Monkey3 - Astra Symmetry

Threads of Indian music are woven in without ostentatious overture (i.e.: none of the, "Hear that sitar? We're worldly!" pretentiousness we sometimes get from other bands). The adapted Eastern sensibilities blend seamlessly with their Western base; it's just more vocabulary in the language of the music. Whatever Earthly touches show through in the songs, their eyes are always on the night sky, projecting into the cosmos. There are lead vocals on about half of the tracks, but this really almost feels like instrumental music with an occasional singer. When the vocals do appear, their tone tends harsh, but never screamy or off-putting.

Another paradox for ya: Monkey3 have managed to deliver a record that's simultaneously heavy and mellow. The hiking no-climax build of ‘Arch’ is a wonder to experience, as is the track ‘Crossroad’. This is a good one.