Succulent rock ‘n’ roll _{by Madelaine Empson}

Rising New Zealand rock band Monk Seals will drop their new EP Democracy Manifest on the 1^st of August. With a title inspired by the viral video clip – described as “perhaps the pre-eminent Australian meme of the past 10 years” by The Guardian in 2019 – of a man getting falsely arrested at a Chinese restaurant, the EP features a dynamic blend of raw energy, powerful vocals, and compelling instrumentals.

Yannik Turner (lead), Jono Manning (guitar), Abel Carson (drums), and Chay Kaa-Luke (bass) got together in Ōtautahi five years ago, quickly making a name for themselves in their hometown by opening for bands like Dolphin Friendly, playing at Christchurch’s biggest New Year’s Eve party The Edge NYE19 alongside headliners L.A.B., and scoring a spot in the RDU 98.5FM top 10 playlist. They describe their music as a fresh, modern take on funk and psychedelia, with strong classic rock and blues undertones.

Democracy Manifest showcases this unique sound, delivering a high-octane listening experience spanning earnest ballads to adrenaline-fuelled bangers and back again.

While in town for their Democracy Manifest Tour, Monk Seals plan to not only eat at least one succulent Chinese meal, but to chop up the stage (they do know their judo well) at Moon in Newtown on the 15^th of August.   

What is the charge? Pretty cheap, actually. So, treat yourself to a night pumping with rock ‘n’ roll so filthy and loud, even the speakers will need some ear plugs.