Monty Are I - Break Through the Silence

[Jeremy Aaron]

Monty Are I - Break Through the Silence
Record Label: Island
Release Date: September 22, 2009

Pretty much everything surrounding Break Through the Silence, the sophomore release from Rhode Island's Monty Are I, is a little confounding. Following in the footsteps of Rx Bandits, the band formerly known as Monty's Fan Club evolved from their ska-punk foundations into a progressive-leaning post-hardcore unit with their 2006 release Wall of People, issued on the now-defunct Stolen Transmission imprint. Wall showed promise, but despite its attempts at inventive arrangements, it was essentially a formulaic rock record at its core and achieved only modest success, which is why the band's promotion to major label Island came as a bit of a surprise.

Then comes the actual sound of the album itself. Monty Are I could have refined the sound of Wall of People and turned out something truly interesting, but instead, seem to have fallen into the pitfall of watering down their music and, in the process, eliminating any creative or redeeming aspects, ultimately resulting in a muddled mess. Traces of their trademark brassy orchestration are present here, but most of the time, particularly the ending of "Kaleidoscope," they seem to be inserted merely as an afterthought, and thus don't really add much to the songs. Further, most of these tracks are straight-ahead, polished atmospheric rock and are virtually indistinguishable from the output of similar bands like Secret and Whisper.

The most striking quality of Break Through the Silence is vocalist Steve Aiello's powerful vocals, which bear strong similarities to Saosin's Cove Reber, especially at the upper reaches of his register, when the voice strains just a bit. His mostly high-pitched delivery fits the musical style well, but the combination has become so commonplace that it's hard to get excited about it anymore, and when it's overly autotuned and robotic effects are applied, as on the opening title track, the results aren't very pretty and border on grating. After twelve tunes that are very similar in terms of melody, a little depth in this department would have been welcome, as well.

Wall of People producer Matt Squire returned to produce Break Through the Silence, accompanied by Linkin Park producer Don Gilmore. The focus this time out seemed to be producing a simpler, heavier sound, placing the driving guitar riffs front-and-center in the mix, the product of which is sometimes disheartening, like the exercise in power chords that is "Hope." Monty have proven themselves to be talented musicians, but seem to have dumbed themselves down here, resulting in a record that's almost uniformly boring (a pass goes to "Sand Riders Doomsday," whose slicing strings and furious guitar work make it the highlight). After Wall of People, it wouldn't have been unreasonable to hope for an imaginative and exciting follow-up, but unfortunately, it ended up being mostly bland and lifeless. Maybe next time.

Saosin's In Search of Solid Ground
The Receiving End of Sirens' Between the Heart and the Synapse
Secret and Whisper's The Great White Whale
Closure in Moscow's First Temple
Ivoryline's There Came a Lion

1. Break Through the Silence (3:42)
2. The Stand (3:34)
3. Hope (3:33)
4. One in a Million (2:58)
5. Making Sounds (3:46)
6. Sand Riders Doomsday (3:14)
7. Kaleidoscope (3:45)
8. All of You Tonight (3:42)
9. On the Wire (3:56)
10. Desert (3:53)
11. Mirage (2:52)
12. Convoy of Angels (3:55)

[Debut_Fin]

Sand Rider's Doomsday was the song that stood out for me, too. I enjoyed the album but it's nothing I'm going to tell all my friends about.

[brokenwings]

i agree with most everything. except for the saosin and secret and whisper comparisons...

[Gin]

I like the first 7 tracks. They are so catchy, my itunes-counter exploded in a few days^^
The album as a whole isnt outstanding, but its very good music in my opinion :)
great band.

[SteveD]

Lol Steve sounds nothing like Cove.

Not a fan of the review, kudos for trying though.

The album is really great, and certainly not boring.

[sasalukac]

I'd personally give their Wall of People release a bit more credit, given the energy and lasting appeal of many of the tracks. That said, the album as a whole wasn't very consistent, and made it fall short of an outstanding release; so in that respect I agree with you. All in all good review, I'll check this out and keep your words in mind.

[what_ever]

saw the first RIYL and cringed. will not be listening, haha. I wasn't a big fan of their debut though.

