Photo: Monotronic
A deeply personal work where indie rock, pop and indietronica intertwine with flashes of eastern music and unexpected vocals. That’s one way to define “Waiting for You,” Monotronic’s new album.
Over eleven songs, the band builds their own sonic universe, note by note, creating an eclectic, open space designed for the listener to step into, explore and stay as long as they like.
“Looking Away” opens the record with an intense sound, one where the band goes all in to create a strong introduction that immediately showcases their talent for writing, mixing, producing and telling stories and situations that everyone can relate to. This combination of skills is one of the album’s greatest strengths. Although the sounds may feel different, sometimes even conflicting, everything fits together with surprising ease.
“At the time of writing, I didn’t see a common thread,” says Ramsey Elkholy, the band leader. “In fact, all the songs sounded so different to me, and I wondered how they would all fit together in an album format. But with hindsight, there are some strong overarching themes that became apparent. Self-realization and finding one’s way in the world, through the trials and tribulations of life and love, are recurring themes on the record. There is a certain main character that characterizes the song which is fatalism. seemingly universal existential awareness of being alone in an uncertain world.”
That feeling becomes palpable on songs like “Kids of Summer”, driven by tribal percussion from Omar Hakim (Daft Punk, Foo Fighters, David Bowie) and an immersive groove; “Sun Song,” a brilliant interlude built on nostalgia; and “Everything Moves”, where the band returns to a more pop and indietronica-rooted sound.
Within the track listing, “Kettle Song (Yama Yama)” and “In a Cloud” stand out as two of the album’s most distinctive pieces. The former surprises with gong hits, metallic textures and a strong Eastern influence, while the latter stands out for its acoustic and personal character, giving the band’s classic synths a well-deserved rest.
After establishing themselves on international stages, capturing the industry’s attention and landing multiple number one singles on VEVO, “Waiting for You” finds the band finding the perfect balance between artistic ambition and a clear sense of identity. It is the exact point where music transcends, connects, cuts through and ultimately lives within those privileged to listen.
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