Raleigh, North Carolina based Clap Monkey has delivered their latest album, Like A Rocket, which is packed with 13 raw, unapologetic, unadulterated tracks of rock and roll goodness!
Forming in early 2017, Clap Monkey came together when songwriter Anthony Neff was on hiatus from performing solo acoustic shows. During this hiatus, Jeff Mullins (who had been focused on guitar) began playing drums again. When the two started playing together and developing songs Anthony had written, Clap Monkey naturally evolved into a music making entity.
Why the name Clap Monkey? There’s a cool story for that!
Anthony’s favorite child as an infant was a clapping monkey doll. It just so happened that while Anthony and Jeff were brainstorming band names for their new project, Anthony received a clap monkey as a birthday gift… The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Before I tell you about their new album, it’s worth noting that Anthony and Jeff are seasoned musicians and songwriters working on various projects outside of Clap Monkey. Jeff Mullins is known for his work with Brothers Grim as well as the duo Adam Lane & Jeff Mullins which have collectively released multiple projects going as far back as 2005. Anthony Neff has a similar background working on various projects which include multiple album releases.
When Clap Monkey became a duo, the goal was to have fun and to play music not quite as heavy as their individual discographies. Thirteen months, thirteen songs and a Friday the 13th release date leaves us wondering what attachment this talented duo has to the number 13… 😉
And with that in mind, Like A Rocket is nothing short of a rockin’ and rollin’ great time. You can imagine the guys playing their hearts and souls out as you listen through the album. Each track delivers a potent blend of easily memorable guitar riffs and enough energy to get you off your feet and pumping fists in the air.
More mellow songs like RnR Machine remind us that songs can still rock even when you slow down. The melodically rich lead guitar work sprinkled throughout this track stands out and adds a more texture while keeping listeners engaged.
Then there’s songs like Rock Solid where the lead guitar shows up and shows out. This upbeat jam leans a little more toward the rockabilly style than any of the other tracks included on Like A Rocket.
I’m not able to choose a favorite song but Like A Rocket is best enjoyed from beginning to end, turned up to 12, with your favorite air instrument close by for those moments you are unable to stop yourself from grabbing it and jamming along.
Clap Monkey knows how to rock! I can imagine their live show being quite the rock and roll experience.
Like A Rocket was released today (April 13th)! Get it on iTunes.
Listen to a few of the tracks below or you can connect on Soundcloud.
Find Clap Monkey on FB, Twitter or their official website.
