Sunken Monkey - Party Scars

2014 – Bumface Records

By Phillip Smith; Sep 6, 2014

The four members of Sunken Monkey, a punk rock band from Burnley, Lancashire that’s been together in one format or another since the mid noughties, are known only as, Spindle (guitar and vocals), Rob (guitar), Adam (bass) and Hendy (drums).  These guys happen to have a knack for making extremely catchy poppy punk songs and Party Scars, their sophomore album, is thirteen tracks of headbangin’ fun.

“After All” breaks out of the gate, in beast-mode, rocking full blast with tasty guitar riffs and vocals reminiscent of Joe Strummer. I love the blending voices of the dual guitars in the fast-paced “Don’t Dodge a Game of Dares”.  This frenzied track is one of my favorites.  Kudos as well to “More Beer Than Blood” a testosterone fueled party anthem laden with unforgettable metal riffs fit for Viking warriors.

Another strong contender is “Pissing in the Wind”.  Starting off with a quirky intro, this breakup song turns into a full metal assault led by Hendy as he furiously bashes the hell out of his drums. Spindle and Rob, teaming up on guitars, add a smidge of thrash to keep it heavy without it being over-bearing. I really like this one.

The music from Sunken Monkey quickly brings to mind bands from the eighties and nineties such as  Blink 182, NOFX, and the Ataris.  When it comes to power pop punk, Party Scars is a quite solid album from start to finish. It’s a pleasing little treat which nicely hits the spot.

Mofryky Safe Word (EP) + Human Aquarium (EP)

2013 - 2009  Mofryky

By Phillip Smith; June 28, 2014

Twitter is a vast and amazing online space ripe for discovering new music.  This past year, I have been exposed to a variety of amazing music via Twitter that I probably never would have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. I am almost sure I wouldn’t have happened across the music from alt-rocker Mofryky from Erie, PA.  Once I had read his tweet, ‘Two METAL Tributes to DEVO”, followed by a Soundcloud link, I knew I had to check this out.  Being a huge Devo fan from way back, it would be a sin for me to not dive down this alluring rabbit hole. 

This brought me to the 3 track EP, Safe Word.  The Devo covers, “Uncontrollable Urge” and “Don’t You Know”, were astonishing. “Uncontrollable Urge” is heavy and very punk.  This song begs to be played loud as Mofryky delivers very fitting, angst-filled vocals and tasty guitar licks over attention-grabbing beats from drummer Trevor Huster.  I absolutely love “Don’t You Know (Crazified)”.  No holds barred, this one is a full frontal assault, mixing metal with techno.  At just a tad bit over two minutes in length, this leaves me wanting more so much I find myself listening to this track repeatedly at least a couple of times in succession whenever played.  

Also uncovered in this quest for new music, is Mofryky’s earlier release, Human Aquarium. “Red Dot Charlie No-Pain” walks a fine line between punk and alt-rock with  catchy hooks, and hot licks. “Down the Shore” is bound to be my go-to summer song this year.  With a pop-punk Offspring vibe, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about teen debauchery, it would undoubtedly be perfect for MTV’s Spring Break.

Fellow “Spudboy”, Mofryky bridges the gap between the alternative music of today and that of twenty years ago, using the music technology of today to give a new spin on old favorites, and a classic sound to his contemporary works.  He took such a fresh approach with “Uncontrollable Urge” and “Don’t You Know”, I could certainly go for second helpings of his reinterpretations from the Devo catalog. 

 

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VIDEO: Mofryky - "Uncontrollable Urge" . From the motion picture, "The FOUR"