“The Things Themselves” by Monologic

The Things Themselves is like an answer that is within the question. The album by dance floor regulars Monologic reframes the fundamentals of electronic music. Lyrics of the track “Bathed in Static” are “instruments sweet in habit...bathed in static.” The “habit” that The Things Themselves hint at is the nature of electronic music and the way certain stipulations within that genre define it. Habitually, electronic sounds may repeat relentlessly, it's what communicates with the body, the lyric-less-ness providing just enough anonymity to transcend individual identity and have a collective experience. The same electronic sounds are now used to add variety within the same system, and it is turned on its head for a different effect. The Things Themselves questions the habits or role of electronic music to get outside of the box of dance music.
 
In the evolution of a band built on dance music, The Things Themselves is more musical, more delicate, more intricate and definitely based around the songwriting that makes the album accessible to people even if they don't normally listen to electronic music.
 
The production is so sophisticated that enjoying the album is simple. Have you ever looked at the back of a playing card and marveled at the intricacy of the designs? What about the surface of the moon on a clear night, or the line art on a dollar bill? Any of these might tip you off to the sonic layers, the lush bag of sounds that work together so that the listening experience seems as vast as the ocean when swimming in The Things Themselves. The beats seem to float...yet are held in place by gravity, except it's gravity on the moon. Such is the world of The Things Themselves, which references angles, being “topsy turvey” or escaping in to space, all while being conscious of the results of life experience that are shared by all of us- universal yet completely individual. It's an album that is very easy to “think” to.

It's also one of the most embracing efforts of recording technology and the marriage of electronic music making and more 'traditional' or organic music with acoustic instruments made in 2010. The delicate combination is completely seamless and the “digital” sound will make sense, now and in years to come, as it is played to a population that uses electronic devices daily more than any other population in history. As our lives become more influenced by digital technology, perhaps music that is at home with the future, as well as the present, will be something that makes us look at our own habits, and the way we use technology, and consciously be aware of the role of technology in our lives and our future. Or, we might just enjoy The Things Themselves because it has awesome sounds.

Although the album is a feat in songwriting as much as it is in production, the dance floor roots of Monologic will continue to spread. Keep a look out for dance remixes by other artists that will stretch the work of The Things Themselves in even broader directions.


Monologic 01 Nonchalant

Monologic  02 Heavy

Monologic   03 Harbor

Monologic    04 Queens Guard

Monologic    05 Tiny Machines

Monologic    06 Came from Nowhere

Monologic    07 Where the Road

Monologic    08 Angles

Monologic    09 Sugar Bear

Monologic    10 Bathe in Static

Monologic    11 Till Tomorrow

Remix album "Things"  "Remix of NonChalant" remixes of the album "The Things Themselves" By Monologic Remixed by Submerge 101  Impact Mechanics 

Monologic " Nonchalant " Submerge Remix

Remix album "Things"Remix of "Sugar Bear" remixes of the album "The Things Themselves" By Monologic Remixed by Brandon Invergo

Monologic  "Sugar Bear"  Brandon Invergo Remix

Remix album "Things" Remix of "They Came From Nowhere" remixes of the album "The Things Themselves" By Monologic Remixed by Leif Rasmussen

Monologic "They Came From Nowhere" Leif Rasmussen Remix

About Monologic

Paul Norman and Lee Chameleon and joined forces in 2005, as Monologic was evolving from a collaborative DJ project into a powerful duo. They are known for their ability to create a transcendental electronica experience by fusing a variety of dance genres into “one vibe.” Embraced by dance floors, they deliver elements of indie-rock peppered within smart, relentlessly creative synth-driven beats. 

Since then, they've entertained audiences at various national electronic events and festivals, house fests and specialty events. They have performed at Cut and Paste Fest, made numerous appearances at West Fest, the popular DEMF and DEMF Afterparties, Winter Music Conference, Chicago's Metro, Smart Bar, Vision, The House of Blues with Disco Biscuits, The Vic, Congress Theater, Looptopia, House Fest Chicago and many more. 

While serving the electronic music scene, Monologic released numerous tracks and EPs. In addition to performing alongside Radio Slave of ReKids fame and techno giant Ben Sims, they've created tracks and remixes for numerous artists in the underground electronic scene and for labels internationally. 

As a DJ, Paul has performed alongside acts including Derrick May, Dieselboy, Derrick Carter, Colette and many more. He built his reputation in the 1990's Chicago rave scene, performing at clubs and earning respect as a DJ able to master and create hybrid performances in a wide range of styles as part of groups including Disco Biscuits, Sister Machine Gun and the Conjugate Project. Lee Chameleon is a consummate multi-instrumentalist who sings with indie-rock dream pop outfit Lee & Willbee and has drummed with acclaimed band La Makita Soma, adding to Monologic's foundation. 

Ready to dive into their own music more deeply, they've arrived with their first full-length EP and created a more relaxing experience. They enlisted the assistance of mixing engineers, Mathew Shultz of Austin's Satellite Studios and Matt Opal of Chicago's Gravity Studios. To create tracks this hooky, melodic and meticulous, Monologic composes in their own project studio, Studio Metric, working with vintage pre-amps, analog pedals and instruments ranging from Moog synths to guitars. Building on this sound, they've enlisted drummer Marcus Johnson of pop/electronic outfit The Vertigo Whales and Monologic is incorporating live drums into "live band" shows with Aesthetic Engineer to bring fashion, visual art and photography together. 

Moving forward, this duo will still be performing their live dance pa's with new remixes from their new full length album "The Things Themselves" and continues to be a performance and composition force on the electronic music scene in the Midwest and globally.

MONOLOGIC

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