New Music Review - ‘Democracy Manifest’ the EP by Monk Seals
Democracy Manifest was released on the 1st August 2024 by Christchurch rock lads, Monk Seals. Cover credit: Monk Seals EPK.
Solidifying their rock sound with a new EP that has just dived off the cliffs into the waters of the Christchurch music scene comes Monk Seals’ new movement, Democracy Manifest.
Tackling big tracks that will heighten your senses comes the second EP from these four who have been working over five years to demonstrate that they aren’t little rockers from the ‘burbs of Sumner, but a band that mean business, dutifully pursuing their thought-provoking, unapologetic tunes.
Democracy Manifest obliterates their self-titled EP; showcasing the clearness of their successful careers forming effortlessly in front of them and their ever-engaged audience.
Monk Seals are riding the wave between old school rock and mid-surf that could easily be likened to 80s/90s bands that take you on the rollercoaster of a very palatable ride that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime that you please.
By now, surely you would have heard the electrical tune, Feel For You, which ignites Democracy Manifest, and you can read my review of this track right here for more of my thoughts about it.
Harmonica harmoniously pulls you into this desirable mode of tranquillity that will illuminate all of your wishes at the very beginning of Democracy Manifest with the star-shooting Dirtbag pushing the EP wide open. The country-esque rock deluge instantly comes into play with this one, making the zest from the fruit bowl of the Monk Seals drip down the walls and land in your waiting ears. Marvellous.
Black Widow Woman stands on its own two feet, forcing the boundaries that the world sets in place to be torn down. The way that the Monk Seals can portray their thoughts tactically is admirable and a testament to the values the lads hold true to themselves.
Democracy Manifest is loaded to the brim with five songs (two previously released and three unreleased) that are bound to tickle your fancy, so drop everything you are doing and run it up on your MP3 player. Oh, sorry. I forgot, this isn’t the 2000s. Monk Seals just take me back to the good old days, as they may for you too.
Get moving, because while this heat will last for a long time, the Monk Seals are likely already gearing up to make more shifts in the world of music that will continuously surprise listeners for as long as they can.
For more on the Monk Seals, you can check out their social media at the links below -