Meet The Monotaurs, an experimental project that blends postpunk and art-rock influences to create a unique sound that’s equal parts philosophical and intentional. Driven by Klaipeda-based producer Jurgis Survila and visual artist Ilya Romanov, the band releases songs that consciously evade classification. While drawing inspiration from Krautrock and post-punk, the band always allows for the songs to develop wherever the music flows, introducing psychedelic, jazzy, or symphonic elements to its narration. This eclectic canvas acts as a backdrop to Marmite-like vocals, often opting for Sprechgesang style inspired by Serge Gainsbourg, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, or Ian Brown. Artwork designs are considered an integral parts of each release, offering unexpected dimensions for the listener’s imagination to explore.
There is an eerie feeling that casts a shadow over your environment upon pressing play on “Rain.” The Monotaurs create a sonic tension that is inescapable yet warm and welcoming. What starts off as a bleak grey sky quickly evolves into a picturesque glimpse at the sun when bright synths join murky drums and thick guitar chords. “Rain” builds on itself to arrive at a stunning crescendo that implements elements of spiritual jazz with the band’s off-kilter approach to melodies. “Rain” is a prime example of how The Minotaurs employ a multitude of influences and funnel them through their own lens to land on something refreshing and exciting.
“‘Rain’ is our second English song to be released. The climate in Lithuania is not the sunniest one (“rainland” is actually one of the versions of this land’s name origination), so that is an obvious inspiration behind the lyrics,” explains Survlia. “We have tried to assemble an appropriate musical landscape to convey this mood while maintaining an improvisational element to keep it in flux. Though depressive and dark, after a certain breaking point, this powerful element reveals itself as vital, so you pray for rain, dance in the rain – all those cultural connotations with rich history surface…”
