Tag Archives: MUNKY

Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Munky ‘Closed Door Policy’

Artwork Credit :  Barra Carlin

Dublin’s disco-punks Munky have released their new single ‘Closed Door Policy’. For this new single the quartet teamed up once again with producer Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C., Damien Dempsey, Somebody’s Child).2019 saw the band release their debut EP, tour Europe with the legendary Meat Puppets and release post-apocalyptic single Megaton.

Saturating their sound in a cool hazy shoegaze coating ‘Closed Door Policy’ shows strong growth in Munky. The quartet create a new dreamy and mellow texture within their sound as they brood and cultivate the track meticulously with funk flavoured bass lines and distilled shuffling drums which provides a slinky elastic texture that wobbles and warps the track’s underbelly.

Beautiful melodious guitars weave and twinkle while coiling around the infectious rhythmic bounce creating a wonderful sense of subtle tension within the ethereal airy soundscape. The band allow the guitars to elevate off the fluctuant bass and drum foundation before returning for the dynamic crescendo while Zac Stephenson’s soulful vocals caress the lamenting melody with a velvety croon, adding to the marshmallow bounce of the track. As the song progresses the sublime Toisín and Sinead McConville take to backing vocals to drive the track home. The massive crescendo packs oodles of punch as here we finally see the heavy vigor we know Munky for. The band have layered this track sublimely teasing and foreshadowing their powerful crescendo through light sprinklings and darker undertones to create a full bodied and utterly thrilling listening experience. 

About the track the band said:: ”The song was written about isolating oneself from others, for fear of overexposing yourself, for fear of growing stale”

Stream ‘Closed Door Policy’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

TiLT Live Event In The Button Factory With TOY GIRL, Bullet Girl, Synk and Munky

On Tuesday night TiLT began its debut showcase event in The Button Factory Dublin in association with Totally Irish 98FM, Sound Training Productions and The Button Factory. This first edition featured four exciting Irish acts – Bullet Girl, Synk, TOY GIRL and MUNKY.

Alternative five piece TOY GIRL kick started the event. Hannah Worrall’s mesmerising vocals echoed around the venue with powerful sweet tones and rich depths of captivating proportions. She punctures the rooms atmosphere with haunting crisp clarity leaving the crowd stunned in her presence. TOY GIRL’s chilled indie fluidly oozes with an R&B quality as the band, unnerved, command the stage. Their darkly coated tracks create a smoky atmosphere as Worrall’s vocals coo and haunt over the rumbling drums and eerie, piercing guitar. With their tightly layered sound of twinkling keys and rooted bass grooves the band slowly seep their enchanting tunes into the venue- mesmerising the crowd. After a small request from Worrall to move closer the crowd rush to the front of the stage to sway to the bands hypnotic tunes. The hushed atmospherics of their songs flood with rich vitality and deep intricacies that can only be truly adored in the live setting. Utterly majestic and soul fulfilling TOY GIRL were superb.

Post Punk four piece Bullet Girl follow, tearing the venue to shreds with their raucous set and blistering instrumentation. Pulverising drums, crashing guitars and relentless bass hammer and pierce the atmosphere, consuming the audience in the band’s ferocious soundscape and battering punk assault. Aaron Doyle is the ever charismatic frontman as he prances about screaming, wailing and yelping into the mic. The tense sweltering bass and shrilling whines on guitar gash through your skull as Bullet Girl masterfully display their raw savage wall of sound. It’s an acute chaotic set brimming with tracks to set a mosh pit alight and the head banding and bopping from the crowd was a pleasant sight. This band is designed for blood thirsty moshing and utter anarchy. Bullet Girl are a fantastic raw live act. A must see. 

