The Loneliest Monk

Powered by the clickety clack of sticks, the thump of the bass drum, vibrant cello transitions and idyllic vocals, The Loneliest Monk vacillates between dark, avant-garde cadences crescendoing towards the unknown and a euphoria that’s best described as afterglow. Individual songs change tempo, emotional undertone and intensity at a moment’s notice, sometimes multiple times in the same track. If I’m being completely honest, it makes it difficult to remember The Loneliest Monk track titles, but it also makes everything blend together in a way that’s similar to that satisfying feeling you get when you’ve successfully blended all the fruit on the bottom into your yogurt. You could just digest the product in individual layers, but it’s nowhere near as delicious. - Danger!Sound

Art-rock duo The Loneliest Monk gets the most out of the interplay of cello and drums, and then some, on a 10-song, self-titled CD. Cellist Michelle Morales and drummer Miles Benjamin bolster the two instruments with brightly layered Rhodes keyboard tracks and dramatically delivered vocals from both performers. “You Don’t Have To Try” is both playful and menacing, a line artfully navigated on most. - Illinois Entertainer

Michelle Morales and Miles Benjamin enter this story at the point in the flight when - after nearly an hour of incredibly smooth sailing - we start descending downward, slipping into those hanging clouds. They're acting rough with the plane, body-punching the sides of it and as we've finally got context for this capsule that we're traveling in and not just a sensation of moving forth in a sea of nothingness, it gets a bit nerve-wracking. You're hurtling through these clouds and it feels like everything's out of control. Things are banging and your heart starts racing faster than you'd like it to. The aircraft is bouncing up and down, jerking to the left, jerking to the right. We're losing altitude, gaining it and the pilot is doing everything he or she can to get us through the tangle. It feels as if we're losing it and you want to clutch something stable. Just as suddenly as it began, you've punched through the cloud covering and you're beneath them, maybe getting rained on a little, but not horribly. The lights from the cities and streets below are visible and pretty in the dark. We're okay and everything's fine again. It's the way of a Loneliest Monk song, with Morales and Benjamin's vocals taking us up and down emotionally and Morales' cello parts infusing the mood with an edge of dangerous uncertainty. Then comes the leveling out and the sense that we're not really going to crash. Not tonight.
- Daytrotter

The regular four piece band consisting of guitar, bass, drums and singer have never quite been enough for me. The Loneliest Monk consist of only a duo and what they can do is beyond what most four pieces ever really achieve. Real-life couple Michelle Morales (master cellist, keyboardist, vocalist) and Miles Benjamin (percussion, vocals, tiny piano) create an ethereal mix of classical, art-rock and chamber pop that is at once beautiful, sexy, mysterious and cool. The duo utilizes a lot of modern technology to capture their sounds, but they are not above crinkling paper into a microphone for a certain effect in “Secrets From the Couch”. Perhaps it is this technology that is the cause for the surge in two person bands recently.
The Loneliest Monk are from Chicago and have been playing together since 2008. They are out promoting their debut self-titled album, available now. Miles is stoic but enjoying himself with a voice like that of another duo band: The White Stripes’ Jack White, and Michelle with her classical training of more than 20 years of cello playing, you can physically see the music coursing through her veins when she closes her eyes and just gives way to the cello in front of her. When I asked the duo what particular influences they might have that encouraged them to start playing, they both seemed a bit lost. While they listen to many different artists, there was not one that they could put their finger on that might have been an influence to their unique sound. Michelle said, “we just sit down and see what comes out of us.” I would have to agree, I have never heard music quite like this before, but it’s exactly what I have grown to love. If I had to group them into something, I would have to say you will love The Loneliest Monk first and foremost if you love all things Bjork. Michelle’s voice does give a hint of that angelic singing that Bjork is so famous for, but with the heavy cello involvement, I also had a lot of strong memories of my days with Portishead. There can even be a connection to Radiohead for their use of so many instrumental pieces and unrivaled audacity, but now a days, it seems that anyone I enjoy also has a hint of Radiohead running through their veins.
They not only tell a fairy tale story with their songs, their stage set up is made for a feast of the eyes. They paint a beautiful picture with their instruments and words mixed with an allure of mystery and sexual appeal on stage. It’s not because they are a couple, because I didn’t know that about them before I saw the show. Miles sits behind the drums in a suit vest with a mysterious Mardi Gras-type eye mask that sparkles under the lights and Michelle can be seen in many different forms, depending on the set up time for the show. This night, she was dressed up proper for performing on stage on the Titanic, classic and beautiful, without the tragic ending the Titanic had.
They have a gorgeously produced music video, which I have included below for the song, “The Ghost & the Silhouette” which will give you a little insight into their minds and the show you could expect while on this tour. They will be stopping by Colorado, California and Arizona before stopping into SXSW on March 16th for a show that is sure to have people talking. I know that after their set at The Record Bar in Kansas City, I didn’t want them to stop.
As they say in the song, “You Don’t Have to Try”, “We are not many, but we are two. Two is not much but it’s more than you.” You owe it to yourself to take in a set that is enlightening, and different in all the right ways. Below, you can download the song, “You Don’t Have to Try” for free and watch their music video for “The Ghost & the Silhouette” To hear more songs and get more information, go to their site http://wearetheloneliestmonk.com/ - Lost In Reviews

