Crashbox＜限定盤/Colored Vinyl＞

Monkey House bring together smooth contemporary jazz and classic singer/songwriter soft rock hooks in the vein of Steely Dan on their seventh studio album, 2025s Crashbox. Its an evocative, sophisticated style the Canadian band has been perfecting for roughly 20 years, and one that largely showcases the talents of lead singer, songwriter, and pianist Don Breithaupt. Blessed with a soft, natural croon, Breithaupt is the relaxed center of Monkey House, the stylish and urbane everyman whos just looking for love and a little bit of truth. He underlines the vibe throughout the album, as on "Disappear in Plain Sight" singing, "Lets fade away in the downtown light." Other cuts, like "Return of the Mayfly," "Someplace on Madison," and "Sundaying," are laid-back, yet clubby anthems that deftly conjure a throwback 70s and early-80s AM pop vibe. Adding their own jazz-rock flair are longtime members guitarist Justin Abedin, bassist Pat Kilbride, and drummer Mark Kelso, along with close associate (and occasional Steely Dan member) trumpeter Michael Leonhart and vocalists Michael Dunston and Selena Evangeline. It also marks the bands last outing with guitarist Drew Zingg, who died tragically in 2025 just prior to the albums release. With Crashbox, Monkey House have crafted one of their most compelling albums, underscoring their reputation as torchbearers for a thinking-mans jazz-pop. ~ Matt Collar

ドン・ブライトハウプトのワンマン・プロジェクトによる5作目である。従来通りスティーリー・ダンの見事なフォロワーぶりを見せつつも、ホーンが高らかに鳴り響く"Return Of The Mayfly"をはじめ、シカゴへのオマージュを随所で炸裂させているのが今回の特色。アコースティック色の濃いバラード"Feeling You Breathe"も新鮮だし、メリハリの効いた良作となっている。
bounce (C)桑原シロー