Electronic rock band Synk are up next. These guys bring an intense set to The Button Factory but on a different level to the previous act. The audience are swirled up in a psychedelic prism of rock with light indie facets and mellow glimmers to create a wholly submerging experience. These guys could melt your mind, frazzle the remains and solidify it again all in one rich tune. There are lush warm guitar moments wrapped delicately in laid back sweet melodies and dreamy soundscapes as well as crashing harsh rock moments throughout this bands set. The deeply nourishing melodies create a wholesome atmosphere while the lush harmonies and vibrant keys lift the tracks to ethereal heights. The rhythm throughout each song is mesmerising and pounds through your chest as this band weave between genres to create a sound all of their own. Very professional and proficient Synk’s sound is a bottomless pool of magical depth and the passionate powerful vocals are spine chilling. Synk are an outstanding and refined band that take you into a whole new universe with their sound and in a live setting they are enthralling to watch.

The fourth and final band to take to the stage are disco grunge group Munky. A band of vibrant charismatic characters these guys know how to put on a show. They steamroll through their funky infectious tracks with relentless stamina. With Taylor Maslanka and Sinead McConville on backing vocals and Andrea Louise Jones on saxophone the band were set and ready to create their dance-able setting. Stage presence and swagger-dipped persona’s in tow they jump, dance and wiggle around the stage as their tracks fluctuate from crashing grunge rawness to light disco funk with ease. The crowd dance and execute some very snazzy moves to the bands catchy tunes. Munky always put on a fantastic show. Their set is always vibrant and rich while exuding fun and energy. Bassist Niall Donnelly and guitarist Conor Lawlor have guitar poses down to a tee. The sharp guitar lines and intricate melodies are performed with precision while that hip grooving bass and pummeling drums keeps the crowd dancing. It’s not often there is a band as much fun to watch and listen to but these guys have it all. You will never be disappointed at a Munky live set.

TiLT chose four outstanding bands for their first showcase. There was something for everyone and more. Each band performed their set to a polished and professional standard however there was enough edge to keep them refreshing and interesting to watch. They all put on an exhilarating show. Versatile in their on right and greatly entertaining all four acts showcase the immense talent we have in Ireland. The sound on the night provided by the ninja’s at Sound Training Productions was flawless and of course The Button Factory is one sleek venue so it was sure to be one heck of a night and it was. I’m looking forward to who will play TiLT next month.

 


Author : Danu

Check Out Some More Images From The Night Below

Alt Rock, Event News, Indie, Live Music, New Music, News

Event News : ‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)


‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)

In Association with Totally Irish on 98fm, The Sound Training College and The Button Factory.

The first ‘TiLT’ takes place on Tuesday Oct 29th featuring Munky, Bullet Girl, Synk and TOYGIRL. Admission is free and doors are at 7.30pm.

What is ‘TiLT’? 
Every month 4 acts are invited to perform at the event which takes place in The Button Factory. Each act gets a day of pre-production before the event takes place / a professional video of one of their songs from their performance on the night / a day’s recording in Sun Studios, Temple Bar / a chance to be featured on Totally Irish on 98fm / and, of course, the opportunity to play at The Button Factory.

With Munky, Bullet Girl, Synk and TOYGIRL performing this is going to be one hell of a show. 

Why We Like The Lineup 

Alternative band Bullet Girl are one exciting band to check out. Not only were they featured on one of our Indie Buddie Introducing articles their groove laced sound and invigorating tunes are sure to ignite the wiggle worms within you. 

Check out Bullet Girls’s debut single ‘The Rush’ below

Future Electronic Rock band Synk are one sleek smooth machine. Their live performance is known for being densely textured, and turbulently dynamic in it’s scope.

Check out Synk’s single ‘Out of The Storm’ below

Alternative band TOYGIRL have also been featured on Indie Buddie. These guys present a deep passionate and slinky sound with soul and some wonderful jazz elements. Seeing these guys live will be a special moment

Check out TOYGIRL’s track ‘Reign’ below

Disco grunge band Munky have been regular offenders on Indie Buddie and we just can’t get enough of their shows, They are fun, insane and their tunes utterly outstanding. 

Check out Munky’s track ‘Megaton’ below

All round it’s going to be an exciting night filled with dancing, moshing, grooving and lush tunes. A fantastic start to ‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)

If any acts want to get in touch about performing at future ‘TiLT’s they can email John Barker at john.barker@98fm.com.


