating back, incredibly, over a decade. The crowd were very into this one with the band ratcheting things up accordingly. I had never seen them before, but on the strength of this I certainly would see them again. The band looked the part, played the part and delivered in spades- I was glad I made the effort.

The Electric Ballroom then became my home again, and after a quick check of the vinyl racks on the balcony, I settled in to watch Ed Mundell’s UEMG (Ed of Monster Magnet fame, no less). Once again, I had not heard any of his material which again brings home just how great festivals are. I always prevaricate over buying a ticket because “I’m only really into a couple of the bands that day...” or “I’m not really too bothered about the headliner...” etc etc. These excuses are weak and regrettable, as I have learned that the point of a festival is that you get to see numerous bands for a fraction of a single gig ticket price AND you get to see bands you never would have done in other circumstances. All these things make festivals an absolute win- I saw two bands I wouldn’t normally have checked out and really enjoyed both- thus enriching my own life and contributing to the band’s take home money. Result. Mundell and his two man UEMG turned in a convincing and distinctly American take on instrumental space rock- stratocaster blazing, the solos were note perfect and the rhythm section played tightly, backing Mundell up. This is one space fleet you should catch the next time they land here.

Expectations were then high, not as high as some punters, but high nonetheless for the headliners. Spirit Caravan took the stage after ten pm, but after sound checking their own gear and not coming with any kind of rock star attitude. Wino, now completely grey haired, is not as sprightly as he once was, but his voice and chops are still totally there. Sherman backed up ably with a bass tone that rumbled away, while Henry Vasquez of Saint Vitus fame manned the kit with precision and power. They turned in a career spanning set of heavy and soulful sounds from Jug Fulla Sun onwards. After Vasquez’s snare drum was battered beyond repair, a halt to proceedings was called with Wino frustrated and calling for a joint form the crowd (delivered and graciously received). After a few minutes the trio were ready to resume hostilities and focused on turning in a tight and impactive set. Whenever I  listen to or watch Wino in any of his projects I am always reminded of what Rollins said about The Obsessed; “the sound of a man getting angry really slowly” and it is as accurate  with Spirit Caravan as with any of the man’s other projects. Just like that, day one of Desertfest was over and I faced another tube and train journey home.

In conclusion, I spent £25 on a ticket that allowed me to see five great bands in well run venues that were a stone’s throw from each other. I absolutely endorse Desertfest and recommend it to anyone with an interest in doom/sludge/stoner/psych etc. There will be more than one band that you will be interested in, more than one band you will be glad you bothered to check out for the first time and you will get a well run festival that is superb value for money. All hail Desertfest!

Words by : Richard Maw

Interview with Monkey3

Starting off in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2001, Monkey3 are a unique band within the stoner rock genre, an instrumental band, fusing progressive elements, as well as psychedelia too.

Now on their 5^th record, entitled the 5^th Sun, it is arguably their best release to date.  Partnering with Napalm Records / Spinning Goblin records for its release and completing a successful European tour in support of the record over 23 days, 21 shows, 7 countries and covering 10'000 km, 2013 could be considered a success.

Having reviewed their brilliant new record, Richard Maw caught up with Boris from Monkey3 to ask a few questions, so here is the Monkey3 interview in full. 

(SL).  You have been around for over a decade now- How do you make sure that what you write is fresh and exciting?

(Boris) We always try to work all together and play music that is satisfying for all the band members.

(SL) Congratulations on your new album- it is a superb listen. Did you do anything different in the recording process for this record?

(Boris) Basically we worked the same way as usual, a lot of jamming and live recording in the studio.

SL). How do you generally write your music- I imagine it to be a collective effort with the band playing together a lot- is this correct?!

(Boris) Usually we start by jamming a lot and then we listen back to the tapes, pick up what inspire us and work on arrangements, it's a team effort.

(SL). Would you say the band focuses on rhythm, melody... or something else?

(Boris) We surely focus on groove and melody, but the main thing for us is to focus on the vibe of the overall album, the atmospheres and feelings.

(SL). What are your thoughts about playing Desertfest in London, 2014?

(Boris) We are really excited to do it, it's gonna be a great festival and a good exposure for us in the UK.

(SL). Do you have any plans to play any other dates in the UK in 2014?

(Boris) We don't know yet, but hopefully yes.

(SL). How do you think the health of the stoner/doom scene is these days? There seem to be more bands/blogs/festivals etc.

(Boris) The scene is growing, good bands, lot of passionate people working and great audiences.

(SL). How has the growth in the scene affected Monkey3? Positive or negative?

(Boris) It's all positive, a big family growing and touching more and more people.

(SL). I notice that your latest album, The 5th Sun, is available on several formats and vinyl types- what are your preferences for listening to music? Vinyl or digital?

(Boris) Vinyl is the best sounding one and artworks look better.

(SL). Has the resurgence of vinyl helped Monkey3?

(Boris) I guess so, at our shows we sell more vinyl then CD's, vinyl is an item that looks more appealing to a lot of people.

