"Colchester based Desert Monkey have been together since 1999 and during that time the band has transformed from just an enjoyable pastime to something that can be considered as a serious consideration. To that end in July they undertook their debut recording and with the help of Mark Daghorn’s production have created the impressive four track "Made Great By A Breeze" EP.

Kicking off with the fresh and funky groove laden title track, which is an awesomely uplifting song that captures the essence of their sound - a lively cross fusion of arousing blues, a solid rhythm of heavy funk all pasted together with the glue of raw driving rock. “Balance” continues the magic meld of styles while “Terpsichorean” pushes back to a classic rock style that again is tempered with a manipulating groove which peaks at the splendid guitar solo, raising the hairs on the back of your neck. “Easylong” starts all relaxed and jazzy before being driven along by a heavily plucked bass into the now familiar rock ’n’ funk guitar union.

This is a vivacious, spirited and highly enjoyable EP. It’s like Free in an emotional meltdown, pouring out their heart but Extreme just want to party, the Chilli Peppers only encourage and get wasted with a youthful Van Halen. You’ve got elements of contrasting styles smoothly knitted together and expressive guitar solos that add a classy subtext to the tale - and you can even dance to it! With a resurgence of interest in traditional rock and bands like The Darkness hitting the charts, Desert Monkey may well benefit from the favourable timing and with their obvious potential this could be the start of some exciting times for the band. Let’s hope so!"

("I Will Be Heard" online review of Desert Monkey's EP 1st November 2003)