Author : Danu

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Munky Live At Lost Lane With Support From Toshín and Shaky Shack

It’s no secret that Dublin’s Munky know how to put on a show. Not only do they perform with vigor and energy, they always pull in support acts that equally keep the animated dance vibe going with tasty tunes and wonderful characters on stage. Sunday Night in Lost Lane Dublin was a prime night to see these guys. 

Toshín kick started the night. Front woman Tosin Bankole spirals on stage, twirling in her dress as her welcoming smile and cheery dramatic gestures beckon the crowd closer. The band begin their vibrant, rich, soul-infused, pop-funk with gusto changing the atmosphere to one of fun, friendly and groove-filled bliss. Bankole’s vocals kick in and she slaps you in the face with her vocal control, power and sheer soul. With blends of Motown creating a classic chicness to the compelling sass and RnB peppering this band are mesmerising to watch but also their tunes are utterly luscious on the ears. Each track features sublime bass grooves, slick guitar maneuvers, warm Sax blasts and chiming keys as the band build and progressively blend their tracks into a pure rich musical concoction brimming with attitude. The harmonies are crisp and sweet and the vibrant percussion had the crowd bopping and dancing along. Backing vocalist Shannon Doyle is a ray of sunshine. She dances and blends sublimely with Bankole’s vocals while providing another strong and commanding soulful element to the band. Songs about cheating boyfriends and daddy issues has the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. Not even a broken guitar string stops this band. They laugh off its rude interruption grab another guitar and play on. These guys have it all – showmanship, charismatic persona and proficient musicians to tie it all together in one joyful melodious bow. Toshín are a must see. 

The blissfully chilled and charming Shaky Shack follow. Their jazz dipped alternative pop creates a narcotic and soothing groove that submerges the venue in luxurious sounds. Although frontman Alex Winter has the flu it is not noticeable until he apologizes for hoarse tones and the odd cough. They cruise through their set with mellowed-out ease. Mateusz Kosnik swooshes through the slinky, funk-dipped guitar lines – his hair covering his face as he submerges himself in their tunes ethereal vibes. With Andrea Louise Jones on sax the band’s sweet and exquisite sound becomes warm and cosy within the psychedelic haze. Drummer Sam Russell taps and chimes carefully providing the perfect sway-able tempo and intricate beat to the sweet cooing melodies. The crowd engage with Winter’s 1,2 mic check halfway through the set. They shout back 1,2 as he laughs and banters with them. Winter displays his cheeky rebellious side when he points out a guard in the crowd while he hushes the crowd for the sing along “sucking on a blunt with the boys” lyric. The crowd jeer and happily play along. It was a brilliant end to their set list that had the crowd laughing, belting out the lyrics and dancing uncontrollably. Shaky Shack displayed slick proficient musicianship on the night. They were a joy to watch. The band are releasing a new track ‘In Honey’  in November and that is going to be one sweet treat. Make sure to check it out.

The crowd shout “we love you” and cheer as Munky triumphantly take to the stage. Bassist Niall Donnelly shouts “hello we’re called Munky and we play lots of songs and this is one of many of them” before the powerful ‘One In Five’ kicks in. The room erupts immediately as the crowd fall under Munky’s spell. Conor Lawlor’s precise guitar work pierces and pines through the mighty backdrop while the tight groove on bass weaves and wiggles with a dark undertone throughout. Straight away the crowd are moshing, jumping and singing back the lyrics. The band has gone all out. They have a dazzling light display and their tunes sound fresh robust and slick. As always Zachary Stephenson’s rasped, powerful vocals are full of conviction. These guys were born showmen and they pour every fibre of their being into their shows adding humor and fun into everything they do while maintaining a precise and polished display. Lawlor adds little flurries of extra finesse in his guitar work as he strides, poses and flicks his hair in a very suave manner while Donnelly provides the panache-soaked poses on the right of the stage. Their fans are dedicated for sure. They dance the night away grabbing each other to wiggle and group together for moshing mania. One member of the crowd willingly allows the flashing lights to blind him. Even after Stephenson warns him “no no don’t blind yourself”  he refuses to move as if the sight of these guys on stage was the perfect last image he ever wanted. Unfazed from his previous stint on drums with Shaky Shack Sam Russell provides the all important rhythmic foundation with ease. Spinning his drumsticks he confidently paves the way for ‘You’ve Got Male’ as the tracks take a more raw, kinetic dimension live. When you think these guys can’t get any better they play new single ‘Megaton’. Lawlor’s guitar squeals between the thick muggy, crashing wall of sound as the eerie lighting gives a breathtaking visual element to the song in a live setting. It’s a well executed set as the band balance their heavy first half with the fun disco second half with the help of Andrea Louise Jones on sax. Munky always have amazing backing vocalists on their live shows and on Sunday that was provided by the incredibly talented Sinead McConville and Lauren Murphy. Crowd favourite ‘Ms Communication’ and ‘Cuck Rock’ spark mass sing-alongs while an emotional rendition of  ‘I Can’t Quit’ is performed by Stephenson. Basked in a dim light he sings the track with tender, sweet emotion before the band join him for the blistering crescendo. The crowd knew every word and guitar riff – some did air guitar while others executed an air drum display. The crowd dance non stop for the entire set as shredding guitar solos, intricate infectious bass lines and brawn-filled drumming adorn the venue with the band’s signature funky sound.