Last month, The Loneliest Monk released a haunting video directed by Rubbish and produced by Hystk for the track "The Ghost and The Silhouette". - Deli NYC

He's the Phantom ...she's his muse and together this amazing duo rocked the SubT stage as The Loneliest Monk (an excellent play on words paying homage to the jazz great). Tonight, it was an extreme treat for SouthSide to see another live performance by Monk in which the music can be enchanting ...beautifully bewitching despite missing the dramatic lighting fx to accompany their music of the night. Still there was passion and emotional depth intricately laced throughout this duo's neo-classical jazz/percussion fusion that also has a sharp edge and definition of rock music at times. Monk's music did have one featured effect on the audience tonight in which all were attentively focused on the duo and their perfomance until the end. They were too entranced by the simplicity yet complexity and beauty heard in such songs like Secrets and Easy Breathing. In her honest opinion, SouthSide found Monk's sound to be awe-inspiring with its own poetic floetry well hidden within the notes and melodies. Not saying she didn't enjoy hearing the angelic voacl tone by Michelle but found herself instead hopelessly hypnotized by the unspoken words heard vibrantly between the Phantom maestro and his muse were playing especially during Ghost. SouthSide also recommends listening to Yes Dear ( a bit of classical Asian influence heard off the electric cello), Epic (neo-classical music performed passionately and energetically) and Bad One (an upbeat tempo with the cello played similart to an electric guitar). Visit http://www.myspace.com/wearetheloneliestmonk for more details and when this duo are performing again. - SouthSide Chicago

Much of the buzz in the crowd last night was about Loneliest Monk, or “Monk” as the duo is sometimes affectionately called. Miles Benjamin and Michelle Morales definitely deserve it. Michelle’s trailblazing cello techniques ranged from delicate pizz to artful loops, to bone-rattling doom-bringing fuzz. - Mezzic

Musicians take note: After kicking around the East coast for a bit, Gigmaven has expanded to Chicago. Essentially, Gigmaven is the Google of booking shows. It is a free service that easily connects musicians directly to venues. So no more gruff phone calls or unreturned e-mails for all of the frustrated musicians out there. Although New York-based, the company has grown to include other major cities across the nation and is expecting to continue expanding. The site also sports a blog so you can stay up to date with their picks of artists to watch.

Gigmaven has teamed up with Heave Media to host a Windy City launch party tomorrow night, January 6th, at Subterranean featuring an impressively eclectic group of artists.

