'I love big heavy, bassy rock and metal so it was not in the least bit disappointing when this EP from Colchester based Desert Monkey opened with a snarling bass that sounded like it had escaped off a Rollins Band record. Opening track 'Known To Be Cynics' is a wonderful slab of full-on metal with a vocalist who sounds well beyond his mere nineteen years.
This band sound like they have been heavily influenced by American rock but unlike a lot of young British bands with American influences Desert Monkey do sound authentic. The vocalist has a nicely fucked up voice and his slightly rasping vocals sound very much like those of the legendary Alice In Chains frontman Layne Staley at times (particularly on 'Water Damage'). The music itself is peppered with nods towards alternative American rock but also Sabbath and Zeppelin at times and the combination of big ballsy rhythm sections with guitar solos and those fractured vocals work really well indeed.

Desert Monkey have already notched up tours with Snow Patrol, Fony and Skindred but it is not really surprising as their music does sound very well rounded and established. Usually when you get sent a demo or unsigned release there are things that don't sound quite right, but this EP really does sound very accomplished and polished. The band seem to know exactly what kind of music they are trying to produce and this has meant that their work is very strong indeed. I love the way they have created really powerful tracks but at no point have they sacrificed the musicality of their songs just to make the music a bit heavier. I would be very surprised if Desert Monkey didn't get picked up in the future and I will definitely be holding on to this copy of their EP. They are a band certainly worth checking out.'

(Review by Emma Farrer from www.thisisnottv.co.uk October 2004)