Munky put on a frantic, vibrant show filled with fun, dancing and first rate musicianship on Sunday night. They have refined their set to a blast of energetic delicious tunes. It was a charismatic explosive and oh so funky night as Munky brought a sensational set to Lost Lane.


Author : Danu

Check out more images of the show below

Alt Rock, Funk, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Munky ‘Megaton’

Artwork by Barra Carlin

Dublin Disco-punks Munky have returned with their new single ‘Megaton’ produced by Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C, Somebody’s Child), and boy it is a doozy.Following quick on the heels of their debut EP, released in April, which saw them tour Europe with the Meat Puppets the band present a shiny new tantalizing alternative rock track to sink our teeth into.

Wrapping eerie, chilling guitar squeals in groove-rooted, dark menacing soundscapes ‘Megaton’ haunts, creeps and coils with spine chilling ferocity. Zachary Stephenson’s agonising vocals reel and writhe through the gritty backdrop as he spits out the lyrics in an almost rap-like manner. Dizzying, delusion-filled distortion saturates the track in deep thick tones of despair and manic psychedelia. The whining guitar is like something out of a chilling horror movie as it stings and pierces through the ominous atmosphere while the rooted bass-groove fluctuates and festers  beneath like a dangerous steamy vapour that evaporates off the smashing and at times frenetic drums.The track builds superbly into an intense clamorous crescendo as Munky creates and ferments one immense, thrilling and irresistible track.‘Megaton’ is a dark concoction formed out of curdling rancid emotions however, it is how these fine musicians portray these emotions that is mesmerising and outstanding. 

The band has this to say about the track: “We really embraced the studio on this track. After our first release this year we were excited to get back in and further carve out our sound to tape. This track was built off the drum and bass groove. We threw any semblance of music theory out the window, and just wrote what felt right. The lyrics came from the music, I was singing a lot of non-sequiturs when we’d jam, and certain themes emerged. Sam says it sounds like earth but not earth. Like we teleported into the future and found the remnants of a world that looks like earth but dead. Conor started throwing down some wild ‘far out maaaaaan’ sounds from his guitar which perfectly fit the mood. Don’t ask us how he made the airplane sound at the end of the track. To be honest I think it sounds like My Chemical Romance did a song with Dr Dre”

Stream ‘Megaton’ below 

Munky recorded a live session at Ravensdale Lane Studios which includes a live rendition of ‘Megaton’ check that out below


Author : Danu

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Munky ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ EP launch in the Grand Social Dublin With Support From The Family Dog and Skinner

Munky pulled out all the stops for their debut EP, ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ launch in the Grand Social Dublin on Friday Night. Setting the crowd up for a night of dancing, hugs and funky tunes the quartet had their swaggering shirts on and their slick tunes ready.

Luscious French tunes played through speakers welcoming the crowd into the venue setting a sweet calming ambiance before the frenzied mayhem began.

