Monks of Mellonwah - Afraid to Die Vol 2


The addicting sound of Monks of Mellonwah is back… and way different than what I’ve heard before. 

Opening with the title track that sounds part Rage Against the Machine, Puff Daddy’s Come With Me, and Fusebox Poet style vocals, you are immediately sucked in.  Throw in a groove and style that has a bit of old Maroon Five (before they became a pop/synth/whateverthehelltheycallit music group).   Next thing you know, you hear some shred-worthy guitar work on track two.  Yet they maintain the same groove and singing soul.  This continues throughout the album.  They have incredibly high energy and amazing hooks that stick with you well after listening. 

The thing that really sticks out to me about the Monks is that they are extremely professional.  I get a lot of submissions of varying quality.  This production stands out a great deal.  So much of the album is good that it just pops.  The vocals are incredible.  The song writing is top notch.  This is an album of the year contender.
I own the album Stars are Out by The Monks of Mellonwah.  While I always enjoyed it, Afraid to Die Vol 2 destroys it in every conceivable way.  The production is huge.  The songs are tighter.  The sound is more dynamic.  Nothing is greater to me than seeing a band grow.  You can tell these guys have grown in spades. 
My biggest complaint is the fact that it’s only four songs.  However, Afraid to Die Vol 2 is still a lock to make my top ten list at the end of the year, barring some incredible music in the near future.  Soulful and beautiful vocals over the top of talent filled, emotive music?

 The Professor is sold.   




Comments

Anonymous said…
Seriously great review of an awesome band and fantastic EP !!