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.
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).
credits
released November 20, 2015
Produced and Mixed by Tom McFall
Mastered by Pete Lyman
I picked Brown Study purely for the Jens Lekman vibes. However, this entire album just gets more comfortable with every listen. This might be a niche take, but to me it's as if singer/songwriter Jens Lekman turned his hand to dream pop and trip hop while taking the rhythmic vibes of Cigarettes After Sex and dialing them up to "waking up in the morning after sex" tempo. It's a sonic trip is all I can say. riotgrrrl_meg
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