There’s a clear level of freedom within the writing, a certain sense of being carefree – lost in the harmony, wrapped up in the melody – and thanks to all of this in unison, the effect passes over to you as you listen.
Americana
Monkey Fighters bring together superb guitar work, sensational energy levels, and an undeniable closeness and connection when it comes to performing as a group.
An interesting collection for its gathering of ideas and its musical prowess combined. In many ways the songs are unpredictable, but in many others they feel familiar and comforting.
The whole thing feels like a live, in the moment, unedited outburst of expression & personal turmoil. As he wanders off creatively into his thoughts & into this moment, you can’t help but follow him.
Throughout this project you get a series of stories that appear close to the songwriter’s heart & experiences in life. It feels personal, but the details are accessible – even vague – so they can easily be applied to the lives of listeners far & wide.
This album moves from good to great the further you get into it – this latter half increases your belief in that significantly. The second time you listen to these songs they hit with a whole new level of impact.
At only four tracks long there isn’t a great deal of time to express themselves within or to make an impact, but somehow they’ve managed both to an impressive degree. It all feels very natural & that lets it connect & entrance its audience.
The chord progression & the organic swagger of the instrumentation create something cool & thoughtful. All of this accompanies the softness of the vocal delivery, these almost whispered moments captivate entirely.
The songwriting has a definite aura about it that you quickly come to recognise as being Nowicki. There’s also plenty of musical flair to dive in and appreciate.
There’s a definite hint of Leonard Cohen about Lorusso Jr.’s songwriting & the sound of his voice. The depth & the emotion, the delicacy & grit, all work smoothly together to give the story-line a certain weight & authority.
The duo exercise a sheer love for music – their passion runs through everything, making this far more about the writing & the expression & being lost in the moment than anything deeply rooted in genre or specific styles.
The sound has a flawless melodic flow to it, so much so that it seems likely a live show would have you standing in awe at the purity and colour of it.