Monks of Mellonwah ~ Neurogenesis (EP) (album review) ... Getting up early for prayer hour!

Style: alt rock
Label: n/a
Year: 2012
Home: Sydney, Australia

Members: Will Maher ~ vocals
Joe de la Hoyde ~ guitar/b. vocals
John de la Hoyde ~ bass
Josh Baissari ~ drums

 

There's certain countries that don't seem to carry well across the ocean musically. I've always felt Australia was one of them. We all know the Bee Gees, INXS, Midnight Oil, Men At Work, Kylie Minogue, AC/DC & black metal heads should know Sadistik Exekution, while its easy to forget Crowded House & Air Supply are from there, but I've always felt like there was more to offer from this sprawling country. We've barely tapped into their talent reservoir. It is thus a pleasure to share the new four song EP by alt rockers MoM of Sydney, bridging time as they work on their next full length following their 2010 debut, & they've no less literally created a musical moment that sounds like a boat rolling on the waves. Created by a production crew that includes Jeff Bova of Michael Jackson & Howie Weinberg Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins & Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the tongue-twisting Neurogenesis weaves a tapestry of alt rock drawing on the 90's scene, not the current scream & strangle approach. Muse & Coldplay are the bands thrown out in the PR as current equivalents & certainly one can see similarities via the forward-moving diverse arrangements. MoM show off a firm grasp on building up the music from a simple line to a layered but not chaotic denseness where all the layers are still clear. Each song builds up, crashes climactically & lets go gracefully. Solos are less important than texture, rhythm & movement forward. This is the mood that comes through over numerous listens. Though I don't often discuss visuals here, I particularly like the Adam Ant-esque outfits. It important & I hope they experiment more with visual themes, as otherwise they're four good-looking lads in t-shirts & messed up hair. But, is this memorable for the band? If it wasn't for the communication with the PR guy & uncovering the costume photos I probably would have just passed them over as yet another moody slashing guitar screamo-esque band that I tend to not like & not give a listen to. That's just a shame, but it shows how important visuals are in getting attention. Though, my opinion on this may not be much as MoM won the award for "Best Indie Rock Band" at the 2012 Artists In Music Awards, were nominated for Best International Act at the L.A. Music Awards & featured on a CMJ mixtape.