B-Side Guys

In a musical landscape often dominated by fleeting trends and ephemeral tastes, “No One Hears, No One Sees” emerges as a defiant statement of depth and substance. This sophomore album from Only Monsters, the enigmatic solo project hailing from the greater Seattle area, is a profound exploration of the human condition set against a backdrop of post-punk fervor and darkwave allure.

The brainchild of a singular artist whose vision encompasses every aspect of the album’s creation, “No One Hears, No One Sees” is a testament to the power of individual creativity. From the haunting melodies and intricate instrumentation to the introspective lyricism and nuanced production, every element of this album bears the unmistakable imprint of its creator’s hand.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences—including the angular melodies of Interpol, the raw energy of IDLES, the poetic urgency of Fontaines D.C., and the gothic melancholy of The Cure and TRAITRS—Only Monsters crafts a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly original. The album’s eight tracks are bound together by a sonic thread that weaves through driving drums, inventive basslines that oscillate between rhythm and melody, and vocals that range from spoken-word introspection to melodic crooning and impassioned shouts.

At the heart of “No One Hears, No One Sees” lies a thematic exploration of existential angst and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world. The album delves into the myriad pressures that weigh upon the modern psyche—political turmoil, societal alienation, and the specter of religious extremism—while also turning inward to confront personal demons and the struggle for self-understanding.

From the opening strains of “I’m Trying” to the somber reflections of “Smiling on an Unkind Planet,” the album invites listeners on a journey through the dark and the light of human experience. “In Medias Res” captures the tumult of being thrust into the midst of unfolding events, while “Judge-Penitent” explores the duality of judgment and atonement. “Negligence” is a haunting meditation on oversight and consequence, and the inclusion of the public domain song “Oh Death” adds a timeless resonance to the album’s exploration of life’s ultimate inevitability.

“Only Monster” and “Should I” further illuminate the internal landscape of the artist, grappling with identity and the crossroads of decision. Each song serves as a vignette, a snapshot of introspection and observation that, when taken together, form a cohesive narrative of resilience in the face of existential despair.

“No One Hears, No One Sees” is more than just a collection of songs; it is a sonic odyssey that traverses the terrain of the soul. With its richly textured soundscapes and deeply reflective lyrics, the album invites listeners to pause and ponder, to find solace in shared struggles, and perhaps to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

As Only Monsters prepares to unveil this ambitious project to the world, “No One Hears, No One Sees” stands poised to resonate with anyone who has ever felt adrift in the vastness of the modern age. It is an album for the thinkers, the dreamers, the lost, and the found—a beacon of light in the darkness, reminding us that even when we feel most alone, our experiences are universal, our stories intertwined.

In a moment when the world feels more fragmented than ever, “No One Hears, No One Sees” offers a moment of unity, a shared space where we can all stand together, awash in the cathartic power of music. It is a reminder that, in the end, we are all only monsters, searching for our place in the sun.