Moneen – The Theory Of Harmonial Value
(Smallman)

Although Moneen seem like the hyperactive kids in school who never did their homework,when it comes to music, they have got to be the hardest workers in their class.They have studied carefully, taking notes from bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Elliot andThe Get Up Kids, and then using them to create something new and unique.

Since the release of their first 4 song EP “Smaller Chairs For The Early 1900’s”, Moneen have beenturning heads and wowing audiences with their insane live show.These guys managed to go quite a long way on the strength of this debut EP alone, andthis left a lot of people wondering what the heck they could possibly do for an encore.

Now, as they enter their sophomore year, they show no signs of slacking off. This timearound they have been closely studying the works of one… Dr. Lozlo Pronowski?Dr. Pronowski, they claim, is a Russian mathematician who examined the relationship betweennumber patterns and musical harmony. Whether he is real or fictitious remains to be seen,but there’s no questioning that Moneen’s first full length release is a mathematicallysound piece of work.

The album feels like an honours thesis of some sort. It’s clear from theoutset that a lot of work has gone into the making of this album, and it rewards thelistener with layers upon layers of sound.There are moments of quiet reflection, juxtaposed with moments of raw angst and chaos,but always smoothed over with smart melodies.There is plenty of experimentation on the album… everything from strange noises, guitar effects, and extra instrumentslike piano, to weird tempos and off-time rhythms.

They do not quite manage to capture the intensity of their live show on the recordings, butsuch an effort would likely be a futile one anyways. Instead they have built up a real tangible feelingof emotion on each track, something that not many bands can do, especially not on theirfirst LP.

The Theory of Harmonial Value features 10 tracks, 9 of which are brand new… well… 8 and a halfof which are brand new.The album includes a new recording of the song The Passing Of America, and alsoa pseudo-remake of the last song from the Smaller Chairs… EP.They took the end riff and built a whole new song structure around it, to make the lead offtrack on the new LP (cleverly titled “The Start To This May Be The End To Another”).

Yes, bizarre song titles definitely abound. From “No Better Way To Show Your Love Than A Set Of Broken Legs”,to “What Did You Say? I’m Sorry, My Eyes Are On Fire”, the song titles are as fun to say as the music is to listen to.

The album ends with a “secret track”, that has the alleged voice of Dr. Lozlo Pronowskiexplaining the findings of his research, over top of a wall of guitar noise.Very profound stuff, or at least profound-sounding anyways.

The only complaint I have about this album is that at times it sounds like Moneen are trying too hard.And you may ask yourself, what’s wrong with trying really hard? Well,sometimes it just feels like they needed to let go a little and let the songs play themselves.Everything seems so premeditated on this recording.

Then again, maybe I’m just being nit-picky about an otherwise flawless album.

Moneen have a very bright future ahead of them, and this cd is a great example of howhard work and perseverance can pay off. So remember, kids, stay in school! — Sean

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