Monotonix

by John M. Ellison IV

Monotonix

As I was flipping through the topics on my favorite site http://www.afropunk.com , A member from Richmond, VA posted up pictures of a very hairy, sweaty, handle bar mustached, vintage high school gym short clad rock band that shook The Plaza Bowl in Richmond, VA.

The band in question is Tel Aviv, Israel’s own Monotonix. According to their Myspace, Monotonix features the talents of Levi “Ha haziz”, Elvis on Vocals, Moshe Vegas on guitar and Bonanaza The Cat on drums.  This mix of distorted, gritty and sludgy toned guitar, basic, get to the point drums, earnest vocals and playfully sleazy lyrics combined into something that I find infectious.  Honestly, when I saw the pictures that were posted from the gig at The Plaza Bowl, I was thinking

“…wow, too much body hair and not enough gym shorts…no thanks!”  But the energy that the band exuded in the pictures that were taken was something that I couldn’t ignore.  I’m glad that I ignored my prior hesitation.  On their Myspace page, Monotonix has five raw, 70’s matzo balls to the wall raw ,stoner rock/proto-punk material that can also be found on their albums “Body Language” EP and “Where Were You When It Happened?” LP.  Here are a few songs that caught my interest.

“My Needs”

Kind of a funky drum and guitar pattern that is reminscent of a funkier Black Sabbath kind of jam.  Makes me want to learn the guitar parts.

“Body Language”

As the drums kick in a march pattern and the guitar feedback compliments the kick, the formulatic riff and drum work.  For DJs who want to throw something on that has a rock and roll feel but you can dance to.  I’d recommend this.

“Summers and Autumns”

Kick ass riff with vocals that ooze attitude.  Enough said

All and all, I see this band as a great riff-oriented hard rock band for whoever is feeling reminiscent of those heavy psychedelic hard rock jams of The Stooges, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, some Rolling Stones and Kyuss.

If Monotonix is in town, be sure to check them out.

http://www.myspace.com/monotonix