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I Am Here, the new full-length, debut album from Toronto, Canada’s I M Munroe explores areas of sound that resonate with truth and team with emotion. Brothers Ian and Mark Munroe (the I and the M, respectively) create a musical catharsis that deals with issues that are not only real to them but, in turn, real to all of us. Their delivery is smooth but not soft as Ian’s bold guitar work meshes well with brother Mark’s solid vocal performance which is a redolent mix of a young Ringo Star, Talking Heads front man David Byrne and just a pinch of Richard Butler from the Psychedelic Furs. The difference being Mark has a much better range and, quite frankly, a much better voice than the aforementioned trio.
The strong melody line in “Used to Love You” is complimented by perfectly placed and perfectly pitched harmonies, adding just the right splash of colour to the mix. The same can be said for “Fool”, a song that stresses the importance of following through on that which is vital for one’s personal happiness…despite opposition. “Should Have Known Better” is a bit of a boppy tune that speaks of moving on after a relationship has lingered on beyond that “certain point” where at least one party knows it really is over.
It’s quite evident that the Brothers Munroe have invested a lot of themselves into this their first full-length recording. Memorable hooks, sagacious lyrics and a strong all around performance make this disc a keeper and this band of brothers one to watch for in the future.
-C.Campbell
- Froglix Radio
At first take, I M Munroe is not easy to grasp. This is certainly pop and alternative acoustic music. It’s presented with little dressing, especially on “One More Day.” The simple percussion and melody line are pleasing but not complex. The duo from Canada released “Fool” as a single a few months back and this tune found some interest around the globe. According to the I M Munroe PR folks “Fool” got airplay in England, Russia, Australia and the United States, in addition to the home country of Canada.
The worldwide tune shows a bit more energy, with heavier percussion and stronger vocals. The instrumentation adds a lot to the song, so it’s not difficult to understand that listeners wanted this one in their ears. Mixed vocals and harmony seem to be musical strengths for the pair. It will be interesting to see how I M Munroe progresses as the lyric writing grows to match the ambitions. Brothers Mark and Ian Munroe have a good start. - Indie Update
Discography
"No One Knows" (Single)
released June 1 2010
"Should Have Known Better" (Single)
released March 1 2010
"I Am Here" (Single)
released December 20 2009
"I Use To Love You" (Single)
released: August 25 2009
"I Am Here" (Album) released: August 25 2009
"Fool" Single (On radio in 7 countries) Released: April 1 2009
"Here In Bed" Single Released: November 22 2008
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Bio
Announcing the release of I Am Here, the debut album by Canadian brothers Mark and Ian Munroe, who record under the name I M Munroe. The album is a diverse blend of alternative-folk, rock balladry and power-pop, with a sense of musical chemistry that only comes through a flesh-and-blood relationship.
The album follows on the heels of two singles, “Here in Bed” and “Fool”, which received airplay in 11 countries, significant international sales and tens of thousands of hits on MySpace and YouTube. But the story for the two Munroe brothers goes back further than that, having played together in some form since they were teenagers. Finally in 2008, they decided to take their music to the next level, hiring award-winning producer/enginner/instrumentalist Wayne Routledge and drummer Matt Lloyd to help fulfill their vision.
Musically, Mark and Ian complement each other extraordinarily well: while Mark’s beautiful vocal harmonies and personal lyrics add a degree of sensitivity and intimacy to the band, Ian’s muscular guitar playing and full-bodied compositions add an alternative-rock edge. A song like “Soul Like You” has the rootsy harmonies and piano leads of The Fray or David Cook, but the slow, heavy guitars of “Shame” may remind listeners more of Shinedown or Theory of a Deadman. They change things up again with “One More Day”, an acoustic-driven ballad with gentle, understated strings backing up the chorus.
Both brothers were born in the tiny town of Schomberg, ON, north of Toronto, where they were involved in music and theatre from a young age. Mark is a professional model and actor who has travelled all over North America, appeared in Cosmpolitan, UMM and other magazines as well as numerous commercials and music videos. The music of I M Munroe is informed by the elegance and style that Mark brings to his modelling, but it’s also a record of the ups and downs that brought him to where he is, having battled from being an overweight teenager. Lyrically, he deals with issues of loss and regret, as on “Here in Bed” and “I Use to Love You”, but also the struggle to maintain integrity and independence, as on “Fool”, about “being a stubborn foolish dreamer and not letting anyone stop you from living your life”, as he describes it.
Ian’s background is significantly different. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and spent the last 5 years working for a major auto manufacturer. His charisma and dedication is responsible for much of the focus of I Am Here, which reflects his passion for various styles of music and his determination to help deliver a lyrical message that will resonate with listeners.
I Am Here will be released August 25th in select record stores, as well as via Amazon. Digitally the album will be available on Itunes, Lala, Rhapsody, and Napster, in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. I M Munroe are here.
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