On their latest single, "Looking Away," Monotronic arrives with something familiar and exploratory, like crashing a car during an unfamiliar drive at night, with only constellations lighting the way. The L.A.-based indie rock band, which originated in New York City, still manages to skirt genres with indie pop, alternative rock, and even hints of global that make the band's sound unmistakable.
In this respect, the band's frontman, founding member, guitarist, producer, and principal songwriter, Ramsey Elkholy, leads Monotronic into music-making with a layered depth. Elkholy's artful direction laces the group's kaleidoscopic sound with a sense of cohesiveness, skillfully bridging the electrified impulse of contemporary rock with ambient and meditative textures. That synthesis is front and center on "Looking Away," which invites you on an emotionally involved ride.
The slow-burner track toggles between soft, melodic introspection and dynamic build. It flows like a wave, soft but insistent, making room for reverie while gently working to pull you forward. The guitars shine with desert heat, the drums throb with a heartbeat tempo, and the vocals ache just enough to stick around.
Filmed in Joshua Tree National Park, the music video renders the song transcendent. The complex, almost desert landscape features "Looking Away," reflecting the song's exhausted sense of isolation, beauty, and the subtle power of letting go. It's no shocker that the video premiered at #1 on VEVO, and the visual is striking and has a thought-provoking vibe.
Monotronic's genius isn't just in blending genres. It's in making music that feels authentic, and they craft moods. Another salutary reminder of this comes from "Looking Away." It welcomes you into a room where openness is embraced, and introspection is a payoff. Whether you're already a fan of their genre-defying collection or new to all of this, "Looking Away" is an excellent introduction to Monotronic's world. It's a song for late nights, long walks, and those quiet moments when you need music that sees you, especially when you're not looking.
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