[ezco25]

63??
ur fucking kidding me this cd is amazing - and has so many never done before things in it

crappy reviewer - plus 7.25 on vocals? the vocals on this record stood out to me like on no other album this year

r u high?

[ReadyForAction]

63??
ur fucking kidding me this cd is amazing - and has so many never done before things in it

crappy reviewer - plus 7.25 on vocals? the vocals on this record stood out to me like on no other album this year

r u high?
lol I like your logic

[Jeremy Aaron]

63??
ur fucking kidding me this cd is amazing - and has so many never done before things in it

crappy reviewer - plus 7.25 on vocals? the vocals on this record stood out to me like on no other album this year

r u high?
I don't use drugs. Good music makes me high. Since I was listening to this particular CD when writing the review, I was not high.

Also, there isn't anything "never done before" here, because this very band did them before, and executed it better, on their last album.

[andthetruthwill]

The first part of this album has songs that seem to stand out, then it kind of faded and the songs got weird as it progressed, i thought upon first listen.

And they have no relation in sound to Secret and Whisper. That's kind of out of the ballpark.The sounds here are a lot of loud soft dynamics fitted for radio. I would say they are like There for Tomorrow, but not as good or emotional.

[ezco25]

I don't use drugs. Good music makes me high. Since I was listening to this particular CD when writing the review, I was not high.
haha its funny how you think youre funny...

but come on - really? a 63 - deff not

either you are the shittiest reviewer to walk the land OR monty has done something to piss you off?

[denissuxx]

I listened to three songs off this earlier.. it wasn't bad, but nothing made me want to listen to more... and I would rather listen to Dog Problems.

Will give it another chance probably.

[Merch_Mike]

I loved their previous album. I can't get into this one at all so far.

[Jeremy Aaron]

haha its funny how you think youre funny...

but come on - really? a 63 - deff not

either you are the shittiest reviewer to walk the land OR monty has done something to piss you off?
Both, obviously. I'm, of course, the shittiest reviewer in the world. Everyone knows that. Also, my slutty ex-girlfriend fucked one of the band members. I was pissed, so this is my way of getting even.

Seriously, though, this album isn't awful, but this band seems capable of much better, but appear to be satisfied going by the numbers.

[zubinmoosa]

I don't really get the RIYL... but I enjoy this record quite a bit

[NateFoundGlory]

63??
ur fucking kidding me this cd is amazing - and has so many never done before things in it

crappy reviewer - plus 7.25 on vocals? the vocals on this record stood out to me like on no other album this year

r u high?

haha its funny how you think youre funny...

but come on - really? a 63 - deff not

either you are the shittiest reviewer to walk the land OR monty has done something to piss you off?

Hey look, a rabid, dumb fanboy.

[RyanFTW]

I am a HUGE MAI fan and I don't even think this album is too good. The first thing I got from it were how insincere the lyrics felt when I heard them. Too stereotypical rock. You nary hear horns and such on it and it's a decently produced mess.

[Samc1803]

Discovering this band was a treat, hadn't heard of them 'til a month or so ago. I thought this record was alright.

[Jeremy Aaron]

I don't really get the RIYL... but I enjoy this record quite a bit
I don't know what other people hear when they played this album, but I just can't help but think it sounds like every other band with a high-register vocalist whose guitarsits go for the whole "stratospheric" sound, like those listed. This album has horns here and there (less than on Wall of People), but there doesn't seem to be inspiration behind their use. I suppose I could have used Rx Bandits, but I just don't think they're in the same league, really.

[zubinmoosa]

I don't know what other people hear when they played this album, but I just can't help but think it sounds like every other band with a high-register vocalist whose guitarsits go for the whole "stratospheric" sound, like those listed. This album has horns here and there (less than on Wall of People), but there doesn't seem to be inspiration behind their use. I suppose I could have used Rx Bandits, but I just don't think they're in the same league, really.
fair enough

[aradiantsunrise]

Wow, I thought this album was really good.

