Monsters of Folk - Singles iMix Review
Posted by Rob Fierro on 08.10.2009
Conor Obrest, of Bright Eyes fame joins band-mate (and producer) Mike Mogis, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and indie darling, singer songwriter M. Ward to form a folk super-group that takes full advantage of the talent behind the name to produce a dazzling string of three singles.
Lineup
Conor Oberst
Jim James
M Ward
Mike Mogis
Tracks
Say Please
The Sandman, The Breakman, and Me
Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)
Fans of modern indie rock will surely recognize the names listed above. The Monsters of Folk, definitely one of the most accurate band names of recent memory, is appropriately comprised by some of the biggest names on the indie front. Conor Obrest, of Bright Eyes fame joins band-mate (and producer) Mike Mogis, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and indie darling, singer songwriter M. Ward to form a folk super-group that takes full advantage of the talent behind the name to produce a dazzling string of three singles. The three songs are just enough to whet the rabid appetite of fans who eagerly await the self-titled full length that’s expected in September (with a tour to follow in November of 2009).
”Say Please” is the first single released by the Monsters of Folk. It got heavy play on satellite radio, as well as featured on Pitchfork. “Say Please” utilizes a lot of effects on the electric guitar to flesh out the various psychedelic and country influences that have been explored by the members of M.O.F, primarily Oberst himself. The track screams of a group that’s having fun, as they switch singers and harmonize expertly. A song very much about love, he solos performed on the track are very prominent and add a rock element, despite the of moniker of the band.
”The Sandman, The Breakman, and Me” features a slow, acoustic opening that harkens back to earlier material from M. Ward and Oberst--a form of straight folk. Ward’s vocals are prominent and the vocal harmonization that’s produced with his singing accompanied by other’s (primarily in the middle of the track) is a one of the attractions to this tune. This track is actually very reminiscent of Oberst’s “The First Day of My Life.” The way the singing is presented on the track actually makes one think of trains to further create the atmosphere of a train yard.
”Dear God” features extensive electronic instrumentation, primarily percussion driven by a drum machine (echoing some of Oberst’s material). The vocal harmonizing on this track is brought to a different level, as it creates an ethereal, dream-like atmosphere. This is aided by the very prominent harp instrumentation, as well as guitar soloing. Clearly written as some sort of musical prayer, the different vocalists each seem to have their own thoughts and questions for God, as they sing.
When the biggest names in indie rock come together to produce an album, fans should take heed. The Monsters of Folk, Oberst, Jones, Ward and Mogis, come together to form a unique brand of indie folk, with heavy pop tendencies. The melding of their different styles (playing, writing, singing) is very evident in their output and makes for an interesting "debut." M.O.F. truly does make use of the creative genius behind the name-- they are certainly deserving of the moniker.
The 411: I am one of the many that are eagerly awaiting a full length from these talented guys. While I was never the biggest Conor Oberst fan, I have always dug M. Ward's brand of introspective modern folk and My Morning Jacket is pretty awesome, too. These three singles have gotten very heavy play on my iPod so I give it the highest recommendation. Definitely worth your time to check them out when they go out on tour later this year. Talk about an indie rock overload; all your hipster chicks will be swooning.
