I had never heard of These Monsters before the promo for their new album Heroic Dose got sent around. This second full length release is the follow up album of debut full length Call Me Dragon, which was released in 2010. So, Heroic Dose is that ever so difficult “second album” for this heavy rock band from Leeds. Wait a second, from Leeds you say? Yes, indeed. Proving once again that Leeds is one of the finest places in the UK at the moment producing heavy alternative bands.
I have not listened to Call Me Dragon yet as I don’t want to compare this new release with this debut album. I have been told that Call Me Dragon is a great album and that Heroic Dose is “slightly different”. I don’t want to under- or overvalue Heroic Dose so I’ll wait with exploring the back catalogue once I’ve reviewed this one.
Heroic Dose is a very pleasant album to listen to and it is one of those releases that get better and catchier with each listen. However, These Monsters don’t re-invent the wheel here. They play a post-hardcore, post-punk, heavy rock sound that I have heard on various other releases. But what These Monsters do on this album, they do very well. The rhythm section shines on the 10 songs which make up Heroic Dose, with a very heavy bass sound (played by bass player Ian Thirkill) riffing throughout and drummer Tommy Davidson pounding away with heavy drums and subtle fills. Guitarist Samuel James Pryor also provides the vocals, which mostly remind me of a slightly more melodic Lou Koller from New York Hardcore legends Sick Of It All. But again, I have heard similar sounding vocals by various other post-hardcore/punk bands.
The stand out song for me is ‘Live Some’, bringing those heavy bass and guitar riffs with the addition of some nice melody. It is a very catchy song indeed, and at times the hooks and song structure remind me a bit of Queens of the Stone Age. Other great songs are opening track ‘Very Strong, Very Clever’, ‘When the Going Gets Weird’, ‘One of Those Creeps’ and ‘Survivalists Get All the Girls’, the latter ending in one of the most brilliant drum rhythms/solos I’ve heard in a long time.
All in all These Monsters have produced a very good album, but it won’t go down as a classic. It will no doubt make fans of heavier rock, post-hardcore/punk music tap their toes, nod their heads and probably shake their hips on the dance floor. Heroic Dose is out now through Function Records and you should get your copy now. Support music and artists you love. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to get my copy of Call Me Dragon and see what all the fuss is about.
