by Robert Badillo
Formed way back in 2016, Broward County’s Nervous Monks are putting out a collection of new songs that also happens to be the band’s first-ever full-length album. As You Like It hits differently than some of the Monks’ previous, more jangly indie-rock singles and EPs. But singer-guitarist Brady Newbill tells PureHoney that writing and recording “the album that’s probably our most ambitious to date“ felt a lot like it always does — at least at first.
“This album began like our other work has; assembling material in the garage until we have enough to hit ‘record,’ ” Newbill says. “But during the process, some interesting things began to develop. Not only had our chemistry of playing and writing collaboratively evolved into fresh territory, but I had also been working on some songs that are a bit more theatrical and focused on the history and ecology of Florida, and what it means to remain creative in an environment that’s increasingly inhospitable to the creative process.”
Working with guitarist Vitek Benton, bassist Tim Hicks, and drummer Adam Camarena, Newbill says the stellar sonic results stem from the band members’ mutual ease. “We have been really lucky throughout the history of the band to have a comfortable place to play, write and record at Adam’s house,” he says. “We always get some amazing takes and improvisational magic on days when we aren’t even ‘tracking’ that become highlights of what we release.”
Some tracks for As You Like It were recorded during a rainstorm with the garage door open. “I did my best to mix out the sound of the rain drops,” Newbill says, “but the takes are so good that I don’t think many people would notice even if I hadn’t.”
They’ll celebrate with an album release show at Revelry, joined by indie comrades The Elm Tops and Lindsey Mills. Newbill promises new tracks and sturdy favorites and a good vibe at Revelry. “And of course,” he adds, “we’re super excited to finally have an album like this to share on vinyl.”
Nervous Monks, The Elm Tops and Lindsey Mills play the release party for “As You Like It,” 8pm Saturday May 31 at Revelry in Pompano Beach. nervousmonks.com ~ David Rolland
