Paul
- Drums / Vocals
Mark - Bass / Vocals
Alex - Bass
MONKEY
BOY, a minimalist trio from London, has generated a massive buzz
on the underground scene since its conception in 1995, when Warren
brothers Mark and Paul decided to fuse their talents to create
a totally original concept in music.
Their
self-titled genre 'Monk Rock', has been described as an eclectic
mixture of heavy bass-driven punk, screwed up blues, cool jazz,
and something else entirely.
Joined
by Rhiannon during the early months of the band's life, Disco
Stu became a permanent fixture when Rhiannon moved to pastures
new in 1996. Solid pounding bass lines were the mainstay of Stu's
input to the trio, whilst Mark concentrated on creating a plethora
of fuzz bass riffage to compliment Paul's vocal dexterity and
infectious drum patterns.
August
1997 saw the release of the band's debut EP, "Untitled 7",
on Polar Bear Records and keen interest from John Peel on BBC
Radio 1, who played tracks from the EP on his shows.
Following
months of bombarding the Lockjaw offices with calls to see them
live, the Label signed Monkey Boy during February 1998 and immediately
sent the band out touring the UK and Europe where they began to
build a formidable following.
Autumn
1998 saw the Monkey Boys supporting the legendary bluescore combo
Zen Guerrilla from California. Metal Hammer adopted them as members
of the thriving UK music scene following the release of the epic
track 'Fish For A Quid', and in 2000 Rocksound called them the
'King Of The Swingers', later sponsoring the band's major 2001
UK tour.
Sadly
during the bands rise to glory, Disco Stu decided it was time
to call it a day. Constant touring had taken its toll, and the
band said a reluctant goodbye to their now best friend and compatriot.
Brother
James soon filled the slot bringing an even more driving bass
line to the song writing of this infectious trio, which can be
heard on the 'Tales Of A Travelling Circus' album. More touring
in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire and Belgium
followed and perfected their live set. A quote in Rocksound magazine
referred to their live performance as "having to be seen
to be believed, with particular highlight being the excitable
antics of Mark Warren, who Paul describes as akin to 'Leo Sayer
on drugs'.
Monkey
Boy's recording career now includes the release of 3 singles,
'Monkey In A Rocket', 'The Aquatic Ape Theory', and 'Baboon Saloon
Blues', as well as the critically acclaimed debut album 'Tales
Of A Travelling Circus'. Definitely a theme running through the
boys releases!
An
enforced sabbatical due to the departure of James has seen the
Warren brothers spending nearly a year writing new songs ready
for the recording of the second album, and a June 2003 tour to
introduce new bassist Sam to the family. Everything is set to
see the band return to their rightful place as Britain's only
Monk Rock outfit.