[Lost In A Name]

Definitely not trying to start any kind of fight here, and obviously music is very subjective and very much opinion, but I have to say I absolutely love this CD and was pretty surprised to see the mediocre response on this site. I liked Wall of People a lot but I definitely think this album is SO in your face, aggressive, powerful and catchy. It must have struck a chord with my personally or something because these songs give me goose-bumps and its the only CD I've been playing over and over and over again since it came out. But I can see its not for everyone, no music really is. But I was pretty surprised to see most of the comments on here being pretty indifferent about this album, I thought everyone was going to love it like I did, but that just isn't realistic I guess haha.

[ezco25]

Hey look, a rabid, dumb fanboy.
look! a fucking moron

[ezco25]

Both, obviously. I'm, of course, the shittiest reviewer in the world. Everyone knows that. Also, my slutty ex-girlfriend fucked one of the band members. I was pissed, so this is my way of getting even.

Seriously, though, this album isn't awful, but this band seems capable of much better, but appear to be satisfied going by the numbers.
haha im not sure if that first paragraph is sarcastic or not..

and it doesnt matter what theyre capable of, bottom line is you are reviewing this album, nothing else

also 5 on creativity???
Sand Riders Doomsday, desert, mirage - i neever heard anything like those songs, atleast out of my 5,000 songs - have you? and you give them a 5 for creativity?? thats just bull

[DI Pistola]

I think this is a great rock record, through and through.

iTunes bonus "Patriarch" is excellent--too bad it didn't get mentioned here.

[NateFoundGlory]

look! a fucking moron

Owwie, my feelings!

But really, it's just his opinion. Just because it's not yours doesn't mean he's the worst reviewer to ever walk the earth.

[imtherealdave]

Those RIYL comparisons are really off and almost insulting.

[HometownHero]

haha im not sure if that first paragraph is sarcastic or not..

and it doesnt matter what theyre capable of, bottom line is you are reviewing this album, nothing else

also 5 on creativity???
Sand Riders Doomsday, desert, mirage - i neever heard anything like those songs, atleast out of my 5,000 songs - have you? and you give them a 5 for creativity?? thats just bull
You should listen to more music and better music. Because you are a fucking fool

[S9Dallasoz]

For what it is, I dig it.

[Jeremy Aaron]

I don't know, maybe there's something wrong with my ears. For those whining about the RIYLs, care to offer any suggestions to inform the readers I'm so shamelessly misleading? My take: there are a dozen bands in your hometown who would sound just like this if you sporadically added random, haphazard horns into their music.

[aradiantsunrise]

I don't know, maybe there's something wrong with my ears. For those whining about the RIYLs, care to offer any suggestions to inform the readers I'm so shamelessly misleading? My take: there are a dozen bands in your hometown who would sound just like this if you sporadically added random, haphazard horns into their music.
I hardly know what to say for RIYLs but I think the TREOS one is very accurate.

[Jeremy Aaron]

I hardly know what to say for RIYLs but I think the TREOS one is very accurate.
I don't remember which one, but there's a part in one of the songs that sounds almost exactly like "Planning a Prison Break."

I put a great deal of effort in compiling RIYLs, but I still think people read too much into them. "This doesn't sound exactly like (insert band)." It's like, of course not.

[aradiantsunrise]

I don't remember which one, but there's a part in one of the songs that sounds almost exactly like "Planning a Prison Break."

I put a great deal of effort in compiling RIYLs, but I still think people read too much into them. "This doesn't sound exactly like (insert band)." It's like, of course not.
Hmm, I'll have to listen to the album again to find that part.

I don't think people should make a big deal out of RIYLs either, everyones always gonna have different opinions about them.

[princesschad]

haha im not sure if that first paragraph is sarcastic or not..

and it doesnt matter what theyre capable of, bottom line is you are reviewing this album, nothing else

also 5 on creativity???
Sand Riders Doomsday, desert, mirage - i neever heard anything like those songs, atleast out of my 5,000 songs - have you? and you give them a 5 for creativity?? thats just bull
If you've "never heard anything" like Monty Are I, it stands to reason that it's about time you listened to better music.

[AloneInTheDark]

haha im not sure if that first paragraph is sarcastic or not..

and it doesnt matter what theyre capable of, bottom line is you are reviewing this album, nothing else

also 5 on creativity???
Sand Riders Doomsday, desert, mirage - i neever heard anything like those songs, atleast out of my 5,000 songs - have you? and you give them a 5 for creativity?? thats just bull

You're too funny man.
Monty Are I are not that wonderful...they're live show is obnoxious, they're music is fairly generic, and the guys are rude cocky jerks. I hate the fact that i've seen them about 15 times because WBRU always threw them into shows last minute.