Opening the night is eccentric psych-electronic duo Wolf in a Spacesuit. If my telling you the names of the members were Algebra Huxley and Arthur Aircraft elicits a chuckle at their literary references, this is probably the band for you. After that will be Dozens, a dynamic trio of who use their multi-instrumental talents to provide a chamber-pop sound with an edge that allows them to avoid Grizzly Bear comparisons while retaining the sweet vocal melodies. They’ve been kicking around every major local venue for about the past year, so hopefully 2011 will bring some national attention for these guys.

Third band The Loneliest Monk have gotten a lot of attention recently for their theatrical brand of pop music with a classical spin. The cello-drummer couple exist somewhere between the Dresden Dolls and Eyes Wide Shut; this is a band described to give a performance more than a show. Get a glimpse of what to expect from their music video and read an interview from last summer.

Any dedicated follower of this blog already knows how I feel about closing act Netherfriends. After a holiday break-inspired boredom spell, helmsman Shawn recorded Alap, an ambient/drone album released for free on the first day of the year. This will be the last show by Netherfriends in Chicago until they wrap up their whole 50songs50states project, so you don’t want to miss this one. - Windy City Rock

Chicago based art-rock duo The Loneliest Monk performed a masquerade of future’s past at the city’s recently revitalized Mayne Stage. The Loneliest Monk paired the rich resonance of cello with full body drumming; added to the repertoire were collages of sound samples, pianos and fragile vocals. The result was a multidimensional melodrama of haunts, romantic pursuits and distant memories.

I attended the performance with little hindsight on the band; I admit part of me was eager to check out the new venue. The freshly restored Mayne Stage was the perfect setting to showcase the eclectic duo. Formally the Morse Theater, the building’s history dates back to 1912, originally doubling as a vaudeville theater and movie house. The space offered high ceilings, bold acoustics, scaled seating and an intimate stage.

Cellist Michelle Morales (cello, piano, vocals) sported an ornate, exaggerated tiered dress and costume jewelry; her counterpart Miles Benjamin (drums, samples, vocals, tiny piano) sought refuge behind his drum set masked and anonymous. The performance started as a distant whisper from the great unknown, trumped by an orchestral swell, and ushered into innovated baroque pop melodies with chilling undertones.

The results were an original brand of progressive rock, artistic in nature and dramatic in delivery; the sonic drama unfolded onstage beneath pink and green glows of stage lights. Together Morales and Benjamin created a moody voice that evoked thoughts of Ouija boards, supernatural forces and film noir. Their content was film for one’s ears as the music traveled through movements like scenes in a movie: I imagined dark shadows, rich contrasts of black and white, confined empty spaces amidst an outdoor world of elegance, matched with Alfred Hitchcock-esque suspense. The Loneliest Monk’s music sparked vivid emotions of anxiety and paranoia interchanged with desire, lust and wonder.

I admit that at first I was put off by the band’s artistry. They made me feel unsettled and trapped; my mind was confronted with thoughts of restless ghosts, scenes from The Shining and imagery of being trapped in a doll house (too much Are You Afraid of the Dark? as I a child I suppose). I felt that the musicianship was extraordinary but the content too scattered and grim. Specifically I did not take to Morales’ frail, childlike, airy vocals, especially when she would repeatedly chant verses. On the other hand Morales’ command over her electric cello was exquisite; each vibrato echoed through the theater emulating intrigue and poetry. During the heat of an instrumental jam, Morales pushed her instrument past classical to the realm of progressive rock. Her deep chamber resonance transformed towards the likes of lo-fi guitar, adding a unique rock element to the band’s body.

While Morales revitalized the cello Benjamin poured his energy into toms and bass drums, which resulted in round and compelling rhythms that overpowered Morales’ efforts. The complex and potent rhythms ultimately separated from the cello on an expedition through tempo changes and textures. The two traded off rampant solos and journeyed through classical themes, improvisation and pentatonic scales, favoring minor keys and waltzes.