Skinner take to the stage to kick things off. Skinner is the solo recording project of Aaron Corcoran playing live as a band with members Jack Tobin (drums) and Daniel Butler (bass). Their punk/ grunge tunes resonate through the room… seeping into our ears with biting sweet shrills of youthful adrenaline. The band didn’t waste their time ranting and raving on stage. They walloped straight into their rambunctious tracks. Sweet toned guitar melodies weave tasty threads of glistening delight between the punchy drum assaults and groove infested bass lines as Skinner whack out a professional and thrilling set of tracks. Corcoran spits out his lyrics with attitude and panache between the slick guitar refrains and solos. There is impressive skill with this trio – with catchy tracks and blistering instrumentation Skinner is one to keep an eye on.

Next up were The Family Dog. A band of five brothers, these guys know how to put on a show. Their frontman role is taken by the ever eccentric youngest of the pack Hector Dogliani who is at the tender age of 12/13. He struts about the stage with ‘James Brown – esque’ scorched swagger. Although he is quite mesmerising to watch he also sings the sweetest harmonies and vocal leads while stomping and strutting about. However Hector is not the only charismatic member of the band, each brother exude their own charm while showcasing their sleek instrumental prowess.They even manage to get the crowd to roar as they shout “let me hear a Dublin roar”. But all the pizzazz aside, these guys can play some soulful groovy tunes.The Dogliani brothers lay down a scorching set of raw blues-hued fluid tunes that get the crowd riled up and eager to dance. Each track follows its predecessor with grace while displaying slick instrumentation and infectious melodies.The Family Dog’s sound is tight. The vaporous guitar lines entwine the elastic bass grooves and meaty drum foundation with finesse and grandeur while the jazzy keys provide a playful bounce and classy element to the tracks. I highly recommend you see them live.

Finally Dublin’s Munky take to the stage as members of the crowd chant “Munky!, Munky!, Munky!”. The bands funky, grungy disco with some psychedelic rock translates superbly live. Munky are a prime example of a band who put their all into their live shows and the result is magnificent. Mesmerising characters onstage, guitarist Conor Lawlor and vocalist Zachary Stephenson playfully interact with the crowd as Lawlor implements every guitar pose known to man to heroic cheers while Stephenson prances about the stage.The band open with searing guitars, a thrilling drum roll and passionate vocals. They ferment the atmosphere with little banter to start allowing the crowd to lap up their gritty tunes. Not letting a few sound issues ruin their moment – they tighten their grip on the audience with the blitzing ‘Zordon’ and the high-speed hammering of ‘Cuck Rock’ which provokes cheers from the crowd. Niall Donnelly appears to wander in and out of consciousness as his bass groove consumes his attention. He wiggles to each track, happily laying down that all important elastic bass that loosens the crowds hips and entrances their minds into the depths of each tune. ‘You’ve Got Male’ sparks a mass sing-along but not as much as the notorious  ‘Ms. Communication’. Donnelly and Sam Russell lay down one hell of a rhythmic backbone. Russell smashes the drums like a man possessed and together their groove consumed wall of sound is fully immersive and utterly mind-blowing.

Lights dim as the band leave the stage. Only Stephenson and Munky’s glorious backing singers Edwina Van Kyuk and Sinead McConville remain for a stripped back rendition of  ‘Just Can’t Quit’.Bathed in a soft spotlight hue,Stephenson pines out the track in this new refreshing manner before the rest of the band return to blast out the passionate crescendo. ‘One In Five’ brings us to the intense and emotional finale of the bands set as they perform an immaculate version of this gripping track. However, the crowd refused to allow the quartet to leave it there. They demanded “one more tune!” and Munky did not disappoint. Lawlor takes the vocals on a jubilant cover of Bill Withers ‘Lovely Day’ while Stephenson encourages the crowd to part – readying for a circle pit ( with a difference! ) ….he beckons the crowd to part and on his say so, run into each other and hug….and of course they did. It was a special moment,even  onlookers hugged the person nearest them. ‘Hunter Gatherer Blues’ brings the bands triumphant set to an end as Stephenson shouts “let me see y’all square dance”.

