Monty Are I
Steve Aiello - lead vocals, guitar, programming
Andrew Borstein - keyboards, synthesizer, trombone, programming
Mike Matarese - bass guitar
Justin Muir - drums
Ryan Muir - vocals, guitar, trumpet


Weaving together emotive vocals, classic rock elements, edgy rhythms, aggressive delivery, a big sound, exhilarating dynamics, and some unexpected surprises, their debut album Wall of People is a rocker's delight.

Not content to merely regurgitate the past's glories nor even emulate the modern crop of heroes, Wall of People strikes off down its own intriguing avenues. "Tie Off Your Veins," for example, features tuba and shifting time signatures that at times are so staccato that they're nearly reggae.



Few rock bands sport brass (tuba and trumpet); even rarer are those who utilize it with such subtly and suppleness as Monty Are I. Sprinkled around the set, they're used to heighten atmosphere, build up dynamics, and add further exhilaration to rousing numbers. Synthesizer is more heavily featured, though, and for many more purposes, an integral part of the group's sound that allows the music to move easily across a wide range of styles and atmospheres.



   Long ago, rock was just rock, no need to slice and dice it down, perhaps Monty Are I will help glue today's slivered scene back together, and this album is a giant step in that direction.