01 December 2023 - 0 Comments
An easy melody underpinned by a gentle South Pacific vibe, The Mons Whaler deliver another soul-soothing earworm with Online, a breezy, perfectly harmonious number that leans into something that sounds familiar but is definitely not more of the same.
A mellifluous sonic melding of like-minded talents has conjured up a magical and alluring neo-vintage soul sound comprised of swampy alt-rock tones, silky-smooth hooks and tight velvet vocals. Online sees The Mons Whaler deftly serve up an effortlessly performed, perfectly structured song that hits all the feels with its understated alt-roots R&B flavour authentically underscored by a naturally warm, soulful groove.
The Mons Whaler have the feel of a band that has been around for eons but are in fact, a fresh hot name on the scene, with the original trio of founding members Hemi Coates (vocals/guitar), Andre Peri (percussion/backing vocals), and Phil Hoskin (bass guitar/backing vocals) having formed little more than a year ago.
In that short time frame, the band moved quickly from jamming to simultaneously recording the fast flow of soulful tunes spilling out of their rehearsal sessions, and winning over a live local audience. For these twin ‘duties’, The Mons Whaler engaged the immensely talented Courtnay Low (keys/lead guitar/backing vocals) to join them both in the studio and on the stage.
On the release of the debut EP last month, the band acknowledged that as a four-piece they felt complete, and extended the invitation for Courtnay to join the band full-time, forging a musical combination made in the stars. “Before Courtnay, we were like a chocolate cake but not quite right, and then Courtnay came along, and she was the icing. You can’t have a cake without the icing,” says Hoskin.
Produced by Rhythm Ace Studio, mixed by Sam Johnson and mastered at Kog Studio, Online is another outstanding tune from this exemplary band of musicians. Like melted butter sliding off hot toast, Coates’ charming vocals blend seamlessly with the breezy BV’s, gentle synths, hand claps and an effortless, fun groove.
Lyrically Online references the nature of our reliance on technology, and in particular, social media. It speaks to the very human and primal desire to actually engage in person and be ‘warmed’ by someone in real life.
It’s accompanied by another stunning video, made with the talented film and video teams at Fused and SOEL creative, and follows on from the beautifully shot previous single Won’t Let You Go, off the debut EP of the same name.
The video for Online stars gifted young dancers Jari Jacobs and Cheyanne Tekabeing totally engaged in their phones despite being in close proximity to each other. At the end of the video they put down the technology and actually engage in a smile and conversation.
Of the video, the band says: “The video for online was a collaborative effort between the amazing crew at Fused, our talented dancers Jari and Cheyanne and Hemi's overall vision for the song. Everyone involved was given a creative license to help tell the story using their own talents, styles and chemistry with one another. We are so proud of how this has all come together.”
Sharing a deep connection to their indigenous Maori roots has also been a foundation stone for the band, enhancing their musical dynamic without constraining them to the usual socialised stereotypes. The band happily put their creative energy into a sound and story outside of the typically expected genre, looking to captivate the spirit and soul of an expansive listener demographic. It’s a defining part of their allure and broad appeal to music lovers, and a vibe that is clearly working for them.
As they continue on their exciting new musical journey capturing the ears and hearts of music fans, The Mons Whaler are a band that deserves to be firmly on your radar with their collection of accomplished tunes and electrifying live performances. A summer stunner that will provide the warm feels for miles, their latest track Online is a deserving and perfect addition to your essential summer road-trip playlist! Look out for their debut album early 2024.
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