Munky squeezed mayhem and elation into one set of fiery enjoyable tunes while maintaining and balancing their professionalism and fun attitude. It was a fantastic start to the weekend. All the acts were thoroughly entertaining and are definitely worth checking out live.


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, EP Review, Funk, Grunge, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Munky ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ EP

Dublin’s grunge disco band Munky have released their debut EP ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’. This poignant precise collection of tracks displays Munky in their grunge drenched, attitude slapped habitat. The tracks flesh out the bands groove infested backbone however, the lyrical content sees our cheeky chappies take a social stance on real hard hitting topics such a victim blaming. These mature themes are devoured in blistering instrumentation and slick refined musicianship.

The razor sharp funky sting of ‘Zordon’ kicks off the EP with sweltering guitar whines and jagged riffs. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals prance and pine through the catchy melody with intriguing whoops and wails while the slick bass groove buoyantly hops and springs between the rich drums and intricate guitars. Thrilling psychedelia dissolves the gritty backdrop in a dizzying acid of fizz while this splintery dark number introduces the band with grandeur, exposing their debut EP in all its exhilarating glory. Just when you think Munky can’t surprise you any more than they already have,  Stephenson’s splintery tongue fluidly rolls out a rap lyric for the acute ’Cuck Rock’. With a funky elastic and somewhat elegant display on bass and guitar the track smoothly flurries behind his narration.The instrumentation is tight and pretty slick as the slinky guitar weaves superbly between the elastic rhythm before the track explodes into a bloodthirsty assault of aggro that is destined to be epic live. Bassist Niall Donnelly brings the track to an end as he takes his “moment to shine”.  ’Cuck Rock’ leads magnificently into the effervescent ‘You’ve Got Male’.

Track after track these guys create one hell raising EP filled with sizzling grooves, biting guitars, psych, raw grunge and battering rock with just the right dosage of flamboyance and panache drizzled on top. However it’s that sweet hair raising intro to ‘Ms. Communication’ that shows just how far these guys have come. I’ve heard this track live before and in a more raw format but the meticulous attention to detail and subtle changes the band have made to polish this gem up has to be a pinnacle moment within the EP. The soft female backing vocals blending and beautifully harmonising with Stephenson’s emotional, suffering vocals is immaculate. His vocals have improved and this track shows this perfectly. The passionate turmoil is bubbled and boiled in a fiery brew of funk with a bluesy aftertaste. This concoction creates a bracing sense of urgency and agony. The dark verse kicks off the track swallowed up in a funky slick bass line and eerie guitar twinkles which builds the cold icy tension. The track becomes more dynamic and mosh ready before an epic catchy chorus and crescendo-blast which screams attitude and rebellion. The sweet lamenting and lonely guitar melodies are perfectly placed throughout the song and that shredding solo is the final dramatic kick in the ass. This gripping track exudes class, finesse and the true skill of Munky. Finally the striking well placed ‘One in Five’ brings the EP to a powerful end. This barbed fiery track is about victim blaming culture and Munky provide a passionate heartbreaking narrative over a swirling backdrop of rumbling, agitated rhythms and sharp guitar pines. The guitar weeps, stings and shrills through Stephenson’s distressed vocals while the drums bubble and boil over to the mighty expressive crescendo. It’s a track that grabs your attention and is superbly written.

Munky pulled out all the stops with ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’. It’s an impressive EP, containing cheeky funk, smothered in an honest and mature shell that showcases the majestic and proficient side to Munky’s musicianship.

You can catch Munky live at :

The Grand Social Dublin on April 12th

Stream ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Munky ‘One in Five’

Photo credit :  Janson Bulpin, his instagram is beyondthenoise

Dublin’s grunge disco band Munky have released their new single ‘One in Five’ today. The track which was recorded and produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Studios “is about victim blaming culture, and how ridiculous it is” and 100% of the proceeds of this song, songwriting royalties, sales, live performance royalties etc will be going to the DRCC (Dublin Rape Crisis Centre).

