A new single from Brooklyn-based artist Membra, “Monotone” compels in its dreamy pop intrigue. “So you can get the message,” the vocals let out into a spacey sparseness, playing with enjoyable momentum into a range of riveting moments — from the plucky tones around the three-minute turn to soaring vocal captivation thereafter, culminating enjoyably with rhythmic additions and clanging guitars in the final minute. The project of composer, sound designer, and filmmaker Ned Porter thoroughly impresses here.
Porter elaborates further:
A person who exerts so much control over his emotions, that nobody knows who he is. With the backdrop of bending, muffled guitars and a steady beat, “Monotone” explores the toxicity of keeping your emotions steady and keeping them in. I draw from bands like Animal Collective, Slow Dive, and Vampire Weekend.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
