Powers of the Monk has fast become one of our favourite conscious acts, sharing enlightening work such as the transcendental, Icarus, the ethereal escapism anthem, Puffy Head, and the high concept and intricate, Firefly, so when we heard that the band was back with Bread & Circuses, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Drawing us in with intricate acoustic guitar, beeping sounds, rising air with cerebral crowd noise, Powers of the Monk open Bread & Circuses with descriptive, metaphorical prose and a delicate astral vocal with the words, “Greasy fingers on my window pane, seven people made up by my brain, no names I’m in pieces, little pieces and the circus comes to town…”
We learn that Bread & Circuses is a song about a schizophrenia patient, with delusions of breaking out of their mental facility, visiting the circus and seeing the lions eat the clowns. Thematically, the song dives headfirst into chaos. The lyrics follow this patient who is caught between delusion and reality. The prose manifests a dream that feels both terrifying and strangely beautiful, especially coupled with the stunning delivery, sublime soundscape, whimsical elements and astral, airy harmonies.
We appreciate the presence of guest drummer John O’Reilly Jr., who gives the song a strong, steady energy. The instrumental solo segment feels psychedelic and aligned with the escapism that the message brings to life. The guitar and violin play around each other poetically.
We could imagine the track being played on the rooftop of Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood – this is exactly the type of genre that they love to play! Powers of the Monk is a band that has grown quickly since their early EP Freight Train. Their work with producer Dani Macchi has sharpened their edges and made their sound more cinematic.
The journey that Powers of the Monk takes us on is unique, cosmic, cerebral and mind-bending. They have a truly unique sound and are creating cohesive art that is thought-provoking and genre expansive. We have added Bread & Circuses to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the band’s exquisite, growing discography.