The new single is taken off the bands debut EP ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ which is being launched with a headline show in the Grand Social, Dublin on the 12th of April.

‘One in Five’ is a shrilling number. Acute and harsh with pain stricken vocals, punchy drums and stinging raw guitars – this dark track coils, ferments and spirals down into the depths of turmoil and distress. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals whirlwind from a disgusted factual tone to a heart wrenching exclaim of distress as he emotionally depicts the turmoil within the narration. The sweet guitars lament, pine and ache behind Stephenson’s agonizing vocals with a delicate air of innocence as the pounding aggressive rhythm bubbles and batters. It’s a heartbreaking, gripping track from Munky and one I highly applaud. The emotion displayed through refined, crisp and raw musicianship is compelling and deeply moving.

Stream ‘One in Five’ below


Alt Rock, Funk, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Munky ‘You’ve Got Male’

Dublin’s Munky have returned with their new single ‘You’ve Got Male’. The band who spent 2018 touring Ireland and the UK present another effervescent psych-punk track that is sure to have you frothing from the mouth as you dance along while convulsions take over your body. On this latest effort the band lacerate the track with fizzing acid saturated guitar-lines dipped in wobbly dizzying psych while an infectious bass weaves an elastic foundation for the pulverising drums to batter off. It’s groovy, manic and bitterly harsh all while a catchy melody glissades through Zac Stephenson’s reverb laced, expressive vocals sweetening the biting delivery. With slinky guitar lines dripping swagger into each lick, stroke and solo this savage thrilling number is saturated in Munky’s kinetic boisterous and cheeky brand of dance-tinged, razor sharp delight with all the energy and raucous adrenaline their live shows explode with. These guys write catchy tracks that display their fine musicianship and proficient instrumental display. Munky sear their sound deep into your head leaving you branded… theirs.

Stream ‘You’ve Got Male’ below


Live Music, Live Music Review

Crazy Town at The Bowery With Support From Sub Motion, Accidents In The Workplace and MUNKY

We sat down to watch the sound check of the Crazy Town Gang while waiting to interview them last Saturday night before their show at the Bowery Rathmines Dublin. The screaming one two’s between some slick bass, steaming guitar licks thumping drums and just sublime noise pounding through my ears was enough to tell me the crowd was in for one hell of a night. Seth Binzer affectionately known by his stage name Shifty Shellshock has one heck of a band behind him.

The support acts on the night Sub Motion, Accidents In The Workplace and MUNKY are all regular offenders on Indie Buddie as they seem to be tearing up the live circuit lately appearing everywhere I turn, much to my delight as I know these are all great bands and have come to enjoy seeing their live shows and their growth with each live show. There is a theme of missing band members tonight, Accidents In The Workplace have no saxophonist (Sean Kenny) on stage and Munky have replaced guitarist Conor Lawlor with Tom McGlynn formerly of the optimists for the night.

Sub Motion kicks things off in their pure raucous manner. A set list brimming with energy and sass, it’s another slick well oiled performance from these guys. For me Sub Motion sound their best live -the rawness of the guitars the gritty rumbling bass lines and fired up drums is a dynamite combination that materialises beautifully and dynamically live. Front woman Rebecca Geary is a force to be reckoned with- i’ve never seen her have an off performance, every show is full throttle.She hops, sways,swishes her hair, sits on the drums and dances with immense energy and spirit, it’s mesmerising.

Accidents In The Workplace follow. All of them squeezed on stage like sardines in a tin can.I love watching these guys live, it is always such fun “You’re looking well  its very warm, but sure look, did you see the football?  It’s good isn’t it ,its mad the way they run after each other and do all the football-y things but I enjoyed it all the same… lets play they are gonna get aggressive now we are Accidents In The Workplace!” the always charismatic Sean McMahon introduces the band. The banter is in full swing as they belt out their vibrant tunes. Lauren Murphy always knocks me for six with her outstanding vocals and dramatic dance moves she is always wearing magnificent colourful outfits her spritz of colour was cleverly placed on her shoulder on Saturday night – a rainbow of beautiful pink, purple, blue and yellow hues. As ever their tunes just make everyday better and their smiling faces are a joy to see. The band make the most of the space they are given and put on a wonderful show. After banter about putting a hole in the wall to see if the Bowery will sink along with immaculate performances of ‘Wake Up’ and How? They give us an extra little treat,  McMahon takes to the center of the stage to whack out a rendition of  The Fugees ‘Ready or Not’ with a trumpet added in. This rendition is pretty amazing, proving these guys aren’t just funky, groovy and melodious as hell they have some cool swagger, rap ability and attitude too.

