In barely more than fifteen minutes, SATOH is wonderfully convincing with its new EP, Monkeys, and its ravishing punk essence. Review.
MONKEYS – SATOH
After three indie records (two albums and one EP), SATOH has signed with TOY’S FACTORY for their new EP Monkeys. It’s the kind of transition from indie to major that raises questions. Are they going to sterilize their sound? After the first spin of these sixteen minutes, and listening to their previous tracks, I think it’s the opposite. Linna Figg and Kyazm are composers, arrangers and owners of free spirits. At least, that’s what these six tracks tell me. Punk and electro are blending on some parts to create a memorable and powerful mixture rock.
As proof, OK, which is already one of my favourite tracks this year, starts with deep bass lines and textures highlighting the ever-lasting attitude that’ll follow them throughout. It’s a real escape! Sung both in Japanese and in English, each track, even the calmest, keeps that cheeky attitude alive, for the best. Monkeys is all about accepting to be a part of a crowd, cleverly using the metaphor of the three wise monkeys. Here, SATOH rejects those who don’t like these animals as they’re simple, wild and different… and all that on a catchy rhythm. For Rich & Famous, the band shows their middle fingers to some rules whilst revealing some vulnerability and raging on explosive riffs.
Welcome to life and you hate caffeine are more poetic, chill and full of love. After refereeing to Song 2 and making a love confession on some impactful riffs, the band ends with Taxi, an English-speaking and electro track. Images are passing by, a hint of panic and tiredness, of anguish and high feeling in them. It’s intoxicating! With Monkeys, SATOH proposes vivid and neon colours, surrounded by a soft halo, all bursting and smashing on the deep black frame they put up. Relatable, especially when we feel lost, it’s a collection of free-spirited and raw rock tunes with a twist. Unmissable!
