Paris Monster

ABOUT PARIS MONSTER:

Paris Monster is a duo out of Brooklyn, New York. They combine soulful vocals with sparse, linear drumming; fuzzed out bass with grinding synth; all atop a “eurorack” modular synth backdrop. If you’re wondering how a duo can cover vocals, drums, synth, bass, and extra synths, that’s because Josh Dion covers vocals, drums, and synth all at once, while Geoff Kraly handles the bass and sequencing the eurorack. It’s almost a shame to mention this novelty — I fear that it does a disservice to the musicianship on full display in Paris Monster — they don’t sound like a duo. If you only heard their music, you would have no idea of the musical economy at play, but to see it in action is as humbling as it is thrilling. It’s definitely a reminder that you should probably be practicing.

Initially, it would be tempting to focus only on Josh Dion, and the remarkable feat that he is accomplishing by absolutely jamming on the drums, synths, and vocals (complete with diva-esque hand gestures — the guy is into it), but to ignore Geoff Kraly would be criminal. His bass lines are catchy, memorable, and grooving. He spends as much time on the upper octave of his bass as he does in the lower, filling double duty, covering the sonic landscape that would normally be covered by guitar, before descending back into the bass register. On top of that, he is responsible for sequencing the modular synths that provide an extra layer of depth and texture to the soundscape. Finally, he serves as the band’s lyricist, and the lyrical content is excellent.

Listening to and observing this duo is a masterclass in musical economy. Between the two of them, they are covering a lot of ground, but there is nothing “busy” about it. Every piece, every layer, is the product of intentional thought.

`-Excerpt from "Paris Monster covers a lot of ground" written by Austin J. Hill for smilepolitely.com/

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