Quarter Monkey

Occasionally we come across music that catches us off guard simply because it challenges our comfort zone; whether it is vocals that grow on you like Shilpa Ray or instrumentals that just don’t fit your music library.

I was recently handed a copy of Lucy by theSpokane native Quarter Monkey. The album cover is simply bones atop a pile of rocks, inside original artwork speaks to the self development of the band. The thirteen tracks that would soon dance among the mounting chill of the season offer a unique full-spectrum of sound.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Edging into Lucy, the title track ominously approaches the album with an “Astronomy Domaine” riff and crash lead-in keeping you gravitated to the next chord and what it might bring. Swimming in the depths crafted from change ups and silhouetted beats Quarter Monkey envelops a sound which is one part grunge, one part rock, and one part experimental jam. These four from the Inland Northwest don’t require a constant stream of licks and sensationalism to master their songs; they just go with the flow. Falling next in line is a little ditty about a road trip which most of the Inland Northwest can relate to. “Portland” strikes a familiar chord with “Friday afternoon 2p.m./ thoughts are drifting out/ drifting back again/ Lets take a ride and roll to Portland.” Whether you’re familiar with the trip it takes to get to the Rose City or not, the picture is plain to see with down-to-earth, unadorned lyrics. Up to this point Lucy is a relevant illustration of Spokane’s pace; mild mannered and for the most part easy going. Tony Brickner’s bass licks stand up as a noticeable piece to each track while Ty Pfundheller and Jereme Riccelli dig into west coast inspired guitar riffs that leisurely stroll along with purpose. Adding the ever important driving force Sir Janus V. Bonshaflablah (Vinnie) taps out the beats. Intentionally keeping you mellow and down tempo with subdued vocals, Quarter Monkey turns on the lights with the Zack de La Rocha-like vocals in “Royal Jam.” The pace changing track is addictive and a lot less politically motivated than the comparative vocal talent. With songs like the mellow “Levitate” or the punk-jam “Heavyload,” it’s easy for these guys to embed their skewed-key, yet essential style into your memory. Taking it all home, Lucy is capped off with a jam session in “String Theory.” The multidimensional instrumental caps the album off superbly.

Quarter Monkey will make you cringe, maybe stare awkwardly at your stereo, but ultimately will grow on you and fascinate the ever living audiophile out of you. The best part of a band like this is their stand alone sound; which was masterfully done at Spokane’s own Amplified Wax studio. They are a testament to all of the influence and experience musicians gather along the way while still having the ability to sound original.
- Nanobot Rock Reviews

Sunday, November 1, 2009
Super Secret Success

While eating my traditional post-fiasco breakfast of a bowl of croutons and lager, I could not get over how awesome the night was and that my head was pounding me with the force of a thousand Bing Crosbys.

This time our destination was Fresh Abundance. At first you may think that a bike trip to the grocery store is nothing out of the ordinary, but it was Fiascoween. Friend and Lifetime Member For Life, Bright Spirit runs the place and had this great idea of using some empty space behind the building to host a couple of bands, an outdoor beer garden, two fire pits, beer, wine and snacks. And do it all without charging a cover at the door. I'll have to say, she and her staff pulled it off magically. It was a great idea handled as smoothly as possible and I had nothing to do with it. Now that you know you can safely get there by bicycle, be sure to go by Fresh Abundance some time and buy some organic groceries.

Big thanks also to Quarter Monkey and B-Radicals for playing and even wearing costumes. I'll have to admit that one of the guitar players should have won the contest based solely on committing to shaving a bald spot on top of his head. That's dedication.
- FBC Spokane

Quarter Monkey wins Little Caesars Hot-N-Ready Band competition in Aurora, CO... Hooray! - Little Caesars, Aurora, CO

Quarter Monkey about to play live on the show this morning... - KHQ Channel 6 Local News

Quarter Monkey came into being about four years ago. You can catch these Spokane natives performing to their loyal fans at local bars such as The Swamp. With a fusion of classic rock, '90s alt rock, and chill reggae, these guys know how to keep the party going well past midnight. Jereme and Ty share equal duties on guitar and vocals. Tony grooves on bass with occasional backing vocals, while Shane looms over his imposing double-kick/five-tom drum set. As they make plans to record another disc locally at Amplified Wax, Quarter Monkey brought their 2008 CD "Lucy" to the Local Lounge this Father's Day along with their full set-up for several unrecorded live songs. - 103.1 KCDA (Clear Channel Radio) Matt Loi, publisher

Quarter Monkey front man Jereme Riccelli is backed by Tony Brickner, from left, on bass, Ty Pfundheller on guitar and Sir Janus Vincent Bonshaflablah on drums. (Rajah Bose/The Spokesman-Review)



Spokane and Spokane Valley, Wash., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and the Inland Northwest
©Copyright 2009, The Spokesman-Review - Rajah Bose/The Spokesman-Review