2024-02-19 08:00:56
(c) Giuseppe Aufiero
Only a few bands manage to create such concrete images without words Monkey3. The Swiss trio has been working in purely instrumental realms for over two decades now, inspired by psych, prog, space and Kraut, among others, and setting storytelling standards in the process. For their first regular studio album in quite some time, they were inspired by sci-fi and tech films such as “2001” and “Matrix”. „Welcome To The Machine“ illuminates the tension and the inevitable battle between man and machine.
It starts with “Ignition”, which at ten and a half minutes is actually not the longest song. Already here, Monkey3 can call upon their full songwriting skills and build the song slowly, carefully and with great caution. When an imaginary switch turns on from what feels like nowhere, there is no stopping you. Biting heaviness and clenched fists, undercut by slightly mystical tones, drive the action. And yet the sudden calm, the ominous search for mechanical meaning, is the real highlight. In these nuances, the Swiss practice building an oppressive atmosphere and in this way land a gripping direct hit that culminates in a virtuoso conclusion.
In comparison, “Rackman” is almost short and compact, but is anything but light fare. A certain uncomfortable mood hangs over this seven-minute song, close to breaking out and yet constantly resting in its psychedelic, spacey pattern. This is also a strength of the trio, this game with endless expanses, which is intended to have an unleashed climax out of nowhere – pulsating, impulsive and passionate. “Kali Yuga” also loves these in-between worlds, appearing massive and reserved at the same time. Soundtrack-like spheres build up small walls of sound, drive the tension to the boiling point and suddenly subside.
Although Monkey3 only rise slowly, seemingly sedate on the surface, from these intermediate and illusory worlds, there is something magical and fascinating regarding the path to eruption. “Welcome To The Machine” takes the tension building to a new level, presents the different influences much more broadly and finds new, creative ways of unleashing it. In addition, the Swiss skillfully manage to set the peculiar and rousing tech and science fiction leitmotif to music without wasting too many words regarding it. Unsurprisingly, Monkey3 trump once once more and cast a spell of their own.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: February 23, 2024
Available via: Napalm Records (SPV)
Website: www.monkey3official.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/monkey3band
Category: Magazin, Reviews
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