Monsters of Folk

Monsters of Folk

(Shangri-La)

Record Review by Kevan Peterson

Much has been made over the name Monsters of Folk, partially because the two terms seem to play counter to each other.  Everyone knows monsters are big and scary and traditionally folk musicians are not, unless of course you count Samuel Beam’s beard.  The band is comprised of Jim James from My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes and M. Ward, the male half of She & Him.  Monsters of Folk was formed in 2004 but couldn’t scare up an album until 2009 due to the heavy and conflicting schedules.  And although the band may be far from scary, their ability to craft subtle instrumentation and harmonized vocals is a bit intimidating. 

Featuring a tenor vocal, "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)" manages to be catchy, thoughtful and poppy all at the same time.  Perhaps some prayers do get answered.  “Say Please” sounds less folky and more rock based, even featuring an electric guitar solo.  A cross between Supergrass and Bowie, this love child is worth a listen.

“Whole Lot of Losin’” is a fuzzed out bass driven tune that keeps the album moving but fails to make a big enough roar to be considered dangerous.  “Temazcal,” which is another term for a sweat lodge, heats things up while dropping the mood, making it a perfect companion for a lazy day.  “The Right Place” allows some country twang to seep through the cracks and soak into the tissue of this parlor tune. 

“Baby Boomer,” which was highlighted by Starbucks as their track of the week earlier this year, uses hand clap percussion to drive the instrumentation while the vocals layer and lap over each other with little room for a breath.  The folk roots come through and blaze brightly on “Man Named Truth,” one of the few actual folk-infused songs on their debut.  “Goodway” takes a wholesome '50s approach, oozing with a reminiscent sound seldom found in modern music. 

As the album unfolds further Monsters of Folk lose a bit of steam during the second half.  But like a sports team making a comeback, they close with enough strong moments to keep fans coming back for more - most notably, the rock-laden “Losin Yo Head,” and the mellower “Map of the World.”  

This album when played will hide inside your walls, under your bed and in your closet.  It will haunt you in your sleep and steal your children.  Well, actually it may not steal your children, but it has enough catchy songs that it may appeal to them.