ALBUM REVIEW: Midwest Emo Group The Blast Monkey's First Studio Album 'Monkey Business'.

The Blast Monkeys, a Kansas-based emo, punk, and grunge band, released their newest album, Monkey Business on April 20, 2024. I’ve been a fan of The Blast Monkeys for a couple of years now - I first listened to them and first saw them live in August of 2022 and have been a fan of them since. I often feel like I’m waiting with bated breath for the rest of the DIY community to see just how talented, passionate, and genuine The Blast Monkeys and their music are. With Monkey Business, The Blast Monkeys have created nine tracks that are all unique, captivating, and ear-worms in their own way. 

Among the nine tracks, I had three personal favorites. The first one is “I Probably Peaked In High School”. It starts strong with a fast-paced, energetic rhythm guitar part that draws in the listener so that the listener is completely ensnared in the song by the time the vocals come in. As the song progresses, we’re treated to a hard-hitting post-chorus guitar part that changes and evolves alongside the percussion as emotional lyrics cut in. I think that “I Probably Peaked In High School” is an extraordinary song for dancing around to and for hyping oneself up and this song is truly a love letter to the listener’s ears. 

My second favorite track was “Death Kwon Do”, and if there’s any song from Monkey Business that deserves to blow up and go viral, it’s “Death Kwon Do”. The song opens with a charming riff that evolves into an attention-grabbing rhythm guitar part during the pre-chorus and chorus that hits hard while still keeping elements of the original riff. The chorus itself is like a hug for the listener’s ears and mind - the lyrics go “I’ll be your best friend, baby, all the time, I’ll be your best friend, can I call you mine” and with the way they’re sung, they evoke a fun yet familiar and comforting feeling. “Death Kwon Do” is an outstanding piece that deserves to get stuck in everyone’s head - do yourself a favor and add it to the playlist for your next road trip, weekend with your friends, or party.

My third favorite song from Monkey Business is “Acne Scars”, a powerful, expressive track that I just can’t get enough of, from the gorgeous, twinkly guitar in the opening to the harder chorus - “Acne Scars” is an amazing track that has truly captured my heart. When the vocalist sings “and we are not the same, but I know we’ll be okay”, I can feel the words and melody seeping into my veins and coursing through me. “Acne Scars” is genuinely a treat - but one that’s good for you and low in calories - and I think many people would resonate with the lyrics. The sound of “Acne Scars” is reminiscent of warm summer nights, of seeing your friends again after a long time, and of really good iced coffee, and I love “Acne Scars” with all of my heart.

Monkey Business is, overall, an exceptional album that I am head-over-heels in love with. The Blast Monkeys’ songwriting prowess is on show with Monkey Business - the variety in the song structure, melodies, and themes help set each song apart as its own, distinct thing while their use of heavier rhythm guitar and catchy guitar riffs help keep everything tied together. The Kansas DIY scene is blessed to have The Blast Monkeys as one of its key pillars and I’m certain that their music, creativity, and genuineness will inspire other musicians, both local and non-local. Monkey Business is, so far, one of my favorite releases of 2024 and if you’re ready for your next obsession, look no further than The Blast Monkeys and Monkey Business.

Listen to Monkey Business here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7FP8ljEzePO8YGGHGbF5sc?si=9Y21gOw4TJ-BqW-qkK-8EQ