MONORAL's new album is rock at its best.
MONORAL can do no wrong. Their new album, Via, is a trip for the ears, a combination of global sounds melded with rock perfection. Incorporating a variety of instruments with the strength of Ali's bass and Anis' resonant vocals, MONORAL has produced yet another fantastic work.
The album opens with Everybody's way, a short track that is both mellow and commanding and features simple lyrics and the kind of drum beats that can be felt through your entire body. It is the perfect way to prep the listener for the rest of the album.
Full of raw energy, You doesn't let the listener down following the appetizer that was Everybody's way. In fact, Ali's throbbing bass line and Anis' vocals, tinged with some element of anxiety, create an even greater want. Listeners will find themselves singing along to this catchy rock song after only a couple of listens. It is that good. The instrumental opening of Costa Rica leads in to a crisp rhythm that flows dreamily alongside Anis' vocals, which exhibit a sort of pureness throughout this laid back tune. It's a bit lonely, a bit nostalgic and a bit hopeful.
Safira is white hot and shows off the band's diverse influences. Exotic and dark, pleading and powerful, it is rock at its finest, which is just what MONORAL does best. This track demands attention and could definitely stand alone, as it did as an iTunes single release just a couple of months ago. Not only is the music dynamic, but the lyrics stick around, having the listener singing along long after the music has been turned off. Also included on this release is Casbah, which was also originally an iTunes single release and equally represents MONORAL's ecumenical style with what the band describes as Arabian metal, rich and assertive.
The album's title track, Via, seems an unconventional love song, though interpretations will obviously vary. Positive words gloss over the negative, a coming to terms with one's inner feelings, in this smile inducing number. Upbeat and somehow sweet, it just makes you feel good.
Guards Of Mice can best be described as utterly beautiful. Anis' voice is perfect and passionate in this inspiring, pledge-like song. Evoking many emotions, it sounds like being in love or seeing an old friend after a long time apart. It is a stunning, heart wrenching musical journey that listeners will want to go on again and again, wishing to feel those things one more time. This combination of music, lyrics and vocals is absolutely sublime.
Subtly grand, Everest includes a short, simple set of magnificently sung lyrics and the use of an organ alongside bass and electric guitars, which is a combination that works fantastically in this stellar track. It's a natural high the listener won't want to come down from. The haunting piano sounds provided by Anis in Sun Shadow create a build up that brings to mind images of light breaking through clouds. While difficult to feel less than good listening to MONORAL's music, this song does hold an underlying sadness. Though the lyrics are understandable, the message is a bit obscure and the gloom doesn't make the song any less enjoyable, but rather shows off another side to Ali and Anis.
Another short track, I don't mind still makes an impact despite its length. Not overdone, the blending of electric and acoustic sounds creates a soothing atmosphere that might have listeners daydreaming, this drifting soundscape as their backing track.
Sometimes closes out the release. With exquisitely genuine lyrics and the use of additional instruments like the accordion and charango, this final track has a surreal feel to it. Anis possesses some kind of magic in his voice, a lulling quality that could make anyone give over their trust, their heart. Tapping drums and the pulse of Ali's bass are the force behind the song, gently pulling rather than driving the listener on to the end.
It might be a matter of opinion, but Via could be one of the best album releases of the year. The songs contained on this CD are not only great rock tracks, but fiery works of art that exhibit passion, sadness, anger and a whole spectrum of feelings. From simplistic to exotic, Via commands attention and makes a statement. Their best release to date, MONORAL has nowhere else to go but up. For those who've yet to order a copy of this album, do it! You won't regret it.
