Review “Into Oblivion” by 2 Sick Monkeys
As things stand “Into Oblivion” by 2 Sick Monkeys is very much the bands final offering. One in which it has to be said is a hell of an exit. Having formed in the year 2000, things weren’t necessarily supposed to have lasted this long. However, on the back of an event organised by Primal Scream’s Darrin Mooney, 2 Sick Monkeys took the underground punk scene by storm.
They’ve played over 1000 shows across the UK and beyond, gathering a bit of cult following along the way. So, with “Into Oblivion” 2 Sick Monkeys have gone all out to give themselves that well-deserved send-off.
Officially a 2 piece, featuring Pete Tower on bass/vocals and Fred Nus on drums/vocals, the pair have enlisted a number of contributors for the latest release. Although, that’s not in a special guest kind of way, just more in order to help deliver this beast of an album.
After all, unlike many shorter punk/hardcore albums and EP’s, “Into Oblivion” features an impressive 20 tracks, lasting over an hour. As a result, the cheeky monkeys have mixed it up a bit, giving a hidden depth that may not have been expected.
The album kicks off with a garage-rock instrumental “Them from the Monkeys”, while “The End Game” chugs steadily along without going full out punk rock. As for the beautiful “Waves”, Pete and Fred’s duel vocals are put aside and replaced by their friend Beanie. Her soothing approach already giving the album a different perspective 5 songs in.
However, those of you wanting to head back into the more traditional punk rock tunes, then “These are things…” and “Blinko and I” do just that. They’re songs that embrace what was once, in essence, an angry 2-piece. Both lead by the bass of Pete Tower, allowing the listener to form a pit in the comfort of their own bedroom.
The album really does cover all basis, rather naturally too, for at no point does it feel like a song hasn’t earnt its rightful place. There’s the frantic anti-fascist numbers, as well as songs designed to just bounce along to. While at the same time, 2 Sick Monkeys never risk coming across as a band who have reached the end of the line.
As for other tracks that return to those more conventional tendencies, with “Before I die” Mr Teeth can envisage a crowd sing-a-long at the final show. Maybe one where Pete and Fred are already considering the possibility of a reunion tour.
However, the guys stand firm on hanging up their bass and packing away the drumkit, calling time with the closing tune “Leaving”. While lyrically “Into Oblivion” touches on an array of subjects, the album ends with an upbeat and cheerful, yet rather poignant farewell.
Into Oblivion by 2 Sick Monkeys is out now, on CD and Double Green Vinyl
Check the official bandcamp page for more information.
2 Sick Monkeys “Into Oblivion” Out Now