[teh_erica]

I had a few small issues with this album, but I still love it. Monty is one of my favorite bands, and I definitely think Wall of People is a better album, but I think this one is better than a 63%.

[DandonTRJ]

haha its funny how you think youre funny...

but come on - really? a 63 - deff not

either you are the shittiest reviewer to walk the land OR monty has done something to piss you off?
Keep in mind, the AP scale is not like a report card. 63% isn't a D minus. It's slightly above average. 5 is an average score. Not bad, not great, but okay. So 63% means it's slightly better than the average band in the genre, but nothing to write home about. When you begin to process the numbers here as a sliding scale instead of a school grade, the scores make much more sense.

[ezco25]

Wow, I thought this album was really good.
it is, reviewer sucks...

[roche]

Album really didn't do much for me at all except for "One In A Million" and 'Desert" . The rest of it sounded like bland rock to me but whatever.

[ezco25]

Owwie, my feelings!

But really, it's just his opinion. Just because it's not yours doesn't mean he's the worst reviewer to ever walk the earth.
completely agreed but when he knocks the vocals and creativity down like that.... thts way passed having a bad opinion...

[ezco25]

You should listen to more music and better music. Because you are a fucking fool
right back atchya
i listen to a lot of diff. music so dont think i just listen the saame popular or whatever bands...

[ezco25]

If you've "never heard anything" like Monty Are I, it stands to reason that it's about time you listened to better music.
no i have m saying those 3 songs - just listen to the intros and tell me if youve heard stuff within miles of that within any rock genre.... u havent...

[ezco25]

You're too funny man.
Monty Are I are not that wonderful...they're live show is obnoxious, they're music is fairly generic, and the guys are rude cocky jerks. I hate the fact that i've seen them about 15 times because WBRU always threw them into shows last minute.
1i am not saying they are amazing im saying this album is way better than as reviewed
2 i saw them live, and it was a great show
3 i met them, and they were actually extremely normal and nice so yea

[ezco25]

Keep in mind, the AP scale is not like a report card. 63% isn't a D minus. It's slightly above average. 5 is an average score. Not bad, not great, but okay. So 63% means it's slightly better than the average band in the genre, but nothing to write home about. When you begin to process the numbers here as a sliding scale instead of a school grade, the scores make much more sense.
im not a retard haha im not thinking of school scores

[andrewarei]

and the guys are rude cocky jerks.

I'm sorry, have we met?

[brandosnakes]

I heard they wrote this album so they could score with mad b**ches and make loads of money. I also heard they hate people, especially babies. So if you are a person or a baby you should prob not listen. However if you are a cyborg, this is the album for you.

[Moira Amiss]

is that autotune in the first song or are the vocals just doubled? it's hard to really tell, to me anyway. i assumed they sound the way they do because they are doubled, but even if that's not the case and autotune was used, in this case i think it's ok. it's not overly used and not meant to sound robotic. just my opinion though. i still can't get enough of this album.

[stayillogical]

You're too funny man.
Monty Are I are not that wonderful...they're live show is obnoxious, they're music is fairly generic, and the guys are rude cocky jerks. I hate the fact that i've seen them about 15 times because WBRU always threw them into shows last minute.
I hate to be a grammar nazi, but it really bothers me that you misused they're twice in the same sentence.

I disagree strongly about their live show, I love the energy. And where are you getting rude cocky jerks from? Seriously. I only dislike one of them, but the rest are extremely gracious. I've talked to them many times, and know them better as well because of mutual friends, and when you judge their character that way, I think you're really far off dude. I also respect them for being the band to make the most effort to talk to and get to know their fans. I don't know any other band like that, but I know the MAI guys know a gazillion people by names and always interact and do special favors for people. I have a lot of stories I could tell, but this is already way too long, soo... whatever. Judge the music, not the people.

[stayillogical]

I'm sorry, have we met?
Hahahaha, oh Mama. I'm sure he hasn't met you if he makes that kind of statement.

