The Smartest Monkeys
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The Smartest Monkeys

| INDIE

| INDIE
Band Alternative Rock

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The best kept secret in music

Press


"Alternative Rock Review (UK)"

This young four-piece, aged around 18 years old, are certainly one of the most energetic new bands I've heard in a while. This self-titled EP crams eight tracks in at just under 20 minutes, each flying past in a blur of youthful buzz-guitars and off-kilter riffs. Consisting of Asher (Guitar, Vocals), Matt (Guitar, Vocals), Brandon (Drums) and Steven (Bass) and produced by Paul Rogers, The Smartest Monkeys wear their influences on their sleeve; the album strongly reminds me of At The Drive-In masterpiece 'Relationship Of Command' with a hint of Deftones crunch. The songs also benefit from an excellent production job, very radio-friendly with great single-potential.

The opening 'TSM' is clearly the band signature song, in a similar vein to the Monkee's theme several decades earlier. An up-tempo number with the predominate hook "We are, we are the Smartest Monkeys!!!", it's virtually impossible to get the tune out your head - damn infectious and like most tracks, a nudge over 2 minutes. The second track 'Fatter Pipes' continues the high energy set by 'TSM' with another guitar hook that is hard to ignore. This leads to 'Cavemen To Honey', probably the most At The Drive-In inspired track, again driven by a memorable riff with half-shouty hardcore vocals. Fourth number 'Prozak Winter' is once again, very highly paced, bringing to mind early era Idlewild, in that the enthusiasm over-rides any lack of diversity - this simply goes for intensity offering no let-up in rapid-fire melodic hardcore. Then we come to the definite highlight 'Clock In', a heavily distorted guitar hook, some tasty fret-work and a manic vocal performance, sure to bring any mosh-pit to a climax. When you think there could a let-up in the energy levels, you know, when a band decides to drop in a slow ballad two thirds of the way through we get 'Dirty Robe' another rocking moment. The songs move so fast, that 'Campout Song' merges into final track 'Sarcastic Cowboy' before I knew it.

So there you have it, "The Smartest Monkeys" is over in 20 all too short minutes, not a moment drags, not a moment outstays it's welcome. Here we have an EP that is a rush of excitement and stuffed full of nagging melodies and instant hooks.

The Smartest Monkeys have been gigging around Nashville since late 2002, playing regional shows, and have even supported OK Go and The Donnas. The young band will also be performing internationally this summer, so if the band tour through your hometown, keep a lookout because these songs are just begging to be heard within a live setting.

To find out more visit www.thesmartestmonkeys.com

- Nick Collings


"Music Dish"

High Energy Kick Ass Rock and Roll with an edge that cuts like a razor. It's fun to listent to, and delivers and energetic vibe that is enought to make anyone go nuts! The live shows must be intense! - Michael Allison


"Rock Music Review - Toronto"

The Smartest Monkeys have a mission. It's not fully formed yet, but listen to their debut album and you can tell that something powerful is brewing here. The music drives forward, propelled by the kind of smart rock riffs that the Gang of Four, My Bloody Valentine and the Pixies were putting out when these kids were still playing in the sandbox. Somehow though, the ghosts of musical gods past have settled on the monkey's shoulders. Their first album is a tempting glimpse of what might be to come. Are the Monkey's "there" yet? No. But where they are right now is a lap ahead of most of the competition. Find out about TSM now, before their next record comes out and some rock magazine has to tell you how cool they are.

- Conor McCreary


"Nashville Scene"

6.11.03 - CRITICS PICK; THE SMARTEST MONKEYS The name for this Nashville Foursome comes from XTC, as does their tinge of sardonic misanthropy: Fueled by accusatory us-against-them attitude, their songs bristle with snotty anger at pedophile priests, shallow consumerism and a generation lobotomized by pot and prozac. (As the title indicates, they're iffy on Darwinism as well.) But since when did that ever make music less exciting? Especially the tuneful, taut punk-pop practiced by The Smartest Monkeys' Asher Rogers and Matt Sebastian, whose rubbery dual-guitar beatdown on the disc bodes well for their live show. They're part of a "Power Pop Explosion" bill - Adam Smith


"Gainesville FYI"

4 out of 5 stars - THE SMARTEST MONKEYS - This record is pure Rock n' Roll, stripped down to the bone and performed with raw audacity. Dirty guitars and a fuzzy bass tone make the soul move. One might compare this group to the likes of At The Drive-In or The White Stripes, but there are elements of Fugazi and more intricate musicianship thrown in the mix to create a platter worthy of your laser-driven "turntable". The music speaks from the heart and, if all is in order, they will be recieving high praises from more than just this Gainesville weekly. These four young men have just torn open the garage door, packed up their equipment and are heading to Gainesville to introduce you to the new age of Rock n' Roll.
- Anon


"CrashzineOnline"

THE SMARTEST MONKEYS The Smartest Monkeys

I liked the Pixies. And listening to this garage band from TN makes me a bit nostalgic for the good old days. The quartet kicks things in gear with a schoolyard rock kind of feel. Insightful lyrics,(They attempt to be a bit more political, and less whiny than some of their current counterparts and end up coming off a step above the norm/average teen rockers who could) powerful riffs, and a kind of raw talent make them appealing , and definitely worth a listen. They provide a sense of energy and great background sound that lets you know in five years, with some more experience, war stories, and angst, these younguns just might take over the musical world. Remember the name.

- music reviewer


"Billboard IMWS show review"

I love your band. I think The Smartest Monkeys has what it takes to get to the next level. Please let me know when you get to Miami. I will be at the show! - Max Borges Billboard's IMWS - Max Borges


Discography

The Smartest Monkeys - Self titled EP 2003

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

UPDATE - Chosen as 1 of only 6 bands out of over 1200 from across the USA as a finalist in the Billboard IMWS this July 2003!

So young and so talented. Extremely passionate and intense these guys still believe rock and roll can save the world and it shows in their live shows and on record. "Its like turning on a blender with the lid off - but so tight and with amazing songs" according to one industry insider.

2 lead vocalists who write songs together, Matt and Asher have been deeply influenced by early XTC, the Beatles, The Clash, Deftones and At the Drive-in. Songs mean something and hit you quick and let you think about it. The band has been together just over a year now and with solid friendship diverse political views they are bent on conquering minds the world over.
All hail rock and roll. Young, clever, intense and simply great. That is the Smartest Monkeys.