CD Review: Mental Monky Ballet's 'Breaking The Law'

Mental Monky Ballet
Breaking The Law
Applehead Records

Swedish alt-rock group, Mental Monky Ballet, bridges the vocal and instrumental gap between Blondie and Garbage--and they do it with success all around. "Into The Open" is a swishy, rock-infused medley with reverberating guitars and vibrant female vocals. "Club 27" is a lush, alt-dance tune with classic vocals and a power pop presence that contains a little edge and a setup akin to something by The Killers. "Get Around This" begins with a spacious, atmospheric and progressive intro with delicate vocals and gingerly-played guitars, until the chorus brings in other vocals and a more textured pop sound. "You're More Trouble Than You're Worth" opens with an alternative and progressive rock arrangement that harbors Garbage and Blondie tendencies, but everything comes out okay. The new seven-track EP, Breaking The Law, is a sure hit for fans of the abovementioned musicians and Swedish alt-pop music with English vocals. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sultry Voice of Anath

Anath
Rapture
Red Lullaby

The geographic origins of Anath cover Tunisia, Israel, France, Chile and New York. Consequently, Anath's cross-cultural upbringing is an integral component of her music, though primarily Western in sound. On Rapture, the tracks are fairly modern, with electronic beats, drums, guitars, keyboards, and vocals. Anath's sultry vocals and jazzy-downtempo compositions provides a unique listening experience. 'Little Girl' and 'Gotta See The Sun' are more upbeat pop hits. Though, Rapture's song repertoire includes only four original compositions by Anath and a cover of Blondie's song, 'Rapture'. If you are searching for a fresh voice that transcends North African or Francophone description, then Anath should be in your playlist. ~ Matthew Forss