Over the past year, LA-based alternative rock band Monotronic rolled out a steady run of singles that hinted at an album unafraid of stylistic range. That album is “Waiting for You,” an eleven-track release that feels deliberate without sounding overplanned. Led by founder Ramsey Elkholy, Monotronic continues to operate at the intersection of indie rock, pop, and electronic ideas, guided by songwriting that values movement and mood over rigid genre rules.
The record opens with “Looking Away,” a brisk and inviting introduction that sets an optimistic tone through melody rather than excess. “Kids of Summer” quickly pivots, leaning into synth-driven arrangements and treated vocals that give the song a slightly restless edge. “Sun Song” slows things down while keeping things playful, its light touch and melodic phrasing giving it an understated charm. From there, “Everything Moves” restores momentum with a more energetic pulse, showing how easily the band shifts direction without losing focus.
Midway through the album, Monotronic leans into storytelling. “Turtle and the Hare” feels intimate and reflective, unfolding with patience rather than urgency. “Photograph” follows as one of the emotional anchors of the record, driven by confident vocals that linger long after the song ends. “Kettle Song (Yama Yama)” takes a left turn, embracing a subtler approach with pop-leaning instincts that broaden the album’s palette without disrupting its flow.
The emotional core of “Waiting for You” becomes clearer as the record progresses. Elkholy has spoken about writing these songs across 2024, split between New York City and Tulum, initially unsure how such different pieces would coexist. That uncertainty now reads as a strength. Themes of self-awareness, personal direction, and emotional isolation surface naturally across the tracklist, giving the album cohesion without forcing a single narrative. Songs like “All We’ll Ever Be,” a gentle and soothing ballad, and “Close Enough,” which blends electronic elements with R&B influences, reflect characters navigating connection and distance in equal measure.
“In a Cloud” brings things back to basics with an acoustic-led moment that feels warm and unguarded. The final stretch begins with Monotronic’s take on Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” a respectful reinterpretation that preserves the song’s core spirit while filtering it through the band’s sensibilities.
From start to finish, “Waiting for You” feels assured and thoughtfully assembled. Monotronic manages to offer variety without sounding scattered, allowing each song its own identity while contributing to a larger emotional throughline. It is an album that rewards attentive listening but never forgets to be fun, making it an easy recommendation for anyone looking to add something lively and well-crafted to their rotation.
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