New York based band ISM has finally composed its talent into a debut album released this month, titled Monkey Underneath.
The alternative and electronica-based album is the fruitful combination of synthesized sounds and traditional guitar-driven music. The combination is a mature tool for emotionally driving the listener.
“Beside the Sun” opens the album with a grungy guitar introduction and melody of electronic loops. The emotion found in the lyrics and the variety of instruments placed throughout the song start the album on a positive note.
The following track, “Wake Up, Write It Down” presents the unique sound of an electronic drum kit. The drums create a song that brings mainstream guitar riffs to the underground scene of electronica and computer-created rock.
It is the album’s single, “Breathe” that truly defines the album. The song combines every shred of emotion and musical talent to create a masterpiece worth mainstream attention.
The opening of the song includes a respectful guitar melody that fades into a calm piano accompaniment. Singer Andre Mistier’s lyrics enter the session “…so breathe. Breathe in with me.”
The lyrics then lead the song into a climax of increased instrument use and heavy emotion. The combination provides for a very uplifting single and high level of emotional release. Fans of bands such as Coldplay may find the song attractive with its complex blending of guitar and piano.
However, listeners are bound to find talent in other tracks following the single.
“No More” is a song with a trance-like beat of drums and bass guitar that breaks into an edgy chorus of insightfulness.
Certain melodies seem to accompany different sections of the lyrics. The singer shouts the lyrics “No more! No more! I want to rise up!” while the beat is at its highest. The lyrics describe the frustrations of life and the need to break free from them.
In addition, the title cut “Monkey Underneath” is probably the album’s most electronically-driven song. The song is very slow and quiet and yet holds the singer’s same drive and emotion found in the more upbeat tracks.
The album’s final track “Crazy Dream” is an acoustic session that mixes smooth lyrics and some calm guitar effects. ISM seems to defy logic by adding an acoustic guitar to various computer-based sounds.
Regardless, the song is a very tasteful piece of art. As stated by the lyrics of the song, “…such a crazy dream. I hope it can be real,” the album is a pleasant dream of musical talent.
ISM’s Monkey Underneath is bound to be caught by the mainstream radar and is highly recommended to listeners of any rock subgenre. The maturity and effective use of computer-based music along with traditional rock instruments, clearly, drive the listener to a high state of emotion.
