Only Monsters - Eye for an Eye
Rock, Alternative
Washington, U.S.
Overall Impression: Only Monsters’ track "Eye for an Eye" feels like stepping into a dimly lit dreamscape, where everything is warped and suspended in time. From the first note, the atmosphere envelops you in a somewhat eerie, intoxicating sense of ambiance, blending post-punk sensibilities with an alt. rock intensity that refuses to let go. The track’s aura is haunting, a spiraling descent that’s equally unsettling and magnetic, pulling you deeper into its swirling, dissonant world. It's an undeniably evocative, atmospheric piece that masterfully blends absorbing vocals, immersive instrumentals, and poignant lyrics into a cohesive piece of writing that leaves you suspended in its dreamlike world, caught between the beauty of the soundscape and the cold truth of its message. The track’s atmosphere is as much a character as the lyrics themselves, shaping the listener’s listening experience and amplifying the thematic undercurrents of the song. It's a perfect example of how post-punk-inspired music can weave together tension, texture, and narrative to create an experience that is at once deeply introspective and chillingly universal.
Strongest Point(s): Instrumentally, "Eye for an Eye" thrives in its immersive arrangement, which perfectly complements the track’s surreal atmosphere and equally ambiance-evoking vocal performance. The guitar work is emblematic of the post-punk tradition, with its ambient, reverb-drenched, somewhat off-kilter melodies that glide smoothly beneath the surface of the mix. At the same time, overdriven rhythms give the track an edge, adding grit and urgency and expanding upon the texture in a way that heightens the immersive qualities of the writing. The bass lines are a deep, resonant pulse throughout the track, grounding it with a sense of foreboding. There’s a weight to them—both in the literal sense of the sound and in the thematic undercurrent of the song—thick, heavy, and ever-present. They anchor the floating textures, giving the track an undeniable gravity while still allowing the ethereal elements to rise above it, creating a sense of sonic push-and-pull. The synth elements are also key in cultivating the track’s sense of atmosphere, helping to fill the space between the more defined rhythmic elements. These ethereal synths contribute to the track’s dreamlike quality, giving it a haze of both mystery and menace. They imbue the song with an almost hypnotic cosmic sense of character. "Eye for an Eye" feels like a moment suspended in time, a confrontation with something inevitable yet unknowable. Lyrically, the track explores themes of power, control, and deception, with its dystopian imagery of "eyes red," "idols with open arms," and the refrain of "eye for an eye," evoking a sense of inescapable retribution. The notion of "They've come to take us back, not prophets, only lies" is both a cry of surrender and a challenge, hinting at a higher force that looms over the human experience. It’s a call to resist, yet it’s understood that resistance is futile. This sense of struggle against an overpowering, faceless force is mirrored in the music, with its swelling rhythms and ever-present tension.
Target Audience Appeal: "Eye For an Eye" is an engaging piece of post-punk-inspired al. rock songwriting and it's sure to strongly resonate with fans of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Bauhaus, Killing Joke, The Chameleons, New Order, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Cure, Joy Division, Spear Of Destiny, Sisters of Mercy, The Damned, London After Midnight
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.