[HometownHero]

right back atchya
i listen to a lot of diff. music so dont think i just listen the saame popular or whatever bands...
Like Monty Are I? Who happen to be on a major label...

[AloneInTheDark]

I'm sorry, have we met?
I've met you with a friend of mine, I don't know probably 2 years ago? We saw you with (I think) The Audition/The Graduate, and she was a huge fan of yours. She tried to have a conversation with one of you, and just completely blew her off. There were not that many people coming up to you at the time either...it was a very small show at The Axis in Boston.

So yes. We have.

[chcougar1]

You're too funny man.
Monty Are I are not that wonderful...they're live show is obnoxious, they're music is fairly generic, and the guys are rude cocky jerks. I hate the fact that i've seen them about 15 times because WBRU always threw them into shows last minute.
Their live show is obnoxious? are you fucking kidding me? Few shows have as much energy as these guys do and they always sound GREAT. The bass literally shakes through your body at times it is an amazing feeling.

I think you just have some personal issue with the band. Ive never really tried to talk to the guys but I have seen them take time to talk to pretty much anyone who comes up to them at the merch tables!

Also this album rated at a 63% is a joke. People can say it is not like the school grading system, but when you look at how some other albums are rated on here that are rated much higher it makes me feel like this is a huge slap in the face.

I like the album a lot. Wall of People is more unique in my opinion, but this one is still high energy and in your face.

[donwagenblast]

At first listen, I enjoyed this record, but it doesn't have the same effect after that. The score is what it is, I'm not complaining about it either way, but the review is spot-on.

[AloneInTheDark]

Their live show is obnoxious? are you fucking kidding me? Few shows have as much energy as these guys do and they always sound GREAT. The bass literally shakes through your body at times it is an amazing feeling.

I think you just have some personal issue with the band. Ive never really tried to talk to the guys but I have seen them take time to talk to pretty much anyone who comes up to them at the merch tables!

Also this album rated at a 63% is a joke. People can say it is not like the school grading system, but when you look at how some other albums are rated on here that are rated much higher it makes me feel like this is a huge slap in the face.

I like the album a lot. Wall of People is more unique in my opinion, but this one is still high energy and in your face.
I don't know, maybe I just had a run of bad experiences/shows?

I did enjoy The Red Shift a lot though.

[chcougar1]

I don't know, maybe I just had a run of bad experiences/shows?

I did enjoy The Red Shift a lot though.
I've never actually head that one, but isnt it basically Wall of People with a few different tracks?

[iclancy82]

"My take: there are a dozen bands in your hometown who would sound just like this if you sporadically added random, haphazard horns into their music".
This quote is from the reviewer in one of the replies. You sir have lost your credibility. Your review hints at latent disdain for Monty Are I. This comes out clear in your reply quoted above. It's okay if Monty Are I's style doesn't sit well with you, but with low blows like this your credibility takes a hit. I don't need to say why your statement is woefully misinformed. Everyone here knows the talent and unbreakable perseverance MAI possess'. It says it all when the reviewer gives it a 63% and members...88%. Power to the people! P.S: The title track to Break Through the Silence has beat out MUSE and Green Day...and running as of this writting, on 89X in Detroit for the Peoples Choice. Yeah this song is pretty bland I'd say.

[Gin]

"My take: there are a dozen bands in your hometown who would sound just like this if you sporadically added random, haphazard horns into their music".

I think you can say smiliar things about FM Static (there´s nothing special about their music in my opinion), who got a 10% higher rating for their last record.
Thats no bash or something, I just wanted to express that for me "Break Through The Silence" doesnt sound that generic ^^

[provethatIexist]

hate to say it since i loved Wall Of People, but this album is mediocre at best.

and wtf happened to their lyrics? definite downgrade in quality from their previous record...

[ezco25]

Like Monty Are I? Who happen to be on a major label...
u expect me to listen to indie only bands?
and thats pretty dumb of you considering i listened to them when they were on an indie label...

