• The Rhythm Surf Monkeys – Reinvented

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    Stacey Zering Posted On April 9, 2015
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    The Rhythm Surf Monkeys are more Recharged than Reinvented on their new album. It’s not as if the group has shifted its musical focus. Songwriter Jim Hiltz continues to lead the band in a classic-rock direction albeit with a heavier dose of blues. But rock & roll with slick pop hooks was the group’s calling card on their previous effort, Highway 9, and thankfully they remain faithful to their roots. The biggest difference is that the Rhythm Surf Monkeys sound even more like a real band now than merely an assembly of studio all-stars, and the album is truly cohesive from beginning to end.

    The Stonesy crunch of the title track is an immediate toe-tapper. In typical Surf Monkeys fashion, the British Invasion riffola is given an ‘80s AOR sheen while vocalist Megan Wheatly-Shurman delivers a Pat Benatar/Terri Nunn punch that is completely irresistible for those old enough to recall the bad-ass female rockers of MTV’s glory years. “Pen of Cowards” has a dramatic intro recalling Metallica’s “The Unforgiven” before the slamming power chords elevate it to pop heaven.

    However, that isn’t to say the Surf Monkeys don’t take chances. The big horns of “I Forgot Who I Am” recall the ‘70s heyday of Chicago while the military-march drums and patriotic guitars of “The Old Soldier” offer veterans a warm salute. This is some of the best American music you will hear this year.

    Official Website:

    http://www.jimhiltzsongwriter.com

     

     




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