(SL).  Who are your favourite musicians? (bands or individuals)

(Boris) Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Led Zep, Black Sab, AC/DC…

(SL). Have these bands/individuals influenced you in writing and/or performing your music?

(Boris) Those bands made us want to start to play music when we were kids and we learned by listening to them, the music we play now has undoubtedly those influences in it.

(SL). If each of you could jam with any band(s) what bands would they be?

(Boris) AC/DC !

(SL). Does literature or film influence your music?

(Boris) Movies do influence the way we write music, we often project a movie in our rehearsal room while we're jamming. Actually, it would be a dream to write a movie soundtrack one day.

(SL). How difficult is it to balance the demands of home life with keeping the band going?

(Boris) Our lives are dedicated to music, so to find a good balance between music and private life isn't much complicated.

(SL). What is the music scene like in Switzerland? 

(Boris) The swiss music scene is doing quite good, lot of good and active bands and good venues to play in.

(SL). Do you have your own place to rehearse or rent a room at a facility?

(Boris) We have our own rehearsal space where we can practice as much as we possibly can.

(SL). What is the most rewarding this about playing in Monkey3?

(Boris) Keep doing what we like to do most and enjoying it.

(SL). What is the best show you have ever played?

(Boris) We played a lot of really cool show; it's too hard to pick just one.

(SL). If you could play a show with any band, who would that band be?

(Boris) Pink Floyd

Intro : Aaron Pickford

Interview : Richard Maw

Support the band, by checking out this review

For more information :

http://www.monkeythree.com/

https://www.facebook.com/monkey3band

Monkey3 - The 5th Sun (Album Review)

Album Type : Full Length

Date Released : 4/11/2013

Label : Napalm Records

The 5^th Sun, album track listing :

1). Icarus 14:58

2). Suns 08:27
3). Birth of Venus 05:16
4). Pintao 04:36
5). Once We Were.. 08:48
6). Circles 06:50

Bio :

With their fourth album – "The 5^th Sun" – the Swiss band MONKEY3 presents the definition of psychedelic Stoner Rock. The seven sweeping compositions combine Stoner Rock vibe and riffs in the vein of PORCUPINE TREE, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN and their label mates MY SLEEPING KARMA with trippy Psychedelic influences. The experienced quartett turn this numerous styles into a perfect sound, which will welcomes new and old listeners alike. The sonic world of MONKEY3 is nothing less than breathtaking, and the new album will bring the band its well deceived recognition!

The Band :

Walter | Drums
Picasso | Bass
Boris | Guitar
dB | Keys

Review :

Monkey3 hail from Lausanne, Switzerland and play very spacey stoner/trippy/proggy rock/metal. If you enjoy anything from classic Hawkwind to karma to Burn you are going to enjoy this...

There are no vocals on this record; just bass, drums, guitar and keys. Human voices can be heard in opener Icarus, but don't be expecting hook laden choruses. The opener runs for near 15 minutes and takes in grooves, throbbing electro ambience and serves to generated a rather “2001” type vibe. The production is top notch and the sound thick with all elements coming through well.

Suns follows with well over 8 minutes of space rock (possibly on the edge of time!). A pulsating rhythm takes hold and the track builds as the key sounds pan from left to right. It's atmospheric and evokes travel/space/time for me- without ever being aggressive or dark necessarily. “The 5^th Sun” is, appropriately, Monkey3's fifth album and their maturity and experience shine through in the way they utilise dynamics and employ Nebula-type grooves with swirling overlays of keyboard.

Birth of Venus is heavy from the off and is one of the shorter tracks on the record. Choppy riffs are followed by mechanised sounds and rolling bass. The tempo is slowed and the groove that sets in is rather menacing – only to be lightened slightly by a nice clean guitar line. The band surely knows how to work as a unit and employ the full gamut of sounds at their disposal. The album is certainly not one dimensional as grooves are locked into but then subtly evolve as the track progresses.  Pintao has the shortest song length of the album and gets right to it with a rather Fu Manchu opening- until the keyboard kicks in, that is. The keys provide a rather creeping sense of dread while the bass gets a chance to explore the fretboard a little (great tone, incidentally).

Once We Were... has a slightly more frenetic pace and feel to the riffing and instrumentation in general and offers something different because of this. Some widdly soloing surfaces, pleasingly, and then the whole thing comes to a stop before a much more melodic section takes hold. The refrain gets gradually weightier with crashing cymbals and the guitars gaining weight and thickness- a very effective build up before the dissolution of the final seconds. Circles closes the record on a rather sombre note as the music drifts in an almost jazzy style. The band plays deftly and then crashes in with full force and tempo changes. The closing passages evoked hope and perhaps rays of light or similar for me- triumphant stuff.

Should you be looking for a spacey instrumental record with just the right amount of bite, then this is the album for you. Excellent stuff- and the perfect antidote to these long winter evenings. The album comes in multiple formats- including some pretty cool coloured vinyl sets. Ideal.

 

Words by : Richard Maw

You can buy it here

 

For more information :

http://www.monkeythree.com/

https://www.facebook.com/monkey3band