MONKS OF MELLONWAH – The Sky And The Dark Night
1. Part 1 – Break-Out
2. Part 2 – Control
3. Part 3 – Condition
4. Full Trilogy Mix
It’s very rare that a new act cause quite a stir within the first few years – but Vikram Kaushik (vocals), Joe de la Hoyde (backing vocals/guitar), John de la Hoyde (bass) and Josh Baissari (drums) – aka MONKS OF MELLONWAH – have managed to do just that – with flying colours! The four piece indie rock act from Sydney burst onto music scene in 2011 with their first EP, Stars Are Out, which received significant airplay in their native company Australia. Their second EP, Neurogenesis, along with Neverending Spirit followed in 2012 – and this is where the undisputable success began to evolve…
As well as receiving significant airplay in their homeland AND across the world, Neurogenesis caught the attention of respected musical figures such as MTV, Big Takeover magazine, Kings of A&R and Tone Deaf, whereas Neverending Spirit was featured on MTV’s The Real World. The group released a music video to Neverending Spirit which has received heavy coverage on MTV networks.
2012 has proven to be a good year for the Monks, as they went on to win the AIM awards for Best Indie Rock Act as well as scooping the LA Award for Best International Act. Their second EP has kept the four Monks on their toes, as they toured around Australia and the U.S. throughout the summer of 2012. Things got even better for the quartets when they struck a deal with A&R Worldwide (the home of heavyweights ADELE, COLDPLAY and MUSE.)
Now MONKS OF MELLONWAH is hoping to fuel their success in 2013 with their latest EP, The Sky and the Dark Night, due for release on April 1st. The EP arguably marks the band’s transition in music: Unlike their previous releases (which can be classified as racy, full on rock) The Sky And The Dark Night, shows a softer side of the Aussie rockers. Track Part 2 – Control, is definitely a hot one as singer Kaushik’s smooth vocals effortlessly cruises through a more mellow, laid rack (and arguably a slightly dark) production, which bodies really well for an international hit. The last single, (Part 3 – Condition) begins with the band’s signature sound, but it takes an unexpected turn into a eurodance track – which is a pleasantly surprising addition to the EP.
MONKS OF MELLONWAH cites great rock acts like PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPLIN and MUSE as their biggest influence. If you get the chance to listen to any of their songs (and this should be on top of your to do list) you can hear some elements of each influences – plus their stamp on modern progression and experimentation rock. These guys on the verge of releasing their debut album real soon…so it’s well worth checking it out…