Effingham
Monster Study
3 stars
Folk rock
Sometimes, it’s better when listening to a new artist to have no idea of what to expect. No anticipations or hopes, just the music itself. Monster Study, the newest release from Durham’s Effingham, is an album that will certainly require you to check your expectations at the door.
The album begins with “Mercy Proof”, a soulful song that’s highly representative of the rest of the record. Lead vocalist Jeremy Blair’s voice crackles to life, and a nice homegrown folk sound is present, with a chorus that is instantly memorable. This is an early highlight, and the vocals are powerful throughout the record.
But Effingham is at its best when it’s louder, as evidenced by “In Sheep’s,” arguably the best song on the album. A couple of the songs near the beginning drag, opting for a quieter sound. Then, “In Sheep’s” comes in, with catchy guitar strums and relatable lyrics. You’d be hard-pressed to find yourself not bobbing along to this track.
Moving forward, the album reaches a high point again with “The Ballad of Kevin Reichardt”, a particularly emotional story about a young UNC student killed in a random act of violence in the ‘90s. The pain truly comes through Blair’s vocals here, as he continually repeats Reichardt’s name with a loud and strained voice.
While none of the other tracks reach the levels of these three, certain enhancements like the barely audible voice of Kayla Vix in the occasional verse or chorus do separate Effingham from something average.
Lastly, a great aspect of Monster Study is its brevity. It’s a quick eight songs. The music would get repetitive if stretched out for a longer record, but it’s nice to see a band realize the importance of tightening and constraint.
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