As I admitted before I did not walk out of the performance excited to hear more. I felt that the duo was talented and unique; however I was not drawn to their sound and presentation. Experiencing The Loneliest Monk was watching an avant-garde performance bearing a full spirit and lucid soul. They are the type of band that one sits, watches and listens similar to musical theater.

Days after the performance I gave the band another try, sat in the middle of my room, closed my eyes and intently listened to their music. Sure enough I began to see and hear the band as sonic artists painting songs with layers of texture, shadow and detail. Listening to The Loneliest Monk is like listening to a film or piece of fine art with decorated stage appeal. Unfortunately I realized too late that behind their masks. Morales and Benjamin produce authentic, complex music unique to their respective styles and contemporary music.
- PopMatters

Seriously, do you remember music videos? I know for me they were an integral part of my childhood. While my mom cooked us lunch on those summer days during grade school she’d put on MTV, back when MTV actually played music videos. My brother and I would sit in front of the television and watch the weirdness that was early 90s music videos. I have vivid memories of being extremely freaked out by Tom Petty’s “Don’t Come Around Here No More” music video, even hiding under my bed every time they showed it. In this new digital age it feels like music videos have gone the way of vinyl – it’s super cool but rarely supported.

However there are a few distinguished, savvy artists and directors out there who still keep the art of the music video alive. Hence our new feature Hey Remember Videos?!. Every Friday we’ll expose you to one amazing video that continues the animated tradition of music and film. And what better band to start it off with than one of the most theatrical bands in Chicago right now, and a personal favorite, the Loneliest Monk.

The more times I get the opportunity to see the Loneliest Monk play, the more I fall in love with them. The duo of Michelle Morales on cello, keys, and vocals and Miles Benjamin on drums and vocals are the perfect combination. It’s like watching Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass come to life on stage. Morales is the sure-footed Alice and Benjamin the loud, percussive Hatter, melding together into a mix of beauty and danger.

For those who haven’t witnessed what the Loneliest Monk has to offer, their new music video for “The Ghost and the Silhouette” showcases the band’s unique on stage personas in music video form. Local film company Rubbish literally transformed Chicago’s Pilsen area into Monk’s imaginary playground for the shoot and it pays off in a big way. Morales’s beautiful voice and pure white dress clashes nicely against Benjamin’s dark, masked character in the video in a way that would make German Expressionists and Romantics proud. It just goes to show you that you don’t need a huge budget to make a beautiful video. - Heave Media

Real life couple Benjamin (percussion, piano and vocal) and Michelle Morales (master cellist, keyboard and vocals), of The Loneliest Monk, just released their debut video for "The Ghost and the Silhouette," a look into an underground masquerade ball that's slightly haunting but mostly just fun. Hear this song live, alone with other songs from their debut album. - Urban Outfitters

The Loneliest Monk (if you’re not familiar, you should be) is Michelle Morales (cello, vocals, keyboard) and Miles Benjamin (percussion, vocals, toy piano), rocking the two-piece better than Humphrey Bogart at a masquerade ball. The staccato percussion rhythms mingle with the almost haunting noise of the cello to create an avant-garde musical ballet that is just as riveting to behold as it is to listen to. It’s classical – yet nouveau, disjointed – but deliberate, eclectic – yet familiar, melancholy – yet blithe. In short, The Loneliest Monk is really one of those unique events you have to experience for yourself. - Lost In Concert

Theatric-heavy Chicago duo The Loneliest Monk have released a video for their track “The Ghost & The Silhouette.” Directed by Rubbish, the visuals fall well in line with the string and drum performers’ live show. Grandiose and impressive and maybe just a pinch of proto-punk. - VEOBA

Are the season's typical overplayed, overly saccharine Christmas tunes already driving you insane? Chicago art-rock duo The Loneliest Monk have a new holiday track that's a very welcome break from the norm. Their version of "Carol of the Bells" is dark and mysterious, thundering and twisting along with the hard-hitting cello and percussion work of Michelle Morales and Miles Benjamin, respectively. It's bound to make your Christmas party playlist much more interesting and is available for free download.. - Windy City Rock

Chicago art rock duo The Loneliest Monk have released a cover of the popular Holiday tune, “Carol Of The Bells”, as a free download.

