One Trick Monkey

February 22, 2007
"They've already been voted as one of Austin's top 8 rock bands after being on the Zippo Hot Tour, and they're hoping for some more accolades with the impending Austin Music Awards. They're about to release their debut album, 'Unleashed', and will celebrate with a CD release party on Saturday, February 24th at the Dirty Dog Bar." - Aly Kerr - FOX 7 Music Director

May 4th, 207
"One Trick Monkey finished off the night with modern rock with a focus on a melodic sound, à la Incubus or Alice in Chains. The singer projected mature, aggressive vocals over a tightly woven blend of sounds. Outstanding show!"
- Darren Burgfeld - Texas Area Manager

Album Review:
One Trick Monkey - Unleashed

"From the time I caught this five-piece rock band at RedRum during a Zippo Hot Tour competition (I still think they were robbed) last year, I've been impressed with their raw sound. That is why they were one of the fifteen bands I chose to be on the 'This is INsite Austin Music' compilation we released last month.

The eight track 'Unleashed' is just over thirty minutes long, but in that time they pull out the jams. Vocalist Ryan Hewitt has a voice that is reminiscent of the late Lane Staley but the music is more modern rock than Seattle-grunge.

'Unleashed' kicks off with "Descendence" which seems like a fitting introduction to One Trick Monkey. It's got guitar, harmonies, and some sweet breaks. "Propaganda" is a brutal rocking grinder.

"Choices" is a nod to the break-up song. It almost has a Nickelback feel to it (and that's a good thing... stop hating). "You leave me no choice, you and your selfishness. You are so shallow, why do I why do I waste my voice."

As a package, this is a good out-of-the-gate release from a young band. I'm looking forward to hearing them mature a bit more and put a solid sophomore effort out.

Check them out live 5/4 at the Parish (Emergenza Battle of the Bands semi-finals) or 5/18 at the Dirty Dog (get a free INsite Compilation CD at this show). Pick up Unleashed and you'll be glad you did. - Sean Claes

Album Review:
One Trick Monkey - Unleashed

What do One Trick Monkey and P. Diddy have in common? A vodka endorsement! Yet whereas Sean Combs' booze affiliation is but one cog in his empire, this fresh Austin group's adult potable pairing creates literal buzz in a world packed with similar rock outfits. A respectable debut, the eight cuts here present the band's prog, pop, and metal conduits, ushered by Rhythm Corps lead vocals couched in 1990s anthemic Pacific Northwest rock. Like a sapling – planted, but with support poles – OTM leans on its influences while developing, although the energy on tape suggests more stage power. The relatively low wank factor and interesting arrangements ("Propaganda" and "Unleashed") also imply that OTM may have more tricks up its sleeve for its being-recorded sophomore release. Could a clothing line be in the works as well? - David Lynch