"Body Language" by Monotonix (Drag City) Out Now

As with many underground indie bands trying to break through, their fan base grows from Internet buzz, MySpace entries, and many times, what their gigs are like. When it comes to Monotonix, their shows are incendiary. Literally.

There are pictures from their concerts on their MySpace page; one is of singer, Ami Shalev, (bare-chested, with a wide-eyed look) biting the top of a guitar, and another is of the drummer, Ran Shimoni, holding up his sticks, which happen to be on fire. The drums happened to be aflame too. An entry from June from one of their fans says simply “Thank you for headbutting me in the chest.”

From what’s mentioned on their Web site, Monotonix shows are gaining reputation as being one big headbanging party. Apparently the band, from Tel Aviv, Israel, left that country due to its stifling music scene. Their loud shows would be broken up by police, or the power would get cut. They eventually were banned from most of the venues in Tel Aviv, so they have taken a big bloody bite out of the states. They have toured with Silver Jews (Stephen Malkmus’s band) as well as performed at SXSW and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The opening song on Body Language, “Lowest Dive,” starts off a bit unconventional, repeating the opening riff several more times than you would expect, but it’s time well spent to get to the catchy chorus.

The music is packed with those heavy riffs, fueled by the ghosts of Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy. Ami Shalev’s vocals have a wicked freakiness that’s a bit reminiscent of Ozzy, in the old days of Black Sabbath. Fuzzy rhythm guitar, by Yonatan Gat, is freewheeling and power-fueled, but structured. A bass player would seem unnecessary in this band. Monotonix is loaded with consistent tunes, incessant drumming, pounding beats, and strong vocals.

“Body Language” is the most recognizable song on the EP, with the catchiest groove. “No Metal” also sneaks in a surprising hit of organ, which brings additional depth to the already heavy song. Shalev expels whatever energy he has left through his vocal chords.

Monotonix is heavy-metal, hard-rocking stuff. Although this is only an EP, it packs a full-size punch with its killer hooks. Once the riffs on “Body Language” get in your head, they nestle in quite comfortably and don’t budge. Their shows could be just as addicting.