Monica Attell

Monica Attell,"Band Geek" (Indie Release)
Wow, this is a rarity, pure-pop music with clever lyrics. From the hilarious title, "Band Geek", you get the impression that the music will be some boring, music-prodigy tripe - but, not so on this CD. Sure, she shows off her piano prowess, but she doesn't fall into the trap of most "prodigy" types - it doesn't foreshadow the actual music. Monica Attell delivers perky singing on songs about teenage female angst, but not in a condescending way like Alanis Morrisette. Whether it is a scathing view of "Pop Star", infatuation on "Nineteen" and the hilarious social commentary of "Drunk Girl". Monica
http://www.myspace.com/monicaattell
Rating:
3 and 1/2 stars
Review by Scott H. Platt

- Ear Candy Magazine

There is a certain…something…about the 1960’s that brings thoughts of root beer floats and sock hops. It is this…something…that creates the retro charm that is Monica Attell’s music. The Stamford, Connecticut singer/songwriter takes a solo break from her band BETA ZANE and is releasing her new EP You’re Popular in early 2009, and the track “Honestly” from it makes you want to put on a poodle skirt and slow dance with your beau. The easy to learn and easier to rhyme lyrics make the song catchy without being patronizing.

Chris Young, who has worked with the likes of George Clinton and The Ravonettes, produces You’re Popular. Attell is a classically trained flutist, and her talent and passion shows throughout her songs. This is especially apparent in the title track where in the first few chords the sound of her flute breaks through the pop sound to create the most danceable song on the EP. ”You’re Popular” resonates such smiley bubble gum undertones that it’s almost as if it erupted from the mid-90’s movie Clueless. Lyrics like “You’ve got people who call you each night and want to hang out with you, put your makeup on, do it perfectly, and strike a pose like a celebrity” bring a smile to everyone from a ‘tween to a lady who lunches.

“Sunny Day Fantasy” tells the tale of the youthful trouble-making that can arise from having too much time on your hands with a partner in crime, while ”Side Steppin” slows things down to a swanky crawl. The last song on the EP, “Waiting”, echoes what every girl thinks when those butterflies start fluttering around in her stomach for a certain boy. This slow ballad is introspective compared to the other tracks, and if you listen close, you are transported right back to the 1960’s again as a hint of the Shangri-Las peeks through the slow melody.

Monica Attell brings a fresh and youthful voice to pop music and provides songs you can sing to. You’re Popular will be what brings the sun to your rainy day, and Attell’s voice is the sun that brings the heat.

Review by Lisa Perron

- Target Audience Magazine

"Raw female fronted garage rock....Zeta Bane has accomplished the virtually impossible..they sound absolutely like nobody else. The only band I can remotely compare Zeta Bane to would be the raw feeling of Sweden's Sahara Hotnights. Jump on the Zeta Bane Bandwagon quick before everyone else finds out about this extremely unique group of talented musicians." - 1heavymetal.com

"Squarely between obnoxious (loud covers) and the depressing (moody folk), Zeta Bane gives your bane self a boost...this is a local band with the potential to make it happen." - Brita Brundage

"Zeta Bane is a band that falls somewhere between Punk, Rock, and Blues... This is not to say that they are lost and searching for a genre, they use all genres to create their own distinct and powerful sound. Zeta Bane really did it for me, their sound is tight, rehearsed and professional." - Dennis Halsey

sunday, january 13, 2008

Monica Attell - Band Geek


Monica Attell – Band Geek
2006, Monica Attell

Monica Attell has quite the pedigree. She holds a masters degree from the Boston Conservatory of music in Flute Performance. She previously fronted the band Zeta Bane, one of the hottest bands in the Greenwich Village scene the first part of this decade. Of course there is also the family connection: performing runs in the family, with big brother Dave Attell setting the standard.

Perhaps not THE standard; Monica Attell has standards of her own to set. From the opening of Band Geek, her solo debut, it is very clear that there is more than one artistically powerful voice in the Attell clan. Band Geek is a musical oddity. The musicianship is incredibly tight, and includes perhaps the best rock flute this side of Ian Anderson. The lyrics are funny and jarring ala Ben Folds, and Ms. Attell’s vocals are powerful and cutting. There is literally no one quite like her in pop music today.

From the opening notes of “Be There For You”, it’s very clear that this is story telling on Ms. Attell’s terms. “Be There For You” describes that friendship we’ve all had with someone we truly can’t stand but for some reason continue to associate with. “In My Head” starts out sounding like something out of the Elton John songbook. “So True” is built on top of a driving piano intro that resolves into this incredible jazz/funk influenced chorus. Other highlights include “Nineteen”, “Drunk Girl”, and “Don’t Really Know”, and my favorite so far, “Rising Sun”.

In truth, there is not a weak song on Band Geek. This CD should be in the hands of the masses, and is a workshop for all who would be Indie Rockers. The music sounds like it was written and performed for the love of the music, without agenda, and without a specific plan to say something. The end result is an honest and authentic work of modern rock/pop.

No one can guarantee fame or riches in the music business, but Monica Attell deserves the stage and your attention. Catch on to her now, before her star takes off!

- Wildy Haskell

Well crafted lyrics, a nice vocal range, and her masterful flute make Monica Attell's Ode in Bb "In My Head" an interesting combination of singer/song writer and pop. Her lyrics are much "deeper" than most pop, and accompanying her somewhat soulful lyrics is an interesting arrangement of piano, flute and pop percussion. Fun and creative.
- Indie Limelight Radio:Khiki Kavan

This is a really cute pop song with a twist; the lyrics are almost anti Pop (or anti bubble gum at least.) The flute (mastered my Attell) and Monica Attell's vocals also set this song apart from a lot of pop. Monica Attell is a talented artist, definitely worth giving a listen.
- Indie Limelight Radio: Khiki Kavan