Fast paced, progressive and a little punk rock, Brooklyn’s Old Monk is a sweet reminder of what indie rock should be. Josh Carrafa’s lyrics and guitar work are reminiscent of Julian Casablancas, minus the major record label drama. They do however have the potential to cross over to an enormous audience thanks to their organic infusion of progressive time changes and transitions. Ian Burns holds down the rhythm section with mathematic precision, making their tunes tighter than your jeans from way back in 1999. Old Monk has the fantastic ability to make you want to cry and thrash around the mosh pit at the same time — make sure to check them out live, they’ll have a record release in mid January and a Cake Shop residency in February. – Ed Guardaro
