Monoceros :: I Feel Apocalyptic Today (Imaginary Nonexistent)

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(December 2009) It’s difficult to identify the titles of the tracks on this album, purely
because when I loaded it into Itunes, it gave me one more track in addition to
those listed on the sleeve.

I Feel Apocalyptic Today, – the third album from Monoceros, claims to
incorporate a variety of influences from genres such as 70s and Post Rock,
while telling stories borne out of pictures captured during landscape
photography sessions. Influences certainly appear varied, however what goes on here is not just about
diversity. The genius of this album is that it does not rely or lean too
strongly on any one theme.

“Moment of Light” raises the alarm with it’s warning like illusion, all before
the delightful Indian slanted string enhancements take hold. Surrounded by
bizarre bleeps and buzzes, there’s follow up with richer accompaniment including
a vivid contrast of uncompromising bass guitar chord style effect and 70s
styled organ sounds. “Little Cowboys” has a real grass roots feel – the slide guitar interweaving
with a plain and dramatically different texture on the synth line. Sounds
continue to layer up in the most abstract way – giving this track its shiny
pearl essence effect.

The album continues to offer pointers to many areas spread across all genres –
“6EQUJ5” serves a very brief nod to the Renaissance style of Ritchie Blackmore
while a David Gilmour styled lick features further down-route during the mellow
“When the Trees Sleep.” “How Was the Earth” is introduced with the most beautiful acoustic guitar, the
ambient residue from the sound of the strings being manipulated forms part of
the overall effect. It’s very genuine and pure. Strong pulses of buzzing
subliminal bass cross the gentle tracks marked out by the guitar, later pursued
by distorted tones colouring in the picture and creating a tall wall of sound
that reaches out to an electronic trance like phychedelia. “Escape from Gravity” is an indie styled track constructed around a cleaner
guitar riff, definitely more rock orientated, balancing well among the fullness
of the traditional bass. Raw like acoustic drums capture the natural reverb of
the environment, adding to the tracks appeal. Guitar work has the expression of
a smaller amplification, not hugely distorted, a little boxy but working in a
way unimaginable with vast insights into character. “The Hymm without Song” develops with a slight almost feedback type discord.
It’s backdrop then adjusts around semi distorted guitar arpeggios which remain
signature to the overall amplified guitar sounds on this album – very 90s
indie rock sounding whenever they feature.

I Feel Apocalyptic Today blatantly incorporates so much, yet refuses to force
the styles to blend or shape themselves in a way that is remotely typical or
conforms to any prerequisite. A fascinating listen, with some stunning
development of arrangements – all climaxing to intriguing effect and providing
this album with its signature stamp.

I Feel Apocalyptic Today is out now on Imaginary Nonexistent. [Listen & Purchase]

Imaginary Nonexistent

Monoceros