The cover is performed in typical Loneliest Monk fashion. Front woman Michelle Morales plays the main melody line on her distorted cellos taking the notes to the brink of destruction, while percussionist Miles Benjamin keeps up with a barrage of beats and cymbal play. It’s a pretty great listen if you like your Christmas carols a bit on the darker side. - Loud Loop Press

Michelle Morales has played the cello for numerous bands such as Phillip Glass, Foo Fighters, even Kanye West. Miles Benjamin plays the drums at night, runs the Chicago company Kilo Records by day, and plays with All Things Lucid in between it all. How does it all come together? Chicago band the Loneliest Monk. Michelle and Miles joined forces to make the uncommon duo the Loneliest Monk, a series of well-balanced contrasts being performed in a most unique way. Michelle brings the tender strings of her cello against Miles’s deep drums and it’s so different that it works. Which is why they are so hard to describe. Watching and listening to this band is an experience all of it’s own. They go above the standard “get on stage and play” show and make it an experience – costumes, sets, masks, the works. Their debut album The Loneliest Monk embodies their avant-garde style and makes it available to all. They don’t need more than a drum set, a cello, and some keyboards. All they need is their sense of style and talent to wow an audience any time, any where.

The Loneliest Monk is playing in Chicago Friday, October 8 at Mayne Stage with Zach Pietrini & the Broken Bones, In Tall Buildings, and Drew Andrews (of the Album Leaf and Via Satellite) in his new band Drew Andrews & the Spectral Cities. - HEAVEmedia-posted by Amy Dittmeier

This bare-bones twosome, composed of Michelle Morales (cello/keyboards/vocals) and Miles Benjamin (drums/vocals)—with their masks, three piece suits, and phantom-of-the-Opera flair—straddle the fine line between appearing puerile and developing an actual sound. In fact, part of me wants to hate them: their syrupy cadences, slow, drawn out notes, and theatrical sensibilities have the potential to be every bit as annoying as one would expect from any self-proclaimed “avant-garde” indie duo. However, Morales and Benjamin just bring too much skill to the table; unlike so many of their counterparts, the Loneliest Monk is comprised of two real musicians, whose intellect, poise, and tonal restraint give their songs an ethereal quality, and make their performances truly memorable... their protracted notes, wistful harmonies, and masquerade-ball garb blend with the rain like an old-fashioned haunting. Any less talent, and this pair would simply look like a couple of hipsters playing dress-up. - Anna Piepmeyer of Buy A Record, Kill A Yuppie.

Q&A: The Loneliest Monk

It would be hard not to be enchanted by The Loneliest Monk, a Chicago-based art rock duo made up of real-life couple Michelle Morales and Miles Benjamin. Both musically and visually, the duo is marked by a compelling mystique that instantly sets them apart as something special. Listening to their recently-released self-titled LP is kind of like experiencing a series arty mini-movies, each one unfolding with suspense, emotion, and allure. Rounding out the sound's overall unique vibe is Morales's beautiful cello work, which paints the material with classical flair, and the ear-catching dissonance created by Benjamin's playful tiny piano and percussion. Check out this mp3 of one of the album's tracks, "You Don't Have to Try," for a taste, and pick up the full record here or stream it below.

Seeing the duo live, though, completes the picture. They are intent on delivering not just a concert, but an experience - complete with costumes, sets and drama. It's a wonderful break from the norm, and you can see it for yourself at their next local show on Friday, July 30 at the Empty Bottle with La Scala and Violetness (click here for more information and tickets). In advance of the show, the two took some time out to answer a few questions for Windy City Rock. Read on to find out what they had to say.

WCR: You've just returned from an East Coast tour. How did it go? Any standout moments?

