It’s a well know fact that everybody loves monkeys. I don’t know what it is about the cheeky creatures, but they just bring out good feelings in the populace at large. With this in mind, what better name to give a band than one associated with this most endearing of animals. However, maybe naming your band Pornographic Monkey is a mistake. I mean as much as people love monkeys, an image of one in degrading situations is not one that many sane individuals would welcome! Anyway, enough with such ramblings, there is an EP to talk about. Many of you who read this site will be familiar with Pornographic Monkey; you’ve probably even engaged some of them in conversation on the forums. This is their latest four track effort, one that hopes to build on the promise shown by their first demo.
As has been mentioned in the past, PM are a very hard band to characterise. They have a sound that flitters between Radiohead and Nirvana, yet they are still capable of veering off in innovative and original ways. What is most noticeable on first listen to this EP is how much progress the band have made musically in such a short time. Whereas before tracks lacked direction, the songs on this EP have a much sounder structure. (Pun intended!)
‘More Faces’ opens proceedings with a muted guitar intro and subdued vocals that really get going on the heavier chorus. It’s not the most instant of songs, but it does have a lot going for it. ‘Smother’ manages to showcase the Radiohead and Nirvana influences in equal parts, with the vocals and guitar riffs coming to the forefront of the song once more. ‘Ageless Child’ by contrast, is more about PM than any of their influences, and is the sign of a band confident in what they are producing. In the very best dramatic fashion, PM save the best for last. ‘Battery Farm’ is, in my opinion, the best song this band have written to date, and standouts from the rest of the EP with ease. The sublime, haunting intro transforms into a track that, despite its six minutes in length, holds your attention and constantly keeps you guessing.
The Pornographic Monkey EP showcases a band that are maturing and improving in their musical and song writing abilities. The band have not yet managed to make the next musical step, but there is enough here to suggest that in time they will be capable of something special. As it is this is a solid little EP that, although it won’t appeal to everyone, is well worth a listen.
Mark