SINGLE REVIEW: Monk - Nothing Matters
It's rare for my ageing ears to get on board with anything too heavy. My days berating bands for "not being metal enough" are a distant memory so by rights LA hardcore outfit Monk shouldn't be for me yet somehow they've made their extreme sound more mindful and melodic than most. Presenting their art in a thoughtfully constructed fashion. It doesn't feel like 1 minute 39 of someone screaming an inaudible barrage of words at me instead a coherent set of well-written lyrics that can be understood and related to.
Debut single 'Nothing Matters' is an explosion of soul-rattling, pummeling noise typical of the hardcore genre. Blairring riffs, frantic drums, and a distorted soundscape of chaos and mayhem. The vocals are fierce with fiery passion but also good clarity, you can hear what they're saying which is a big deal to me. I often wonder when listening to extreme music, what's the point of taking time to write a song if you're going to deliver it in a way no one has a clue what you're saying?
The lyrics take a look at how we've become consumed by the need for material things and examine how humans assign value in life to the point where nothing truly matters anymore because everyone has become so overruled by greed and the need to be better than each other. The song is a reminder to stop taking life so seriously, stop trying to keep up with others, and take time to enjoy the small things.
While not strictly to my taste Monk have created a diversion within the hardcore genre that's more accessible. They show it doesn't have to be all screaming and no substance. 'Lose Myself' is a blasting, grinding slice of bedlam-laden noise but also thoughtful and somewhat melodic. Don't be put off by the band's hardcore label, give 'Nothing Matters' a spin I think you'll be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