Michelle: It was wonderful playing for fresh ears. They didn’t know what to expect and we used that to our advantage. The standout moment was when our van stopped working in Providence. The alternator stopped working so Miles and our tour manager, Blake, somehow pushed it to a body shop during a horrid downpour. I guess all bands experience their first road troubles sometime. I’m just glad it didn’t happen while in the Holland Tunnel or in the middle of nowhere.

Miles: Playing Brooklyn was obviously a great time. The small town support we received from places like Terre Haute, IN was pretty amazing. I had the best breakfast ever at Louis’ diner in Providence, RI.

To get everyone who isn't familiar with The Loneliest Monk up to speed, give us a bit of background on how the two of you came together and how the project started. Did you both make music separately before creating art as a duo?

Michelle: I moved to Chicago during the cold Winter to attend grad school in Cello Performance at DePaul. Miles was one of the first people I met during the first week of moving into the city. He played his record collection for me and our personalities clicked. Grad school was an important time for me to grow musically and once I finished, Miles and I started to incorporate our musical ideas together. I never sang in front of anyone and he brought that out of me. Our debut show at The Hideout was the first time I sang in front of people other than Miles!

Miles: I first met up with Michelle at the Map Room almost five years ago. She had just moved from Arizona and expressed interest in playing cello with my other group, All Things Lucid. I remember telling my friend at the time, “Do not let me date this...beautiful girl. I can’t be distracted right now.” Well I did, fell head over heels, and have been distracted ever since.

How do you think being a couple impacts your music and performances? Do you think it makes ideas come easier, or can it make things more challenging?

Michelle: We have only started working in the musical realm together in the last two years. It was really important for us to establish our relationship from the beginning and to dive into music making later. There is a very different type of trust that has to be established in terms of being in a band together. It’s a very fine line between loving and being critical in the most endearing way. Coming from a classical background, I had to lay back a bit on the whole over achieving mentality. It’s still a struggle for me at times but Miles is great at keeping me sane.

Miles: Being in a relationship definitely changes the dynamics of a band, especially as a two-piece. When recording and rehearsing you have to remember to focus on the music, and to not take criticism personal; however, in our live show we really rely on our intimate connection to increase the mood and tension of the stage. At the end of the day we both have the same intentions: we just want to create the best recorded and live experience we possibly can.

Your bio describes The Loneliest Monk as a “performance, not just a rock show” and a “detraction from the current indie trend.” In what ways specifically will people get a unique experience by listening to your music or going to one of your live shows?

Miles: We love to add a bit of theatrics to our live performance. I feel that a live show should be more then just the sounds you are playing. I want to be visually stimulated. For us, this can be as simple as dressing up and wearing a mask, or as complicated a - Windy City Rock

It happened when I saw Garo Yellin play with Pere Ubu in the mid-nineties and it happened again with Michelle Morales at Friday, July 2nd’s, The Loneliest Monk‘s album release show. There is just something about a rock cellist bathed in red light that makes you feel like you are in a David Lynch film. Mysterious, slightly on your guard and transfixed.

The crowd was as surprising as the experience, people of all ages crowded Lincoln Hall, but what was surprising was not so much their presence, but that such a wide array of people could relate to the subtle sensuality of the show. Do not underestimate how enticing waltz time can be! Now, admittedly, rock music is associated with sexual congress. Most any popular band is apt to pump out coital 4/4 beats, but The Loneliest Monk is different, they oft employed a more evocative 3/4. This was particularly true when the above-mentioned red-lit cellist has her legs spread ’round the instrument and her left hand quivers a vibrato. Let us just say that she could easily appeal as a solo artist. And though it was an all ages show, I might have been leery about subjecting prepubescent progeny to these sights and sounds.

And as Morales played the drummer, Miles Benjamin, looked every bit the gentleman diamond thief in a black mask and tuxedo. Were any fine necklaces unclasped from the nape of a duchess’ neck when the smoke machine billowed and the lights went low? I can not say, though it would not have surprised me to hear they were. But had such a thing transpired, the good gent’s tight drumming could have both mesmerized and proven an effective alibi.

