Seattle’s rising musical talents, Only Monsters, announce a new EP drop: the vulnerably raw Smiling on an Unkind Planet, out today. This collection boasts a trio of sombre tracks, including the captivating singles Only Monsters and I’m Trying.
The EP is a fusion of post-punk grit, darkwave allure, and moody alternative vibes; all wrapped up in a package of introspection and social commentary. No, it’s not your run-of-the-mill sound; it’s a contemplative wander through the complexities of human emotion. Only Monsters’ lyrics cut to the core of existence, delving into the delicate and contemplative aspects of life while occasionally erupting into a full-blown cathartic expression of anger with a raw gut-punch. But, fret not, because even amidst the darkness, Only Monsters weaves in threads of hope and personal empowerment, offering a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Channeling Fugazi, Pixies, The Lucy Show, Pere Ubu, and The Bolshoi with its emotive vocals, this EP offers a tantalizing glimpse into the alchemy conjured in the Only Monsters laboratory. They’ve got a sophomore full-length album on the horizon, scheduled for unveiling later this year. Consider this EP the thesis statement of that forthcoming opus.
The album opens with the title track, Smiling On An Unkind Planet, diving deep into the complexities of navigating a world filled with challenges and adversity. This phrase encapsulates the idea of finding positivity, hope, and resilience in the face of a world that often seems harsh, unforgiving, and unkind. We’re all flailing here on this spinning, blue orb.
In Only Monsters, the phrase “no gods, only monsters” serves as a poignant commentary on the global political stage, encapsulating the absence of moral authority, power politics, and the darker facets of human nature in international relations. The song highlights the complex and often ruthless nature of political actions and their societal impact, inviting reflection on ethics and accountability. Drawing inspiration from Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous poem, it reminds us of the perils of apathy and silence in the face of oppression. (Niemöller, a German Lutheran pastor, penned his poem as a reflection on his complicity in the Nazi regime’s rise and as a warning against political indifference’s dangers.) The final song, I’m Trying, is a contemplation on failure and the agony of futility.
Listen to Smiling on an Unkind Planet below:
Smiling on an Unkind Planet is powerful, introspective, and thought-provoking. Prepare to be mesmerized, moved, and ultimately inspired.
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