[HometownHero]

u expect me to listen to indie only bands?
and thats pretty dumb of you considering i listened to them when they were on an indie label...
You sauid you don't just listen to the popular bands or big bands. Being on a major label makes you sorta big. They are just not that great anymore

[nerdvglc]

i really enjoy this band, and this record. i'll admit i didn't hear a shit-ton of progress made on the new disc, but i felt like it was solid. and it helps that they were awesome live when i saw them a couple years back with the graduate, new atlantic and audition. and i still have the shirt from that show. and now i'm ranting.

[eleven eleven]

Not a fan of this album at all. Liked a song or two, but even those got old fast. Loved Wall of People.

[Chris Fallon]

Thought I might like this, but their other album bored me rather quickly and this one is no different. Doesn't help Squire produced this either - not a fan of his.

[Chris Fallon]

"My take: there are a dozen bands in your hometown who would sound just like this if you sporadically added random, haphazard horns into their music".
This quote is from the reviewer in one of the replies. You sir have lost your credibility. Your review hints at latent disdain for Monty Are I. This comes out clear in your reply quoted above. It's okay if Monty Are I's style doesn't sit well with you, but with low blows like this your credibility takes a hit. I don't need to say why your statement is woefully misinformed. Everyone here knows the talent and unbreakable perseverance MAI possess'. It says it all when the reviewer gives it a 63% and members...88%. Power to the people! P.S: The title track to Break Through the Silence has beat out MUSE and Green Day...and running as of this writting, on 89X in Detroit for the Peoples Choice. Yeah this song is pretty bland I'd say.
What does that prove? One radio station plays it, it beats out some singles that have already been out for awhile... and all of a sudden Jeremy's opinion is inconclusive? It's his opinion!

[derektrainwreck]

the making of the album is really interesting

watch it here (http://tr.im/montymaking) if you haven't yet

i think this band deserves to be huge.

[cpac02]

You're too funny man.
Monty Are I are not that wonderful...they're live show is obnoxious, they're music is fairly generic, and the guys are rude cocky jerks. I hate the fact that i've seen them about 15 times because WBRU always threw them into shows last minute.

I have been to a handful of MAI concerts (wish it was more), and have always kicked ass. I met Steve at the show in West Chester,PA and he is absolutely NOT a rude cocky jerk. We had a drink before they went on and then he met up with us afterwards (how was that gin and tonic?) Great guy to chill and chat with.

As for the cd, excellent is what I came up with lol. I have been listening to it constantly since it was released.

[youareallfreaks]

I've met you with a friend of mine, I don't know probably 2 years ago? We saw you with (I think) The Audition/The Graduate, and she was a huge fan of yours. She tried to have a conversation with one of you, and just completely blew her off. There were not that many people coming up to you at the time either...it was a very small show at The Axis in Boston.

So yes. We have.
To counter your point here. Talk to the thousands of kids who have met Monty and found them to be the most genuine, legit guys in rock music today. Great CD - great guys.

[sasalukac]

After a couple of spins of this album, I was hooked. I'll admit that Walls sounded more creative at the time, but there's something about this release that has more lasting power. Practically every track is a great standalone and a solid addition to the overall playthrough of the album. Like most people, I'll agree that I miss the the one instrument that was prominent in Walls but largely missing in Breaking. Either way, I'll be listening to this with a smile on my face; that's what music's about, no?

[cubs223425]

I'm not crazy into this band. I listened to the first album shortly before this one released, and I was hooked. However, I was pretty much done with them about 2 months later, if even that long.

I found myself looking for more music to listen a little while ago, and Monty Are I's, "Just in Time," started going through my head, so I put it on. A few songs later from the first album, and I put this one on again, probably 6 months since I last listened to them at all.

I then decided to see what kind of reviews they were given here.

I will agree that the vocals deserve a higher rating, but I can understand the low overall rating. When you look at their body work, from the first album to this, the former album blows the latter away, no question.

When looking at ratings, it's not just a matter of how good it is, it's also a matter of asking, "has this band progressed or regressed?" In this instance, I think that this band has regressed because it sucked most of it's instrumental originality.

Again, I'm not really a fan, and I probably won't put them on again for another 6 months, but I completely agree that this album deserved a lower rating than its actual musical quality, just because it feels like the band subtracted from the previous offering.

[provethatIexist]

unfortunately, i have had no urge to re-listen to this album since i posted my last comment. bad album is bad.