Playing together since their formation in 2011, the Long Island-based group The Montauk Project finally unleashed their debut full-length, Belly Of The Beast. Highly praised as being an “all-original” rock group, TMP delight listeners with a raw and innovative psychedelic sound that draws inspiration from both iconic and contemporary influences.
Taking outstanding instrumental queues from legendary virtuosos like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, it’s almost as if the torch was passed down to guitarists Mark Schiavoni and Jack Marshall, who incorporate powerful, face-ripping solos into songs like “Good As Gold,” “The Beast,” “Lady In White” and “Wingman Anthem” that pierce right through your eardrums.
Alternating back and forth with the band’s in-with-the-old-and-the-new mentality, not only do The Montauk Project capture the revolutionary nature of the counterculture movement, they also embody the power and angst driven from alternative rock giants like Alice In Chains and Stone Temple Pilots, along with innovative acts including The Black Keys and The White Stripes. Providing complementary harmonies to add to the electrifying energy of Belly Of The Beast, “Dreams,” “Water Glisten” and “Blackjack” immediately shift into overdrive with dreary grunge esthetics that will make listeners feel as if they’re listening to the healingly voice of the late Layne Staley.
What also truly makes this record stand out is the fact that Belly Of The Beast was actually self-released by the band themselves. This important trait exemplifies the underlying passion that The Montauk Project convey through their free-spirited persona. With the amount of patience and care took to put together Belly Of The Beast, you can tell right off the bat that TMP literally put all of their blood, sweat and tears into perfecting this album to its finest detail. It definitely goes without saying that Belly Of The Beast was worth the wait.
In A Word: Electric
