The Dialtones – Monk (2025)
Inspired by life in its totality – from uncertain societies and vulnerable human conditions to optimistic hopefulness for a brighter tomorrow – The Dialtones tackle somewhat provocative issues with passion and zeal. Founded by musician Lauren Gurgiolo, known for her work with Okkervil River, The Octopus Project, and The Heartless Bastards, the US-based songstress is no minnow in the music industry shark pool. Her musical stylings have captured hearts at renowned internal venues, and she made her way to late-night shows with Conan, Jimmy Falon, and David Letterman.
Alright, we could go on for a while discussing Lauren Gurgiolo, but today we’re taking a gander at her project, The Dialtones. The second single from The Dialtones’ upcoming EP, Static Sky, ‘Monk’ follows the well-received single, ‘Naming No Names’.
A concoction of kaleidoscopic sound, the new track draws together Gurgiolo (guitar), Mad Whittaker (vocals), Geena Spigarelli (bass), Chris Housler (drums), Wiley Green (synths), and Karla Manzur (harmony vocals). Produced with Kevin Ratterman, with mixing by Brain Beatie and mastering by The Kitchen Mastering, ‘Monk’ finds that line between discomfort and solace in its eclectic blend.
Distorted and obscure, the melding of bold bass, soaring guitars, shimmering synths, and pulsating drums toss you from pillar to post, seeping into your brain with a strange psychedelic insanity. Yet, as much as the avant-garde craziness is a bit scattered and eerie, particularly with the haunting vocals, it is all perfectly apt considering the theme. Instead of stepping aside, ‘Monk’ reaches into the grittier side of humanity wrapped in a sonic representation of a hypomanic episode. Lauren Gurgiolo explains:
“’Monk’ exemplifies the type of overreaching, black-and-white concepts that intrigue me when I am in a hypomanic state… The song raises questions about whether human progress since the agricultural age has been worthwhile. Influenced by the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, the song portrays modern life as being psychologically at odds with our roots as hunter-gatherers… Having lived near homeless encampments, it appears that our modern ethics are lacking and that we have lost something valuable.”
In addition to the single, The Dialtones released an official music video for ‘Monk’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about The Dialtones on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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