MUNKY follow and erupt on stage in true MUNKY manner. Tom McGlynn does a fine job slashing out those hefty riffs and a slick little intro leaving all the hair flailing to Zachary Stephenson. Another immensely entertaining act live. Bassist Niall Donnelly shouts at the crowd to move closer as they belt out the funky grooves and evaporating guitar lines. The stage antics were turned down a little compared to other times I have seen them but they still exuded a huge amount of swagger and poured everything into their set keeping the dancing crowd engaged. These guys are extremely talented and every guitar stride, mosh infested instrumental and drum battering confirms this. Sub Motion’s Rebecca Geary tackles backing vocals adding a dash of chicness to the stage layout. Their manic sound is chilled by some bluesy elements making for a wholly enthralling and diverse listen.  ‘7am’ is a prime example of the finesse of this four piece as they juggle the emotional intense verses and brooding backdrop with the gritty heaviness masterfully and this translates to a sing along riff and mosh intensity that is difficult to match. Of course ‘Hunter Gatherer Blues’ and ‘Ms. Communication’ end their set giving Donnelly a chance to playfully interact as he dramatically stomps and jumps to his knees and nearly falls off the stage.

Crazy Town swarm on stage fierce and feisty as bassist Hasma Angeleno guitarist Filippo Dallinferno Giomo and drummer Luca Pretorius play a mighty intro as Shifty strides coolly onstage and moves as close to the crowd as he can. Baffled and mesmerised by his larger than life persona the crowd grab for his hand and stroke his shoes. Straight away the crowd are jumping and moshing- it’s a relentless onslaught from Crazy Town. Hasma screams into the mic while executing the most unique guitar poses- the yoga Tree Pose becoming the standard … and why not? ‘Come Inside’ sets the crowd alight, beer is spilling everywhere, fights are breaking out as two individuals are staring each other off before calling it quits after a good 2-minutes threatening each other, and girls are falling flat on their faces from the moshing- it’s pretty special. It’s a no nonsense set, there’s no time wasted with banter, these guys are here to deliver and that’s what they do. “Dublin what’s up!” Hasma shouts before  the crowd erupt for ‘A Little More Time’ . The atmosphere is electronic and fiery. Filippo is one slick guitarist who is pretty light on his feet gliding and jumping behind with graceful ferocity while Luca pulverises the drums with bloodthirsty stamina. Shifty, as expected plays the front-man role well, he engages with the crowd and swings the suspended monitors as he stands and squats- rarely moving from the front of the stage. A hopeful member of the audience buys Shifty a pint and presents it to him holding it like a golden prize-  so dramatic I almost expected a golden light to form around it while a sudden sweet sound of angels sing “ahhhhh” the beautiful moment is broken by Shifty’s apologetic refusal as he explains the band don’t drink and they offer it back to the audience member, who gladly takes one for the team telling them “its lovely”. The singing along among the crowd is captivating as each track fills them with a confidence and attitude while the lyrics roll off their tongue as they gaze at Shifty in awe almost proud to have him witness their in-depth knowledge of the lyrics. “let me see your middle fingers” Shifty introduces the blustery ‘Born To Raise Hell’. The crowd once again below back the lyrics while waving their middle fingers in the air. ‘Decorated’ is announced to massive screams and whoops and ’Butterfly’ is considerably more fun than it ever was, Crazy Town don’t even have to sing once the chorus kicks in the crowd take over.

It was a pretty special show Crazy Town swarmed in and boy did they take over and hey its nice to know they “fu*king love Dublin” and its “one of their favourite places ever”, we’ll take that.