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Monkeyrush mix a variety of influences and experience to create a funky, punky and down right catchy mix of melodic verses and huge choruses,. Female vocals singing sweet melodies of frustration and messed up relationships. Two guitars bounced off each other in the narrow confines of the pub and the dancing ensued. I was completely blown away by the drummer’s skills and stamina This guy could give any drummer I have seen live a run for his money.
“Let’s Stay in Bed” is a ska tinged little sister to the Boo Radley’s “Wake Up”. But rather than “ wake up it’s a beautiful morning”, it’s “let’s stay in bed, because I feel fucking dead.” Despite the negative sentiment, it’s one which that most could relate to and I’m sure if you felt that way, this song would drag you from your pit and you’d be signing from your window.
“Post to Post” uses the dual guitar effect to perfection. Sliding melodies flicker in and out of the mix whilst the bass and drums raise the song into a stratosphere of catchy poppy melodic charm. It’s refreshing to see a band that makes the audience want to dance and drink away the night in merry abandon.
As the set progressed, I could see the band had really put a lot of time and thought into what they were doing. Vast amounts of experience and musical enthusiasm was channeled directly into the audience. The band provided some great banter which kept everyone smiling between songs, whilst we waited for another endorphin enhancing blast of music from Monkeyrush..
I actually had a good chat with the band after the gig and was struck by how damn bloody nice they were.
They were more than happy to chat about what drove them as a group and their upcoming gigs--I just had a genuinely good old giggle with them. You can tell the band put their personalities into the music and it’s an infectious mix and one that I am looking forward to catching again.
- crumbs in the butter
Discography
Monkeyrush - 4 Track EP
Stay In Bed - EP
Both on Itunes
Photos
Bio
‘This band has an energy which chews you up, spits you out and leaves you crying for more…’ (Guitar magazine)
So, what do Monkeyrush sound like? Well, they are a guitar band but they don’t let that get in their way – the way that Ben and Tony wind their guitar parts through each other’s and the informed sounds that they use, plus the strong and supple grooves provided by Simon and Chris mean that the band have a much broader sonic palette than the usual guitar grind.
Monkeyrush’s influences and styles, as befits the modern world, are many but they blend these styles effortlessly, often within a space of a verse or chorus. Ska, Chic-like funk, punk, and Hendrix-inspired wig-outs all feature…”Skundrix” anyone…? Add to this Fil’s bittersweet vocal style and you have an irresistible combination.
It was a cold December morning in 2007 when the song writing and rhythm section of Monkeyrush met up with Fil Planet (vox) and Ben Raine (lead guitar) to complete the line-up of this fantastic band.
Fil Planet crafted her unique style of free form Dub/Ska vocals in the famous early nineties band, Back to the Planet. BTTP performed on the main stages at Glastonbury for four consecutive years and toured the UK and Europe incessantly. They released many successful albums and singles including the famous Daydream remix by Orbital. Fil confirmed her talent not only as a musician and lyricist with an ear for an irresistibly catchy hook but also as an exciting live performer. Ben Raine (aka Dr Eileen Banana) joined BTTP as part of their live tour as well as being a founding member of The Sea. One of the most original guitarists about, he has bought his unique blend of funky fretwork and innovative soundscapes into the Monkeyrush mix.
Since it’s conception the original members of Monkeyrush, Tony Cadman (guitar and vox), Simon Bosley (bass) and Chris “Cosmos” Wilson (drums), have gone from strength to strength; their many achievements include the live performance of their single “Wriggle” filmed at the National Film and Television studios (later screened at the National Film Theatre, South Bank London) and the inclusion of the tracks “Wriggle” and “Fug” on the DVD release of the Cannonball Bike Run. Amongst many exhilarating live shows was a sell out tour of the Czech Republic. Monkeyrush played successful shows throughout 2008 including gigs at Glastonbury to rave reviews.
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