Austin Sound

A recent surge of electronic-based independent music has marked an absence of some of the most basic elements of bands. Guitars, drums, bass – once the staples and centerpieces of bands have played second fiddle to the synthesizers and keyboards, which once functioned as little more than the extra bells and whistles to a song. Electro and synth-pop inspired music can be found at every corner, from the underground to the mainstream airwaves. Like all trends, however, the constant barrage of the genre can begin to wear thin. That’s where Monahans step in. Amidst bands with engineered, electric sounds, Monahans’ second album and debut for Misra, Dim the Aurora, takes a back-to-basics sound as simple and secluded as the West Texas sand dunes that the band is named after. Monahans has wholly encompassed the traditional American rock, while simultaneously making it relevant and fresh for a modern music scene.

This week the Monahans released their long-awaited sophomore album and follow-up to 2007’s Low Pining, making a nice match with Misra Records. Much like its predecessor, Dim the Aurora is subtly grandiose offering, richly textured and evocative of the group’s West Texas namesake. We wanted to share the lead off track from the release, “It’s Enough to Leave You…”, and you can catch the Monahans back in town next month on June 26 at Club DeVille.