FM
History
With their unique blend of 50’s rock and 70’s punk and their increasingly talked about live performances; where drumsets are used as jumping platforms, food fights ensue and an occasional head bleeds, The Monolators have come a long way since their beginning in 2002 as the husband and wife duo of Eli (vocals, guitar) and Mary (drums) Chartkoff. With three full lengths under their belt (2003’s Rejection Set Me Free, 2006’s Our Tears Have Wings, and 2008’s Don’t Dance) and one EP, You Look Good on the Train, the group is now a five piece with continuation of Ashley Jex on bass and the addition of Jillinda Palmer on keyboards and Ray Gurrola on guitar. In the last few years, The Monolators have increased their presence in Los Angeles east side music scene and are now pleased to announce the release of their third full length Don't Dance on October 21, 2008.
Clocking in at just over 34 minutes, the 10 tracks that make up Don't Dance find the band exploring new musical territory while maintaining their well known rambunctiousness. "I Must Be Dreaming" starts off the album with a group of frantic handclaps in time while Mary's rumbling floor tom beats beneath--soon enough after a few attention-grabbing lines are shout-singed from Eli, the track erupts into a full band effort. "Oh No, Everything has Changed" is Eli's most endearing love song to date with backing vocals from guests Ben Haywood and Heather Bray of Summer Darling. Other standout tracks include the title track "Don't Dance", the infectious "Hearts Going Steady", "CA 3A 569" and live favorite "This is Goodbye". Eli's lyrics explore his unique narratives of airplane wine, gum cigarettes and waiting for an elevator, while musically the band has incorporated more than the usual guitar, bass and drums that make up their live show. Acoustic guitars, piano and synths can be found throughout the album. Wendy Wang from The Sweet Hurt and Ashley Jex contributed all the synth parts and they are on best display for "Don't Dance (Reprise)" that closes the album as Wang re-mixes the track to the point where it's impossible to follow the title's command.
