Customer Reviews

Wall of People

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Named after their high school band teacher, their home state of Rhode Island, and the legal issues which pursued them before even releasing an album proper, Monty Are I lay down a blender's worth of power-pop/punk tunes here on "Wall of People," one of the most unique offerings this genre has seen in years.

Seeing them live is an experience in itself. Multi-instrumentalist Ryan Muir alternately strums a six-string and twirls a trumpet around like a six-shooter in a spaghetti western, while lead singer Steve Aiello rips his throat and nasal cavity apart in front of a blaring Marshall stack that sounds like it could be on fire. Their record offers up somewhat typical subject matter for the pop-punk crowd, with odes to drunken lust and love ("Dublin Waltz"), hard-hitting bubblegum choruses that will burrow into your subconscious ("Anchor and Hope"), straightforward bombshells of energy ("In This Legacy"), and even a not-so-subtle Nintendo tribute or two ("Castle Bound," which opens with a decidedly 8-bit riff), but the approach to lyric writing is much more disconnected and poetic than say, that of Blink-182.

Loud guitars appreciably make up a good portion of the sonic palette, but here they're filled out with some less conventional surprises. With production courtesy of Matt Squire, who probably had a heavy hand in sculpting some of the more baroque elements of 2005's "Between the Heart and the Synapse" by The Receiving End of Sirens, Monty Are I's less conventional elements (horn parts and video game segues) come to life rather than fade into gimmickry.

Aiello's vocals seem to have their own gravity, gluing everything together with gooey high harmonies and an overall vocal timbre that blends in perfectly with the energized punk firestorm behind him. His skill is more evident, however, on the softer tracks like the harpsichord and piano jam "Island City," the slow-burning "Just in Time," or even their unique non-album take on Nirvana's "Something in the Way," which can be heard at the band's Myspace as of this writing.

Although their style definitely lacks the soul and dimension of certain other bands that employ guitars and horns (RX Bandits, with whom MAI have toured), Monty Are I deliver a fun and listenable punk record that mines popsmithery, '80s guitar theatrics, and marching band mentality to equal degree. You can't say that about many other five piece bands. Recommended are MAI.

Monty Are I's 1st major label release, 'Wall of People', combines anthemic rock vocals, face melting riffs, and the occasional horn section blast that spans 11 songs (5 previously not released).

The Album starts off with "Between the Sheets" and gives a good representation of what is to come on the next tracks: Big catchy choruses, squealing guitar harmonics, and the sometimes "over-the-top" (but great) vocal melodies between lead singer, Steve Aiello and Ryan Muir. "Castle Bound" begins with a familar synth line from the video game Zelda and continues the trend of great vocals/melodies. Finally ending with Aiello's ripping wah solo.

"Dublin Waltz" and "Anchor and Hope" contain great riffs and also continue the trend of strong vocals with the occasional harmony by Muir. My personal favorites: "Island City" and "Just in Time" are almost completely played on keyboards and although the least intense part of the album, they contain the best vocal performances and harmonies.

The closer, "Only the Weak", is a great ending to a well pieced together album. 'Wall of People' has many reoccurring themes but never gets boring or repetitive. I recommend it for listeners who are tired of the same "verse/chorus/verse/chorus" bands that plague the rock genre but also to people that listen to metal through prog rock.

Overall 5/5

Randomly came across this band a few days ago, and was completely blown away. I love Metropolis and Between the Sheets. Highly recommended!!
Go get it.

there's not enough bands like this anymore. if this is sign of things to come in music, today is a good day.

First song I heard was "Between the sheets" and when the brass came in, I just died. Simply amazing! Definitely an eye opener, compared to the drab and over played "pop punk" out there. Favorite tracks are "O, brother" - the ending is just genius, a choir in a rock band!?!...and "Between the sheets" - fast, catchy and awesome. These guys know how to make really good "music". I wish I could keep the songs a secret but I am certain the band will go straight to the top.

The music of Monty Are I has evolved from its original punk/ska band into a music rich band full of sound. I thought their last album was the best, until I heard this album today. Their music has evolved into "the next big thing" with excellent riffs and augmentation from their horns. I would suggest this album for anyone into hard rock as well as alternative.

I was antsy about buying their album but they have a good sound and good songs. Wish my made more albums.

I had never heard of a band with such a weird name known as "Monty Are I" before. I mainly wanted this CD for the song titled "In This Legacy," which as a drummer, has some nifty beats. This whole CD has some interesting sounds. Its a good CD, the only thing I didn't like was a couple tunes sound the same, and theres only one tune...forgetting the name at the moment, sorry, thats just downright boring. Other than that, I heard "Monty Are I" came out with or is coming out with a new CD and I plan on buying it! Rock on!

I stumbled across this band on Limewire the other day and I was amazed at the songs, "Between the Sheets" and "Metropolis". Later that same day I went out to purchase the album, these guys are incredible. If you are looking for a refreshing new sound pick up this album asap, it combines elements of rock, punk, ska and a little progressive.

Most people would look at the title of my review and already not believe me. The thing is this: Listen to the CD and you will understand what I mean. These days there are thousands of new bands popping up everywhere that have a good sound, but then there's Monty Are I. These Rhode Island boys have a bit to offer. Their style of music is somewhat of a punk rock/post-hardcore. Yes, I am aware that is not new. They are able to use their talents in a different way than other artists normally would. For example, Ryan Muir, who does vocals, guitar, and trumpet, is able to have the trumpet enter and seamlessly incorporate it into songs. The main point is that if you looking for something a little different than the hits that flood the radio airwaves these days, I would definitely recommend Monty Are I. You will not be disappointed.