“Everything Moves” by Monotronic – A Song Feature

 

     High-octave energy in the first two minutes of “Everything Moves” power the immediate attraction, then the instrumental final 90 seconds insure the longevity of the song from Monotronic.
 
     The skillful and spirited percussion is the primary draw at the start of “Everything Moves.” Soon, the vocals enter with interesting processing - the vocal track is appealing despite having a lower "cleanliness" relative to the instruments. And the lyrics are intelligently crafted. – Monotronic explains, “’Everything Moves’ is about finding your way in a world full of obstacles—navigating the twists, turns, and unexpected detours that life throws at you.”  Thus, the song notes:

Open your eyes, everything moves

See how it’s falling apart

You’re out on your own, feeling the world

Stumble and fall then you come back home

 
     Still, while the first portion of “Everything Moves" is electrified, the instrumental portion is electrifying, as the final 90 seconds showcase a multi-step intensity build. Originally, a kickdrum beat and space-age synth set the stage. At 2:27, a heavier synth establishes the first energy step-up. The next two jumps occur as a first and then a second guitar join (the second at 3:03). The final two are more subtle, but equally effective (at 3:15 and 3:28).
 
      Monotronic describes itself as a NYC-born/LA-based Indie collection of musicians founded in 2016 by guitarist/producer Ramsey Elkholy, who is also the band's leader and primary songwriter. The credits for “Everything Moves” show that the highly acclaimed Omar Hakim provided percussion. Other contributors are Ramsay Elkholy and Justin Wands (co-composers), Akos Forgacs (bass), Ramsay Elkholy (guitar), Eric Sanderson (backing vocals), and Sean Brennan (lead vocals).
 
     Expanding upon the lyrical message of the song, “Everything Moves” is “about self-delusion and the fear of growing and taking responsibility for one's own life and actions. The refrain ‘time is born when you’re looking away’ hits deep—kind of like John Lennon’s ‘life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.’ It’s a reminder that life doesn’t wait. It keeps moving, shifting, evolving—whether we’re ready or not.” Thus:

Get out of your head

Into the world

See for yourself

Now you’re on your own

 
     Monotronic is preparing to release the album "Waiting for You," which is scheduled for April 11, 2025.

 
     “Everything Moves” by Monotronic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monotronicband
Website: https://www.monotronicband.com/home

“Killer” by Nathan O'Regan – A Song Feature

 

    Appropriately, the track from Nathan O'Regan begins with a killer rhythm section. The percussion during “Killer” is invigorating. Although it isn’t apparent without listening closely to the lyrics, the song is a tribute to strong women. O’Regan and co-writer Gareth Dunlop explain that they are both with strong life partners who have positively affected the men they are now. Thus, the lyric “She was the death of the old me // Takes credit for the man you see.”
 
     “Killer” is a fusion of Southern Rock and Rhythm & Blues, with a dose of Americana. That blend hints of places like Nashville, Tennessee, but Nathan O’Regan was born in Cork, Ireland. He is currently based in Belfast, as is Gareth Dunlop.
 
     The chorus of “Killer” emphasizes there is no doubt about the verdict “Bang to Rights, she’s guilty as charged” (note: in some areas, the expression is instead “Dead to Rights). She put an end to the worst parts of her love interest (the entertaining official video is embedded at the bottom of this post).
 
     Quoting an explanation of the song:
      “Killer” was written by O’Regan with fellow Belfast-based musician Gareth Dunlop, a close friend and mentor, and recorded at Attica Studios in Donegal, run by Villagers guitarist Tommy McLaughlin. The song’s theme came from a discussion the two had about their life partners.
  “Gareth and I have incredible, fierce women in our lives and we were joking about how we both need that from time to time” explains Nathan. “It’s like dealing with an assassin – they kill all the worst parts of you, and leave you with the bits they like the most.”
 
     Last year O’Regan signed to the Belfast-based independent label Zenith Cafe. “It feels like a momentous thing. I’ve been working towards this for almost half my life. It feels like an introduction of sorts, or starting from the very beginning.”
 
     “Killer” by Nathan O'Regan

“Killer” Availability: https://linktr.ee/nathanoregan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanoreganmusic/
Website: https://www.nathanoregan.net/

Lyrics of “Killer” by Nathan O'Regan
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
Bang To Rights, She’s guilty as charged
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
The way I was is only dead
Because she’s a killer
 
She killed the liar
She killed the cheat
A quick-draw shooter couldn’t get close to her
When she gunned down the worst of me
 
She let the good survive
The bad don’t make it out alive
She’s a killer
 
She killed the coward
She killed the crook
Put them 6 feet under for an eternal slumber
When she got me on the hook
 
She was the death of the old me
Takes credit for the man you see
She’s a killer
 
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
Bang To Rights, She’s guilty as charged
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
The way I was is only dead
Because she’s a killer
 
She killed the loser
She killed the fool
Killed them in cold blood face down in the mud
To be kind, she had to get so cruel
 
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust
She took down everyone but us
She’s a killer
She’s a killer
 
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
Bang To Rights, She’s guilty as charged
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
The way I was is only dead
Because she’s a killer
She’s a killer
 
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
Bang To Rights, She’s guilty as charged
Bang To Rights, But I had it coming
The way I was is only dead
Because she’s a killer
She’s a killer
She’s a killer
She’s a killer

“Runaway” by Dakota 66 – A Song Feature

     "Runaway" thrives on bold, riff-heavy guitar and emotionally charged lead vocals. Just when it seems the song has revealed all its enticing tricks, Dakota 66 elevates the experience with choir-like backing vocals, adding elegance and enhancing texture.

     The song’s guitar work is reminiscent of another Dublin-based guitarist. During the 1980s, The Edge frequently played a Fender Stratocaster on the album “Joshua Tree.” The chiming guitar of Dakota 66 shares similar characteristics. While we did find the embedded photo of the guitarist on the Fender Strat among the promotional materials for “Runaway,” we quickly admit to being far from infallible in distinguishing among guitar sounds. Dakota 66 is composed of J Gallagher (vocals), Brian Grace (guitar), Brian Curran (bass), and Thomas Leonard (drums). The band is preparing to release its sophomore album in the Spring of 2025. 
 
     The band describes “Runaway” as an anthem that captures the spirit of unwavering friendship and the virtue of staying true to your beliefs - “While many shy away from facing tough situations, this track emphasizes the strength of standing by people we care for in times of hardship.” Thus, the song explains:

I wanted to be there

There by your side

When everything comes crashing down

Caving in

Falling to the ground

I want to be there

 
     Then, at 2:19, the lyrics promise (with punctuation from the choir):

You don’t have to make me stay

I’ll be there for you today

I’ll back you to the end of time

I won’t run away run away now

Run away run away

 
     Quoted below is a well-written and interesting description of the song:
   Blending intense guitar riffs with commanding vocals, “Runaway” delivers a sound that is both urgent and emotionally charged. The track’s driving rhythm propels its message of resilience forward, mirroring the unwavering devotion at its core. It conveys the intensity of standing by someone in their hardest moments, sticking by them through thick and thin, no matter the obstacles. With its anthemic chorus, “You don’t have to make me stay, I’ll be there for you today, back you to the end of time, I won’t run away,” the song presents a punch that is impossible to ignore. It captures the moment when a true friend stands firm against adversity, championing a cause that may make others uncomfortable,” reveals frontman J Gallagher. “It’s a tribute to the courage required to support one another and the strength to uphold our convictions, no matter the challenges we face.”
 
     “Runaway” by Dakota 66   

Song Link: https://vyd.co/Dakota66Runaway
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