To finish, The Loneliest Monk is a magical and sensual band. I do suggest it to anyone interested in a more subtle evening of “Steampunk” music. Having purchased the CD and taking it for a spin the following morning, I would say it to be a fine album, perfect for an evening of introspection along with a glass of wine or port.

Joseph F. Mason is a continuing music and arts contributor to SteampunkChicago.com, he lives in Chicago with his lovely wife Liz in a house full of fantastic Tiki stuff. You can hear some of Joseph’s own music on his MySpace Page. - SteamPunk Chicago

...Hailing from Chicago, this band, comprised of 4.5 year partners Miles and Michelle, are friends of Amber’s from her days in Chi-City.

Their music was just as passionate as I’m sure the relationship is. Michelle plugged in her cello to give it an electrified sound. It was nothing short of breathtaking and beautiful.

Miles got his Gothic Gaga on, as he took to the stage in a masquerade mask and drummed his heart out to their haunting, well-balanced songs musing on love, lust, loneliness and heartache. I hope they move to New York and bring that ferocious talent with them.

The Loneliest Monk KILL IT. 'Nuff said.

After the show, I told them how great I thought they were. Michelle told me that “Music is therapy.” While many artists say this, I believed her.

It was awesome to see such a diverse range of talent do their thing. - THE NEW POP

The Loneliest Monk is a classically infused, art-rock duo from Chicago, IL. Michelle Morales & Miles Benjamin infuse the cello with big, hardy drumming, choral chanting, with light and airy synths, disturbing chord progressions with electronic samples.

The duo emits a kind of risk taking in music that is well worth it. Their music reminds me of the perfect soundtrack to any slightly dark, yet oddly funny Tim Burton movie, full of strange sonic pairings that reflect sonic genius. Michelle and Miles vocally compliment each other well, in the same way Jack and Meg White do. I love hearing classical instruments being used with modern music, in utterly not traditional ways. And this is why The Loneliest Monk stands out.

My favorite song is “Picasso.” It begins with druggy-organ, which leads into a snappy drum riff an equally catchy “We don’t know Picasso, We don’t know Picasso.” Cue echo-chambered sample-hits, now! Add some toms. Boom. Awesome.

So, if you want a little bit of the old, a little bit of the new, wrapped in perfect harmony, listen to The Loneliest Monk, Jukebox Heroine and Hero. - jukebox heroines

A cello and a drumset usually isn’t enough for a band to get started. But singer/cellist/keyboardist Michelle Morales and drummer/vocalist Miles Benjamin create plenty of artful drama out of their unusual composition, adding extra theatrical layers with onstage costumes that Morales calls ‘Victorian meets Goth meets vintage.‘ ‘Since people are paying money,‘ she says, ‘We may as well give ‘em something to look at that’s interesting.‘ Good policy… - The Metromix/Red Eye

Despite its name, this is actually a two-person venture. Michelle Morales (cello/vocals) and Miles Benjamin (drums/vocals), who dress for performances as though they’re en route to a masquerade ball, made their debut in August at the Hideout and have since gone on to write an album’s worth of material with an eye on a spring release… Songs often sound as though they’re cobbled together from old ghosts and memories - The Chicago Tribune says

An indie-rocker and a master cellist have teamed up into a guy-girl duo that present something a little different than your typical rock show. A little avant-garde, a little classical and a little rock make for a pleasing, ambient and somewhat haunting listening experience… Their cool, ambient music is a nice departure from the standard 4-piece rock or jazz group. It’s little bit rock, a little bit classical, a little jazz infused, and all intriguing - Gapersblock.com

The Metromix/Red Eye labeled The Loneliest Monk as one of the top 25 shows to see in Chicago!

“This year’s Rock ‘n’ Vote runners-up put on one of the city’s most unique live performances. A few words: Cello. Drums. Masks. Drama.” - Matt Pais - Matt Pais / Metromix